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<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Avid X-over (Naruto) Chapter 2 Sunset Jutsu Defeated<br><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> There was one word I would describe Maito Guy, that word would be "eccentric", with those looks and a green spandex to match his features, it would be hard to not notice.<br><br>Guy sensei was kind enough to show his enthusiasm to train me with burning passions of youth. He guided me through stretches, warm-ups and ran laps with me around konoha. I was given the the look of Pity from both civilian and shinobi's alike. I persevered and we finished 20 laps around konoha. I offered Guy lunch, With my masterful cooking skills I whipped up quite a meal, I even took out my wines and alcohol for such an occasion. Guy sensei was delighted on eating my cuisines, they must look exotic seing as these are western dishes. Guy could not help but comment on positive youthful praises at me, he even mentioned that I should meet his students some time in the near future. <br><br>The next routine on the next day went the same, but this time Guy sensei gave me 2 pounds weights to both my arms and legs. I was really ran dragged, we finished without incident and We went to my house to prepare the meals. Guy sensei was quite fond of them and became quite addicted to my cooking, after the meal Guy kindly thanked me and I went to bed. I wanted to grab a glass of water that night but my body was so tired that I imagined an imaginary force moving a glass of water near the counter in my bed to lift if it for me. Shock came to me when the glass of water moved to my hand.<br><br>Ding<br><br><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;"> skill learned:<br><br><br>Levitate<br><br>-able to move things with your mind <br>-Cost 2mp per second. </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>I was happy that night. I practiced that skill, it was really convenient.<br>A month passes by with my training with Guy sensei and he increased my weights and training regimen. He added sit-up , pull-ups and push ups, and other exercise he could think of. Over that month I gained mastery over the levitation skill that I unlocked the telekinesis skill and mastered it too.<br><br><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;"> Skill learned: <br><br>Telekinesis:<br><br>-Able to move objects with your mind with force and precision.<br>- Cost 5mp per second. </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>I also bought an advanced version of Fuinjutsu book and I was able to learn gravity seals and started to experiment from there. The Master level fuinjutsu books require high ninja clearance and is only located to the restricted ninja section of the library so I had to focus my resources somewhere else.<br><br>I tried my hand at shuriken and kunai throwing but I all out sucked, I researched ways to bypass that weakness and I found a way. I managed to use my telekinesis to such a degree with precision and accuracy that I can guide my shuriken and kunai to its target. I even made a homing kunai to a master level and I was able to use 3 homing kunai at once.<br><br>Another month came, and I became more proficient with the academy's basic three that I can do them without hand seals. I boasted it to Guy sensei that I was learning the academy Justus for self defence and some chakra control exercises to raise my chances of survivability, he was so excited by that news that he made an appointment with his team in the guise of a spar. My training regime with Guy sensei also increased that month along with my increased in weights and exercises.<br><br>I met Guy sensei's team the next day, they're team consisted of a cheery girl named Tenten, a pale eyed boy who seems obsessed with fate named Neji who I learned that day was part of clan with a kekeigenkai or a bloodline limit that has X-Ray vision, and inadvertently thought of him as a pervert. The last member of their team was umm a boy that seems to be a clone of Guy sensei named Lee. Before I could greet them, Guy sensei exchanged a few affectionate words with Lee and hugged and a picture of a sunset on the beach splashing near a rock seemed to form at the background. I quickly shielded my eyes from the horrors of that spell or magic. I quickly asked Tenten and Neji if that was a jutsu and they said no. I became interested in genjutsu that day and I vowed to learn a counter jutsu of that dreaded technique. I sparred alot with Lee but lost terribly, I did learn the basics of goken fighting style though.<br>Another month passed and I became proficient with the goken and I studied genjutsu with zeal that month. There were only limited knowledge of it from the books accessible especially if your a civilian. I asked around the shinobi population on who to learn genjutsu best from but they were reluctant to tell me especially a civilian. I quickly told them that it was to make a counter for Guy sensei's and his student Lee's genjutsu and they quickly changed their tune. They directed me to a pretty female Jonin named Kurenai Yuhi. I quickly explained to her my intentions and she taught me a genjutsu style that will help me achieve my goal. What she taught me was freeform genjutsu. I quickly learned the basics and trained meticulously for the desired result and finally a breakthrough at the end of the month.<br><br>I was grinning like crazy the next day, and another sparing session was due today. I met Guy sensei's team, and the teams expression the team wore was somewhat curious to my smile. Guy sensei and Lee began to form their usual routine but this time.<br><br>Zed: "Guy sensei , Lee stop , I'm warning you, don't do that thing or I will be forced to reveal what I have been researching this past month. A weapon so evil that it will surely stop you guys from doing that dreaded sunset no jutsu in my presence."<br><br>Guy: "Don't be ridiculous Zed-kun, Lee-kun and I must spread the joys of youth, right Lee-kun?."<br><br>Lee: "Hai, Guy-sensei."<br><br>Zed: "Then you leave me no choice."<br><br>Zed: "Secret art: MOTTO DEVASTATION!!!."<br><br>On cue some sort of music intro started playing.<br><br><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;"> JESSIE:<br>"Prepare for trouble!"<br><br>JAMES:<br>"Make it double!"<br><br>JESSIE:<br>"To protect the world from devastation!"<br><br>JAMES:<br>"To unite all peoples within our nation!"<br><br>JESSIE:<br>"To denounce the evils of truth and love!"<br><br>JAMES:<br>"To extend our reach to the stars above!"<br><br>JESSIE:<br>"Jessie!"<br><br>JAMES:<br>"James!"<br><br>JESSIE:<br>"Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light!"<br><br>JAMES:<br>"Surrender now, or prepare to fight!"<br><br>MEOWTH:<br>"Meowth! that's right!" the cat-like animal said. </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;"> <img src="http://image.noelshack.com/fichiers/2011/47/1322121076-tumblr_lts4rgj6sw1r4xd9jo1_500.gif" border="0" alt="http%3a%2f%2fimage.noelshack.com%2ffichiers%2f2011...o1_500.gif"> </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>End music while showers of confetti were produced on the background ending.<br><br>The background was so vivid with rose petals and shooting stars. that it was totally out of this world. <br>The background highlighted the people performing the dreaded Team Rocket Motto. Audience were both in fear and awe of the awesome presentation that it overloaded ones brain and almost cripples the five senses. I seem to be immune though, after all those people performing we're my friends and subordinates.<br><br>Guy sensei and Lee seemed stunned and both people were walking backwards away from me and I was looking where Tenten and Neji stood. They were lying on the ground with foams coming out of their mouths.<br><br>Zed: "What have I done?, In my quest to counter the dreaded sunset no jutsu I too became a powerful monster capable of unleashing a technique that would send both my enemies and allies running away if not dead or incapacitated. I must seal this technique and only use on my enemies and only use it as a last resort."<br><br><br>Rumors quickly formed that a civilian has formed a technique that surpasses Guy's and Lee's sunset no jutsu. It send shivers to everyone spines and Zeds treatment suddenly became akin to respect and fear around konoha. </div>

Avid X-over (Naruto) Chapter 2 Sunset Jutsu Defeated Disclaimer: I own nothing , this is purely a fanfic for enjoyment. Cross-over from various games , books and anime. There was one word I would describe Maito Guy, that word would be "eccentric", with those looks and a green spandex to match his features, it would be hard to not notice. Guy sensei was kind enough to show his enthusiasm to train me with burning passions of youth. He guided me through stretches, warm-ups and ran laps with me around konoha. I was given the the look of Pity from both civilian and shinobi's alike. I persevered and we finished 20 laps around konoha. I offered Guy lunch, With my masterful cooking skills I whipped up quite a meal, I even took out my wines and alcohol for such an occasion. Guy sensei was delighted on eating my cuisines, they must look exotic seing as these are western dishes. Guy could not help but comment on positive youthful praises at me, he even mentioned that I should meet his students some time in the near future. The next routine on the next day went the same, but this time Guy sensei gave me 2 pounds weights to both my arms and legs. I was really ran dragged, we finished without incident and We went to my house to prepare the meals. Guy sensei was quite fond of them and became quite addicted to my cooking, after the meal Guy kindly thanked me and I went to bed. I wanted to grab a glass of water that night but my body was so tired that I imagined an imaginary force moving a glass of water near the counter in my bed to lift if it for me. Shock came to me when the glass of water moved to my hand. Ding | * skill learned:Levitate-able to move things with your mind -Cost 2mp per second. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | I was happy that night. I practiced that skill, it was really convenient. A month passes by with my training with Guy sensei and he increased my weights and training regimen. He added sit-up , pull-ups and push ups, and other exercise he could think of. Over that month I gained mastery over the levitation skill that I unlocked the telekinesis skill and mastered it too. | * Skill learned: Telekinesis:-Able to move objects with your mind with force and precision.- Cost 5mp per second. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | I also bought an advanced version of Fuinjutsu book and I was able to learn gravity seals and started to experiment from there. The Master level fuinjutsu books require high ninja clearance and is only located to the restricted ninja section of the library so I had to focus my resources somewhere else. I tried my hand at shuriken and kunai throwing but I all out sucked, I researched ways to bypass that weakness and I found a way. I managed to use my telekinesis to such a degree with precision and accuracy that I can guide my shuriken and kunai to its target. I even made a homing kunai to a master level and I was able to use 3 homing kunai at once. Another month came, and I became more proficient with the academy's basic three that I can do them without hand seals. I boasted it to Guy sensei that I was learning the academy Justus for self defence and some chakra control exercises to raise my chances of survivability, he was so excited by that news that he made an appointment with his team in the guise of a spar. My training regime with Guy sensei also increased that month along with my increased in weights and exercises. I met Guy sensei's team the next day, they're team consisted of a cheery girl named Tenten, a pale eyed boy who seems obsessed with fate named Neji who I learned that day was part of clan with a kekeigenkai or a bloodline limit that has X-Ray vision, and inadvertently thought of him as a pervert. The last member of their team was umm a boy that seems to be a clone of Guy sensei named Lee. Before I could greet them, Guy sensei exchanged a few affectionate words with Lee and hugged and a picture of a sunset on the beach splashing near a rock seemed to form at the background. I quickly shielded my eyes from the horrors of that spell or magic. I quickly asked Tenten and Neji if that was a jutsu and they said no. I became interested in genjutsu that day and I vowed to learn a counter jutsu of that dreaded technique. I sparred alot with Lee but lost terribly, I did learn the basics of goken fighting style though. Another month passed and I became proficient with the goken and I studied genjutsu with zeal that month. There were only limited knowledge of it from the books accessible especially if your a civilian. I asked around the shinobi population on who to learn genjutsu best from but they were reluctant to tell me especially a civilian. I quickly told them that it was to make a counter for Guy sensei's and his student Lee's genjutsu and they quickly changed their tune. They directed me to a pretty female Jonin named Kurenai Yuhi. I quickly explained to her my intentions and she taught me a genjutsu style that will help me achieve my goal. What she taught me was freeform genjutsu. I quickly learned the basics and trained meticulously for the desired result and finally a breakthrough at the end of the month. I was grinning like crazy the next day, and another sparing session was due today. I met Guy sensei's team, and the teams expression the team wore was somewhat curious to my smile. Guy sensei and Lee began to form their usual routine but this time. Zed: "Guy sensei , Lee stop , I'm warning you, don't do that thing or I will be forced to reveal what I have been researching this past month. A weapon so evil that it will surely stop you guys from doing that dreaded sunset no jutsu in my presence." Guy: "Don't be ridiculous Zed-kun, Lee-kun and I must spread the joys of youth, right Lee-kun?." Lee: "Hai, Guy-sensei." Zed: "Then you leave me no choice." Zed: "Secret art: MOTTO DEVASTATION!!!." On cue some sort of music intro started playing. | * JESSIE:"Prepare for trouble!"JAMES:"Make it double!"JESSIE:"To protect the world from devastation!"JAMES:"To unite all peoples within our nation!"JESSIE:"To denounce the evils of truth and love!"JAMES:"To extend our reach to the stars above!"JESSIE:"Jessie!"JAMES:"James!"JESSIE:"Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light!"JAMES:"Surrender now, or prepare to fight!"MEOWTH:"Meowth! that's right!" the cat-like animal said. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * http%3a%2f%2fimage.noelshack.com%2ffichiers%2f2011...o1_500.gif | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | End music while showers of confetti were produced on the background ending. The background was so vivid with rose petals and shooting stars. that it was totally out of this world. The background highlighted the people performing the dreaded Team Rocket Motto. Audience were both in fear and awe of the awesome presentation that it overloaded ones brain and almost cripples the five senses. I seem to be immune though, after all those people performing we're my friends and subordinates. Guy sensei and Lee seemed stunned and both people were walking backwards away from me and I was looking where Tenten and Neji stood. They were lying on the ground with foams coming out of their mouths. Zed: "What have I done?, In my quest to counter the dreaded sunset no jutsu I too became a powerful monster capable of unleashing a technique that would send both my enemies and allies running away if not dead or incapacitated. I must seal this technique and only use on my enemies and only use it as a last resort." Rumors quickly formed that a civilian has formed a technique that surpasses Guy's and Lee's sunset no jutsu. It send shivers to everyone spines and Zeds treatment suddenly became akin to respect and fear around konoha.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Chapter 7 Explosive Conclusion.<br><br>Disclaimer: I own nothing , this is purely a fanfic for enjoyment. Cross-over from various games , books and anime.<br><br>Hari's Pov:<br><br>It has been 3 years since I proposed to wage war throughout the ninja world, I applied my full attention to the course of my training, and the of tutulage of the Jonins of Suna along with my brother. We flourished with our techniques, and we became friendly in terms with the villagers, along with my relationship with Kankuro, Temari, and Gaara.<br><br>I learned tree walking, and water walking, and I also learnt a bunch of new techniques as well that added points to my stats. My stats, and skills should look like this:<br><br>®System update Ver. 1.3<br><br>Character Name: Hari no Sabaku<br><br>Alignment: Neutral<br><br>Level:1<br><br>Profession: Master of death<br><br>Title: Village Savior<br><br>Fame: 3000<br><br>Health:15550<br><br>Mana: 20300 ( +3000 )<br><br>Strength: 280<br><br>Agility:340<br><br>Vitality: 410<br><br>Wisdom: 270<br><br>Intellect: 1130<br><br>Stamina:390<br><br>Luck: 310<br><br>Attack: 560<br><br>Magic Attack: 2060<br><br>Magic defense: 540<br><br>Mana Regen speed: 54 (+1130 mana)<br><br>Defense:410<br><br>Speed: 680<br><br>Hit: 680<br><br>Crit: 620<br><br>®Stats formula:<br><br>®Every level + 10 stats:<br><br>1 str = 2 attack, 5 hp<br><br>1 vit = 10 hp, 1 def<br><br>1 int = 10 mp or mana, 2 magic attack, 1 mana recovery.<br><br>1 wis = 2 magic defense, .2 mana regen.<br><br>1 agi = 2 speed, 2 hit<br><br>1 luck = 2 crit<br><br>®Skills Learned:<br><br>©Sand Manipulation lvl (Master)<br><br>©Automatic Sand Defense (Master)<br><br>©Chakra Control Mastery lvl 60<br><br>© Fan Mastery lv 10<br><br>©Ruwach lvl 10<br><br>©Soul strike lvl 10<br><br>©Heal lvl 20<br><br>©Kagebunshin no Jutsu ( Shadow Clone ) ( Master )<br><br>©Sanctuary lvl 20<br><br>©Sabaku Fuyu (Desert Suspension)<br><br>©Sabaku Kyu (The Coffin of Crushing Sand)<br><br>©Sabaku Soso (Imploding Sand Funeral)<br><br>©Ryusa Bakuryu (Quicksand in the Style of a Waterfall)<br><br>©Sabaku Taiso (Desert Imperial Funeral)<br><br>©Sabakuro (Desert Prison)<br><br>©Gokusamaiso (Prison Sand Burial)<br><br>©Daisan no Me (Third Eye)<br><br>©Futon: Mugen Sajin Daitoppa (Wind Release: Infinite Sand Cloud Great Breakthrough)<br><br>©Suna Bunshin (Sand Doppelganger)<br><br>©Suna no Yoroi (Armour of Sand)<br><br>©Suna Shigure (Sand Drizzle)<br><br>©Suna Shuriken (Sand Shuriken)<br><br>©Shunshin no Jutsu (Body Flicker Technique)<br><br>©Suna no Tate (Shield of Sand)<br><br>©Hi-Ougi Indignation<br><br>The years of training had been hard, but the support from my new family was invaluable to my growth. I am now wearing a Suna battle garb, and a Sand gourd on my back that is filled with chakra infused sand.<br><br>The Kazekage was visited by the leader of otogakure, said leader was surprised when he heard that Suna was already planning on attacking Konoha.<br><br>This unexpected result would actually save the Kazekage's life this time, instead of him assasinated if he refused said proposal.<br><br>The transaction went smoothly, and they planned to attack the village of Konoha with the stipulation that Suna has to hand over the last uchiha to which the Kazekage happily complied.<br><br>The day of the chuunin exams that is held in Konoha quickly came, and the village of Suna was determined to win the war.<br><br>Our team was a four man cell group consisting of me, Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari.<br><br>At konoha we ran into a kid which was named Konohamaru. It would have ended up in a big scandal if we accidentally hurt the hokages grandson.<br><br>We met the famous last Uchiha, and a blond haired kid named Naruto Uzumaki. The blond seemed like he had A.D.D, or Attention Deficit Dissorder.<br><br>We quickly dispelled the situation, and arrived at the testing site. The first part of the chuunin exam was information gathering. My use of my "Daisan no Me (Third Eye) jutsu" let me copy the answer of some implanted chuunin who knew the answers to the advanced questionare.<br><br>The second part of the test that the proctor Morino Ibiki emphazed, was about a simulation of do or die situations, to which you had to make hard choices between the mission, and the life of your teammates. Ibiki showed his scars from the torture he went through, and made most of the unprepared genin quit. The blonde kid quickly diffused the situation though claiming that no-one will stop his dream to be hokage.<br><br>We passed the first part of the chuunin exams, and our second part came. Our proctor in the second exam was "The sexy, and single Mitarashi Anko". The entrance she made was quite spectacular.<br><br>We then relocated to the Area 44, the forest of death. This time, we had to posses the scroll of heaven, and the scroll of earth, and meet at the chuunin exams tower in the middle of the forest of death.<br><br>We signed a form stating that we are responsible for our own lives, and was sent to our entrance to the forest of death. After the starting signal, we just headed straight towards the tower, we encountered some stray genin from other villages, but nothing to troublesome.<br><br>We arrived in the tower in record time without a scratch on ourselves. Hurray for the 3 years worth of training.<br><br>We quickly waited for our assigned day for the matches. Since we arrived early on the first day, we had five days to spare. I just spent that time lazying around.<br><br>The test day finally arrived.<br><br>The exams was the same as the anime, except Gaara didn't crush Lee's leg. Hari had a match to some random nin, and won without reavealing much of his skills.<br><br>The hokage let us draw numbers on slots that would determine our opponents. Everything was the same as the anime except that I got paired with Sasuke Uchiha while Gaara had a free pass. The hokage told us to train, and prepare for a month and dismissed us.<br><br>~Time skip 1 month ~<br><br>The matches was the same as the anime then it was finally my battle with the famous Uchiha.<br><br>"Good for you for you to show up!." Hari said.<br><br>"The hero always comes at the climax." replied Sasuke.<br><br>"Don't get soft on me now, we have a battle to perform so we can satisfy our audience. THIS SURELY IS PURE ENTERTAINMENT". Hari replied to entertain the audience.<br><br>"The battle between Sasuke Uchiha between Hari no Sabaku will begin, ready, set , Go!." the proctor announced.<br><br>"LET THE GAMES BEGIN!." Hari declared<br><br>"The guest goes first, Suna Shuriken!." Hari launched a barrage of sand shuriken towards Sasuke.<br><br>Sasuke managed to dodge it pretty well, he seemed that his speed parameters went up.<br><br>Sasuke smiked, feeling confidence in himself that he avoided the blow.<br><br>"My turn." Sasuke quickly ran towards me within three meter range, and casted his jutsu.<br><br>"Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu (Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique)." A large ball of fire spewed from Sasuke's mouth and expelled it towards Hari.<br><br>Hari just shrugged, and rise his palm towards the fireball, and declared.<br><br>"Suna no Tate! (Shield of Sand)." As soon as Hari said those words a wall of Sand protected him from the fire.<br><br>The audienced gasped!, they thought that only Gaara could do that that jutsu.<br><br>Alot of bragging could be heard from the Suna instructors about Hari's controller of sand. The Konoha Jonin quickly put the two together, and assumed that somehow Hari shared the power of Shukaku.<br><br>"Big deal, you ain't seen nothing yet." Declared Sasuke.<br><br>"Sasuke quickly dashed on the wall opposite to Hari and performed a technique.<br><br>A blue ball of condensed lightning formed in Sasuke's hand. The audience were captivated and they cheered for their beloved Uchiha.<br><br>Murmurs could be heard from the stands on Gai explaining Kakashi's signature assassin technique.<br><br>"You shall pay for insulting the elite Uchiha." Sasuke declared and performed his dangerous Jab. The chirping of birds could be heard within the whole stadium, and the people were filled with anticipation.<br><br>"Take this, Chidori!." Sasuke declared while Hari declared his own Suna no Tate.<br><br>The powerful chidori went though Hari, his shield and, also wounded his torso.<br><br>"That's what you get for insulting the elite Uchiha." Sasuke pulled out his hand, and walked away assuming that victory was his.<br><br>The audience were applauding the Uchiha for his greatness but was suddenly short lived.<br><br>"Is that all?." Asked Hari condescendingly.<br><br>"Was that your trump card?, how disappointing." Hari insulted further.<br><br>"Ha!, like your one to talk, you should probably go to the hospital to get that fixed or you'll die of bleeding." declared the Uchiha.<br><br>"Hahahahahahhah!, thanks for your concern but it is useless, Heal!." Hari declared, and performed his healing technique. The wound quickly closed up, leaving the audience gaping.<br><br>"How?." The Uchiha asked.<br><br>The audience were in the same boat waiting for an explanation.<br><br>"Now that would be telling, Now that your out of options, let me show you mine."<br><br>"Sabaku Kyu! (Sand coffin)." Sand covered Sasuke's Body quickly Immobilizing him. Harry followed his technique with.<br><br>"Sabaku ro! (Desert Prison). With that, it's game set, and match." Hari declared in finality.<br>After the display of superiority from Suna. The signal for the invasion was imminent.<br><br>Yakushi Kabuto casted "Nehan Shoja no Jutsu (Temple of Nirvana Technique)" to the whole arena.<br><br>Civilians quickly fell asleep, and Suna started their invasion inside Konoha.<br><br>Suna's Kazekage was facing Kakashi, and Gai, while Orochimaru revealed himself to be the leader of otogakagure, faced Off the third Hokage, along with his elite sound four who produced a barrier technique inside the encampment, so that no-one may disturb the battle between Sarutobi, and Orochimaru.<br><br>I quickly hauled Sasuke, and incapacitated him, and passed him off to Baki, the trusted Jonin of Suna. Gaara faced of with Naruto, and I faced off against one of the great three Sanin, Jiraiya.<br><br>Jiraiya Summoned Gamabunta (Boss toad), and boasted that it was an easy win. I countered with summoning my angeling. My opponents were laughing at my cute monstrosity of a summon, but with the order that I gave it to summon its minions. Their frown quickly came upside down metaphorically speaking but in reverse. The boss toad was hard pressed against my summon since it could cast a long range spell that damage as well as a healing spell if it needed healing.<br><br>Jiraiya was stunned at the scene, where cute bloblike beings are smothering Gamabunta.<br><br>I took this chance to perform my most devastated, and powerful jutsu in my arsenal, and started chanting.<br><br>"I understand of the full lights of the heavens commands me." Harry's voice echoed to the sorrounding area, his voice was filled with power, and Jiraiya stood there frozen.<br><br>"Opens the gates of hell." A large complicated circle runic array formed around Jiraiya, the arrays were moving, and the runes were dancing gracefully. One would notice that an octagon shaped, pentagram carved beautifully along the runic arrays.<br><br>"Come forth divine lightning." The eight sides of the octagon shot up a blast of light five meters off the ground, and then the swirl of beams converged at the center, and with their collective energy, It shot, and rocketed to the sky leaving a hole in the clouds, and leaving the stratosphere very quickly.<br><br>"This Ends Now!, Hi-Ougi!, Indignation!" As soon as these words left Harry's mouth, the large energy that exited the atmosphere came down like a pillar of lightning, only 10 times more thick, and stronger than a regular lightning bolt. It striked Jiraiya who was in the the middle of the runic array. A large blast of concentrated energy rained down on Jiraiya, and the blast exploded in a torrential wave of energy that could rival a Bijudama. The poor Jiraiya was burned so badly but survived the killing blow, and the explosion created a large hole in the ground alerting the ninja's in the vicinity.<br><br>"Who knew nii-san had an ace up his sleeve?, I can't loose here now." Said Gaara as he faced with one Uzumaki Naruto.<br><br>With Jiraiya down, My angeling, and I went separate ways, and I ordered him to heal our forces, and defeat the foreign ninjas. I quickly headed to the center of the village, and Incapacitated the famous Ino-Shika-Cho first generation shinobi. It took awhile but I persevered.<br><br>I arrived at where the elite four's barrier was set-up, and met with the Kazekage, Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro who seemed to have finished up their share of battle. We greeted, and congradtulated each other.<br><br>The barrier finally went down to reveal the dead third Hokage, and an enraged Orochimari who is cursing the Hokage who took his arms.<br><br>Orochimaru quickly composed himself. He may have lost the battle, but he won the war. He laughed like a maniac, and announced the defeat of the Hokage as well as most of the Konoha forces.<br><br>Konoha was forced to surrender. Our forced had minimal casualties, while Konoha suffered greatly. Jiraiya, the Konoha twelve, and most famous jonin like Hatake Kakashi ,and Maito Guy along with Kurenai Yuhi, Sarutobi Asuma, Anko Mitarashi, and Morino Ibiki were made prisoners of war.<br><br>Our stay within Konoha were met with disdain, but I healed the Injuries of both konoha shinobi, and Konoha civilians who we're injured. This resulted in a change in their attitude.<br><br>Orochimaru heard of my healing prowess but sadly, I could only heal his arms partialy because of the effect of the death God.<br><br>Orochimaru was contented at the moment, and made plans to look for Tsunade.<br><br>Orochimru wasn't interested in running Konoha, so it was left on Suna's control.<br><br>I proposed to Orichimaru that he should bargain Konoha's Village control partially, and give the Konoha-nins some sort of partial control of the government in exchange to Tsunade healing his arms, and for Tsunade to Ascend as Hokage.<br><br>He was pleased with the idea, and offered the deal to Tsunade. Suffice to say it went on without a Hitch, and we sent most of our forces back to Suna.<br><br>~Time skip 3 years ~<br><br>Konoha finally gained some semblance of normalcy over the years. They quickly rallied their forces, and trained their ninja vigorously in the shinobi arts. Jiraiya, and Kakashi trained Naruto this time around, while Sasuke was sent to Orochimaru as his apprentice. Sakura was also given apprenticeship from Tsunade.<br><br>Sometime later, Sasuke killed off Orochimaru, and went AWOL, while Kabuto was nowhere to be seen. The Oto village came under Suna's control due to its former allowance with Oto along with the sound Five, that's right, Hari was able to heal Kimimaro.<br><br>It was all fine, and dandy until Akatsuki revealed its ugly head. This time they didn't bother being sneaky, and declared the fourth shinobi war.<br><br>The five villages formed an alliance against Uchiha Madara. At first the other Villages were worried about Suna, but when some of the other Jinchuuriki went missing, they quickly changed their tunes.<br><br>It was revealed that Sasuke joined Madara. Kabuto also joined with Madara for his Red eye Moon Plan.<br><br>The five villages rallied their forces, and was faced with tens of thousands of army of Zetsu, along with the revived ninja people using Impure World Ressurection.<br><br>"Hahahahahaha!, No-one can stop me now." Madara declared, as he rallied his army to face off the United force's of the Villages.<br><br>"All right you brave people of the United Ninja Alliance , I have a plan, I need you guys to protect me from incoming attacks, or surprise attacks. This will be an Anti-Army jutsu that I will cast, and must not be interrupted." Hari explained.<br><br>"Alright nii-san I will protect you." Gaara said confidently and the army agreed to Hari's plan<br><br>"All right here I go." said Hari.<br><br>"I understand of the full lights of the heavens." Harry's voice echoed to the large sorrounding area, his voice was filled with power, and the Zetsu army stood there frozen. A large scale complicated circle runic array formed around the army of Zetsus, the arrays were moving, and the runes were dancing gracefully. One would notice that an octagon shaped, pentagram carved beautifully along the runic arrays<br><br>"Call upon me with the openings with ease, Call!." The eight sides of large scale glyph of the octagon was brimming with beam energy, and shot up in swirling formation that converged at the center of the runic array, and with their collective energy, It shot up, and rocketed to the sky leaving a hole in the clouds, and leaving the stratosphere very quickly.<br><br>"Come forth divine lightning, this Ends Now!, Hi-Ougi!, Indignation! AOE Version!" As soon as these words left Harry's mouth, the large energy that exited the atmosphere came down like a pillar of lightning, only 40 times more thick, and stronger than a regular lightning bolt. A large blast of concentrated energy rained down, but as the blast was half-way in its destination, it exploded like a firecracker, and the small pieces of energy blasts was scattered, and the lightning energy that touched the ground resulted in countless explosions after explosions wiping out most of the Army of Zetsu.<br><br>Both forces were stunned, and awe of the destructive power of the Jutsu that Hari performed.<br><br>The shinobi side were celebrating their imminent success, until Madara Uchiha teleported at the scene.<br><br>"You!, you have ruined my Red eye Moon Plan, but not all is lost, I still have the core members of the akatsuki, and an army of revived ninja's. I will nip the bud of my enemy this time around, so that No-one will be able to stop me!." Mascara declared.<br><br>"Say goodbye to your pitiful life, KAMUI!." Madara performed Kamui on Hari.<br><br>"Noo!, nii-san! don't leave me!." Gaara Shouted.<br><br>"Its too late Boy!, I'll send your precious nii-san to another dimension, and let him be someone else's problem, MWAHAHAHAHAHAH!" Madara laughed as Hari was sucked inside the dimension tear.<br><br>Then Hari no Sabaku was No more.<br><br>The ninja forces were enraged by the loss of their savior, and empowered them in their fight.<br><br>The rest went on to follow the anime plot.<br><br>What happened to Hari?, Where did he end up?, Did he die? Tune in next time on Death's New Entertainment.<br><br>Authors Note:<br><br>Many readers have voiced their opinions on how confusing the plot this chapter. I actually believe skill descriptions is a big part of the confusion. So I did some cleaning up. Tell me if it helped and if it still didn't, I'll see what I can do. [ I also took down the battle scene between Hari and my Oc since that story you probably never heard of, and thus irrelevant to this one ] </div>

Chapter 7 Explosive Conclusion. Disclaimer: I own nothing , this is purely a fanfic for enjoyment. Cross-over from various games , books and anime. Hari's Pov: It has been 3 years since I proposed to wage war throughout the ninja world, I applied my full attention to the course of my training, and the of tutulage of the Jonins of Suna along with my brother. We flourished with our techniques, and we became friendly in terms with the villagers, along with my relationship with Kankuro, Temari, and Gaara. I learned tree walking, and water walking, and I also learnt a bunch of new techniques as well that added points to my stats. My stats, and skills should look like this: ®System update Ver. 1.3 Character Name: Hari no Sabaku Alignment: Neutral Level:1 Profession: Master of death Title: Village Savior Fame: 3000 Health:15550 Mana: 20300 ( +3000 ) Strength: 280 Agility:340 Vitality: 410 Wisdom: 270 Intellect: 1130 Stamina:390 Luck: 310 Attack: 560 Magic Attack: 2060 Magic defense: 540 Mana Regen speed: 54 (+1130 mana) Defense:410 Speed: 680 Hit: 680 Crit: 620 ®Stats formula: ®Every level + 10 stats: 1 str = 2 attack, 5 hp 1 vit = 10 hp, 1 def 1 int = 10 mp or mana, 2 magic attack, 1 mana recovery. 1 wis = 2 magic defense, .2 mana regen. 1 agi = 2 speed, 2 hit 1 luck = 2 crit ®Skills Learned: ©Sand Manipulation lvl (Master) ©Automatic Sand Defense (Master) ©Chakra Control Mastery lvl 60 © Fan Mastery lv 10 ©Ruwach lvl 10 ©Soul strike lvl 10 ©Heal lvl 20 ©Kagebunshin no Jutsu ( Shadow Clone ) ( Master ) ©Sanctuary lvl 20 ©Sabaku Fuyu (Desert Suspension) ©Sabaku Kyu (The Coffin of Crushing Sand) ©Sabaku Soso (Imploding Sand Funeral) ©Ryusa Bakuryu (Quicksand in the Style of a Waterfall) ©Sabaku Taiso (Desert Imperial Funeral) ©Sabakuro (Desert Prison) ©Gokusamaiso (Prison Sand Burial) ©Daisan no Me (Third Eye) ©Futon: Mugen Sajin Daitoppa (Wind Release: Infinite Sand Cloud Great Breakthrough) ©Suna Bunshin (Sand Doppelganger) ©Suna no Yoroi (Armour of Sand) ©Suna Shigure (Sand Drizzle) ©Suna Shuriken (Sand Shuriken) ©Shunshin no Jutsu (Body Flicker Technique) ©Suna no Tate (Shield of Sand) ©Hi-Ougi Indignation The years of training had been hard, but the support from my new family was invaluable to my growth. I am now wearing a Suna battle garb, and a Sand gourd on my back that is filled with chakra infused sand. The Kazekage was visited by the leader of otogakure, said leader was surprised when he heard that Suna was already planning on attacking Konoha. This unexpected result would actually save the Kazekage's life this time, instead of him assasinated if he refused said proposal. The transaction went smoothly, and they planned to attack the village of Konoha with the stipulation that Suna has to hand over the last uchiha to which the Kazekage happily complied. The day of the chuunin exams that is held in Konoha quickly came, and the village of Suna was determined to win the war. Our team was a four man cell group consisting of me, Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari. At konoha we ran into a kid which was named Konohamaru. It would have ended up in a big scandal if we accidentally hurt the hokages grandson. We met the famous last Uchiha, and a blond haired kid named Naruto Uzumaki. The blond seemed like he had A.D.D, or Attention Deficit Dissorder. We quickly dispelled the situation, and arrived at the testing site. The first part of the chuunin exam was information gathering. My use of my "Daisan no Me (Third Eye) jutsu" let me copy the answer of some implanted chuunin who knew the answers to the advanced questionare. The second part of the test that the proctor Morino Ibiki emphazed, was about a simulation of do or die situations, to which you had to make hard choices between the mission, and the life of your teammates. Ibiki showed his scars from the torture he went through, and made most of the unprepared genin quit. The blonde kid quickly diffused the situation though claiming that no-one will stop his dream to be hokage. We passed the first part of the chuunin exams, and our second part came. Our proctor in the second exam was "The sexy, and single Mitarashi Anko". The entrance she made was quite spectacular. We then relocated to the Area 44, the forest of death. This time, we had to posses the scroll of heaven, and the scroll of earth, and meet at the chuunin exams tower in the middle of the forest of death. We signed a form stating that we are responsible for our own lives, and was sent to our entrance to the forest of death. After the starting signal, we just headed straight towards the tower, we encountered some stray genin from other villages, but nothing to troublesome. We arrived in the tower in record time without a scratch on ourselves. Hurray for the 3 years worth of training. We quickly waited for our assigned day for the matches. Since we arrived early on the first day, we had five days to spare. I just spent that time lazying around. The test day finally arrived. The exams was the same as the anime, except Gaara didn't crush Lee's leg. Hari had a match to some random nin, and won without reavealing much of his skills. The hokage let us draw numbers on slots that would determine our opponents. Everything was the same as the anime except that I got paired with Sasuke Uchiha while Gaara had a free pass. The hokage told us to train, and prepare for a month and dismissed us. ~Time skip 1 month ~ The matches was the same as the anime then it was finally my battle with the famous Uchiha. "Good for you for you to show up!." Hari said. "The hero always comes at the climax." replied Sasuke. "Don't get soft on me now, we have a battle to perform so we can satisfy our audience. THIS SURELY IS PURE ENTERTAINMENT". Hari replied to entertain the audience. "The battle between Sasuke Uchiha between Hari no Sabaku will begin, ready, set , Go!." the proctor announced. "LET THE GAMES BEGIN!." Hari declared "The guest goes first, Suna Shuriken!." Hari launched a barrage of sand shuriken towards Sasuke. Sasuke managed to dodge it pretty well, he seemed that his speed parameters went up. Sasuke smiked, feeling confidence in himself that he avoided the blow. "My turn." Sasuke quickly ran towards me within three meter range, and casted his jutsu. "Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu (Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique)." A large ball of fire spewed from Sasuke's mouth and expelled it towards Hari. Hari just shrugged, and rise his palm towards the fireball, and declared. "Suna no Tate! (Shield of Sand)." As soon as Hari said those words a wall of Sand protected him from the fire. The audienced gasped!, they thought that only Gaara could do that that jutsu. Alot of bragging could be heard from the Suna instructors about Hari's controller of sand. The Konoha Jonin quickly put the two together, and assumed that somehow Hari shared the power of Shukaku. "Big deal, you ain't seen nothing yet." Declared Sasuke. "Sasuke quickly dashed on the wall opposite to Hari and performed a technique. A blue ball of condensed lightning formed in Sasuke's hand. The audience were captivated and they cheered for their beloved Uchiha. Murmurs could be heard from the stands on Gai explaining Kakashi's signature assassin technique. "You shall pay for insulting the elite Uchiha." Sasuke declared and performed his dangerous Jab. The chirping of birds could be heard within the whole stadium, and the people were filled with anticipation. "Take this, Chidori!." Sasuke declared while Hari declared his own Suna no Tate. The powerful chidori went though Hari, his shield and, also wounded his torso. "That's what you get for insulting the elite Uchiha." Sasuke pulled out his hand, and walked away assuming that victory was his. The audience were applauding the Uchiha for his greatness but was suddenly short lived. "Is that all?." Asked Hari condescendingly. "Was that your trump card?, how disappointing." Hari insulted further. "Ha!, like your one to talk, you should probably go to the hospital to get that fixed or you'll die of bleeding." declared the Uchiha. "Hahahahahahhah!, thanks for your concern but it is useless, Heal!." Hari declared, and performed his healing technique. The wound quickly closed up, leaving the audience gaping. "How?." The Uchiha asked. The audience were in the same boat waiting for an explanation. "Now that would be telling, Now that your out of options, let me show you mine." "Sabaku Kyu! (Sand coffin)." Sand covered Sasuke's Body quickly Immobilizing him. Harry followed his technique with. "Sabaku ro! (Desert Prison). With that, it's game set, and match." Hari declared in finality. After the display of superiority from Suna. The signal for the invasion was imminent. Yakushi Kabuto casted "Nehan Shoja no Jutsu (Temple of Nirvana Technique)" to the whole arena. Civilians quickly fell asleep, and Suna started their invasion inside Konoha. Suna's Kazekage was facing Kakashi, and Gai, while Orochimaru revealed himself to be the leader of otogakagure, faced Off the third Hokage, along with his elite sound four who produced a barrier technique inside the encampment, so that no-one may disturb the battle between Sarutobi, and Orochimaru. I quickly hauled Sasuke, and incapacitated him, and passed him off to Baki, the trusted Jonin of Suna. Gaara faced of with Naruto, and I faced off against one of the great three Sanin, Jiraiya. Jiraiya Summoned Gamabunta (Boss toad), and boasted that it was an easy win. I countered with summoning my angeling. My opponents were laughing at my cute monstrosity of a summon, but with the order that I gave it to summon its minions. Their frown quickly came upside down metaphorically speaking but in reverse. The boss toad was hard pressed against my summon since it could cast a long range spell that damage as well as a healing spell if it needed healing. Jiraiya was stunned at the scene, where cute bloblike beings are smothering Gamabunta. I took this chance to perform my most devastated, and powerful jutsu in my arsenal, and started chanting. "I understand of the full lights of the heavens commands me." Harry's voice echoed to the sorrounding area, his voice was filled with power, and Jiraiya stood there frozen. "Opens the gates of hell." A large complicated circle runic array formed around Jiraiya, the arrays were moving, and the runes were dancing gracefully. One would notice that an octagon shaped, pentagram carved beautifully along the runic arrays. "Come forth divine lightning." The eight sides of the octagon shot up a blast of light five meters off the ground, and then the swirl of beams converged at the center, and with their collective energy, It shot, and rocketed to the sky leaving a hole in the clouds, and leaving the stratosphere very quickly. "This Ends Now!, Hi-Ougi!, Indignation!" As soon as these words left Harry's mouth, the large energy that exited the atmosphere came down like a pillar of lightning, only 10 times more thick, and stronger than a regular lightning bolt. It striked Jiraiya who was in the the middle of the runic array. A large blast of concentrated energy rained down on Jiraiya, and the blast exploded in a torrential wave of energy that could rival a Bijudama. The poor Jiraiya was burned so badly but survived the killing blow, and the explosion created a large hole in the ground alerting the ninja's in the vicinity. "Who knew nii-san had an ace up his sleeve?, I can't loose here now." Said Gaara as he faced with one Uzumaki Naruto. With Jiraiya down, My angeling, and I went separate ways, and I ordered him to heal our forces, and defeat the foreign ninjas. I quickly headed to the center of the village, and Incapacitated the famous Ino-Shika-Cho first generation shinobi. It took awhile but I persevered. I arrived at where the elite four's barrier was set-up, and met with the Kazekage, Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro who seemed to have finished up their share of battle. We greeted, and congradtulated each other. The barrier finally went down to reveal the dead third Hokage, and an enraged Orochimari who is cursing the Hokage who took his arms. Orochimaru quickly composed himself. He may have lost the battle, but he won the war. He laughed like a maniac, and announced the defeat of the Hokage as well as most of the Konoha forces. Konoha was forced to surrender. Our forced had minimal casualties, while Konoha suffered greatly. Jiraiya, the Konoha twelve, and most famous jonin like Hatake Kakashi ,and Maito Guy along with Kurenai Yuhi, Sarutobi Asuma, Anko Mitarashi, and Morino Ibiki were made prisoners of war. Our stay within Konoha were met with disdain, but I healed the Injuries of both konoha shinobi, and Konoha civilians who we're injured. This resulted in a change in their attitude. Orochimaru heard of my healing prowess but sadly, I could only heal his arms partialy because of the effect of the death God. Orochimaru was contented at the moment, and made plans to look for Tsunade. Orochimru wasn't interested in running Konoha, so it was left on Suna's control. I proposed to Orichimaru that he should bargain Konoha's Village control partially, and give the Konoha-nins some sort of partial control of the government in exchange to Tsunade healing his arms, and for Tsunade to Ascend as Hokage. He was pleased with the idea, and offered the deal to Tsunade. Suffice to say it went on without a Hitch, and we sent most of our forces back to Suna. ~Time skip 3 years ~ Konoha finally gained some semblance of normalcy over the years. They quickly rallied their forces, and trained their ninja vigorously in the shinobi arts. Jiraiya, and Kakashi trained Naruto this time around, while Sasuke was sent to Orochimaru as his apprentice. Sakura was also given apprenticeship from Tsunade. Sometime later, Sasuke killed off Orochimaru, and went AWOL, while Kabuto was nowhere to be seen. The Oto village came under Suna's control due to its former allowance with Oto along with the sound Five, that's right, Hari was able to heal Kimimaro. It was all fine, and dandy until Akatsuki revealed its ugly head. This time they didn't bother being sneaky, and declared the fourth shinobi war. The five villages formed an alliance against Uchiha Madara. At first the other Villages were worried about Suna, but when some of the other Jinchuuriki went missing, they quickly changed their tunes. It was revealed that Sasuke joined Madara. Kabuto also joined with Madara for his Red eye Moon Plan. The five villages rallied their forces, and was faced with tens of thousands of army of Zetsu, along with the revived ninja people using Impure World Ressurection. "Hahahahahaha!, No-one can stop me now." Madara declared, as he rallied his army to face off the United force's of the Villages. "All right you brave people of the United Ninja Alliance , I have a plan, I need you guys to protect me from incoming attacks, or surprise attacks. This will be an Anti-Army jutsu that I will cast, and must not be interrupted." Hari explained. "Alright nii-san I will protect you." Gaara said confidently and the army agreed to Hari's plan "All right here I go." said Hari. "I understand of the full lights of the heavens." Harry's voice echoed to the large sorrounding area, his voice was filled with power, and the Zetsu army stood there frozen. A large scale complicated circle runic array formed around the army of Zetsus, the arrays were moving, and the runes were dancing gracefully. One would notice that an octagon shaped, pentagram carved beautifully along the runic arrays "Call upon me with the openings with ease, Call!." The eight sides of large scale glyph of the octagon was brimming with beam energy, and shot up in swirling formation that converged at the center of the runic array, and with their collective energy, It shot up, and rocketed to the sky leaving a hole in the clouds, and leaving the stratosphere very quickly. "Come forth divine lightning, this Ends Now!, Hi-Ougi!, Indignation! AOE Version!" As soon as these words left Harry's mouth, the large energy that exited the atmosphere came down like a pillar of lightning, only 40 times more thick, and stronger than a regular lightning bolt. A large blast of concentrated energy rained down, but as the blast was half-way in its destination, it exploded like a firecracker, and the small pieces of energy blasts was scattered, and the lightning energy that touched the ground resulted in countless explosions after explosions wiping out most of the Army of Zetsu. Both forces were stunned, and awe of the destructive power of the Jutsu that Hari performed. The shinobi side were celebrating their imminent success, until Madara Uchiha teleported at the scene. "You!, you have ruined my Red eye Moon Plan, but not all is lost, I still have the core members of the akatsuki, and an army of revived ninja's. I will nip the bud of my enemy this time around, so that No-one will be able to stop me!." Mascara declared. "Say goodbye to your pitiful life, KAMUI!." Madara performed Kamui on Hari. "Noo!, nii-san! don't leave me!." Gaara Shouted. "Its too late Boy!, I'll send your precious nii-san to another dimension, and let him be someone else's problem, MWAHAHAHAHAHAH!" Madara laughed as Hari was sucked inside the dimension tear. Then Hari no Sabaku was No more. The ninja forces were enraged by the loss of their savior, and empowered them in their fight. The rest went on to follow the anime plot. What happened to Hari?, Where did he end up?, Did he die? Tune in next time on Death's New Entertainment. Authors Note: Many readers have voiced their opinions on how confusing the plot this chapter. I actually believe skill descriptions is a big part of the confusion. So I did some cleaning up. Tell me if it helped and if it still didn't, I'll see what I can do. [ I also took down the battle scene between Hari and my Oc since that story you probably never heard of, and thus irrelevant to this one ]

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <img src="http://i58.tinypic.com/1zl6iwx.jpg" border="0" alt="http%3a%2f%2fi58.tinypic.com%2f1zl6iwx.jpg"><br><br><br>Chapter 1<br>This is the story of an idiot by the name of Don. He was by no means stupid, but throughout his life he stubbornly stuck to a single principle. Be a man. Now this may seem harmless at first, but his definition of manly was whatever action was the exact opposite of cowardice. In the 4th grade when he saw a 6th grader picking on his little sister during lunch, he decided the manliest course of action was to pick up a chair and smash it against the bully's back. During a high school field trip into the wilderness he decided the manliest thing to do was explore the wilds on his own. He was found five days later. <br><br>When Don was challenged, he would never back down. When he saw a fight, he would jump in, regardless of whether or not he knew any of the people fighting. Needless to say this code of conduct got him into nothing but trouble. <br><br>There was however a reason for such foolhardiness. When Don was eight, his seven year old sister fell into a river and was dragged away by the current. Don knew she didn't know how to swim but he didn't know either. He did nothing but stand there, afraid to do anything. Fortunately his sister was recovered half a mile away with only a broken leg, but to this day she still walks with a slight limp, something Don blamed himself for due to his inability to act.<br><br>To ensure he never froze up like that again, he decided to condition himself for bravery. The best way to do so was to stick to his rule in all possible circumstances regardless of the consequences. <br><br>After high school he started college. He was an undeclared major at a community college trying out different things while working at an electronics store. <br><br>His manager said, "Donald, I need you to do inventory. Finish before leaving, ok?"<br><br>"Yes sir," he answered. <br><br>Inventory meant he was to record how much unsold merchandise they had in the store, something that took hours, even for a small store like the one he worked at. The store specialized in video game and console repair. Don didn't play video games much, but he could intuitively understand how something worked after taking it apart. He could fix almost anything and was a valued employee. <br><br>Don checked off various amounts of computer components and basic hardware parts from the shelves onto a clipboard. It wasn't something you could use to build a supercomputer, it was more like stuff for hobby projects like build your own robot. Besides electronic parts, batteries, cheap cell phones and various chargers, the back of the store was where advertising billboards that came out whenever something was on sale were stored. The largest of which was a full sized mock up of a armored warrior wielding a greatsword looking fierce, an advertisement for the virtual reality game that came out two years prior, Royal Road. <br><br>Don wasn't that much of a gamer, but he was a die hard RR fan, despite never having played before. At home when he wasn't studying he was on his computer, looking up the latest information of RR or looking through various hall of fame videos on the internet. His sister called him crazy but his favorite video was of the first person perspective of a man who spent hours hitting a scarecrow at a training hall. Any lesser man would not have been able to spend endless hours doing something so mind numbing, Don felt only a real man could perform such a feat. On the comments below the video, one explained that the user in the video was gaining extra stats by hitting a scarecrow for a month. Things like this spurred Don to look for any additional information he could on Royal Road, he was as much of an expert as he could be without playing it. <br><br>There were other VR games besides Royal Road of course. There was Universe, a sci-fi game where you could explore planets, fight alien races, and try to conquer it all with fleets of starships. Or for something smaller there was Desert Gun, a shooter game that had every type of firearm imaginable as well as a few unique vehicles, it took place in a vast wasteland filled with monsters and secrets. One VR game that gained popularity for a while was Hero, the game where you could become a super powered hero or an evil super powered villain. But none of these VR games ever gained the popularity Royal Road had. The AI that powered Royal Road was unique among unique, the programming was decades ahead of its time and gave the game's quests, NPCs, maps, dungeons, and adventures a degree of quality that no other game could match. That and the price was the best for the package. Universe technically had more to offer than Royal Road but all those worlds meant more servers to run it and more servers mean a higher price tag to play. Desert Gun wasn't a bad game but the players who relied on the auto assist for targeting were always slaughtered by those who could do it by instinct. Unless the player was gifted, most grew bored with getting shot repeatedly by snipers from a thousand yards out.<br><br>Don finished cataloging everything half an hour before quitting time. Immediately after he went to a back area to look at the capsule stored there. A capsule was the full immersion hardware for all VR games. Eugine, the man he worked with caught him staring at it and said, "Will I be the best man at your wedding?"<br><br>Don rolled his eyes. His friend knew that Don had that capsule on layaway for the past six months. Paying for college and his share of an apartment as well as the cost of living spent almost all his pay each month. What little he had left was enough to pay for a monthly subscription to play royal road, but it was not enough to buy a capsule even if he saved for a year. What he had done was use the store's money to buy a broken capsule someone brought in, then fix it up himself and buy it using a layaway plan. His manager approved doing so but Don wouldn't be able to take it home until the final payment was taken out of his check. And since it was the end of the month, that would happen at the end of this shift.<br><br>Don said, "You can be the flower girl." Eugine tried to slug Don's shoulder but even without looking back Don dodged and walked around saying, "Not today man." Eugine smiled and said, "Start out in Haven kingdom and I'll show you who's the man." <br><br>Eugine's parents bought him a capsule months ago so he was already playing Royal Road. And as any friend would, he never let an opportunity pass to rub it in Don's face. Don's parent had actually offered to buy one for him like they had for his sister, but he declined on the grounds a real man should not rely on others. <br><br>Eugine asked, "So what race you gonna choose?"<br><br>Don said, "Don't know yet, Barbarian, Dwarf, maybe Orc.”<br><br>“Those are so common. You’re an expert on Royal Road, so why not do try to do something no one has done before.”<br><br>Don thought on it for a bit. He had wanted to become a powerful warrior, but a Barbarian Warrior was not exactly an original concept. “What do you suggest?” he asked.<br><br>“How about an elf?”<br><br>Don sighed, and after a moment said, “Besides playing as an actual woman, that is about as far from manly as one can go.”<br><br>Eugine smiled, “And that is why you should do it. Think of it as a challenge. The path to make a manly elf isn’t something most people would take. You may end up walking a unique path.”<br><br>Don felt slightly annoyed with how easily Eugine was able to push his buttons. But that didn’t make his point any less valid. Of course Don didn’t want a cookie cutter adventure, he wanted something that was his own. <br><br>“I’ll think about it,” was his answer. <br><br>When his shift was over and his paycheck through, he got the OK to take the capsule home. He had already borrowed his roommate’s van to drive to work that day so he could load the capsule himself instead of paying to have it delivered. Of course since his roommate wasn’t there he would have to carry the thing to the second story of this apartment on his own. After an exhausting thirty minutes carefully navigating it up the stairs and through his barely large enough door, he successfully got it inside and in full working order. <br><br>After plugging it in and setting it to run a self diagnostic he called up Unicorn Inc. to get an account. The whole thing took less time than he thought, the diagnostic still had another twenty minutes before being completed. Of course he could have plugged and played but he didn’t want to take any chances, he would make sure the capsule was working at 100% before going into Royal Road.<br><br>He decided to take a short walk around his apartments. The brisk air was refreshing and the moon was bright. Although it was the end of the month it was in fact a full moon, the second one that month. After he felt the chilling wind against his bones he decided that walking around at night without shoes and socks was not the wisest decision so he hurried back to his apartment.<br><br>As he walked back inside his cell phone went off, for a moment he was worried it was Unicorn Incorporated telling him something was wrong but a quick glance at the caller ID calmed his nerves, it was just his sister.<br><br>-Hey Lisa.<br><br>-Did you start yet?<br><br>His sister was also aware today was the day he got a capsule.<br><br>-Not yet, I will in another minute though.<br><br>-Oh good, start in Hiritol, Trisden kingdom.<br><br>-Is that where you are?<br><br>-Yea, I wanna show you around.<br><br>Don knew Hiritol was a recently discovered city in Trisden Kingdom. Trisden was on the eastern frontier, south of Rosenheim, east of the central part of the continent. It wasn’t a bad place to start but Don always tried to be independent in any situation and starting where she was implied relying on her. That being said, he always had difficulty saying no to his little sister. <br><br>-Is there a training hall there?<br><br>-Yes, yes, there’s one of those here.<br><br>-Alright I’ll start there. <br><br>-Ok, see you there, all noobs login at the same spot their first time so I’ll be waiting there for you.<br><br>-Ok, see you soon.<br><br>During the call he heard the tell tale Ding* that signaled the diagnostic went fine. He jumped in the capsule, closed the top, and waited for it to start.<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Connect to Royal Road?<br>Yes|No</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br>He answered, "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>“Don.” <br><br>-Select your gender from male, female or neutral<br><br>"Male"<br><br>-Royal Road has forty-nine races. You may select your race from the primary thirty-two races that are currently available.<br><br>‘Thirty-two?’ Don thought. He had of course kept himself up to date on Royal Road’s race selection availabilities and he knew there to be only thirty-one races available at the time, meaning another race he was unaware of was currently available for selection. <br><br>“View Selection.”<br><br>A ring of races appeared before him he could scroll through. Each one bore the appearance of what he would look like as that race along with a small description of the race’s features.<br><br>“View initial Stats.”<br><br>Another window appeared along with the image of each race. When a player starts a character, that character has fifty stat points. What those stats were and how they were distributed was dependent on the race chosen.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="2">Human Initial Status Window</td></tr><tr><td>Health 100</td><td>Mana 100</td></tr><tr><td>Strength 10</td><td>Agility 10</td></tr><tr><td>Wisdom 10</td><td>Intellect 10</td></tr><tr><td>Vitality 10</td><td>Luck 0</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Leadership 0</td></tr><tr><td>Attack 2</td><td>Defense 0</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Humans have a wide variety of possibilities, with no real specialty.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br>Humans were a nice round race, they could be warriors or mages, thieves or archers, or anything really. A good race for those who haven’t decided what they wanted to be. Don flicked the ring of races, letting it come to a stop on its own where it landed on Dark Dwarf.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="2">Dark Dwarf Initial Status Window</td></tr><tr><td>Health 90</td><td>Mana 100</td></tr><tr><td>Strength 8</td><td>Agility 9</td></tr><tr><td>Wisdom 9</td><td>Intellect 12</td></tr><tr><td>Vitality 12</td><td>Charisma 0</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Leadership 0</td></tr><tr><td>Attack 2</td><td>Defense 0</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Dark Dwarves are a subclass of dwarf. They are not as strong but they have a great talent in magic. Dwarves start out with the Handicraft skill, are unable to ride a horse, and cannot reach above advanced in weapon masteries regardless of class.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Dark Dwarves were an interesting race, they could not go head to head against an elf in magic power but they made a good base for a swordmage class. Don slowly rolled the cursor over each race, looking at its traits and stats, not only to get familiar with each, but to find this thirty-second available class. This list had, Orc, Half-orc, Gnome, Fairy, Barbarian, Halfling, Ekril, these were all races whose availability he already knew of. Finally he got to the elf selection. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="2">Wood Elf Initial Status Window</td></tr><tr><td>Health 80</td><td>Mana 120</td></tr><tr><td>Strength 8</td><td>Agility 12</td></tr><tr><td>Wisdom 12</td><td>Intellect 10</td></tr><tr><td>Vitality 8</td><td>Affinity to Nature 0</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Leadership 0</td></tr><tr><td>Attack 2</td><td>Defense 0</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Wood Elves have the greatest respect for nature, their bodies are not the strongest but they have the greatest connection to the natural world of any race.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="2">High Elf Initial Status Window</td></tr><tr><td>Health 80</td><td>Mana 120</td></tr><tr><td>Strength 8</td><td>Agility 12</td></tr><tr><td>Wisdom 11</td><td>Intellect 11</td></tr><tr><td>Vitality 8</td><td>Affinity to Nature 0</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Leadership 0</td></tr><tr><td>Attack 2</td><td>Defense 0</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">High Elves pride themselves on their magic and bowman skills. Though weak in body they have a high potential for many forms of long distance combat.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="2">Lunar Elf Initial Status Window</td></tr><tr><td>Health 100</td><td>Mana 100</td></tr><tr><td>Strength 9</td><td>Agility 11</td></tr><tr><td>Wisdom 11</td><td>Intellect 9</td></tr><tr><td>Vitality 10</td><td>Affinity to Nature 0</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Leadership 0</td></tr><tr><td>Attack 3</td><td>Defense 0</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Lunar elves are born with innate wanderlust. They love to explore, are adept fighters, though are not as skilled in magic as other races of elf. Lunar Elves can learn explorer skills regardless of class and have a strong connection to the heavens. <br>Note-This race can only be chosen during the interval a blue moon, or second full moon within the same calendar month is in the sky over the region the player is registering from.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Don almost felt his heart stop. Between High Elf and Dark Elf was the race he had never seen before, a race that was only available during a blue moon. Blue moons are not common, in fact they only happen about once every two to three years. it was entirely possible that this was the first blue moon since Royal Road came out. After checking through the other races Don was certain he would go with Lunar elf. Of course it wasn’t as powerful as a Barbarian but making it stronger would be a worthwhile challenge.<br><br>“Lunar Elf.”<br><br>-You may alter your appearance using the index.<br><br>Don’s features as a lunar elf were shown before him. His original appearance wasn’t bad, but it was fairly plain. His appearance as a lunar elf however, seemed handsome to say the least. His hard features were made slender, his stocky body made taller, his tan skin made pale with a slight hint of bluish hue. That along with silvery white hair and piercing green eyes with minute golden specs throughout made him something that would probably attract stares. <br><br>He opened the menu to begin changing his appearance closer to his old self, but as he was doing so he remembered his sister. He thought, ‘Crap, she’s been waiting this whole time!’<br><br>He didn’t want to make her wait any longer so he said, “This appearance is fine," and started without changing it.<br><br>-Your account has been created. Your stats and class shall be determined while you are playing Royal Road.<br><br>-Select a city and Kingdom you want to start.<br><br>“The City of Hiritol, Trisden kingdom.”<br><br>-Welcome to Royal Road.<br><br>A blinding light flashed and disappeared. He could now see the world around him. He had finally made it, he was in Royal Road. <br><br>Among the groups of people walking about the starting point was a little girl sitting on a bench, looking very annoyed. Don approached cautiously and said, “Hey...”<br><br>At first she looked up thinking it was someone bothering her, but slowly she recognized his features. “Don?” She said.<br><br>“Well, yea. Sorry for making you wait.”<br><br>Her faced turned into one of shock at his appearance. Even a few other people started trying to catch a glimpse. “You choose an elf?" she asked.<br><br>Don explained the conversation with Eugine, as well as the story behind the Lunar Elf race.<br><br>She remained silent for a moment before asking, “Did you get anything else?”<br><br>“Like what?” He answered.<br><br>“Well, dwarves get handicraft, maybe lunar elves get a starting skill as well.”<br><br>It was worth a shot to find out. Don said aloud, “Show Skill Window.”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="2">Skill Window</td></tr><tr><td>Light of the Heavens [Max] 00%<br>Gives a buff dependent on what celestial bodies are in the sky. <br>Duration: 2 Hours.<br>Mana Cost: 100 <br>Can be used once per day</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>After describing it his sister said, “So not just the moon, but anything? Try it out.”<br><br>“Alright, Light of the Heavens.”<br><br>The sun’s light seemed to become insanely intense for an instant, everyone in the area noticed and winced. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Solar Buff<br>+10% Fire Affinity<br>+10% Strength</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Got ten percent bonus to fire affinity and strength.”<br><br>“Only ten percent for a maxed skill huh.” Don and his sister both made the assessment that the skills strength was dependent on the strength of the light source. The sun was long past its peak so it may be able to give much stronger buffs.<br><br>“Ok, that's enough for now. First things first, My name here is Sierra. Don’t call me by my real name, what name did you choose?”<br><br>“Don.”<br><br>“Typical. Ok Don, would you like to be my friend?”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Sierra has sent a friend request, would you like to add Sierra to your friend list?<br>Yes|No</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Usually family members are automatically registered to a User's friend list. But Don had not registered his sister or parents as family members. It had been an attempt at independence but it hadn't work out too well.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Sierra has been added to your friend list.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>"Hey, can I be you friend?" A beautiful user walked up to Don wearing a flowing orange dress.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Lola has sent a friend request, would you like to add Lola to your friend list?<br>Yes|No</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Don started to sweat. In the pursuit of Manliness, Don had overcome many obstacles, but this was something that had never happened before.<br><br>"Umm, well... I .. ahh.."<br><br>Three more women came up to him. "Hey there handsome, wanna be friends?"<br><br>"No, I saw him first, Be my friend."<br><br>"No! He's mine, be my friend!"<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Brittney has sent a friend request, would you like to add Brittney to your friend list?<br>Yes|No</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>June has sent a friend request, would you like to add June to your friend list?<br>Yes|No</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Trish has sent a friend request, would you like to add Trish to your friend list?<br>Yes|No</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Don was short on breath, it wasn't exactly that he was shy around women, it was that he had no confidence in being able to talk to them. <br><br>"Ehh, well, you see.. I ah.. Don't know any of you so.. please... ahh..."<br><br>He was practically whispering near the end. His sister grabbed his hand and started running. He frantically followed, though his shortness of breath from attempting to talk made him slow. After a few minutes they stopped so Don could catch a breath.<br><br>Sierra gave him a, -That's what you get for making me wait- look before cracking up. She said, "Was that the first time a beautiful women asked you to become her friend?"<br><br>Don gave a grimace. His current girlfriend that took him half a year to ask out was homely. Not unattractive, but you'd never see her on the cover of a magazine. With his plain face and stocky build, his original appearance never gave him this kind of problem. He had no experience what so ever, and his sister seemed to enjoy it.<br><br>Don denied the friend requests and thanked Sierra for helping.<br><br>She exclaimed, “Ok, lets go explore the city!”<br><br>But Don had to stop her here. “Wait a moment. I can’t rely on you completely. I’ll be free to chat of course but I would like to start at the training hall for now.”<br><br>Don expected his sister to be upset but she sighed and said, “How did I know you were going to say that...”<br><br>Sierra took out a large sack and handed it to Don saying, “You are not allowed to refuse, this is enough food to last until you can leave the city and hunt for yourself.”<br><br>Don took the sack and thanked his sister graciously, after which she showed him to the training hall. <br><br>Don stood before the massive building, his hands shaking with anticipation. This was it, this is where his adventure would begin.<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Chapter 2 The Manly Training<br>&lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=185&amp;t=1534&amp;p=9255#p9255"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=185&amp;t=1534&amp;p=9255#p9255&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt;</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/28sqb0l.jpg" border="0" alt="http%3a%2f%2fi39.tinypic.com%2f28sqb0l.jpg"></div> </div>

 Chapter 1 This is the story of an idiot by the name of Don. He was by no means stupid, but throughout his life he stubbornly stuck to a single principle. Be a man. Now this may seem harmless at first, but his definition of manly was whatever action was the exact opposite of cowardice. In the 4th grade when he saw a 6th grader picking on his little sister during lunch, he decided the manliest course of action was to pick up a chair and smash it against the bully's back. During a high school field trip into the wilderness he decided the manliest thing to do was explore the wilds on his own. He was found five days later. When Don was challenged, he would never back down. When he saw a fight, he would jump in, regardless of whether or not he knew any of the people fighting. Needless to say this code of conduct got him into nothing but trouble. There was however a reason for such foolhardiness. When Don was eight, his seven year old sister fell into a river and was dragged away by the current. Don knew she didn't know how to swim but he didn't know either. He did nothing but stand there, afraid to do anything. Fortunately his sister was recovered half a mile away with only a broken leg, but to this day she still walks with a slight limp, something Don blamed himself for due to his inability to act. To ensure he never froze up like that again, he decided to condition himself for bravery. The best way to do so was to stick to his rule in all possible circumstances regardless of the consequences. After high school he started college. He was an undeclared major at a community college trying out different things while working at an electronics store. His manager said, "Donald, I need you to do inventory. Finish before leaving, ok?" "Yes sir," he answered. Inventory meant he was to record how much unsold merchandise they had in the store, something that took hours, even for a small store like the one he worked at. The store specialized in video game and console repair. Don didn't play video games much, but he could intuitively understand how something worked after taking it apart. He could fix almost anything and was a valued employee. Don checked off various amounts of computer components and basic hardware parts from the shelves onto a clipboard. It wasn't something you could use to build a supercomputer, it was more like stuff for hobby projects like build your own robot. Besides electronic parts, batteries, cheap cell phones and various chargers, the back of the store was where advertising billboards that came out whenever something was on sale were stored. The largest of which was a full sized mock up of a armored warrior wielding a greatsword looking fierce, an advertisement for the virtual reality game that came out two years prior, Royal Road. Don wasn't that much of a gamer, but he was a die hard RR fan, despite never having played before. At home when he wasn't studying he was on his computer, looking up the latest information of RR or looking through various hall of fame videos on the internet. His sister called him crazy but his favorite video was of the first person perspective of a man who spent hours hitting a scarecrow at a training hall. Any lesser man would not have been able to spend endless hours doing something so mind numbing, Don felt only a real man could perform such a feat. On the comments below the video, one explained that the user in the video was gaining extra stats by hitting a scarecrow for a month. Things like this spurred Don to look for any additional information he could on Royal Road, he was as much of an expert as he could be without playing it. There were other VR games besides Royal Road of course. There was Universe, a sci-fi game where you could explore planets, fight alien races, and try to conquer it all with fleets of starships. Or for something smaller there was Desert Gun, a shooter game that had every type of firearm imaginable as well as a few unique vehicles, it took place in a vast wasteland filled with monsters and secrets. One VR game that gained popularity for a while was Hero, the game where you could become a super powered hero or an evil super powered villain. But none of these VR games ever gained the popularity Royal Road had. The AI that powered Royal Road was unique among unique, the programming was decades ahead of its time and gave the game's quests, NPCs, maps, dungeons, and adventures a degree of quality that no other game could match. That and the price was the best for the package. Universe technically had more to offer than Royal Road but all those worlds meant more servers to run it and more servers mean a higher price tag to play. Desert Gun wasn't a bad game but the players who relied on the auto assist for targeting were always slaughtered by those who could do it by instinct. Unless the player was gifted, most grew bored with getting shot repeatedly by snipers from a thousand yards out. Don finished cataloging everything half an hour before quitting time. Immediately after he went to a back area to look at the capsule stored there. A capsule was the full immersion hardware for all VR games. Eugine, the man he worked with caught him staring at it and said, "Will I be the best man at your wedding?" Don rolled his eyes. His friend knew that Don had that capsule on layaway for the past six months. Paying for college and his share of an apartment as well as the cost of living spent almost all his pay each month. What little he had left was enough to pay for a monthly subscription to play royal road, but it was not enough to buy a capsule even if he saved for a year. What he had done was use the store's money to buy a broken capsule someone brought in, then fix it up himself and buy it using a layaway plan. His manager approved doing so but Don wouldn't be able to take it home until the final payment was taken out of his check. And since it was the end of the month, that would happen at the end of this shift. Don said, "You can be the flower girl." Eugine tried to slug Don's shoulder but even without looking back Don dodged and walked around saying, "Not today man." Eugine smiled and said, "Start out in Haven kingdom and I'll show you who's the man." Eugine's parents bought him a capsule months ago so he was already playing Royal Road. And as any friend would, he never let an opportunity pass to rub it in Don's face. Don's parent had actually offered to buy one for him like they had for his sister, but he declined on the grounds a real man should not rely on others. Eugine asked, "So what race you gonna choose?" Don said, "Don't know yet, Barbarian, Dwarf, maybe Orc.” “Those are so common. You’re an expert on Royal Road, so why not do try to do something no one has done before.” Don thought on it for a bit. He had wanted to become a powerful warrior, but a Barbarian Warrior was not exactly an original concept. “What do you suggest?” he asked. “How about an elf?” Don sighed, and after a moment said, “Besides playing as an actual woman, that is about as far from manly as one can go.” Eugine smiled, “And that is why you should do it. Think of it as a challenge. The path to make a manly elf isn’t something most people would take. You may end up walking a unique path.” Don felt slightly annoyed with how easily Eugine was able to push his buttons. But that didn’t make his point any less valid. Of course Don didn’t want a cookie cutter adventure, he wanted something that was his own. “I’ll think about it,” was his answer. When his shift was over and his paycheck through, he got the OK to take the capsule home. He had already borrowed his roommate’s van to drive to work that day so he could load the capsule himself instead of paying to have it delivered. Of course since his roommate wasn’t there he would have to carry the thing to the second story of this apartment on his own. After an exhausting thirty minutes carefully navigating it up the stairs and through his barely large enough door, he successfully got it inside and in full working order. After plugging it in and setting it to run a self diagnostic he called up Unicorn Inc. to get an account. The whole thing took less time than he thought, the diagnostic still had another twenty minutes before being completed. Of course he could have plugged and played but he didn’t want to take any chances, he would make sure the capsule was working at 100% before going into Royal Road. He decided to take a short walk around his apartments. The brisk air was refreshing and the moon was bright. Although it was the end of the month it was in fact a full moon, the second one that month. After he felt the chilling wind against his bones he decided that walking around at night without shoes and socks was not the wisest decision so he hurried back to his apartment. As he walked back inside his cell phone went off, for a moment he was worried it was Unicorn Incorporated telling him something was wrong but a quick glance at the caller ID calmed his nerves, it was just his sister. -Hey Lisa. -Did you start yet? His sister was also aware today was the day he got a capsule. -Not yet, I will in another minute though. -Oh good, start in Hiritol, Trisden kingdom. -Is that where you are? -Yea, I wanna show you around. Don knew Hiritol was a recently discovered city in Trisden Kingdom. Trisden was on the eastern frontier, south of Rosenheim, east of the central part of the continent. It wasn’t a bad place to start but Don always tried to be independent in any situation and starting where she was implied relying on her. That being said, he always had difficulty saying no to his little sister. -Is there a training hall there? -Yes, yes, there’s one of those here. -Alright I’ll start there. -Ok, see you there, all noobs login at the same spot their first time so I’ll be waiting there for you. -Ok, see you soon. During the call he heard the tell tale Ding* that signaled the diagnostic went fine. He jumped in the capsule, closed the top, and waited for it to start. | Connect to Royal Road?Yes|No | | --- | He answered, "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 “Don.” -Select your gender from male, female or neutral "Male" -Royal Road has forty-nine races. You may select your race from the primary thirty-two races that are currently available. ‘Thirty-two?’ Don thought. He had of course kept himself up to date on Royal Road’s race selection availabilities and he knew there to be only thirty-one races available at the time, meaning another race he was unaware of was currently available for selection. “View Selection.” A ring of races appeared before him he could scroll through. Each one bore the appearance of what he would look like as that race along with a small description of the race’s features. “View initial Stats.” Another window appeared along with the image of each race. When a player starts a character, that character has fifty stat points. What those stats were and how they were distributed was dependent on the race chosen. | Human Initial Status Window | | | --- | --- | | Health 100 | Mana 100 | | Strength 10 | Agility 10 | | Wisdom 10 | Intellect 10 | | Vitality 10 | Luck 0 | | Leadership 0 | | | Attack 2 | Defense 0 | | Humans have a wide variety of possibilities, with no real specialty. | | Humans were a nice round race, they could be warriors or mages, thieves or archers, or anything really. A good race for those who haven’t decided what they wanted to be. Don flicked the ring of races, letting it come to a stop on its own where it landed on Dark Dwarf. | Dark Dwarf Initial Status Window | | | --- | --- | | Health 90 | Mana 100 | | Strength 8 | Agility 9 | | Wisdom 9 | Intellect 12 | | Vitality 12 | Charisma 0 | | Leadership 0 | | | Attack 2 | Defense 0 | | Dark Dwarves are a subclass of dwarf. They are not as strong but they have a great talent in magic. Dwarves start out with the Handicraft skill, are unable to ride a horse, and cannot reach above advanced in weapon masteries regardless of class. | | Dark Dwarves were an interesting race, they could not go head to head against an elf in magic power but they made a good base for a swordmage class. Don slowly rolled the cursor over each race, looking at its traits and stats, not only to get familiar with each, but to find this thirty-second available class. This list had, Orc, Half-orc, Gnome, Fairy, Barbarian, Halfling, Ekril, these were all races whose availability he already knew of. Finally he got to the elf selection. | Wood Elf Initial Status Window | | | --- | --- | | Health 80 | Mana 120 | | Strength 8 | Agility 12 | | Wisdom 12 | Intellect 10 | | Vitality 8 | Affinity to Nature 0 | | Leadership 0 | | | Attack 2 | Defense 0 | | Wood Elves have the greatest respect for nature, their bodies are not the strongest but they have the greatest connection to the natural world of any race. | | | High Elf Initial Status Window | | | --- | --- | | Health 80 | Mana 120 | | Strength 8 | Agility 12 | | Wisdom 11 | Intellect 11 | | Vitality 8 | Affinity to Nature 0 | | Leadership 0 | | | Attack 2 | Defense 0 | | High Elves pride themselves on their magic and bowman skills. Though weak in body they have a high potential for many forms of long distance combat. | | | Lunar Elf Initial Status Window | | | --- | --- | | Health 100 | Mana 100 | | Strength 9 | Agility 11 | | Wisdom 11 | Intellect 9 | | Vitality 10 | Affinity to Nature 0 | | Leadership 0 | | | Attack 3 | Defense 0 | | Lunar elves are born with innate wanderlust. They love to explore, are adept fighters, though are not as skilled in magic as other races of elf. Lunar Elves can learn explorer skills regardless of class and have a strong connection to the heavens. Note-This race can only be chosen during the interval a blue moon, or second full moon within the same calendar month is in the sky over the region the player is registering from. | | Don almost felt his heart stop. Between High Elf and Dark Elf was the race he had never seen before, a race that was only available during a blue moon. Blue moons are not common, in fact they only happen about once every two to three years. it was entirely possible that this was the first blue moon since Royal Road came out. After checking through the other races Don was certain he would go with Lunar elf. Of course it wasn’t as powerful as a Barbarian but making it stronger would be a worthwhile challenge. “Lunar Elf.” -You may alter your appearance using the index. Don’s features as a lunar elf were shown before him. His original appearance wasn’t bad, but it was fairly plain. His appearance as a lunar elf however, seemed handsome to say the least. His hard features were made slender, his stocky body made taller, his tan skin made pale with a slight hint of bluish hue. That along with silvery white hair and piercing green eyes with minute golden specs throughout made him something that would probably attract stares. He opened the menu to begin changing his appearance closer to his old self, but as he was doing so he remembered his sister. He thought, ‘Crap, she’s been waiting this whole time!’ He didn’t want to make her wait any longer so he said, “This appearance is fine," and started without changing it. -Your account has been created. Your stats and class shall be determined while you are playing Royal Road. -Select a city and Kingdom you want to start. “The City of Hiritol, Trisden kingdom.” -Welcome to Royal Road. A blinding light flashed and disappeared. He could now see the world around him. He had finally made it, he was in Royal Road. Among the groups of people walking about the starting point was a little girl sitting on a bench, looking very annoyed. Don approached cautiously and said, “Hey...” At first she looked up thinking it was someone bothering her, but slowly she recognized his features. “Don?” She said. “Well, yea. Sorry for making you wait.” Her faced turned into one of shock at his appearance. Even a few other people started trying to catch a glimpse. “You choose an elf?" she asked. Don explained the conversation with Eugine, as well as the story behind the Lunar Elf race. She remained silent for a moment before asking, “Did you get anything else?” “Like what?” He answered. “Well, dwarves get handicraft, maybe lunar elves get a starting skill as well.” It was worth a shot to find out. Don said aloud, “Show Skill Window.” | Skill Window | | | --- | --- | | Light of the Heavens [Max] 00%Gives a buff dependent on what celestial bodies are in the sky. Duration: 2 Hours.Mana Cost: 100 Can be used once per day | After describing it his sister said, “So not just the moon, but anything? Try it out.” “Alright, Light of the Heavens.” The sun’s light seemed to become insanely intense for an instant, everyone in the area noticed and winced. | Solar Buff+10% Fire Affinity+10% Strength | | --- | “Got ten percent bonus to fire affinity and strength.” “Only ten percent for a maxed skill huh.” Don and his sister both made the assessment that the skills strength was dependent on the strength of the light source. The sun was long past its peak so it may be able to give much stronger buffs. “Ok, that's enough for now. First things first, My name here is Sierra. Don’t call me by my real name, what name did you choose?” “Don.” “Typical. Ok Don, would you like to be my friend?” | Sierra has sent a friend request, would you like to add Sierra to your friend list?Yes|No | | --- | Usually family members are automatically registered to a User's friend list. But Don had not registered his sister or parents as family members. It had been an attempt at independence but it hadn't work out too well. | Sierra has been added to your friend list. | | --- | "Hey, can I be you friend?" A beautiful user walked up to Don wearing a flowing orange dress. | Lola has sent a friend request, would you like to add Lola to your friend list?Yes|No | | --- | Don started to sweat. In the pursuit of Manliness, Don had overcome many obstacles, but this was something that had never happened before. "Umm, well... I .. ahh.." Three more women came up to him. "Hey there handsome, wanna be friends?" "No, I saw him first, Be my friend." "No! He's mine, be my friend!" | Brittney has sent a friend request, would you like to add Brittney to your friend list?Yes|No | | --- | | June has sent a friend request, would you like to add June to your friend list?Yes|No | | --- | | Trish has sent a friend request, would you like to add Trish to your friend list?Yes|No | | --- | Don was short on breath, it wasn't exactly that he was shy around women, it was that he had no confidence in being able to talk to them. "Ehh, well, you see.. I ah.. Don't know any of you so.. please... ahh..." He was practically whispering near the end. His sister grabbed his hand and started running. He frantically followed, though his shortness of breath from attempting to talk made him slow. After a few minutes they stopped so Don could catch a breath. Sierra gave him a, -That's what you get for making me wait- look before cracking up. She said, "Was that the first time a beautiful women asked you to become her friend?" Don gave a grimace. His current girlfriend that took him half a year to ask out was homely. Not unattractive, but you'd never see her on the cover of a magazine. With his plain face and stocky build, his original appearance never gave him this kind of problem. He had no experience what so ever, and his sister seemed to enjoy it. Don denied the friend requests and thanked Sierra for helping. She exclaimed, “Ok, lets go explore the city!” But Don had to stop her here. “Wait a moment. I can’t rely on you completely. I’ll be free to chat of course but I would like to start at the training hall for now.” Don expected his sister to be upset but she sighed and said, “How did I know you were going to say that...” Sierra took out a large sack and handed it to Don saying, “You are not allowed to refuse, this is enough food to last until you can leave the city and hunt for yourself.” Don took the sack and thanked his sister graciously, after which she showed him to the training hall. Don stood before the massive building, his hands shaking with anticipation. This was it, this is where his adventure would begin. | Chapter 2 The Manly Training<!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=185&t=1534&p=9255#p9255">viewtopic.php?f=185&t=1534&p=9255#p9255</a><!-- l --> | | --- | 

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Chapter 6 War Preparation<br><br>Disclaimer: I own nothing , this is purely a fanfic for enjoyment. Cross-over from various games , books and anime.<br><br>Hari's POV:<br><br>After the deal I made with the Kazekage, I decided to share the great news to Gaara. I took the scenic route to my apartment, and bought some groceries. The situation demanded a celebration. It's not everyday you get a Village leader to make a successful deal, with a child no less, but I guess my lucked paid off.<br><br>I arrived at the my apartment, and greeted Gaara.<br><br>"Yo!."Hari said casually.<br><br>"You!, Your still alive?, I thought you went to visit my father?, I guess you backed out, huh?, wise decision." said Gaara.<br><br>"Actually I did visit your father."Hari declared.<br><br>"Gasp!, and your still alive?, what kind of deal did you make with the devil to pull that off?."Gaara asked.<br><br>"The same kind who kicks you out in another world, and replaces your hard earned skills with a random one." Hari said sarcastically.<br><br>"Huh?."<br><br>"I'm joking, ( well not really ), I have made a deal with your father, and he will stop sending assasins to you, provided that I always stay close to you, so it's a win-win situation." Hari declared.<br><br>"Gasp!, Is it really true?, but he doesn't take kindly to strangers, or most people at all, how did you do it?."asked Gaara<br><br>"Its simple, I bribed him." Hari said in a matter of fact tone.<br><br>"Huh?, did you pull out money out of you ass?, money doesn't grow on trees you know, that was a good joke attempt, I wish you were my brother." said Gaara.<br><br>" Well, not money per se, just some gold bars, and as for your wish, I will really become your brother. It was part of the deal we made, he suggested that he adopts me so that I can help you train, and control your Biju, as well as me helping out whenever your about to go berserk. Oh, I'll be with you in your Biju training every step of the way." Hari explained.<br><br>"Gasp!, really?, that means that you'll be my nii-san?." asked Gaara.<br><br>"Yes, I'm guilty, it's all true on all accounts."answered Hari.<br><br>"And also, what do you mean that you'll be with me with my Biju training?, it's far too dangerous nii-san." asked Gaara.<br><br>"Well, not really, you probably don't remember much yesterday, but I battled with your Biju for ten hours, and let's just say that it left some side effects on me that will help me be safe to be near you." answered Hari.<br><br>"What do you mean nii-san?." Gaara asked.<br><br>"Here, I'll just show you." With that said, Sand started floating around Hari.<br><br>"Gasp!, your like me now, you really are my nii-san." Gaara declared<br><br>"You betcha, now I'll cook you a feast, this calls for a celebration." Hari declared<br><br>After a day of feasting, it was finally time to meet with the Kazekage household.<br><br>Meanwhile at the Kazekage's office. A number of influential politicians, village elders, and clan heads were in for a meeting that would change the world.<br><br>"What is this meeting for Kazakage-sama.?"<br><br>"Yes, we haven't gathered like this for a decade, is something important going on?."<br><br>"Are we being attacked?."<br><br>"No, gentlemen, I have gathered here today, for today we will declare war to the world, and well start with Konoha." The Kazekage declared.<br><br>"Are you crazy?, we don't have the manpower to survive a war, especially against Konoha, we just don't have the funds, we can't afford it, the wind Daimyo has cut off job offers to us, and has favored Konoha."<br>"Yes, you must be crazy old man, you really have gone senile."<br><br>"Mwahahahahah, No my friend, what if I told you, and members of the council that someone has graciously donated us tons of money, enough to wage war to the world." The Kazekage explained.<br><br>"Gasp!, but that would cost at least two hundred million at least to get our forces in tip top shape, and to wage war with Konoha of all the places, it's one of the strongest village. Have you forgotten that we lost the last war to them. Curse them, If it wasn't for those Sanin, and Konoha's white gang, we would have won."<br><br>"What I say in this meeting will be an S-rank secret, possible punishment is death if you tell someone that is not permitted to know." The Kazekage declared.<br><br>"Yesterday, someone has graciously filled our Village vaults to the brim with gold, an estimated value of two billion ryo the least, and if we find the right merchant we can double it to four billion ryo." The Kazekage explained.<br><br>"Gasp!, that much?, unbelievable, with that much we can afford to wage war to the whole world. Please Kazekage-sama, tell me your not joking."said hopefully.<br><br>"I'm not, We also have acquired a way to suppress our jinchuuriki from going berserk, and we also have acquired a new weapon that could rival a jinchuuriki."<br><br>"Gasp!, a way to suppress the jinchuuriki?, ahh you must mean the incident yesterday."<br><br>"But wait!, what do you mean a new weapon that could rival a jinchuuriki?, what weapon if not a biju at our disposal could rival Shukaku?."<br><br>"My friend, it was very surprising, the same person who gave us these funds is actually the new weapon that I'm going to reveal, may I have your word that none of you will harm him?." The Kazekage explained.<br><br>"Why of course, if he is our benefactor, why would we harm him?, he should be treated as a hero."<br><br>"Yes, our benefactor is also the one who suppressed shukaku yesterday, and as a result of that fiasco, he has become an artificial jinchuuriki, or pseudo jinchuuriki, with control over sand like our very own junchuuriki. This person is loyal to our village, and it is imperative that we train them both to control their powers. Imagine to my surprise surprise yesterday when he came to me, and actually proposed the deal. Of course I had to take a gamble if he was an assassin, or spy, when I took him to the village vaults alone. Imagine to my surprise when he pulled out gold bars out of his ass." The Kazekage explained the incident with mirth.<br><br>"Really Kazekage-sama?."said in disbelief.<br><br>"Yes, that's why I'm going to adopt him, so he can watch over Gaara, and train with him."<br><br>"Gentlemen, we must prepare for war. We must exchange the golds covertly, and we can now fund our ninja program as well as expand our territory, along with needs of our citizens. We must prepare diligently, and also not leak this information to spies. We will attack Konoha in three years time." The Kazekage declared.<br><br>"<span style="font-weight: bold;">Its time to take what's rightfully ours and show the world the might of Suna, So who is with me?.</span>" The Kazekage asked.<br><br>"<span style="font-weight: bold;">We are!, Suna Banzai!, Kazekage Banzai!, Suna Banzai!, Kazekage Banzai!.</span>"<br><br>"So it Begins, in three years, we will have what's rightfully ours." </div>

Chapter 6 War Preparation Disclaimer: I own nothing , this is purely a fanfic for enjoyment. Cross-over from various games , books and anime. Hari's POV: After the deal I made with the Kazekage, I decided to share the great news to Gaara. I took the scenic route to my apartment, and bought some groceries. The situation demanded a celebration. It's not everyday you get a Village leader to make a successful deal, with a child no less, but I guess my lucked paid off. I arrived at the my apartment, and greeted Gaara. "Yo!."Hari said casually. "You!, Your still alive?, I thought you went to visit my father?, I guess you backed out, huh?, wise decision." said Gaara. "Actually I did visit your father."Hari declared. "Gasp!, and your still alive?, what kind of deal did you make with the devil to pull that off?."Gaara asked. "The same kind who kicks you out in another world, and replaces your hard earned skills with a random one." Hari said sarcastically. "Huh?." "I'm joking, ( well not really ), I have made a deal with your father, and he will stop sending assasins to you, provided that I always stay close to you, so it's a win-win situation." Hari declared. "Gasp!, Is it really true?, but he doesn't take kindly to strangers, or most people at all, how did you do it?."asked Gaara "Its simple, I bribed him." Hari said in a matter of fact tone. "Huh?, did you pull out money out of you ass?, money doesn't grow on trees you know, that was a good joke attempt, I wish you were my brother." said Gaara. " Well, not money per se, just some gold bars, and as for your wish, I will really become your brother. It was part of the deal we made, he suggested that he adopts me so that I can help you train, and control your Biju, as well as me helping out whenever your about to go berserk. Oh, I'll be with you in your Biju training every step of the way." Hari explained. "Gasp!, really?, that means that you'll be my nii-san?." asked Gaara. "Yes, I'm guilty, it's all true on all accounts."answered Hari. "And also, what do you mean that you'll be with me with my Biju training?, it's far too dangerous nii-san." asked Gaara. "Well, not really, you probably don't remember much yesterday, but I battled with your Biju for ten hours, and let's just say that it left some side effects on me that will help me be safe to be near you." answered Hari. "What do you mean nii-san?." Gaara asked. "Here, I'll just show you." With that said, Sand started floating around Hari. "Gasp!, your like me now, you really are my nii-san." Gaara declared "You betcha, now I'll cook you a feast, this calls for a celebration." Hari declared After a day of feasting, it was finally time to meet with the Kazekage household. Meanwhile at the Kazekage's office. A number of influential politicians, village elders, and clan heads were in for a meeting that would change the world. "What is this meeting for Kazakage-sama.?" "Yes, we haven't gathered like this for a decade, is something important going on?." "Are we being attacked?." "No, gentlemen, I have gathered here today, for today we will declare war to the world, and well start with Konoha." The Kazekage declared. "Are you crazy?, we don't have the manpower to survive a war, especially against Konoha, we just don't have the funds, we can't afford it, the wind Daimyo has cut off job offers to us, and has favored Konoha." "Yes, you must be crazy old man, you really have gone senile." "Mwahahahahah, No my friend, what if I told you, and members of the council that someone has graciously donated us tons of money, enough to wage war to the world." The Kazekage explained. "Gasp!, but that would cost at least two hundred million at least to get our forces in tip top shape, and to wage war with Konoha of all the places, it's one of the strongest village. Have you forgotten that we lost the last war to them. Curse them, If it wasn't for those Sanin, and Konoha's white gang, we would have won." "What I say in this meeting will be an S-rank secret, possible punishment is death if you tell someone that is not permitted to know." The Kazekage declared. "Yesterday, someone has graciously filled our Village vaults to the brim with gold, an estimated value of two billion ryo the least, and if we find the right merchant we can double it to four billion ryo." The Kazekage explained. "Gasp!, that much?, unbelievable, with that much we can afford to wage war to the whole world. Please Kazekage-sama, tell me your not joking."said hopefully. "I'm not, We also have acquired a way to suppress our jinchuuriki from going berserk, and we also have acquired a new weapon that could rival a jinchuuriki." "Gasp!, a way to suppress the jinchuuriki?, ahh you must mean the incident yesterday." "But wait!, what do you mean a new weapon that could rival a jinchuuriki?, what weapon if not a biju at our disposal could rival Shukaku?." "My friend, it was very surprising, the same person who gave us these funds is actually the new weapon that I'm going to reveal, may I have your word that none of you will harm him?." The Kazekage explained. "Why of course, if he is our benefactor, why would we harm him?, he should be treated as a hero." "Yes, our benefactor is also the one who suppressed shukaku yesterday, and as a result of that fiasco, he has become an artificial jinchuuriki, or pseudo jinchuuriki, with control over sand like our very own junchuuriki. This person is loyal to our village, and it is imperative that we train them both to control their powers. Imagine to my surprise surprise yesterday when he came to me, and actually proposed the deal. Of course I had to take a gamble if he was an assassin, or spy, when I took him to the village vaults alone. Imagine to my surprise when he pulled out gold bars out of his ass." The Kazekage explained the incident with mirth. "Really Kazekage-sama?."said in disbelief. "Yes, that's why I'm going to adopt him, so he can watch over Gaara, and train with him." "Gentlemen, we must prepare for war. We must exchange the golds covertly, and we can now fund our ninja program as well as expand our territory, along with needs of our citizens. We must prepare diligently, and also not leak this information to spies. We will attack Konoha in three years time." The Kazekage declared. "Its time to take what's rightfully ours and show the world the might of Suna, So who is with me?." The Kazekage asked. "We are!, Suna Banzai!, Kazekage Banzai!, Suna Banzai!, Kazekage Banzai!." "So it Begins, in three years, we will have what's rightfully ours."

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-style: italic;">* thoughts*</span><br><br>~sound effects~<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">+++++</div><br><br><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chapter 15: Attack</span><br><br><br>Now, Neuron was sprinting towards the gate of the town, why? Well he had some energy to burn, one because he stayed inside this small reading room for over two hours without the possibility to stretch his feet, because there was literally no place, and second because he had gained such a quest, and had now to vent off the excitement.<br><br>So now he stood on the wall, and shooting at the little rabbits, even managing to hit some.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Nice, the training paid off, now, let`s try, if I can raise my luck*</span><br><br>After thinking this he shot his arrows inside the forest again, now with the new skill shower, which split his arrows into two, increasing the possibility of hitting something, but even Neuron was surprised about the barrage of messages that he received.<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;"> Critical Hit! </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;"> Critical Hit! </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;"> Critical Hit! </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;"> Critical Hit! </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*What, I just shot three arrows, how did more than half of the split ones manage to hit something!* </span><br><br>But while pondering about why he didn´t get any increase in luck, despite hitting so much Kyle whispered him sounding rather urgent<br><br>“Neuron, we got a problem”<br><br>“Tell me!”<br><br>“My Brother got betrayed; one of his party members sold the information about this town to a guild called The Ravens”<br><br>“How did he find out?”<br><br>“What, that’s all you think about!”<br><br>“Yeah”<br><br>“You are such an…., o well” resigned Kyle “ because he was told it, before he was killed”<br><br>“Ähm, Kyle” <br><br>“Yeah??” <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Why does Neuron sound shocked?* </span><br><br>“Are the people from that guild wearing a black raven as their mark?”<br><br>“Wait, I have to ask my brother.”<br><br>…..<br><br>“Why did you ask that anyway”<br><br>“Well, many people wearing that sign just exited the forest”<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Ah, that explains all those messages, I hope they won`t be angry*</span><br><br>“WHAT THE FUCK”<br><br>“Well anyways, I think, i`ll let them in”<br><br>“NO YOU DON`T!”<br><br>“Come on, think about it, this city is heavily under guarded, and we are powerless, and even stuck inside this city, so we can`t escape!”<br><br>“But, nonetheless never let them in!”<br><br>“Are right in your head?, you don`t see what I’m seeing, they easily more than 200 and they are already building a battering ram!, the alarm didn´t even sound as of now, I bet they all evacuated their posts”<br><br>“Never let them in!”<br><br>Because Kyle wouldn´t listen to his reasoning, Neuron turned off the whispers, and he even had to block him for now, because he kept pestering him<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Damn, if you just could see what I see, then you wouldn`t be so hidebound*</span><br><br>What Neuron was seeing shocked him, for him it looked like they were well organized and structured, but in reality they were an unorganized bunch, because the guild leador hired many mercenaries, and the command structure was nonexistent, because the guild only numbered 100 people, and those all thought highly of themselves, and thus not listening to anything the mercenaries said. They even let them do all the work of constructing the battering ram, at which the mercenaries in return took their time, and made it less durable than they were able to.<br>Nonetheless, they would be able to invade the city, which alarm wasn´t sounding even now!<br><br>So Neuron had no other option than letting them in to avoid casualties (Well, revenge for hitting them with arrows). So he took out the calligraphy set and wrote on a paper, then he fastened it on an arrow and shot it towards what he assumed to be the commander.<br><br>…….<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;"> Neuron has hit you! -80hp </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> <span style="font-style: italic;">*What*</span> thought the guild leader, while turning around to look who hit him, but couldn´t see anything other his men and farther ahead the town wall.<br><br>“Hey do you know who hit me right now?” He asked the nearest person<br><br>“Yeah, you have an arrow pointing out from behind your back, looks kinda funny!”<br><br>Grunting he reached for the arrow and pulled it out, noticing, that a letter was fastened to it<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Wow, a letter arrow, never thought I’d see something like that, wait, who the fuck hit me!* </span><br><br>While thinking that he opened the letter<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li>If you want me to open the gates for you, shoot a volley of fireballs on the field before the wall<br><br>PS: I`m sorry if I hit somebody<br>Sincerely Neuron</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Hmmm, this could be a prank, but it won´t hurt to try, what do we have to lose?* </span><br><br>After thinking that he raised his voice:” Mages shoot some fireballs on the field before you!”<br><br>The mages of course questioned the order, but those from the guild soon followed his command and shot 15 fireballs.<br><br>……..<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Oops, I hit their leader straight in the back.* </span><br><br>“WOW” he shouted after seeing all of the fireballs shot high in the air and then crashing on the ground, exploding, and leaving small smoldering craters behind.<br><br>Then he went to work. When he went inside the gate room, a small evacuated circular room with a winch in the middle, that greeted him like a lost friend.<br><br>~grunt~ <span style="font-style: italic;">*This is harder than I thought*</span> while thinking that he pushed the winch with all he was worth. Then it slowly began to move.<br><br>-------<br><span style="font-style: italic;">*wow he really did it!* </span><br><br>“Good now guys, charge!”<br><br>And with this Gaber was invaded by The Raven guild without any casualties, later they were praised by others for this feet, but the fact, that someone opened the gate for them was kept secret.<br><br>-------<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*man, I don´t want to talk with kyle right now, but I must*</span><br><br>After returning to the smithy he met a calmer Kyle than he anticipated<br><br>“Ähm, Kyle,…”<br><br>“Stop, I know, why you did it, it is just, something my brother discovered, so, I was a little attached to that..”<br><br>“Hmmm, well, ähm, do you have thought about the quest” <br><br>“No, I wanted to talk with you about that”<br><br>“good, I have something to tell you”<br><br>And after that he explained everything to Kyle once again<br><br>“So do you want to participate?”<br><br>“Why not, seems like fun, and I like the idea of discovering something”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li>Kyle has joined your quest </li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> “Great!, Now I’m going back to training”<br><br>“Yeah, I’m going to prepare too”<br><br>And with that done, they finished their one month time inside the city.<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">End Chapter: 15</div><br><br>Here a little present for you, two chapters yay, `:^:^)~ <br>If you wanna know why, it is becasue today is a special day {[999bav}] </div>

* thoughts* ~sound effects~ +++++ Chapter 15: Attack Now, Neuron was sprinting towards the gate of the town, why? Well he had some energy to burn, one because he stayed inside this small reading room for over two hours without the possibility to stretch his feet, because there was literally no place, and second because he had gained such a quest, and had now to vent off the excitement. So now he stood on the wall, and shooting at the little rabbits, even managing to hit some. *Nice, the training paid off, now, let`s try, if I can raise my luck* After thinking this he shot his arrows inside the forest again, now with the new skill shower, which split his arrows into two, increasing the possibility of hitting something, but even Neuron was surprised about the barrage of messages that he received. | * Critical Hit! | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Critical Hit! | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Critical Hit! | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Critical Hit! | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | *What, I just shot three arrows, how did more than half of the split ones manage to hit something!* But while pondering about why he didn´t get any increase in luck, despite hitting so much Kyle whispered him sounding rather urgent “Neuron, we got a problem” “Tell me!” “My Brother got betrayed; one of his party members sold the information about this town to a guild called The Ravens” “How did he find out?” “What, that’s all you think about!” “Yeah” “You are such an…., o well” resigned Kyle “ because he was told it, before he was killed” “Ähm, Kyle” “Yeah??” *Why does Neuron sound shocked?* “Are the people from that guild wearing a black raven as their mark?” “Wait, I have to ask my brother.” ….. “Why did you ask that anyway” “Well, many people wearing that sign just exited the forest” *Ah, that explains all those messages, I hope they won`t be angry* “WHAT THE FUCK” “Well anyways, I think, i`ll let them in” “NO YOU DON`T!” “Come on, think about it, this city is heavily under guarded, and we are powerless, and even stuck inside this city, so we can`t escape!” “But, nonetheless never let them in!” “Are right in your head?, you don`t see what I’m seeing, they easily more than 200 and they are already building a battering ram!, the alarm didn´t even sound as of now, I bet they all evacuated their posts” “Never let them in!” Because Kyle wouldn´t listen to his reasoning, Neuron turned off the whispers, and he even had to block him for now, because he kept pestering him *Damn, if you just could see what I see, then you wouldn`t be so hidebound* What Neuron was seeing shocked him, for him it looked like they were well organized and structured, but in reality they were an unorganized bunch, because the guild leador hired many mercenaries, and the command structure was nonexistent, because the guild only numbered 100 people, and those all thought highly of themselves, and thus not listening to anything the mercenaries said. They even let them do all the work of constructing the battering ram, at which the mercenaries in return took their time, and made it less durable than they were able to. Nonetheless, they would be able to invade the city, which alarm wasn´t sounding even now! So Neuron had no other option than letting them in to avoid casualties (Well, revenge for hitting them with arrows). So he took out the calligraphy set and wrote on a paper, then he fastened it on an arrow and shot it towards what he assumed to be the commander. ……. | * Neuron has hit you! -80hp | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | *What* thought the guild leader, while turning around to look who hit him, but couldn´t see anything other his men and farther ahead the town wall. “Hey do you know who hit me right now?” He asked the nearest person “Yeah, you have an arrow pointing out from behind your back, looks kinda funny!” Grunting he reached for the arrow and pulled it out, noticing, that a letter was fastened to it *Wow, a letter arrow, never thought I’d see something like that, wait, who the fuck hit me!* While thinking that he opened the letter | * If you want me to open the gates for you, shoot a volley of fireballs on the field before the wallPS: I`m sorry if I hit somebodySincerely Neuron | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | *Hmmm, this could be a prank, but it won´t hurt to try, what do we have to lose?* After thinking that he raised his voice:” Mages shoot some fireballs on the field before you!” The mages of course questioned the order, but those from the guild soon followed his command and shot 15 fireballs. …….. *Oops, I hit their leader straight in the back.* “WOW” he shouted after seeing all of the fireballs shot high in the air and then crashing on the ground, exploding, and leaving small smoldering craters behind. Then he went to work. When he went inside the gate room, a small evacuated circular room with a winch in the middle, that greeted him like a lost friend. ~grunt~ *This is harder than I thought* while thinking that he pushed the winch with all he was worth. Then it slowly began to move. ------- *wow he really did it!* “Good now guys, charge!” And with this Gaber was invaded by The Raven guild without any casualties, later they were praised by others for this feet, but the fact, that someone opened the gate for them was kept secret. ------- *man, I don´t want to talk with kyle right now, but I must* After returning to the smithy he met a calmer Kyle than he anticipated “Ähm, Kyle,…” “Stop, I know, why you did it, it is just, something my brother discovered, so, I was a little attached to that..” “Hmmm, well, ähm, do you have thought about the quest” “No, I wanted to talk with you about that” “good, I have something to tell you” And after that he explained everything to Kyle once again “So do you want to participate?” “Why not, seems like fun, and I like the idea of discovering something” | * Kyle has joined your quest | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | “Great!, Now I’m going back to training” “Yeah, I’m going to prepare too” And with that done, they finished their one month time inside the city. End Chapter: 15 Here a little present for you, two chapters yay, `:^:^)~ If you wanna know why, it is becasue today is a special day {[999bav}]

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-style: italic;">* thoughts*</span><br><br>~sound effects~<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">+++++</div><br><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chapter 16: Finally outside</span><br><br><br>Finally after one month Neuron and Kyle were allowed to go outside the city, well, Neuron finished his ban before Kyle, but they agreed to go outside together so he stayed inside to train. <br><br>After an annoying time of waiting Kyle finally showed up, but Neuron didn`t recognize him at first, because he had a full plate armor on and on his back where a round shield, and a bastard sword, he only recognized him when Kyle stopped before him.<br><br>“Hey Neuron”<br><br>“Wow, I didn`t recognize you at first I, thought that you`d become some kind of Dexterity based class, well I guess looks can be deceiving.”<br><br>“Yeah, things happened; by the way, you look good too”<br><br>“Thanks”<br><br>Neurons gear was all made from leather, leather pants, shirt, and leather sweater, it didn`t give much defense wise, but it provided high mobility. <br>It really looked like the garment of a native American, and he knew it, so he also added many fringes to increase the effect.<br>The only odd things where his right and left hand gear. At his right hand he had a glove, that only covered his two dominant fingers, meaning his trigger finger and his middle finger, and at the left hand, he had a armguard, that didn`t just protect the outer part of his arm, but also extended inwards.<br><br>“I`m curious, where did you put the weapons I forged for you?”<br><br>At this Neuron pulled up his sweater, and showed his belt where he fixated all the throwing knives”<br><br>“Ahm, I see, but what about the shuriken and the axes too?”<br><br>“Are you blind they are right here too”<br><br>“How did you fixate them like this?”<br><br>“I just took a thread, made a loop on one end, then I beaded on some of the shuriken and put the other end through the loop, too fixate them there. Then I fixated the part with the loop on my belt.”<br><br>“Sweet, but can you throw them quickly like that?”<br><br>“Don’t worry, I trained that a lot. And about the axes, I fixated them right there on my back”<br><br>“So ähm, would you mind showing me your stats?”<br><br>“No, but would you show me yours too?”<br><br>“Okay”<br><br>Simultaneously: “Show Status Window to Kyle/Neuron”<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%">4</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Class</td><td colspan="3">N/A</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fame</td><td width="25%">190</td><td width="25%">Infamy</td><td width="25%">50</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Title</td><td colspan="3">N/A</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">1004</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">720</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">41</td><td width="25%">Dexterity</td><td width="25%">50</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">11</td><td width="25%">Intelligence</td><td width="25%">16</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Vitality</td><td width="25%">23</td><td width="25%">Luck</td><td width="25%">1</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Endurance</td><td width="25%">20</td><td width="25%">Sustenance</td><td width="25%">14</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fighting Spirit</td><td width="25%">3</td><td width="25%">Accuracy</td><td width="25%">5</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Base Attack</td><td width="25%">12</td><td width="25%">Defense</td><td width="25%">6</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><tr><td colspan="4">If your Infamy is higher than your fame, you will be wanted<br>Reward depends on the difference between Fame and Infamy <br>Unused Skill Points 10</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 Lv4</span><br>Increases attack power with Bows (+40 % Attack Damage)<br>Increases accuracy with Bows (+12 % 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 Lv03</span><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><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 Lv8</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%">20 per meter</td><td colspan="2"><ul><br><li>You are now able to disconnect/connect the thread from your body</li><br><li>When the thread is reeled back, the excessive Mana will be stored for 5min</li><br><li>You are now able to connect different things together<br> </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;">Stealth: Beginner Lv3</span><br>It is harder for people to notice you while this skill is active.<br>Stamina consumption is doubled<br>Quick movement and combat cancels the skill.</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;">Identify Beginner Lv4</span><br>Enables you to identify Items</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;">Climbing: Beginner2</span><br>Less stamina is used to climb<br>Falling will hurt less</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;"> Jump: Beginner3 </span><br>Enables you to jump higher and further<br>Decreases the damage from falling<br>Enables you to endure strong impacts with your feet<br>Mana cost: 190<br></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;"> Shower: Beginner Lv1 </span><br>Magically split your each projectile into several arrows when they reach their highest altitude.<br>This skill can only be activated when using a high angle shot.<br>The power of each projectile is decreased by 30%<br>Number of projectiles each projectile will split into will increase by +1 for every skill level.<br>Mana cost will increase per skill level.<br>Current number of projectiles: 2<br>Mana cost: 50</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;"> Throwing Weapon Mastery: Beginner2 </span><br>Increase Attack damage +20%<br>Increases critical hit chance +6%<br>Increases accuracy by +6%<br><br>Attention:<br>You are not able to equip close combat weapons</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;">Hawk Eye: Passive</span><br>Enables you to see things that are far away more clearly <br>Because of your special eyes it will activate when you strain them<br>They will only be visible when activated<br>Contrary to their nature they allow you to see in the dark, costs 20mana per minute<br>Slightly increases critical hit chance.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Caution:</span><br>Because they look a lot like Demon eyes, NPC`s will be afraid of you, when they see them.<br> </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;">Shooting Posture: Passive</span><br>By shooting with the right posture accuracy and critical chance improve<br>+10% Accuracy<br>+3% critical hit chance<br>Lowers the restriction of bows by 5%</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;">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><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;">Ambidextrous: Passive </span><br>Enables you to equip weapons with your off hand<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><div style="text-align: center;">_______________________________________________________________</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;">Status Window</span></td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Name</td><td width="25%">Kyle</td><td width="25%">Level</td><td width="25%">4</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Class</td><td colspan="3">Defender</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fame</td><td width="25%">40</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%">1646</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">800</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">59 (+10)</td><td width="25%">Dexterity</td><td width="25%">41 (+10)</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">13</td><td width="25%">Intelligence</td><td width="25%">18</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Vitality</td><td width="25%">29 (+10)</td><td width="25%">Luck</td><td width="25%">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Endurance</td><td width="25%">30</td><td width="25%">Sustenance</td><td width="25%">17</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fighting Spirit</td><td width="25%">8</td><td width="25%">Block</td><td width="25%">7 (+10)</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Base Attack</td><td width="25%">18</td><td width="25%">Defense</td><td width="25%">9 (+20)</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%">5%</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%">Dark</td><td width="25%">5%</td><td width="25%">Holy</td><td width="25%">5%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">+10 to Vitality, Strength and Dexterity<br>+20 to Defense<br>+10 to Block <br>Mobs attack you before they turn to the group members unless provoked<br>You may not engage mobs unless they attack you first<br>+5% to all Magical Resistance</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;"> Sword Mastery: Beginner Lv6 </span><br>Increases attack power with Swords (+60 % Attack Damage)<br>Increases attack speed with Swords (+18 % Attack Speed)</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;"> Shield Mastery Beginner Lv5 </span><br>Increases block chance (-50% damage taken when blocking)<br>Increases Defense while blocking (+15% Defense)</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;"> Blacksmith Beginner2 </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;"> Repair Beginner Lv2 </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;"> Cooking Beginner Lv1 </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;"> Shield bash Beginner Lv 2 </span><br>Deal Damage equal 2x equipped shields Defense<br>+6% Stun chance<br>Mana cost: 50</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;"> Disarm Beginner Lv1 </span><br>Enables you to Disarm your enemies<br>+1% Stun chance<br>Costs 500 Mana<br><br>Attention!<br>Not possible against Bosses or named monster</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;"> Danger Sense Beginner Lv3</span><br>AOE 3m <br>Activates, when hostile creatures enter the AOE of the skill<br>Mana cost 30</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 Coating Beginner Lv 3</span><br>Coats your weapon or armor with Mana making it endure stronger impacts<br>Durability +6 while the skill is active<br>-30% Damage when blocking<br>Costs: 10 Mana per second</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;"> Push Beginner Lv1 </span><br>Make a dash forward with your shield held in the ready, <br>pushing all enemies that are in the way back<br>Deals damage equal to shields Defense<br>+5% Stun Chance<br>Costs 300 Mana per meter<br>Max of pushable enemies: 5</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;"> Last Word </span><br>When your health drops below 10% you can activate the special class skill:<br>You get full Health and Mana<br>Your health and Mana regeneration is doubled<br>All Class restrictions are negated<br>+50% to all stats<br>You will die after 5min</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Wow, that’s strange”<br><br>“What” asked Kyle<br><br>“Well letting you see my stats, it’s like you are watching me naked”<br><br>“True, now that you say so.., well we have done it, so what is the stat accuracy for?”<br><br>“hmm, like it says it boosts my accuracy, increases the damage I do with ranged attacks, and also increases critical hit chance by a bit, but I can`t put stat points into it”<br><br>“Ok, I get it, and how did you gain the throwing weapon mastery, I only know of one throwing skill, and that is called throw”<br><br>“One day while training I got a weird message it stated, that I can somehow merge my throwing skill and my axe mastery skill, well and since you ask questions, I’ll ask some too, what’s the stat Block?”<br><br>“It basically lets me block attacks without reducing the durability of my weapons as fast and makes me also able to withstand strong impacts”<br><br>“Nice, how the hell did you gain this class, I never heard of it!”<br><br>“Yeah, gaining it is a bit tricky. So let me tell you my story”<br><br>“Go ahead”<br><br>“You know, why I chose this city, so I`ll skip that part. When I first entered the training hall and chose a weapon nothing happened, but when I began beating down the scarecrow Master, äh, I mean the Instructor, came over watched me and also gave me some hints. Then when I tried out the weapons I asked him if there was any shield here, so he answered, no, but I’ll bring you one tomorrow I can`t understand why he became friendly with me so suddenly, according to my brother they are all grumpy men who look at freedman with disgust.”<br><br>“Ah, there I might be able to help you out” interrupted him Neuron: “every time I asked Brairan and Warnton why they did help me so much the only answer I received was, because of boredom”<br><br>“Ah yeah, that makes sense, because this city was just recently discovered, the players didn’t have time to taint those NPC`s<br><br>At this Neuron could only nod and say: “So now let’s resume the story”<br><br>“Right, So the next day he approached me with a shield and offered me a quest”<br><br>“Let me guess, it was named Tutelage”<br><br>“Yeah, but why?”<br><br>“I got that one too” Answered Neuron nonchalantly<br><br>“Shall I tell the story or not?!”<br><br>“Go ahead”<br><br>“So where was i?<br><br>“At the quest”<br><br>“Good, so he tutored me about fighting and we also had some sparring matches, and there I never instigated an attack, I only defended”<br><br>“Boah, sounds tough”<br><br>“And you, how is it that you are classless? Didn`t Brairan offer you a class?”<br><br>“Well he did offer me to become an archer.”<br><br>“And, come on, don`t lecture me about not continuing my story, if you do it yourself!”<br><br>“Sorry, okay. I pondered about it really hard, I even watched some footage about archers, and there I noticed that archer are the most effective in groups off three and more, but one of the group has to be a tank, and the other some cleric, ore someone with healing ability. And to boot they can`t fight in close combat, if it comes to this, they are nearly as squishy as mages, but not with the bonus of high damage. And also the skills an archer gets are involving vision, what I already have and rapid fire, what I don`t need, because I shoot like a sniper and not like a MG. And also…..<br><br>“Okay, okay I get it, you thought it through, I get it, let’s head out already”<br><br>While heading out: “Kyle, why aren`t you using a war hammer, I always thought, that a defender should use one”<br><br>“I don`t have the strength yet to use it with one hand”<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">End Chapter 16</div><br><br>Finally are they outside ~Phew~<br>I didn´t think one month could be this damn long </div>

* thoughts* ~sound effects~ +++++ Chapter 16: Finally outside Finally after one month Neuron and Kyle were allowed to go outside the city, well, Neuron finished his ban before Kyle, but they agreed to go outside together so he stayed inside to train. After an annoying time of waiting Kyle finally showed up, but Neuron didn`t recognize him at first, because he had a full plate armor on and on his back where a round shield, and a bastard sword, he only recognized him when Kyle stopped before him. “Hey Neuron” “Wow, I didn`t recognize you at first I, thought that you`d become some kind of Dexterity based class, well I guess looks can be deceiving.” “Yeah, things happened; by the way, you look good too” “Thanks” Neurons gear was all made from leather, leather pants, shirt, and leather sweater, it didn`t give much defense wise, but it provided high mobility. It really looked like the garment of a native American, and he knew it, so he also added many fringes to increase the effect. The only odd things where his right and left hand gear. At his right hand he had a glove, that only covered his two dominant fingers, meaning his trigger finger and his middle finger, and at the left hand, he had a armguard, that didn`t just protect the outer part of his arm, but also extended inwards. “I`m curious, where did you put the weapons I forged for you?” At this Neuron pulled up his sweater, and showed his belt where he fixated all the throwing knives” “Ahm, I see, but what about the shuriken and the axes too?” “Are you blind they are right here too” “How did you fixate them like this?” “I just took a thread, made a loop on one end, then I beaded on some of the shuriken and put the other end through the loop, too fixate them there. Then I fixated the part with the loop on my belt.” “Sweet, but can you throw them quickly like that?” “Don’t worry, I trained that a lot. And about the axes, I fixated them right there on my back” “So ähm, would you mind showing me your stats?” “No, but would you show me yours too?” “Okay” Simultaneously: “Show Status Window to Kyle/Neuron” | Status Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | Neuron | Level | 4 | | Class | N/A | | | | Fame | 190 | Infamy | 50 | | Title | N/A | | | | Health | 1004 | Mana | 720 | | Strength | 41 | Dexterity | 50 | | Wisdom | 11 | Intelligence | 16 | | Vitality | 23 | Luck | 1 | | Endurance | 20 | Sustenance | 14 | | Fighting Spirit | 3 | Accuracy | 5 | | Base Attack | 12 | Defense | 6 | | Magical Resistance | | | | | Fire | 0% | Water | 0% | | Earth | 0% | Air | 0% | | Dark | 0% | Holy | 0% | | If your Infamy is higher than your fame, you will be wantedReward depends on the difference between Fame and Infamy Unused Skill Points 10 | | | | | * Bow Mastery Beginner Lv4Increases attack power with Bows (+40 % Attack Damage)Increases accuracy with Bows (+12 % accuracy)Raised by Shooting arrows | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Tailoring: Beginner Lv03You can see, where garments are worn outThis applies to everything, a tailor can make | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Mana connection Beginner Lv8You 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 | 20 per meter | * You are now able to disconnect/connect the thread from your body * When the thread is reeled back, the excessive Mana will be stored for 5min * You are now able to connect different things together | | | * Stealth: Beginner Lv3It is harder for people to notice you while this skill is active.Stamina consumption is doubledQuick movement and combat cancels the skill. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Identify Beginner Lv4Enables you to identify Items | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Climbing: Beginner2Less stamina is used to climbFalling will hurt less | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Jump: Beginner3 Enables you to jump higher and furtherDecreases the damage from fallingEnables you to endure strong impacts with your feetMana cost: 190 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Shower: Beginner Lv1 Magically split your each projectile into several arrows when they reach their highest altitude.This skill can only be activated when using a high angle shot.The power of each projectile is decreased by 30%Number of projectiles each projectile will split into will increase by +1 for every skill level.Mana cost will increase per skill level.Current number of projectiles: 2Mana cost: 50 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Throwing Weapon Mastery: Beginner2 Increase Attack damage +20%Increases critical hit chance +6%Increases accuracy by +6%Attention:You are not able to equip close combat weapons | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Hawk Eye: PassiveEnables you to see things that are far away more clearly Because of your special eyes it will activate when you strain themThey will only be visible when activatedContrary to their nature they allow you to see in the dark, costs 20mana per minuteSlightly increases critical hit chance.Caution:Because they look a lot like Demon eyes, NPC`s will be afraid of you, when they see them. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Shooting Posture: PassiveBy shooting with the right posture accuracy and critical chance improve+10% Accuracy+3% critical hit chanceLowers the restriction of bows by 5% | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * 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 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Ambidextrous: Passive Enables you to equip weapons with your off handSlightly Increases attack speed with two weaponsSlightly Increases Attack damage with two weapons | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ | Status Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | Kyle | Level | 4 | | Class | Defender | | | | Fame | 40 | Infamy | 0 | | Title | N/A | | | | Health | 1646 | Mana | 800 | | Strength | 59 (+10) | Dexterity | 41 (+10) | | Wisdom | 13 | Intelligence | 18 | | Vitality | 29 (+10) | Luck | 0 | | Endurance | 30 | Sustenance | 17 | | Fighting Spirit | 8 | Block | 7 (+10) | | Base Attack | 18 | Defense | 9 (+20) | | Magical Resistance | | | | | Fire | 5% | Water | 5% | | Earth | 5% | Air | 5% | | Dark | 5% | Holy | 5% | | +10 to Vitality, Strength and Dexterity+20 to Defense+10 to Block Mobs attack you before they turn to the group members unless provokedYou may not engage mobs unless they attack you first+5% to all Magical Resistance | | | | | * Sword Mastery: Beginner Lv6 Increases attack power with Swords (+60 % Attack Damage)Increases attack speed with Swords (+18 % Attack Speed) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Shield Mastery Beginner Lv5 Increases block chance (-50% damage taken when blocking)Increases Defense while blocking (+15% Defense) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Blacksmith Beginner2 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Repair Beginner Lv2 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Cooking Beginner Lv1 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Shield bash Beginner Lv 2 Deal Damage equal 2x equipped shields Defense+6% Stun chanceMana cost: 50 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Disarm Beginner Lv1 Enables you to Disarm your enemies+1% Stun chanceCosts 500 ManaAttention!Not possible against Bosses or named monster | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Danger Sense Beginner Lv3AOE 3m Activates, when hostile creatures enter the AOE of the skillMana cost 30 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Mana Coating Beginner Lv 3Coats your weapon or armor with Mana making it endure stronger impactsDurability +6 while the skill is active-30% Damage when blockingCosts: 10 Mana per second | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Push Beginner Lv1 Make a dash forward with your shield held in the ready, pushing all enemies that are in the way backDeals damage equal to shields Defense+5% Stun ChanceCosts 300 Mana per meterMax of pushable enemies: 5 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Last Word When your health drops below 10% you can activate the special class skill:You get full Health and ManaYour health and Mana regeneration is doubledAll Class restrictions are negated+50% to all statsYou will die after 5min | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | “Wow, that’s strange” “What” asked Kyle “Well letting you see my stats, it’s like you are watching me naked” “True, now that you say so.., well we have done it, so what is the stat accuracy for?” “hmm, like it says it boosts my accuracy, increases the damage I do with ranged attacks, and also increases critical hit chance by a bit, but I can`t put stat points into it” “Ok, I get it, and how did you gain the throwing weapon mastery, I only know of one throwing skill, and that is called throw” “One day while training I got a weird message it stated, that I can somehow merge my throwing skill and my axe mastery skill, well and since you ask questions, I’ll ask some too, what’s the stat Block?” “It basically lets me block attacks without reducing the durability of my weapons as fast and makes me also able to withstand strong impacts” “Nice, how the hell did you gain this class, I never heard of it!” “Yeah, gaining it is a bit tricky. So let me tell you my story” “Go ahead” “You know, why I chose this city, so I`ll skip that part. When I first entered the training hall and chose a weapon nothing happened, but when I began beating down the scarecrow Master, äh, I mean the Instructor, came over watched me and also gave me some hints. Then when I tried out the weapons I asked him if there was any shield here, so he answered, no, but I’ll bring you one tomorrow I can`t understand why he became friendly with me so suddenly, according to my brother they are all grumpy men who look at freedman with disgust.” “Ah, there I might be able to help you out” interrupted him Neuron: “every time I asked Brairan and Warnton why they did help me so much the only answer I received was, because of boredom” “Ah yeah, that makes sense, because this city was just recently discovered, the players didn’t have time to taint those NPC`s At this Neuron could only nod and say: “So now let’s resume the story” “Right, So the next day he approached me with a shield and offered me a quest” “Let me guess, it was named Tutelage” “Yeah, but why?” “I got that one too” Answered Neuron nonchalantly “Shall I tell the story or not?!” “Go ahead” “So where was i? “At the quest” “Good, so he tutored me about fighting and we also had some sparring matches, and there I never instigated an attack, I only defended” “Boah, sounds tough” “And you, how is it that you are classless? Didn`t Brairan offer you a class?” “Well he did offer me to become an archer.” “And, come on, don`t lecture me about not continuing my story, if you do it yourself!” “Sorry, okay. I pondered about it really hard, I even watched some footage about archers, and there I noticed that archer are the most effective in groups off three and more, but one of the group has to be a tank, and the other some cleric, ore someone with healing ability. And to boot they can`t fight in close combat, if it comes to this, they are nearly as squishy as mages, but not with the bonus of high damage. And also the skills an archer gets are involving vision, what I already have and rapid fire, what I don`t need, because I shoot like a sniper and not like a MG. And also….. “Okay, okay I get it, you thought it through, I get it, let’s head out already” While heading out: “Kyle, why aren`t you using a war hammer, I always thought, that a defender should use one” “I don`t have the strength yet to use it with one hand” End Chapter 16 Finally are they outside ~Phew~ I didn´t think one month could be this damn long

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> “Druids are generally “neutral” or “good” in alignment in games… Aren’t they?... So they shouldn’t really be aggressive or try to kill me… Right?... ”<br><br>“Either way, I need to train myself. I can’t die a dog’s death now that I have this ability!”<br><br>“Fastest way is to level myself up, gain attack &amp; defensive skills, and raise my base stats! Since this game is my life, I’ll have to double my emphasis: passive strength is better than a non-reliable skill!”<br><br>I sighed loudly as I cooked dinner for myself after a busy Monday at the engineering office. I was actually pretty sad that I still have not received a new skill. Despite using my &lt;Identify&gt; skill, it has pretty much stubbornly stopped at Intermediate - Lvl 9 - 9.99%. If my ability is in any way similar to Royal Road, then I’ll simply have to identify things with higher level-classes. <br><br>I hummed loudly as I focused my attention on the chopping board in front of me. Three vegetables lay in front of me: a large purple eggplant, four ripe tomatoes, and three yellow-fleshed potatoes. I chuckled humorously as I contemplated the age-old question: is tomato a fruit or a vegetable?<br><br>I brought out my Chinese cleaver, and quickly diced the eggplant and potatoes into 1/2 inch cubes, while I pitted and quartered the tomatoes. <br><br>“As an engineer, I’ve gotta dissect the real purpose of the question. Speaking as a member of the scientific community, a ripened tomato is the fruit of the tomato plant. But used in cooking, tomatoes are not sweet, nor are they regularly used as desserts. Therefore, tomatoes are technically the fruit of a plant, but vegetables in the culinary definition.”<br><br>I put all three ingredients into a large pot, and filled it with enough water to cover all three ingredients. I dumped several seconds’ worth of light soy sauce into the pot, and turned on the stove to high heat. (Please note: this is an actual vegetarian stew recipe! Feel free to try it!)<br><br>I loved this recipe as it was extremely simple, yet produced the most delicious stew after an hour of cooking. I chuckled as I sat down on the kitchen table, and brought out a sheet of paper. <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;">List of Experiments</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">How do I get quests and initiate them?<br>Does physical exercise increase STR, DEX and CON?<br>Does reading books and solving puzzles increase INT and WIS?<br>What benefits does a gaining level give? Hit harder? More Health and Mana?<br>Does 1 point increase in STR actual equate to 10% increase in lifting power?<br>Does my face and body change in attractiveness if I invest in CHA stat?<br>Can I sustain bleeding damage despite having high amount of HEALTH remaining?<br>…<br>…<br>…</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>I quickly filled out several pages worth of notes, with the three basic principles of scientific deduction: question, hypothesis, and explanation. <br><br>I grinned wildly as the fragrant notes of tomato and eggplant filled the entire kitchen. I smacked my lips and unconsciously swallowed my saliva as I stared at the stewing pot, then quickly checked the clock. The stew had boiled for more than 45 minutes already, and I really could not wait anymore.<br><br>I quickly removed the pot from the heat, and filled myself a large bowl of stew. The moment the bowl touched the countertop, a window popped up in front of me.<br><br>Tiingg!!<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Due to special action, you have gained the &lt;Cooking&gt; skill. The food that you cook nourishes both the body and the mind. May impart additional affects for using rare and exotic ingredients.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>I stared at the window in awe, and then at the bowl of stew. I sighed loudly, as I noticed that this was the first time I cooked since I gained my abilities. I somehow knew that I would gain the other production-related skills if I simply used them. <br><br>I activated &lt;Identify&gt; on the bowl of stew to see its affects. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Bowl of hearty vegetarian stew</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">This delicious and healthy vegetarian stew consists of five simple ingredients: water, soy sauce, tomatoes, eggplant, and potatoes. The healthy stew is mild in carbohydrates, but low in fat and protein. It is good for the overall health of the body.<br><br>Health +5<br>Mana +5<br>Vitality +1% for 30 minutes.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Tiingg!!<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">&lt;Gamer’s Data&gt; has increased to Advanced - Lvl 1 - 0.01%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">You can now passively notice an aura around objects with magical properties. You have the option of using automatic Head Up Display for basic information.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>I looked at the two pop-up windows before me, and nodded my head in silence. I was previous stuck on experience gains for &lt;Gamer’s Data&gt;, because I had only identified ordinary house-hold items. Since the food I cooked had magical properties, it qualified as a high-tier item, and thus gave more experience points. <br><br>“Hrm… Apparently, I do not gain any health when I eat food made by other people, but I do get them when it’s food made by myself. Maybe if an ordinary person eats my food, they would no longer need band aids and first-aid kits! Maybe an especially good dish would even cure acne and cancer??”<br><br>------------------<br><br>After work the next day, I quickly went to the local gym and gotten a free-trial pass for a week. I sighed loudly as I strongly disliked the part in front of me. Physical exercise in royal road gives the player increases in physical stat, while reading books gives INT and WIS. I warmed up, then did a full-body circuit with bicep curls, squats, push-ups and pull-ups. I needed to record the base capabilities when I have 10 strength. Once I have my benchmark data, I can then compare it when I level up, and when I put more points into strength.<br><br>After the strength bench-mark circuit, I proceeded to do the same for dexterity: as I timed my 100 meter sprint speed. My vitality / constitution bench-mark is done through an endurance run at the top speed of a tread-mill – 10 miles / hour. <br><br>The weekdays quickly passed, and as I have correctly assumed, continued exercise did give me stats. Eventually, I managed to evenly raise my stats to 20 STR, 20 DEX and 20 CON. It took approximately 1 hour of continued effort to gain a single physical stat. At the end of the week, I compared my physical abilities to that of myself a week later: I was able to lift twice the weight than when I started, run twice as fast, react to things twice as quickly, and endure twice as long on my tread-mill. Although I gained these stats quite quickly, my original athletic abilities were quite weak. With a rough estimate, I am probably the same strength as Thalo now. Unfortunately, I believed that just like Royal Road, physical enhancements through exercise had a maximum limit. <br><br>The human body physically cannot lift an elephant, no matter how much training the body underwent. There was a pre-defined limit based on anatomy and genetics, and that determined how strong, quick and healthy I can be. The question remains: what is my limit?<br><br>------------------<br><br>“There are two ways to level-up in Royal Road: complete quests and defeat opponents”<br><br>“I have no idea how to get a quest, and defeating opponents is rather difficult to do. Unless I somehow find myself back with those zombies, I’d have to spar with opponents. Even then, I’m not sure I can gain a level. Maybe a proper fighting match in Thal’s gym would award me experience and levels?”<br><br>“I really don’t think I can gain levels from killing rabbits. Heck, there ain’t many live rabbits in the city. Maybe I can get live caged chickens… But then I’ll be officially crazy. Killing chickens with a meat cleaver while they run around clucking… Definitely not a good idea…”<br><br>I mulled over these thoughts over and over again, as I joined Thalo at the bar. It was our general routine to unwind after a stressful work-week, and act like the idiotic hooligans that we used to be in our younger days.<br>“So what happened to the hot red-head from last week?” I subtly prodded while I sipped on my beer. I wanted to get the druidess’ phone number and talk to her, and perhaps she would know more about the crazy world: the zombies, my super-foods, and everything else in general. In the end, I simply did not believe that a druidess was “evil”. Although I was sure that she could break me like a twig if she were inclined to do so.<br><br>Thalo stared back at me, as if I had hit a sore spot, “What a messed up woman. Playing around with me after I saved her from the drunk!”<br><br>I calmly raised my eyebrows as I replied, “So you did call her then…”<br><br>“No. I finally decided to give her a call yesterday, but noticed that what she gave me was just a blank piece of paper. No email address, no phone number. Just a blank piece of paper.”<br><br> “Mind if I take a look? She did say to call her, and I doubt she’d go for a stupidly short con.” I wanted to look at the paper, and see if I could get any clues. I desperately needed more information, and Druidess Arami sounded like the much better option than that creepy well-dressed man. <br><br>Thalo quickly opened his wallet and threw the note at me, “I wasn’t even sure why I kept it, since it was just a blank piece of paper. Have at her, ya stupid nerd!”<br><br>I immediately noticed the warm-yellow glow around the piece of paper, and knew that it had some kind of magical property. I silently activated &lt;Identify&gt; and the familiar window popped up.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">A folded piece of paper</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">This piece of paper looks ordinary to the naked eye, but its content is shielded by a basic invisibility spell.<br> &lt;Gamer’s Data&gt; has a sufficiently high level to diffuse the spell. <br><br>Do you wish to remove the spell? [Yes / No]</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>I grinned back at his friendly insult, and quickly countered, “This nerd is here to the rescue! I’ll figure this out and unite the hero with the hot princess!”<br><br>I quickly pocketed the paper, and changed the subject. I had absolutely ZERO intention to let Thalo get involved in this dangerous business. He’s finally on the way to a good life, and I don’t want to ruin it for him. <br><br>By the end of the night, both of Thalo and I were quite buzzed. Although I did not have a “drunken” status yet, I had that energetic buzz that wanted to make me do stupid stuff. We exited from the bar and were suddenly approached by a small group of people. I quickly remembered the drunkard that Thalo had embarrassed last week, and felt a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach.<br><br>Before I could do anything, a person appeared behind us, and smashed a 2x4 on Thalo’s head. Thalo quickly slumped onto the ground, and was rendered unconscious. I drew a 4ft long steel pipe from my inventory, and launched a kick in the gut of Thalo’s attacker. I raised my weapon to strike as everyone else in the small group drew their own weapons. <br><br>With my inflated stats, I felt as if I am my Royal Road avatar. I swung the steel pipe and smashed it into the ribs of the first attacker. He screamed and doubled over, while I promptly slammed my weapon over his head. The force of the hit loudly smacked into his skull, and he dropped onto the ground as if a puppet was cut from its strings. I calmly back-stepped and dragged Thalo to rest against a side wall. I silently activated &lt;Identify&gt; and saw an abbreviated ID bar top of each person’s head. The group originally had four people, while the hidden attacker was on the floor and his health less than 40%. They were either Lvl 2 or Lvl 3, which meant that they were just a bunch of rough hooligans and lacked proper training. <br><br>I didn’t even bother to talk to them, as I rushed to the left-most opponent. With a body that was about twice as fast and strong as a normal person, he was not ready for the flurry of attacks I unleashed upon him. Three attacks: left-temple, right forearm, left wrist, and I knew he was no longer a threat. His arm and wrist hung limply, as he kneeled on the floor, dazed. I jumped back and returned to Thalo’s side, as the remaining three men spread out in front of me. One of them held a baseball bat, while the other two had sharp cooking knives. They came here ready to cause trouble, so I did not hold back at all. <br><br>The man with the baseball bat stepped into my zone with his bat held above his head, while I kept my steel pipe extended in the middle. As he brought down his bat onto my head, I stepped forward to the right and extended my steel pipe toward his head. I took the strike on my shoulder, and felt as if my collar-bone took a major hit. In retaliation, I swiftly jabbed my right hand, and introduced my steel pipe into the man’s throat. As he flinched from the attack, I brought my steel pipe up above my head, and slammed it into the middle of his head. Immediately, he crumpled onto the ground, and I stared at his health bar. I gave a large sigh of relief as his health did not drop below 15%. This is self defense, but that did not mean I wanted to kill anyone. <br><br>I thought of my “health”, and noticed my health and mana bar float across my vision. I still had 85% of health remaining, so I proceeded to give pressure to the two remaining men. They were clearly shaken, as they watched the three men on the ground. I no longer had the advantage of surprise, so if they decided to attack me at once, it would be a hard to survive this encounter without major wounds. <br><br>“Get outta here before I call the cops! Drag yer buddies and don’t let me see you again!” I shouted loudly. “Don’t even think about it! Even if you gang-up on me, I will drag both of you down with me! Ever thought about a life where you’ll never use your hands again?!”<br><br>Although the streets were dark and empty, Thalo and I had only walked a few dozen paces from the bar. The two men looked at each other nervously, before they nodded. They sheathed their knives behind their back, and each person dragged an unconscious buddy into a dark alleyway. The man with the broken arm and wrist was eventually able to stand up, and he slowly limped away while he cradled his arms.<br><br>Tiingg!! <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You have gained a level! <br>You have gained a level!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Tiingg!! <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Due to special action, you have gained the stat &lt;Fighting Spirit&gt;.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Tiingg!!<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Due to special action, you have gained the skill &lt;Intimidate&gt;. Cha +1</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>As the attackers disappeared into a nearby alleyway, I turned back to see Thalo behind me. He stood and leaned against the wall, as if he waited for me to finish. His childish grin was exactly as I expected, and I simply gave him a large sigh. The strike to the head must have been serious, but then again, I have never seen him being sick or with a physical injury. Just as I was about to go up to him, I noticed a row of words above his head:<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">&lt;Thalo Lvl 9&gt;<br>&lt;&lt;Mixed-Strike Successor&gt;&gt;</div><br><br>I stared at him, unable to comprehend for a moment. I did not think that regular training could achieve such a high level, and Thalo's title didn't make me feel better either. I nervously held onto my steel pipe and stood quite a large distance away from him. He smirked softly and nodded, but I was still wary and was ready to run away.<br><br> “Why do you look so afraid? I’ve been yer best bud for the past countless years, and then I suddenly see you create weapons out of thin air and destroy three people. Shouldn’t I be the one who’s scared? Hah… Well. I guess I’m at fault too, to never tell you anything…”<br><br>“… Are… Are ya alright?”<br><br>“Quit stumbling like an idiot. That’s not like you. Where’s your sharp come-back??”<br><br>“…”<br><br>“Put that steel pipe away~ We gotta get outta here before the cops come. Even if it's self defense, ain' nothing better than not getting caught.” </div>

“Druids are generally “neutral” or “good” in alignment in games… Aren’t they?... So they shouldn’t really be aggressive or try to kill me… Right?... ” “Either way, I need to train myself. I can’t die a dog’s death now that I have this ability!” “Fastest way is to level myself up, gain attack & defensive skills, and raise my base stats! Since this game is my life, I’ll have to double my emphasis: passive strength is better than a non-reliable skill!” I sighed loudly as I cooked dinner for myself after a busy Monday at the engineering office. I was actually pretty sad that I still have not received a new skill. Despite using my <Identify> skill, it has pretty much stubbornly stopped at Intermediate - Lvl 9 - 9.99%. If my ability is in any way similar to Royal Road, then I’ll simply have to identify things with higher level-classes. I hummed loudly as I focused my attention on the chopping board in front of me. Three vegetables lay in front of me: a large purple eggplant, four ripe tomatoes, and three yellow-fleshed potatoes. I chuckled humorously as I contemplated the age-old question: is tomato a fruit or a vegetable? I brought out my Chinese cleaver, and quickly diced the eggplant and potatoes into 1/2 inch cubes, while I pitted and quartered the tomatoes. “As an engineer, I’ve gotta dissect the real purpose of the question. Speaking as a member of the scientific community, a ripened tomato is the fruit of the tomato plant. But used in cooking, tomatoes are not sweet, nor are they regularly used as desserts. Therefore, tomatoes are technically the fruit of a plant, but vegetables in the culinary definition.” I put all three ingredients into a large pot, and filled it with enough water to cover all three ingredients. I dumped several seconds’ worth of light soy sauce into the pot, and turned on the stove to high heat. (Please note: this is an actual vegetarian stew recipe! Feel free to try it!) I loved this recipe as it was extremely simple, yet produced the most delicious stew after an hour of cooking. I chuckled as I sat down on the kitchen table, and brought out a sheet of paper. | List of Experiments | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | How do I get quests and initiate them?Does physical exercise increase STR, DEX and CON?Does reading books and solving puzzles increase INT and WIS?What benefits does a gaining level give? Hit harder? More Health and Mana?Does 1 point increase in STR actual equate to 10% increase in lifting power?Does my face and body change in attractiveness if I invest in CHA stat?Can I sustain bleeding damage despite having high amount of HEALTH remaining?……… | | | | I quickly filled out several pages worth of notes, with the three basic principles of scientific deduction: question, hypothesis, and explanation. I grinned wildly as the fragrant notes of tomato and eggplant filled the entire kitchen. I smacked my lips and unconsciously swallowed my saliva as I stared at the stewing pot, then quickly checked the clock. The stew had boiled for more than 45 minutes already, and I really could not wait anymore. I quickly removed the pot from the heat, and filled myself a large bowl of stew. The moment the bowl touched the countertop, a window popped up in front of me. Tiingg!! | Due to special action, you have gained the <Cooking> skill. The food that you cook nourishes both the body and the mind. May impart additional affects for using rare and exotic ingredients. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | I stared at the window in awe, and then at the bowl of stew. I sighed loudly, as I noticed that this was the first time I cooked since I gained my abilities. I somehow knew that I would gain the other production-related skills if I simply used them. I activated <Identify> on the bowl of stew to see its affects. | Bowl of hearty vegetarian stew | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | This delicious and healthy vegetarian stew consists of five simple ingredients: water, soy sauce, tomatoes, eggplant, and potatoes. The healthy stew is mild in carbohydrates, but low in fat and protein. It is good for the overall health of the body.Health +5Mana +5Vitality +1% for 30 minutes. | | | | Tiingg!! | <Gamer’s Data> has increased to Advanced - Lvl 1 - 0.01% | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | You can now passively notice an aura around objects with magical properties. You have the option of using automatic Head Up Display for basic information. | | | | I looked at the two pop-up windows before me, and nodded my head in silence. I was previous stuck on experience gains for <Gamer’s Data>, because I had only identified ordinary house-hold items. Since the food I cooked had magical properties, it qualified as a high-tier item, and thus gave more experience points. “Hrm… Apparently, I do not gain any health when I eat food made by other people, but I do get them when it’s food made by myself. Maybe if an ordinary person eats my food, they would no longer need band aids and first-aid kits! Maybe an especially good dish would even cure acne and cancer??” ------------------ After work the next day, I quickly went to the local gym and gotten a free-trial pass for a week. I sighed loudly as I strongly disliked the part in front of me. Physical exercise in royal road gives the player increases in physical stat, while reading books gives INT and WIS. I warmed up, then did a full-body circuit with bicep curls, squats, push-ups and pull-ups. I needed to record the base capabilities when I have 10 strength. Once I have my benchmark data, I can then compare it when I level up, and when I put more points into strength. After the strength bench-mark circuit, I proceeded to do the same for dexterity: as I timed my 100 meter sprint speed. My vitality / constitution bench-mark is done through an endurance run at the top speed of a tread-mill – 10 miles / hour. The weekdays quickly passed, and as I have correctly assumed, continued exercise did give me stats. Eventually, I managed to evenly raise my stats to 20 STR, 20 DEX and 20 CON. It took approximately 1 hour of continued effort to gain a single physical stat. At the end of the week, I compared my physical abilities to that of myself a week later: I was able to lift twice the weight than when I started, run twice as fast, react to things twice as quickly, and endure twice as long on my tread-mill. Although I gained these stats quite quickly, my original athletic abilities were quite weak. With a rough estimate, I am probably the same strength as Thalo now. Unfortunately, I believed that just like Royal Road, physical enhancements through exercise had a maximum limit. The human body physically cannot lift an elephant, no matter how much training the body underwent. There was a pre-defined limit based on anatomy and genetics, and that determined how strong, quick and healthy I can be. The question remains: what is my limit? ------------------ “There are two ways to level-up in Royal Road: complete quests and defeat opponents” “I have no idea how to get a quest, and defeating opponents is rather difficult to do. Unless I somehow find myself back with those zombies, I’d have to spar with opponents. Even then, I’m not sure I can gain a level. Maybe a proper fighting match in Thal’s gym would award me experience and levels?” “I really don’t think I can gain levels from killing rabbits. Heck, there ain’t many live rabbits in the city. Maybe I can get live caged chickens… But then I’ll be officially crazy. Killing chickens with a meat cleaver while they run around clucking… Definitely not a good idea…” I mulled over these thoughts over and over again, as I joined Thalo at the bar. It was our general routine to unwind after a stressful work-week, and act like the idiotic hooligans that we used to be in our younger days. “So what happened to the hot red-head from last week?” I subtly prodded while I sipped on my beer. I wanted to get the druidess’ phone number and talk to her, and perhaps she would know more about the crazy world: the zombies, my super-foods, and everything else in general. In the end, I simply did not believe that a druidess was “evil”. Although I was sure that she could break me like a twig if she were inclined to do so. Thalo stared back at me, as if I had hit a sore spot, “What a messed up woman. Playing around with me after I saved her from the drunk!” I calmly raised my eyebrows as I replied, “So you did call her then…” “No. I finally decided to give her a call yesterday, but noticed that what she gave me was just a blank piece of paper. No email address, no phone number. Just a blank piece of paper.” “Mind if I take a look? She did say to call her, and I doubt she’d go for a stupidly short con.” I wanted to look at the paper, and see if I could get any clues. I desperately needed more information, and Druidess Arami sounded like the much better option than that creepy well-dressed man. Thalo quickly opened his wallet and threw the note at me, “I wasn’t even sure why I kept it, since it was just a blank piece of paper. Have at her, ya stupid nerd!” I immediately noticed the warm-yellow glow around the piece of paper, and knew that it had some kind of magical property. I silently activated <Identify> and the familiar window popped up. | A folded piece of paper | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | This piece of paper looks ordinary to the naked eye, but its content is shielded by a basic invisibility spell. <Gamer’s Data> has a sufficiently high level to diffuse the spell. Do you wish to remove the spell? [Yes / No] | | | | I grinned back at his friendly insult, and quickly countered, “This nerd is here to the rescue! I’ll figure this out and unite the hero with the hot princess!” I quickly pocketed the paper, and changed the subject. I had absolutely ZERO intention to let Thalo get involved in this dangerous business. He’s finally on the way to a good life, and I don’t want to ruin it for him. By the end of the night, both of Thalo and I were quite buzzed. Although I did not have a “drunken” status yet, I had that energetic buzz that wanted to make me do stupid stuff. We exited from the bar and were suddenly approached by a small group of people. I quickly remembered the drunkard that Thalo had embarrassed last week, and felt a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. Before I could do anything, a person appeared behind us, and smashed a 2x4 on Thalo’s head. Thalo quickly slumped onto the ground, and was rendered unconscious. I drew a 4ft long steel pipe from my inventory, and launched a kick in the gut of Thalo’s attacker. I raised my weapon to strike as everyone else in the small group drew their own weapons. With my inflated stats, I felt as if I am my Royal Road avatar. I swung the steel pipe and smashed it into the ribs of the first attacker. He screamed and doubled over, while I promptly slammed my weapon over his head. The force of the hit loudly smacked into his skull, and he dropped onto the ground as if a puppet was cut from its strings. I calmly back-stepped and dragged Thalo to rest against a side wall. I silently activated <Identify> and saw an abbreviated ID bar top of each person’s head. The group originally had four people, while the hidden attacker was on the floor and his health less than 40%. They were either Lvl 2 or Lvl 3, which meant that they were just a bunch of rough hooligans and lacked proper training. I didn’t even bother to talk to them, as I rushed to the left-most opponent. With a body that was about twice as fast and strong as a normal person, he was not ready for the flurry of attacks I unleashed upon him. Three attacks: left-temple, right forearm, left wrist, and I knew he was no longer a threat. His arm and wrist hung limply, as he kneeled on the floor, dazed. I jumped back and returned to Thalo’s side, as the remaining three men spread out in front of me. One of them held a baseball bat, while the other two had sharp cooking knives. They came here ready to cause trouble, so I did not hold back at all. The man with the baseball bat stepped into my zone with his bat held above his head, while I kept my steel pipe extended in the middle. As he brought down his bat onto my head, I stepped forward to the right and extended my steel pipe toward his head. I took the strike on my shoulder, and felt as if my collar-bone took a major hit. In retaliation, I swiftly jabbed my right hand, and introduced my steel pipe into the man’s throat. As he flinched from the attack, I brought my steel pipe up above my head, and slammed it into the middle of his head. Immediately, he crumpled onto the ground, and I stared at his health bar. I gave a large sigh of relief as his health did not drop below 15%. This is self defense, but that did not mean I wanted to kill anyone. I thought of my “health”, and noticed my health and mana bar float across my vision. I still had 85% of health remaining, so I proceeded to give pressure to the two remaining men. They were clearly shaken, as they watched the three men on the ground. I no longer had the advantage of surprise, so if they decided to attack me at once, it would be a hard to survive this encounter without major wounds. “Get outta here before I call the cops! Drag yer buddies and don’t let me see you again!” I shouted loudly. “Don’t even think about it! Even if you gang-up on me, I will drag both of you down with me! Ever thought about a life where you’ll never use your hands again?!” Although the streets were dark and empty, Thalo and I had only walked a few dozen paces from the bar. The two men looked at each other nervously, before they nodded. They sheathed their knives behind their back, and each person dragged an unconscious buddy into a dark alleyway. The man with the broken arm and wrist was eventually able to stand up, and he slowly limped away while he cradled his arms. Tiingg!! | You have gained a level! You have gained a level! | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Tiingg!! | Due to special action, you have gained the stat <Fighting Spirit>. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Tiingg!! | Due to special action, you have gained the skill <Intimidate>. Cha +1 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | As the attackers disappeared into a nearby alleyway, I turned back to see Thalo behind me. He stood and leaned against the wall, as if he waited for me to finish. His childish grin was exactly as I expected, and I simply gave him a large sigh. The strike to the head must have been serious, but then again, I have never seen him being sick or with a physical injury. Just as I was about to go up to him, I noticed a row of words above his head: <Thalo Lvl 9> <<Mixed-Strike Successor>> I stared at him, unable to comprehend for a moment. I did not think that regular training could achieve such a high level, and Thalo's title didn't make me feel better either. I nervously held onto my steel pipe and stood quite a large distance away from him. He smirked softly and nodded, but I was still wary and was ready to run away. “Why do you look so afraid? I’ve been yer best bud for the past countless years, and then I suddenly see you create weapons out of thin air and destroy three people. Shouldn’t I be the one who’s scared? Hah… Well. I guess I’m at fault too, to never tell you anything…” “… Are… Are ya alright?” “Quit stumbling like an idiot. That’s not like you. Where’s your sharp come-back??” “…” “Put that steel pipe away~ We gotta get outta here before the cops come. Even if it's self defense, ain' nothing better than not getting caught.”

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Table of Contents: Ace of All Trades: Final Edition<br>Volume 1:&nbsp;<br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5357" target="_blank">Prologue: The Advent of Virtual Reality</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5358" target="_blank">Chapter 1: Nothing but Time</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5361" target="_blank">Chapter 2: Providence's Blessing or the Devil's Temptation?</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5362" target="_blank">Chapter 3: So Many Ways to Kill time...</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5363" target="_blank">Chapter 4: "Just a slight detour"&nbsp;</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5428" target="_blank">Chapter 5: Corruption</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5558" target="_blank">Chapter 6: Playing the 'Game' a Little Too Well</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5584" target="_blank">Chapter 7: Naming Ceremony<span style="font-size: 0.75em;"><span style="font-family: Source Sans Pro;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;</span></span></span></a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5633" target="_blank">Chapter 8: Strategy Meeting (I)</a>'<br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5761" target="_blank">Chapter 9: Confirmation</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5806" target="_blank">Chapter 9.5: The True Trap</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5985" target="_blank">Chapter 10: Building a Better Monster (I)</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=6112" target="_blank">Chapter 11: The Trap is Sprung, but Which Trap?</a><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=6458" target="_blank">Chapter 12: A Bet and an Unexpected Windfall</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=6768" target="_blank">Chapter 13: Building a Better Monster (II)</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=6944" target="_blank">Chapter 14: 1st World Problems</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=7325" target="_blank">Chapter 15: "Meet the In-laws"</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=7597" target="_blank">Chapter 16: Family Dynamics</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=7693" target="_blank">Chapter 16.5: ZMI "Background Story"</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=7771" target="_blank">Chapter 16.9: Meanwhile in the "Blackhole of Depravity"</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=7959" target="_blank">Chapter 17: Death Flags and Gate Guardians</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=8166" target="_blank">Chapter 18: Welcome to the ZMI</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=8546" target="_blank">Chapter 19: "One More Thing~"</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=8830" target="_blank">Chapter 20: Finally Time for the Date, but First a Story?</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=9317" target="_blank">Chapter 21: Finally the Field Test, err I mean Date.</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=9870" target="_blank">Chapter 22: To ZMI Underground We Go~</a> </div>

Table of Contents: Ace of All Trades: Final Edition Volume 1:  [Prologue: The Advent of Virtual Reality](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5357) [Chapter 1: Nothing but Time](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5358) [Chapter 2: Providence's Blessing or the Devil's Temptation?](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5361) [Chapter 3: So Many Ways to Kill time...](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5362) [Chapter 4: "Just a slight detour"](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5363) [Chapter 5: Corruption](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5428) [Chapter 6: Playing the 'Game' a Little Too Well](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5558) [Chapter 7: Naming Ceremony](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5584) [Chapter 8: Strategy Meeting (I)](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5633)' [Chapter 9: Confirmation](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5761) [Chapter 9.5: The True Trap](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5806) [Chapter 10: Building a Better Monster (I)](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5985) [Chapter 11: The Trap is Sprung, but Which Trap?](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=6112)[Chapter 12: A Bet and an Unexpected Windfall](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=6458) [Chapter 13: Building a Better Monster (II)](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=6768) [Chapter 14: 1st World Problems](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=6944) [Chapter 15: "Meet the In-laws"](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=7325) [Chapter 16: Family Dynamics](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=7597) [Chapter 16.5: ZMI "Background Story"](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=7693) [Chapter 16.9: Meanwhile in the "Blackhole of Depravity"](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=7771) [Chapter 17: Death Flags and Gate Guardians](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=7959) [Chapter 18: Welcome to the ZMI](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=8166) [Chapter 19: "One More Thing~"](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=8546) [Chapter 20: Finally Time for the Date, but First a Story?](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=8830) [Chapter 21: Finally the Field Test, err I mean Date.](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=9317) [Chapter 22: To ZMI Underground We Go~](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=9870)

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Necromancer<br>A Royal Road Fan Fiction<br>By: Halosty<br>Chapter 35<br><br> Within the next week, Quietus saw the blond man with the sword again. Well, he may not have been blond anymore, since he had a helmet on now, but he was wearing the same armor as before. Quietus was prepared to fight him this time, but didn’t manage to sneak up on the man. Still, since he was ready, he managed to mostly avoid the sword strikes heading towards him. Quietus felt like he had fought him before. Before being killed by him on the road, of course. He didn’t have a bad enough memory to forget that… probably.<br> <br> The warrior had a lot of health. While Quietus was doing better than he had before, he couldn’t penetrate the man’s armor, and there wasn’t any part convenient for good critical strikes. Although it wasn’t over quickly, Quietus was eventually worn down, until he died.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> He was in the mine. He wasn’t one of the miners, but himself. None of them seemed to notice him. Once the collapses started, he watched them struggle for survival. They would make progress, then be set back even further. It was a pointless struggle. He watched them.<br><br> Then, the lights went out. Since he was himself, he could use his darkvision skill. He watched the miners stumble around in the dark. After a time, they stopped talking to each other. They ran out of food and water. They sat against the walls, seeming to hope that another collapse would happen, and finish them off. He watched them die.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> Mortimer woke up. He felt around to find the button to open the capsule, but he couldn’t find it.<br><br> “Capsule open.”<br><br> He gave the voice command. Nothing happened.<br><br> He opened his eyes. He wasn’t in the capsule. He was in his bed. It didn’t make sense.<br><br> The dream only happened after he died, and then it played before he was logged out of Royal Road. That was the way it had worked.<br><br> Now, he had experienced the dream in real life. Somehow, it felt wrong.<br><br> Royal Road and life shouldn’t mix. That was what Mortimer felt. One was his real life, and one wasn’t. It wasn’t as if he cared about miners who never really existed dying, anyway.<br><br> Still, though, the dream had been a real dream this time. He would have to do something about it.<br><br> Of course, he also needed to do something about that warrior. He wasn’t sure what the grudge against him was, but he couldn’t stand losing to the same enemy multiple times.<br><br> Thus, he went to Master Valarao. It was the middle of the night, but Master Valarao didn’t seem to sleep ever. At least, not that Mortimer had ever seen. Whenever Mortimer neared his room, Master Valarao would be alert and ready to talk.<br><br> “Teach me how to fight against swords better.”<br><br> “What kind?”<br><br> Mortimer described the sword. A rather standard two-handed sword, very different from Angela’s rapier or a dagger.<br><br> Inside the VR training program, Master Valarao showed Quietus some specific moves. Small, quick movements to dodge were effective, but they had to be well timed. If possible, it was good to move inside the range, where the sword would have to be swung awkwardly.<br><br> Then, Master Valarao had mortimer practice against some AI opponents. This was because he didn’t use swords himself, and didn’t move like they probably would.<br><br> “Can you make it… a bit slower, but stronger? Also, bigger with more reach. And armor?”<br><br> Fortunately, the training program was quite extensive. It was capable of providing a variety of equipment, even things that were not terribly practical or used in the modern day.<br><br> Over the next week or so, Mortimer would practice against faster and stronger and more skilled enemies. Every time they got better, he would have to get used to their new strength or speed or technique. Often, he would experience the brief pain of a simulated death.<br>--------------------------<br><br> Quietus was trying to figure out what to do about the dreams. He looked at his spirit ring, but it provided no insight. He tried talking out loud, just in case the spirits could hear him and answer him. He tried Soul Binding various things, and then he tried to release them from the Soul Bind. It turned out that he couldn’t.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have been Soul Bound!<br><br>If you die before the effect wears off, you will not respawn in a safe location. Instead, you will respawn wherever your body is located at death or moved to after death.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> He’d never tried to soul bind himself before. He couldn’t cancel the skill, but he knew it would wear off after a short time. He wasn’t sure when using the skill like this would be useful, but he took note of it.<br><br> He wasn’t sure what to do. He wasn’t even sure if the dreams were supposed to be a thing that happened, or if he was just crazy. He supposed the second option was possible. He figured he would go see a psychologist if the problem continued for too long. Before that, however, he would try all of the options he could.<br><br> Quietus went to a safe, secluded place. He mixed up some herbs with the alchemy skill, then used Soul Bind on himself. He wanted to test how it really worked. Then, he drank the poison. It didn’t kill him particularly quickly, but it was strong enough that it still worked even with his Poison Resistance skill.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have died!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>--------------------------<br><br>Quietus immediately found himself in the mine. He felt different this time though. He looked around. His actions felt a lot more like conscious decisions instead of dreams. The miners still walked around and couldn’t see him. One of them moved towards him, and then through him. It appeared that he was insubstantial here. Or perhaps the miners were. Since he was touching the floor, it could be either.<br><br>He tried to move a rock on the floor. It didn’t move. So, it was him. He still seemed to be constrained by the end of the mines, though. He tried to leave, but was blocked by an invisible barrier. <br><br>The collapses started. At first, there was the calm, collected removal of debris. Then there were more collapses, and panic. Then, finally, as the lights went out, resignation. Quietus could feel the despair radiating off of the miners.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have received a Quest!<br><br>The Suffering of the Miners<br><br>Relieve the miners of their suffering. This is the only way they will be made to move on.<br><br>Difficulty: unknown<br>Rewards: Based on the method of completion.<br><br>Quest cannot be refused.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>So, it wasn’t that he was crazy. There really was a quest associated with it. Quietus just hoped that at the end, the spirits would shut up and leave his dream alone.<br><br>However, Quietus couldn’t find any way to interact with the miners. They couldn’t see or hear or touch him. In the end, he just watched as they died again, one by one.<br><br>End Chapter 35<br><br>Previous Chapter: &lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1465&amp;p=8839#p8839"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1465&amp;p=8839#p8839&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=1557"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1557&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt; </div>

Necromancer A Royal Road Fan Fiction By: Halosty Chapter 35 Within the next week, Quietus saw the blond man with the sword again. Well, he may not have been blond anymore, since he had a helmet on now, but he was wearing the same armor as before. Quietus was prepared to fight him this time, but didn’t manage to sneak up on the man. Still, since he was ready, he managed to mostly avoid the sword strikes heading towards him. Quietus felt like he had fought him before. Before being killed by him on the road, of course. He didn’t have a bad enough memory to forget that… probably. The warrior had a lot of health. While Quietus was doing better than he had before, he couldn’t penetrate the man’s armor, and there wasn’t any part convenient for good critical strikes. Although it wasn’t over quickly, Quietus was eventually worn down, until he died. -------------------------- He was in the mine. He wasn’t one of the miners, but himself. None of them seemed to notice him. Once the collapses started, he watched them struggle for survival. They would make progress, then be set back even further. It was a pointless struggle. He watched them. Then, the lights went out. Since he was himself, he could use his darkvision skill. He watched the miners stumble around in the dark. After a time, they stopped talking to each other. They ran out of food and water. They sat against the walls, seeming to hope that another collapse would happen, and finish them off. He watched them die. -------------------------- Mortimer woke up. He felt around to find the button to open the capsule, but he couldn’t find it. “Capsule open.” He gave the voice command. Nothing happened. He opened his eyes. He wasn’t in the capsule. He was in his bed. It didn’t make sense. The dream only happened after he died, and then it played before he was logged out of Royal Road. That was the way it had worked. Now, he had experienced the dream in real life. Somehow, it felt wrong. Royal Road and life shouldn’t mix. That was what Mortimer felt. One was his real life, and one wasn’t. It wasn’t as if he cared about miners who never really existed dying, anyway. Still, though, the dream had been a real dream this time. He would have to do something about it. Of course, he also needed to do something about that warrior. He wasn’t sure what the grudge against him was, but he couldn’t stand losing to the same enemy multiple times. Thus, he went to Master Valarao. It was the middle of the night, but Master Valarao didn’t seem to sleep ever. At least, not that Mortimer had ever seen. Whenever Mortimer neared his room, Master Valarao would be alert and ready to talk. “Teach me how to fight against swords better.” “What kind?” Mortimer described the sword. A rather standard two-handed sword, very different from Angela’s rapier or a dagger. Inside the VR training program, Master Valarao showed Quietus some specific moves. Small, quick movements to dodge were effective, but they had to be well timed. If possible, it was good to move inside the range, where the sword would have to be swung awkwardly. Then, Master Valarao had mortimer practice against some AI opponents. This was because he didn’t use swords himself, and didn’t move like they probably would. “Can you make it… a bit slower, but stronger? Also, bigger with more reach. And armor?” Fortunately, the training program was quite extensive. It was capable of providing a variety of equipment, even things that were not terribly practical or used in the modern day. Over the next week or so, Mortimer would practice against faster and stronger and more skilled enemies. Every time they got better, he would have to get used to their new strength or speed or technique. Often, he would experience the brief pain of a simulated death. -------------------------- Quietus was trying to figure out what to do about the dreams. He looked at his spirit ring, but it provided no insight. He tried talking out loud, just in case the spirits could hear him and answer him. He tried Soul Binding various things, and then he tried to release them from the Soul Bind. It turned out that he couldn’t. | You have been Soul Bound!If you die before the effect wears off, you will not respawn in a safe location. Instead, you will respawn wherever your body is located at death or moved to after death. | | --- | He’d never tried to soul bind himself before. He couldn’t cancel the skill, but he knew it would wear off after a short time. He wasn’t sure when using the skill like this would be useful, but he took note of it. He wasn’t sure what to do. He wasn’t even sure if the dreams were supposed to be a thing that happened, or if he was just crazy. He supposed the second option was possible. He figured he would go see a psychologist if the problem continued for too long. Before that, however, he would try all of the options he could. Quietus went to a safe, secluded place. He mixed up some herbs with the alchemy skill, then used Soul Bind on himself. He wanted to test how it really worked. Then, he drank the poison. It didn’t kill him particularly quickly, but it was strong enough that it still worked even with his Poison Resistance skill. | You have died! | | --- | -------------------------- Quietus immediately found himself in the mine. He felt different this time though. He looked around. His actions felt a lot more like conscious decisions instead of dreams. The miners still walked around and couldn’t see him. One of them moved towards him, and then through him. It appeared that he was insubstantial here. Or perhaps the miners were. Since he was touching the floor, it could be either. He tried to move a rock on the floor. It didn’t move. So, it was him. He still seemed to be constrained by the end of the mines, though. He tried to leave, but was blocked by an invisible barrier. The collapses started. At first, there was the calm, collected removal of debris. Then there were more collapses, and panic. Then, finally, as the lights went out, resignation. Quietus could feel the despair radiating off of the miners. | You have received a Quest!The Suffering of the MinersRelieve the miners of their suffering. This is the only way they will be made to move on.Difficulty: unknownRewards: Based on the method of completion.Quest cannot be refused. | | --- | So, it wasn’t that he was crazy. There really was a quest associated with it. Quietus just hoped that at the end, the spirits would shut up and leave his dream alone. However, Quietus couldn’t find any way to interact with the miners. They couldn’t see or hear or touch him. In the end, he just watched as they died again, one by one. End Chapter 35 Previous Chapter: <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1465&p=8839#p8839">viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1465&p=8839#p8839</a><!-- l --> Next Chapter: <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1557">viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1557</a><!-- l -->

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> **************************************************************<br>I apologize for the delay in bringing you this chapter. Final exams sucked every minute of my time for the last weeks.<br><br>I will strive to write a lot more now that i'm free of obligations.<br><br>Any suggestions and critiques are welcome. I really appreciate the feedback as I'm a complete novice when it comes to writing.<br><br>Enjoy!<br><br>**************************************************************<br>Road to Freedom by Moskatero<br><br>Chapter 4<br><br>After another twelve hour trip to reality Kyle found himself filled with apprehension as he logged back into Royal Road. In logging out he’d given Eva whole two days to work on whatever plans and machinations she had in store for him. His imagination of torture devices from the middle ages painted a grim picture.<br><br>Checking the time of day in game (IG from now on, same for IRL) to get his bearings he saw it was just after midnight. A grimace crossed his face as he realized it was just in time for the hell-bread production.<br><br>As he neared the bakery he immediately went on alert. Not a trace of the mayhem caused by the players in their rush to buy hell-bread was to be seen, and the lighting that marked the bakery at night was gone. As Kalthier silently entered the bakery he noticed that also missing was the mouthwatering smell of Eva’s cooking, indicating that she had not cooked for the whole day, an impossible occurrence in Kalthier’s short experience. But what truly clued him on the fact that something wrong must have happened was that no orders were yelled at him as he stepped through the door. <br><br>Still wary and equipping one of his iron daggers Kalthier silently made his way across the bakery. As he neared the kitchen door he began to hear voices whispering in a not very subtle tone of voice. After crouching with his ear to the door for while he started to piece together a conversation.<br><br>“So it’s ready then?” Eva’s unmistakable voice asked in an excited whisper.<br><br>“Aye, but after I fit it we’re done, no more ridiculous favors” A gruff voice came from somewhere near the kitchen counter.<br><br>“Oh? Not even for some Dragonwrought Mead?” The tone of Eva’s question was so familiar Kalthier could picture the arched eyebrow that went along with it.<br><br>“Drag….” A tingle of remembrance went through Kalthier’s mind at the name and the stranger’s reaction to it, but he ignored it and sharpened his senses, the stranger was louder now, almost screaming.<br><br>“Imposible! I have a standing offer of twelve-thousand gold pieces for any bottle entering the kingdom and enough contacts to know if someone else bought one outside of it” <br><br>Eva gave a rumbling laugh, one that, on more than one occasion, filled Kalthier with dread.<br><br>“But not for the ingredients, those went right under your nose and straight into my hands”<br><br>“But...That would mean… Did you… I need to sit down”<br><br>“Ha!, what happened to that famed dwarven constitution”<br><br>The stranger’s now had pained edge “Please Evangeline, tell me truly. Did you manage to create Dragonwrought Mead?”<br><br>“Two bottles, actually” Kalthier once again recognized Eva’s tone of voice, he could picture the grin on her chubby face as she delivered what appeared to be devastating new to the dwarf.<br><br>“...How much”<br><br>“Well you see, I had two bottles but I ended up giving one of them to my ungrateful, vagabond, eavesdropping apprentice!”<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Oh, shi…</span><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">*Thud*</span><br><br>A meat cleaver buried itself half an inch from Kalthier’s nose, cleaving through the door almost completely. Paralyzed like a frightful rabbit Kalthier didn’t move an inch until Eva opened the door. She looked happy, only not a good kind of happy, at least not were his future was concerned.<br><br>“Um, Hi….Err... I’m back?”<br><br>“Indeed you are….” The look in her eyes caused him to cringe and the pause in her speech made him fidget where he lay half-crouching in his eavesdropping behaviour.<br><br>“A piece of advice my faithful apprentice, the next time you want to sneak somewhere do make sure you are wearing something that doesn’t stink of blood, sweat and tears. I smelled you from a block away” <br> <br>Eva hauled him to his feet and pulled him into the kitchen.<br><br>“This grumpy old dwarf is the renowned blacksmith of the east. Master Uldren.”<br><br>The dwarf sitting in the counter gave Kalthier a sloppy salute with a tankard and a murmured “Well met” but his eyes were laughing, most certainly at his unique, if messy, appearance.<br><br>“And this is my apprentice Drak- Kalthier”<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Damn you, you were about to call me Draky weren't you? It was totally on purpose!</span><br><br>“Master Uldren here has agreed *Cough* Under duress *Cought To help equipping you with what is to be your official training uniform, although at this point a burlap sack would be an improvement”<br><br>Looking down at his torn, bloodied clothes Kalthier couldn’t help to agree with her. No wonder even his fans seemed to avoid him lately.<br><br>“Anyhow. Uldy, could you stop looking so gloom and take Kalthier here to your smithy and get him fitted? I need him back in training soon. Oh, and be nice and I might consider selling you that last bottle”<br><br>With that the dwarf’s eyes gained a fevered shine and grabbing Kalthier’s hand he forcibly dragged him towards the exit. Eva’s cheerful voice trailing behind them.<br><br>“Kalthier, you have the day off, enjoy your new outfit”<br><br>Now Kalthier was scared, any time Eva was this nice was when he did something bad, and why would some clothes require a master blacksmith’s help to equip. Visions of himself in chains and irons crowded his mind as he tried not to lose an arm to the dwarf running ahead of him at a remarkable pace considering his short legs.<br><br>As he tried to keep up a piece of the conversation he’d overheard came back to him and piecing together some pieces he came to a disturbing thought.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">12.000 gold…. why didn't she just let me die! That devil woman probably wanted me in her debt, if only to increase her control over me. </span><br><br>The worst part of it was that, being half conscious at the time, Kalthier could only remember the Dragonwrought Mead in a haze of wonderment and pain. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">If this guy finds out I not only drank it, but hardly even managed to taste it, he’ll kill me, or worse, decide to train me.</span><br><br>As they reached a five story building, a massive construction that seemed to be inspired by both an industrial factory and a medieval fortress. more shocking still was the amount of heat, smoke and noise coming from it. <br><br>Not pausing for a second after entering the imposing building and leaving behind a couple of bewildered sentries, Uldren pulled Kalthier all the way to the top floor, receiving numerous states of shock and wonderment from dozens of people, most of them dwarves, along the way.<br><br>After closing the door and locking it the dwarf finally addressed his capti- guest.<br><br>“When I heard Eva had an apprentice I felt sorry for ye, anyone would. After all, so far the only candidates for apprenticeship she received were the result of desperation, blackmail of lost bets. But anyone who gets to drink the fabled Dragonwrought Mead is most certainly blessed by the gods, hell, if i’d known she gave her apprentices such treatment I’ve jumped on the whole cooking business and never smith nother day in my life.”<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Wrong! So wrong, they all went willingly and eager to learn, she just crushed them, i’d be surprised if any of them still cooks. And what are you, a recovering alcoholic who immersed himself in blacksmithing to get over it? Is that a Dwarven trait?</span><br><br>“Have you had some?” <br><br>The dwarf seemed obsessed with the dragon-whatever-the-hell-it’s-name-is, so asking the question was a polite way for Kalthier to confirm his suspicions.The dreamy expression that came over Uldren at the question was not a good sign.<br><br>“Once…. Years, no decades ago. It’s taste... nearly broke me. The fact that you are standing here. in front of me. instead of frothing at the mouth and begging Evangeline for another drop speaks highly of your self control and will. I can see why she chose you. Hell, if all half-dragons are like you I could use a couple to straighten my corrupted apprentices”<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">It wasn't that good, was it? I mean good mead, the best I've ever tasted even while unconscious but from this guy’s description it sounds more like heroin.</span><br><br>“Thank you master Uldren, that means a lot coming from you. I’ll be sure to send any of my kin I meet during my travels your way”<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">There, nice and diplomatic. Can’t handle another teacher.</span><br><br>“Heh, polite and pretty to boot. Don't worry, in a year she’ll have ye cursing like a drunken sailor and happy about it. Now, just sit right there and I’ll get yer stuff”<br><br>Sitting in in a majestic chair while the burly dwarf rummaged through a chest in the corner of the room Kalthier pondered about what the blacksmith said, trying to ignore both the pretty comment and the one about training with Eva for a year.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Either she lied to him about making the mead or about giving it to me. Seeing as she would never disgrace anything that has to do with cooking and the fact that the Dragon-mead-thingy seems to drive people mad with addiction, which I truly don’t feel. I believe she gave me something from the bottom shelf, then lied to the dwarf about it all in order for him to hold me in high regard?</span><br><br>While that was the most logical line of thought he could come up with it was Eva he was talking about, she just didn’t do things out of the kindness of her heart. She probably lied to them both so she could use them with ease.<br><br>A gruff voice behind him distracted him from the useless line of thought. Who knew how the demonic woman’s mind worked.<br><br>“Yer master request is something I’ve never done before, it required a tremendous amount of work and the help of a powerful enchantress, hell, if anyone else had asked me to do such a thing I’d’ve buried me hammer in their skull”<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">So it’s powerful but terrible or evil enough to make a master blacksmith shiver in remembrance? typical Eva, this is probably going to hurt. Damn!</span><br><br>“Give me yer hands”<br><br>Not really understanding what his hands had to do with clothes, but not wanting to antagonize the strong armed blacksmith Kalthier complied.<br><br>“I don’t know where she found out about this, but whoever invented it was a genius…. or mad. It should have stayed lost in the past”<br><br>Kalthier looked as Uldren took a silk pouch and one by one extracted ten black rings. They shined like pure obsidian, but instead of reflecting the light like precious stones are supposed to do these seemed to absorb it, giving the black rings a smoky quality.<br><br>“What are they made of?”<br><br>“Don’t know” Came the gruff reply. Uldren seemed pissed about it.<br><br>With that surprisingly terrifying answer the dwarf started to put a ring on each of Kalthier’s fingers, pushing them as far as they would go. They seemed to be custom made, for they fit each of his fingers perfectly. Magic most likely seeing as Uldren mentioned a enchantress.<br><br>Standing up the dwarf looked at him with a sorrowful, yet proud expression.<br><br>“Ye might want to stay sitting for the next part”<br><br>Alarms rang in Kalthier’s skull but as he moved to remove one of the rings he found it stuck to his finger. This move gave Uldren enough time to mutter the slow but powerful incantation.<br><br>Hearing the blacksmith talking in a strange language Kalthier saw as, from each of the ten rings now adoring his fingers, black smoke started to appear, slowly it started to move around his hand, covering it in smokey blackness. <br><br>Scared now, and certain that this was some sort of trap or test by Eva and Belgroth, Kalthier quickly rose to his feet, determined to get away from the dwarf before that smoke, whatever it was, did whatever it was supposed to.<br><br>As he stood Uldren finished the incantation and barked in a commanding voice “Sit down or yer gonna hurt yourself”<br><br>Now seeing the black smoke curl up his arms towards his torso, coating every inch of his arms apart from his fingers in the thick, dense vapor, Kalthier panicked.<br><br>“What did you do!? What is happening to my arms!?”<br><br>“They’re magic clothes lad, just relax and let it finish, it can’t be stopped anyway so sit down”<br><br>The feeling of the smoke slowly covering his body sent shivers down his back, it was now spreading towards his legs and circling around his back.<br><br>“What does this thing do? Why can’t I have normal-non-creepy clothes?” Kalthier moaned as the inky blackness continued to advance.<br><br>The smoke now covering every inch of his body from the neck down then started to condense, the bloody rags he was wearing disintegrating in the process. It felt surprisingly warm and, if he focused not all that different from silk.<br><br>Uldren, now wincing as he saw his dreadful creation coating the alarmed dragonling, tried to appease the young apprentice fears.<br><br>“Easy, easy, just let it finish. As far as clothes go these are among the best in the continent, nigh indestructible and environment friendly, they are a true masterpiece of craftsmanship and magic.”<br>Hearing the description did indeed calm Kalthier but….<br><br>“What aren't you telling me”<br><br>“Ah, well, you see the-”<br><br>Before the dwarf could finish the smoke covering Kalthier’s body disappeared, or rather condensed to solid form, leaving him with a set of clothes that possessed the same smoky, black color.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">These look aweso- </span><br><br>*Bang*<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have lost 50 Hitpoints. -50HP</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Flat against the ground and with a bleeding nose Kalthier could do nothing but groan as something tried to bury him in the marble floor.<br><br>“....Clothes are enchanted to increase weight. What do you know about gravitational magic?”<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">*Groan*</span><br><br>“Exactly, right now your whole body, not to mention everything in you posses has effectively doubled in weight. Just focus on your body and with some effort you should be able to move”<br><br>Hearing the half-assed explanation Kalthier decided to check for himself as he tried to breath through the pressure now assaulting his lungs. Giving up on vocal command he tried a mental one.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">*Grunt*</span><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Item information</span><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">*Ghasp*</span><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Modified Niflheim Empire Prisoner Outfit<br><br>Durability: ?/?<br>Defense: 6<br><br>This suit, once used to imprison the most powerful criminals that roamed the ancient Niflheim Empire, has been reforged using long lost forbidden techniques. <br>It uses a rare gravitational magic to severely restrict the user’s movement, Increasing the gravity that affects the user and everything they posses.<br><br>Modified by a master blacksmith and enchanter at the request of Evangeline Delacrux.<br><br>Some modifications include:<br>Actual bonuses in defense, granting a small measure of protection to the user.<br><br>Gravitational pull: A reduced form of the gravitational magic originally used for the prison, where it was rumored to be a thousand fold, ensuring complete imobility.<br><br>Soul Bind: Outfit binds and evolves* with user.<br><br>Grants Sneak skill, if user already has it lvl +1<br><br>Endure Elements: Adapts to weather conferring a very basic level of protection from the elements.<br><br>Clothing made from the suit will repair itself as the user is healed<br><br>Cursed<br><br><br>Equip:<br>+5 STR<br>+10 AGI<br>+5 END<br>Body weight and encumberance x2<br><br>Requirements:<br>Can only be equipped or unequipped by a skilled blacksmith (Advanced Blacksmithing Lvl 1 Required)<br>Further manipulation and information of the suit requires arcane knowledge.<br><br>*(Suit evolves with the user. All stats increase and new ones may appear)<br><br>(Is considered basic clothing and as such may wear any equipment over it)<br><br>(Ring slots per finger -1, can still wear multiple rings per finger as long as their effects stack.)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Now breathing easier, but by no means normal Kalthier started laughing. Feeling a dejected feeling of Deja-vu he wondered if all his future experiences in Eva’s care would entitle things like this. As his vision started to dim due to lack of oxygen he slowly stopped laughing, the effort such an action required crushing his spirits.<br><br>Slowly extending his awareness to his muscles Kalthier started to exert them, slowly starting to move them but making no effort to stand. <br><br>For close to two hours Kalthier just laid there, eyes closed as he felt how each and every one of his muscles felt and worked under the new-found strain. Once he was satisfied with the knowledge of how his muscles worked when laying down he strained and sweated until he was sitting down, almost falling on his face once again when unexpected clapping broke his concentration.<br><br>“Amazing, truly amazing, to be able to move under such conditions after such a short time, remarkable.”<br><br>Straining to keep his sitting position Kalthier forgot all about diplomacy.<br><br>“Uldren?”<br><br>“Aye?”<br><br>“Shut up”<br><br>Seeing the dwarf comply to his gasping request, talking was barely easier than laughing, Kalthier returned to the task at hand.<br><br>Once again Kalthier spent some time feeling his body, contracting and relaxing his muscles one at a time, getting the feel of how each of them worked under pressure. <br><br>Soon Kalthier found himself standing, breathing heavily and sweating profusely but with a grin on his face. Soon he started on a new experimentation. Feeling how his muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments worked, what every movement required and how to perform it using the least amount of effort. For hours Kalthier worked on this, only stopping to turn off the system notifications they disrupted his concentration.<br><br>Somehow, no matter what position he was in, the part of his body was touching the ground received constant blunt damage. More than that, it seemed to suspiciously and perfectly offset his health regeneration. The pain however was surprisingly easy to ignore.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Day off my ass, twelve hours and I haven’t moved from this spot.</span><br><br>Keeping on his trance like experimentation he was surprised when a message broke through his settings as everything from damage to stats gained was being ignored.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have gained a new Skill: Body Awareness. Beginner Lvl 1 (0%)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Now capable of laboured speaking Kalthier spoke with a smile.<br><br>"Skill info…. Body Awareness…."<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Body Awareness. Beginner Lvl 1 (0%) (Passive)<br><br>Due to your instinctive knowledge of how every piece of your body moves and works you are able to increase it’s effectiveness.<br><br>Different types of awareness provide different bonuses.<br><br>Movement: You are able to remove unnecessary movements and effort from your actions gaining fluidity and speed to your movements while reducing the stamina required to perform them.<br><br>Movement speed +5%<br>Attack Speed +5%<br>Stamina consumption -5%<br><br>(Deeper knowledge, being instinctive or instructed of how your body works provides more varied bonuses)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Extremely happy with his new skill and now more comfortable with his movements Kalthier decided to distract himself as he moved and worked his body, feeling strange when he discovered he could move his tail with much less effort that the rest of his body, probably due to the fact that he was still not used to it and mostly moved it unconsciously, for the first time he realized how strong his new appendage was. <br><br>Seeing the awestruck dwarf that had somehow remained in absolute silence for the last six hours Kalthier homed in on his distraction as he wagged his tail and tried some yoga stretching.<br><br>“Explain”<br><br>“Well, first of all ye should know that I didn't have much of a choice in the matter, what would you do if our roles were reversed?” It was a useless question, everyone obeyed Eva of faced the consequences.<br><br>“The suit is designed to make everything you do harder, allowing you to grow at an exponential rate….If you can move enough to do something in the first place”<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Damn, I hate it when they do something evil to me and it works, now I really can’t complain about this bloody suit, that skill alone is worth months of training.</span><br><br>“Could’ve…. warned me” Talking was still hard and his voice was deeper, his vocal chords stretching under the twofold gravity.<br><br>To his surprise the dwarf laughed, a deep rumbling sound that seemed to come from the earth itself.<br><br>“Ah, lad. Only Eva’s apprentice could put on such a cursed object and only be mildly annoyed”<br><br>Hearing this Kalthier realized it was true. The suit sucked and it was a torture device on itself and yet, he didn’t particularly mind, not even enough for his Bloodlust Aura to activate. The fact that Eva could go to such extremes against after only a week, and that he would just take with a shrug did piss him off, activating the traitorous skill that until that point didn't seem to mind the curse inflicted on him.<br><br>Uldren flinched as his comment seemed to enrage the young half-dragon. Thinking on his feet he quickly opened a cabinet door, revealing a full-length mirror.<br><br>“Look, before the guards come storming through the door, just look at yourself!”<br><br>With small steps and some effort Kalthier turned until he was looking at the mirror.<br><br>“Woa...”<br><br>Having only had a brief look before Kalthier had so far only noticed the main details. Now though he could see that the suit had created individual pieces of clothing, all made of the same inky dark material but to the naked eye appearing to be something completely different. A long-sleeved ‘cotton’ shirt covered his torso, if he focused Kalthier realized that it actualy felt like cotton, moving his hands to one of the buttons he left nothing but sleek wood. The shirt was covered by a ‘leather’ vest, the dark color giving it a truly unique colour and yet retaining all the qualities of regular leather. On his hips rested a leather belt containing the daggers that were previously in his inventory and under them a pair of simple leggings that, while appearing to be extremely thin leather, allowed for near perfect mobility, plus they had a whole on the back for his tail to pass through. <br><br>Resting his fingerless leather gloves on the pommels of his dagger Kalthier took his time to absorb his image. Everything was the same deep, smoky black and yet every piece of clothing was easily distinguishable. Together with his red skin, horns and tail the suit made him look like pretty badass (Ignoring the appearance of said appendages not to mention his face. Badass looking Draky is still cute. Denial is a wonderful thing)<br><br>Grinning at the sight Kalthier turned towards the blacksmith. Bloodlust Aura now completely gone. <br><br>“Not bad huh?”<br><br>“For now you will have to wear it as it is, latter you can learn to control it, reverting whatever piece of clothing you wish to remove into smoke and sending it back into the rings. you can also create new shapes and clothing from it. The effects I'm afraid, won't differ no matter which form you make it into.”<br><br>“So I can end up with nothing but the rings?”<br><br>“Yeah. That reminds me, in order to control the suit you will need to learn how to manipulate the smoke since since the suit is, in effect, magic. As soon as you feel like walking go to the library and ask old Pleandra for books on mana manipulation, after you have the skill come back here and I’ll ask the woman who helped me with the suit teach you the affinity to control the suit.”<br><br>Kalthier spent a couple of hours getting used to the new gravity. Falling on his ass and face multiple times when he tried extravagant moves, much to Uldren’s amusement. The dwarf seemed determined not to let him out of his sight until Kalthier could move properly or at least exit the room unaided. That however, didn’t stop him from laughing his ass off as Kalthier fell on his.<br><br>Having blocked the stat gain and damage messages Kalthier could only judge his progress by how it felt to move around. When Kalthier started practicing moves and stances with his daggers Uldren started telling him stories of drunken escapades in his younger days and how Eva was a saint compared to his master of old.<br><br>“Well lad, since I was part of this whole mess and seeing as you will be wearing that thing for a long time I have an offer to make you”<br><br>Turning towards the blacksmith in a jerky but surprisingly fast motion, Kalthier almost jumped in joy, thinking that Uldren was going to promise to remove the rings after a certain time or something like it.<br><br>“As you saw only a blacksmith with advanced skills may remove those rings safely and, as such, I will happily teach you my skills so that one day you may remove it yourself. Otherwise I believe Eva will forever deny you the chance”<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Another teacher…. Fuck!</span><br><br>Not seeing much of a choice and taking the slim chance of hope that was extended to him Kalthier agreed.<br><br><br><br>Chapter 4 END<br><br>*******************************************************************<br>Well, i'm trying to adapt the chapter length to match a scene. But please, let me know weather you guys prefer longer or shorter chaps as I can adapt what I've already written to the consensus as I edit it.<br><br>This bit of the story is turning up a bit longer than i'd planed so the planed (and written) side chapter will have to be delayed until it fits chronologically.<br><br>Once again any thoughts and advice are heavily welcomed.<br><br>Hope you enjoyed reading it as much as i did writing it.<br><br> {[999aba}] "Nevermore"<br><br><br>PS: To anyone interested the infinity sign is written in windows as ATL+236 ???? </div>

************************************************************** I apologize for the delay in bringing you this chapter. Final exams sucked every minute of my time for the last weeks. I will strive to write a lot more now that i'm free of obligations. Any suggestions and critiques are welcome. I really appreciate the feedback as I'm a complete novice when it comes to writing. Enjoy! ************************************************************** Road to Freedom by Moskatero Chapter 4 After another twelve hour trip to reality Kyle found himself filled with apprehension as he logged back into Royal Road. In logging out he’d given Eva whole two days to work on whatever plans and machinations she had in store for him. His imagination of torture devices from the middle ages painted a grim picture. Checking the time of day in game (IG from now on, same for IRL) to get his bearings he saw it was just after midnight. A grimace crossed his face as he realized it was just in time for the hell-bread production. As he neared the bakery he immediately went on alert. Not a trace of the mayhem caused by the players in their rush to buy hell-bread was to be seen, and the lighting that marked the bakery at night was gone. As Kalthier silently entered the bakery he noticed that also missing was the mouthwatering smell of Eva’s cooking, indicating that she had not cooked for the whole day, an impossible occurrence in Kalthier’s short experience. But what truly clued him on the fact that something wrong must have happened was that no orders were yelled at him as he stepped through the door. Still wary and equipping one of his iron daggers Kalthier silently made his way across the bakery. As he neared the kitchen door he began to hear voices whispering in a not very subtle tone of voice. After crouching with his ear to the door for while he started to piece together a conversation. “So it’s ready then?” Eva’s unmistakable voice asked in an excited whisper. “Aye, but after I fit it we’re done, no more ridiculous favors” A gruff voice came from somewhere near the kitchen counter. “Oh? Not even for some Dragonwrought Mead?” The tone of Eva’s question was so familiar Kalthier could picture the arched eyebrow that went along with it. “Drag….” A tingle of remembrance went through Kalthier’s mind at the name and the stranger’s reaction to it, but he ignored it and sharpened his senses, the stranger was louder now, almost screaming. “Imposible! I have a standing offer of twelve-thousand gold pieces for any bottle entering the kingdom and enough contacts to know if someone else bought one outside of it” Eva gave a rumbling laugh, one that, on more than one occasion, filled Kalthier with dread. “But not for the ingredients, those went right under your nose and straight into my hands” “But...That would mean… Did you… I need to sit down” “Ha!, what happened to that famed dwarven constitution” The stranger’s now had pained edge “Please Evangeline, tell me truly. Did you manage to create Dragonwrought Mead?” “Two bottles, actually” Kalthier once again recognized Eva’s tone of voice, he could picture the grin on her chubby face as she delivered what appeared to be devastating new to the dwarf. “...How much” “Well you see, I had two bottles but I ended up giving one of them to my ungrateful, vagabond, eavesdropping apprentice!” Oh, shi… *Thud* A meat cleaver buried itself half an inch from Kalthier’s nose, cleaving through the door almost completely. Paralyzed like a frightful rabbit Kalthier didn’t move an inch until Eva opened the door. She looked happy, only not a good kind of happy, at least not were his future was concerned. “Um, Hi….Err... I’m back?” “Indeed you are….” The look in her eyes caused him to cringe and the pause in her speech made him fidget where he lay half-crouching in his eavesdropping behaviour. “A piece of advice my faithful apprentice, the next time you want to sneak somewhere do make sure you are wearing something that doesn’t stink of blood, sweat and tears. I smelled you from a block away” Eva hauled him to his feet and pulled him into the kitchen. “This grumpy old dwarf is the renowned blacksmith of the east. Master Uldren.” The dwarf sitting in the counter gave Kalthier a sloppy salute with a tankard and a murmured “Well met” but his eyes were laughing, most certainly at his unique, if messy, appearance. “And this is my apprentice Drak- Kalthier” Damn you, you were about to call me Draky weren't you? It was totally on purpose! “Master Uldren here has agreed *Cough* Under duress *Cought To help equipping you with what is to be your official training uniform, although at this point a burlap sack would be an improvement” Looking down at his torn, bloodied clothes Kalthier couldn’t help to agree with her. No wonder even his fans seemed to avoid him lately. “Anyhow. Uldy, could you stop looking so gloom and take Kalthier here to your smithy and get him fitted? I need him back in training soon. Oh, and be nice and I might consider selling you that last bottle” With that the dwarf’s eyes gained a fevered shine and grabbing Kalthier’s hand he forcibly dragged him towards the exit. Eva’s cheerful voice trailing behind them. “Kalthier, you have the day off, enjoy your new outfit” Now Kalthier was scared, any time Eva was this nice was when he did something bad, and why would some clothes require a master blacksmith’s help to equip. Visions of himself in chains and irons crowded his mind as he tried not to lose an arm to the dwarf running ahead of him at a remarkable pace considering his short legs. As he tried to keep up a piece of the conversation he’d overheard came back to him and piecing together some pieces he came to a disturbing thought. 12.000 gold…. why didn't she just let me die! That devil woman probably wanted me in her debt, if only to increase her control over me. The worst part of it was that, being half conscious at the time, Kalthier could only remember the Dragonwrought Mead in a haze of wonderment and pain. If this guy finds out I not only drank it, but hardly even managed to taste it, he’ll kill me, or worse, decide to train me. As they reached a five story building, a massive construction that seemed to be inspired by both an industrial factory and a medieval fortress. more shocking still was the amount of heat, smoke and noise coming from it. Not pausing for a second after entering the imposing building and leaving behind a couple of bewildered sentries, Uldren pulled Kalthier all the way to the top floor, receiving numerous states of shock and wonderment from dozens of people, most of them dwarves, along the way. After closing the door and locking it the dwarf finally addressed his capti- guest. “When I heard Eva had an apprentice I felt sorry for ye, anyone would. After all, so far the only candidates for apprenticeship she received were the result of desperation, blackmail of lost bets. But anyone who gets to drink the fabled Dragonwrought Mead is most certainly blessed by the gods, hell, if i’d known she gave her apprentices such treatment I’ve jumped on the whole cooking business and never smith nother day in my life.” Wrong! So wrong, they all went willingly and eager to learn, she just crushed them, i’d be surprised if any of them still cooks. And what are you, a recovering alcoholic who immersed himself in blacksmithing to get over it? Is that a Dwarven trait? “Have you had some?” The dwarf seemed obsessed with the dragon-whatever-the-hell-it’s-name-is, so asking the question was a polite way for Kalthier to confirm his suspicions.The dreamy expression that came over Uldren at the question was not a good sign. “Once…. Years, no decades ago. It’s taste... nearly broke me. The fact that you are standing here. in front of me. instead of frothing at the mouth and begging Evangeline for another drop speaks highly of your self control and will. I can see why she chose you. Hell, if all half-dragons are like you I could use a couple to straighten my corrupted apprentices” It wasn't that good, was it? I mean good mead, the best I've ever tasted even while unconscious but from this guy’s description it sounds more like heroin. “Thank you master Uldren, that means a lot coming from you. I’ll be sure to send any of my kin I meet during my travels your way” There, nice and diplomatic. Can’t handle another teacher. “Heh, polite and pretty to boot. Don't worry, in a year she’ll have ye cursing like a drunken sailor and happy about it. Now, just sit right there and I’ll get yer stuff” Sitting in in a majestic chair while the burly dwarf rummaged through a chest in the corner of the room Kalthier pondered about what the blacksmith said, trying to ignore both the pretty comment and the one about training with Eva for a year. Either she lied to him about making the mead or about giving it to me. Seeing as she would never disgrace anything that has to do with cooking and the fact that the Dragon-mead-thingy seems to drive people mad with addiction, which I truly don’t feel. I believe she gave me something from the bottom shelf, then lied to the dwarf about it all in order for him to hold me in high regard? While that was the most logical line of thought he could come up with it was Eva he was talking about, she just didn’t do things out of the kindness of her heart. She probably lied to them both so she could use them with ease. A gruff voice behind him distracted him from the useless line of thought. Who knew how the demonic woman’s mind worked. “Yer master request is something I’ve never done before, it required a tremendous amount of work and the help of a powerful enchantress, hell, if anyone else had asked me to do such a thing I’d’ve buried me hammer in their skull” So it’s powerful but terrible or evil enough to make a master blacksmith shiver in remembrance? typical Eva, this is probably going to hurt. Damn! “Give me yer hands” Not really understanding what his hands had to do with clothes, but not wanting to antagonize the strong armed blacksmith Kalthier complied. “I don’t know where she found out about this, but whoever invented it was a genius…. or mad. It should have stayed lost in the past” Kalthier looked as Uldren took a silk pouch and one by one extracted ten black rings. They shined like pure obsidian, but instead of reflecting the light like precious stones are supposed to do these seemed to absorb it, giving the black rings a smoky quality. “What are they made of?” “Don’t know” Came the gruff reply. Uldren seemed pissed about it. With that surprisingly terrifying answer the dwarf started to put a ring on each of Kalthier’s fingers, pushing them as far as they would go. They seemed to be custom made, for they fit each of his fingers perfectly. Magic most likely seeing as Uldren mentioned a enchantress. Standing up the dwarf looked at him with a sorrowful, yet proud expression. “Ye might want to stay sitting for the next part” Alarms rang in Kalthier’s skull but as he moved to remove one of the rings he found it stuck to his finger. This move gave Uldren enough time to mutter the slow but powerful incantation. Hearing the blacksmith talking in a strange language Kalthier saw as, from each of the ten rings now adoring his fingers, black smoke started to appear, slowly it started to move around his hand, covering it in smokey blackness. Scared now, and certain that this was some sort of trap or test by Eva and Belgroth, Kalthier quickly rose to his feet, determined to get away from the dwarf before that smoke, whatever it was, did whatever it was supposed to. As he stood Uldren finished the incantation and barked in a commanding voice “Sit down or yer gonna hurt yourself” Now seeing the black smoke curl up his arms towards his torso, coating every inch of his arms apart from his fingers in the thick, dense vapor, Kalthier panicked. “What did you do!? What is happening to my arms!?” “They’re magic clothes lad, just relax and let it finish, it can’t be stopped anyway so sit down” The feeling of the smoke slowly covering his body sent shivers down his back, it was now spreading towards his legs and circling around his back. “What does this thing do? Why can’t I have normal-non-creepy clothes?” Kalthier moaned as the inky blackness continued to advance. The smoke now covering every inch of his body from the neck down then started to condense, the bloody rags he was wearing disintegrating in the process. It felt surprisingly warm and, if he focused not all that different from silk. Uldren, now wincing as he saw his dreadful creation coating the alarmed dragonling, tried to appease the young apprentice fears. “Easy, easy, just let it finish. As far as clothes go these are among the best in the continent, nigh indestructible and environment friendly, they are a true masterpiece of craftsmanship and magic.” Hearing the description did indeed calm Kalthier but…. “What aren't you telling me” “Ah, well, you see the-” Before the dwarf could finish the smoke covering Kalthier’s body disappeared, or rather condensed to solid form, leaving him with a set of clothes that possessed the same smoky, black color. These look aweso- *Bang* | You have lost 50 Hitpoints. -50HP | | --- | Flat against the ground and with a bleeding nose Kalthier could do nothing but groan as something tried to bury him in the marble floor. “....Clothes are enchanted to increase weight. What do you know about gravitational magic?” *Groan* “Exactly, right now your whole body, not to mention everything in you posses has effectively doubled in weight. Just focus on your body and with some effort you should be able to move” Hearing the half-assed explanation Kalthier decided to check for himself as he tried to breath through the pressure now assaulting his lungs. Giving up on vocal command he tried a mental one. *Grunt* Item information *Ghasp* | Modified Niflheim Empire Prisoner OutfitDurability: ?/?Defense: 6This suit, once used to imprison the most powerful criminals that roamed the ancient Niflheim Empire, has been reforged using long lost forbidden techniques. It uses a rare gravitational magic to severely restrict the user’s movement, Increasing the gravity that affects the user and everything they posses.Modified by a master blacksmith and enchanter at the request of Evangeline Delacrux.Some modifications include:Actual bonuses in defense, granting a small measure of protection to the user.Gravitational pull: A reduced form of the gravitational magic originally used for the prison, where it was rumored to be a thousand fold, ensuring complete imobility.Soul Bind: Outfit binds and evolves* with user.Grants Sneak skill, if user already has it lvl +1Endure Elements: Adapts to weather conferring a very basic level of protection from the elements.Clothing made from the suit will repair itself as the user is healedCursedEquip:+5 STR+10 AGI+5 ENDBody weight and encumberance x2Requirements:Can only be equipped or unequipped by a skilled blacksmith (Advanced Blacksmithing Lvl 1 Required)Further manipulation and information of the suit requires arcane knowledge.*(Suit evolves with the user. All stats increase and new ones may appear)(Is considered basic clothing and as such may wear any equipment over it)(Ring slots per finger -1, can still wear multiple rings per finger as long as their effects stack.) | | --- | Now breathing easier, but by no means normal Kalthier started laughing. Feeling a dejected feeling of Deja-vu he wondered if all his future experiences in Eva’s care would entitle things like this. As his vision started to dim due to lack of oxygen he slowly stopped laughing, the effort such an action required crushing his spirits. Slowly extending his awareness to his muscles Kalthier started to exert them, slowly starting to move them but making no effort to stand. For close to two hours Kalthier just laid there, eyes closed as he felt how each and every one of his muscles felt and worked under the new-found strain. Once he was satisfied with the knowledge of how his muscles worked when laying down he strained and sweated until he was sitting down, almost falling on his face once again when unexpected clapping broke his concentration. “Amazing, truly amazing, to be able to move under such conditions after such a short time, remarkable.” Straining to keep his sitting position Kalthier forgot all about diplomacy. “Uldren?” “Aye?” “Shut up” Seeing the dwarf comply to his gasping request, talking was barely easier than laughing, Kalthier returned to the task at hand. Once again Kalthier spent some time feeling his body, contracting and relaxing his muscles one at a time, getting the feel of how each of them worked under pressure. Soon Kalthier found himself standing, breathing heavily and sweating profusely but with a grin on his face. Soon he started on a new experimentation. Feeling how his muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments worked, what every movement required and how to perform it using the least amount of effort. For hours Kalthier worked on this, only stopping to turn off the system notifications they disrupted his concentration. Somehow, no matter what position he was in, the part of his body was touching the ground received constant blunt damage. More than that, it seemed to suspiciously and perfectly offset his health regeneration. The pain however was surprisingly easy to ignore. Day off my ass, twelve hours and I haven’t moved from this spot. Keeping on his trance like experimentation he was surprised when a message broke through his settings as everything from damage to stats gained was being ignored. | You have gained a new Skill: Body Awareness. Beginner Lvl 1 (0%) | | --- | Now capable of laboured speaking Kalthier spoke with a smile. "Skill info…. Body Awareness…." | Body Awareness. Beginner Lvl 1 (0%) (Passive)Due to your instinctive knowledge of how every piece of your body moves and works you are able to increase it’s effectiveness.Different types of awareness provide different bonuses.Movement: You are able to remove unnecessary movements and effort from your actions gaining fluidity and speed to your movements while reducing the stamina required to perform them.Movement speed +5%Attack Speed +5%Stamina consumption -5%(Deeper knowledge, being instinctive or instructed of how your body works provides more varied bonuses) | | --- | Extremely happy with his new skill and now more comfortable with his movements Kalthier decided to distract himself as he moved and worked his body, feeling strange when he discovered he could move his tail with much less effort that the rest of his body, probably due to the fact that he was still not used to it and mostly moved it unconsciously, for the first time he realized how strong his new appendage was. Seeing the awestruck dwarf that had somehow remained in absolute silence for the last six hours Kalthier homed in on his distraction as he wagged his tail and tried some yoga stretching. “Explain” “Well, first of all ye should know that I didn't have much of a choice in the matter, what would you do if our roles were reversed?” It was a useless question, everyone obeyed Eva of faced the consequences. “The suit is designed to make everything you do harder, allowing you to grow at an exponential rate….If you can move enough to do something in the first place” Damn, I hate it when they do something evil to me and it works, now I really can’t complain about this bloody suit, that skill alone is worth months of training. “Could’ve…. warned me” Talking was still hard and his voice was deeper, his vocal chords stretching under the twofold gravity. To his surprise the dwarf laughed, a deep rumbling sound that seemed to come from the earth itself. “Ah, lad. Only Eva’s apprentice could put on such a cursed object and only be mildly annoyed” Hearing this Kalthier realized it was true. The suit sucked and it was a torture device on itself and yet, he didn’t particularly mind, not even enough for his Bloodlust Aura to activate. The fact that Eva could go to such extremes against after only a week, and that he would just take with a shrug did piss him off, activating the traitorous skill that until that point didn't seem to mind the curse inflicted on him. Uldren flinched as his comment seemed to enrage the young half-dragon. Thinking on his feet he quickly opened a cabinet door, revealing a full-length mirror. “Look, before the guards come storming through the door, just look at yourself!” With small steps and some effort Kalthier turned until he was looking at the mirror. “Woa...” Having only had a brief look before Kalthier had so far only noticed the main details. Now though he could see that the suit had created individual pieces of clothing, all made of the same inky dark material but to the naked eye appearing to be something completely different. A long-sleeved ‘cotton’ shirt covered his torso, if he focused Kalthier realized that it actualy felt like cotton, moving his hands to one of the buttons he left nothing but sleek wood. The shirt was covered by a ‘leather’ vest, the dark color giving it a truly unique colour and yet retaining all the qualities of regular leather. On his hips rested a leather belt containing the daggers that were previously in his inventory and under them a pair of simple leggings that, while appearing to be extremely thin leather, allowed for near perfect mobility, plus they had a whole on the back for his tail to pass through. Resting his fingerless leather gloves on the pommels of his dagger Kalthier took his time to absorb his image. Everything was the same deep, smoky black and yet every piece of clothing was easily distinguishable. Together with his red skin, horns and tail the suit made him look like pretty badass (Ignoring the appearance of said appendages not to mention his face. Badass looking Draky is still cute. Denial is a wonderful thing) Grinning at the sight Kalthier turned towards the blacksmith. Bloodlust Aura now completely gone. “Not bad huh?” “For now you will have to wear it as it is, latter you can learn to control it, reverting whatever piece of clothing you wish to remove into smoke and sending it back into the rings. you can also create new shapes and clothing from it. The effects I'm afraid, won't differ no matter which form you make it into.” “So I can end up with nothing but the rings?” “Yeah. That reminds me, in order to control the suit you will need to learn how to manipulate the smoke since since the suit is, in effect, magic. As soon as you feel like walking go to the library and ask old Pleandra for books on mana manipulation, after you have the skill come back here and I’ll ask the woman who helped me with the suit teach you the affinity to control the suit.” Kalthier spent a couple of hours getting used to the new gravity. Falling on his ass and face multiple times when he tried extravagant moves, much to Uldren’s amusement. The dwarf seemed determined not to let him out of his sight until Kalthier could move properly or at least exit the room unaided. That however, didn’t stop him from laughing his ass off as Kalthier fell on his. Having blocked the stat gain and damage messages Kalthier could only judge his progress by how it felt to move around. When Kalthier started practicing moves and stances with his daggers Uldren started telling him stories of drunken escapades in his younger days and how Eva was a saint compared to his master of old. “Well lad, since I was part of this whole mess and seeing as you will be wearing that thing for a long time I have an offer to make you” Turning towards the blacksmith in a jerky but surprisingly fast motion, Kalthier almost jumped in joy, thinking that Uldren was going to promise to remove the rings after a certain time or something like it. “As you saw only a blacksmith with advanced skills may remove those rings safely and, as such, I will happily teach you my skills so that one day you may remove it yourself. Otherwise I believe Eva will forever deny you the chance” Another teacher…. Fuck! Not seeing much of a choice and taking the slim chance of hope that was extended to him Kalthier agreed. Chapter 4 END ******************************************************************* Well, i'm trying to adapt the chapter length to match a scene. But please, let me know weather you guys prefer longer or shorter chaps as I can adapt what I've already written to the consensus as I edit it. This bit of the story is turning up a bit longer than i'd planed so the planed (and written) side chapter will have to be delayed until it fits chronologically. Once again any thoughts and advice are heavily welcomed. Hope you enjoyed reading it as much as i did writing it. {[999aba}] "Nevermore" PS: To anyone interested the infinity sign is written in windows as ATL+236 ????

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> The train came to a sudden stop waking me up. I took my black newsboy bag up and went to the door following the people onto the train platform. <br>Looking at my watch I realize that the train had a slight delay, so I held onto the shoulder strap of my bag and ran down the platform all the while weaving through the people around me. Without bumping into anyone I finally reached the stairs.<br><br>I took three stairs at a time and saw my bus in the distance standing at a traffic light. In a matter of seconds I finally reached the bus stop just before the bus arrived.<br>Walking inside the usual bus driver, whom I called Teddy since it aggravates him proclaimed:<br><br>“Not even slightly out of breath, Lex? That kind of pisses me off!!“<br><br>„Why’s that Teddy? Don’t you go jogging every evening, Teddy?“ <br><br>Before Teddy has time for his usual: <br>„Damn it, don’t call me Teddy“<br>Response, I was already walking to the back of the bus where my best friend Frederic waved at me to come already.<br><br>„Soooo .....? What do you think? It will be awesome, right? I can’t wait already!“<br>Frederic said in a rush.<br><br>I had trouble understanding what he had said. When I had finally made heads over tails over what he had said. I asked extremely confused:<br><br>“What are you talking about? I didn’t forget something important, right?“<br><br>Frederic looked at me for quite a long time, his expressions ranging from astonished over to confused over to a „are you kidding me“ over to a „you really don’t know-astonished“ to a smug expression. Even though he probably was laughing at me on the inside, I said nothing sitting there, looking at him while blinking very, very slowly. Frederic never was able to cope with silence, even less with such awkward silence, which I was invoking intentionally.<br><br>„Didn’t you watch any TV yesterday or looked at any news online?“<br>he asked me, looking at me quizzically, which I must add is reasonable.<br><br>That is since I pride myself in being an awesome gamer. Even though I am not that good in many games, such as sports games, or shooter games. I know that I am really great in puzzle, strategy and Role-Playing games. I usually play a couple of hours everyday and mostly manage an offline RPG in a week. I also play some MMORPG’s but quit after a few months since the game become to easy or monotone, since the actions one can undertake are extremely limited in my opinion. The combat is repetitive since a keyboard isn’t really able to move a body according to the player’s wishes, such as dodging blows or blocking the way the player wants, just to name a couple of things. But since I play so much, I always follow the news threads about new games and my friends know that. So when Frederic asks me if I haven’t watched the news, he specifically means the gaming news, since all my friends also know that I have quite a disinterest in normal news, such as fashion, weather, politics, economy etc..<br><br>That is why I truthfully answered, since I (almost ;D) never lie to my friends:<br>“Nope was celebrating my aunt’s birthday yesterday, so I didn’t have time.“<br><br>Frederic angrily said:<br>“Why didn’t you tell me? I would have loved to come and get free drinks, food and cake. Oh by the way tell her congrats from me.“<br><br>I secretly suspected or rather knew that Frederic had a huge crush on my only 6 years older aunt, Jenny. I know that she has an athletic body, like all of my family, and is very popular among her college friends but still .... ewwww. I simply responded:<br><br>“It was family only, sorry“. <br><br>I am very sure that I saw him pout a little but seeing that we almost arrived at our destination I ignored it and stood up walking to the door. <br>After the bus came to a stop and Frederic and I walked out I turned back and just as the door was closing I called:<br><br>“See you tomorrow, Teddy“.<br><br>I laughed out loud when I saw him angrily waving his arms around and shouting something, which I couldn’t hear anymore seeing that the doors had closed and I had walked a bit away from the bus already.<br>I turned around again and asked Frederic while walking towards the physics section, because we were studying for the bachelor in physics: <br><br>„So, what did I miss yesterday?“.<br><br>He looked at me for a moment before he realized what I was talking about and was about to reply when suddenly we were tackled from behind. I reflexively rolled to stand up on my feet again. I looked to my side where I saw Frederic lying face first on the ground and next to him on the ground laughing while clutching his stomach because of his laughter was another one of my good friends Jonathan and I once more wondered why the hell he was one of my friends. Seeing Frederic spitting out dirt I was grateful for the excessive training I have undergone.<br><br>I have had training in several different martial arts since I was young. I started with Judo when I was seven and managed to get a black belt when I was ten. While my family staid in South-east Asia I underwent 2 more years of training in Aikido and Thai Kick-boxing. After that I had one and a half years of practice in Savate in France. When I was 15, I went to a specialized military training school in the USA, where I learned how to shoot with and handle all kinds of guns and I also learned how to handle knives, with throwing knives being my favorite. I finished school with 16 and since then I picked up archery and Kung Fu as a hobby. After having had all these experiences in martial arts I have been training every day for a couple of hours to keep myself fit and to get better and stronger. So it isn’t as if I am one of your stereotypical gamers or nerds even though I love reading and am even reading and studying while doing my exercises, Even though I love to game during my free time, having spent many nights gaming and sometimes forgetting or not caring enough to go to sleep.<br><br>I took hold of Frederic’s arm and easily pulled him to his feet. On the other hand I left Jonathan, who also wanted a hand up, on the ground. While Frederic was still spitting out dirt, I started to pull him to walk on. Jonathan stood up and hurried after us still laughing. Frederic screamed at him: <br><br>„What the hell was that for Jonathan?“.<br><br>Jonathan simply replied:<br>“Hmm I had to jump on you. If I were to jump on Lex, he’d pin me on the ground instead of falling down“.<br><br>Frederic was at a loss for words, while seething from anger: <br><br>„Aargh. I’m speaking to an idiot.“ <br>He just proclaimed throwing his arms up. <br><br>Meanwhile we had walked on and I saw Jonathan standing and dusting himself off before running to catch up to us.<br>Upon reaching us he asked:<br><br>“Soooo …. Which assignments did we have to finish for today?”<br><br>“Not much. We had to finish the course work in mathematics for physicists II for today just like we had to every single Monday for the last few weeks.”<br>I replied for what seemed like the thousands time.<br><br>“Hmmm did we already finish it?”<br><br>“Yes, Jonathan we finished it last Thursday just like always!”<br><br>Frederic told him, while still being angry with him, which could be seen from his evidently angry face. I almost laughed seeing the frown on his face since Frederic usually is an obnoxiously joyful person and thus his angry expression just seemed ridiculous to me.<br><br>Apparently Jonathan agreed with my opinion since he unsuccessfully tried to suppress his laughter upon seeing Frederic’s face. But instead of asking him why he was laughing, Frederic chose to ignore Jonathan.We had finally reached the doors to the physics department and went inside, where gratefully the air was much warmer than the outside due to all of the heaters being on.<br>After having spotted the rest of our friends discussing loudly at one of the tables in the main hall we steered towards them.<br><br>“Good morning there ladies and to you too Daniel.” <br><br>Frederic greeted them, while giving a mock bow to them.<br>We exchanged a couple of good mornings and handshakes and then sat down.<br><br>“So what is it you are discussing? Is it about the oh so great news of yesterday?” <br><br>I asked still slightly irritated that something important obviously came up in the news yesterday.<br>Frederic excitedly pointed out that I have no idea whatsoever of what was said in yesterday’s news. To which all my friends looked at me with shocked and even doubtful expressions.<br>Let me introduce you to my friends first of all. You already know of Frederic, who has a very, very annoyingly happy attitude and is currently the oldest of our group with his 20 years of age. Him and Daniel a very lax and lazy guy have been my friends since tenth grade in school.<br><br>I met Jonathan, who is even more annoying then Frederic but makes up for it with his friendly character to an extent that no one really hates him and his pranks, when I first visited Daniel’s home since they actually are identical twin brothers. They look 100% the same with their brown curly shoulder length hair have the same facial features and have the same slightly plumpish physique, but to this day I have never understood how their personalities could have been so different to one another. For why Jonathan was still outside in the cold and not already sitting here with his brother was probably because he is a glutton and got himself something to eat.<br>We met Eliza, whom we all call Liz, and Sabrina at the beginning of our college time almost a year ago, when no one really had a clue what to do next since we all were new to college life. Both Liz and Sabrina have very long light brown hair, whereas Sabrina usually has her hair tied in a ponytail down her back and Liz leaves her wavy hair open. Both of them are seasoned veteran gamers and mostly play shooter games. They too know each other and have been friends since their school days and are, in my opinion at least, the hugest fans of the Call of Duty series, having even played the antiques such as Modern Warfare 2. While on the one hand Sabrina is very shy, Liz on the other hand is very open, friendly and more times than what is good for her tells her honest opinion straight into someone’s face.<br><br>Then there is Benjamin, who has been the boyfriend of Liz for a couple of years already. He is the only one of our little group that isn’t studying physics, but instead chose to study Computer Science. He is a very shy and nice guy with average looks so I have no idea how he became part of our little group of misfits, as I like to see us.<br>Last but not least is Krystin, who is the girlfriend of Sabrina. Due to them both being girls and very shy ones at that, they didn’t tell us of their relationship until only quite recently. But we easily accepted them since we had known or at least suspected them to be in an intimate relationship and had wondered why they wouldn’t tell us, since we all had been friends since at least the beginning of college.<br><br>“No way! How come YOU don’t know of it? It is what you have been dreaming of since like forever.”<br><br>Liz proclaimed, having been the first one to recover from their shock at hearing something so unbelievable as me not being online for a day. Shocking, I know!<br>Frederic had a smug expression on his face for being the one to tell them something so unexpected and the only thing I wanted to do at that moment is wipe that expression from his face.<br><br>“Ok so now please tell me already what this thing is. I don’t understand how it can affect you all like that!!”<br><br>Sabrina piped in saying:<br>“Yesterday they announced a new game in half a year’s time. It is called Royal Road and will be the first of it’s kind.”<br><br>“It will be the first VRMMORPG ever, Lex!! And Unicorn Corp. also announced that it will be Virtual Reality at an amazing 99% realism.”<br>Jonathan added with a huge grin on his face.<br><br>Meanwhile I had an astonished look on my face, my mouth hanging open and my eyes wide open after hearing that. A Virtual Reality Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game with 99% realism, By Unicorn Corp., the leading game corporation worldwide. I couldn’t believe that finally one of my few dreams would come true. Since I was old enough to read my favorite kind of book genre “Fantasy-books”, I had been dreaming of a game where I could be fully immersed in such a world. Become the main protagonist of the story and fight monsters, meet different races like elves and dwarves. Have an adventure the likes only the imagination would produce in our 22nd century world. I knew that it would become a Fantasy and medieval times orientated game, since Unicorn corp. only produced games of that genre. A full-blown grin soon appeared on my face and I don’t think any news has ever made me that happy before in my life. I was so absorbed in my daydreaming that I didn’t even notice that my friends had started talking again and making fun of how my face looked like. But suddenly reality came crashing down again. They had said that the game would be on the market in half a year. Such a long time it seemed to me. But I wasn’t really depressed since half a year actually flies by in no time if you are looking forward to something and now I finally had something to really look forward to for the first time in my life.<br><br>“Earth to Alex. Helloooo are you still here with us.”<br><br>Frederic suddenly asked me waving his right hand in front of my face and shaking me with his left hand. I was suddenly ripped out of my daydreaming by his shaking me. I saw how Liz, Sabrina and Krystin hid their giggling behind their hands.<br><br>“Huh? What’s wrong?”<br>I stupidly asked.<br><br>“Oh nothing you just have been daydreaming for the last 10 minutes or so totally ignoring us talking to and about you!”<br>Jonathan exclaimed.<br><br>“And now we have to hurry since the lecture has started already.”<br><br>Sabrina said and true to her word I saw that they all had packed up their things already and were standing. All except for Daniel who seemed to just have started picking up his things from the table and apparently was in no hurry.<br><br>Since I had nothing to pack up I just took up my bag and stood up walking to the lecture hall with the others, leaving Daniel behind since he probably would take his time once again and maybe even stop to buy a snack from one of the vending machines. <br>In the lecture hall we found ourselves a couple of seats and listened intently to what the professor was saying and took some notes.<br>After the lecture we found ourselves a different table outside in the main hall once again and began to work on the new assignments we now had. All the while we all were immersed in our assignments and learning, since all we wanted was to finish them as quickly and efficiently as possible. Two hours later we bid ourselves farewell and went our separate ways. </div>

The train came to a sudden stop waking me up. I took my black newsboy bag up and went to the door following the people onto the train platform. Looking at my watch I realize that the train had a slight delay, so I held onto the shoulder strap of my bag and ran down the platform all the while weaving through the people around me. Without bumping into anyone I finally reached the stairs. I took three stairs at a time and saw my bus in the distance standing at a traffic light. In a matter of seconds I finally reached the bus stop just before the bus arrived. Walking inside the usual bus driver, whom I called Teddy since it aggravates him proclaimed: “Not even slightly out of breath, Lex? That kind of pisses me off!!“ „Why’s that Teddy? Don’t you go jogging every evening, Teddy?“ Before Teddy has time for his usual: „Damn it, don’t call me Teddy“ Response, I was already walking to the back of the bus where my best friend Frederic waved at me to come already. „Soooo .....? What do you think? It will be awesome, right? I can’t wait already!“ Frederic said in a rush. I had trouble understanding what he had said. When I had finally made heads over tails over what he had said. I asked extremely confused: “What are you talking about? I didn’t forget something important, right?“ Frederic looked at me for quite a long time, his expressions ranging from astonished over to confused over to a „are you kidding me“ over to a „you really don’t know-astonished“ to a smug expression. Even though he probably was laughing at me on the inside, I said nothing sitting there, looking at him while blinking very, very slowly. Frederic never was able to cope with silence, even less with such awkward silence, which I was invoking intentionally. „Didn’t you watch any TV yesterday or looked at any news online?“ he asked me, looking at me quizzically, which I must add is reasonable. That is since I pride myself in being an awesome gamer. Even though I am not that good in many games, such as sports games, or shooter games. I know that I am really great in puzzle, strategy and Role-Playing games. I usually play a couple of hours everyday and mostly manage an offline RPG in a week. I also play some MMORPG’s but quit after a few months since the game become to easy or monotone, since the actions one can undertake are extremely limited in my opinion. The combat is repetitive since a keyboard isn’t really able to move a body according to the player’s wishes, such as dodging blows or blocking the way the player wants, just to name a couple of things. But since I play so much, I always follow the news threads about new games and my friends know that. So when Frederic asks me if I haven’t watched the news, he specifically means the gaming news, since all my friends also know that I have quite a disinterest in normal news, such as fashion, weather, politics, economy etc.. That is why I truthfully answered, since I (almost ;D) never lie to my friends: “Nope was celebrating my aunt’s birthday yesterday, so I didn’t have time.“ Frederic angrily said: “Why didn’t you tell me? I would have loved to come and get free drinks, food and cake. Oh by the way tell her congrats from me.“ I secretly suspected or rather knew that Frederic had a huge crush on my only 6 years older aunt, Jenny. I know that she has an athletic body, like all of my family, and is very popular among her college friends but still .... ewwww. I simply responded: “It was family only, sorry“. I am very sure that I saw him pout a little but seeing that we almost arrived at our destination I ignored it and stood up walking to the door. After the bus came to a stop and Frederic and I walked out I turned back and just as the door was closing I called: “See you tomorrow, Teddy“. I laughed out loud when I saw him angrily waving his arms around and shouting something, which I couldn’t hear anymore seeing that the doors had closed and I had walked a bit away from the bus already. I turned around again and asked Frederic while walking towards the physics section, because we were studying for the bachelor in physics: „So, what did I miss yesterday?“. He looked at me for a moment before he realized what I was talking about and was about to reply when suddenly we were tackled from behind. I reflexively rolled to stand up on my feet again. I looked to my side where I saw Frederic lying face first on the ground and next to him on the ground laughing while clutching his stomach because of his laughter was another one of my good friends Jonathan and I once more wondered why the hell he was one of my friends. Seeing Frederic spitting out dirt I was grateful for the excessive training I have undergone. I have had training in several different martial arts since I was young. I started with Judo when I was seven and managed to get a black belt when I was ten. While my family staid in South-east Asia I underwent 2 more years of training in Aikido and Thai Kick-boxing. After that I had one and a half years of practice in Savate in France. When I was 15, I went to a specialized military training school in the USA, where I learned how to shoot with and handle all kinds of guns and I also learned how to handle knives, with throwing knives being my favorite. I finished school with 16 and since then I picked up archery and Kung Fu as a hobby. After having had all these experiences in martial arts I have been training every day for a couple of hours to keep myself fit and to get better and stronger. So it isn’t as if I am one of your stereotypical gamers or nerds even though I love reading and am even reading and studying while doing my exercises, Even though I love to game during my free time, having spent many nights gaming and sometimes forgetting or not caring enough to go to sleep. I took hold of Frederic’s arm and easily pulled him to his feet. On the other hand I left Jonathan, who also wanted a hand up, on the ground. While Frederic was still spitting out dirt, I started to pull him to walk on. Jonathan stood up and hurried after us still laughing. Frederic screamed at him: „What the hell was that for Jonathan?“. Jonathan simply replied: “Hmm I had to jump on you. If I were to jump on Lex, he’d pin me on the ground instead of falling down“. Frederic was at a loss for words, while seething from anger: „Aargh. I’m speaking to an idiot.“ He just proclaimed throwing his arms up. Meanwhile we had walked on and I saw Jonathan standing and dusting himself off before running to catch up to us. Upon reaching us he asked: “Soooo …. Which assignments did we have to finish for today?” “Not much. We had to finish the course work in mathematics for physicists II for today just like we had to every single Monday for the last few weeks.” I replied for what seemed like the thousands time. “Hmmm did we already finish it?” “Yes, Jonathan we finished it last Thursday just like always!” Frederic told him, while still being angry with him, which could be seen from his evidently angry face. I almost laughed seeing the frown on his face since Frederic usually is an obnoxiously joyful person and thus his angry expression just seemed ridiculous to me. Apparently Jonathan agreed with my opinion since he unsuccessfully tried to suppress his laughter upon seeing Frederic’s face. But instead of asking him why he was laughing, Frederic chose to ignore Jonathan.We had finally reached the doors to the physics department and went inside, where gratefully the air was much warmer than the outside due to all of the heaters being on. After having spotted the rest of our friends discussing loudly at one of the tables in the main hall we steered towards them. “Good morning there ladies and to you too Daniel.” Frederic greeted them, while giving a mock bow to them. We exchanged a couple of good mornings and handshakes and then sat down. “So what is it you are discussing? Is it about the oh so great news of yesterday?” I asked still slightly irritated that something important obviously came up in the news yesterday. Frederic excitedly pointed out that I have no idea whatsoever of what was said in yesterday’s news. To which all my friends looked at me with shocked and even doubtful expressions. Let me introduce you to my friends first of all. You already know of Frederic, who has a very, very annoyingly happy attitude and is currently the oldest of our group with his 20 years of age. Him and Daniel a very lax and lazy guy have been my friends since tenth grade in school. I met Jonathan, who is even more annoying then Frederic but makes up for it with his friendly character to an extent that no one really hates him and his pranks, when I first visited Daniel’s home since they actually are identical twin brothers. They look 100% the same with their brown curly shoulder length hair have the same facial features and have the same slightly plumpish physique, but to this day I have never understood how their personalities could have been so different to one another. For why Jonathan was still outside in the cold and not already sitting here with his brother was probably because he is a glutton and got himself something to eat. We met Eliza, whom we all call Liz, and Sabrina at the beginning of our college time almost a year ago, when no one really had a clue what to do next since we all were new to college life. Both Liz and Sabrina have very long light brown hair, whereas Sabrina usually has her hair tied in a ponytail down her back and Liz leaves her wavy hair open. Both of them are seasoned veteran gamers and mostly play shooter games. They too know each other and have been friends since their school days and are, in my opinion at least, the hugest fans of the Call of Duty series, having even played the antiques such as Modern Warfare 2. While on the one hand Sabrina is very shy, Liz on the other hand is very open, friendly and more times than what is good for her tells her honest opinion straight into someone’s face. Then there is Benjamin, who has been the boyfriend of Liz for a couple of years already. He is the only one of our little group that isn’t studying physics, but instead chose to study Computer Science. He is a very shy and nice guy with average looks so I have no idea how he became part of our little group of misfits, as I like to see us. Last but not least is Krystin, who is the girlfriend of Sabrina. Due to them both being girls and very shy ones at that, they didn’t tell us of their relationship until only quite recently. But we easily accepted them since we had known or at least suspected them to be in an intimate relationship and had wondered why they wouldn’t tell us, since we all had been friends since at least the beginning of college. “No way! How come YOU don’t know of it? It is what you have been dreaming of since like forever.” Liz proclaimed, having been the first one to recover from their shock at hearing something so unbelievable as me not being online for a day. Shocking, I know! Frederic had a smug expression on his face for being the one to tell them something so unexpected and the only thing I wanted to do at that moment is wipe that expression from his face. “Ok so now please tell me already what this thing is. I don’t understand how it can affect you all like that!!” Sabrina piped in saying: “Yesterday they announced a new game in half a year’s time. It is called Royal Road and will be the first of it’s kind.” “It will be the first VRMMORPG ever, Lex!! And Unicorn Corp. also announced that it will be Virtual Reality at an amazing 99% realism.” Jonathan added with a huge grin on his face. Meanwhile I had an astonished look on my face, my mouth hanging open and my eyes wide open after hearing that. A Virtual Reality Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game with 99% realism, By Unicorn Corp., the leading game corporation worldwide. I couldn’t believe that finally one of my few dreams would come true. Since I was old enough to read my favorite kind of book genre “Fantasy-books”, I had been dreaming of a game where I could be fully immersed in such a world. Become the main protagonist of the story and fight monsters, meet different races like elves and dwarves. Have an adventure the likes only the imagination would produce in our 22nd century world. I knew that it would become a Fantasy and medieval times orientated game, since Unicorn corp. only produced games of that genre. A full-blown grin soon appeared on my face and I don’t think any news has ever made me that happy before in my life. I was so absorbed in my daydreaming that I didn’t even notice that my friends had started talking again and making fun of how my face looked like. But suddenly reality came crashing down again. They had said that the game would be on the market in half a year. Such a long time it seemed to me. But I wasn’t really depressed since half a year actually flies by in no time if you are looking forward to something and now I finally had something to really look forward to for the first time in my life. “Earth to Alex. Helloooo are you still here with us.” Frederic suddenly asked me waving his right hand in front of my face and shaking me with his left hand. I was suddenly ripped out of my daydreaming by his shaking me. I saw how Liz, Sabrina and Krystin hid their giggling behind their hands. “Huh? What’s wrong?” I stupidly asked. “Oh nothing you just have been daydreaming for the last 10 minutes or so totally ignoring us talking to and about you!” Jonathan exclaimed. “And now we have to hurry since the lecture has started already.” Sabrina said and true to her word I saw that they all had packed up their things already and were standing. All except for Daniel who seemed to just have started picking up his things from the table and apparently was in no hurry. Since I had nothing to pack up I just took up my bag and stood up walking to the lecture hall with the others, leaving Daniel behind since he probably would take his time once again and maybe even stop to buy a snack from one of the vending machines. In the lecture hall we found ourselves a couple of seats and listened intently to what the professor was saying and took some notes. After the lecture we found ourselves a different table outside in the main hall once again and began to work on the new assignments we now had. All the while we all were immersed in our assignments and learning, since all we wanted was to finish them as quickly and efficiently as possible. Two hours later we bid ourselves farewell and went our separate ways.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> If the elves had it rough so did the dwarves. It began with the downfall of the disappearance of Kendelbreu’s wealth, forbidden caves’ fortress, uprising of the Kobolds, devastation of Skyholm and finally the most recent, the loss of their king. Was it just ill fate or something else? Both dwarf NPCs and players alike wanted to know.<br><br>One and a half years ago (VR time) the dwarves of air kingdom thought they alone could crush the kobolds. Initially, to avoid involving outsiders in their affairs, the late King of the dwarves provided five thousand soldiers and nearly 2000 bull riders (dwarvf’s equivalent to horse riders) to take on the Kobolds. It was more than three times the number of soldiers previously sent to wipe out the kobolds. Alas, their overconfidence and ignorance was their biggest mistake. <br><br>It was no longer a war between dwarves and kobolds but rather dwarves and every monster present in the cave. Needless to say, the dwarves suffered a humiliating defeat. Their arrogant march into the forbidden caves, in an attempt to retake it, left them only with losses. Of the 7,000 only 2,000 soldiers were left alive and those left alive were mostly injured. Their arrogant attack only aggravated the situation further; the fight was now brought to the door steps of the Northern City.<br><br>Ultimately, in a last ditch effort to save the city, the Northern City’s location was revealed to the world and outsider were allowed inside on the condition to provide protection. It wasn’t a bad barter for players in Air Kingdom, hundreds flocked to Northern City offering their services in lieu of promised war spoils. But even that didn’t help. The kobolds were really alone anymore and this meant more intelligent monsters providing coordination and support. There were crawlers which would fall from the ceilings and swoop up players / dwarves devouring their innards. There were also great worms hiding beneath the soft earth. Hence players refused to leave the stone bed of the city and monsters didn’t dare tread on it. To sum up, neither party had an edge over the other. Both were locked in a fatal stalemate. A slight shift in power would be enough to upset the balance.<br><br>That upset came when the king of the dwarves for the air kingdom passed away. The kobold’s and other monsters renewed their attacks on the Northern City and players began bailing out on the city. They could no longer risk their lives on the line without any reward. However, the dwarven society in the Air Kingdom was in state of paralysis. With no king to make important decisions the hands of the royalty were tied down in politics and war generals were asked to manage defences with what they could get by with. The succession of the king took precedence over everything. <br><br>How could the dwarvern politicians be so narrow-minded about picking a king? <br><br>The answer lay not in their race but rather the history of this Versailles Continent and the unification of warring factions to form the four great kingdoms. The four great kingdoms, Air, Earth, Fire and Water were represented by one elemental king. However, politically so to speak, this king only represented the collective interest of the Air affinity users. Races within each of these four mighty kingdoms were however represented by their respective kings. These sub kings or Kings of races were selected on basis of their historical traditions; monarchy, democracy, or any other method. <br><br>The elves were governed by their four councils of the wise and four monarchs (based on 4 primary elements). The council could be divided into two categories; domestic (the ones in majority) and outsiders (minority). To maintain cordial relationships with other elemental elves, each affinity of elf sent a small delegation to represent their affinity’s interest to the other’s council. Hence, each council was represented by all four elements and governed the elvish interest in each of the four kingdoms. The outsiders never interfered (on paper) with the domestic council’s internal affairs. They were more like ambassodars who advised on diplomatic matters. Each of the elvish monarchs would represent their respective affinities.<br><br>The humans were governed by their greed. Hence, they found it most difficult to agree upon a single leader within the Air Kingdom. Instead they were governed by local kings or warlords and the race as a whole in Air kingdom was represented through a senate. <br><br>The only two races whose political system was vastly different from the previously mentioned were the orcs and the dwarves. The orcs did not have much of a political system. At best what they had were village chiefs. They did not have a single leader or senate or council to represent their political or elemental interest unanimously. Nor did they meddle in anyone’s affairs. They couldn’t be described as friendly…but they certainly weren’t bandit like war mongerers either. The orcs of Elementarem Vim were very different from what one has seen in Royal Road. They did not pry on weak humans nor did they pester the elves. Picking on the weak would only bring the orc shame. Instead, they loved to fight the strong monsters and Elementarem Vim had plenty of strong monsters for them to fight.<br>The dwarves were the next race which had a very ideologically different political system. They were the only race which could put aside their elemental differences for something greater…their love for stone and blacksmithing. The best crafted items were prepared in teams of different elemental dwarves. Hence, the entire dwarf race across four kingdoms was united in a sense of passion and purpose. The dwarves were divided into 13 clans. Each clan had equal representation in all four kingdoms. To represent dwarvern interest in all matters (affinity related or not), a king was elected from the 13 clans.<br><br>Each races representatives in the four kingdom’s would elect an elemental king. Why and who came up with such a cumbersome idea? It was to end the era of warring factions. Earlier, there were hundreds of smaller warring nations. It didn’t matter which affinity you came from but rather which nation. Wars would often break out on petty reasons (you stole my bread knife! WARRR!!). In an attempt to end such meaningless conflict and protect the dying population of races (monsters don’t discriminate based on their victim’s affinity)…(this is the part most players find weird when reading the history)…the four mythological Gods desceneded fromt the heavens and divided the continent in four parts before returning to their adobe. <br><br>Since it happened, hundreds of years ago, most NPCs believe that it wasn’t divine intervention rather wisdom born from the fruitless and futile wars. When two fire tribes fought say over land, some earth users would intervene last minute when both sides were weakened and take the land for themselves. When such occurances happened many times, the warring nations finally learnt to put aside their differences and united under an elemental banner. When they noticed how effective such an alliance was and that the spoils of war were greater than before…a united elemental front was born. Those alliances grew bigger and bigger, till they evolved to the present state of four kingdoms… or at least that’s what the historians believe and they are at serious odds with the religious version of the history of 4 kingdoms. All players and NPC’s knew that god existed (some like Lee Jun, had experienced this) however the historians did not believe that God’s could actually materialize and would bother intervening over such petty reasons. Furthermore, there was historical paper evidence of proving without doubt the existence united element front.<br><br>Whatever the true history maybe, the crux of the situation was that dwarves needed to elect a king immediately. The matter was most important since the dwarves were the only race with the same person representing their dwarvish interest to all four elemental kingdoms. Without a dwarven king to represent their interest…the elves could pass a resolution banning entry of different affinity dwarves into the kingdom (The elves often tried doing that, it gave them pleasure to no ends troubling the dwarves). The human senate and dwarf pact was very limited. Since, humans would easily forget all vows and easily and cave into lust and greed. The dwarves had a saying, if a queen of the elvish race were to reveal her legs, then thousands of humans would fall. The dwarvish opinion of both elves and humans was very low…Thus, the election of a dwarven king took precedence over everything.<br><br><br>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>Authors Note:<br><br>1. This is a rather short chapter. But bear with me. I promise more politically content heavy material! Kidding, I just like history and politics. I also dislike it when LMS skips through history or just begins talking about it without really giving a proper introduction / background. So for the time being, I wanted to place a in a little filler before we get to the main course.<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=1407" 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>

If the elves had it rough so did the dwarves. It began with the downfall of the disappearance of Kendelbreu’s wealth, forbidden caves’ fortress, uprising of the Kobolds, devastation of Skyholm and finally the most recent, the loss of their king. Was it just ill fate or something else? Both dwarf NPCs and players alike wanted to know. One and a half years ago (VR time) the dwarves of air kingdom thought they alone could crush the kobolds. Initially, to avoid involving outsiders in their affairs, the late King of the dwarves provided five thousand soldiers and nearly 2000 bull riders (dwarvf’s equivalent to horse riders) to take on the Kobolds. It was more than three times the number of soldiers previously sent to wipe out the kobolds. Alas, their overconfidence and ignorance was their biggest mistake. It was no longer a war between dwarves and kobolds but rather dwarves and every monster present in the cave. Needless to say, the dwarves suffered a humiliating defeat. Their arrogant march into the forbidden caves, in an attempt to retake it, left them only with losses. Of the 7,000 only 2,000 soldiers were left alive and those left alive were mostly injured. Their arrogant attack only aggravated the situation further; the fight was now brought to the door steps of the Northern City. Ultimately, in a last ditch effort to save the city, the Northern City’s location was revealed to the world and outsider were allowed inside on the condition to provide protection. It wasn’t a bad barter for players in Air Kingdom, hundreds flocked to Northern City offering their services in lieu of promised war spoils. But even that didn’t help. The kobolds were really alone anymore and this meant more intelligent monsters providing coordination and support. There were crawlers which would fall from the ceilings and swoop up players / dwarves devouring their innards. There were also great worms hiding beneath the soft earth. Hence players refused to leave the stone bed of the city and monsters didn’t dare tread on it. To sum up, neither party had an edge over the other. Both were locked in a fatal stalemate. A slight shift in power would be enough to upset the balance. That upset came when the king of the dwarves for the air kingdom passed away. The kobold’s and other monsters renewed their attacks on the Northern City and players began bailing out on the city. They could no longer risk their lives on the line without any reward. However, the dwarven society in the Air Kingdom was in state of paralysis. With no king to make important decisions the hands of the royalty were tied down in politics and war generals were asked to manage defences with what they could get by with. The succession of the king took precedence over everything. How could the dwarvern politicians be so narrow-minded about picking a king? The answer lay not in their race but rather the history of this Versailles Continent and the unification of warring factions to form the four great kingdoms. The four great kingdoms, Air, Earth, Fire and Water were represented by one elemental king. However, politically so to speak, this king only represented the collective interest of the Air affinity users. Races within each of these four mighty kingdoms were however represented by their respective kings. These sub kings or Kings of races were selected on basis of their historical traditions; monarchy, democracy, or any other method. The elves were governed by their four councils of the wise and four monarchs (based on 4 primary elements). The council could be divided into two categories; domestic (the ones in majority) and outsiders (minority). To maintain cordial relationships with other elemental elves, each affinity of elf sent a small delegation to represent their affinity’s interest to the other’s council. Hence, each council was represented by all four elements and governed the elvish interest in each of the four kingdoms. The outsiders never interfered (on paper) with the domestic council’s internal affairs. They were more like ambassodars who advised on diplomatic matters. Each of the elvish monarchs would represent their respective affinities. The humans were governed by their greed. Hence, they found it most difficult to agree upon a single leader within the Air Kingdom. Instead they were governed by local kings or warlords and the race as a whole in Air kingdom was represented through a senate. The only two races whose political system was vastly different from the previously mentioned were the orcs and the dwarves. The orcs did not have much of a political system. At best what they had were village chiefs. They did not have a single leader or senate or council to represent their political or elemental interest unanimously. Nor did they meddle in anyone’s affairs. They couldn’t be described as friendly…but they certainly weren’t bandit like war mongerers either. The orcs of Elementarem Vim were very different from what one has seen in Royal Road. They did not pry on weak humans nor did they pester the elves. Picking on the weak would only bring the orc shame. Instead, they loved to fight the strong monsters and Elementarem Vim had plenty of strong monsters for them to fight. The dwarves were the next race which had a very ideologically different political system. They were the only race which could put aside their elemental differences for something greater…their love for stone and blacksmithing. The best crafted items were prepared in teams of different elemental dwarves. Hence, the entire dwarf race across four kingdoms was united in a sense of passion and purpose. The dwarves were divided into 13 clans. Each clan had equal representation in all four kingdoms. To represent dwarvern interest in all matters (affinity related or not), a king was elected from the 13 clans. Each races representatives in the four kingdom’s would elect an elemental king. Why and who came up with such a cumbersome idea? It was to end the era of warring factions. Earlier, there were hundreds of smaller warring nations. It didn’t matter which affinity you came from but rather which nation. Wars would often break out on petty reasons (you stole my bread knife! WARRR!!). In an attempt to end such meaningless conflict and protect the dying population of races (monsters don’t discriminate based on their victim’s affinity)…(this is the part most players find weird when reading the history)…the four mythological Gods desceneded fromt the heavens and divided the continent in four parts before returning to their adobe. Since it happened, hundreds of years ago, most NPCs believe that it wasn’t divine intervention rather wisdom born from the fruitless and futile wars. When two fire tribes fought say over land, some earth users would intervene last minute when both sides were weakened and take the land for themselves. When such occurances happened many times, the warring nations finally learnt to put aside their differences and united under an elemental banner. When they noticed how effective such an alliance was and that the spoils of war were greater than before…a united elemental front was born. Those alliances grew bigger and bigger, till they evolved to the present state of four kingdoms… or at least that’s what the historians believe and they are at serious odds with the religious version of the history of 4 kingdoms. All players and NPC’s knew that god existed (some like Lee Jun, had experienced this) however the historians did not believe that God’s could actually materialize and would bother intervening over such petty reasons. Furthermore, there was historical paper evidence of proving without doubt the existence united element front. Whatever the true history maybe, the crux of the situation was that dwarves needed to elect a king immediately. The matter was most important since the dwarves were the only race with the same person representing their dwarvish interest to all four elemental kingdoms. Without a dwarven king to represent their interest…the elves could pass a resolution banning entry of different affinity dwarves into the kingdom (The elves often tried doing that, it gave them pleasure to no ends troubling the dwarves). The human senate and dwarf pact was very limited. Since, humans would easily forget all vows and easily and cave into lust and greed. The dwarves had a saying, if a queen of the elvish race were to reveal her legs, then thousands of humans would fall. The dwarvish opinion of both elves and humans was very low…Thus, the election of a dwarven king took precedence over everything. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authors Note: 1. This is a rather short chapter. But bear with me. I promise more politically content heavy material! Kidding, I just like history and politics. I also dislike it when LMS skips through history or just begins talking about it without really giving a proper introduction / background. So for the time being, I wanted to place a in a little filler before we get to the main course. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Connect to Royal Road – Elementarem Vim next Chapter? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Yes](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=1407) | [No](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=348) | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <img src="http://i58.tinypic.com/1zl6iwx.jpg" border="0" alt="http%3a%2f%2fi58.tinypic.com%2f1zl6iwx.jpg"><br><br>Volume 1 Chapter 4<br>The First Dance<br><br>On his way back to Hiritol, Don died. A group of at least thirty mountain trolls plowed him over and ripped him to pieces, literally. The next day Don logged back in and found himself at the gates of Hiritol, the last safe location he was before dying. He opened his skill window to see how much he lost in proficiencies.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Light of the Heavens [Max] 00%</td></tr><tr><td>Sword Mastery [6] 32%</td></tr><tr><td>Dual Wield [4] 25%</td></tr><tr><td>Drawing [2] 16%</td></tr><tr><td>Bluff [2] 12%</td></tr><tr><td>Automapping [3] 41%</td></tr><tr><td>Detect [3] 11%</td></tr><tr><td>Disarm Trap [2] 0%</td></tr><tr><td>Identify [1] 65%</td></tr><tr><td>Scan [3] 60%</td></tr><tr><td>Unlock [2] 0%</td></tr><tr><td>Blade Dancing [1] 0%</td></tr><tr><td>Cross Body Parry [1] 0%</td></tr><tr><td>Fiery Dance [1] 0%</td></tr><tr><td>Illusion Steps [1] 0%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br>12% from his sword mastery and dual wielding, that would take tens of hours to bring back. 7~5% from the rest, his Unlock and Disarm Trap skills were at less than 7% when he died so they dropped to zero. Don was thankful skill levels didn’t drop at death.<br>-Brother~ You there?~<br><br>His sister sent him a whisper.<br><br>-Yea, just logged in.<br><br>-Where were you for the past two days?<br><br>-In a dungeon where whispers didn't work, then I died.<br><br>-Be more careful ok?<br><br>-Alright, alright. So what’s up?<br><br>-You have a class yet?<br><br>-......<br><br>-You still there?<br><br>-Yes. I got a class. Though not the one I was hoping for...<br><br>-Oh? Tell me~<br><br>-.....<br><br>-Brother....<br><br>-It’s Blade Dancer.<br><br>-Dancer? How did you become a Dancer? You don’t even know how to dance.<br><br>-Apparently I met the requirements. The class change message didn’t have the name of the class, I thought it would be something cool.<br><br>-Hmm, yea, brother would never choose a dancer willingly. But I’ve never heard of Blade Dancer, what’s the difference?<br><br>-It is actually combat oriented, it uses two swords and can equip leather armor.<br><br>-Oh, a fighting dancer. You know even in the real world there are many forms of martial arts disguised as dancing. You should do some research. Maybe go to the dancer guild and have them teach you a few steps.<br><br>His sister was a wealth of random information.<br><br>-But dancing... It is just so unmanly.<br><br>-Hey! Don’t judge a book by its cover. Unless I’m mistaken that is what got you there in the first place.<br><br>Again his sister had a point.<br><br>-Alright I guess it couldn’t hurt to check it out.<br><br>-Ok brother, I know you won’t but if you need anything just ask.<br><br>Don walked around until he found the dancer guild. However as soon as he walked in, half the women inside stopped what they were doing to stare at him. Immediately an older woman shouted, “Get back to practicing.” The women continued some dance practice while keeping an eye on Don. The older woman approached Don and said, “I am the dancing instructor. What can we do for you young sir?”<br><br>Don already approached the cliff, he might as well jump. “I acquired a Dancer class but I don’t know how to dance.”<br><br>The woman looked closely at Don before saying, “Yes, a blade dancer if I’ve ever seen one. You had the dual wielding skill when you were offered the class correct?”<br><br>“Yes mam.”<br><br>“Hmm, that would be why. To become a Blade dancer a certain quality of appearance and some experience in dual wielding swords is required. Although it is expected that one knows how to dance beforehand, you can become a blade dancer without actually knowing how to dance.”<br><br>Don took a deep sigh while thinking, ‘So that was it. Because I insist on doing things the manly way I got the dual wielding skill and with my appearance I met the qualifications.’<br><br>Don asked, “Do you know any dances that can be used with a blade?”<br><br>At this the instructor started laughing lightly, as did most of the women in the room who had been eavesdropping on their conversation.<br><br>She answered, “Almost every dance can be used while holding a blade. Even the one these women practice can be done while holding two swords or knives.”<br><br>Don took a closer look at the dance movements. The wrists were always pointed outward and many of the movements would look like strikes had they been holding blades. The instructor said, “I can give you some lessons for 80 gold. Something simple you would be able to do without problem.”<br><br>Don flinched. 80 gold was not something someone of his level could afford. If he hunted level 50 monsters everyday for a month he would be lucky to accumulate 18 gold, much less 80.<br><br>“I’m sorry mam but I cannot afford your price. But if I may request, can I stay here and observe?”<br><br>The instructor looked at the other practicing women who were all now dancing flawlessly. It was obvious they were trying to impress the beautiful elf so they were giving practice a great deal of effort. The women smiled and said, “Observe as long as you like.”<br><br>Don took a seat on the floor near a wall and inspected each movement of the women. Every joint, every muscle, every nerve. Don analyzed it as he would a machine. When he knew how something worked, he could fix it. The same principle worked with observation. He had never gone to a dojo or learned from an instructor but when Don saw someone do something, if he figured out how they did it he could do it too.<br><br>The first thing Don noticed was that the dances were not the same repetitive sets of movements over and over again. The patterns flowed into each other but it was free form. After an hour of watching what really stood out was that each women used the same movements and forms but each was also unique in its beauty. Each had made the dance their own, and watching it was indeed captivating. After three hours Don thanked the instructor saying he would like to return if possible.<br><br>Don went to the only place where he knew no one would see him, the catacombs beneath Hiritol to practice. He picked a large dry cavern and took out his swords. He tried to slowly imitate the basic form of the dance, one part at a time like practicing strike patterns. He used every muscle to connect each move into the next as seamlessly as he could.<br><br>In the back of his head he knew he probably looked incredibly silly. He tried to drown the feeling out by focusing on the movements. After thirty minutes of swinging his sword while stepping using the same footwork he saw he went to an area he knew to be a rat nest. He started swinging the swords around as the rats started flowing in, but making an attack out of the movements required foreknowledge of where the opponent was going to be to adjust the attack in time with the approaching enemy. In other words most of his slices missed the rats and he got covered in a pile of giant biting rats.<br><br>Don switched to just slashing everything around him until everything was dead. He went back to the cavern to practice some more. He realized his aggressive fighting didn’t work while dancing. He couldn’t dance while attacking. The only times the rats didn’t dodge was when they were moving in to attack him. Don considered this and practiced while imagining enemies coming at him. When doing so he adjusted his aim to intercept them.<br><br>Don went to another rat nest, this time a bit further away. The rats came at him and Don started his dance. It wasn’t exactly graceful but the movements flowed into one another as he struck rat after rat. He was getting the hang of it to focus attacking only on those who were attacking you, however he had to move around constantly while swinging his swords while keeping track of everything around him while moving in circles while maintaining footwork.<br><br>It was taxing to say the least. Don’s movements had to change in response to everything around him while trying to maintain the flowing feel of what he had seen in the dancer’s guild. By focusing on defense Don was able to avoid being swarmed long enough to take extend the fight until he had taken out each rat while dancing.<br><br>Of course Don wasn’t even sure if what he was doing could be called dancing. He brought out the skill to see if he had gained any proficiency.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Blade Dancing [1] 12%<br>Dancing with swords attracts the attention of enemies.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>It looked like it had increased by some, so what he was doing at least barely passed for dancing. Don went back to practicing. This time however he decided to try something else out. Using the principles of what he had seen he made up his own dance. It was made up of three different kinds of moves each with three ranges, basically parry, slash, stab, at close, medium, and far ranges. Then he practiced movements using them that flowed into one another that used a simple triangle footwork that could let one face any direction in two steps. Instead of trying to make dancing into fighting, he was making fighting into dancing.<br><br>After an hour of practice he moved to another rat nest and practiced. Most of the movements were ones he had practiced for hours at the training hall, he was just making them flow into one another. It took less than a third of the time of the previous nest.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Skill level up: Blade Dancing<br>Evasion while dancing increased by 2%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Don let out a sigh of relief. He got the skill up 90% using this dance, it seemed that this was a much better dance to use. Don spent the next few hours refining his dance. He realized the more feeling he put into the dance, the better its quality. The reason the each dancer’s movements felt unique to them was likely because each had their own feelings in them. Don asked himself what was the manliest feeling he could put into a dance. The most cowardice feeling would be the need to run away, so the manliest feeling must be the need to fight, ferocity.<br>After this realization Don stopped trying to add grace and elegance to his movements, they were holding him back. He focused on making the bloodiest scene he could. After he was satisfied with his dance, he started practicing the other three skills.<br><br>Each skill had a small image next to it on its use. Cross body parry had an image of a blade dancer stabbing a swordsman through the heart with one sword while his other sword was parrying the opponent to make him turn. Don practiced it a few times but parry skills were more effective on opponents that had weapons so rats were not ideal.<br><br>The image next to fiery dance was of a man holding two swords that were on fire. Don tried it and found it to his liking. It did in fact feel manly to wield flaming swords rhythmically through the air striking everything that got within range.<br><br>Illusion steps were difficult to use because making it look like you were going one direction when you were going another required a series of specific steps and waist movements. Don couldn’t use it well yet.<br><br>After four days Don hit level 50, his blade dancing hit 4, fiery dance 2, and both illusion steps and cross body parry hit 2.<br><br>Don equipped Palutos’ gear and left for the dancer’s guild. He had gone several time to inspect specific aspects of the dances like footwork and pacing. When he entered the room filled with ‘ohhhs’ and ‘ahhhs’ at his appearance and gear. Don approached the instructor and said, “Thankyou. If you had not allowed me to watch, I would not have gotten very far on my own.”<br><br>The instructor chuckled mischieviously and said, “You can dance now?”<br><br>“I believe so.”<br><br>“Well then, it is not me you have to thank ,but these girls. They are the ones who allowed you to watch their dancing. And now you can return the favor.”<br><br>Don’s stomach grew cold. ‘Dance? In front of them?’ Don looked over the dancers who were now eyeing him expectantly. Don had no choice.<br><br>He said, “Well.... Ok... but just a little. This isn’t something I made for looks....”<br><br>The woman backed away as Don approached the center of the room. He tried not to think of the dozen eyes of beautiful women that were staring at him. He imagined he was back in the bleak, dark, sewers surrounded by rats, and took his starting pose. He then slashed three time at three different distances before stepping, turning, and doing two slashes before stepping and turning backwards to do three more slashes.<br><br>Don looked like he was fighting an army of ghosts, those watched felt his killing intent directed towards the unseen foes. His movements were not fluid, but quick, instead of flowing motion it was dozens of small interchangeable movements made with extreme force, like a merciless thunderstorm. When Don imagined finishing the last of the rats he remembered where he was and blushed deeply.<br><br>However after finishing a round of applause resounded. Everyone there looked impressed. The instructor said, “Very impressive for something self taught. If you didn’t already know, dancing is not about beautiful movement, that is more of a side effect. Dancing is about moving in a way that matches how you feel, and synchronizing with that feeling. When one has done so, they radiate that feeling to all those around them. That is what makes dancing so captivating. Wait here a moment.”<br><br>The instructor went over to a desk and opened up a drawer, pulling out a book before returning. “Here, take this. I think your effort deserves a reward.”<br><br>Before even looking at it Don said, “No thankyou, I did not do it for any reward.” As a rule Don never accepted things when he didn’t feel he had earned them.<br><br>However she insisted, “Then think of it as payment for entertaining my girls and showing them something interesting.”<br><br>Don relented and accepted the book. He put his hand over it and said, “Identify.”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Battle Dances<br>C-Grade Skill book<br>Instructions on how to perform dances that can be used in battle<br>Teaches the skills:<br>Dance of the Brave<br>Dance of the Fighter<br>Dance of Death<br><br>Single Use<br>Requirements;<br>Dancer Class</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Don asked, “A skill book?”<br><br>She nodded, “Yes, your desire for combat is obvious. These dances can be used while fighting, and using them buffs allies who watch you dance or reduce the morale of enemies who watch you dance. Believe it or not you are not the first male dancer. There are plenty of manly dances out there.”<br><br>Don blushed slightly at how transparent he was and thanked everyone graciously.<br><br>After leaving Don placed his hand on the book and said, “Learn.”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>New skill learned: Dance of the Brave<br>New skill learned: Dance of the Fighter<br>New skill learned: Dance of Death</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Don brought up the skill chart so he could see what they did.”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Dance of the Brave [1] 0%<br>Dancing using the spirit of valor.<br>Increases Morale and fighting spirit of allies</td></tr><tr><td>Dance of the Fighter [1] 0%<br>Dancing using the spirit of Battle<br>Increases the attack and defense of allies</td></tr><tr><td>Dance of Death [1] 0%<br>Dancing using the spirit of death<br>Decreases morale and fighting spirit of enemies</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Don took the phrase ‘using the spirit of’ to mean infusing himself with that feeling and radiating it out. However like the instructor had said, in order to do that he needed to synchronize his movements with the feeling.<br><br>Don used the few silver coins he obtained fighting rats to buy some supplies and headed for Mt. Ketsdale, the place he had been told a master of Blade dancing resided. However on his way he made a detour to the camp of some lizardmen. It was a small camp, more of an outpost really, he felt it was time to really test himself out.<br><br>As he approached he heard cries of, “Human! Get the Human!” A dozen level 60 lizardmen ran at Don. It was now or never to see the effectiveness of a blade dancer. The he looked up to the high noon sun and decided, ‘No, now is the time to test the strength of this whole character.’<br><br>As they approached to within seven feet Don calmly said, “Light of the Heavens.”<br><br>The noon sun turned harsh, whiting out the land and blinding everyone who didn’t have their eyes closed, but only for an instant.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Solar Buff<br>+50% Fire Affinity<br>+25% Strength</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Don then said, “Fiery Dance,” before starting his form. Affinity was something magic using classes had that determined the upper limits of their spell damage. Now that Don had a much higher fire affinity, the flames on his swords would deal much greater damage. Don hacked the lizardmen to death one by one while burning and slicing them. Don realized at some point that some of the lizardmen were not fighting back, they looked like deer in the headlights, frozen, unable to move if they wanted to while watching Don’s dance.<br><br>Don took care of the Lizardmen in four minutes. Although his mana ran out in less than a minute, the psychological damage done to the group could not be recovered. Don slowly chopped them to bits. One benefit of the dancing was that his opponents could not really stop watching, it didn’t prevent them from fighting like a regular dancer’s dance would have, but it kept them from running away even when they knew they were beaten.<br><br>After finishing them Don waited for his mana to recover so he could use fiery dance again inside the outpost where the rest of the lizardmen were.<br><br>Don moved through them like a tornado, anything in his way was torn to shreds. The outpost had only thirty Lizardmen which had five groups of six. Besides the fact that the blade dancer’s skills were pretty good, the most amazing thing was the damage he produced. The high attack of the swords, the fire enhancing buff, the fiery dance, and his own enhanced stats stacked together to create an incredible damage dealer. Thanks to that even the thick skinned lizardmen couldn’t get past his sword defense. Don was sure that in optimal conditions he could beat monsters that were much higher levels than his own.<br><br>One by one the lizardmen fell to Don's sword. After looting the outpost and finding some nice boots and gloves he was satisfied. Don continued forward on his path to Mt. Ketsdale.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Chapter 5 Deal with a Tinker &lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=185&amp;t=1611"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=185&amp;t=1611&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt;<br>Chapter 3 The Manly Class &lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=185&amp;t=1543"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=185&amp;t=1543&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt;</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/28sqb0l.jpg" border="0" alt="http%3a%2f%2fi39.tinypic.com%2f28sqb0l.jpg"></div> </div>

 Volume 1 Chapter 4 The First Dance On his way back to Hiritol, Don died. A group of at least thirty mountain trolls plowed him over and ripped him to pieces, literally. The next day Don logged back in and found himself at the gates of Hiritol, the last safe location he was before dying. He opened his skill window to see how much he lost in proficiencies. | Light of the Heavens [Max] 00% | | --- | | Sword Mastery [6] 32% | | Dual Wield [4] 25% | | Drawing [2] 16% | | Bluff [2] 12% | | Automapping [3] 41% | | Detect [3] 11% | | Disarm Trap [2] 0% | | Identify [1] 65% | | Scan [3] 60% | | Unlock [2] 0% | | Blade Dancing [1] 0% | | Cross Body Parry [1] 0% | | Fiery Dance [1] 0% | | Illusion Steps [1] 0% | 12% from his sword mastery and dual wielding, that would take tens of hours to bring back. 7~5% from the rest, his Unlock and Disarm Trap skills were at less than 7% when he died so they dropped to zero. Don was thankful skill levels didn’t drop at death. -Brother~ You there?~ His sister sent him a whisper. -Yea, just logged in. -Where were you for the past two days? -In a dungeon where whispers didn't work, then I died. -Be more careful ok? -Alright, alright. So what’s up? -You have a class yet? -...... -You still there? -Yes. I got a class. Though not the one I was hoping for... -Oh? Tell me~ -..... -Brother.... -It’s Blade Dancer. -Dancer? How did you become a Dancer? You don’t even know how to dance. -Apparently I met the requirements. The class change message didn’t have the name of the class, I thought it would be something cool. -Hmm, yea, brother would never choose a dancer willingly. But I’ve never heard of Blade Dancer, what’s the difference? -It is actually combat oriented, it uses two swords and can equip leather armor. -Oh, a fighting dancer. You know even in the real world there are many forms of martial arts disguised as dancing. You should do some research. Maybe go to the dancer guild and have them teach you a few steps. His sister was a wealth of random information. -But dancing... It is just so unmanly. -Hey! Don’t judge a book by its cover. Unless I’m mistaken that is what got you there in the first place. Again his sister had a point. -Alright I guess it couldn’t hurt to check it out. -Ok brother, I know you won’t but if you need anything just ask. Don walked around until he found the dancer guild. However as soon as he walked in, half the women inside stopped what they were doing to stare at him. Immediately an older woman shouted, “Get back to practicing.” The women continued some dance practice while keeping an eye on Don. The older woman approached Don and said, “I am the dancing instructor. What can we do for you young sir?” Don already approached the cliff, he might as well jump. “I acquired a Dancer class but I don’t know how to dance.” The woman looked closely at Don before saying, “Yes, a blade dancer if I’ve ever seen one. You had the dual wielding skill when you were offered the class correct?” “Yes mam.” “Hmm, that would be why. To become a Blade dancer a certain quality of appearance and some experience in dual wielding swords is required. Although it is expected that one knows how to dance beforehand, you can become a blade dancer without actually knowing how to dance.” Don took a deep sigh while thinking, ‘So that was it. Because I insist on doing things the manly way I got the dual wielding skill and with my appearance I met the qualifications.’ Don asked, “Do you know any dances that can be used with a blade?” At this the instructor started laughing lightly, as did most of the women in the room who had been eavesdropping on their conversation. She answered, “Almost every dance can be used while holding a blade. Even the one these women practice can be done while holding two swords or knives.” Don took a closer look at the dance movements. The wrists were always pointed outward and many of the movements would look like strikes had they been holding blades. The instructor said, “I can give you some lessons for 80 gold. Something simple you would be able to do without problem.” Don flinched. 80 gold was not something someone of his level could afford. If he hunted level 50 monsters everyday for a month he would be lucky to accumulate 18 gold, much less 80. “I’m sorry mam but I cannot afford your price. But if I may request, can I stay here and observe?” The instructor looked at the other practicing women who were all now dancing flawlessly. It was obvious they were trying to impress the beautiful elf so they were giving practice a great deal of effort. The women smiled and said, “Observe as long as you like.” Don took a seat on the floor near a wall and inspected each movement of the women. Every joint, every muscle, every nerve. Don analyzed it as he would a machine. When he knew how something worked, he could fix it. The same principle worked with observation. He had never gone to a dojo or learned from an instructor but when Don saw someone do something, if he figured out how they did it he could do it too. The first thing Don noticed was that the dances were not the same repetitive sets of movements over and over again. The patterns flowed into each other but it was free form. After an hour of watching what really stood out was that each women used the same movements and forms but each was also unique in its beauty. Each had made the dance their own, and watching it was indeed captivating. After three hours Don thanked the instructor saying he would like to return if possible. Don went to the only place where he knew no one would see him, the catacombs beneath Hiritol to practice. He picked a large dry cavern and took out his swords. He tried to slowly imitate the basic form of the dance, one part at a time like practicing strike patterns. He used every muscle to connect each move into the next as seamlessly as he could. In the back of his head he knew he probably looked incredibly silly. He tried to drown the feeling out by focusing on the movements. After thirty minutes of swinging his sword while stepping using the same footwork he saw he went to an area he knew to be a rat nest. He started swinging the swords around as the rats started flowing in, but making an attack out of the movements required foreknowledge of where the opponent was going to be to adjust the attack in time with the approaching enemy. In other words most of his slices missed the rats and he got covered in a pile of giant biting rats. Don switched to just slashing everything around him until everything was dead. He went back to the cavern to practice some more. He realized his aggressive fighting didn’t work while dancing. He couldn’t dance while attacking. The only times the rats didn’t dodge was when they were moving in to attack him. Don considered this and practiced while imagining enemies coming at him. When doing so he adjusted his aim to intercept them. Don went to another rat nest, this time a bit further away. The rats came at him and Don started his dance. It wasn’t exactly graceful but the movements flowed into one another as he struck rat after rat. He was getting the hang of it to focus attacking only on those who were attacking you, however he had to move around constantly while swinging his swords while keeping track of everything around him while moving in circles while maintaining footwork. It was taxing to say the least. Don’s movements had to change in response to everything around him while trying to maintain the flowing feel of what he had seen in the dancer’s guild. By focusing on defense Don was able to avoid being swarmed long enough to take extend the fight until he had taken out each rat while dancing. Of course Don wasn’t even sure if what he was doing could be called dancing. He brought out the skill to see if he had gained any proficiency. | Blade Dancing [1] 12%Dancing with swords attracts the attention of enemies. | | --- | It looked like it had increased by some, so what he was doing at least barely passed for dancing. Don went back to practicing. This time however he decided to try something else out. Using the principles of what he had seen he made up his own dance. It was made up of three different kinds of moves each with three ranges, basically parry, slash, stab, at close, medium, and far ranges. Then he practiced movements using them that flowed into one another that used a simple triangle footwork that could let one face any direction in two steps. Instead of trying to make dancing into fighting, he was making fighting into dancing. After an hour of practice he moved to another rat nest and practiced. Most of the movements were ones he had practiced for hours at the training hall, he was just making them flow into one another. It took less than a third of the time of the previous nest. | Skill level up: Blade DancingEvasion while dancing increased by 2% | | --- | Don let out a sigh of relief. He got the skill up 90% using this dance, it seemed that this was a much better dance to use. Don spent the next few hours refining his dance. He realized the more feeling he put into the dance, the better its quality. The reason the each dancer’s movements felt unique to them was likely because each had their own feelings in them. Don asked himself what was the manliest feeling he could put into a dance. The most cowardice feeling would be the need to run away, so the manliest feeling must be the need to fight, ferocity. After this realization Don stopped trying to add grace and elegance to his movements, they were holding him back. He focused on making the bloodiest scene he could. After he was satisfied with his dance, he started practicing the other three skills. Each skill had a small image next to it on its use. Cross body parry had an image of a blade dancer stabbing a swordsman through the heart with one sword while his other sword was parrying the opponent to make him turn. Don practiced it a few times but parry skills were more effective on opponents that had weapons so rats were not ideal. The image next to fiery dance was of a man holding two swords that were on fire. Don tried it and found it to his liking. It did in fact feel manly to wield flaming swords rhythmically through the air striking everything that got within range. Illusion steps were difficult to use because making it look like you were going one direction when you were going another required a series of specific steps and waist movements. Don couldn’t use it well yet. After four days Don hit level 50, his blade dancing hit 4, fiery dance 2, and both illusion steps and cross body parry hit 2. Don equipped Palutos’ gear and left for the dancer’s guild. He had gone several time to inspect specific aspects of the dances like footwork and pacing. When he entered the room filled with ‘ohhhs’ and ‘ahhhs’ at his appearance and gear. Don approached the instructor and said, “Thankyou. If you had not allowed me to watch, I would not have gotten very far on my own.” The instructor chuckled mischieviously and said, “You can dance now?” “I believe so.” “Well then, it is not me you have to thank ,but these girls. They are the ones who allowed you to watch their dancing. And now you can return the favor.” Don’s stomach grew cold. ‘Dance? In front of them?’ Don looked over the dancers who were now eyeing him expectantly. Don had no choice. He said, “Well.... Ok... but just a little. This isn’t something I made for looks....” The woman backed away as Don approached the center of the room. He tried not to think of the dozen eyes of beautiful women that were staring at him. He imagined he was back in the bleak, dark, sewers surrounded by rats, and took his starting pose. He then slashed three time at three different distances before stepping, turning, and doing two slashes before stepping and turning backwards to do three more slashes. Don looked like he was fighting an army of ghosts, those watched felt his killing intent directed towards the unseen foes. His movements were not fluid, but quick, instead of flowing motion it was dozens of small interchangeable movements made with extreme force, like a merciless thunderstorm. When Don imagined finishing the last of the rats he remembered where he was and blushed deeply. However after finishing a round of applause resounded. Everyone there looked impressed. The instructor said, “Very impressive for something self taught. If you didn’t already know, dancing is not about beautiful movement, that is more of a side effect. Dancing is about moving in a way that matches how you feel, and synchronizing with that feeling. When one has done so, they radiate that feeling to all those around them. That is what makes dancing so captivating. Wait here a moment.” The instructor went over to a desk and opened up a drawer, pulling out a book before returning. “Here, take this. I think your effort deserves a reward.” Before even looking at it Don said, “No thankyou, I did not do it for any reward.” As a rule Don never accepted things when he didn’t feel he had earned them. However she insisted, “Then think of it as payment for entertaining my girls and showing them something interesting.” Don relented and accepted the book. He put his hand over it and said, “Identify.” | Battle DancesC-Grade Skill bookInstructions on how to perform dances that can be used in battleTeaches the skills:Dance of the BraveDance of the FighterDance of DeathSingle UseRequirements;Dancer Class | | --- | Don asked, “A skill book?” She nodded, “Yes, your desire for combat is obvious. These dances can be used while fighting, and using them buffs allies who watch you dance or reduce the morale of enemies who watch you dance. Believe it or not you are not the first male dancer. There are plenty of manly dances out there.” Don blushed slightly at how transparent he was and thanked everyone graciously. After leaving Don placed his hand on the book and said, “Learn.” | New skill learned: Dance of the BraveNew skill learned: Dance of the FighterNew skill learned: Dance of Death | | --- | Don brought up the skill chart so he could see what they did.” | Dance of the Brave [1] 0%Dancing using the spirit of valor.Increases Morale and fighting spirit of allies | | --- | | Dance of the Fighter [1] 0%Dancing using the spirit of BattleIncreases the attack and defense of allies | | Dance of Death [1] 0%Dancing using the spirit of deathDecreases morale and fighting spirit of enemies | Don took the phrase ‘using the spirit of’ to mean infusing himself with that feeling and radiating it out. However like the instructor had said, in order to do that he needed to synchronize his movements with the feeling. Don used the few silver coins he obtained fighting rats to buy some supplies and headed for Mt. Ketsdale, the place he had been told a master of Blade dancing resided. However on his way he made a detour to the camp of some lizardmen. It was a small camp, more of an outpost really, he felt it was time to really test himself out. As he approached he heard cries of, “Human! Get the Human!” A dozen level 60 lizardmen ran at Don. It was now or never to see the effectiveness of a blade dancer. The he looked up to the high noon sun and decided, ‘No, now is the time to test the strength of this whole character.’ As they approached to within seven feet Don calmly said, “Light of the Heavens.” The noon sun turned harsh, whiting out the land and blinding everyone who didn’t have their eyes closed, but only for an instant. | Solar Buff+50% Fire Affinity+25% Strength | | --- | Don then said, “Fiery Dance,” before starting his form. Affinity was something magic using classes had that determined the upper limits of their spell damage. Now that Don had a much higher fire affinity, the flames on his swords would deal much greater damage. Don hacked the lizardmen to death one by one while burning and slicing them. Don realized at some point that some of the lizardmen were not fighting back, they looked like deer in the headlights, frozen, unable to move if they wanted to while watching Don’s dance. Don took care of the Lizardmen in four minutes. Although his mana ran out in less than a minute, the psychological damage done to the group could not be recovered. Don slowly chopped them to bits. One benefit of the dancing was that his opponents could not really stop watching, it didn’t prevent them from fighting like a regular dancer’s dance would have, but it kept them from running away even when they knew they were beaten. After finishing them Don waited for his mana to recover so he could use fiery dance again inside the outpost where the rest of the lizardmen were. Don moved through them like a tornado, anything in his way was torn to shreds. The outpost had only thirty Lizardmen which had five groups of six. Besides the fact that the blade dancer’s skills were pretty good, the most amazing thing was the damage he produced. The high attack of the swords, the fire enhancing buff, the fiery dance, and his own enhanced stats stacked together to create an incredible damage dealer. Thanks to that even the thick skinned lizardmen couldn’t get past his sword defense. Don was sure that in optimal conditions he could beat monsters that were much higher levels than his own. One by one the lizardmen fell to Don's sword. After looting the outpost and finding some nice boots and gloves he was satisfied. Don continued forward on his path to Mt. Ketsdale. | Chapter 5 Deal with a Tinker <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=185&t=1611">viewtopic.php?f=185&t=1611</a><!-- l -->Chapter 3 The Manly Class <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=185&t=1543">viewtopic.php?f=185&t=1543</a><!-- l --> | | --- | 

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 1 – Bandit Solutions</span> <br> <br>Its been around two days now and we were about to reach the town that was destroyed by the Cyclops in its rampage. <br> <br>From these two days I've come to understand the traits of these people I’m with. <br> <br>For starters the leader of the group named Don was of the knight class with heavy armor that meant most things couldn't damage him much. He had a special skill called double impact that combines the damage done on an enemy into one strike which was very powerful. This meant enemies of even half health was killed, however he said this didn't work well with boss monsters since it could only apply the damage in a certain amount of time. <br> <br>The second melee person in the party was a thief named Barry. Aside from trap dismantling which was a God sent in a dungeon filled with traps, he was a close-mid range fighter that throws poison knives. This with his speed made him unstoppable on the battlefield. <br> <br>Then there were the three range people. The archer was a female named Mary whom was a sniper. She had the piercing shot skill and levelled it up a lot and also could scout the place and lure in enemies. <br> <br>The mage also female was named Jenny was a lightning mage that apparently could use the very powerful lightning shower spell. Besides lightning she could use some fire and earth magic but it wasn't as effective as the lightning shower spell. <br> <br>The final member of the party was a priest named Michael who had a pretty powerful bluff besides his heal. Each and every one of them went through their second class advancement already which meant they entered the second part of the game which set them aside from other players below level 200. <br> <br>The final thing I noticed about these guys is that they don't care about me at all. I believe they want the experience and fame that comes with the quest in order to promote themselves. Basically I found out even though I had my suspicions the moment they offered to help me. <br> <br>Roughly in the previous night.... <br> <br>A campfire was made using some sticks and leaves that were on the ground. Jenny used her fire magic to light it up and the whole group besides me sat near it. According to Don there were some monsters wandering around at night in this area so I had to keep a lookout. This seems a but far fetched but I don't really care if there are monsters or not here. <br> <br>[They make it very apparent that they're using you] <br> <br>Well it was mutually beneficial for both sides. I really complain. <br> <br>[If you unlock the second seal then there's a high possibility that you could kill the Cyclops without these people] <br> <br>True but using other people is fine once in a while right. Also I don't trust those guys at the information guild. <br> <br>[Yeah...there's going to be some sort of trap later on. Be prepared] <br> <br>I know. Also doesn't it seem like the night is a bit bright? <br> <br>[Its a racial benefit] <br> <br>Ah, another one of your perks. <br> <br>[…] <br> <br>What? Do you know how many ways your existence influenced by body? <br> <br>[Besides the skills you gained, the ability to detect life forms and night vision right now] <br> <br>Right now? There's more. <br> <br>[Yeah, you think something like me can take on God level beings with just that?] <br> <br>Well...you did have the mana absorption skill which made you ultra powerful right? <br> <br>[How did you think I contained all that power Eden? Your body collapsed when you used more power than you could handle] <br> <br>Hmm...that is true so was your body different from humans? <br> <br>[Not really. I was special kind of human. A spirit container] <br> <br>A...spirit container? <br> <br>[A vessel that can hold unlimited power] <br> <br>I see...and how rare are humans that are spirit containers? <br> <br>[Think about winning the lottery. And now think about the chance of continuously 5 weeks in a row] <br> <br>So...very rare. &nbsp; <br> <br>[Rare that one is born but otherwise not that rare. Another trait is that most of us are immortal in the sense that we regenerate quickly from death though there is a limit] <br> <br>So that was why you were sealed away not killed. <br> <br>[Yeah it was useless to kill me] <br> <br>Isn't that kinda sad? <br> <br>[Sad? Hahahahahahahaha. How amusing Eden! For that I'll give you a new trick later on!] <br> <br>“................hey......................what......................kid...............” <br> <br>Hmm? It seems our friends are talking without us. Time to earsdrop on them. <br> <br>[Ah it seems your hearing is better than humans as well. Now what about your sense of smell and taste....] <br> <br>Wait a minute....couldn't you just say that my senses are better than humans instead of saying which was better individually? <br> <br>[I had no idea which trait would improve or not. Better to not give you false hope right?] <br> <br>Why YOU! <br> <br>[Hey your making too much noise. Calm down] <br> <br>I noticed that I stepped on some leaves which made some sound. I quickly took my foot off the leaves and went around using the night and trees to get a bit closer to the group. Thankfully I didn't need to get that close to them to hear what they were saying. From what I saw with the slight gimps I got when I was moving the group did not move much when I left them for surveillance duty. It sounded like they were talking about me. <br> <br>“So how are we going to deal with that kid after the quest?” That voice was Mary I think. Was she considering disposing me or something? <br> <br>“Why can't we deal with the wrench right now? It'll be easy. A slit and she's gone.” It looks like Barry wants to kill me now. I mentally prepared myself to fight later on. <br> <br>“No we can't” Oh! Someone on my side. This voice was most likely Don's. “What happens like the quest gets cancelled when we kill her? Also this quest was made for the kid. She is a crucial key to the quest so we need to protect her until it ends.” <br> <br>“Then what do we do with the reward and contributions?” asked Jenny. It seems this group was more concern about the reward than the quest itself. They must be confident to be able to finish the Cyclops off. <br> <br>“In the first place can we kill this Cyclops. We are powerful enough to take on normal mobs and special mobs but this would be considered a low difficulty boss monster right?” Michael seems to have some doubt. <br> <br>I don't blame him. Cyclops in this world are in the level 300 range which means that would be around a 100 level difference between it and the group. Well I had enough. I'm going back to surveillance duty now. I quietly got back to where I was sitting before and slept a bit before waking up in the morning. I noticed that Don was lying about the monsters so I didn't care about the keeping a eye out at all. <br> <br>Now back to the presents..... <br> <br>“It looks like the town was occupied by bandits.” said Don seeing the smoke and the barricades set up around the small town. “Mary how many do we expect?” <br> <br>Mary was up on a tree trying to see as much as possible. <br> <br>She replied with, “Around 30 maybe more.” <br> <br>With that, Don smiled and said, “Good, Eden you stay at the back.” <br> <br>Looks like I don't need to do anything...again. <br> <br>We all approached the town with little hesitation and one bandit that was on look out shouted, “ENEMIES!” out loud with prompted a loud horn to be blown and bandits swarming out of the town to greet us or rather the group that seemed to be confidence on killing all of them. <br> <br>I noticed that Jenny that gathering a large amount of mana to use. She was definitely going to use a lightning shower here. She raised her hand up and said, “Lightning Shower” after a slightly long chant. <br> <br>Immediately lightning rained from the sky and hit the bandits charging at us. I think most of them died during the spell but there were still some that lived. Barry and Mary moved in killing off the remainder of the bandits. <br> <br>The spell was really powerful but Jenny was only able to use it once per battle since it took most of her mana in one go. I should try the spell out later to see how it is for me. <br> <br>“Okay lets go. The Cyclops should be in that forest beyond this town. It should be simple to find.” said Don as he lead the group through the destroyed town. <br> <br>He didn't look at the corpses of the bandits or villagers that Jenny killed during her spell. Neither did the other members of the group. Well neither did I but that's not the point! It feels like they don't care if they existed or not. I on the other hand recognise that they existed and ignore them. <br> <br>[That doesn't make it any better...] <br> <br>Well don't blame me! I wasn't the one who killed them. <br> <br>[There's something called empathy you know] <br> <br>What's that? <br> <br>[Never mind...] <br> <br>As we approached the forest I noticed that there were a large number of life forms besides the Cyclops. They were much bigger than insects and small animals so they could either be large beasts or humans. I hope that it was the former. <br> <br>The forest itself was not that thick. The trees were spread out at the bottom but the leaves blocked out most of the light coming through. <br> <br>BOOM BOOM BOOM <br> <br>“Looks like we're right. It is here.” said Don out loud. <br> <br>I still sense there's a number of things here that we can't see. <br> <br>[Looks like the trap is about to trigger] <br> <br>Yeah. I might as well use these fools as bait first. I slowed my walking and allowed the others to walk further ahead than me. I made sure I wasn't too far behind but far enough that I could escape any kind of trap thrown at me. <br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 2 – Cyclops Problems</span> <br> <br>Soon enough we reach where the Cyclops was. It was located in a large clear area with no trees around. Think of a crop circle in a forest but the size of several football fields. This is definitely a trap. It smells like a trap. It looks like a trap. It feels like a trap. And there's other people around so it is a trap of some sort. <br> <br>“Hey I rather not fight it in the open” I said to the party. They looked at me and laughed. They were definitely mocking me now. <br> <br>“This just makes it easier” said Mary in an arrogant tone. <br> <br>Don added to the insults with, “You can stay here if you want.” Well that was a fine idea. I might take it. <br> <br>I smiled at them and said, “Fine” while trying not to look angry or pissed off. <br> <br>It seems they didn't notice that the Cyclops was armored up already which means it was tamed. The Cyclops was 20 metres in height and weighs so much that it made a sound comparable to a cannon when it moves. The party went ahead leaving me here. <br> <br>[Is this the right choice?] <br> <br>The people in the this won't do anything just yet. If I go out there the trap begins and I'll be screwed. The best option is to stay here and hope they finish the Cyclops off on their own though very unlikely. <br> <br>“Piercing Shot!” Shouted Mary. <br> <br>It seems they've started already. Her arrow few to hit the eye but the Cyclops moved and it hit the iron helmet it had on. Besides the helmet, the Cyclops had armor on its arms, legs, stomach and back which covered most of it. But it did not cover the joints and the eye which made them a target to hit. While the Cyclops did not carry any weapons on it which was a good thing it was still a giant that could kill you in one hit. <br> <br>“Speed Bluff” Light came from Michael and covered the party. <br> <br>I was out of range so it didn't affect me. <br> <br>“Strength Bluff” Michael casted another bluff on the party. Now they were mostly set. It seems the Cyclops noticed the party and is able to engage. <br> <br>BOOM BOOM BOOM <br> <br>Barry ran to the right while Don ran to the left. Mary was trying to hit the eye but was missing a lot due to the large range she has to cover. The distance from the party to the Cyclops was 300 metres and the party was 100 metres away from me. <br> <br>“Fireball” shouted Jenny. Several fireballs appeared in great numbers and bombarded the Cyclops with fire. <br> <br>BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM <br> <br>But the armor it wore deflected most of the damage. Seeing this jenny prepared to cast the lightning shower spell on it but she needed some time to do so. Well this is going to take some time. I walked to the nearest tree that had the best view of the battle and leaned on it and observed the situation. <br> <br>Both sides were now 200 metres away from each other. “Spread Shot!” <br> <br>Oh it seems Mary had another skill. She strung up several arrows and shot them at the head as well. Most of the arrows hit but some still missed. This time she hit the eye. <br> <br>“GGGGGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR” <br> <br>And she angered it. <br> <br>[Bad Idea] <br> <br>Yeah it seems they noticed it as well. The Cyclops had a angry look in its eye that was hit by some arrows and ran to the party. Shocked by the speed it could move the party tried to evade the rampaging giant they angered. <br> <br>Thanks to Michael's bluffs they managed to do so. Barry now ran up to the Cyclops as he had the highest agility of the group and started climbing it. He reached the back of the knee with great difficulties and started stabbing it with poison knives. Do Cyclops have poison resistance. <br> <br>[Not really. They're large to the point that it take a lot of poison to affect them] <br> <br>I see so what Barry's doing is useless. <br> <br>[No. If he continues for the rest of the battle the Cyclops will feel it sooner or later but I doubt he has enough poison and enough stamina to hold onto that thing for long] <br> <br>Once again I felt a large amount of mana being gathered by Jenny. It looks like she finished her spell and is waiting to cast it. <br> <br>“BARRY JUMP OFF NOW!” commanded Don. <br> <br>He also noticed that Jenny was about to use the lightning shower spell. Barry immediately jumped off the Cyclops that was chasing Don and Mary who were taunting it and rolled on the ground as he landed. <br> <br>“Lightning Shower” <br> <br>A great number of lightning bolts rained from the sky and hit the Cyclops. It was a spectacular sight but it was very dangerous to use. <br> <br>“GGGGGGGGGGGGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA” <br> <br>It looks like the attack is affecting it. It is covered in metal after all. It looks like the Cyclops lost a large chunk of its health. The Cyclops was using its arms to try to block most of the lightning from hitting it directly. After 20 seconds the lightning shower stopped and the Cyclops was half dead. <br> <br>“CHARGE!” shouted Don as he ran to the Cyclops. <br> <br>“Piercing Shot Piercing Shot Piercing Shot” Mary was spamming her skill on the Cyclops, Jenny was taking a break and Barry climbing to the back of the Cyclops' neck and started stabbing. <br> <br>Looks like they can handle this on their own. Hmm? What is this feeling? <br> <br>[Looks like the trap began] <br> <br>Swwooooooooooossssssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhh <br> <br>I heard something and Michael suddenly got hit by something and died. A grey flame was all that was left of him. The other four were surprised at the sudden attack. Suddenly I felt a large quantity of magic coming to the area. <br> <br>[Shield yourself] <br> <br>“Mana shield times 5” <br> <br>I protected myself from whatever was coming. The others were panicking by the fact that their healer died. Then I looked up. I saw a massive amount of fireballs coming down from the sky. This was bad. Really bad. If it was aimed at me then I’m screwed. Even if it wasn't aimed at me then I'm still screwed. <br> <br>[Use a Earth wall as well] <br> <br>Right. I imagined a wall of Earth covering me and protecting me from the attack. <br> <br>“Earth Wall.” <br> <br>The ground beneath me shifted and moved to directly block the impact. <br> <br>BOOM BANG BING DING DUNG MUNG HUNG EUNG EING BING BANG BOOM <br> <br>The Earth wall I made shattered on the amount of fireballs hitting it. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana shield took 431 damage</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana shield took 562 damage</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana Shield Broke</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana Shield took 531 damage</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana Shield took 749 damage</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana Shield Broke</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana Shield took 642 damage</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana Shield took 321 damage</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana Shield Broke</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana Shield took 583 damage</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana Shield took 530 damage</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana Shield Broke</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana Shield took 521 damage</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana Shield took 499 damage</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana Shield Broke</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana Shield Skill has advanced to beginner level 6</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Shit...my shields. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">You took 2532 damage. You are on fire.</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 took 1641 damage.</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 took 1532 damage.</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 took 2182 damage.</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Eh? The bombardment stopped? <br>[Looks like you survived. Hurry up and real ease the first seal. You need the mana] <br> <br>I checked the amount of mana I had and it was at 1613. Man if I took another hit then I would've died there. I tried to look around but there was too much dust to tell who and what was alive. All I know is that the presence I felt fired those magical attacks on the area. <br> <br>Well they can't let the Cyclops be killed but wouldn't casting that much magic kill the Cyclops as well? When the dust cleared I saw my other 'team-mates' were all gone which meant they died. The body of the Cyclops was on the ground lying face down. Was it dead? I hope so. I started walking to it like an idiot. <br> <br>“Well well, looks like you survived eh” It was a young male voice that had a distinct tone of arrogant mixed in it. <br> <br>I looked around and saw myself surrounded by 30 no 40 people in cloaks. All of them were probably range classes since they attacked from afar with that much power. <br> <br>[This is bad. You can't get out of this one. You better not die] <br> <br>Shut it. I released the first seal and my mana absorption skill started up. I couldn't absorb the mana of these assholes since I'm too far away from them. What do I do? Anyway I can report the Cyclops was killed at least. <br> <br>“Did you like our little pet? Awaken!” From the man's body was a purple aura(?) of some sort. <br> <br>A bad feeling came form it and it covered the body of the Cyclops. Soon enough I saw the Cyclops come to life once more as it got up. Its body was no longer grey but more purple-red. I think this thing just got powered up. This is really bad! Shit! I can't escape! <br> <br>[Looks like I have to help you. Release the second seal Eden] <br> <br>Second seal? Yeah Warlic did mention it but I don't don't how to release it! <br> <br>[Hmm...then I’ll do it. 5 Element Seal Release!] <br> <br>Suddenly I felt the same sensation when I faced the giant purple humanoid rabbit. I immediately noticed that my mana filled back to the maximum 10000. Wait didn't it go to 100000 last time? <br> <br>[Ah my power when berserk which caused your body to overload and die. I'll make sure you don't go over your limit] <br> <br>A power wave surge thing went out of my body like the ones you see in anime and cheap movies. The force of it pushed back the cloaked people. They were panicking. Well I would to if I saw a being that survived being basted by countless fireballs and suddenly went back to full power all of a sudden. <br> <br>“Shit! Kill it!” shouted one of the cloaked people. Some of them pulled out bows and fired arrows at me while other started casting magic. <br> <br>[Hmm...I’ll show you a special trick you can use in this form. Cast a mana shield] <br> <br>Why? Who care, I wonder what this trick is. <br> <br>“Mana Shield” <br> <br>The usual mana shield appeared to protect me. Hey at this rate the mana shield will be broken you know. <br> <br>[Wait and see] <br> <br>Arrows and magic attacks were flying to me and were hitting the mana shield. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana Shield took 341 damage</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana Shield took 874 damage</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana Shield took 1421 damage</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana Shield took 735 damage</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana Shield took 642 damage</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana Shield took 531 damage</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana Shield took 956 damage</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana Shield took 1674 damage</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana Shield took 1421 damage</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana Shield took 751 damage</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana Shield took 777 damage</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Hey my mana shield isn't breaking! What did you do llyfr? <br> <br>I made the mana shield skill rank up to the intermediate levels. You'll be able to do this normally when you level it up to that point. Also the damage subtracts from your mana so be careful but its still better than taking a direct hit since it negates some damage. <br> <br>“Shit! Nothing's working! Get the Cyclops to attack it!” <br> <br>“GGGGGGGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRR” <br> <br>The Cyclops made a loud sound and started to charge at me. Your a pest right now. I imagined the Cyclops being pushed up in the air by wind. <br> <br>“Wind Gust” <br> <br>Fooooooooossssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhh <br> <br>Suddenly a large quantity of wind gathered and pushed the Cyclops 20 metres in the air. I'm surprise how much more powerful I am in this state. <br> <br>[You get a bonus to your power or rather I am able to influence your body more easily when the second seal is undone. Be warn though, the mana absorption goes out of hand in this state. I advice you don't use it too much unless you want a horde of beings to kill you] <br> <br>I see....now to take care of this thing. I imagined a massive ice tower coming out of the ground and hitting the Cyclops. <br> <br>“Ice Tower” <br> <br>BANG <br> <br>A tower of ice, 10 metres in diameters came out of the ground and hit the Cyclops in the stomach. It spat out some blood before the ice tower collapsed due to the weight and fell to the ground. <br> <br>“Damn you.....Awaken!” <br> <br>The purple aura thing went to it again and it revived once more. Man I have to deal with these guys first before the Cyclops die. Those guys at the information guild are mean. I can't really deal with the other guys if the Cyclops is targeting me but it keeps on reviving when I kill it. What do I do? <br> <br>[What about making a big hole in it. Use Creation Magic to make this. Its called Torrwr] <br> <br>A image of a golden spear appeared in my head. It was as tall as me in length and at the tip was a very stylist blade. The blade of the spear was mostly flat with the middle being the thickest part and it had I think wings engraved onto it. The blade itself was around 10 cm long. <br> <br>“Creation Magic: Torrwr” <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Creation Magic advanced to beginner level 2</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Concentration increased by 1</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>The same spear that was in my mind was created in front of me and the skill levelled up! Wait, what's was the point of making this thing? <br> <br>[Now imagine it becoming bigger and say enlarge] <br> <br>I imagined the spear becoming 10 times bigger than it was right now and ignore the fact that I was being attacked. <br> <br>“Enlarge” <br> <br>The spear 'grew' to what I envision it would be and it floated in front of me for some reason. Why was it floating? <br> <br>[Telekinesis. Its the one of three weapons you can control at will without using any external power to do so. You can control it at will] <br> <br>Isn't that kinda overpowered? <br> <br>[Not really...it takes an enormous amount of mana to sustain. Now hurry up and kill that Cyclops] <br> <br>Yes yes. I imagined the now giant spear spinning around in front of me. As soon as I got that thought the spear did just that. Good. First I need to get rid of all the extras. I imagined the spear sweeping the ground and hitting a large number of those cloak guys. <br> <br>Swwwwwwwwoooooooooossssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh <br> <br>BANG <br> <br>The spear moved diagonally to the ground and hit around 4 or 5 people at once due to its great size. When it hit the ground I moved the spear to target another group of enemies. <br> <br>BOOOM <br> <br>And then I lifted the spear up high and smashed it vertically on a another bunch of enemies. Lets see....there are 13 enemies left I think. There are 14 presences I can sense including the Cyclops. Maybe I should leave some alive to interrogate them. I'll leave 3 alive and kill the rest. Now its kinda hard to kill them with this gigantic spear now. I imagined the spear returning to its former size. <br> <br>“Shrink” <br> <br>The spear shrank to its original size and I aimed at the very very frightened enemies. I shot the spear at the one that was trying to run away from me. <br> <br>BANG <br> <br>The spear quickly pierced a hole in it and hit the ground again. <br> <br>[Eden try to finish this quickly. Your body can't take much more] <br> <br>Right. I quickly imagined the spear piercing and killing every one expect for three. The spear quickly flew and it just that. <br> <br>“RRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOAAAARRRRRRRRRRR” <br> <br>Oh the Cyclops. I imagined the spear growing to its previous large size and said, “Enlarge”. The spear grew and floated in front of the Cyclops. The best way to kill the Cyclops was to make a big hole in it and for that I need some rotation. I spun the spear so that it was like a drill and pierced the Cyclops straight in the middle. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">You have levelled up <br>You have levelled up <br>You have levelled up <br>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">Fighting Spirit increased by 1</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Quest 'Hunt the Cyclops' has been completed <br> <br>Collect reward form information centre. Warning: You must bring proof of the act of killing the Cyclops in order to be rewarded <br> <br>You have levelled up <br>You have levelled up <br>Fame increased by 100</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>I levelled up to level 92 which was nice of the Cyclops and finished my quests as well. Now to deal with the three that are running away. I imagined the three being sucked into a place by wind. <br> <br>“Wind Vortex” <br> <br>The three were suddenly pulled into the centre of the spell. I then imagined them being beinf encased by ice. <br> <br>“Ice Prison” <br> <br>Ice started to quickly climb on their body and trapped them in ice. The ice however did no cover their faces so they could talk to me. Hey llyfr you can stop the power surge now. <br> <br>[Right. Seal!] <br> <br>The feeling of the large power that was flowing through me throughout the battle slowly faded away. The markings on my arms and probably all over my body stopped glowing as well. I kept the first seal undone so I wasn't completely defenceless if there was another trap. I walked up to the three that were trapped in ice as they were struggling to escape. <br> <br>“Hey.” I casually said to them. <br> <br>When I said that word the three suddenly flinched and looked at me with fear. Their teeth were chattering either due to the ice or fear of me. Eventually one of them spoke up. <br> <br>“What do you want with us?! Haven't you terrorised this land enough?” said the man in a righteous voice. <br> <br>It kinda pissed me off. Even in this world, people try to justify what they do without considering other people. Well I might as well mess with this mind a bit before killing him. <br> <br>In my most charismatic voice I replied, “And what have you done? You people used a Cyclops to sacrifice innocent to fuel your own schemes.” <br> <br>The three looked at me with hatred now. Good, its makes it easier for me to extract information off you if your emotional. <br> <br>“You need to make sacrifices for the greater good!” said the same man. <br> <br>The other two seemed to agree with this one. Well I can't really get anywhere if this one is speaking. I imagined making an iron sword. <br> <br>“Creation Magic: Iron Sword” <br> <br>A iron sword was formed in my hand. I gripped it and pointed the blade at the guy's neck. <br> <br>The man was sweating now but still had the courage to speak. “Well look at this! This demon is going to kill me because he cannot best me in conviction” <br> <br>I sighed at the man. He was definitely delusional. I once more replied to this fool. <br> <br>“No, I found that I have no use for you.” <br> <br>Before he could utter a word I slit his throat. Blood seeped out of the deep cut and the man's head fell dead along with the rest of his body. <br> <br>“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh” <br> <br>One of the other two started screaming in fear. He was crying. I wonder why? Its not like he was going to die as well. Oh wait. I was going to kill them all anyway. An evil smile appeared on my face which prompted the man to scream even louder and the other one to sweat heavily in fear. <br> <br>“Oh shut it.” I stabbed the man that was screaming in the face which killed him. <br> <br>His this the iron sword broke. It seems even when the skill levelled up, the durability of the things I make are still low. <br> <br>I looked at the other man left alive and said with a bright smile, “You'll give me all the information I want right?” <br> <br>The man nodded to my question which I replied, “Good. Now did the information guild send this group to kill me?” The man nodded again. <br> <br>“Good that's all I need” <br> <br>I grabbed his face and crushed it. My hands were stained with his blood from the act...not that I actually care. An eye for a eye, a tooth for a tooth, death for all that cross me. Now how the hell am I going to take this Cyclops back to the city? <br> <br>[Hmm....use a combination of wind and earth magic to drag this thing back?] <br> <br>This is going to take a while. But first I have to loot the thing. <br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 3 – Conclusion to Quest</span> <br> <br>Five Days later..... <br> <br>I finally made it back to the city with the corpse of the Cyclops well at least its head. I chopped it off since it was too big to move. From my looting a gained a fair number of its bones and flesh as well as leather from its skin. I should get these to a tailor and blacksmith of new equipment. I also looted the bodies of the other people at attacked me giving some minor loot as well but I found a amulet with the information guild crest on it. <br> <br>There were a couple of people that attacked me for some reason but I killed them and got this mark on my forehead. Eventually they stopped attacking me and just stared and followed behind for some reason. <br> <br>When I checked my stats I realised how little it changed form the last time I saw it. I placed the 30 points from the level ups into strength to even my stats out a bit. <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%">92</td><td width="25%">Class</td><td width="25%">Awdur Dim</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fame</td><td width="25%">910</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%">5000</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">103+50</td><td width="25%">Agility</td><td width="25%">214+50</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Intelligence</td><td width="25%">247+100</td><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">43+100</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Concentration</td><td width="25%">181+100</td><td width="25%">Endurance</td><td width="25%">35+50</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Sustenance</td><td width="25%">79+50</td><td width="25%">Fighting Spirit</td><td width="25%">53+50</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Vitality</td><td width="25%">67+50</td><td width="25%">Stamina</td><td width="25%">54+50</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Offence</td><td width="25%">84</td><td width="25%">Defense</td><td width="25%">127</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Magic Resistance</td><td colspan="3">16%</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> <br>When I reached the city gates a large number of people were already gathered. I saw the giant man from the information centre and a very shocked Maria behind him. <br> <br>The man spoke first with, “I thank you on behalf of the city for getting rid of that beast.” <br> <br>I smiled at his words and said, “Well I was ambushed during the first for some reason. That caused a bit of a problem. Maria I believe this belongs to you.” <br> <br>I threw the amulet I found onto the ground in front of her. So was shaking now. I believe everyone else knows what happened. <br> <br>The man sighed again and said, “Well now, what information do you need?” Ah finally, now I can ask all I want. <br> <br>“First, what is located 100 kilometres to the North-East from here?” <br> <br>The man immediately answered, “The Kingdom of Davion I believe. The capital is near that location” <br> <br>So I can just go to the capital then head to wherever the mana detector points to next. I sighed in relief. <br> <br>“Second, you know a good blacksmith and tailor that could make equipment for free?” <br> <br>The man suddenly laughed out loud. He said while still laughing, “I have some friends that can do that for you. You can follow me to them.” <br> <br>I left the Cyclops head on the ground and followed the man to where his “friends” were. <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=1445" 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=1579" target="_blank">Next</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <br> <br>Author's Notes: <br>- Sleepy......its 7am here.....and I was forced to wake up at 6.30am <br>- Can't really bother to write anything here..... </div>

Part 1 – Bandit Solutions Its been around two days now and we were about to reach the town that was destroyed by the Cyclops in its rampage. From these two days I've come to understand the traits of these people I’m with. For starters the leader of the group named Don was of the knight class with heavy armor that meant most things couldn't damage him much. He had a special skill called double impact that combines the damage done on an enemy into one strike which was very powerful. This meant enemies of even half health was killed, however he said this didn't work well with boss monsters since it could only apply the damage in a certain amount of time. The second melee person in the party was a thief named Barry. Aside from trap dismantling which was a God sent in a dungeon filled with traps, he was a close-mid range fighter that throws poison knives. This with his speed made him unstoppable on the battlefield. Then there were the three range people. The archer was a female named Mary whom was a sniper. She had the piercing shot skill and levelled it up a lot and also could scout the place and lure in enemies. The mage also female was named Jenny was a lightning mage that apparently could use the very powerful lightning shower spell. Besides lightning she could use some fire and earth magic but it wasn't as effective as the lightning shower spell. The final member of the party was a priest named Michael who had a pretty powerful bluff besides his heal. Each and every one of them went through their second class advancement already which meant they entered the second part of the game which set them aside from other players below level 200. The final thing I noticed about these guys is that they don't care about me at all. I believe they want the experience and fame that comes with the quest in order to promote themselves. Basically I found out even though I had my suspicions the moment they offered to help me. Roughly in the previous night.... A campfire was made using some sticks and leaves that were on the ground. Jenny used her fire magic to light it up and the whole group besides me sat near it. According to Don there were some monsters wandering around at night in this area so I had to keep a lookout. This seems a but far fetched but I don't really care if there are monsters or not here. [They make it very apparent that they're using you] Well it was mutually beneficial for both sides. I really complain. [If you unlock the second seal then there's a high possibility that you could kill the Cyclops without these people] True but using other people is fine once in a while right. Also I don't trust those guys at the information guild. [Yeah...there's going to be some sort of trap later on. Be prepared] I know. Also doesn't it seem like the night is a bit bright? [Its a racial benefit] Ah, another one of your perks. […] What? Do you know how many ways your existence influenced by body? [Besides the skills you gained, the ability to detect life forms and night vision right now] Right now? There's more. [Yeah, you think something like me can take on God level beings with just that?] Well...you did have the mana absorption skill which made you ultra powerful right? [How did you think I contained all that power Eden? Your body collapsed when you used more power than you could handle] Hmm...that is true so was your body different from humans? [Not really. I was special kind of human. A spirit container] A...spirit container? [A vessel that can hold unlimited power] I see...and how rare are humans that are spirit containers? [Think about winning the lottery. And now think about the chance of continuously 5 weeks in a row] So...very rare.   [Rare that one is born but otherwise not that rare. Another trait is that most of us are immortal in the sense that we regenerate quickly from death though there is a limit] So that was why you were sealed away not killed. [Yeah it was useless to kill me] Isn't that kinda sad? [Sad? Hahahahahahahaha. How amusing Eden! For that I'll give you a new trick later on!] “................hey......................what......................kid...............” Hmm? It seems our friends are talking without us. Time to earsdrop on them. [Ah it seems your hearing is better than humans as well. Now what about your sense of smell and taste....] Wait a minute....couldn't you just say that my senses are better than humans instead of saying which was better individually? [I had no idea which trait would improve or not. Better to not give you false hope right?] Why YOU! [Hey your making too much noise. Calm down] I noticed that I stepped on some leaves which made some sound. I quickly took my foot off the leaves and went around using the night and trees to get a bit closer to the group. Thankfully I didn't need to get that close to them to hear what they were saying. From what I saw with the slight gimps I got when I was moving the group did not move much when I left them for surveillance duty. It sounded like they were talking about me. “So how are we going to deal with that kid after the quest?” That voice was Mary I think. Was she considering disposing me or something? “Why can't we deal with the wrench right now? It'll be easy. A slit and she's gone.” It looks like Barry wants to kill me now. I mentally prepared myself to fight later on. “No we can't” Oh! Someone on my side. This voice was most likely Don's. “What happens like the quest gets cancelled when we kill her? Also this quest was made for the kid. She is a crucial key to the quest so we need to protect her until it ends.” “Then what do we do with the reward and contributions?” asked Jenny. It seems this group was more concern about the reward than the quest itself. They must be confident to be able to finish the Cyclops off. “In the first place can we kill this Cyclops. We are powerful enough to take on normal mobs and special mobs but this would be considered a low difficulty boss monster right?” Michael seems to have some doubt. I don't blame him. Cyclops in this world are in the level 300 range which means that would be around a 100 level difference between it and the group. Well I had enough. I'm going back to surveillance duty now. I quietly got back to where I was sitting before and slept a bit before waking up in the morning. I noticed that Don was lying about the monsters so I didn't care about the keeping a eye out at all. Now back to the presents..... “It looks like the town was occupied by bandits.” said Don seeing the smoke and the barricades set up around the small town. “Mary how many do we expect?” Mary was up on a tree trying to see as much as possible. She replied with, “Around 30 maybe more.” With that, Don smiled and said, “Good, Eden you stay at the back.” Looks like I don't need to do anything...again. We all approached the town with little hesitation and one bandit that was on look out shouted, “ENEMIES!” out loud with prompted a loud horn to be blown and bandits swarming out of the town to greet us or rather the group that seemed to be confidence on killing all of them. I noticed that Jenny that gathering a large amount of mana to use. She was definitely going to use a lightning shower here. She raised her hand up and said, “Lightning Shower” after a slightly long chant. Immediately lightning rained from the sky and hit the bandits charging at us. I think most of them died during the spell but there were still some that lived. Barry and Mary moved in killing off the remainder of the bandits. The spell was really powerful but Jenny was only able to use it once per battle since it took most of her mana in one go. I should try the spell out later to see how it is for me. “Okay lets go. The Cyclops should be in that forest beyond this town. It should be simple to find.” said Don as he lead the group through the destroyed town. He didn't look at the corpses of the bandits or villagers that Jenny killed during her spell. Neither did the other members of the group. Well neither did I but that's not the point! It feels like they don't care if they existed or not. I on the other hand recognise that they existed and ignore them. [That doesn't make it any better...] Well don't blame me! I wasn't the one who killed them. [There's something called empathy you know] What's that? [Never mind...] As we approached the forest I noticed that there were a large number of life forms besides the Cyclops. They were much bigger than insects and small animals so they could either be large beasts or humans. I hope that it was the former. The forest itself was not that thick. The trees were spread out at the bottom but the leaves blocked out most of the light coming through. BOOM BOOM BOOM “Looks like we're right. It is here.” said Don out loud. I still sense there's a number of things here that we can't see. [Looks like the trap is about to trigger] Yeah. I might as well use these fools as bait first. I slowed my walking and allowed the others to walk further ahead than me. I made sure I wasn't too far behind but far enough that I could escape any kind of trap thrown at me. Part 2 – Cyclops Problems Soon enough we reach where the Cyclops was. It was located in a large clear area with no trees around. Think of a crop circle in a forest but the size of several football fields. This is definitely a trap. It smells like a trap. It looks like a trap. It feels like a trap. And there's other people around so it is a trap of some sort. “Hey I rather not fight it in the open” I said to the party. They looked at me and laughed. They were definitely mocking me now. “This just makes it easier” said Mary in an arrogant tone. Don added to the insults with, “You can stay here if you want.” Well that was a fine idea. I might take it. I smiled at them and said, “Fine” while trying not to look angry or pissed off. It seems they didn't notice that the Cyclops was armored up already which means it was tamed. The Cyclops was 20 metres in height and weighs so much that it made a sound comparable to a cannon when it moves. The party went ahead leaving me here. [Is this the right choice?] The people in the this won't do anything just yet. If I go out there the trap begins and I'll be screwed. The best option is to stay here and hope they finish the Cyclops off on their own though very unlikely. “Piercing Shot!” Shouted Mary. It seems they've started already. Her arrow few to hit the eye but the Cyclops moved and it hit the iron helmet it had on. Besides the helmet, the Cyclops had armor on its arms, legs, stomach and back which covered most of it. But it did not cover the joints and the eye which made them a target to hit. While the Cyclops did not carry any weapons on it which was a good thing it was still a giant that could kill you in one hit. “Speed Bluff” Light came from Michael and covered the party. I was out of range so it didn't affect me. “Strength Bluff” Michael casted another bluff on the party. Now they were mostly set. It seems the Cyclops noticed the party and is able to engage. BOOM BOOM BOOM Barry ran to the right while Don ran to the left. Mary was trying to hit the eye but was missing a lot due to the large range she has to cover. The distance from the party to the Cyclops was 300 metres and the party was 100 metres away from me. “Fireball” shouted Jenny. Several fireballs appeared in great numbers and bombarded the Cyclops with fire. BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM But the armor it wore deflected most of the damage. Seeing this jenny prepared to cast the lightning shower spell on it but she needed some time to do so. Well this is going to take some time. I walked to the nearest tree that had the best view of the battle and leaned on it and observed the situation. Both sides were now 200 metres away from each other. “Spread Shot!” Oh it seems Mary had another skill. She strung up several arrows and shot them at the head as well. Most of the arrows hit but some still missed. This time she hit the eye. “GGGGGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR” And she angered it. [Bad Idea] Yeah it seems they noticed it as well. The Cyclops had a angry look in its eye that was hit by some arrows and ran to the party. Shocked by the speed it could move the party tried to evade the rampaging giant they angered. Thanks to Michael's bluffs they managed to do so. Barry now ran up to the Cyclops as he had the highest agility of the group and started climbing it. He reached the back of the knee with great difficulties and started stabbing it with poison knives. Do Cyclops have poison resistance. [Not really. They're large to the point that it take a lot of poison to affect them] I see so what Barry's doing is useless. [No. If he continues for the rest of the battle the Cyclops will feel it sooner or later but I doubt he has enough poison and enough stamina to hold onto that thing for long] Once again I felt a large amount of mana being gathered by Jenny. It looks like she finished her spell and is waiting to cast it. “BARRY JUMP OFF NOW!” commanded Don. He also noticed that Jenny was about to use the lightning shower spell. Barry immediately jumped off the Cyclops that was chasing Don and Mary who were taunting it and rolled on the ground as he landed. “Lightning Shower” A great number of lightning bolts rained from the sky and hit the Cyclops. It was a spectacular sight but it was very dangerous to use. “GGGGGGGGGGGGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA” It looks like the attack is affecting it. It is covered in metal after all. It looks like the Cyclops lost a large chunk of its health. The Cyclops was using its arms to try to block most of the lightning from hitting it directly. After 20 seconds the lightning shower stopped and the Cyclops was half dead. “CHARGE!” shouted Don as he ran to the Cyclops. “Piercing Shot Piercing Shot Piercing Shot” Mary was spamming her skill on the Cyclops, Jenny was taking a break and Barry climbing to the back of the Cyclops' neck and started stabbing. Looks like they can handle this on their own. Hmm? What is this feeling? [Looks like the trap began] Swwooooooooooossssssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhh I heard something and Michael suddenly got hit by something and died. A grey flame was all that was left of him. The other four were surprised at the sudden attack. Suddenly I felt a large quantity of magic coming to the area. [Shield yourself] “Mana shield times 5” I protected myself from whatever was coming. The others were panicking by the fact that their healer died. Then I looked up. I saw a massive amount of fireballs coming down from the sky. This was bad. Really bad. If it was aimed at me then I’m screwed. Even if it wasn't aimed at me then I'm still screwed. [Use a Earth wall as well] Right. I imagined a wall of Earth covering me and protecting me from the attack. “Earth Wall.” The ground beneath me shifted and moved to directly block the impact. BOOM BANG BING DING DUNG MUNG HUNG EUNG EING BING BANG BOOM The Earth wall I made shattered on the amount of fireballs hitting it. | Mana shield took 431 damage | | --- | | Mana shield took 562 damage | | --- | | Mana Shield Broke | | --- | | Mana Shield took 531 damage | | --- | | Mana Shield took 749 damage | | --- | | Mana Shield Broke | | --- | | Mana Shield took 642 damage | | --- | | Mana Shield took 321 damage | | --- | | Mana Shield Broke | | --- | | Mana Shield took 583 damage | | --- | | Mana Shield took 530 damage | | --- | | Mana Shield Broke | | --- | | Mana Shield took 521 damage | | --- | | Mana Shield took 499 damage | | --- | | Mana Shield Broke | | --- | | Mana Shield Skill has advanced to beginner level 6 | | --- | Shit...my shields. | You took 2532 damage. You are on fire. | | --- | | You took 1641 damage. | | --- | | You took 1532 damage. | | --- | | You took 2182 damage. | | --- | Eh? The bombardment stopped? [Looks like you survived. Hurry up and real ease the first seal. You need the mana] I checked the amount of mana I had and it was at 1613. Man if I took another hit then I would've died there. I tried to look around but there was too much dust to tell who and what was alive. All I know is that the presence I felt fired those magical attacks on the area. Well they can't let the Cyclops be killed but wouldn't casting that much magic kill the Cyclops as well? When the dust cleared I saw my other 'team-mates' were all gone which meant they died. The body of the Cyclops was on the ground lying face down. Was it dead? I hope so. I started walking to it like an idiot. “Well well, looks like you survived eh” It was a young male voice that had a distinct tone of arrogant mixed in it. I looked around and saw myself surrounded by 30 no 40 people in cloaks. All of them were probably range classes since they attacked from afar with that much power. [This is bad. You can't get out of this one. You better not die] Shut it. I released the first seal and my mana absorption skill started up. I couldn't absorb the mana of these assholes since I'm too far away from them. What do I do? Anyway I can report the Cyclops was killed at least. “Did you like our little pet? Awaken!” From the man's body was a purple aura(?) of some sort. A bad feeling came form it and it covered the body of the Cyclops. Soon enough I saw the Cyclops come to life once more as it got up. Its body was no longer grey but more purple-red. I think this thing just got powered up. This is really bad! Shit! I can't escape! [Looks like I have to help you. Release the second seal Eden] Second seal? Yeah Warlic did mention it but I don't don't how to release it! [Hmm...then I’ll do it. 5 Element Seal Release!] Suddenly I felt the same sensation when I faced the giant purple humanoid rabbit. I immediately noticed that my mana filled back to the maximum 10000. Wait didn't it go to 100000 last time? [Ah my power when berserk which caused your body to overload and die. I'll make sure you don't go over your limit] A power wave surge thing went out of my body like the ones you see in anime and cheap movies. The force of it pushed back the cloaked people. They were panicking. Well I would to if I saw a being that survived being basted by countless fireballs and suddenly went back to full power all of a sudden. “Shit! Kill it!” shouted one of the cloaked people. Some of them pulled out bows and fired arrows at me while other started casting magic. [Hmm...I’ll show you a special trick you can use in this form. Cast a mana shield] Why? Who care, I wonder what this trick is. “Mana Shield” The usual mana shield appeared to protect me. Hey at this rate the mana shield will be broken you know. [Wait and see] Arrows and magic attacks were flying to me and were hitting the mana shield. | Mana Shield took 341 damage | | --- | | Mana Shield took 874 damage | | --- | | Mana Shield took 1421 damage | | --- | | Mana Shield took 735 damage | | --- | | Mana Shield took 642 damage | | --- | | Mana Shield took 531 damage | | --- | | Mana Shield took 956 damage | | --- | | Mana Shield took 1674 damage | | --- | | Mana Shield took 1421 damage | | --- | | Mana Shield took 751 damage | | --- | | Mana Shield took 777 damage | | --- | Hey my mana shield isn't breaking! What did you do llyfr? I made the mana shield skill rank up to the intermediate levels. You'll be able to do this normally when you level it up to that point. Also the damage subtracts from your mana so be careful but its still better than taking a direct hit since it negates some damage. “Shit! Nothing's working! Get the Cyclops to attack it!” “GGGGGGGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRR” The Cyclops made a loud sound and started to charge at me. Your a pest right now. I imagined the Cyclops being pushed up in the air by wind. “Wind Gust” Fooooooooossssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhh Suddenly a large quantity of wind gathered and pushed the Cyclops 20 metres in the air. I'm surprise how much more powerful I am in this state. [You get a bonus to your power or rather I am able to influence your body more easily when the second seal is undone. Be warn though, the mana absorption goes out of hand in this state. I advice you don't use it too much unless you want a horde of beings to kill you] I see....now to take care of this thing. I imagined a massive ice tower coming out of the ground and hitting the Cyclops. “Ice Tower” BANG A tower of ice, 10 metres in diameters came out of the ground and hit the Cyclops in the stomach. It spat out some blood before the ice tower collapsed due to the weight and fell to the ground. “Damn you.....Awaken!” The purple aura thing went to it again and it revived once more. Man I have to deal with these guys first before the Cyclops die. Those guys at the information guild are mean. I can't really deal with the other guys if the Cyclops is targeting me but it keeps on reviving when I kill it. What do I do? [What about making a big hole in it. Use Creation Magic to make this. Its called Torrwr] A image of a golden spear appeared in my head. It was as tall as me in length and at the tip was a very stylist blade. The blade of the spear was mostly flat with the middle being the thickest part and it had I think wings engraved onto it. The blade itself was around 10 cm long. “Creation Magic: Torrwr” | Creation Magic advanced to beginner level 2 | | --- | | Concentration increased by 1 | | --- | The same spear that was in my mind was created in front of me and the skill levelled up! Wait, what's was the point of making this thing? [Now imagine it becoming bigger and say enlarge] I imagined the spear becoming 10 times bigger than it was right now and ignore the fact that I was being attacked. “Enlarge” The spear 'grew' to what I envision it would be and it floated in front of me for some reason. Why was it floating? [Telekinesis. Its the one of three weapons you can control at will without using any external power to do so. You can control it at will] Isn't that kinda overpowered? [Not really...it takes an enormous amount of mana to sustain. Now hurry up and kill that Cyclops] Yes yes. I imagined the now giant spear spinning around in front of me. As soon as I got that thought the spear did just that. Good. First I need to get rid of all the extras. I imagined the spear sweeping the ground and hitting a large number of those cloak guys. Swwwwwwwwoooooooooossssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh BANG The spear moved diagonally to the ground and hit around 4 or 5 people at once due to its great size. When it hit the ground I moved the spear to target another group of enemies. BOOOM And then I lifted the spear up high and smashed it vertically on a another bunch of enemies. Lets see....there are 13 enemies left I think. There are 14 presences I can sense including the Cyclops. Maybe I should leave some alive to interrogate them. I'll leave 3 alive and kill the rest. Now its kinda hard to kill them with this gigantic spear now. I imagined the spear returning to its former size. “Shrink” The spear shrank to its original size and I aimed at the very very frightened enemies. I shot the spear at the one that was trying to run away from me. BANG The spear quickly pierced a hole in it and hit the ground again. [Eden try to finish this quickly. Your body can't take much more] Right. I quickly imagined the spear piercing and killing every one expect for three. The spear quickly flew and it just that. “RRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOAAAARRRRRRRRRRR” Oh the Cyclops. I imagined the spear growing to its previous large size and said, “Enlarge”. The spear grew and floated in front of the Cyclops. The best way to kill the Cyclops was to make a big hole in it and for that I need some rotation. I spun the spear so that it was like a drill and pierced the Cyclops straight in the middle. | You have levelled up You have levelled up You have levelled up You have levelled up | | --- | | Fighting Spirit increased by 1 | | --- | | Quest 'Hunt the Cyclops' has been completed Collect reward form information centre. Warning: You must bring proof of the act of killing the Cyclops in order to be rewarded You have levelled up You have levelled up Fame increased by 100 | | --- | I levelled up to level 92 which was nice of the Cyclops and finished my quests as well. Now to deal with the three that are running away. I imagined the three being sucked into a place by wind. “Wind Vortex” The three were suddenly pulled into the centre of the spell. I then imagined them being beinf encased by ice. “Ice Prison” Ice started to quickly climb on their body and trapped them in ice. The ice however did no cover their faces so they could talk to me. Hey llyfr you can stop the power surge now. [Right. Seal!] The feeling of the large power that was flowing through me throughout the battle slowly faded away. The markings on my arms and probably all over my body stopped glowing as well. I kept the first seal undone so I wasn't completely defenceless if there was another trap. I walked up to the three that were trapped in ice as they were struggling to escape. “Hey.” I casually said to them. When I said that word the three suddenly flinched and looked at me with fear. Their teeth were chattering either due to the ice or fear of me. Eventually one of them spoke up. “What do you want with us?! Haven't you terrorised this land enough?” said the man in a righteous voice. It kinda pissed me off. Even in this world, people try to justify what they do without considering other people. Well I might as well mess with this mind a bit before killing him. In my most charismatic voice I replied, “And what have you done? You people used a Cyclops to sacrifice innocent to fuel your own schemes.” The three looked at me with hatred now. Good, its makes it easier for me to extract information off you if your emotional. “You need to make sacrifices for the greater good!” said the same man. The other two seemed to agree with this one. Well I can't really get anywhere if this one is speaking. I imagined making an iron sword. “Creation Magic: Iron Sword” A iron sword was formed in my hand. I gripped it and pointed the blade at the guy's neck. The man was sweating now but still had the courage to speak. “Well look at this! This demon is going to kill me because he cannot best me in conviction” I sighed at the man. He was definitely delusional. I once more replied to this fool. “No, I found that I have no use for you.” Before he could utter a word I slit his throat. Blood seeped out of the deep cut and the man's head fell dead along with the rest of his body. “Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh” One of the other two started screaming in fear. He was crying. I wonder why? Its not like he was going to die as well. Oh wait. I was going to kill them all anyway. An evil smile appeared on my face which prompted the man to scream even louder and the other one to sweat heavily in fear. “Oh shut it.” I stabbed the man that was screaming in the face which killed him. His this the iron sword broke. It seems even when the skill levelled up, the durability of the things I make are still low. I looked at the other man left alive and said with a bright smile, “You'll give me all the information I want right?” The man nodded to my question which I replied, “Good. Now did the information guild send this group to kill me?” The man nodded again. “Good that's all I need” I grabbed his face and crushed it. My hands were stained with his blood from the act...not that I actually care. An eye for a eye, a tooth for a tooth, death for all that cross me. Now how the hell am I going to take this Cyclops back to the city? [Hmm....use a combination of wind and earth magic to drag this thing back?] This is going to take a while. But first I have to loot the thing. Part 3 – Conclusion to Quest Five Days later..... I finally made it back to the city with the corpse of the Cyclops well at least its head. I chopped it off since it was too big to move. From my looting a gained a fair number of its bones and flesh as well as leather from its skin. I should get these to a tailor and blacksmith of new equipment. I also looted the bodies of the other people at attacked me giving some minor loot as well but I found a amulet with the information guild crest on it. There were a couple of people that attacked me for some reason but I killed them and got this mark on my forehead. Eventually they stopped attacking me and just stared and followed behind for some reason. When I checked my stats I realised how little it changed form the last time I saw it. I placed the 30 points from the level ups into strength to even my stats out a bit. | Status Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | Eden | Type | Chaotic | | Race | Anhrefn | Title | Darllenydd o'r holl | | Level | 92 | Class | Awdur Dim | | Fame | 910 | Infamy | 0 | | Health | N/A | Mana | 5000 | | Strength | 103+50 | Agility | 214+50 | | Intelligence | 247+100 | Wisdom | 43+100 | | Concentration | 181+100 | Endurance | 35+50 | | Sustenance | 79+50 | Fighting Spirit | 53+50 | | Vitality | 67+50 | Stamina | 54+50 | | Offence | 84 | Defense | 127 | | Magic Resistance | 16% | | | | 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 | | | When I reached the city gates a large number of people were already gathered. I saw the giant man from the information centre and a very shocked Maria behind him. The man spoke first with, “I thank you on behalf of the city for getting rid of that beast.” I smiled at his words and said, “Well I was ambushed during the first for some reason. That caused a bit of a problem. Maria I believe this belongs to you.” I threw the amulet I found onto the ground in front of her. So was shaking now. I believe everyone else knows what happened. The man sighed again and said, “Well now, what information do you need?” Ah finally, now I can ask all I want. “First, what is located 100 kilometres to the North-East from here?” The man immediately answered, “The Kingdom of Davion I believe. The capital is near that location” So I can just go to the capital then head to wherever the mana detector points to next. I sighed in relief. “Second, you know a good blacksmith and tailor that could make equipment for free?” The man suddenly laughed out loud. He said while still laughing, “I have some friends that can do that for you. You can follow me to them.” I left the Cyclops head on the ground and followed the man to where his “friends” were. | Continue Misfortune? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Previous](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1445) | [Exit](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=161) | | [Next](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1579) | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Author's Notes: - Sleepy......its 7am here.....and I was forced to wake up at 6.30am - Can't really bother to write anything here.....

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Alright my dear readers, this topic is an explanation to my Fanfic story because it might be confusing to some.<br><br>Death's New Entertainment = ( Suna Arc ) ( Completed )<br><br>Death's New Entertainment R = ( Konoha Arc )<br>The Suna Arc and Konoha Arc are separate stories on what village Harry starts in.<br><br>D X N X E = ( Hunter X Hunter Arc ) ( Suna Arc Sequel )<br><br>I hope this helps.<br><br>Sincerely,<br><br>zed019 </div>

Alright my dear readers, this topic is an explanation to my Fanfic story because it might be confusing to some. Death's New Entertainment = ( Suna Arc ) ( Completed ) Death's New Entertainment R = ( Konoha Arc ) The Suna Arc and Konoha Arc are separate stories on what village Harry starts in. D X N X E = ( Hunter X Hunter Arc ) ( Suna Arc Sequel ) I hope this helps. Sincerely, zed019

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Feel free to comment, criticize, make suggestions etc.<br>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>Loor dismisses the useless thoughts and looks around. Curving gently inwards, the walls on either side of the gate are made of giant logs, with no corner in sight. A Dirt road runs along the wall on opposite sides of the paved main road. Shabby wooden houses with almost no space between them line both paths. Visible in the distance down the perfectly straight main road is a huge castle made of sparkly reddish-brown stone. <br><br>Having forgotten Gaea’s advice in her excitement and unsure what to do now, Loor starts wandering down the main road towards the castle.<br><br>And promptly falls flat on her face.<br><br>She hears one of the guards snickering behind her as she mutters under her breath.<br><br>“Stupid air…always trips me up.”<br><br>Red faced with embarrassment, Loor stands and again begins walking toward the castle.<br>While walking, she notices side roads curving away periodically from the main road. The first road she passes is made of freshly turned gravel and the houses on either side look cleaner and brighter than those near the wall. As she gets closer to the castle, the roads on either side get richer and richer. The next road is paved with common stone, and the one closest to the castle paved with that same reddish, sparkly stone.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">That stone is really pretty, I wonder what kind it is.</span><br><br>Reaching the castle, Loor realizes it is actually at the center of a large, round, plaza. Merchants hawk their wares from stalls lining the rim of the circle. Some are sitting next to large squares of cloth randomly situated within the area of the circle, objects for sale lain out in a pleasing fashion on the blanket.<br>Looking around, Loor notices a road very similar to the one she came from spaced at even intervals around the edge of the plaza. Each one, from where she stood, seemed equally straight and pointed in the direction of the walls, almost like the spokes of a wheel. She spots a sign with a large picture on it near the entrance to the castle. Investigating the sign reveals a map of the city.<br><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/o766/Sam_Rosace/Anden_Map_zpseed4e483.jpg" border="0" alt="http%3a%2f%2fi1342.photobucket.com%2falbums%2fo766...d4e483.jpg"></div><br>(Extremely rough depiction of map)<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">What an easy to remember layout!</span><br><br>Seeing “training hall” on the map reminds Loor of Gaea’s words so she decides to check it out. Just one problem.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Each direction looks exactly the same! Am I going to have to walk around the whole city before I find it?</span><br><br>Loor sighs in resignation as she realizes how much work this is going to be. Just as she is about to go trudging off on her search, she is startled by a voice from behind her.<br><br>“Excuse me”<br><br>Loor turns towards the voice to find a young elven woman. Immediately noticeable at a glance, bright blue hair frames light brown eyes set in a pretty, yet somewhat plain face. An unadorned leather tunic and dark green shirt is worn over a rather thin torso. Her long legs are covered by light brown, leather pants. She is wearing gold-embroidered, dark green shoes that don’t really match with the rest of the outfit. Two knife sheaths on a brown leather belt complete the ensemble.<br><br>“Would you like to join our party? We were about to go out to hunt some wolves and you look a little lost.”<br><br>“Sorry, I can’t.”<br><br>“Why not?”<br><br>“First day.”<br><br>The woman is quite surprised at this. <br><span style="font-style: italic;">How did she get those clothes if this is only her first day? And is that a sword she has?</span><br><br>Loor begins to worry.<br><span style="font-style: italic;">Why is she looking at me like that? Did I do something wrong?</span><br><br>“Oh, I’m sorry, never mind.”<br>The woman begins to walk away. Loor, realizing he can save himself some time, (and more importantly effort) rushes to catch her before she can get out of sight.<br><br>“Sorry, but do you know the way to the training hall? I don’t really know which direction is which”<br><br>The woman gets even more confused. To her way of thinking, someone should at least have to know their way around the city before they are able get new equipment. <br>“Just walk straight down that road until the merchant’s district. Take a right and follow the road. The training hall is the only stone building in that area, so it’s hard to miss.” She says, pointing at the third ‘spoke’ on the left.<br><br>“Thank you very much. My name is Loor by the way.”<br><br>“No problem, I’m Robin. Be careful, I’ve heard the instructor is a bit sexist.”<br><br>“Okay, I’ll watch out. Oh wait, which one is the merchant’s district?”<br><br>Robin stares incredulously at Loor.<br><span style="font-style: italic;">How in the world has she gotten these items? She acts as if she’s only been here for a few minutes.</span><br>Pulling herself together, Robin says “The road with gray stone paving similar to the main road is the merchant’s district. The one made of sandstone is the noble’s district, the one with gravel is the housing district, and the one that is just dirt along the walls is the slums.”<br><br>“Ooh, thanks a lot! Wanna be friends?”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Friend request sent.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Sure” <span style="font-style: italic;">Maybe I can figure out what she did to get all that stuff…</span><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Request Accepted.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Yay! Seeya later!” Loor waves at Robin as he walks off towards the road she indicated earlier.<br><br>Skipping down a road remarkably similar to the one he arrived on, Loor starts singing.<br><br>? "-Friend friend friend, I made a friend, friend friend friend, I made a friend…-"?<br><br>Clearly, he is not a composer.<br><br>Reaching the merchant’s district, (still singing under his breath) Loor turns onto the road as he was instructed. He notices a group of people standing outside of a large, stone building that he realizes must be the training hall. As he approaches, he notices that the group is composed mostly of crying women.<br>“Waaah! Why won’t he talk to me?!”<br>“He told me to leave before I even spoke! Waaaaaah!”<br>“He bodily threw me out! *sniff* WAAAAAAAH!”<br>“You think *sob* that’s bad? He attacked me *sob* with his sword!”<br><br>Loor walks up to the ‘happiest’ looking woman to find out what happened.<br>“What is going on? Why is everyone so sad?”<br><br>“It’s the swordsmanship instructor. He is soooo handsome, but he hates girls. Be careful if you plan to go in there.”<br><br>“Okey dokey, thanks for the warning.”<br>Finding (forcing) a path through the crying women, Loor enters the training hall. The room he arrives in is much bigger than it looks from the outside. The walls are lined with evenly spaced scarecrows interrupted only by a door at the far end. Ferociously attacking a scarecrow in the center of the room stands a tall, extremely good-looking elf.<br>His face is perfectly symmetrical and so beautiful it looks as if it was sculpted by angels. His short, messy hair seems to shimmer between silver, platinum and gold. His eyes are a ghostly, ice blue color and currently completely focused on what he is doing. Well-formed and perfectly proportioned muscles standd outlined against his clothes each time he swings his sword. <br>-thwack-<br>-thwack-<br>-shiiiiiiiing-<br>-boom-<br>With a loud sound that almost shakes the air, the elf shatters the scarecrow he is attacking to pieces. Looking at it in disgust, he shakes his head. He looks around and notices Loor standing near the entrance. He smiles, transforming his face from the deadly beauty of a sword, to the tranquil, natural beauty of a rushing waterfall.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">What the hell am I even thinking?!?</span><br><br>Loor quickly shakes like a dog trying to get rid of water. When he looks again at the elf, he is able to think rationally. By this time the elf has walked over and starts speaking.<br><br>“Hello young man! Are you here to learn the way of the sword?”<br><br>“Yes, I would very much appreciate if you could teach me how to use a sword.”<br><br>“Excellent! It’s been such a long time since I’ve had a proper student to instruct.”<br>The instructor walks over to a previously unnoticed weapons rack, picks up a long, sturdy staff, and returns.<br>“Before learning how to fight with a sword, you must master the basics by learning how to use a staff. First you must learn as much as possible about the specifics of your weapon.”<br>The instructor hands Loor the staff and waits expectantly.<br><br>“Umm, I don’t mean to be rude, but we don’t even know each other’s name. I’ll start, my name is Loor.”<br><br>The instructor looks startled for a moment, and then grins sheepishly.<br>“I’m sorry; I was so excited to have a student that I completely forgot my manners. My name is Rari, I am the weapon master of this fair city. Now please, examine your new staff.”<br><br>Loor quickly obeys, and looks closely at his weapon. The wood is a nice tan-brown color. Two slightly roughened areas are located near the center of the weapon. Black knots and whorls abundantly adorn it.<br>“Oh yeah! I totally forgot”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Innocence +1</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Examine staff.”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Wooden Training Staff Damage 1-1 Durability 20/20 <br><br>A standard quarterstaff made of oak. Suitable for training as a beginner, but not much else.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Seeing his instructions followed, Rari grins. <br><span style="font-style: italic;">Aah, so nice to be obeyed by a student.</span><br>“Okay, good. Now I will show you the three basic blocks, and three basic attacks.”<br>Rari plants his feet shoulder width apart and holds his staff in two hands. First, he holds the weapon above his head horizontally, his hands approximately two feet apart. <br>“This is called the high block; used to foil the high strike.”<br>At this Rari smoothly moves the weapon vertical and pulls the lower hand back, forcing the top of the staff down in a lightning-fast strike. Next, he holds his quarterstaff vertically in front of his body hands in the same position, feet still shoulder-width apart.<br>“This is middle block. You can use it to foil a middle strike.”<br>Moving his staff into a horizontal position, Rari pulls one hand back and pushes the other forward. The head of the staff swings around from right to left with enough speed to cause some damage.<br>“Finally, you have the low block; used to foil a low strike.”<br>Rari holds his staff below his waist at a slight angle for a few moments. He then flows into a vertical hold and pulls his top hand back, this time, while pushing his bottom hand forward. The base of the staff swings up to strike the air. <br>“Now you try, high block, middle block, low block, high strike, middle strike, low strike in that order.”<br><br>Loor attempts to copy the actions he just saw. His blocks look fairly good, and surprisingly, his strikes are even better. He didn’t even whack himself!<br><br>“Not bad at all. In fact, it looks as if you’ve been training for a week, rather than five minutes.”<br><br>Blushing, Loor starts to mumble a thank you, but realizes what Rari just said.<br><span style="font-style: italic;">Doesn’t that mean it still looks pretty dang bad?</span><br><br>Rari, however, is smiling as if he really did just compliment him greatly.<br>“Continue practicing just like that for a few more hours. I will be doing a bit of training of my own, but will still be watching you and can answer any questions you might have.”<br><br>Nodding, Loor begins the sequence again as Rari walks toward a suddenly reconstructed scarecrow.<br><span style="font-style: italic;">Wait…..Did he say a few hours?!</span><br>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>Sorry about the length, hard to find inspiration.<br><br>Can you figure out the instructor's 'secret?'<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=182&amp;t=1484" target="_blank">Previous Chapter</a>|<a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=182" target="_blank">Home</a>|<a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=182&amp;t=1608" target="_blank">Next Chapter</a></div> </div>

Feel free to comment, criticize, make suggestions etc. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Loor dismisses the useless thoughts and looks around. Curving gently inwards, the walls on either side of the gate are made of giant logs, with no corner in sight. A Dirt road runs along the wall on opposite sides of the paved main road. Shabby wooden houses with almost no space between them line both paths. Visible in the distance down the perfectly straight main road is a huge castle made of sparkly reddish-brown stone. Having forgotten Gaea’s advice in her excitement and unsure what to do now, Loor starts wandering down the main road towards the castle. And promptly falls flat on her face. She hears one of the guards snickering behind her as she mutters under her breath. “Stupid air…always trips me up.” Red faced with embarrassment, Loor stands and again begins walking toward the castle. While walking, she notices side roads curving away periodically from the main road. The first road she passes is made of freshly turned gravel and the houses on either side look cleaner and brighter than those near the wall. As she gets closer to the castle, the roads on either side get richer and richer. The next road is paved with common stone, and the one closest to the castle paved with that same reddish, sparkly stone. That stone is really pretty, I wonder what kind it is. Reaching the castle, Loor realizes it is actually at the center of a large, round, plaza. Merchants hawk their wares from stalls lining the rim of the circle. Some are sitting next to large squares of cloth randomly situated within the area of the circle, objects for sale lain out in a pleasing fashion on the blanket. Looking around, Loor notices a road very similar to the one she came from spaced at even intervals around the edge of the plaza. Each one, from where she stood, seemed equally straight and pointed in the direction of the walls, almost like the spokes of a wheel. She spots a sign with a large picture on it near the entrance to the castle. Investigating the sign reveals a map of the city.  (Extremely rough depiction of map) What an easy to remember layout! Seeing “training hall” on the map reminds Loor of Gaea’s words so she decides to check it out. Just one problem. Each direction looks exactly the same! Am I going to have to walk around the whole city before I find it? Loor sighs in resignation as she realizes how much work this is going to be. Just as she is about to go trudging off on her search, she is startled by a voice from behind her. “Excuse me” Loor turns towards the voice to find a young elven woman. Immediately noticeable at a glance, bright blue hair frames light brown eyes set in a pretty, yet somewhat plain face. An unadorned leather tunic and dark green shirt is worn over a rather thin torso. Her long legs are covered by light brown, leather pants. She is wearing gold-embroidered, dark green shoes that don’t really match with the rest of the outfit. Two knife sheaths on a brown leather belt complete the ensemble. “Would you like to join our party? We were about to go out to hunt some wolves and you look a little lost.” “Sorry, I can’t.” “Why not?” “First day.” The woman is quite surprised at this. How did she get those clothes if this is only her first day? And is that a sword she has? Loor begins to worry. Why is she looking at me like that? Did I do something wrong? “Oh, I’m sorry, never mind.” The woman begins to walk away. Loor, realizing he can save himself some time, (and more importantly effort) rushes to catch her before she can get out of sight. “Sorry, but do you know the way to the training hall? I don’t really know which direction is which” The woman gets even more confused. To her way of thinking, someone should at least have to know their way around the city before they are able get new equipment. “Just walk straight down that road until the merchant’s district. Take a right and follow the road. The training hall is the only stone building in that area, so it’s hard to miss.” She says, pointing at the third ‘spoke’ on the left. “Thank you very much. My name is Loor by the way.” “No problem, I’m Robin. Be careful, I’ve heard the instructor is a bit sexist.” “Okay, I’ll watch out. Oh wait, which one is the merchant’s district?” Robin stares incredulously at Loor. How in the world has she gotten these items? She acts as if she’s only been here for a few minutes. Pulling herself together, Robin says “The road with gray stone paving similar to the main road is the merchant’s district. The one made of sandstone is the noble’s district, the one with gravel is the housing district, and the one that is just dirt along the walls is the slums.” “Ooh, thanks a lot! Wanna be friends?” | Friend request sent. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | “Sure” Maybe I can figure out what she did to get all that stuff… | Request Accepted. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | “Yay! Seeya later!” Loor waves at Robin as he walks off towards the road she indicated earlier. Skipping down a road remarkably similar to the one he arrived on, Loor starts singing. ? "-Friend friend friend, I made a friend, friend friend friend, I made a friend…-"? Clearly, he is not a composer. Reaching the merchant’s district, (still singing under his breath) Loor turns onto the road as he was instructed. He notices a group of people standing outside of a large, stone building that he realizes must be the training hall. As he approaches, he notices that the group is composed mostly of crying women. “Waaah! Why won’t he talk to me?!” “He told me to leave before I even spoke! Waaaaaah!” “He bodily threw me out! *sniff* WAAAAAAAH!” “You think *sob* that’s bad? He attacked me *sob* with his sword!” Loor walks up to the ‘happiest’ looking woman to find out what happened. “What is going on? Why is everyone so sad?” “It’s the swordsmanship instructor. He is soooo handsome, but he hates girls. Be careful if you plan to go in there.” “Okey dokey, thanks for the warning.” Finding (forcing) a path through the crying women, Loor enters the training hall. The room he arrives in is much bigger than it looks from the outside. The walls are lined with evenly spaced scarecrows interrupted only by a door at the far end. Ferociously attacking a scarecrow in the center of the room stands a tall, extremely good-looking elf. His face is perfectly symmetrical and so beautiful it looks as if it was sculpted by angels. His short, messy hair seems to shimmer between silver, platinum and gold. His eyes are a ghostly, ice blue color and currently completely focused on what he is doing. Well-formed and perfectly proportioned muscles standd outlined against his clothes each time he swings his sword. -thwack- -thwack- -shiiiiiiiing- -boom- With a loud sound that almost shakes the air, the elf shatters the scarecrow he is attacking to pieces. Looking at it in disgust, he shakes his head. He looks around and notices Loor standing near the entrance. He smiles, transforming his face from the deadly beauty of a sword, to the tranquil, natural beauty of a rushing waterfall. What the hell am I even thinking?!? Loor quickly shakes like a dog trying to get rid of water. When he looks again at the elf, he is able to think rationally. By this time the elf has walked over and starts speaking. “Hello young man! Are you here to learn the way of the sword?” “Yes, I would very much appreciate if you could teach me how to use a sword.” “Excellent! It’s been such a long time since I’ve had a proper student to instruct.” The instructor walks over to a previously unnoticed weapons rack, picks up a long, sturdy staff, and returns. “Before learning how to fight with a sword, you must master the basics by learning how to use a staff. First you must learn as much as possible about the specifics of your weapon.” The instructor hands Loor the staff and waits expectantly. “Umm, I don’t mean to be rude, but we don’t even know each other’s name. I’ll start, my name is Loor.” The instructor looks startled for a moment, and then grins sheepishly. “I’m sorry; I was so excited to have a student that I completely forgot my manners. My name is Rari, I am the weapon master of this fair city. Now please, examine your new staff.” Loor quickly obeys, and looks closely at his weapon. The wood is a nice tan-brown color. Two slightly roughened areas are located near the center of the weapon. Black knots and whorls abundantly adorn it. “Oh yeah! I totally forgot” | Innocence +1 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | “Examine staff.” | Wooden Training Staff Damage 1-1 Durability 20/20 A standard quarterstaff made of oak. Suitable for training as a beginner, but not much else. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Seeing his instructions followed, Rari grins. Aah, so nice to be obeyed by a student. “Okay, good. Now I will show you the three basic blocks, and three basic attacks.” Rari plants his feet shoulder width apart and holds his staff in two hands. First, he holds the weapon above his head horizontally, his hands approximately two feet apart. “This is called the high block; used to foil the high strike.” At this Rari smoothly moves the weapon vertical and pulls the lower hand back, forcing the top of the staff down in a lightning-fast strike. Next, he holds his quarterstaff vertically in front of his body hands in the same position, feet still shoulder-width apart. “This is middle block. You can use it to foil a middle strike.” Moving his staff into a horizontal position, Rari pulls one hand back and pushes the other forward. The head of the staff swings around from right to left with enough speed to cause some damage. “Finally, you have the low block; used to foil a low strike.” Rari holds his staff below his waist at a slight angle for a few moments. He then flows into a vertical hold and pulls his top hand back, this time, while pushing his bottom hand forward. The base of the staff swings up to strike the air. “Now you try, high block, middle block, low block, high strike, middle strike, low strike in that order.” Loor attempts to copy the actions he just saw. His blocks look fairly good, and surprisingly, his strikes are even better. He didn’t even whack himself! “Not bad at all. In fact, it looks as if you’ve been training for a week, rather than five minutes.” Blushing, Loor starts to mumble a thank you, but realizes what Rari just said. Doesn’t that mean it still looks pretty dang bad? Rari, however, is smiling as if he really did just compliment him greatly. “Continue practicing just like that for a few more hours. I will be doing a bit of training of my own, but will still be watching you and can answer any questions you might have.” Nodding, Loor begins the sequence again as Rari walks toward a suddenly reconstructed scarecrow. Wait…..Did he say a few hours?! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sorry about the length, hard to find inspiration. Can you figure out the instructor's 'secret?' [Previous Chapter](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=182&t=1484)|[Home](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=182)|[Next Chapter](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=182&t=1608)

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> “HANA” shouted the out Roi Lee and 500 student’s swung there swords down with full force.<br><br>“Dhul!” He counted on, and the students raised their swords up again before slashing it down with full force. As they cut through the air, the force of their slash caused the dust on the ground to unsettle.<br><br>“Seht!” Roi Lee continued counting with a frown. He was very much disturbed by what he experienced in Elementarem Vim. The feeling of the sword slashing him in half was still pulsating through his mind. This was his special hell training menu for his students to prepare them for Elementarem Vim.<br><br>Chung Il and Ma Sangbeom sipped hot tea as they watched Roi Lee grill his students.<br><br>“He seems to be very upset.” Ma Sangbeom said with his eyes following Roi Lee who was pacing up and down.<br><br>“Agreed.” Chung Il responded with his eyes fixed on the students. They had been practicing strikes for the last four hours without a break. Any normal mortal would have fallen to the ground but the disciples persisted. However, they too were reaching their limits.<br><br>“Should we stop him?” Choi Jong asked joining the conversation. It was only obvious to stop Roi Lee from going overboard.<br><br>“No. This is not our place to interfere.” Chung Il said slowly while blowing his tea cool.<br><br>Ma Sangbeom and Choi Jong looked at Chung Il in shock. <span style="font-style: italic;"> Was this really the Chung Il they knew? </span><br>Chung Il was always ahead of them guiding them…even when playing RREV he was being a prick about how the others had to teach their students…<br><br>“Brother, Chung…are you ok?” Ma Sangbeom asked with great concern.<br><br>“Cha Eunhee…confessed; she had been playing RREV…”<br><br>“…”<br><br>“Isn’t that great! You two were meant for each other! Both couples start of in same city…” Ma Sangbeom spoke out cheerfully, trying to lighten the mood. However, he stopped when he noticed his words weren’t getting through to Chung Il.<br><br>“She said I shouldn’t interfere in other people’s business…”<br><br>‘Ouch! Harsh!’<br><br>“I think you are being too emotional about it.” Choi Jong said. “If master were here he would laugh seeing his disciple in tears. A woman made you cry? Pathetic. Those would be his words.”<br><br>Chung Il sobered a little. Tough love was a good medicine at times.<br><br>“Are we not playing Lee Hyun’s game as well now? I am sure she has her reasons as well. You probably haven’t even asked her why.”<br><br>“…I haven’t” Chung Il said with his head lowered.<br><br>“How many times have I told you to always talk to her! This is just like the time when you asked her to marry you and she turned you down…”<br><br>Ma Sangbeom’s eye brow was slightly raised. “I haven’t heard of this story….”<br><br>“It was long long ago, when he first asked her to marry him.” Choi Jong replied.<br><br>“But eventually she did agree…” Ma Sangbeom confirmed, unless they live partners…<br><br>“Yeah…but that was because he went and talked to her and understood her reasons…and she had good reasons, didn’t she” Choi Jong asked Chung Il.<br><br>Chung Il nodded.<br><br>“Now are we going to stop Roi Lee? Or let him do as he pleases?” Choi Jong pushed along. “He has been training his student’s for nearly five hours now…”<br><br>“What five hours?” Chung Il said as if he were completely unaware of the situation. <br><br>“Has he gone mad? Oye Oye! Roi Lee what do you think you are doing!” Chung Il got up and reached out to Roi Lee.<br><br>“Well he’s back to normal now, isn’t he? I guess that takes care of everything.” Ma Sangbeom said happily. <br><br>“…”<br><br>“Right hyung nim?” Ma Sangbeom asked again, seeing Choi Jong was in deep thought.<br><br>“No…” Choi Jong finally muttered. “We need to talk to Cha Eunhee and learn the truth.”<br><br>“Then we don’t have to go far…looks like she is here.”<br><br>Choi Jung looked up and saw Cha Eunhee and Lee Jun walk in through the gates together.<br>x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x<br><br>“Oh my I didn’t know such young students studied the way of the sword here…” Cha Eunhee said as she eyed Lee Jun.<br><br>“…”<br><br>“I didn’t know any lady other than Ji Woo would come here…” Lee Jun muttered. He hated when people under estimated him for his age.<br><br>“Hohoho…” Cha Eunhee laughed. “You are absolutely right! I don’t think anyone other than Ji Woo could possible come to this sweaty smelly male heaven…”<br><br>“…”<br><br>“Unfortunately, I fought with my husband and I had a feeling I should meet him…he gets emotional very quickly even though he is all muscle on the outside…”<br><br>“Husband?” Lee Jun asked suspiciously. The woman was old enough to be his grandmother. The only people that old and matched her were the four masters.<br><br>“That silly man over there…” Cha Eunhee said whislt pointing out at Chung Il who was busy indulging in a fight with Roi Lee.<br><br>“Master?” Lee Jun asked.<br><br>“Oh! I see he teaches you.” Cha Eunhee said eyeing Lee Jun once more. “Now if I recall…he did mention something about a young boy…”<br><br>“Cha Eunhee Unni!” Choi Jong greeted. He was accompanied with Ma Sangbeom. <br><br>After a brief hug, Ma Sangbeom began, “So unfair! If only my wife would come here too!”<br><br>“Cha Eunhee how long has it been since you last came here…” Choi Jong began.<br><br>“We don’t need to go through this.” Cha Eunhee cut him sternly. “I am at fault and I am here to apologize.”<br><br>“…”<br><br>Lee Jun excused himself from the adult conversation, he could feel that this was something he shouldn’t be listening to or be part of.<br><br>“Well, let me ask you. Why were you in the game?” Choi Jong asked openly.<br><br>Cha Eunhee began explaining. “Unicorn Corp has hired several specialists like me to assess the safety and rating of the game independently.”<br><br>“And your decision?” Ma Sangbeom asked with concern.<br><br>“Soon…” Cha Eunhee replied turning slightly pale.<br><br>“Does Lee Hyun know?” Choi Jong asked as he tried to fit the pieces of the puzzle together.<br><br>“Yes. I have been in touch with him…” Cha Eunhee replied feeling slightly guilty. <br><br>“…”<br><br>“Cha Eunhee?” Chung Il called out as he noticed his wife in thhe distance.<br><br>“I have to go.” Cha Eunhee said as she took the opportunity to evade further questions.<br><br>“Hyung-nim…” Ma Sangbeom began, “She is hiding something isn’t she?”<br><br>“…”<br><br><br>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>Authors Note:<br><br>1. Ummm....a really really short chapter.....more like an intro setting to the next chapter. Since it is so small, decided to call it 8.1.5<br>2. I am going to pick up the pace on the story now....so it might seem a bit rushed, but I am getting bored of RL story too! :3<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=1533" 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>

“HANA” shouted the out Roi Lee and 500 student’s swung there swords down with full force. “Dhul!” He counted on, and the students raised their swords up again before slashing it down with full force. As they cut through the air, the force of their slash caused the dust on the ground to unsettle. “Seht!” Roi Lee continued counting with a frown. He was very much disturbed by what he experienced in Elementarem Vim. The feeling of the sword slashing him in half was still pulsating through his mind. This was his special hell training menu for his students to prepare them for Elementarem Vim. Chung Il and Ma Sangbeom sipped hot tea as they watched Roi Lee grill his students. “He seems to be very upset.” Ma Sangbeom said with his eyes following Roi Lee who was pacing up and down. “Agreed.” Chung Il responded with his eyes fixed on the students. They had been practicing strikes for the last four hours without a break. Any normal mortal would have fallen to the ground but the disciples persisted. However, they too were reaching their limits. “Should we stop him?” Choi Jong asked joining the conversation. It was only obvious to stop Roi Lee from going overboard. “No. This is not our place to interfere.” Chung Il said slowly while blowing his tea cool. Ma Sangbeom and Choi Jong looked at Chung Il in shock. Was this really the Chung Il they knew? Chung Il was always ahead of them guiding them…even when playing RREV he was being a prick about how the others had to teach their students… “Brother, Chung…are you ok?” Ma Sangbeom asked with great concern. “Cha Eunhee…confessed; she had been playing RREV…” “…” “Isn’t that great! You two were meant for each other! Both couples start of in same city…” Ma Sangbeom spoke out cheerfully, trying to lighten the mood. However, he stopped when he noticed his words weren’t getting through to Chung Il. “She said I shouldn’t interfere in other people’s business…” ‘Ouch! Harsh!’ “I think you are being too emotional about it.” Choi Jong said. “If master were here he would laugh seeing his disciple in tears. A woman made you cry? Pathetic. Those would be his words.” Chung Il sobered a little. Tough love was a good medicine at times. “Are we not playing Lee Hyun’s game as well now? I am sure she has her reasons as well. You probably haven’t even asked her why.” “…I haven’t” Chung Il said with his head lowered. “How many times have I told you to always talk to her! This is just like the time when you asked her to marry you and she turned you down…” Ma Sangbeom’s eye brow was slightly raised. “I haven’t heard of this story….” “It was long long ago, when he first asked her to marry him.” Choi Jong replied. “But eventually she did agree…” Ma Sangbeom confirmed, unless they live partners… “Yeah…but that was because he went and talked to her and understood her reasons…and she had good reasons, didn’t she” Choi Jong asked Chung Il. Chung Il nodded. “Now are we going to stop Roi Lee? Or let him do as he pleases?” Choi Jong pushed along. “He has been training his student’s for nearly five hours now…” “What five hours?” Chung Il said as if he were completely unaware of the situation. “Has he gone mad? Oye Oye! Roi Lee what do you think you are doing!” Chung Il got up and reached out to Roi Lee. “Well he’s back to normal now, isn’t he? I guess that takes care of everything.” Ma Sangbeom said happily. “…” “Right hyung nim?” Ma Sangbeom asked again, seeing Choi Jong was in deep thought. “No…” Choi Jong finally muttered. “We need to talk to Cha Eunhee and learn the truth.” “Then we don’t have to go far…looks like she is here.” Choi Jung looked up and saw Cha Eunhee and Lee Jun walk in through the gates together. x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x “Oh my I didn’t know such young students studied the way of the sword here…” Cha Eunhee said as she eyed Lee Jun. “…” “I didn’t know any lady other than Ji Woo would come here…” Lee Jun muttered. He hated when people under estimated him for his age. “Hohoho…” Cha Eunhee laughed. “You are absolutely right! I don’t think anyone other than Ji Woo could possible come to this sweaty smelly male heaven…” “…” “Unfortunately, I fought with my husband and I had a feeling I should meet him…he gets emotional very quickly even though he is all muscle on the outside…” “Husband?” Lee Jun asked suspiciously. The woman was old enough to be his grandmother. The only people that old and matched her were the four masters. “That silly man over there…” Cha Eunhee said whislt pointing out at Chung Il who was busy indulging in a fight with Roi Lee. “Master?” Lee Jun asked. “Oh! I see he teaches you.” Cha Eunhee said eyeing Lee Jun once more. “Now if I recall…he did mention something about a young boy…” “Cha Eunhee Unni!” Choi Jong greeted. He was accompanied with Ma Sangbeom. After a brief hug, Ma Sangbeom began, “So unfair! If only my wife would come here too!” “Cha Eunhee how long has it been since you last came here…” Choi Jong began. “We don’t need to go through this.” Cha Eunhee cut him sternly. “I am at fault and I am here to apologize.” “…” Lee Jun excused himself from the adult conversation, he could feel that this was something he shouldn’t be listening to or be part of. “Well, let me ask you. Why were you in the game?” Choi Jong asked openly. Cha Eunhee began explaining. “Unicorn Corp has hired several specialists like me to assess the safety and rating of the game independently.” “And your decision?” Ma Sangbeom asked with concern. “Soon…” Cha Eunhee replied turning slightly pale. “Does Lee Hyun know?” Choi Jong asked as he tried to fit the pieces of the puzzle together. “Yes. I have been in touch with him…” Cha Eunhee replied feeling slightly guilty. “…” “Cha Eunhee?” Chung Il called out as he noticed his wife in thhe distance. “I have to go.” Cha Eunhee said as she took the opportunity to evade further questions. “Hyung-nim…” Ma Sangbeom began, “She is hiding something isn’t she?” “…” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authors Note: 1. Ummm....a really really short chapter.....more like an intro setting to the next chapter. Since it is so small, decided to call it 8.1.5 2. I am going to pick up the pace on the story now....so it might seem a bit rushed, but I am getting bored of RL story too! :3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Connect to Royal Road – Elementarem Vim next Chapter? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Yes](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=1533) | [No](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=348) | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-style: italic;">*Thougts*</span><br><br>~Sound effects~<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">+++++</div><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chapter 18: The Cliff</span><br><br><br><br><br>Finally it has become night and Neuron could sneak inside the city, well for them the time flew by, because they stayed inside the dungeon to level up some more till they`ve reached level 10. The process was mainly the same, but as soon as they entered the boss chamber the Glutton charged right at Neuron as if remembering the insult he received before.<br><br>Now Neuron was standing before the wall and examined it.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Too bad, there are no footholds for climbing, o well, doesn’t matter to me*</span><br><br>After this he pulled out a hook, fastened a thread on it, twirled it around and let it fly. He managed to get it stuck between the castellation at the first try and climbed up. He had to wait hanging on his thread, because a guard passed on his patrol, and after he left Neuron climbed the last meter up, and jumped down at the other side. He then made his way to Warntons smithy, knocking on the window, till Warnton finally opened it with a sleepy, but angry look on his face. But this changed as soon as he saw Neuron and the red Diamond on his forehead.<br><br>He then whispered: “What the hell happened?”<br><br>“Let me in first, it’s a log story”<br><br>“Right”<br><br>After Neuron finished his story Warnton asked “And, what are you going to do now?”<br><br>“Well we decided to focus on that quest, but we need some things, and we also want to see you off. So could you please tell Brairan and the Training ground instructor to meet us outside.”<br><br>“Of course”<br><br>“And well, here is a list off what we need” Said Neuron handing Warnton the list.<br><br>“Hmmm, hmmm, right we can provide you with all those things, but it’s going to cost some money”<br><br>“Ah, don`t worry, I have enough”<br><br>“Good, then we’ll see you both when we have gathered the things you need”<br><br>“Right, thanks and see you soon”<br><br>“Yeah see ya” <br><br>Now Neuron hurriedly left the smithy, leaving an somewhat sad Warnton behind. Well everything those two promised happened, his shop flourishing and all, but at this moment he couldn`t feel happy about it.<br><br>Now neuron was outside in the streets and remembered something he had to do. So he made his way towards a large house and noticed, that there was a highway prepared for him. The window on the second floor was wide open, when he saw this his trademark showed on his face.<br><br>“Hey Kyle, I`m going to do it again”<br><br>“What again?...... Ah! Yeah, do it”<br><br>“Why aren`t you against it anymore?”<br><br>“Well, we will leave this city right?, so, well do your worst, oh, and by the way, bring something for me too, will you?”<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*häh, I don`t understand him, oh well, maybe I’ve brought him to the dark side, wasn`t as much trouble as I thought*</span> ~Big Grin~<br><br>“Right, later”<br><br>“Later”<br><br>After finishing the whisper Neuron got near the wall, looked at it, and noticed, that it was only 2m high, nothing for his jumping skill, so he jumped over and made his way to the open window. There he took a pebble threw it through the window, connected with it and climbed up.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Wow, this is just too easy. I`m already becoming a wonderful thief*</span><br><br>And now began his favorite part of theft. As soon as he had his pockets full he went out the same way he came inside without scribbling everywhere, but because he was partially overloaded he couldn`t get over the wall while jumping, so he threw his backpack high in the air, jumped up, caught it in midflight and made his way to safety. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;">_______________________________________________________________</div><br><br>The next day:<br><br>At midday something strange could be seen, that was three NPC`s leaving their shops behind and walking outside the city, well for a Blacksmith it wasn`t strange to leave his shop, but for the Archery and Training ground instructor it sure was, so many Players followed them outside to see, what they were doing. Those three went till they reached the forest and there two figures showed up, one with leather, and the other in full plate armor. At this moment one of the followers noticed the red diamond on both their foreheads and charged to slay them, because he heard from three guild members who were slaughtered by PK`ers. But his rush was soon stopped by the smith.<br><br>“Hey, what are you doing, you can`t stop us, at getting revenge for Guild members!”<br><br>At this Brairan replied: “Well, it seems like we can do just that”<br><br>After hearing that, another guy shouted” This will have consequences!”<br><br>“Ou, yeah, it will, let’s say, if you harm those two, I won`t sell weapons to any guild members of the Raven Guild” <br><br>After hearing this they both went pale and the group dispersed, because they feared to gain Negative relationship with those NPC`s. And also with all the NPC`s in town, because no one knew, which NPC they both befriended in their alone time inside the city.<br><br>Brairan: “now go, here we have all you`ll need, we even put some bonuses in it now go” he said, while handing them a backpack. <br><br>After inspecting it neuron shouted “Wow is that one that reduces the weight of things by one fourth”<br><br>“Yeah”<br><br>“Wow, they are worth a lot, I think I heard my brother say 5.000gold coins”<br><br>“Seriously?” <br><br>“Well yeah, I used it in my old days when I was still young answered Brairan Neurons Question<br><br>Both:” Thank you”<br><br>Now Kyle was unpacking his things into the new Backpack. There he took out a portable forge, some iron and the loot they gained inside the Goblins lair.<br><br>After shouldering it he groaned “uh, heavy”<br><br>Warnton “Now go”<br><br>While Neuron was preoccupied with his farewell he had to hold back some tears, Kyle didn`t do any better.<br><br>After many farewells they finally parted.<br><br>While neuron and Kyle made their way towards the Mountain range, Neuron pulled out 10 arrows without arrow heads, on which he fastened letters.<br><br>“What are you going to do with them?”<br><br>“Just wait and see”<br><br>Now neuron shot all those arrows inside the city using his shower skill, and because it leveled up during his shooting the arrows divided into 25 arrows. <br><br>While Neuron was shooting Kyle watched the arrows noticing, that when they reached the highest altitude of their flight they split, and magically the letter split with them too.<br><br>“Hey, neuron, what was that just now?”<br><br>“I don´t know, but when I tried to send that guild a letter that I would let them in I miscalculated my first shot and I t went wide inside the forest, but while it flew, I noticed, that this skill doesn’t necessarily multiply the arrows, but everything that is attached to the arrows too.”<br><br>“Hmmm”<br><br>And after that being out of the world, they finally turned their back towards Gaber.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">_______________________________________________________________</div><br><br>Simultaneously inside the city at the three families.<br><br>~Knock, Knock~<br><br>“Please enter”<br><br>“Ähm, master, just now many arrows with a letter attached to them flew in this city”<br><br>“And?” He replied angry, because his time was disturbed by petty things.<br><br>“I think these letters are meant for you”<br><br>“Good, give it to me”<br><br>The servant gave him the letter with trembling hands, and as soon as that was done, he apologized himself and hurriedly left the office.<br><br><img src="http://s7.postimg.org/ejvwyi8jf/Thanks_for_the_loot_001.jpg" border="0" alt="http%3a%2f%2fs7.postimg.org%2fejvwyi8jf%2fThanks_f...ot_001.jpg"><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">_______________________________________________________________</div><br><br>Now our heroes where walking up a slope always towards the mountain before them. <br><br>“Hey, why do we have to go over that mountain range?”<br><br>“It`s called Willamar, and we have to do it, because there is no other way, south it connects with the ocean, and there are always many storms and the coasts aren`t accessible by a ship either, so no sailor ever ventured east from there. It also extends about a two months way of travel towards the North, and there is a big swamp, making it so that traveling east is really dangerous, as of the information I received the last adventurer went there about 100 Years ago, and surely no Player ever wandered there, because Gaber is the peak of the discovered land eastwards”<br><br>“Wow ~Pant~ you know ~pant~ much~”<br><br>“Na, I had to listen to a long monologue from a wrinkled old geezer”<br><br>“Damn ~pant~ I am envious ~Pant~”<br><br>“Why”<br><br>„How comes, ~Pant~ that you aren`t, ~Pant~ gasping, ~Pant~ for air, like I do , ~Pant~”<br><br>“Maybe, because you didn`t remove that heavy armor?”<br><br>“But , ~Pant~ we might get ~Pant~ attacked by ~Pant~ Monsters anytime ~Pant~”<br><br>“Chill, when some attack I will draw their attention, so that you can equip yourself, and till now I couldn`t spot anything hostile”<br><br>“But if it ~pant~ happens then ~Pant~ I can`t attack ~Pant~ them, ~Pant~ did you forget?<br><br>“Oh, right sorry?<br><br>“~Pant~ Break, ~Pant~ I can`t go on ~Pant~”<br><br>“Again, that’s the fifth break in two hours!”<br><br>“~Pant~ Mind your ~Pant~ own business ~Pant~”<br><br>“Hey Kyle, do you see that hole there, I bet it’s a undiscovered dungeon”<br><br>“Sweet, lets ~Pant~ go in there, ~Pant~ when I catch my breath”<br><br>Soon later:<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 have entered a Undiscovered dungeon </span><br>Double EXP and Item drop for a weak.<br>+100 Fame</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> “Yay, I’m not wanted anymore” And with much vigor Kyle entered first, but as soon as neuron wanted to enter he was overrun by something that felt like a truck.<br><br>Groaning he stood up and looked what it was, there behind him Kyle stood with a Pale face, while trembling.<br><br>“What the hell happened?”<br><br>“I`m not going inside anymore, there are giant spiders in there, no, no, spiders creep me out, I`m not going in there again”<br><br>“I`m not going in there again!“<br><br>“I`m not going in there again!” He repeated like a Charm.<br><br>“Hey, think about the Double EXP and Drops”<br><br>It took much off Neurons persuasiveness till Kyle finally got up, and entered the Spiders nest again. <br><br>“Ah, come on do you have to behave like that?” Neuron asked Kyle, who hid completely behind his shield crouching forward, while swinging his sword around randomly. <br>For a while it worked and they defeated some Spiders, well Neuron did, mostly, If Kyle ever got a hit it was poor coincidence, because he never looked at where he swung his sword. But their progress son was halted, at a fork from where two spiders emerged. <br>After noticing them Kyle made a 180° turn and dashed out, nearly overrunning Neuron again, who could barely jump out of the way. <br>Now Neuron stood there alone facing two giant spiders, who reached his hip. Deciding, that he had no chance without Kyle, Neuron followed him outside.<br><br>“Sorry, but I couldn’t hold any longer, man I hate Spiders”<br><br>“No problem, so let’s go before they follow me outside”<br><br>After hearing this, Kyle dashed forward.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">_______________________________________________________________</div><br><br>After two hours of walking, and many breaks, they finally arrived at a cliff.<br><br>“What are we going to do now, it looks like it’s over 50m high.” ~looks left and right~ and it doesn`t look like we can bypass it.”<br>“There you are right” replied neuron, but I have the climb skill”<br><br>“Either way it is just too smooth, I can`t see footholds anywhere”<br><br>“Hmmm, so what do you suggest we do”<br><br>“Don`t play the fool, I know from the look of your face that ypu have a plan”<br><br>“true, but first we should rest and look what Brairan, Warnton and your Master gave us”<br><br>“Gosh, I totally forgot about that”<br><br>And with that Kyle emptied his Backpack. A mountain of things was falling out “No wonder I had such a hard time climbing, those are way more than we requested”<br><br>Inside that pile where bandages, the obligatory healing potions and mana potions, but far more than they had ordered. Also many arrows. Some antidotes, Cooking utensils, Meat, spices… But what stood out the most was a Tower shield, Plate armor, a War hammer, and something that appeared like a stick wrapped with cloth.<br><br>~Whistle~ Now let’s check it out”<br><br>The potions where normal ones that healed 100Hp/Mp and increased the recovery rate for three Minutes, as for the bandages, Neuron didn´t even identify them, because no one had The skill to use them as of now. At the bottom of the pile neuron found also some Throwing Knives, Shuriken, Two Throwing axes and something he learned was a boomerang.<br><br>After Neuron unpacked the stick he found out, that it was a bow and after he identified it a whistle left his mouth, after hearing this Kyle couldn’t hold out any longer<br><br>“Neuron, come on tell me already what those Weapons are!” <br><br>“Patient, there, Show identified items to Kyle”<br><br>“Wow, I haven`t thanked them enough, ähm, Neuron we didn`t give them enough didn`t we?”<br><br>“hmm, I think so too, but now it`s too late”<br><br>What Warnton gave both of them was extraordinary equipment<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;"> Double Tomahawk </span><br>Double Tomahawks, made by a skilled Blacksmith who lowered his skill to make you a fitting weapon<br><br>Durability 50/50<br>Damage 20-34<br><br>Bonus:<br>+5 Dexterity<br>+2 Strength<br>If they are used together:<br>+10% damage<br>+3% Speed<br><br>Requirements:<br>Level 20<br>Dexterity: 70<br>Strength: 30</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;"> Shuriken </span><br>Made by a skilled Blacksmith who lowered his skill to make you a fitting weapon<br><br>Durability 15/15<br>Damage 10-15<br><br>Requirements:<br>Level 20<br>Throwing skill</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;"> Throwing Knives </span><br>Made by a skilled Blacksmith who lowered <br>his skill to make you a fitting weapon<br><br>Durability 15/15<br>Damage 14-18<br><br>Requirements:<br>Level 20<br>Throwing Skill</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;"> Plate Armor </span><br>Made by a skilled Blacksmith who lowered his skill to make you a fitting armor<br>This armor provides outstanding defense, because Chainmail and cloth armor are worked into it.<br><br>Durability 100/100<br>Defense: 50<br><br>Bonus:<br>+5 Strength<br>+10 Vitality<br><br>Requirements:<br>Level 20<br>80 Strength<br>60 Dexterity</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;"> Tower Shield </span><br>Made by a skilled Blacksmith who lowered his skill to make you a fitting Shield<br><br>Durability 150/150<br>Defense: 80<br>Damage: 40-50 (blunt)<br>8% Chance to deflect an attack<br><br>Bonus:<br>+10 Strength<br>+5 Dexterity<br>+2 Vitality<br><br>Requirements:<br>Level 20<br>100 Strength<br>60 Dexterity</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;"> One handed War hammer </span><br>Made by a skilled Blacksmith who lowered <br>his skill to make you a fitting Weapon<br><br>Durability 60/60<br>Damage 70-80 (Blunt)<br>0,5% Chance to stun an enemy (Duration of stun depends on hitting force)<br><br>Bonus:<br>+5 Strength<br>+2 Dexterity<br><br>Requirements:<br>Level 20<br>90 Strength<br>50 Dexterity</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;">Brairans Longbow </span><br>This longbow was the first Brairan used to go on adventure, it is worn out, but lais good in the hand and it was maintained with great care<br><br>Durability 55/60<br>Damage 50-70<br>+2% Critical hit chance<br><br>Bonus<br>+4 Strength<br>+8 Dexterity<br>+2 Accuracy<br><br>Requirements:<br>Level 30<br>60 Strength<br>100 Dexterity<br>The Accuracy Stat</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Boah, those are way OP, I can`t imagine how much they would sell for in stores” said by Kale in awe<br><br>“Yeah, that damn Warnton, he knows his stuff, I bet he will accumulate a fortune”<br><br>While ogling his new armor Kyle found a letter that was attached to it.<br><br>“Hey Neuron listen:”He said while opening it<br><br> <div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li>Sorry, that I couldn`t give those to you in person, but seeing like you both were in a hurry.<br>Now, use those well, I hope to hear from your adventures<br><br>PS. The wrapped stick is from Brairan<br><br>PPS. Don´t call my bow a stick! I wish you best luck Neuron, Kyle<br><br>PPPS: Kyle may good luck be with you </li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Sweet, but Kyle, I was wondering how you are going to wear that plate armor?”<br><br>“What do you mean?”<br><br>“Ähm, when chainmail and cloth are woven into it, you should have problems dressing it, casue plate armor is worn piece a piece”<br><br>“Ah, I know what you mean, so that means you don`t equip yiour armor”<br><br>“What does equip change from dressing?”<br><br>“Well I take it, say equip, then it just forms around my body, but what now we still haven`t solved the problem with that cliff”<br><br>“Ah, Just let me” To back up his words Neuron shot a arrow upwards, not before going backwards so that the arrow would definitely land above the cliff. While flying the skill Shower activated automatically splitting the arrow into three, that landed safely on the ground above the cliff. After that was done, Neuron went away from the cliff, even more, as precaution The skill Mana connection lets him connect anything in a straight line, and he didn´t want to halt his climbing midway, because the thread goes inside the rock. When he judged the distance to be sufficient he tried to activate the thread, but failed, unconcerned he pulled out a ball of thread and tried again. He was sure that now it would work, because he got mana back when he rewinds his thread, it even got stored inside an unlimited pouch for 5min. But nothing happened again. At this he pulled out another ball and tried it again, only to be disappointed.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Oh something didn´t go as planned seeing how he reacts*</span> ~sarcastic grin~ Kyle didn`t notice, but while befriending Neuron he got accustomed to his sudden outbursts. He now judged them even to be funny<br><br>“Hey neuron, what is the matter?”<br><br>“This Fucking thread won`t form”<br><br>“Do you have enough mana?”<br><br>“Yeah, I used two balls and I have 5000mana stored”<br><br>“Wow that many,…. Wait, I think I get it”<br><br>“Yeah?” neuron said in a whiny voice<br><br>“maybe the skill forms those other arrows out of nothing only cloning the shot arrow, which gets deleted during the process, so you can`t form the connection, because you theoretically never touched them”<br><br>“Sounds convincing, and what now?”<br><br>“Let me shoot”<br><br>“You?, you have crappy aim”<br><br>“Oh come on, even I couldn`t miss this cliff, I just have to shoot the arrow over it”<br><br>“Well I doubt that”<br><br>Now Kyle grabbed the Bow neuron was holding and pulled at it, Neuron didn´t let go and so a little scuffle formed. This grew and now they where rolling on the ground, shouting atrocities. But both couldn`t get a hold on the other. <br>Kyle used his greater strength to grab Neuron, but he was more agile and evaded a hold every time.<br><br>Finally their stamina run dry and they just laid there huffing for air.<br><br>“Hey Neuron, I gained +1 in Vitality Strength and Sustenance and even a weird skill called Pankration……. Delete skill “<br><br>“Why did you delete it?”<br><br>“I couldn`t use it, apparently you need to be light equipped to use it, so tell me already what did you gain?”<br><br>“Yeah I too gained +1 in Vitality and endurance, also +1 Dexterity, ah and there is the 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;"> Pankration Beginner Lv1 </span><br>Enables you to fight Monsters barehanded<br>+10%Attack damage<br>+10% Attack Speed<br>-3% Damage taken while fighting unarmed<br><br>Allows you to force enemies on the ground<br>When fighting Enemies on the ground you gain<br>+1% Strength<br>+10% Damage<br><br>Requirements:<br>Light or Medium armor</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Great, I’m going to keep it”<br><br>“How many do you have now?”<br><br>“About ten, why?”<br><br>“Then you won`t like to hear what I have to say”<br><br>“Tell me already!”<br><br>“Well when you are classless you can only have a fixed amount of skills, namely ten”<br><br>“Ah, if that’s so, then I have just to delete a skill I don`t want to have”<br><br>“Do you have one in mind?” Kyle asked perplexed about the nonexistent outburst<br><br>“Climbing, I don`t really need it, because I can always reel myself up due to the Mana connection”<br><br>“hmm, but delete it after we go over that cliff, just to be save”<br><br>“Right, so do you wanna shoot now?”<br><br>“Yeah, but before I`m going to cook us something”<br><br>“Again?, we ate at every break we took while coming here!”<br><br>“What can I say, I love eating”<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Wow, that’s right he truly does, I just wonder how he can maintain that figure of his, if he has a secret I’m so going to force it out of him and then sell it off*</span><br><br>It was true, Kyle really loves to eat, but in the real World he didn`t eat nearly as much as he could and wanted, part of it was because he couldn`t cook, he tried it of course, but the outcomes spoke for themselves: Burned Eggs, squashy noodles…. So he had to eat mostly from delivery or fast food, but those didn`t suit his tastes, so he refrained from eating those till he had no other choice. But when he got his hands on some money he always went out trying exotic food, till he had nearly no cash left and thus repeating the cycle. But now it was different, now he could eat like a madman without ever getting full, and to boot he also could cook, so Kyle did, plenty. But even to him it remained a mystery how he could have afforded this game.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">End Chapter 18</div> </div>

*Thougts* ~Sound effects~ +++++ Chapter 18: The Cliff Finally it has become night and Neuron could sneak inside the city, well for them the time flew by, because they stayed inside the dungeon to level up some more till they`ve reached level 10. The process was mainly the same, but as soon as they entered the boss chamber the Glutton charged right at Neuron as if remembering the insult he received before. Now Neuron was standing before the wall and examined it. *Too bad, there are no footholds for climbing, o well, doesn’t matter to me* After this he pulled out a hook, fastened a thread on it, twirled it around and let it fly. He managed to get it stuck between the castellation at the first try and climbed up. He had to wait hanging on his thread, because a guard passed on his patrol, and after he left Neuron climbed the last meter up, and jumped down at the other side. He then made his way to Warntons smithy, knocking on the window, till Warnton finally opened it with a sleepy, but angry look on his face. But this changed as soon as he saw Neuron and the red Diamond on his forehead. He then whispered: “What the hell happened?” “Let me in first, it’s a log story” “Right” After Neuron finished his story Warnton asked “And, what are you going to do now?” “Well we decided to focus on that quest, but we need some things, and we also want to see you off. So could you please tell Brairan and the Training ground instructor to meet us outside.” “Of course” “And well, here is a list off what we need” Said Neuron handing Warnton the list. “Hmmm, hmmm, right we can provide you with all those things, but it’s going to cost some money” “Ah, don`t worry, I have enough” “Good, then we’ll see you both when we have gathered the things you need” “Right, thanks and see you soon” “Yeah see ya” Now Neuron hurriedly left the smithy, leaving an somewhat sad Warnton behind. Well everything those two promised happened, his shop flourishing and all, but at this moment he couldn`t feel happy about it. Now neuron was outside in the streets and remembered something he had to do. So he made his way towards a large house and noticed, that there was a highway prepared for him. The window on the second floor was wide open, when he saw this his trademark showed on his face. “Hey Kyle, I`m going to do it again” “What again?...... Ah! Yeah, do it” “Why aren`t you against it anymore?” “Well, we will leave this city right?, so, well do your worst, oh, and by the way, bring something for me too, will you?” *häh, I don`t understand him, oh well, maybe I’ve brought him to the dark side, wasn`t as much trouble as I thought* ~Big Grin~ “Right, later” “Later” After finishing the whisper Neuron got near the wall, looked at it, and noticed, that it was only 2m high, nothing for his jumping skill, so he jumped over and made his way to the open window. There he took a pebble threw it through the window, connected with it and climbed up. *Wow, this is just too easy. I`m already becoming a wonderful thief* And now began his favorite part of theft. As soon as he had his pockets full he went out the same way he came inside without scribbling everywhere, but because he was partially overloaded he couldn`t get over the wall while jumping, so he threw his backpack high in the air, jumped up, caught it in midflight and made his way to safety. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ The next day: At midday something strange could be seen, that was three NPC`s leaving their shops behind and walking outside the city, well for a Blacksmith it wasn`t strange to leave his shop, but for the Archery and Training ground instructor it sure was, so many Players followed them outside to see, what they were doing. Those three went till they reached the forest and there two figures showed up, one with leather, and the other in full plate armor. At this moment one of the followers noticed the red diamond on both their foreheads and charged to slay them, because he heard from three guild members who were slaughtered by PK`ers. But his rush was soon stopped by the smith. “Hey, what are you doing, you can`t stop us, at getting revenge for Guild members!” At this Brairan replied: “Well, it seems like we can do just that” After hearing that, another guy shouted” This will have consequences!” “Ou, yeah, it will, let’s say, if you harm those two, I won`t sell weapons to any guild members of the Raven Guild” After hearing this they both went pale and the group dispersed, because they feared to gain Negative relationship with those NPC`s. And also with all the NPC`s in town, because no one knew, which NPC they both befriended in their alone time inside the city. Brairan: “now go, here we have all you`ll need, we even put some bonuses in it now go” he said, while handing them a backpack. After inspecting it neuron shouted “Wow is that one that reduces the weight of things by one fourth” “Yeah” “Wow, they are worth a lot, I think I heard my brother say 5.000gold coins” “Seriously?” “Well yeah, I used it in my old days when I was still young answered Brairan Neurons Question Both:” Thank you” Now Kyle was unpacking his things into the new Backpack. There he took out a portable forge, some iron and the loot they gained inside the Goblins lair. After shouldering it he groaned “uh, heavy” Warnton “Now go” While Neuron was preoccupied with his farewell he had to hold back some tears, Kyle didn`t do any better. After many farewells they finally parted. While neuron and Kyle made their way towards the Mountain range, Neuron pulled out 10 arrows without arrow heads, on which he fastened letters. “What are you going to do with them?” “Just wait and see” Now neuron shot all those arrows inside the city using his shower skill, and because it leveled up during his shooting the arrows divided into 25 arrows. While Neuron was shooting Kyle watched the arrows noticing, that when they reached the highest altitude of their flight they split, and magically the letter split with them too. “Hey, neuron, what was that just now?” “I don´t know, but when I tried to send that guild a letter that I would let them in I miscalculated my first shot and I t went wide inside the forest, but while it flew, I noticed, that this skill doesn’t necessarily multiply the arrows, but everything that is attached to the arrows too.” “Hmmm” And after that being out of the world, they finally turned their back towards Gaber. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Simultaneously inside the city at the three families. ~Knock, Knock~ “Please enter” “Ähm, master, just now many arrows with a letter attached to them flew in this city” “And?” He replied angry, because his time was disturbed by petty things. “I think these letters are meant for you” “Good, give it to me” The servant gave him the letter with trembling hands, and as soon as that was done, he apologized himself and hurriedly left the office.  \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Now our heroes where walking up a slope always towards the mountain before them. “Hey, why do we have to go over that mountain range?” “It`s called Willamar, and we have to do it, because there is no other way, south it connects with the ocean, and there are always many storms and the coasts aren`t accessible by a ship either, so no sailor ever ventured east from there. It also extends about a two months way of travel towards the North, and there is a big swamp, making it so that traveling east is really dangerous, as of the information I received the last adventurer went there about 100 Years ago, and surely no Player ever wandered there, because Gaber is the peak of the discovered land eastwards” “Wow ~Pant~ you know ~pant~ much~” “Na, I had to listen to a long monologue from a wrinkled old geezer” “Damn ~pant~ I am envious ~Pant~” “Why” „How comes, ~Pant~ that you aren`t, ~Pant~ gasping, ~Pant~ for air, like I do , ~Pant~” “Maybe, because you didn`t remove that heavy armor?” “But , ~Pant~ we might get ~Pant~ attacked by ~Pant~ Monsters anytime ~Pant~” “Chill, when some attack I will draw their attention, so that you can equip yourself, and till now I couldn`t spot anything hostile” “But if it ~pant~ happens then ~Pant~ I can`t attack ~Pant~ them, ~Pant~ did you forget? “Oh, right sorry? “~Pant~ Break, ~Pant~ I can`t go on ~Pant~” “Again, that’s the fifth break in two hours!” “~Pant~ Mind your ~Pant~ own business ~Pant~” “Hey Kyle, do you see that hole there, I bet it’s a undiscovered dungeon” “Sweet, lets ~Pant~ go in there, ~Pant~ when I catch my breath” Soon later: | * You have entered a Undiscovered dungeon Double EXP and Item drop for a weak.+100 Fame | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | “Yay, I’m not wanted anymore” And with much vigor Kyle entered first, but as soon as neuron wanted to enter he was overrun by something that felt like a truck. Groaning he stood up and looked what it was, there behind him Kyle stood with a Pale face, while trembling. “What the hell happened?” “I`m not going inside anymore, there are giant spiders in there, no, no, spiders creep me out, I`m not going in there again” “I`m not going in there again!“ “I`m not going in there again!” He repeated like a Charm. “Hey, think about the Double EXP and Drops” It took much off Neurons persuasiveness till Kyle finally got up, and entered the Spiders nest again. “Ah, come on do you have to behave like that?” Neuron asked Kyle, who hid completely behind his shield crouching forward, while swinging his sword around randomly. For a while it worked and they defeated some Spiders, well Neuron did, mostly, If Kyle ever got a hit it was poor coincidence, because he never looked at where he swung his sword. But their progress son was halted, at a fork from where two spiders emerged. After noticing them Kyle made a 180° turn and dashed out, nearly overrunning Neuron again, who could barely jump out of the way. Now Neuron stood there alone facing two giant spiders, who reached his hip. Deciding, that he had no chance without Kyle, Neuron followed him outside. “Sorry, but I couldn’t hold any longer, man I hate Spiders” “No problem, so let’s go before they follow me outside” After hearing this, Kyle dashed forward. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ After two hours of walking, and many breaks, they finally arrived at a cliff. “What are we going to do now, it looks like it’s over 50m high.” ~looks left and right~ and it doesn`t look like we can bypass it.” “There you are right” replied neuron, but I have the climb skill” “Either way it is just too smooth, I can`t see footholds anywhere” “Hmmm, so what do you suggest we do” “Don`t play the fool, I know from the look of your face that ypu have a plan” “true, but first we should rest and look what Brairan, Warnton and your Master gave us” “Gosh, I totally forgot about that” And with that Kyle emptied his Backpack. A mountain of things was falling out “No wonder I had such a hard time climbing, those are way more than we requested” Inside that pile where bandages, the obligatory healing potions and mana potions, but far more than they had ordered. Also many arrows. Some antidotes, Cooking utensils, Meat, spices… But what stood out the most was a Tower shield, Plate armor, a War hammer, and something that appeared like a stick wrapped with cloth. ~Whistle~ Now let’s check it out” The potions where normal ones that healed 100Hp/Mp and increased the recovery rate for three Minutes, as for the bandages, Neuron didn´t even identify them, because no one had The skill to use them as of now. At the bottom of the pile neuron found also some Throwing Knives, Shuriken, Two Throwing axes and something he learned was a boomerang. After Neuron unpacked the stick he found out, that it was a bow and after he identified it a whistle left his mouth, after hearing this Kyle couldn’t hold out any longer “Neuron, come on tell me already what those Weapons are!” “Patient, there, Show identified items to Kyle” “Wow, I haven`t thanked them enough, ähm, Neuron we didn`t give them enough didn`t we?” “hmm, I think so too, but now it`s too late” What Warnton gave both of them was extraordinary equipment | * Double Tomahawk Double Tomahawks, made by a skilled Blacksmith who lowered his skill to make you a fitting weaponDurability 50/50Damage 20-34Bonus:+5 Dexterity+2 StrengthIf they are used together:+10% damage+3% SpeedRequirements:Level 20Dexterity: 70Strength: 30 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Shuriken Made by a skilled Blacksmith who lowered his skill to make you a fitting weaponDurability 15/15Damage 10-15Requirements:Level 20Throwing skill | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Throwing Knives Made by a skilled Blacksmith who lowered his skill to make you a fitting weaponDurability 15/15Damage 14-18Requirements:Level 20Throwing Skill | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Plate Armor Made by a skilled Blacksmith who lowered his skill to make you a fitting armorThis armor provides outstanding defense, because Chainmail and cloth armor are worked into it.Durability 100/100Defense: 50Bonus:+5 Strength+10 VitalityRequirements:Level 2080 Strength60 Dexterity | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Tower Shield Made by a skilled Blacksmith who lowered his skill to make you a fitting ShieldDurability 150/150Defense: 80Damage: 40-50 (blunt)8% Chance to deflect an attackBonus:+10 Strength+5 Dexterity+2 VitalityRequirements:Level 20100 Strength60 Dexterity | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * One handed War hammer Made by a skilled Blacksmith who lowered his skill to make you a fitting WeaponDurability 60/60Damage 70-80 (Blunt)0,5% Chance to stun an enemy (Duration of stun depends on hitting force)Bonus:+5 Strength+2 DexterityRequirements:Level 2090 Strength50 Dexterity | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Brairans Longbow This longbow was the first Brairan used to go on adventure, it is worn out, but lais good in the hand and it was maintained with great careDurability 55/60Damage 50-70+2% Critical hit chanceBonus+4 Strength+8 Dexterity+2 AccuracyRequirements:Level 3060 Strength100 DexterityThe Accuracy Stat | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | “Boah, those are way OP, I can`t imagine how much they would sell for in stores” said by Kale in awe “Yeah, that damn Warnton, he knows his stuff, I bet he will accumulate a fortune” While ogling his new armor Kyle found a letter that was attached to it. “Hey Neuron listen:”He said while opening it | * Sorry, that I couldn`t give those to you in person, but seeing like you both were in a hurry.Now, use those well, I hope to hear from your adventuresPS. The wrapped stick is from BrairanPPS. Don´t call my bow a stick! I wish you best luck Neuron, KylePPPS: Kyle may good luck be with you | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | “Sweet, but Kyle, I was wondering how you are going to wear that plate armor?” “What do you mean?” “Ähm, when chainmail and cloth are woven into it, you should have problems dressing it, casue plate armor is worn piece a piece” “Ah, I know what you mean, so that means you don`t equip yiour armor” “What does equip change from dressing?” “Well I take it, say equip, then it just forms around my body, but what now we still haven`t solved the problem with that cliff” “Ah, Just let me” To back up his words Neuron shot a arrow upwards, not before going backwards so that the arrow would definitely land above the cliff. While flying the skill Shower activated automatically splitting the arrow into three, that landed safely on the ground above the cliff. After that was done, Neuron went away from the cliff, even more, as precaution The skill Mana connection lets him connect anything in a straight line, and he didn´t want to halt his climbing midway, because the thread goes inside the rock. When he judged the distance to be sufficient he tried to activate the thread, but failed, unconcerned he pulled out a ball of thread and tried again. He was sure that now it would work, because he got mana back when he rewinds his thread, it even got stored inside an unlimited pouch for 5min. But nothing happened again. At this he pulled out another ball and tried it again, only to be disappointed. *Oh something didn´t go as planned seeing how he reacts* ~sarcastic grin~ Kyle didn`t notice, but while befriending Neuron he got accustomed to his sudden outbursts. He now judged them even to be funny “Hey neuron, what is the matter?” “This Fucking thread won`t form” “Do you have enough mana?” “Yeah, I used two balls and I have 5000mana stored” “Wow that many,…. Wait, I think I get it” “Yeah?” neuron said in a whiny voice “maybe the skill forms those other arrows out of nothing only cloning the shot arrow, which gets deleted during the process, so you can`t form the connection, because you theoretically never touched them” “Sounds convincing, and what now?” “Let me shoot” “You?, you have crappy aim” “Oh come on, even I couldn`t miss this cliff, I just have to shoot the arrow over it” “Well I doubt that” Now Kyle grabbed the Bow neuron was holding and pulled at it, Neuron didn´t let go and so a little scuffle formed. This grew and now they where rolling on the ground, shouting atrocities. But both couldn`t get a hold on the other. Kyle used his greater strength to grab Neuron, but he was more agile and evaded a hold every time. Finally their stamina run dry and they just laid there huffing for air. “Hey Neuron, I gained +1 in Vitality Strength and Sustenance and even a weird skill called Pankration……. Delete skill “ “Why did you delete it?” “I couldn`t use it, apparently you need to be light equipped to use it, so tell me already what did you gain?” “Yeah I too gained +1 in Vitality and endurance, also +1 Dexterity, ah and there is the skill | * Pankration Beginner Lv1 Enables you to fight Monsters barehanded+10%Attack damage+10% Attack Speed-3% Damage taken while fighting unarmedAllows you to force enemies on the groundWhen fighting Enemies on the ground you gain+1% Strength+10% DamageRequirements:Light or Medium armor | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | “Great, I’m going to keep it” “How many do you have now?” “About ten, why?” “Then you won`t like to hear what I have to say” “Tell me already!” “Well when you are classless you can only have a fixed amount of skills, namely ten” “Ah, if that’s so, then I have just to delete a skill I don`t want to have” “Do you have one in mind?” Kyle asked perplexed about the nonexistent outburst “Climbing, I don`t really need it, because I can always reel myself up due to the Mana connection” “hmm, but delete it after we go over that cliff, just to be save” “Right, so do you wanna shoot now?” “Yeah, but before I`m going to cook us something” “Again?, we ate at every break we took while coming here!” “What can I say, I love eating” *Wow, that’s right he truly does, I just wonder how he can maintain that figure of his, if he has a secret I’m so going to force it out of him and then sell it off* It was true, Kyle really loves to eat, but in the real World he didn`t eat nearly as much as he could and wanted, part of it was because he couldn`t cook, he tried it of course, but the outcomes spoke for themselves: Burned Eggs, squashy noodles…. So he had to eat mostly from delivery or fast food, but those didn`t suit his tastes, so he refrained from eating those till he had no other choice. But when he got his hands on some money he always went out trying exotic food, till he had nearly no cash left and thus repeating the cycle. But now it was different, now he could eat like a madman without ever getting full, and to boot he also could cook, so Kyle did, plenty. But even to him it remained a mystery how he could have afforded this game. End Chapter 18

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> The screen vanishes and lights start going as it scan his body and eyes.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“The scan on your iris and body have determined that you are an unregistered user. do you want to create a new-”</span><br><br>“Yes.”<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Select a name for you avatar.” </span><br><br>“Strazio will do.”<br><br>‘The name matches my life.’<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“You may select your gender from male, female or neutral.”</span><br><br>“Male's fine.”<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Royal Road has forty-nine races, you could select from the primary twenty-nine race however you school has block ten race so please choose one of nineteen you have available.”</span><br><br>“I would go human but they are standard never good at anything but no bad ether. I am not a study type so on with knowledge is not a good choose maybe a Beastman-”<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“You have choose half human - half Beastman. You can now adjust you character.”</span><br><br>‘i don’t think race will matter much even if this was not the race i wanted'<br><br>A screen pop up with his body on it with al tail, cat ear and paws checking he saw their was no back button so he could change races.<br><br>“Adjust weight by 50kg. Increase height by 10cm. Change paw to hands and hide the claws.”<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Changing.”</span><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Is this all you changes.”</span><br><br>“No decease weight by another 10kg. Increase muscles by 20%. Change ears, hair and eyes to black, also adjust the face to make it different to mine.”<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Is this all the changes.”</span><br><br>“Will I be able to see with out my glass.”<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Yes. Everyone will be able to see with out their glasses or contact lenses.”</span><br><br>Look over his new appear he just could not complain about it but at the last second he change his mind on his height back to default.<br><br>“change are done, good job on the face too.”<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“your account has been active. Your stats and class shall be determined while you are playing royal road.”</span><br><br>“---”<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Your city has been selected to Baran Village, Rosenheim Kingdom by you school.”</span><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Welcome to royal road as a new player-”</span><br><br>“Pass”<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Enjoy your time in royal road.”</span><br><br>All the light and screen were removed.<br><br>‘Is it broken?’<br><br>Suddenly an intense light appears. <br><br>“What the hell, it feels like i’m being pull out of my body.”<br><br>After what feels like a minute, the pressure, which was tearing his body and soul apart, stops. Opening his eyes he is stunned at the sight, he could have looked at it forever but he spotted a guy he hated. <br><br>‘Ben.’<br><br>Quickly he decide not let anyone know that he was part Beastman so he hide is ears in is hair and tail in is pants and retracted his claws. Now he look just like any human.<br><br>Hoping it was good enough to fool Ben into thinking he is just a human if he was found out to be Richard from class 1F-<br><br>*Slash<br><br>Looking where the sound came from, he saw another one of his classmate cut his pocket, as well as a few people shooting at him with arrows.<br><br>*ting<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>-30HP</td></tr><tr><td>Your bag has be cut off your lost all item in the bag</td></tr><tr><td>-24HP</td></tr><tr><td>-28HP</td></tr><tr><td>-22HP</td></tr><tr><td>You have been killed ?Cannot log in for 24 hours.?Skills and levels will decrease as a result of player’s death.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>In a flash he was back in his body.<br><br>“You are killing me within my first minute of the damn game.”<br><br>His face was red hot and it seem like smoke was going to coming out of it at any second. He tried opening his pod and found out he couldn't. <br><br>Laughing all around him was half the class. They were laughing at the fact they blocked his only way out of the pod.<br>“Piggy is stuck in a pod.”<br><br>“If we send this to the butcher he would cut him up without knowing that it once was human.”<br><br>“Haha.”<br><br>2 hour later he was finally let out of the pod.<br><br>“Finally know where is my gla-”<br><br>Looking where his pod lid was open he saw that that had only let him out so that he could then lift up the lid with his glasses on and brake them himself. this work because he was angry and managed to hit his glasses with the lid.<br>“Dam now I am mostly blind.”<br><br>Having to carry himself out of the school was really hard as he couldn't go the way he came in, because it was locked, so finding an exit while his vision was all blurry was very hard.<br><br>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br><br>Elisa Lead was leaving her pod and heading home when she heard someone falling over.<br><br>“Damnit where the exit.”<br><br>‘Huh’<br><br>She was giggling at this fat guy falling over, believing it was an act to get her attention, and was just watching him as he approached her. Elisa was the most popular girl in 1B and gained the nickname ‘the beauty in B’. As many did fall for her, she was guessing this was an act to get her to like him.<br><br>‘When he comes at me I will chuck him to the ground’<br><br>But at that moment, he just moved past her like she was invisible. While turning around to see if there was anyone else he might be trying to do this act on, he bumped into a pod and fell again.<br><br>‘Now he will pretend that he only just saw me and say that it was love at fir--’<br><br>Suddenly her face changes from confident to handle any guy, to a face that was cover with fear and shame for here actions.<br><br>‘That looks like glass on his feet, and he is bleeding quite badly. Could he be the guy they call ‘the Fattest one’ everyone picks on?’<br><br>Even seeing his state, she chose not to help, because someone might think that she likes him. Instead opens the door for him as she leaves with another noise to let him know that he could leave if he went this way.<br><br>Then she was gone. <br><br>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br><br>After an hour of trying to get out, Richard hears the sound of someone opening a door, so he tries to get to the door to escape the pod room. <br><br>He runs to the door bumping into a few pods and finally he is outside. <br><br>“This was one of the worst day I have had in a long time.”<br><br>As he heads home it was hard. At least he knew his way once he left the school building, and on his way out there was hundreds of people following him, laughing when he fell over and insulting him. <br><br>“Piggy, come here piggy.”<br><br>“Can't that fat thing move any faster.”<br><br>“Nope he is the ‘fattest one.’ ”<br><br>Laughing all the way to the apartment where he lived, then they just left when they saw the two meter towering guard of the compacts.<br><br>“Richard you should get rid of those people.” said a guy coming from the enters to the building. he was about 2m high and very strong.<br><br>“Sam, if I could do that I would have done that a long time ago.”<br><br>Noticing the blood, sam chucked his old slippers.<br><br>“Please try and keep the blood off the floor.”<br><br>“No promises, but i will try.” grinned Richard as he headed to his room on the first floor.<br><br>‘That poor kid, he lives under a rain of misfortune everyday.’ Thought sam as he continued guarded the building.<br><br>Richard while going into his room, locked the door and grabs his spare pair of glass, puts them on and remove the glass from his feet. Covering his feet in an old shirt to let the blood dry, he checks his bank account. <br><br>“look like i can survive a month or two with the cash i got from my uni account but that it.”<br><br>Richard had some steak and chips then went to bed.<br><br>“I will make them pay for this day. All of them.” as is eye closed and he went into the dream world.<br><br>________________________________________________________________________ <br><br>Strazio Strazio means torment or torture </div>

The screen vanishes and lights start going as it scan his body and eyes. “The scan on your iris and body have determined that you are an unregistered user. do you want to create a new-” “Yes.” “Select a name for you avatar.” “Strazio will do.” ‘The name matches my life.’ “You may select your gender from male, female or neutral.” “Male's fine.” “Royal Road has forty-nine races, you could select from the primary twenty-nine race however you school has block ten race so please choose one of nineteen you have available.” “I would go human but they are standard never good at anything but no bad ether. I am not a study type so on with knowledge is not a good choose maybe a Beastman-” “You have choose half human - half Beastman. You can now adjust you character.” ‘i don’t think race will matter much even if this was not the race i wanted' A screen pop up with his body on it with al tail, cat ear and paws checking he saw their was no back button so he could change races. “Adjust weight by 50kg. Increase height by 10cm. Change paw to hands and hide the claws.” “Changing.” “Is this all you changes.” “No decease weight by another 10kg. Increase muscles by 20%. Change ears, hair and eyes to black, also adjust the face to make it different to mine.” “Is this all the changes.” “Will I be able to see with out my glass.” “Yes. Everyone will be able to see with out their glasses or contact lenses.” Look over his new appear he just could not complain about it but at the last second he change his mind on his height back to default. “change are done, good job on the face too.” “your account has been active. Your stats and class shall be determined while you are playing royal road.” “---” “Your city has been selected to Baran Village, Rosenheim Kingdom by you school.” “Welcome to royal road as a new player-” “Pass” “Enjoy your time in royal road.” All the light and screen were removed. ‘Is it broken?’ Suddenly an intense light appears. “What the hell, it feels like i’m being pull out of my body.” After what feels like a minute, the pressure, which was tearing his body and soul apart, stops. Opening his eyes he is stunned at the sight, he could have looked at it forever but he spotted a guy he hated. ‘Ben.’ Quickly he decide not let anyone know that he was part Beastman so he hide is ears in is hair and tail in is pants and retracted his claws. Now he look just like any human. Hoping it was good enough to fool Ben into thinking he is just a human if he was found out to be Richard from class 1F- *Slash Looking where the sound came from, he saw another one of his classmate cut his pocket, as well as a few people shooting at him with arrows. *ting | -30HP | | --- | | Your bag has be cut off your lost all item in the bag | | -24HP | | -28HP | | -22HP | | You have been killed ?Cannot log in for 24 hours.?Skills and levels will decrease as a result of player’s death. | In a flash he was back in his body. “You are killing me within my first minute of the damn game.” His face was red hot and it seem like smoke was going to coming out of it at any second. He tried opening his pod and found out he couldn't. Laughing all around him was half the class. They were laughing at the fact they blocked his only way out of the pod. “Piggy is stuck in a pod.” “If we send this to the butcher he would cut him up without knowing that it once was human.” “Haha.” 2 hour later he was finally let out of the pod. “Finally know where is my gla-” Looking where his pod lid was open he saw that that had only let him out so that he could then lift up the lid with his glasses on and brake them himself. this work because he was angry and managed to hit his glasses with the lid. “Dam now I am mostly blind.” Having to carry himself out of the school was really hard as he couldn't go the way he came in, because it was locked, so finding an exit while his vision was all blurry was very hard. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elisa Lead was leaving her pod and heading home when she heard someone falling over. “Damnit where the exit.” ‘Huh’ She was giggling at this fat guy falling over, believing it was an act to get her attention, and was just watching him as he approached her. Elisa was the most popular girl in 1B and gained the nickname ‘the beauty in B’. As many did fall for her, she was guessing this was an act to get her to like him. ‘When he comes at me I will chuck him to the ground’ But at that moment, he just moved past her like she was invisible. While turning around to see if there was anyone else he might be trying to do this act on, he bumped into a pod and fell again. ‘Now he will pretend that he only just saw me and say that it was love at fir--’ Suddenly her face changes from confident to handle any guy, to a face that was cover with fear and shame for here actions. ‘That looks like glass on his feet, and he is bleeding quite badly. Could he be the guy they call ‘the Fattest one’ everyone picks on?’ Even seeing his state, she chose not to help, because someone might think that she likes him. Instead opens the door for him as she leaves with another noise to let him know that he could leave if he went this way. Then she was gone. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- After an hour of trying to get out, Richard hears the sound of someone opening a door, so he tries to get to the door to escape the pod room. He runs to the door bumping into a few pods and finally he is outside. “This was one of the worst day I have had in a long time.” As he heads home it was hard. At least he knew his way once he left the school building, and on his way out there was hundreds of people following him, laughing when he fell over and insulting him. “Piggy, come here piggy.” “Can't that fat thing move any faster.” “Nope he is the ‘fattest one.’ ” Laughing all the way to the apartment where he lived, then they just left when they saw the two meter towering guard of the compacts. “Richard you should get rid of those people.” said a guy coming from the enters to the building. he was about 2m high and very strong. “Sam, if I could do that I would have done that a long time ago.” Noticing the blood, sam chucked his old slippers. “Please try and keep the blood off the floor.” “No promises, but i will try.” grinned Richard as he headed to his room on the first floor. ‘That poor kid, he lives under a rain of misfortune everyday.’ Thought sam as he continued guarded the building. Richard while going into his room, locked the door and grabs his spare pair of glass, puts them on and remove the glass from his feet. Covering his feet in an old shirt to let the blood dry, he checks his bank account. “look like i can survive a month or two with the cash i got from my uni account but that it.” Richard had some steak and chips then went to bed. “I will make them pay for this day. All of them.” as is eye closed and he went into the dream world. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Strazio Strazio means torment or torture

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> So for everyone who hasn`t ever seen a archery target, the ones I´m using in my FF looks like this<br><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/62/Bogenscheibe.jpg/800px-Bogenscheibe.jpg" border="0" alt="http%3a%2f%2fupload.wikimedia.org%2fwikipedia%2fco...cheibe.jpg"><br><br>To count points, you have to add one point each circle invard, to make it easier to spot, what point you`ve gotten with your last shot each two points the color changes.Just so that you know, sometimes the most inner circle is referred to give 11points, but in sport 10 points is the maximum one can get with one arrow </div>

So for everyone who hasn`t ever seen a archery target, the ones I´m using in my FF looks like this  To count points, you have to add one point each circle invard, to make it easier to spot, what point you`ve gotten with your last shot each two points the color changes.Just so that you know, sometimes the most inner circle is referred to give 11points, but in sport 10 points is the maximum one can get with one arrow

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Instinctively, I shouted out "Score!"<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%">Araret</td><td width="25%">Title</td><td colspan="2">None</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Class</td><td width="25%">The Gamer</td><td colspan="3">Equipment</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Race</td><td width="25%">Human</td><td width="25%">Head</td><td colspan="2">-</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Level</td><td width="25%">1</td><td width="25%">Neck</td><td colspan="2">House-keys on a lanyard</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">100</td><td width="25%">Torso</td><td colspan="2">White cotton t-shirt</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">100</td><td width="25%">Shoulders</td><td colspan="2">-</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">20</td><td width="25%">Arms</td><td colspan="2">-</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Dexterity</td><td width="25%">20</td><td width="25%">Wrists</td><td colspan="2">A silvery watch</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Intelligence</td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Hands</td><td colspan="2">-</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">11</td><td width="25%">Rings</td><td colspan="2">Engineer's iron ring</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Constitution</td><td width="25%">20</td><td width="25%">Waist</td><td colspan="2">Thin brown belt</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Charisma</td><td width="25%">11</td><td width="25%">Legs</td><td colspan="2">Worn-down blue jeans</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Stance</td><td width="25%">None</td><td width="25%">Feet</td><td colspan="2">Aged running shoes</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Encumbrance</td><td width="25%">Light</td><td width="25%">Right Hand</td><td colspan="2">4ft steel pipe</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Status</td><td width="25%">-</td><td width="25%">Left Hand</td><td colspan="2">-</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> </div>

Instinctively, I shouted out "Score!" | Status Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | Araret | Title | None | | | Class | The Gamer | Equipment | | | | Race | Human | Head | - | | | Level | 1 | Neck | House-keys on a lanyard | | | Health | 100 | Torso | White cotton t-shirt | | | Mana | 100 | Shoulders | - | | | Strength | 20 | Arms | - | | | Dexterity | 20 | Wrists | A silvery watch | | | Intelligence | 10 | Hands | - | | | Wisdom | 11 | Rings | Engineer's iron ring | | | Constitution | 20 | Waist | Thin brown belt | | | Charisma | 11 | Legs | Worn-down blue jeans | | | Stance | None | Feet | Aged running shoes | | | Encumbrance | Light | Right Hand | 4ft steel pipe | | | Status | - | Left Hand | - | |

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Avid X-over (Naruto) Chapter 6 The Miracle<br><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>~Previously on Avid X-Over~<br><br>Kakashi: "Its time to face zabuza."<br><br>Sakura: "But Kakashi-sensei, we didn't tell zed-san about the Hunter-nin and zabuza, plus he is still with naruto."<br><br>Kakashi: "Leave the crazy people alone Sakura, I'm sure Naruto will tell his new aniki, that today is the day we estimate that zabuza is recovered."<br><br>Sakura: "Your right Kakashi-sensei."<br><br>Sasuke: "Hnnn."<br><br><br>~Chapter Start~<br><br>Zed's POV:<br><br>It's been a really strange week, I somehow gained a new brother through an unusual and very strange means. They say that food is a sure-fire way to a man's heart, sure I somewhat believe it, but I thought that only works for girls wooing boys to court them and the like. I never expected it to work, if any at all, that a boy would do a 360 change in attitude through the same means. Oh well , life works in the strangest of ways as they say.<br><br><br>I woke up this morning feeling a very strange vibe, I soon found out what it was as I don't see most of team 7. They mostly ignored Naruto and me these past week, but I do still see them around every morning. I can only find Naruto sleeping in the other room, so I decided to make myself useful by helping Tazuna-san's wife prepare the meals and chores. I found out that her name is Tsunami and the true story behind the bridge. I then noticed Naruto waking up and greeting me a good morning. Then suddenly, he seems to have noticed that his team is missing and thought to ponder where they had gone. As if remembering their discussion before I arrived, he quickly informed me about Zabuza and his accomplice hunter-nin, and that they were supposedly going to attack again today, because today is the day Zabuza finally recovers from his wounds from his fight against Kakashi. I quickly give him a go sign to help his team while I guard Tsunami-san and his son if Gato decides to attack them.<br><br>Naruto quickly thanked me and left to help his team. Sometime later, two thugs came to kidnap and kill Tazuna-san's family, but I quickly put a stop to that with the use of my napalm beat (AOE) skill. Sometime later Tsunami's son, Inari had a bold plan to gather the villagers to put a stop to Gato's plan. He said something about their little talk to naruto and their unfortunate circumstances. I never knew that my brother was an orphan, oh the horror, Naruto must've been afraid to confide in me that he was an orphan, and the villagers hate him for some reason. My poor brother, I know, when we get back I'll ask him to live with me. I have a huge house after all. <br><br>I was lost in my thoughts when Inari snapped me from it and reminded me about his plan to rally the villagers to fight of Gato, and I accompanied him. Sometime later we had gathered a large mob of villagers and went to the bridge. <br><br>We arrived at the bridge to see a dead ninja and a dying ninja who I assume is Zabuza, fighting a fat clothed businessman who I assume is Gato. Naruto and Kakashi's shadow clone seems to be fighting a mob and leftover thugs. When the fight was over naruto came to me and hugged me while crying and saying:<br><br>Naruto: "Being a ninja is hard aniki, today I just made a friend, and due to unforseen circumstances we became enemies. She told me the true meaning of strength, and the true meaning of being a shinobi, sob!, sob!."<br><br>Zed: "There, there Naruto, let's see if this new brother of yours can do something to cheer you up."<br><br>Naruto: "But, but, my friend is dead aniki, sob!,sob!."<br><br>Zed: "Now, now, what did Kakashi-san say about what people call me?."<br><br>Naruto: "He said that people call you Angel-sama, aniki."<br><br>Zed: "Right, now let's see if little old me can create a miracle for my little brother. Come help me gather the bodies of your friend and his ninja master."<br><br>Naruto: "Okay aniki."<br><br>We gathered the two dead ninja's in the center of the bridge, and the people were curious about what we were doing along with Kakashi and his team. Well mostly Kakashi because Sasuke was unconscious and Sakura was tending to him.<br><br>Naruto: "Okay, we've gathered them aniki, now what do we do?."<br><br>Zed: "Just stay where you are my brother, and pray."<br><br>Zed: "Ye of heavens above, I beseech thee, and return to to us our beloved ones, so that we once more can share the joy and happiness of life, RESSURECTION!!, RESSURRECTION!!."<br><br>My voice echoed around the surrounding area giving it an otherworldly feeling.<br>Bright lights engulfed and swallowed the bodies of the two ninja who naruto revieled to me was haku and zabuza. Two angels take shape in the light and seems to cast some sort of spell at the two dead ninja's, and the wounds were closing at a rapid rate, and we also noticed that life seems to be returning to them. The angels disappeared as quickly as they came. I could see the bodies moving and mumbling something. I decided to go closer to hear what the two newly revived ninja were talking about.<br><br>Zabuza: "Please Haku, don't burn away my signed limited edition Icha-Icha collection."<br><br>Haku: "Of course zabuza-sama, as long as you do your chores, but as a warning I'll destroy one of your precious perverted book."<br><br>Zabuza: "Noooooooo!!!, my precious!!........who?, what?, I'm alive?."<br><br>Haku: "Hmm, you said something zabuza-sama???, what?, I'm alive?."<br><br>Naruto: "Yatta!!, Haku-chan your alive, thank you aniki, thank you."<br><br>Zed: "No problem ototo."<br><br>The people around we're gaping at the scene and kakashi moved towards us and decided to break the mood.<br><br>Kakashi: "You!!, you!, you just raised the dead!, and two people at once." Kakashi pointed his finger at me accusingly.<br><br>Zed: "Well, I can't really do that all the time kakashi-san. The technique I used is to convey my prayers to the Gods, and judge the people who I'm resurrecting, whether they deserve a second chance is up to the Gods themselves and as you can see, the Gods judged them worthy of a second chance at life." pointed to Zabuza and Haku. ( I decided to lie my ass off, who knows what kind of people might become interested in me with plans on raising the dead people left and right. I can't really explain that it was a game-skill from another world that I used. )<br><br>Kakashi: "Ahh, I see, anyway what are you going to do about the people you've resurrected?."<br><br>Zed: "Why are you asking me that kakashi-san?, its their second chance at life, and I don't own their lives, so they are free to do whatever they want."<br><br>Zabuza: "You got guts gaki, but we are honor bound to you, and we are following you whether you like it or not."<br><br>Haku: "Yes, we have been wandering for too long, plus it seems like we have more chances of survival and happiness if we go with you."<br><br>Zabuza: "Sigh, I just wished I could help the Kiri rebellion at kirigakure, That's why we were working for Gato, so we could gain funds to help my home." said in a sad voice.<br><br>Zed: "How much excactly did you need Zabuza-san?."<br><br>Zabuza: "Well we would at least need 5 million Ryo to fund them, but alas it is but a dream."<br><br>Zed: "Hmm."<br><br>Zed swiped something of of thin air and got a scroll with a million gold coins that was worth 10 million Ryo, and handed it to zabuza. ( You might be wondering if it put a dent in my savings?, sorry to disappoint you but with the access of my status window, I have 49 million gold left, plus I still have access to my gringots SPECTACLES investment windows, and it has 30 million gold and rising in my funds, and I seem to have a new menu that let me buys shops merchandise from Royal Road, now that I look at it closely. Hurray!!, that means I can buy a decent armor and weapons and high class exotic food ingredients and other goodies. Wohoooo!!.)<br><br>Zabuza: "Hmm, what's this scroll?."<br><br>Zed: "Open it and find out." I said with my dazzling smile.<br><br>Zabuza: "Okay......., let's see now..., Holy Crap!!, there's a million gold coins in here. I estimate it to be at least 10 million Ryo worth of coins and more if we find the right merchant." said in an awed voice.<br><br>Haku: "That's great zabuza-sama, we can finally fund the kiri rebellion, and more."<br><br>Zed: "Just don't spend it in one place, Joking aside, you can use that money to fund the rebellion, and if you still want to follow me, you can find me at Konoha, right Kakashi?."<br><br>The attention was quickly redirected at Kakashi.<br><br>Kakashi: "Right........., you really are a mystery zed-san, First you pull Ramen out of your ass, then you pull gold coins out of your ass, what's next?, you gonna pull a rabbit out of your ass?."<br><br>Zed: "Maybe."<br><br>Everyone in the group sweatdropped.<br><br>Zed: "See you later zabuza-san and haku-san, I hope we meet again."<br><br>Naruto: "Wow I'm sure glad you're on our side aniki, who knows if you were an enemy. You might pull a weapon of mass destruction out of your ass."<br><br>Zed: "Who knows ototo, I just might." said in a serious voice.<br><br>Naruto: "Your scaring me aniki." </div>

Avid X-over (Naruto) Chapter 6 The Miracle Disclaimer: I own nothing , this is purely a fanfic for enjoyment. Cross-over from various games , books and anime. ~Previously on Avid X-Over~ Kakashi: "Its time to face zabuza." Sakura: "But Kakashi-sensei, we didn't tell zed-san about the Hunter-nin and zabuza, plus he is still with naruto." Kakashi: "Leave the crazy people alone Sakura, I'm sure Naruto will tell his new aniki, that today is the day we estimate that zabuza is recovered." Sakura: "Your right Kakashi-sensei." Sasuke: "Hnnn." ~Chapter Start~ Zed's POV: It's been a really strange week, I somehow gained a new brother through an unusual and very strange means. They say that food is a sure-fire way to a man's heart, sure I somewhat believe it, but I thought that only works for girls wooing boys to court them and the like. I never expected it to work, if any at all, that a boy would do a 360 change in attitude through the same means. Oh well , life works in the strangest of ways as they say. I woke up this morning feeling a very strange vibe, I soon found out what it was as I don't see most of team 7. They mostly ignored Naruto and me these past week, but I do still see them around every morning. I can only find Naruto sleeping in the other room, so I decided to make myself useful by helping Tazuna-san's wife prepare the meals and chores. I found out that her name is Tsunami and the true story behind the bridge. I then noticed Naruto waking up and greeting me a good morning. Then suddenly, he seems to have noticed that his team is missing and thought to ponder where they had gone. As if remembering their discussion before I arrived, he quickly informed me about Zabuza and his accomplice hunter-nin, and that they were supposedly going to attack again today, because today is the day Zabuza finally recovers from his wounds from his fight against Kakashi. I quickly give him a go sign to help his team while I guard Tsunami-san and his son if Gato decides to attack them. Naruto quickly thanked me and left to help his team. Sometime later, two thugs came to kidnap and kill Tazuna-san's family, but I quickly put a stop to that with the use of my napalm beat (AOE) skill. Sometime later Tsunami's son, Inari had a bold plan to gather the villagers to put a stop to Gato's plan. He said something about their little talk to naruto and their unfortunate circumstances. I never knew that my brother was an orphan, oh the horror, Naruto must've been afraid to confide in me that he was an orphan, and the villagers hate him for some reason. My poor brother, I know, when we get back I'll ask him to live with me. I have a huge house after all. I was lost in my thoughts when Inari snapped me from it and reminded me about his plan to rally the villagers to fight of Gato, and I accompanied him. Sometime later we had gathered a large mob of villagers and went to the bridge. We arrived at the bridge to see a dead ninja and a dying ninja who I assume is Zabuza, fighting a fat clothed businessman who I assume is Gato. Naruto and Kakashi's shadow clone seems to be fighting a mob and leftover thugs. When the fight was over naruto came to me and hugged me while crying and saying: Naruto: "Being a ninja is hard aniki, today I just made a friend, and due to unforseen circumstances we became enemies. She told me the true meaning of strength, and the true meaning of being a shinobi, sob!, sob!." Zed: "There, there Naruto, let's see if this new brother of yours can do something to cheer you up." Naruto: "But, but, my friend is dead aniki, sob!,sob!." Zed: "Now, now, what did Kakashi-san say about what people call me?." Naruto: "He said that people call you Angel-sama, aniki." Zed: "Right, now let's see if little old me can create a miracle for my little brother. Come help me gather the bodies of your friend and his ninja master." Naruto: "Okay aniki." We gathered the two dead ninja's in the center of the bridge, and the people were curious about what we were doing along with Kakashi and his team. Well mostly Kakashi because Sasuke was unconscious and Sakura was tending to him. Naruto: "Okay, we've gathered them aniki, now what do we do?." Zed: "Just stay where you are my brother, and pray." Zed: "Ye of heavens above, I beseech thee, and return to to us our beloved ones, so that we once more can share the joy and happiness of life, RESSURECTION!!, RESSURRECTION!!." My voice echoed around the surrounding area giving it an otherworldly feeling. Bright lights engulfed and swallowed the bodies of the two ninja who naruto revieled to me was haku and zabuza. Two angels take shape in the light and seems to cast some sort of spell at the two dead ninja's, and the wounds were closing at a rapid rate, and we also noticed that life seems to be returning to them. The angels disappeared as quickly as they came. I could see the bodies moving and mumbling something. I decided to go closer to hear what the two newly revived ninja were talking about. Zabuza: "Please Haku, don't burn away my signed limited edition Icha-Icha collection." Haku: "Of course zabuza-sama, as long as you do your chores, but as a warning I'll destroy one of your precious perverted book." Zabuza: "Noooooooo!!!, my precious!!........who?, what?, I'm alive?." Haku: "Hmm, you said something zabuza-sama???, what?, I'm alive?." Naruto: "Yatta!!, Haku-chan your alive, thank you aniki, thank you." Zed: "No problem ototo." The people around we're gaping at the scene and kakashi moved towards us and decided to break the mood. Kakashi: "You!!, you!, you just raised the dead!, and two people at once." Kakashi pointed his finger at me accusingly. Zed: "Well, I can't really do that all the time kakashi-san. The technique I used is to convey my prayers to the Gods, and judge the people who I'm resurrecting, whether they deserve a second chance is up to the Gods themselves and as you can see, the Gods judged them worthy of a second chance at life." pointed to Zabuza and Haku. ( I decided to lie my ass off, who knows what kind of people might become interested in me with plans on raising the dead people left and right. I can't really explain that it was a game-skill from another world that I used. ) Kakashi: "Ahh, I see, anyway what are you going to do about the people you've resurrected?." Zed: "Why are you asking me that kakashi-san?, its their second chance at life, and I don't own their lives, so they are free to do whatever they want." Zabuza: "You got guts gaki, but we are honor bound to you, and we are following you whether you like it or not." Haku: "Yes, we have been wandering for too long, plus it seems like we have more chances of survival and happiness if we go with you." Zabuza: "Sigh, I just wished I could help the Kiri rebellion at kirigakure, That's why we were working for Gato, so we could gain funds to help my home." said in a sad voice. Zed: "How much excactly did you need Zabuza-san?." Zabuza: "Well we would at least need 5 million Ryo to fund them, but alas it is but a dream." Zed: "Hmm." Zed swiped something of of thin air and got a scroll with a million gold coins that was worth 10 million Ryo, and handed it to zabuza. ( You might be wondering if it put a dent in my savings?, sorry to disappoint you but with the access of my status window, I have 49 million gold left, plus I still have access to my gringots SPECTACLES investment windows, and it has 30 million gold and rising in my funds, and I seem to have a new menu that let me buys shops merchandise from Royal Road, now that I look at it closely. Hurray!!, that means I can buy a decent armor and weapons and high class exotic food ingredients and other goodies. Wohoooo!!.) Zabuza: "Hmm, what's this scroll?." Zed: "Open it and find out." I said with my dazzling smile. Zabuza: "Okay......., let's see now..., Holy Crap!!, there's a million gold coins in here. I estimate it to be at least 10 million Ryo worth of coins and more if we find the right merchant." said in an awed voice. Haku: "That's great zabuza-sama, we can finally fund the kiri rebellion, and more." Zed: "Just don't spend it in one place, Joking aside, you can use that money to fund the rebellion, and if you still want to follow me, you can find me at Konoha, right Kakashi?." The attention was quickly redirected at Kakashi. Kakashi: "Right........., you really are a mystery zed-san, First you pull Ramen out of your ass, then you pull gold coins out of your ass, what's next?, you gonna pull a rabbit out of your ass?." Zed: "Maybe." Everyone in the group sweatdropped. Zed: "See you later zabuza-san and haku-san, I hope we meet again." Naruto: "Wow I'm sure glad you're on our side aniki, who knows if you were an enemy. You might pull a weapon of mass destruction out of your ass." Zed: "Who knows ototo, I just might." said in a serious voice. Naruto: "Your scaring me aniki."

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Chapter 11 Profits, Plots and Alliance<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>Five months passed since pallet City started attracting vast amount of players, and a constant flow of money worth 250k gold went into the town's fund and urbanization. Zed decided not to touch the ever growing money and let professor Oak deal with what was seen fit. Zed requested that the meatbun program be in steady supply of, and zed was able to venture the dungeons in his province especially the mines without to much problem. Zed was now lv 180 and he was carefully gaining levels for his gut told him that a huge battle will arrive to steal his city.<br><br>James and the group finally arrived and zed made a feast for them. With his cooking skills mastered and his wine skill recently mastered he was able to give them their needed rest. Stories were exchanged on the past months on their adventures and James, Jessie and Meowth told Zed about the Ketchum kid, and on how they were able to finally defeat him. <br>They gave Zed the profit from the porings and it was a whopping 5 million gold.<br><br>Zed was not that greedy,..... okay maybe he was, but he new the value of hard work and trust, so he gave each James, Jessie and Meowth their share with 500k gold each. Zed explained to them that the rest is gonna be used to further develop the city and you never know how many enemies they might make. The group were quite satisfied with what they got , they probably were in the top 10 richest player on royal road, and they trusted Zed very much with the money they received, it was actually enough to buy a town of their own and more. <br><br>Zed's total money in his pocket were 3 million and 600k gold. Zed went to Lord affairs mode once again. He wasn't going to go cheap on his city.<br><br>Zed spent 100k to expand his territory and recovered 15 mines. He then commissioned all the mines. It cost 50k gold for just 1 mine and in total it costed zed 750k gold. Zed spent 30k for another super tavern, 30k for another super inn and 30k for another super dining hall. He spent 25k for a second super smithy and opened another poke ranch at 35k, along with another Poke Wal-Mart at 50k. He also Invested 30k for the food at the wheat fields at farm, 70k in Livestock that includes chickens, sheep and cattle and 50k for the housings and 25k for the furnishings.<br><br>The total expenses now was 1 million and 250k gold.<br><br><br>Now he needed security even more for his ever growing city.<br><br><br>He build another super barracks for 15k and bought the best soldiers money can buy.<br><br><br><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;"> Super Premium deluxe package deal ( level 350+)<br>-10knights<br>-50 Priests<br>-100 Mages<br>-500 Archers<br>-500 warriors<br><br>Cost 100000 Gold </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Zed bought 4 of them which his total expenses now 1million 675k.<br>Zed also built two pokemon centers.<br><br><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;"> Pokemon Center<br><br>-Popular building during the pokemon era<br>-Offers free Health care needs to people and pokemon<br>-No diseases may infect your city<br>-The rate of commercial development will accelerate by 15%.<br>-The rate of industrial development will increase by 15%.<br>-The rate of technological development will increase by 15%.<br>-The rate of cultural development will increase by 15%.<br>-The residents' rate of increasing Faith will be doubled.<br>-Residents happiness increases.<br>-Willingness of residents to pay taxes increase by 20%.<br>-Doubles town productivity<br>-Fame +1000<br>-Culture +1000<br>-Faith + 1000<br>-Sanitation +1000<br>-The rate of technological development +500<br>-The rate of commercial development +500<br>-The rate of industrial development +500<br>-Divine power increase in this province +25%<br><br>Cost 100000 Gold </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Zed total expenses now is at 1 million 875k gold. Zed decided to commission 6 schools distributed to his ever growing city, that cost 25k each to build. He also build a Necromancer guild and an Elementalist guild as well as a Shaman guild that cost 50k each.<br><br>Zed went back in into his mansion and told James and his group to build a ranch/store for the poring store for 50k gold.<br><br>Zed's total amount of money spent was 2 million and 50k Gold that leaves Zed with 1 million and 400k <br><br>Zed: "Best money I ever spent."<br><br>one month passed and The news that the porings were being sold once again we're being spread and as expected , swarms of people poured into Pallet City but thanks to Zed's recent expansion, the people were able to fit in.<br><br>As news of the porings returned it reach into the ears of a certain young man.<br><br>Ash: "So you finally show your face team rocket, Pallet City ehh?, That means the Lord of Pallet City is on league with team rocket. I will have my revenge soon. Mwahahahahaahahaha!!!."<br><br>A month passed and Ash looked for ways to get revenge. So a new chapter in our story opens.<br><br><br><br>Someone's POV:<br><br><br><br><br>I am Albus Dumbledore , a powerful wizard , Leader of the the guild "Order of the Phoenix". Our guild is known as the best magicians, sorcerers, mage , shamans , elementalist, and also necromancers in royal road, Our guild is currently occupying a town called Hogwarts and I am currently at my castle. My guild mates or my underlings are Hermione Granger, our top shaman and Ronald Weasley, our top necromancer. We were currently discussing on what to do. Our town Hogwarts have survived countless raids, but the town is not very lively at all and I keep hearing about rumors on this new City called pallet. My villagers are slowly abandoning my great town of Hogwarts. I must find a solution, for the greater good.<br><br>Ronald: "Why don't we just take the town and be done with it?."<br><br>Hermione: "We can't take the town without justifiable reason, it will make us look bad."<br><br>Albus: "Hermione is right, we always be in the light."<br><br>Stranger: "Maybe I can help, My name is Ash Ketchum, knight of justice at your service."<br><br>Hermione: "You mean was a knight of justice, our intelligence network shows that you closed down a couple of respectable merchants and gained an angry mob to yourself for trying to rob those innocent people."<br><br>Ash: "Innocent, innocent, I'm the one that's innocent, those people framed me, I knew them when they were small time crooks but somehow, someway they gained a backing of an evil powerful backer and I'm positive it's the Lord of that new Pallet City."<br>Ronald: "You can't just expect to believe those lies."<br><br>Albus: "Ronald, this maybe the excuse we need, If we fail well just blame it on him."<br><br>Hermione: "Oh you're so brilliant professor Dumbledore, it's a fullproof plan, it's a win win situation, well start making invasion plans immediately, but we still need more allies."<br><br>Ash: "leave that to me, I'll gather more allies to finally see justice to those criminals. "<br><br>With that ash left. A couple of days later Ash arrived at a new town called infinite city and made an audience with this town's ruler the Blood elf prince.<br><br>Prince: "I'm so bored, I hate being a ruler."<br><br>Lolidragon: "don't say that, we've been successful in creating our legend but other people seems to be more popular than you."<br><br>Gui: "Don't say that, your highness is awesome although lately that new Pallet City seems to overshadow your greatness and that is unacceptable. we must overthrow that Evil Lord."<br><br>Ash: "My thoughts exactly, The leader of that town has been harboring fugitives or he is in someway a part of their Organization."<br><br>Prince: "Really?, but who are you?."<br><br>Ash: "My name is Ash Ketchum, knight of justice, at your service,"<br><br>Gui: "You mean the poring destroyer?, How could you, I wanted to buy one of those."<br><br>Ash: "Have mercy, I have been framed, those people are actually criminals and they framed me, I knew those merchants when they were small time but somehow they gained backing from a powerful person, I'm telling the truth, please believe me." Ash begged while crying.<br><br>Prince: "Sob!, Sob!, I believe you, those evil people will pay for their injustice. Gui, prepare for the invasion."<br><br>Ash: "I'll go gather more allies, those criminals are really crafty."<br><br>With that Ash left in a long arduos journey, He finally gathered around 20 guilds and they started preparing for the invasion.<br><br>Meanwhile back to Zed<br><br>Zed: "I have a bad feeling about this, Its finally time to start that alliance with Weed."<br><br>Zed: "System, contact Weed, [System connected]."<br><br>Weed: "Hello this is weed speaking."<br><br>Zed: "hello Weed its me, do you still want that alliance."<br><br>Weed: "Who are you again, oh right I remember your, that friend of Mapan who is a Lord, come to think of it your rather popular right now but let's talk business, I want exclusive trade routes and import and export for your exotic goods, that includes those useful slaves that you have."<br><br>Zed: "Hmmm, Hmmmm, I got a better proposition for you."<br><br>Weed: "I'm listening."<br><br>Zed: "Well I heard that your well acquainted with the church of Freya."<br><br>Weed: "Yes I am, what are you getting at?."<br><br>Zed: "Well here it is, I heard that the church of Freya has exclusive rights to those Warp Portals, and I was wondering if you would like to connect your city with mine, wait, before you say it's ridiculous, I'll pay for the fee the church construction fines for you , about 100k gold should cover it and I'll let you have the right to collect all the fees on both side as toll to transport for people back and forth."<br><br>Weed: "What's in it for you? it sounded like a one-sides gains for me, I can't help but something here is fishy."<br><br>Zed: "I'll be honest, It will cut the cost of travel for both our trade routes, plus alot people on that side will want to come over in this side to buy my products, that's enough profit for me and I'll add a clause on our alliance that whenever one our city is invaded, the other will come voluntarily with their full military force to help each other. I trust that both parties is satisfied?."<br><br>Weed: "Deal"<br><br>Zed: "Deal , system , alliance to Lord Weed please, with clause that whenever our city is being invaded both parties will aid the other party with their full military force"<br><br>Weed: "I accept, [alliance to player Zed , Lord of Pallet City confirmed.]"<br><br>Zed: "System, send 100k gold to player Weed, [System trade successful],"<br><br>Zed: "System call to Weed off. [ System connect off ]."<br><br>Zed: "Hehehe, I got myself a reliable ally and a source of profit, people from the north continent who wants to buy my porings will come flocking to me MWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!."<br><br>Across the continent:<br><br>Weed: "Sucker!!!, I get to have exclusive rights to toll people to teleport directly to zed's popular city and back and forth to mine. I'll make the toll fee 1k gold per person, hehehehe I'm sure more people will visit here to get the 24 hour buff from my awesome light sculptures and the cost of the portal to set up is only 15k gold. MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!."<br><br>Weed: "System Create Permanent Create portal Pallet City [ permanent portal cost 15k gold proceed?] proceed."<br><br>A portal appeared in town with an NPC beside it.<br><br>Weed: "System, select toll fee to 1k gold [System notice: fee has been set too 1k gold]."<br><br>[System notice Player Zed has given you the ownership of the teleport system on the other side.]<br><br>Weed: "System, select toll fee to 1k gold from both city of Morata and Pallet<br>[System notice: fee has been set to 1k gold to both Morata and Pallet City.]"<br><br>"What's this portal, and is that an npc beside the portal?."<br><br>"Welcome, this portal connects to the city of Pallet, toll fee Cost 1k gold"<br><br>" OMG! , a portal to pallet City and its only 1k gold."<br><br>"I heard that pallet , is selling porings exclusively."<br><br>" OMG!!, they're selling porings over there? I'm so going"<br><br>" I want to change to a pokemon tamer class, I'm going"<br><br>" I heard the quest there are so high paying, especially artist class"<br><br>" I'm a sculptor, I'm so there."<br><br>" I'm an architect, I'm so there."<br><br>" In a painter, I'm so there."<br><br><br><br>Weed: "Hehehe, I get a profit, and I can get rid of those many sculptor and artist crowding my city, MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!."<br><br>Across the continent<br><br>"What's this portal, and is that an npc beside the portal?."<br><br>"Welcome, this portal connects to the city of Morata, toll fee Cost 1k gold"<br><br>" OMG! , a portal to Morata City and its only 1k gold."<br><br>" I want those buffs from the light tower, I'm so there."<br><br>" I want those buffs too, I'm going."<br><br> <br>Zed: "Hehehe, all according to plan. Mwahahahahahahah!!."<br><br><br><br>Sigh, you can clearly see the ending on this arc or where it is going, and I'm still not gaining any ideas that sparks my interest, I'll leave this chapter and hope that it's not my last one.<br><br>Sincerely,<br><br>zed019 </div>

Chapter 11 Profits, Plots and Alliance Disclaimer: I own nothing , this is purely a fanfic for enjoyment. Cross-over from various games , books and anime. Five months passed since pallet City started attracting vast amount of players, and a constant flow of money worth 250k gold went into the town's fund and urbanization. Zed decided not to touch the ever growing money and let professor Oak deal with what was seen fit. Zed requested that the meatbun program be in steady supply of, and zed was able to venture the dungeons in his province especially the mines without to much problem. Zed was now lv 180 and he was carefully gaining levels for his gut told him that a huge battle will arrive to steal his city. James and the group finally arrived and zed made a feast for them. With his cooking skills mastered and his wine skill recently mastered he was able to give them their needed rest. Stories were exchanged on the past months on their adventures and James, Jessie and Meowth told Zed about the Ketchum kid, and on how they were able to finally defeat him. They gave Zed the profit from the porings and it was a whopping 5 million gold. Zed was not that greedy,..... okay maybe he was, but he new the value of hard work and trust, so he gave each James, Jessie and Meowth their share with 500k gold each. Zed explained to them that the rest is gonna be used to further develop the city and you never know how many enemies they might make. The group were quite satisfied with what they got , they probably were in the top 10 richest player on royal road, and they trusted Zed very much with the money they received, it was actually enough to buy a town of their own and more. Zed's total money in his pocket were 3 million and 600k gold. Zed went to Lord affairs mode once again. He wasn't going to go cheap on his city. Zed spent 100k to expand his territory and recovered 15 mines. He then commissioned all the mines. It cost 50k gold for just 1 mine and in total it costed zed 750k gold. Zed spent 30k for another super tavern, 30k for another super inn and 30k for another super dining hall. He spent 25k for a second super smithy and opened another poke ranch at 35k, along with another Poke Wal-Mart at 50k. He also Invested 30k for the food at the wheat fields at farm, 70k in Livestock that includes chickens, sheep and cattle and 50k for the housings and 25k for the furnishings. The total expenses now was 1 million and 250k gold. Now he needed security even more for his ever growing city. He build another super barracks for 15k and bought the best soldiers money can buy. | * Super Premium deluxe package deal ( level 350+)-10knights-50 Priests-100 Mages-500 Archers-500 warriorsCost 100000 Gold | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Zed bought 4 of them which his total expenses now 1million 675k. Zed also built two pokemon centers. | * Pokemon Center-Popular building during the pokemon era-Offers free Health care needs to people and pokemon-No diseases may infect your city-The rate of commercial development will accelerate by 15%.-The rate of industrial development will increase by 15%.-The rate of technological development will increase by 15%.-The rate of cultural development will increase by 15%.-The residents' rate of increasing Faith will be doubled.-Residents happiness increases.-Willingness of residents to pay taxes increase by 20%.-Doubles town productivity-Fame +1000-Culture +1000-Faith + 1000-Sanitation +1000-The rate of technological development +500-The rate of commercial development +500-The rate of industrial development +500-Divine power increase in this province +25%Cost 100000 Gold | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Zed total expenses now is at 1 million 875k gold. Zed decided to commission 6 schools distributed to his ever growing city, that cost 25k each to build. He also build a Necromancer guild and an Elementalist guild as well as a Shaman guild that cost 50k each. Zed went back in into his mansion and told James and his group to build a ranch/store for the poring store for 50k gold. Zed's total amount of money spent was 2 million and 50k Gold that leaves Zed with 1 million and 400k Zed: "Best money I ever spent." one month passed and The news that the porings were being sold once again we're being spread and as expected , swarms of people poured into Pallet City but thanks to Zed's recent expansion, the people were able to fit in. As news of the porings returned it reach into the ears of a certain young man. Ash: "So you finally show your face team rocket, Pallet City ehh?, That means the Lord of Pallet City is on league with team rocket. I will have my revenge soon. Mwahahahahaahahaha!!!." A month passed and Ash looked for ways to get revenge. So a new chapter in our story opens. Someone's POV: I am Albus Dumbledore , a powerful wizard , Leader of the the guild "Order of the Phoenix". Our guild is known as the best magicians, sorcerers, mage , shamans , elementalist, and also necromancers in royal road, Our guild is currently occupying a town called Hogwarts and I am currently at my castle. My guild mates or my underlings are Hermione Granger, our top shaman and Ronald Weasley, our top necromancer. We were currently discussing on what to do. Our town Hogwarts have survived countless raids, but the town is not very lively at all and I keep hearing about rumors on this new City called pallet. My villagers are slowly abandoning my great town of Hogwarts. I must find a solution, for the greater good. Ronald: "Why don't we just take the town and be done with it?." Hermione: "We can't take the town without justifiable reason, it will make us look bad." Albus: "Hermione is right, we always be in the light." Stranger: "Maybe I can help, My name is Ash Ketchum, knight of justice at your service." Hermione: "You mean was a knight of justice, our intelligence network shows that you closed down a couple of respectable merchants and gained an angry mob to yourself for trying to rob those innocent people." Ash: "Innocent, innocent, I'm the one that's innocent, those people framed me, I knew them when they were small time crooks but somehow, someway they gained a backing of an evil powerful backer and I'm positive it's the Lord of that new Pallet City." Ronald: "You can't just expect to believe those lies." Albus: "Ronald, this maybe the excuse we need, If we fail well just blame it on him." Hermione: "Oh you're so brilliant professor Dumbledore, it's a fullproof plan, it's a win win situation, well start making invasion plans immediately, but we still need more allies." Ash: "leave that to me, I'll gather more allies to finally see justice to those criminals. " With that ash left. A couple of days later Ash arrived at a new town called infinite city and made an audience with this town's ruler the Blood elf prince. Prince: "I'm so bored, I hate being a ruler." Lolidragon: "don't say that, we've been successful in creating our legend but other people seems to be more popular than you." Gui: "Don't say that, your highness is awesome although lately that new Pallet City seems to overshadow your greatness and that is unacceptable. we must overthrow that Evil Lord." Ash: "My thoughts exactly, The leader of that town has been harboring fugitives or he is in someway a part of their Organization." Prince: "Really?, but who are you?." Ash: "My name is Ash Ketchum, knight of justice, at your service," Gui: "You mean the poring destroyer?, How could you, I wanted to buy one of those." Ash: "Have mercy, I have been framed, those people are actually criminals and they framed me, I knew those merchants when they were small time but somehow they gained backing from a powerful person, I'm telling the truth, please believe me." Ash begged while crying. Prince: "Sob!, Sob!, I believe you, those evil people will pay for their injustice. Gui, prepare for the invasion." Ash: "I'll go gather more allies, those criminals are really crafty." With that Ash left in a long arduos journey, He finally gathered around 20 guilds and they started preparing for the invasion. Meanwhile back to Zed Zed: "I have a bad feeling about this, Its finally time to start that alliance with Weed." Zed: "System, contact Weed, [System connected]." Weed: "Hello this is weed speaking." Zed: "hello Weed its me, do you still want that alliance." Weed: "Who are you again, oh right I remember your, that friend of Mapan who is a Lord, come to think of it your rather popular right now but let's talk business, I want exclusive trade routes and import and export for your exotic goods, that includes those useful slaves that you have." Zed: "Hmmm, Hmmmm, I got a better proposition for you." Weed: "I'm listening." Zed: "Well I heard that your well acquainted with the church of Freya." Weed: "Yes I am, what are you getting at?." Zed: "Well here it is, I heard that the church of Freya has exclusive rights to those Warp Portals, and I was wondering if you would like to connect your city with mine, wait, before you say it's ridiculous, I'll pay for the fee the church construction fines for you , about 100k gold should cover it and I'll let you have the right to collect all the fees on both side as toll to transport for people back and forth." Weed: "What's in it for you? it sounded like a one-sides gains for me, I can't help but something here is fishy." Zed: "I'll be honest, It will cut the cost of travel for both our trade routes, plus alot people on that side will want to come over in this side to buy my products, that's enough profit for me and I'll add a clause on our alliance that whenever one our city is invaded, the other will come voluntarily with their full military force to help each other. I trust that both parties is satisfied?." Weed: "Deal" Zed: "Deal , system , alliance to Lord Weed please, with clause that whenever our city is being invaded both parties will aid the other party with their full military force" Weed: "I accept, [alliance to player Zed , Lord of Pallet City confirmed.]" Zed: "System, send 100k gold to player Weed, [System trade successful]," Zed: "System call to Weed off. [ System connect off ]." Zed: "Hehehe, I got myself a reliable ally and a source of profit, people from the north continent who wants to buy my porings will come flocking to me MWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!." Across the continent: Weed: "Sucker!!!, I get to have exclusive rights to toll people to teleport directly to zed's popular city and back and forth to mine. I'll make the toll fee 1k gold per person, hehehehe I'm sure more people will visit here to get the 24 hour buff from my awesome light sculptures and the cost of the portal to set up is only 15k gold. MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!." Weed: "System Create Permanent Create portal Pallet City [ permanent portal cost 15k gold proceed?] proceed." A portal appeared in town with an NPC beside it. Weed: "System, select toll fee to 1k gold [System notice: fee has been set too 1k gold]." [System notice Player Zed has given you the ownership of the teleport system on the other side.] Weed: "System, select toll fee to 1k gold from both city of Morata and Pallet [System notice: fee has been set to 1k gold to both Morata and Pallet City.]" "What's this portal, and is that an npc beside the portal?." "Welcome, this portal connects to the city of Pallet, toll fee Cost 1k gold" " OMG! , a portal to pallet City and its only 1k gold." "I heard that pallet , is selling porings exclusively." " OMG!!, they're selling porings over there? I'm so going" " I want to change to a pokemon tamer class, I'm going" " I heard the quest there are so high paying, especially artist class" " I'm a sculptor, I'm so there." " I'm an architect, I'm so there." " In a painter, I'm so there." Weed: "Hehehe, I get a profit, and I can get rid of those many sculptor and artist crowding my city, MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!." Across the continent "What's this portal, and is that an npc beside the portal?." "Welcome, this portal connects to the city of Morata, toll fee Cost 1k gold" " OMG! , a portal to Morata City and its only 1k gold." " I want those buffs from the light tower, I'm so there." " I want those buffs too, I'm going." Zed: "Hehehe, all according to plan. Mwahahahahahahah!!." Sigh, you can clearly see the ending on this arc or where it is going, and I'm still not gaining any ideas that sparks my interest, I'll leave this chapter and hope that it's not my last one. Sincerely, zed019

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Woohoo! Okay, I'm on break now and plan to be writing at any time i get bored, which is often. Still probably won't be releasing chapters all that quickly though.<br><br>Side Note: Slightly altered Prologue. Added new race/skill to the pot.<br>Alright, I edited the book in chapter 2 per request<br><br><br><br>Any comments about a past chapter or suggestions/questions for/about the series as a whole can be put in this thread. </div>

Woohoo! Okay, I'm on break now and plan to be writing at any time i get bored, which is often. Still probably won't be releasing chapters all that quickly though. Side Note: Slightly altered Prologue. Added new race/skill to the pot. Alright, I edited the book in chapter 2 per request Any comments about a past chapter or suggestions/questions for/about the series as a whole can be put in this thread.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> So I've been told this chapter is very depressing. I was going for dark humor.... I guess I failed. <br>What I'm saying is... look for the sarcasm in the shitty situation! <br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Chapter 1.1:</span> Does it come in XXXL?</span><br><br>Aphrodite is a 15-year old girl. She is slightly un-pretty, slightly overlooked and very antisocial and very overweight. Current status: Hell. Aka, high school. <br><br>It’s not the academics that she has a problem with. In fact, she loves tests. It’s the people that she can’t handle. <br><br>Growing up in a rich household that pampered and protected her to the extreme, she grew up thinking of herself as the best. This mentality didn't last long though.<br><br>In kindergarten she was already quite plump – a result of pampering, level max. Her parents couldn't say no, and neither could the extended staff of her household. So she grew up thinking of herself as a princess – until other kids crushed her perception of reality, to something more… well… <span style="font-style: italic;">real</span>.<br><br>Kindergarten taught her she was not the center of the universe – a hard lesson for her to learn. She was exasperated when bossing others around wouldn't work like it always had. And then the other kids hated her and called her names. As a result, her self-esteem went down the drain. <br><br>On the outside though, she wouldn't let it show. She created a bitch persona that she showed everyone. If they didn't like her or didn't want to play with her that was their problem. She wasn't going to change to appease <span style="font-style: italic;">them</span>!<br><br>This lasted throughout middle school, where she alienated herself from others and continued to be a bitch. All the while her self-esteem becoming lower and lower. <br><br>In high school, she decided she was going to remake herself and adapt to the ‘environment’. By <span style="font-style: italic;">this</span> time it was already too late though. Having eaten her feelings in the last 8 years, her body was quite huge. People might claim that appearance isn’t everything, but first impressions matter. As a result – she couldn't make up for her lack of people skills and a lack of appearance (a large factor of popularity in high school… if you didn’t notice in that particularly glamorous period of life).<br><br>And thus the alienation continued. Having put herself on the line to be friends with others, her self-esteem plummeted when it failed and she couldn't even muster the bitch in her. <br><br>She withdrew into books. In kindergarten she used it as a means of superiority. Having been taught to read at a very early age, her mother was a renowned novelist, she wanted to show off her skills when others were struggling. In middle school she used books as a replacement for friends – since she didn't have any. And in high school they were her escape from reality.<br><br>She read everywhere. When she woke up and had breakfast with her parents (who were also busy doing other things: reading the newspaper and talking to their agents). On her way to school (personal chauffeur – Gregory). Before class (to avoid people). In class (she already knew all the material by having read in advance). On her way back home, etc. <br><br>She was very smart, and she knew it. It was the only shred of confidence she had left from her early childhood and she clung to it for a lifeline. She had the best grades – she always had. In a way – she reveled being superior to others subconsciously. But unlike she might have in the past – she kept her feelings to herself and didn't rub it in anyone’s face. Life had humbled her. <br><br>Speaking of life. Today was her birthday. She was going to be 16 years old. It was not going to be sweet though. <br><br>Sitting alone on her bed reading about a fantastical world of elves and magic, she imagined herself away from her own life while waiting for her parents to come back home. <br><br>----------<br><br>Her parents were back. She heard them come in. Sighing herself back into reality, she marked the page and got up to greet them.<br><br>‘Finally, some food.’<br><br>Running down the stairs of their Victorian Mansion she hugged her parents and quickly led them into the dining room.<br><br>“Honey, it’s great to see you! Happy Birthday, we are so sorry both of us had to be busy on your birthday! But at least we are here now so we can celebrate!” her mother began.<br><br>“Ts’alright mom! The cake is the best part of any birthday anyway!” Aphrodite answered. <br><br>Her mom slightly scowled at her very overweight daughter’s answer – but then shrugged her worries away. As an acclaimed author she lived in her work more than in this world anyways. She loved her daughter, so she let things like appearance slide. She wasn't aware of the solitary life her daughter led and didn't feel like there was that much wrong with her. <br><br>Her father hugged her tightly while her mother contemplated this. He loved his daughter and didn't see anything wrong with her. “Hey bug! Whatcha been up to!? Did you have fun with your friends today?” he inquired.<br><br>“Ya, ya. It was a lot of fun. But I’m happy you guys are back most of all!” She answered. <br><br>She was used to leading her parents to believe she had a normal social life. She even believed it herself sometimes. With so many servants in the house – she often infused a degree of friendship in their relationships – even when this friendship was non-existent. <br><br>As dinner progressed and she stuffed herself as usual, her parents talked about their trips. Her mother had gone to South America to do some research for her new book – as well as some advertising tours. Her father on the other hand had gone to Korea and was in the midst of describing his trip.<br><br>“It was the opening ceremony for this virtual reality game from some small-scale company called Unicorn something or other. They had me give a review for the beta version a couple of months ago and called me in for their promo. They invested a lot in this release; unless this game is successful they are definitely going to go bankrupt. Their previous game has lost a lot of its popularity so they are taking a big gamble with this virtual reality. It was an interesting game, but it had a lot of bugs. Unless they fixed them and upgraded some, they are going to be in a lot of trouble. They had me give some speeches about the game; their opening party was tremendous. They really went all out. Now all of their cards are on the table, I hope they don't go belly-up. I kind of enjoyed their previous game. It was lacking in the visual aspects, but Continent of Magicks was a really good game, very overlooked in the rest of the world. But that is to be expected….” Her father was saying.<br><br>Aphrodite hardly paid attention – when her father started talking about games it was hard to get him to shut up. He was one of the most successful game developers of the United States, making him world-famous. He had stopped developing games about ten years ago though, claiming that invention was for the young and maintenance for the old. <br><br>Now he mostly managed the company that the built – a very large company. He often received samples for games and was asked to give an opinion. His opinion was greatly treasured in the gaming community. <br><br>They finished dinner, she got her favorite cake: chocolate and continued to stuff herself until her belly hurt. She didn't know why she did it, but it gave her some comfort to be uncomfortably full. It was like some kind of punishment she gave herself for being who she was. <br><br>She went upstairs and got ready for bed. Looking in the mirror as she brushed her teeth – she flinched away from her own image. It made her uncomfortable. She felt ugly both in the inside and the outside. She wanted to get back to her book where she could pretend to be someone else. <br>Her parents might ignore her outside appearance – but the mirror and the kids reaction at school showed her what a mess she was. And while she kept her inside feelings hidden from her parents – she knew them for what they were and hated herself for it. She knew she was a failure in many ways, but the grains planted from her childhood still made her feel superior to others – even when she wasn't. <br><br>Laying in bed reading she drowned her thoughts.<br><br>--- The elfin queen granted Mist, the village looser, her beauty back. It had been taken away from her at an early age and she was now getting it back after helping the elfin kingdom when others spurned her. Mist was surprised at her body – she was so used to being ugly that she broke out in tears. Immediately others looked at her differently because she had saved the kingdom…<br><br>‘Yea right, appearance is what made them change their mind… but no matter.’ Aphrodite thought to herself. <br><br>… Mist was then able to move away from her cottage to be a personal attendant to the queen. In the end she married the queen’s son, happily married, etc. etc.---<br><br>‘Even in fairy tales appearance matters I guess. I wish I could become someone else like Cinderella or Mist, a swish of a wand and BAM: hot babe. Not in real life though’ <span style="font-style: italic;">Sigh</span>. <br><br>Her parents walked in as she contemplated this. <br><br>“Hey Honey, Happy 16th Birthday again! It only comes once! Oh, to be young again!” Her mother merrily commented. She had a book in her hand and sat down on Aphrodite’s bed.<br><br>“Hey Bug! How ya feeling?” Her dad added.<br><br>“I’m okay. I don’t feel much different.” ‘Other than uncomfortably full that is – but sleep will make it go away soon.’ <br><br>“Here honey, for you!” Her mother handed her the book she was holding. Titled: “The Highlander’s Bride”. The cover showed a scantily clad couple groping each other. Her mother wrote... descriptive... romances and always gave her a copy of her new releases. <br><br>She smiled. “Thanks mom...” – She was used to it. Her mother had been giving her these novels since she could read. ‘Nothing wrong with understanding human desire.’ She would say. But what mother gives her 5-year old daughter erotic novels? … ‘This one.’<br><br>“No, no honey! Look at the first page!” Aphrodite turned the page and looked at what it said: <span style="font-style: italic;">Dedicated to Aphrodite. My lovely daughter.</span> Groan. ‘Oh God. Did she have to make it so public?’ “See!? I dedicated it to you! For your birthday! What do you think?”<br><br>“It’s great mom! I love it! Thank you so much!” She forcibly smiled. ‘Hopefully her classmates wouldn't get wind of this. Life could only get worse. Granted, her mother had a pen name… but how many people were named Aphrodite in this day and age?’<br><br>Her father smiled at her understandingly. He knew how… detached from reality her mother was sometimes. But then again – so was he. Every birthday they would give her novels and videogames, novels and videogame, novels and videogames, etc. <br><br>She read every one of her mother’s novels – even if the genre wasn't the one she preferred. She was more of a fantasy and sci-fi girl. There is a difference! As for games, she had played the ones her father developed briefly – but soon got tired of them. She wasn't much of a gamer. But she played to appease her father – and he loved her for it. <br><br>“My turn! Guess what I got you?” he smiled mischievously.<br><br>“Hmm… I don't know… A swimming pool!” she smiled brightly. It was one of their games. Every year he asked, knowing that she knew he was going to give her another game. After he stopped making his own games – he gave her popular ones that he thought she would like. Every year she pretended she didn't know she guessed something outlandish… which he would then also give her. When she was 7 it was a pony, when she was 8 it was a ferret, 9: cat, 10: dog, 11: turtle, 12: Koi pond (with Koi in it… obviously). After her animal phase – 13: 1,000 dollars (checking if her dad would just give her money if she asked – yes), 14: library (she wanted one of those rooms you read about in fantasy novels with shelves and shelves of books – she got it), 15: car (driver’s permit age). So now she wanted a swimming pool. She was pushing the boundaries to see when her dad would say no.<br><br>“Sorry bug. It's a capsule. Remember that game I was talking about at dinner? Royal Road?” At her blank stare, he added, “The one from Korea?” At that she remembered. And smiled. She was used to the games. The capsule thing was new – but whatever. <br><br>“Aww thanks daddy! I’ll be sure to try it out first thing tomorrow!”<br><br>“Great! I’m sure you will love it! I haven’t tried the released version yet – so you will have to give me your opinion about it. I put the capsule in one of the reading nooks in your library.” He smiled brightly. He always wanted to get her involved with his games. So far it hadn’t worked. But who knew?<br><br>Her parents gave her other congratulatory remarks on her birthday, said goodnight and got up to leave to their own room. <br><br>Before her father went out the door he added, “I’ll see what I can do about the pool tomorrow! What kind of pool do you want?”<br><br>“A big one!” She replied smiling innocently. ‘Let’s see what ‘big’ means to him. Haha.’<br><br>He smiled right back and left. <br><br>Aphrodite put the book away and turned off the light. Taking 5 minutes to get comfortable with her full belly she embraced the oblivion of sleep. By the time she wakes up her stomach, hopefully, won’t hurt anymore… Skill: Comatose digestion.<br><br>----------<br><br>The next morning. Barely… it was 11:50am by the time Aphrodite forced herself out of bed. Her parents were gone again. Nothing unusual.<br><br>Aphrodite had a large brunch. This meant breakfast <span style="font-style: italic;">plus</span> lunch – not breakfast food substituted for lunch… and thought about how to waste her day. <br><br>Automatically she went to her library. She put away the book she had just finished about Mist the day before and thought about her mother’s book. After eating such a large amount of food – she wasn't comfortable reading about all the body descriptions that come along with that genre of book though – so she put it away for later. <br>She browsed the bookshelves for a while and decided on one. She picked it up and headed for her favorite reading nook without further thought. <br><br>There was a capsule there. For a second she was surprised, and then remembered what her father had said. <br><br>‘Did it have to be this nook? This is my favorite one. I guess I’ll have one of the butlers move it.’ She laid her book on the table and was about to head out to fetch one of them, when she thought better of it. <br><br>‘I’ll just get this out of the way, so when dad comes back I can tell him what I think. Then I can have it moved away from the library – this is my place to get away, I don’t need all this clutter. All I need are books. And this thing is <span style="font-style: italic;">huge</span> – I wonder if Dad had to put in a special order to account for me being so big. <span style="font-style: italic;">Hmm</span>. Maybe these capsule thingies are just naturally this big… yeah. Let’s just leave it at that. Ignorance is bliss.’<br><br>She sighed in resignation. Mustered her resolve and entered the capsule.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Connect to Royal Road?<br>Yes | No</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=190&amp;t=1593" target="_blank">Chapter 1.2</a></div><br><br>P.S.: If you've read this far without giving up... kudos to you! As for me: #tableformatingproblems... </div>

So I've been told this chapter is very depressing. I was going for dark humor.... I guess I failed. What I'm saying is... look for the sarcasm in the shitty situation! Chapter 1.1: Does it come in XXXL? Aphrodite is a 15-year old girl. She is slightly un-pretty, slightly overlooked and very antisocial and very overweight. Current status: Hell. Aka, high school. It’s not the academics that she has a problem with. In fact, she loves tests. It’s the people that she can’t handle. Growing up in a rich household that pampered and protected her to the extreme, she grew up thinking of herself as the best. This mentality didn't last long though. In kindergarten she was already quite plump – a result of pampering, level max. Her parents couldn't say no, and neither could the extended staff of her household. So she grew up thinking of herself as a princess – until other kids crushed her perception of reality, to something more… well… real. Kindergarten taught her she was not the center of the universe – a hard lesson for her to learn. She was exasperated when bossing others around wouldn't work like it always had. And then the other kids hated her and called her names. As a result, her self-esteem went down the drain. On the outside though, she wouldn't let it show. She created a bitch persona that she showed everyone. If they didn't like her or didn't want to play with her that was their problem. She wasn't going to change to appease them! This lasted throughout middle school, where she alienated herself from others and continued to be a bitch. All the while her self-esteem becoming lower and lower. In high school, she decided she was going to remake herself and adapt to the ‘environment’. By this time it was already too late though. Having eaten her feelings in the last 8 years, her body was quite huge. People might claim that appearance isn’t everything, but first impressions matter. As a result – she couldn't make up for her lack of people skills and a lack of appearance (a large factor of popularity in high school… if you didn’t notice in that particularly glamorous period of life). And thus the alienation continued. Having put herself on the line to be friends with others, her self-esteem plummeted when it failed and she couldn't even muster the bitch in her. She withdrew into books. In kindergarten she used it as a means of superiority. Having been taught to read at a very early age, her mother was a renowned novelist, she wanted to show off her skills when others were struggling. In middle school she used books as a replacement for friends – since she didn't have any. And in high school they were her escape from reality. She read everywhere. When she woke up and had breakfast with her parents (who were also busy doing other things: reading the newspaper and talking to their agents). On her way to school (personal chauffeur – Gregory). Before class (to avoid people). In class (she already knew all the material by having read in advance). On her way back home, etc. She was very smart, and she knew it. It was the only shred of confidence she had left from her early childhood and she clung to it for a lifeline. She had the best grades – she always had. In a way – she reveled being superior to others subconsciously. But unlike she might have in the past – she kept her feelings to herself and didn't rub it in anyone’s face. Life had humbled her. Speaking of life. Today was her birthday. She was going to be 16 years old. It was not going to be sweet though. Sitting alone on her bed reading about a fantastical world of elves and magic, she imagined herself away from her own life while waiting for her parents to come back home. ---------- Her parents were back. She heard them come in. Sighing herself back into reality, she marked the page and got up to greet them. ‘Finally, some food.’ Running down the stairs of their Victorian Mansion she hugged her parents and quickly led them into the dining room. “Honey, it’s great to see you! Happy Birthday, we are so sorry both of us had to be busy on your birthday! But at least we are here now so we can celebrate!” her mother began. “Ts’alright mom! The cake is the best part of any birthday anyway!” Aphrodite answered. Her mom slightly scowled at her very overweight daughter’s answer – but then shrugged her worries away. As an acclaimed author she lived in her work more than in this world anyways. She loved her daughter, so she let things like appearance slide. She wasn't aware of the solitary life her daughter led and didn't feel like there was that much wrong with her. Her father hugged her tightly while her mother contemplated this. He loved his daughter and didn't see anything wrong with her. “Hey bug! Whatcha been up to!? Did you have fun with your friends today?” he inquired. “Ya, ya. It was a lot of fun. But I’m happy you guys are back most of all!” She answered. She was used to leading her parents to believe she had a normal social life. She even believed it herself sometimes. With so many servants in the house – she often infused a degree of friendship in their relationships – even when this friendship was non-existent. As dinner progressed and she stuffed herself as usual, her parents talked about their trips. Her mother had gone to South America to do some research for her new book – as well as some advertising tours. Her father on the other hand had gone to Korea and was in the midst of describing his trip. “It was the opening ceremony for this virtual reality game from some small-scale company called Unicorn something or other. They had me give a review for the beta version a couple of months ago and called me in for their promo. They invested a lot in this release; unless this game is successful they are definitely going to go bankrupt. Their previous game has lost a lot of its popularity so they are taking a big gamble with this virtual reality. It was an interesting game, but it had a lot of bugs. Unless they fixed them and upgraded some, they are going to be in a lot of trouble. They had me give some speeches about the game; their opening party was tremendous. They really went all out. Now all of their cards are on the table, I hope they don't go belly-up. I kind of enjoyed their previous game. It was lacking in the visual aspects, but Continent of Magicks was a really good game, very overlooked in the rest of the world. But that is to be expected….” Her father was saying. Aphrodite hardly paid attention – when her father started talking about games it was hard to get him to shut up. He was one of the most successful game developers of the United States, making him world-famous. He had stopped developing games about ten years ago though, claiming that invention was for the young and maintenance for the old. Now he mostly managed the company that the built – a very large company. He often received samples for games and was asked to give an opinion. His opinion was greatly treasured in the gaming community. They finished dinner, she got her favorite cake: chocolate and continued to stuff herself until her belly hurt. She didn't know why she did it, but it gave her some comfort to be uncomfortably full. It was like some kind of punishment she gave herself for being who she was. She went upstairs and got ready for bed. Looking in the mirror as she brushed her teeth – she flinched away from her own image. It made her uncomfortable. She felt ugly both in the inside and the outside. She wanted to get back to her book where she could pretend to be someone else. Her parents might ignore her outside appearance – but the mirror and the kids reaction at school showed her what a mess she was. And while she kept her inside feelings hidden from her parents – she knew them for what they were and hated herself for it. She knew she was a failure in many ways, but the grains planted from her childhood still made her feel superior to others – even when she wasn't. Laying in bed reading she drowned her thoughts. --- The elfin queen granted Mist, the village looser, her beauty back. It had been taken away from her at an early age and she was now getting it back after helping the elfin kingdom when others spurned her. Mist was surprised at her body – she was so used to being ugly that she broke out in tears. Immediately others looked at her differently because she had saved the kingdom… ‘Yea right, appearance is what made them change their mind… but no matter.’ Aphrodite thought to herself. … Mist was then able to move away from her cottage to be a personal attendant to the queen. In the end she married the queen’s son, happily married, etc. etc.--- ‘Even in fairy tales appearance matters I guess. I wish I could become someone else like Cinderella or Mist, a swish of a wand and BAM: hot babe. Not in real life though’ Sigh. Her parents walked in as she contemplated this. “Hey Honey, Happy 16th Birthday again! It only comes once! Oh, to be young again!” Her mother merrily commented. She had a book in her hand and sat down on Aphrodite’s bed. “Hey Bug! How ya feeling?” Her dad added. “I’m okay. I don’t feel much different.” ‘Other than uncomfortably full that is – but sleep will make it go away soon.’ “Here honey, for you!” Her mother handed her the book she was holding. Titled: “The Highlander’s Bride”. The cover showed a scantily clad couple groping each other. Her mother wrote... descriptive... romances and always gave her a copy of her new releases. She smiled. “Thanks mom...” – She was used to it. Her mother had been giving her these novels since she could read. ‘Nothing wrong with understanding human desire.’ She would say. But what mother gives her 5-year old daughter erotic novels? … ‘This one.’ “No, no honey! Look at the first page!” Aphrodite turned the page and looked at what it said: Dedicated to Aphrodite. My lovely daughter. Groan. ‘Oh God. Did she have to make it so public?’ “See!? I dedicated it to you! For your birthday! What do you think?” “It’s great mom! I love it! Thank you so much!” She forcibly smiled. ‘Hopefully her classmates wouldn't get wind of this. Life could only get worse. Granted, her mother had a pen name… but how many people were named Aphrodite in this day and age?’ Her father smiled at her understandingly. He knew how… detached from reality her mother was sometimes. But then again – so was he. Every birthday they would give her novels and videogames, novels and videogame, novels and videogames, etc. She read every one of her mother’s novels – even if the genre wasn't the one she preferred. She was more of a fantasy and sci-fi girl. There is a difference! As for games, she had played the ones her father developed briefly – but soon got tired of them. She wasn't much of a gamer. But she played to appease her father – and he loved her for it. “My turn! Guess what I got you?” he smiled mischievously. “Hmm… I don't know… A swimming pool!” she smiled brightly. It was one of their games. Every year he asked, knowing that she knew he was going to give her another game. After he stopped making his own games – he gave her popular ones that he thought she would like. Every year she pretended she didn't know she guessed something outlandish… which he would then also give her. When she was 7 it was a pony, when she was 8 it was a ferret, 9: cat, 10: dog, 11: turtle, 12: Koi pond (with Koi in it… obviously). After her animal phase – 13: 1,000 dollars (checking if her dad would just give her money if she asked – yes), 14: library (she wanted one of those rooms you read about in fantasy novels with shelves and shelves of books – she got it), 15: car (driver’s permit age). So now she wanted a swimming pool. She was pushing the boundaries to see when her dad would say no. “Sorry bug. It's a capsule. Remember that game I was talking about at dinner? Royal Road?” At her blank stare, he added, “The one from Korea?” At that she remembered. And smiled. She was used to the games. The capsule thing was new – but whatever. “Aww thanks daddy! I’ll be sure to try it out first thing tomorrow!” “Great! I’m sure you will love it! I haven’t tried the released version yet – so you will have to give me your opinion about it. I put the capsule in one of the reading nooks in your library.” He smiled brightly. He always wanted to get her involved with his games. So far it hadn’t worked. But who knew? Her parents gave her other congratulatory remarks on her birthday, said goodnight and got up to leave to their own room. Before her father went out the door he added, “I’ll see what I can do about the pool tomorrow! What kind of pool do you want?” “A big one!” She replied smiling innocently. ‘Let’s see what ‘big’ means to him. Haha.’ He smiled right back and left. Aphrodite put the book away and turned off the light. Taking 5 minutes to get comfortable with her full belly she embraced the oblivion of sleep. By the time she wakes up her stomach, hopefully, won’t hurt anymore… Skill: Comatose digestion. ---------- The next morning. Barely… it was 11:50am by the time Aphrodite forced herself out of bed. Her parents were gone again. Nothing unusual. Aphrodite had a large brunch. This meant breakfast plus lunch – not breakfast food substituted for lunch… and thought about how to waste her day. Automatically she went to her library. She put away the book she had just finished about Mist the day before and thought about her mother’s book. After eating such a large amount of food – she wasn't comfortable reading about all the body descriptions that come along with that genre of book though – so she put it away for later. She browsed the bookshelves for a while and decided on one. She picked it up and headed for her favorite reading nook without further thought. There was a capsule there. For a second she was surprised, and then remembered what her father had said. ‘Did it have to be this nook? This is my favorite one. I guess I’ll have one of the butlers move it.’ She laid her book on the table and was about to head out to fetch one of them, when she thought better of it. ‘I’ll just get this out of the way, so when dad comes back I can tell him what I think. Then I can have it moved away from the library – this is my place to get away, I don’t need all this clutter. All I need are books. And this thing is huge – I wonder if Dad had to put in a special order to account for me being so big. Hmm. Maybe these capsule thingies are just naturally this big… yeah. Let’s just leave it at that. Ignorance is bliss.’ She sighed in resignation. Mustered her resolve and entered the capsule. | Connect to Royal Road?Yes | No | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | [Chapter 1.2](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=190&t=1593) P.S.: If you've read this far without giving up... kudos to you! As for me: #tableformatingproblems...

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <p class="cnNmYzZkZDE3N2MxMDRkYWJhNGUzNWIyOTQzMzEzODUz">For a devoted gamer, balanced skill system and the depth of the game are important.<br>In each game, many of those players are giving their utmost efforts to be at the top.</p> <p class="cnM0ODQwNjgzYTE0YzQ2MmU4MjVlMjJkMTVlZDlhYjk5">Yet it is a noob, who feels every single leaf in the game the most,&nbsp;fears every large monster and brags about his new skills. Not a single one of the hardcore players&nbsp;has as many friends as he has – partly due to his inexperience, he plays to be closer to the game itself, not to be the best out there.<br><br>In the darkness, one voice could be heard: „…Select a character name.“</p> <p class="cnM0YTRhNTFhNmY0ZDQ3Mzc5NjI5NmZkYTQ0OGFlNGEy">„Aragorn!“, I replied without hesitation.</p> <p class="cnMwOGRiMTUwNzJkODRjZDNhZDk4ZmE3MjhmYzU4YTYw">Or, to tell the truth, i thought about Glorfindel, too.<br>„This name is already…“</p> <p class="cnMyMjhjNGY5Mzk4MTQyMmViOGQxMDlhOGQ1MDljOTcw">What?</p> <p class="cnNlMTM1MDJiYzkyODQ5YmRhMTgxODc2ZmNkOWQ1Zjgx">I tried several more favourite names, but... it was all in vain. That’s a rather huge problem for me.</p> <p class="cnNkNGU1M2IwOWJkMTQxNjVhYTM3ZTQ2NDlmYWZlYWE1">If it were not for my brother’s words, i would choose LiquidLobster in the end: „Please, i don’t mind your possible playing style or appearance, but choose at least a normal name.“</p> <p class="cnNkNGJjYzEyNGJhYjQzMzk4MDdkNTgzMTRlMTA4YzNl">„Nonsense!“, I shouted upon remembering those words. He’s not a normal person anyway! Hmph!</p> <p class="cnNmMDIyMmFkZjI2YjRjYzFhOWY1YWQwMDliN2Y3MDU3">Fortunately, it seems one can select the name later, because we immediately proceeded to the gender selection. All the heroes from the popular comics, like Jyu Viole Grace and even Jin Mo-Ri are males like me, there’s no reason to be indecisive about something as simple as this!</p> <p class="cnNiZmZhNDVlOTIwZDQxZjJhN2MyYjI1NTI0OGIzMDIy">But the hard part came just now: „Royal Road has forty-nine races. You may select your race from the primary twenty-nine races…“</p> <p class="cnM3NjBhNWQxMWZhMDRiNDU5ZGEyY2VhMjQ4ZGI2NzU2">„Please show me each of them.“</p> <p class="cnM4ZGIxMGY2NzYxZDRmNzFiMzBmZjE5ZTQwNTg2YzY1">After we went throught this selection five more times, i chose some kind of an elf with light blue skin and green hair, since he looked so strong and mysterious.</p> <p class="cnMxZjg2ZjM0YTRkNjQxMGNhYzk2MjUxMzI3YjlmOGJl">„You may alter your appearance.“</p> <p class="cnM5YTZjYmMwZmY5ZTRjYzliMTVmNzE1MWE4NDIzM2Nk">„Make me six years older!“</p> <p class="cnNhNDNmMzI5MmI5NzRkYTJhY2E2NWIwN2FhOTMzNzRi">As i looked rather cool, I was satisfied. To think i have such bright future ahead of me!<br>Somehow, i must figure out how to make my skin blue in the real world, too.<br><br>Surrounded by light, I appeared in the Citadel of Serabourg, with two simple starting weapons – rusty sword and a dagger.</p> <p class="cnMzMDJkMjNkNDUwNzRiN2M5Y2QyMzRlZTkyN2I0YjRk">I equipped the sword, since the latter deals less damage.</p> <p class="cnNlMmMzZWY3ZGM0ODQxYjg4NTM2ODJlZDBhMDdjYjA5">I am at least not so stupid to don’t notice this much!</p> <p class="cnNkMWUwNGNkZjE1ZTQ5OGY4Mzg3NmY5MjQzZjRmYzNj">I also heard that it is best to change your class early in the game. And as i was pondering over the possibillities i luckily came across an experienced player. His armor was emitting red light, so shiny!</p> <p class="cnMwNmYwMWU4ZjY2MjQyMGQ5OTkyNjUyZTU3NTY3N2Nj">He’s bound to be a <em>really high</em> level.</p> <p class="cnNjYzIxZGFhM2NiZTQ4ZGM5ODg0YTFlOTE0MjVlODlj">„Please, may i ask a question?“</p> <p class="cnNlMmIxOTBlMmM4YTRjOGE5N2VlNTc0YmNkZDgwYzI0">When he nodded, i moved on to my acute problem: ,,What is the best class?“</p> <p class="cnM1NzAxYWNjOTA2MTRiYTg5NzQ0OTQ0ODIxMDM3NjZk">„I am a warrior. For me, it is the best class. For you, it could be another one.“, said he with a sigh.</p> <p class="cnMwNDQ5MmUxMWI0NDQxZTQ5MzcyMWVlZGE3YjVjNWNh">,,Then, who is stronger than you?“</p> <p class="cnM3NWYxMTJhYWU3ZjQ2MTc4MjQ1ZTc3YTAyYTBkYzAx">,,Without a surprise attack, I have hard times against a paladin, he against a mage and mage against me. See? There are far more circles like this. It depends on the player, on the skills you train and so on. All of this is only general and there is no class without a weakness.“, he replied as he walked away.</p> <p class="cnM1Nzk1ZjA2MjJjMzRiNDg5ZjQyZWE4MmUxNmRkZjI1">Cool! He really knew a lot.</p> <p class="cnM5NzBhYTk5MmNmODQ4Y2Y5NzQ5ZTJiY2FmODc2MDJl">So it doesn’t matter, which class i’ll choose, since I will naturally be the worst enemy to some other class.<br><br>One insane and arrogant person in our family is already a mage, but being a warrior, he would say it is too easy for me after i‘ll defeat him. Paladins and clerics are so stupid. Everyone would blame me for no reason, just because I have the support role, I suppose.</p> <p class="cnM5YjI0N2UzNWQ5ZTQwMzFiNmY2N2EwYThiZmQ1MjQx">And what about a bard? It’s without a question that i would be much better than the one in the Order of the Stick. Maybe, there are even various instruments to choose from. An electric guitar! With this, my mind was set.</p> <p class="cnM4MzFmYmMwNGY1ZTQ3Y2JhZDhkOTE5OGU4OWEwMzdl">And indeed, they had the electric guitar there as an option, even few of them. But with my money, I couldn’t even afford one tambourine. Full of despair, I sincerely asked the npc: ,,Please, is there any way to cast the music spells with a sword?“</p> <p class="cnMxYjcxZDRiNDk0NTQ5NWM5ODRhYTE3YmE0MTNlMThl">,,All of the music instruments produce necessary vibrations in the air. Without those vibrations, it is impossible, no matter how hard you try. I suggest killing a rabbit or two. By then, you will have enough money to buy a flute. It is the popular starting equipment for all young bards these days. I would especially recommend this one – you can even alter the design for free, to have a unique instrument.“</p> <p class="cnNkYTI2ZDdhNzFkNTQ0ZmVhNmQ1NDhhMjFjMDJkOGY2">So I asked for directions and went to slay few thousands of those daring rabbits. After killing my first one (the one before skillfully evaded all of my blows, he must have been the king, or something), I rested for a while, to replenish my hitpoints.</p> <p class="cnNmM2JlOGJhZGRmZDRiY2FiZGEwZDk1MjAyMmM3NWZh">Full of vigour, I cut myself two times during the furious battle.</p> <p class="cnM3YjhiMWNhMjMyZDRiYzJiY2U2Nzk5ZDE4YWE4OGEz">But I can sure be fearless, if I can survive my mighty swordsmanship. I even didn’t receive any blood poisoning from the rusty sword.<br><br>The other players were much more direct in their hits – they don’t know the lack of mastery behind their strokes.</p> <p class="cnM0NTc5MzNmZTM2NjQ0MjhhMWM3Y2IwOTg4ZGE4Yzc1">When you kill monsters this way, it will become a habit. And with a habit like this, it must be hard to win versus other players. I read a lot of wuxia and I know, that when your strike your opponent, it must not be predictable!</p> <p class="cnMxMDI3YWYzZjdkNzQ4YjFiNjBmYjg3ZTQ1MWQwZmMy">Otherwise, it will be easily countered with another stance.</p> <p class="cnM5NDliZDI1ZWQwOTQ2MjBiY2M4NGM5MzU5YjM2ZjQw">Only one player gave me the right impression – he was fishing near the river. As i came to him, I asked, whether he can teach me how to fish, or not. He was really calm, but I was not upon discovering he was a girl!</p> <p class="cnMwOWE3YmZkZTU4NzQ4ZjM4YTk0NGMzN2Y2ZWUxOWMw">With her stupid hat, no wonder i didn’t notice seeing only her back. Hmph.</p> <p class="cnNmNTM0Njc5NWEyZTRlNDI5MDg5NjgwMWU3NjE1OTRm">At least she got some manners seeing the great me: „You can accept a quest from the fisherman npc. By foot, it is only two minutes this way. When you kill ten rabbits for him, he will give you the basic equipment.“</p> <p class="cnNhZDZjYTFjZjQ4MjRiODY4YTliNDI4Mjk1MGU4Yzg3">The fishing rod i received after completing the task looked better than my sword. Maybe I will receive experience for killing some fish, too? I don’t care about my stats, but I must have the same level as my brother fast, so i can challenge him.<br><br>Time went by really fast, but I decided to not give up until i will catch a fish. When umpteenth fish passed by, I tried to shake the rod a few times. As the water rippled, I scared the fish. But as I thought it over, in this river, there must be predators among them.</p> <p class="cnMxMTY1ZDg2OGNiMDRiMGFiNDU4ODQ5ZjQ2NWE3NWVj">And these will seek any disturbance in the water for certain. The number of waves on the surface was proportional to the numbness I felt in my hands. With much rage, I forgot myself and used my bard skill, &gt;Crescendo&lt;, as to kill all the accumulated frustration within me.</p> <p class="cnMzZGZiODE3NjFkMDQ3MmVhMWMxZTc5YjdmYmM4M2U5">You know… unrewarding class and then this… I winked few more times, before I finally managed to grasp the situation. I used my bard skill with a fishing rod!<br><br>I once saw a film with the name Pirates of the Cyribbean or a similar one. There was this scary Dennis Jones, playing piano in the cursed ship. Now, he has a rival!</p> <p class="cnMxMzk1ZmU1MWYxODQyYWE4OTJiM2NhMWViNzYyYTRk">I will fill the depths of the sea with my music! So much proud of myself, I lifted the fishing rod high into the sky (you know…) and then with the air of a true hero the fishing line descended upon the small, orange and neon monster, as we call it, in the conversational way: a fish.</p> <p class="cnMzMzExNjE4ZDhjZjRlMzRhNTM2NTFmZTgzNTFhZDAy">With my shout „Crescendo!“ the suddenly-not-so-allmighty fish underwent a one phase in it’s life, a rupture.</p> <p class="cnNjZjM1NWRlOWZhYjRhODJhOTczZjYzYTE5YTA2NmJm">But in the dark night, it was just another of the recently firework displays. I was far from being fed up with this magical scene, so i really didn’t regret, that i had spent few hours trying to fish without a fishing bait. For in my mistakes are born miracles!<br><br>-----------------------------------<br>References:<br>Jyu Viole Grace is from the comic Tower of God <a href="http://www.batoto.net/comic/_/comics/tower-of-god-r1" target="_blank">http://www.batoto.net/comic/_/comics/tower-of-god-r1</a><br>Jin Mo-Ri is from the comic The God of High School <a href="http://www.batoto.net/comic/_/comics/the-god-of-high-school-r280" target="_blank">http://www.batoto.net/comic/_/comics/th ... chool-r280</a><br>Order of the stick is a strip-based comic with DnD references <a href="http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0001.html" target="_blank">http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0001.html</a><br>Wuxia is chinese fiction revolving around martial arts <a href="http://wuxiapedia.com/" target="_blank">http://wuxiapedia.com/</a> <a href="http://www.spcnet.tv/forums/forumdisplay.php?29-Wuxia-Translations" target="_blank">http://www.spcnet.tv/forums/forumdispla ... anslations</a></p> </div>

For a devoted gamer, balanced skill system and the depth of the game are important. In each game, many of those players are giving their utmost efforts to be at the top. Yet it is a noob, who feels every single leaf in the game the most, fears every large monster and brags about his new skills. Not a single one of the hardcore players has as many friends as he has – partly due to his inexperience, he plays to be closer to the game itself, not to be the best out there. In the darkness, one voice could be heard: „…Select a character name.“ „Aragorn!“, I replied without hesitation. Or, to tell the truth, i thought about Glorfindel, too. „This name is already…“ What? I tried several more favourite names, but... it was all in vain. That’s a rather huge problem for me. If it were not for my brother’s words, i would choose LiquidLobster in the end: „Please, i don’t mind your possible playing style or appearance, but choose at least a normal name.“ „Nonsense!“, I shouted upon remembering those words. He’s not a normal person anyway! Hmph! Fortunately, it seems one can select the name later, because we immediately proceeded to the gender selection. All the heroes from the popular comics, like Jyu Viole Grace and even Jin Mo-Ri are males like me, there’s no reason to be indecisive about something as simple as this! But the hard part came just now: „Royal Road has forty-nine races. You may select your race from the primary twenty-nine races…“ „Please show me each of them.“ After we went throught this selection five more times, i chose some kind of an elf with light blue skin and green hair, since he looked so strong and mysterious. „You may alter your appearance.“ „Make me six years older!“ As i looked rather cool, I was satisfied. To think i have such bright future ahead of me! Somehow, i must figure out how to make my skin blue in the real world, too. Surrounded by light, I appeared in the Citadel of Serabourg, with two simple starting weapons – rusty sword and a dagger. I equipped the sword, since the latter deals less damage. I am at least not so stupid to don’t notice this much! I also heard that it is best to change your class early in the game. And as i was pondering over the possibillities i luckily came across an experienced player. His armor was emitting red light, so shiny! He’s bound to be a *really high* level. „Please, may i ask a question?“ When he nodded, i moved on to my acute problem: ,,What is the best class?“ „I am a warrior. For me, it is the best class. For you, it could be another one.“, said he with a sigh. ,,Then, who is stronger than you?“ ,,Without a surprise attack, I have hard times against a paladin, he against a mage and mage against me. See? There are far more circles like this. It depends on the player, on the skills you train and so on. All of this is only general and there is no class without a weakness.“, he replied as he walked away. Cool! He really knew a lot. So it doesn’t matter, which class i’ll choose, since I will naturally be the worst enemy to some other class. One insane and arrogant person in our family is already a mage, but being a warrior, he would say it is too easy for me after i‘ll defeat him. Paladins and clerics are so stupid. Everyone would blame me for no reason, just because I have the support role, I suppose. And what about a bard? It’s without a question that i would be much better than the one in the Order of the Stick. Maybe, there are even various instruments to choose from. An electric guitar! With this, my mind was set. And indeed, they had the electric guitar there as an option, even few of them. But with my money, I couldn’t even afford one tambourine. Full of despair, I sincerely asked the npc: ,,Please, is there any way to cast the music spells with a sword?“ ,,All of the music instruments produce necessary vibrations in the air. Without those vibrations, it is impossible, no matter how hard you try. I suggest killing a rabbit or two. By then, you will have enough money to buy a flute. It is the popular starting equipment for all young bards these days. I would especially recommend this one – you can even alter the design for free, to have a unique instrument.“ So I asked for directions and went to slay few thousands of those daring rabbits. After killing my first one (the one before skillfully evaded all of my blows, he must have been the king, or something), I rested for a while, to replenish my hitpoints. Full of vigour, I cut myself two times during the furious battle. But I can sure be fearless, if I can survive my mighty swordsmanship. I even didn’t receive any blood poisoning from the rusty sword. The other players were much more direct in their hits – they don’t know the lack of mastery behind their strokes. When you kill monsters this way, it will become a habit. And with a habit like this, it must be hard to win versus other players. I read a lot of wuxia and I know, that when your strike your opponent, it must not be predictable! Otherwise, it will be easily countered with another stance. Only one player gave me the right impression – he was fishing near the river. As i came to him, I asked, whether he can teach me how to fish, or not. He was really calm, but I was not upon discovering he was a girl! With her stupid hat, no wonder i didn’t notice seeing only her back. Hmph. At least she got some manners seeing the great me: „You can accept a quest from the fisherman npc. By foot, it is only two minutes this way. When you kill ten rabbits for him, he will give you the basic equipment.“ The fishing rod i received after completing the task looked better than my sword. Maybe I will receive experience for killing some fish, too? I don’t care about my stats, but I must have the same level as my brother fast, so i can challenge him. Time went by really fast, but I decided to not give up until i will catch a fish. When umpteenth fish passed by, I tried to shake the rod a few times. As the water rippled, I scared the fish. But as I thought it over, in this river, there must be predators among them. And these will seek any disturbance in the water for certain. The number of waves on the surface was proportional to the numbness I felt in my hands. With much rage, I forgot myself and used my bard skill, >Crescendo<, as to kill all the accumulated frustration within me. You know… unrewarding class and then this… I winked few more times, before I finally managed to grasp the situation. I used my bard skill with a fishing rod! I once saw a film with the name Pirates of the Cyribbean or a similar one. There was this scary Dennis Jones, playing piano in the cursed ship. Now, he has a rival! I will fill the depths of the sea with my music! So much proud of myself, I lifted the fishing rod high into the sky (you know…) and then with the air of a true hero the fishing line descended upon the small, orange and neon monster, as we call it, in the conversational way: a fish. With my shout „Crescendo!“ the suddenly-not-so-allmighty fish underwent a one phase in it’s life, a rupture. But in the dark night, it was just another of the recently firework displays. I was far from being fed up with this magical scene, so i really didn’t regret, that i had spent few hours trying to fish without a fishing bait. For in my mistakes are born miracles! ----------------------------------- References: Jyu Viole Grace is from the comic Tower of God <http://www.batoto.net/comic/_/comics/tower-of-god-r1> Jin Mo-Ri is from the comic The God of High School [http://www.batoto.net/comic/\_/comics/th ... chool-r280](http://www.batoto.net/comic/_/comics/the-god-of-high-school-r280) Order of the stick is a strip-based comic with DnD references <http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0001.html> Wuxia is chinese fiction revolving around martial arts <http://wuxiapedia.com/> [http://www.spcnet.tv/forums/forumdispla ... anslations](http://www.spcnet.tv/forums/forumdisplay.php?29-Wuxia-Translations)

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> hi to everyone which is reading this i have got up to the point where Richard/Strazio will get a class the only problem is that i have got idea for it but are unsure how to go about this. i have a few ideas<br><br>idea 1 <span style="font-weight: bold;">God Slayer</span><br>ability : this class gain power by dealing with god, of course this will make him a little OP to fight against gods<br><br>idea 2 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Shadow Dancer</span>ability: gains power by slaying the people who torturer him in real life. less powerful <br><br>if you have an idea of a good class you don't mind me using. chose <span style="font-weight: bold;">Other</span> and comment down below <br><br>note i have only said abit about the classes and the rest of it is going to be a secret also even if a God Slayer or Shadow Dancer win it does not mean that i will chose that class </div>

hi to everyone which is reading this i have got up to the point where Richard/Strazio will get a class the only problem is that i have got idea for it but are unsure how to go about this. i have a few ideas idea 1 God Slayer ability : this class gain power by dealing with god, of course this will make him a little OP to fight against gods idea 2 Shadow Dancerability: gains power by slaying the people who torturer him in real life. less powerful if you have an idea of a good class you don't mind me using. chose Other and comment down below note i have only said abit about the classes and the rest of it is going to be a secret also even if a God Slayer or Shadow Dancer win it does not mean that i will chose that class

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-style: italic;">* thoughts*</span><br><br>~sound effects~<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">+++++</div><br><br><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chapter 13: New Training Method</span><br><br><br><br>The Next day, Neuron was woken up by Brairan and groggily brought to the archery, well it is natural that he was sleepy, he trained throughout the night, Warnton seemed to be fine though, as he got up and followed them.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*How is that possible, we both trained till midnight was long past, but how is he like as neat as a pin, and I can`t even hold my eyes open*</span><br><br>But this issue was cleared, as soon as they entered the archery.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Wow*</span><br><br>All targets have been removed and fixed to the wall in the back, there also seemed to be more than were in the shooting range before, because the whole wall was covered with them. While Neuron was admiring the sight Brairan came back, well Neuron didn`t even notice him gone, with many rolls of paper in his arms, unfolding them before Neuron.<br><br>“Are these….?”<br><br>“Yes they are life sized targets of many critters you`ll face out there in the world”<br><br>As soon as he heard this, Neuron browsed through them, there were many animals in there, and also human shapes, Trolls, goblins and so on. All of them had circles drawn on them, to indicate, were a hit is deadly.<br><br>“They are great, who made them?”<br><br>“Me” Brairan said while looking proud<br><br>“Really?, I believed that you can`t draw”<br><br>“There you are Mistaken Warnton”<br><br>“Hey Brairan, can I try them out?”<br><br>“Sure, do your worst”<br><br>At this Neuron bounced up, all his sleepiness gone, and fastened some of the targets on the wall, beginning to shoot at them, while extending the distance, so that he could see, even from a distance, from the shape of the creature alone, were he should hit it.<br><br>After doing it for a while, getting better and better at it, Brairan came again near him, and this time Neuron recognized the look he gave him and asked: “So what else do you have in store?”<br><br>“You noticed?” he said with a disappointed look<br><br>“No, I could just read it from your face”<br><br>“Good, good, so now turn around”<br><br>While Neuron turned around Brairan gave Warnton a wink, who was strangely on the roof of the archery.<br><br>At this Warnton tossed an arrow stop down, basically a thin woven net that can stop arrows.<br><br>“And what is this for?”<br><br>“Just wait” was the answer<br><br>“Afterwards Warnton fixed a wooden bar on the roof<br><br>“Come on tell me”<br><br>But he remained silent, while Warnton roped a target down; this target was just a circular cylinder, with yellow circles drawn on it.<br><br>“Ah, now I get it, but why do you do all of that for me?”<br><br>“To relief boredom”, was the only answer he received, “Good, and now begin”<br><br>Well the first arrow wasn`t hard, but after it, the target swung and circled around violently, and thus Neuron had to aim longer, and also to wait, till the perfect opportunity for a shot presented itself.<br><br>Hitting this particular target proved to be very difficult for Neuron, he had to stay really long in the ready position, till he finally could shoot the arrow, and even that wasn`t a guarantee for hitting, because the target swayed in an unpredictable pattern, because it was impaired from all the arrow sticking out.<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;"> Accuracy</span><br>You can hit targets more easily<br>You are prohibited from distributing stat bonus points to this stat, and it rises spontaneously, depending on the avatar’s action.</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>During the day Neuron received a whisper from Kyle<br><br>“Hello, do you have something to do”<br><br>“Well, yes, but speak, it will be good training”<br><br>“Ok?”<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*What is he up to now?* </span><br><br>“Anyways, I have decided to learn Blacksmithing, do you know where I could?”<br><br>“Of course, come to the archery, then I`ll introduce you”<br><br>“Thanks man, what where those strange sounds I kept hearing”<br><br>“Oh, nothing, I’m just shooting while whispering”<br><br>“Good, see you soon then.”<br><br>Soon after a panting Kyle entered the archery<br><br>“Don`t tell me you run from the training ground till here”<br><br>“Yup, so where is the Blacksmith”<br><br>“Over there” answered Neuron while pointing over to Warnton who was also enjoying himself while shooting arrows.<br><br>“Wait, him!?”<br><br>“Why, is there a problem?”<br><br>“No, no, I just saw him some time ago in the training ground, as soon as he entered master lashed out at him with his sword, he blocked it as if he was anticipating it, and then the most awesome fight I ever saw began”<br><br>“Ah yeah, Brairan did mention something like that” Replied Neuron lackadaisically while shooting another arrow.<br><br>“Hey why are you shooting, while talking with me?”<br><br>“To train” was the simple answer, “just go over to him, he won`t eat you”<br><br>At this Kyle slowly went over to Warnton.<br><br>“Hello?”<br><br>“Ah, hello, and who might you be,… oh…wait I do recognize you from somewhere, didn`t you shoot inside this archery, while I was helping out Brairan, you just shot arrows till you got the skill and then left, without ever gathering the arrows you shot!”<br><br>While speaking Warnton became angrier each moment, and Kyle was shivering at the end, but then he remembered, that Neuron had helped him gather the arrows he shot, so he can`t mean him.<br>“W..w..well, y…y..ou mm…igh…t mmmean mmy brother” he stuttered”<br><br>“Hah!, so it is your duty to educate him!”<br><br>“Hey Warnton, don`t tease him, he is a friend of mine.”<br><br>“Oh, sorry, I went too far, but this bothered me for a while, so I decided to give that boy a lecture, and seeing he is his brother, o well” He said, while looking at Kyle who went as pale as a sheet of paper. “So what can I do for you”<br><br>After Kyle regained his composure: “I`d really like to become a Blacksmith, so that I’ll be able to forge and repair my gear by myself.”<br><br>“Good to hear that, now follow me, Hey neuron, do you want to come too?”<br><br>“When I become a Blacksmith, can I then make my own Bows?”<br><br>“……”<br><br>“What?”<br><br>“No, and yes” was the cryptic reply Warnton gave<br><br>“Now come on, say it already!” now Neuron was finally pissed<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*If it’s a bad news spit it out already!* </span><br><br>“Good, but don´t get angry”<br><br>“I promise”<br><br>“Remember that!”<br><br>“…..”<br><br>“Good, so where to start….” Warnton began, but Kyle interrupted him saying<br><br>“It seems, that it is only possible for a Blacksmith to make Bows, when you get to the intermediate stage in Blacksmithing, and even then, you have to find out for yourself, how to do it, because the system won`t give you any advice on how to do it”<br><br>After saying this the shooting range was evacuated, now only Neuron stood there breathing fire and brimstone.<br><br>At a safe distance Kyle was saying: “It seems you know him pretty well”<br><br>“Yeah, we had some shortcomings in the past, but look how he trashes around, isn’t it like a little kid who didn`t get the toy he wanted” said Brairan looking like he enjoyed watching the show<br><br>“Yeah, but this will get him in trouble someday, not to mention the people he`ll travel with” like this Warnton added his worry<br><br>“Tell me about it” was the sad reply Kyle gave.<br><br>Both “I pity you”<br><br>--------<br><br>Now after having calmed down, Neuron was browsing through all the weapons Warnton had for displace while Kyle was being instructed on how to make swords and armors. While doing that, he noticed, that all Weapons where for High level Players, the lowest weapon he found still had a requirement for Level 50.<br><br>“Warnton!”<br><br>“What is it?”<br><br>“You should make some lower weapons too”<br><br>“Why”<br><br>“Soon many People like me will come to this town, and they all will need gear”<br><br>“That’s great, isn`t it” Asked Warnton seeing the look on Neurons face<br><br>Now Kyle began to explain: “Well yeah, but not all freedmen…<br><br>“Freedman?” Interrupted him Neuron<br><br>At this Kyle replied him with a whisper: “That’s how the NPC`S in this game call players”<br><br>“Ok, from the beginning” while saying that he shot a sharp look towards Neuron who only shrugged it off:” Sooner or later many Freedman will come to this town, but they will be rather inexperienced and weak, so they will need lower weapons to fight with too.”<br><br>“Ah I see, thanks for mentioning it” he replied towards Neuron<br><br>“Hey I explained it”<br><br>“Are we going to squabble about who did what?”<br><br>“I give” ~sigh~ and with that Kyle moved his focus to the sword he was forging, noticing that it cooled off, and putting it back into the fire.<br><br>Neuron headed out, because he had nothing to do in here anymore when<br><br>“Hey wait; I might have something for you!” <br><br>Turning around, he saw Warnton hurrying towards him with a book in his arms<br><br>“What is it”<br><br>“I may have information for you on how you can make bows even more powerful than master Blacksmiths can create”<br><br>“I`m all ears”<br><br>“Good; years back, when Brairan came to this village and opened the archery beside my shop, I was intrigued by Bows and Bow shooting, this soon became a hobby for me, with which I can relax. Good, so back to the point” He said, after noticing the annoyed look on Neurons face “So because of that I got interested in Bows, and how to make them, so I tried but failed miserably. Because of that I decided to pay the library a visit, there I found a book that told about a hero of the past time who had incredibly strong bows, if you can belief in the one who has written the story that is. So I read through it, but it didn`t reveal anything.”<br><br>“And? Come on, so what did you do”<br><br>“Nothing, after that I was banned from the library, because one of the books I borrowed somehow ended in the forge…”<br><br>With a grin neuron assumed “I bet you tossed it in, because it didn`t reveal anything”<br><br>…..<br><br><br><br><br><br>…..<br><br><br><br><br><br>“Really!?”<br><br><br><br><br>…..<br><br><br><br><br>“Hrrrm anyways, this is a book I borrowed from there before and I never returned it, I believe if you give it back, they will look for what you request more willingly” With that he gave Neuron the book he carried “beware, librarians are a strange bunch, always preferring books and dust”<br><br>“Thanks I’ll keep that in mind” While exiting he looked at the book Warnton gave him, it had a strange title: <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;"> Weapons and their part in History </span><br>A philosophical work from Kinendas</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">End Chapter 13</div> </div>

* thoughts* ~sound effects~ +++++ Chapter 13: New Training Method The Next day, Neuron was woken up by Brairan and groggily brought to the archery, well it is natural that he was sleepy, he trained throughout the night, Warnton seemed to be fine though, as he got up and followed them. *How is that possible, we both trained till midnight was long past, but how is he like as neat as a pin, and I can`t even hold my eyes open* But this issue was cleared, as soon as they entered the archery. *Wow* All targets have been removed and fixed to the wall in the back, there also seemed to be more than were in the shooting range before, because the whole wall was covered with them. While Neuron was admiring the sight Brairan came back, well Neuron didn`t even notice him gone, with many rolls of paper in his arms, unfolding them before Neuron. “Are these….?” “Yes they are life sized targets of many critters you`ll face out there in the world” As soon as he heard this, Neuron browsed through them, there were many animals in there, and also human shapes, Trolls, goblins and so on. All of them had circles drawn on them, to indicate, were a hit is deadly. “They are great, who made them?” “Me” Brairan said while looking proud “Really?, I believed that you can`t draw” “There you are Mistaken Warnton” “Hey Brairan, can I try them out?” “Sure, do your worst” At this Neuron bounced up, all his sleepiness gone, and fastened some of the targets on the wall, beginning to shoot at them, while extending the distance, so that he could see, even from a distance, from the shape of the creature alone, were he should hit it. After doing it for a while, getting better and better at it, Brairan came again near him, and this time Neuron recognized the look he gave him and asked: “So what else do you have in store?” “You noticed?” he said with a disappointed look “No, I could just read it from your face” “Good, good, so now turn around” While Neuron turned around Brairan gave Warnton a wink, who was strangely on the roof of the archery. At this Warnton tossed an arrow stop down, basically a thin woven net that can stop arrows. “And what is this for?” “Just wait” was the answer “Afterwards Warnton fixed a wooden bar on the roof “Come on tell me” But he remained silent, while Warnton roped a target down; this target was just a circular cylinder, with yellow circles drawn on it. “Ah, now I get it, but why do you do all of that for me?” “To relief boredom”, was the only answer he received, “Good, and now begin” Well the first arrow wasn`t hard, but after it, the target swung and circled around violently, and thus Neuron had to aim longer, and also to wait, till the perfect opportunity for a shot presented itself. Hitting this particular target proved to be very difficult for Neuron, he had to stay really long in the ready position, till he finally could shoot the arrow, and even that wasn`t a guarantee for hitting, because the target swayed in an unpredictable pattern, because it was impaired from all the arrow sticking out. | * AccuracyYou can hit targets more easilyYou are prohibited from distributing stat bonus points to this stat, and it rises spontaneously, depending on the avatar’s action. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | During the day Neuron received a whisper from Kyle “Hello, do you have something to do” “Well, yes, but speak, it will be good training” “Ok?” *What is he up to now?* “Anyways, I have decided to learn Blacksmithing, do you know where I could?” “Of course, come to the archery, then I`ll introduce you” “Thanks man, what where those strange sounds I kept hearing” “Oh, nothing, I’m just shooting while whispering” “Good, see you soon then.” Soon after a panting Kyle entered the archery “Don`t tell me you run from the training ground till here” “Yup, so where is the Blacksmith” “Over there” answered Neuron while pointing over to Warnton who was also enjoying himself while shooting arrows. “Wait, him!?” “Why, is there a problem?” “No, no, I just saw him some time ago in the training ground, as soon as he entered master lashed out at him with his sword, he blocked it as if he was anticipating it, and then the most awesome fight I ever saw began” “Ah yeah, Brairan did mention something like that” Replied Neuron lackadaisically while shooting another arrow. “Hey why are you shooting, while talking with me?” “To train” was the simple answer, “just go over to him, he won`t eat you” At this Kyle slowly went over to Warnton. “Hello?” “Ah, hello, and who might you be,… oh…wait I do recognize you from somewhere, didn`t you shoot inside this archery, while I was helping out Brairan, you just shot arrows till you got the skill and then left, without ever gathering the arrows you shot!” While speaking Warnton became angrier each moment, and Kyle was shivering at the end, but then he remembered, that Neuron had helped him gather the arrows he shot, so he can`t mean him. “W..w..well, y…y..ou mm…igh…t mmmean mmy brother” he stuttered” “Hah!, so it is your duty to educate him!” “Hey Warnton, don`t tease him, he is a friend of mine.” “Oh, sorry, I went too far, but this bothered me for a while, so I decided to give that boy a lecture, and seeing he is his brother, o well” He said, while looking at Kyle who went as pale as a sheet of paper. “So what can I do for you” After Kyle regained his composure: “I`d really like to become a Blacksmith, so that I’ll be able to forge and repair my gear by myself.” “Good to hear that, now follow me, Hey neuron, do you want to come too?” “When I become a Blacksmith, can I then make my own Bows?” “……” “What?” “No, and yes” was the cryptic reply Warnton gave “Now come on, say it already!” now Neuron was finally pissed *If it’s a bad news spit it out already!* “Good, but don´t get angry” “I promise” “Remember that!” “…..” “Good, so where to start….” Warnton began, but Kyle interrupted him saying “It seems, that it is only possible for a Blacksmith to make Bows, when you get to the intermediate stage in Blacksmithing, and even then, you have to find out for yourself, how to do it, because the system won`t give you any advice on how to do it” After saying this the shooting range was evacuated, now only Neuron stood there breathing fire and brimstone. At a safe distance Kyle was saying: “It seems you know him pretty well” “Yeah, we had some shortcomings in the past, but look how he trashes around, isn’t it like a little kid who didn`t get the toy he wanted” said Brairan looking like he enjoyed watching the show “Yeah, but this will get him in trouble someday, not to mention the people he`ll travel with” like this Warnton added his worry “Tell me about it” was the sad reply Kyle gave. Both “I pity you” -------- Now after having calmed down, Neuron was browsing through all the weapons Warnton had for displace while Kyle was being instructed on how to make swords and armors. While doing that, he noticed, that all Weapons where for High level Players, the lowest weapon he found still had a requirement for Level 50. “Warnton!” “What is it?” “You should make some lower weapons too” “Why” “Soon many People like me will come to this town, and they all will need gear” “That’s great, isn`t it” Asked Warnton seeing the look on Neurons face Now Kyle began to explain: “Well yeah, but not all freedmen… “Freedman?” Interrupted him Neuron At this Kyle replied him with a whisper: “That’s how the NPC`S in this game call players” “Ok, from the beginning” while saying that he shot a sharp look towards Neuron who only shrugged it off:” Sooner or later many Freedman will come to this town, but they will be rather inexperienced and weak, so they will need lower weapons to fight with too.” “Ah I see, thanks for mentioning it” he replied towards Neuron “Hey I explained it” “Are we going to squabble about who did what?” “I give” ~sigh~ and with that Kyle moved his focus to the sword he was forging, noticing that it cooled off, and putting it back into the fire. Neuron headed out, because he had nothing to do in here anymore when “Hey wait; I might have something for you!” Turning around, he saw Warnton hurrying towards him with a book in his arms “What is it” “I may have information for you on how you can make bows even more powerful than master Blacksmiths can create” “I`m all ears” “Good; years back, when Brairan came to this village and opened the archery beside my shop, I was intrigued by Bows and Bow shooting, this soon became a hobby for me, with which I can relax. Good, so back to the point” He said, after noticing the annoyed look on Neurons face “So because of that I got interested in Bows, and how to make them, so I tried but failed miserably. Because of that I decided to pay the library a visit, there I found a book that told about a hero of the past time who had incredibly strong bows, if you can belief in the one who has written the story that is. So I read through it, but it didn`t reveal anything.” “And? Come on, so what did you do” “Nothing, after that I was banned from the library, because one of the books I borrowed somehow ended in the forge…” With a grin neuron assumed “I bet you tossed it in, because it didn`t reveal anything” ….. ….. “Really!?” ….. “Hrrrm anyways, this is a book I borrowed from there before and I never returned it, I believe if you give it back, they will look for what you request more willingly” With that he gave Neuron the book he carried “beware, librarians are a strange bunch, always preferring books and dust” “Thanks I’ll keep that in mind” While exiting he looked at the book Warnton gave him, it had a strange title: | * Weapons and their part in History A philosophical work from Kinendas | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | End Chapter 13

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Nearing the exit of the dungeon Alexander saw that it was already day outside, the moment he was fully outside the cave he collapsed, since he was assaulted by unbelievable pain. His wings painfully retracted into his body and skin, muscles and nerves grew back giving the feeling of acid being poured on every inch of his body. <br><br>The black gooey stuff that formed a robe around him seeped back with a scorching pain into his mouth, which felt as if he was drowning or at least how he imagined it to feel like. <br><br>His scythe turned into a bubbling mass in his hand which formed a face. Suddenly he heard a voice in his head:<br><br>“Massssster, you may choose my three extra forms. ”<br><br>“No way! Are you the scythe? That’s a really nice option. You forming a face and speaking in my head surprised me a bit, but this is a game! Ok, I’d like to have these three forms: Bow, Claymore and these two chakrams. Can you make two for me to dual wield them?”<br><br>“Yessss. Very well masssster. ”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Learned new locked skill: Soul Weapon Transform.</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;">Soul Weapon Transform</span><br><br>Change between the three types of weapons your soul weapon can transform in by shouting the key word, which is determined by the types of weapons you choose. At night the soul weapon will always form a scythe at first!<br><br>Health cost: 300 health points<br>Health cost for transformation at night: 100 health points/ second</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">Locked skills. Skills that count as passive skills, with a usage cost and no level.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>The soul weapon transformed into a bow, probably since that was his first weapon choice. The transformation looked amazing, since the soul weapon moved like liquid, slowly forming the weapon and then becoming solid.<br><br>“Pleassssse change the form of the weapon according to how you want it in the future to be. Changing it later on requires a complicated ritual.” <br><br>The bow however was too short for Alexander's liking, so he said:<br><br>“Can you be longer? At least a bit bigger than my height if possible.”<br><br>The bow grew longer according to Alexander's wishes. It was now about half a head taller than him. But when he lifted it up and pulled the string he noticed another problem. The draw length and the draw strength needed for it was much too low to suit his preferences.<br>So he also changed them both to shoot at least 500 meters far. He could make them both much higher than in real life due to having extra strength and agility in game.<br><br>“Finished!”<br><br>“Now pleasssse change the next weapon.”<br><br>The Soul weapon changed into a claymore, which he immediately made longer as well. It was now over 2 meters long with the blade part of the weapon being as long as him tall. Holding it, Alexander was surprised by how light it was. <br><br>“Can you also change weight? If yes please become heavier until I say stop.”<br> <br>Making the sword much heavier Alexander was satisfied. He might not be able to swing this 50kg weapon around fast anymore, but this just meant he would increase his stats wielding it and its destructive force would rise as well. It was already even longer and just as thick as the last one so no changes. If it was stabbed into the ground in front of him he could almost fully hide behind it without being seen from the front.<br><br>“Now the lasssst weapon, masssster. ”<br><br>The soul weapon changed into the two chakrams. <br><br>“Hmm can you add a small spike at the front of the the flat sides.<br><br>A spike the length of his thumb formed on each side of the chakrams. <br><br>“Make them half as long.”<br><br>Alex could now also use these to hit down on weapons and maybe break them in process, while still having the sharp round part of the chakrams acting as a slicing weapon.<br><br>“Finished!”<br> <br>“Thank you masssster. I will now go back to sleep and wait for more souls to eat.”<br><br>~Weird, but still somehow a cool weapon.~ <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Additional effect to Soul Weapon Transform obtained!<br><br>By saying: Arma transmutant X you can transform your weapon.<br>X is gladius for claymore, arcum for bow and sicam for chakrams.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>The unicorn had watched all this with fascinated eyes and now was confused that Alexander displayed a human form unlike before inside the cave. The unicorn's head didn't even reach the shoulders of Alexander, which proved to Alexander that it indeed was young. <br><br>Reactivating system messages he was flooded with notifications of increasing skill proficiencies, stats, levels and even generating a new stat Perseverance.<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;">Toughness</span><br><br>You are able to endure more hits and pain. Cannot distribute any stat points.</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 have cleared the entire Gropper’s nest.<br>Fame +50<br>For clearing it Single-handedly<br>Fame +20</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>He had leveled up 18 times in the cave and had reached lvl. 85. He distributed his stat points with a focus on agility, wisdom and intellect since now he would need more mana to effectively incorporate his mana-consuming skills in a battle. He also put some in strength due to always needing a bit of it.<br><br>His skills had all also increased extraordinarily in proficiency:<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">NON-Class Skills:</span></span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Blacksmithing Lvl. 9:99%<br>Repair Intermediate Lvl.</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Tailoring Lvl. 6: 32%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Illusion Lvl. 7: 24%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Conversion Lvl. 4: 29%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Cooking Lvl. 9: 14%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">First Aid Lvl. 8: 42%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Trapping Lvl. 7: 4%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Taming Lvl. 1: 18%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Bloodlust Lvl. 1: 64%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Dragon Soul Set:<br>Dragon Roar Lvl. 7: 51%<br>Dragon Power Lvl. 5: 19%<br>Dragon Hide Lvl. 5: 17%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Passive: Identify Lvl. 9: 23%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Passive: Vision Lvl. 8: 63%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Passive: Animal Speech Lvl. 1: 15%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Class Skills:</span></span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Wild Hunt Lvl. 1: 0%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Room of Sound Lvl. 1: 13%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Mist of Weakness Lvl. 6: 22%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Passive: Shadow Walk Lvl. 3: 12%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Soul Reaper Set:<br>Soul Weapon Mastery Intermediate Lvl. 6: 35%<br>Soul Eater Lvl. 1:0%<br>Soul Fury Lvl. 4: 67%<br>Soul Slice Lvl. 6: 43%<br>Passive: Soul Harvest Lvl. 8: 72%<br>Soul Suck Lvl. 3: 29%<br>Soul Sense Lvl. 7: 14%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>He couldn't learn even one more skills due to having earned a class and thus being able to learn only ten non-class related skills. Only a few more levels until he reached Lvl. 100 and then he could learn up to 15 skills aside from his class skills.<br><br>“Do you know where the next town or city is.”<br><br>He asked the unicorn, which answered:<br><br>“Yes. But why? Also know that I will be hunted inside.”<br><br>“Don't worry, I can make you seem as if you were an ordinary horse.”<br><br>“How? Which skill or spell can make something like that possible?”<br><br>“I have the illusion skill!”<br><br>“Orange magic? You can perform orange magic! How is that possible?”<br><br>“You know of orange magic? Please tell me what you know. I need to find out more about it.”<br><br>“Not much! Only that it had been supposedly forgotten or rather lost millennia ago. But the unicorn elders might know more.”<br> <br>“Can I meet them?”<br><br>“I am not sure. Normally we do not show our home to others and hide ourselves, but since you have saved me they might just allow it.”<br><br>“That would be great. I was sent on a quest to find out more about orange magic to break an ancient curse. However that can wait. First of all we should find a city since I need to resupply. On our way there I will train my illusion skill to let you look like an ordinary horse, while we are inside it.”<br><br><br><br>For the next two weeks they travelled side by side towards the nearest human settlement. On the way Alexander continuously trained his illusion skill to let the horn disappear and also to let the fur of Shea, which was the name of the unicorn be a little browner and not so pristinely white even after walking for hours on end through the forest and through mud.<br><br>Just before they arrived at the town. Alexander and Shea hid in the forest to wait for his mana to replenish. Then Alexander walked out with Shea who looked like a regular young, light brown horse. <br><br>Naturally he also used the illusion skill to hide his murderers mark, which took quite a lot of training to flawlessly execute. Since maintaining his concentration on these three illusions at the same time was considerably hard by itself but to execute these three at the same time, while also being able to focus on his surroundings and react to them was the truly difficult part. <br><br>The guards who were NPC's sceptically looked at Alexander due to his high infamy and told him to watch what he was doing inside the town. Luckily the illusion skill made them less wary and allowed him as a PK’er inside the town.<br> <br>It was a small town almost as small as a regular village, which had a lot of activity though. NPC's and users were bustling about. Walking at the edges of the crowd, since both Alexander and Shea felt uncomfortable with that many other people around them although for different reasons. Alexander due to bearing the murderer’s mark and Shea due to being one of the mythical unicorns that were hunted for their magical horns.<br><br>This village wasn't a starting town, but was rather for players just above lvl. 50 due to the hunting grounds surrounding it, so the players as well weren't considered newbies anymore. <br><br>Alexander had collected 40 gold coins by looting the players in the citadel of Serabourg, the undead and the grasshopper creatures. Quickly but nonetheless cautiously they moved at the edges of the crowd to find a blacksmith to replace the portable furnace for a better model, which allowed higher temperatures and more space to melt more metal at once. <br><br>They also found a tailor where he bought himself better equipment than what he was currently wearing. Since his current equipment was at best adequate for Lvl. 50. <br>He also bought new sewing materials and many fabrics and much leather since he really needed to improve his Tailoring to beginner Lvl. 8, so that he could finally acquire the Handicraft skill.<br><br>He also bought spices and some fruits and other snacks for Shea and himself. After buying everything he needed he had less than one gold coin remaining. After finishing his purchases he walked up to different players and asked them where the hardest hunting ground was near the village. He was told that it was the lair of the spider queen. They also told him where to find it. <br><br>Hurrying outside since his mana had completely ran out once more. The other times it had ran out inside the town, they had hidden themselves in dark alleys and even once broken into a house to refill Alexander’s mana to maintain the illusion spell.<br><br>They moved into the forest where Alex could finally release the illusion cast upon them.<br><br>“That was thrilling, but also really uncomfortable, due to always fearing that someone would discover us.” He commented, since it had happened that players as well as guards had come close to them due to seeing Shea’s horn, but when they had gotten close enough they weer affected by the illusion skill as well and didn’t think too much about what they had seen. The guards and other NPC’s had been perplexed, while the players probably thought it was due to sleep loss.<br><br>“I don't even want to imagine what would have happened if the skill had failed and we had been discovered.” Shea replied.<br><br>“No use worrying. Nothing happened and even if something had happened, I am confident enough to say that I would have gotten us out of there by using brute force. Okay now let me get to work.”<br><br>Throwing Shea an apple, Alexander sat down and after activating the dragon power skill, he began to sew. Shea also buffed him and his agility and stamina had both greatly improved thanks to it. <br><br>Shea even though young was quite proficient in buffing spells, but rather lacked in healing or attack spells. She was also only at level 54 due to her not being able to fight as well as other unicorns her age. She said it was, because she was too timid for a fight and also not proficient enough in damage skills. Her most proficient skills however were of the defensive type making her a laughing stalk amongst the younger unicorns, especially the males.<br><br>Alexander sewed for an entire 2 weeks to reach beginner Lvl. 8 and finally collapsed due to having worked almost nonstop for the last 50 hour end-stretch. You have learned the skill Handicraft<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;">Handicraft</span><br><br>A handicraft is any of a wide variety of types of work where useful and decorative objects are made completely by hand or by using only simple tools. It increases both damage dealt by fists and also damage dealth with melee and ranged weapons.<br>Raised as a by product of other craft related skills</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">Due to having reached limit of learnable skills, the Hadnicraft Skill will be unavailable until freeing up skill slots!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Finally!”<br><br>He loudly exclaimed. He woke Shea up with his shout as well as frightening a few animals in the surrounding trees and on the ground.<br> <br>The first few nights the transformation had been extremely painful and his screams would have alerted the guards and players if it weren't for the room of sound skill. But it became less and less painful. Partly due him getting used to it and also due to his toughness stat raising quite a bit each time. Even though it was becoming less and less painful it was still horrible and hurt like hell! <br><br>Sewing with his skeleton hands in his reaper form surprisingly wasn't any different to sewing with his normal hands. He was no good both times, which was the reason it had taken so long to increase his tailoring by even a few levels.<br><br>Standing up he and Shea made their way to the lair of the spider queen to become stronger and especially increase their skill proficiencies. Shea particularly wanted to train her attacking skills and due to now joining Alexander in a party also her healing spells that will be crucial to survive in higher difficulty regions. <br> <br>They needed to get stronger since the areas surrounding the home of the unicorns was inhabited by very strong monsters that were around level 350-400. Young unicorns were all set out somewhere in the continent to get stronger on their own and they then journeyed to reach their home place. It was made more difficult due to the home place being in a special dimension that changed its entrance in this world irregularly. Shea most likely was the only unicorn with a companion due to them being extremely cautious and mistrusting beings.<br> <br>They both knew that it would take quite a long to get strong enough to even think of journeying there, so they were in no real hurry and wanted to explore many places on the continent on their adventure first, which also meant they couldn’t exactly slack off in getting stronger.<br><br>Arriving at the entrance to the lair, which again was a cave much to Alexander's happiness. Heavy sarcasm intended. <br><br>Alex quickly used the illusion skill since players were spread out all around the entrance prepping up or just leisurely waiting for team members or something similar.<br> <br>Good thing that nobody seemed to have noticed that Shea had a horn or changed her colour from white to light-brown in the blink of an eye.<br> <br>Walking towards the entrance some groups of players stopped him to ask what class he was and if he wanted to join their parties. Most of them assumed that he was some kind of monk or martial artist since he didn't carry any weapons, which he didn't need anymore due to his soul weapon which was currently a bracelet on his right arm. And also because he wore light armour.<br> <br>"Join our party. We can use an agile fighter. "<br>"Join us. We will sweep through the lair"<br>And similar things were said to him. But he replied to all :" No, thanks. We will be fine on our own. "<br>They were all confused after he said this. Some at first because he said we even though he was clearly alone with only his horse. But most because they couldn't believe him since even the current highest level players were only in the level eighties and they would have problems soloing a lvl. 70 dungeon. <br><br>Undisturbed by their stares Alexander and Shea went into the dungeon. Maybe they weren't fully undisturbed since both of them were nervous due to having to keep up the illusion skill and not liking to be the center of attention. <br>Thankfully the further in they went the darker the cave got and finally Alex felt safe enough to dispel the skill. Walking a bit further they arrived in a small cave which had a dozen or more different entrances. <br><br>Alexander finally transformed into his reaper form since this seemed to be the real entrance to the lair. Both activated their Soul-sense skill and finally decided on one of the tunnels due to the most souls being located inside. They hurried towards the entrance, since they could see the light of a torch getting stronger in one of the other entrances, which meant players were coming towards the cave they were currently in. <br><br>Both of them didn't need a torch inside this almost pitch black cave. Alex was fine with his upgraded vision skill, which had reached the late intermediate levels and Shea could see in the dark since she was born due to a certain uniqueness in the eyes of unicorns. <br><br>Alex didn’t have qualms killing the spiders inhabiting this dungeon due to them being bloodthirsty, senseless killers and mutations to normal spiders. Walking through the tunnel Shea started to hear small clicking sounds, which she told Alexander telepathically.<br><br>Using soul sense once more Alexander realized that they were very close to the first enemy spiders. So he whispered:<br><br>“Please buff us, Shea.”<br><br> Shea cast the buffs she could use and a white light surrounded them due to the holy magic Shea used. Apparently holy magic didn't hurt Alexander even though he had a skeletal body. But only buffing spells could be used on him. Healing spells didn't have any effect when he was in this form, which they had found out after Alexander fell down a small cliff hidden behind bushes, while he was talking to Shea on their way to the human settlement. He had been distracted by maintaining the illusion skill and talking at the same time.<br><br>The moment the white glow started emitting from them the shuffling and scuttling sound of the spiders feet had stopped. Going further down the tunnel, they were in a big cavern that was eerily silent. Stopping at the entrance of the tunnel they were in they both finally looked up after scanning the room for spiders, but not seeing any, to see hundreds of eyes looking down on them. <br><br>As if waiting for a perfect opportunity the spiders had stayed quiet to ambush them, but now they were seen, so they collectively jumped on Alexander and Shea. <br><br> A blinding shield of light was erected around the two of them on which the spiders that were as big as small dogs landed. It was one of Shea’s defensive skills called &lt;Shield of light&gt;! The spiders shrieked due to the sudden brightness and even Alexander was momentarily blinded. Shea had reacted out of panic and not thought of what effect it would have on him as well. <br><br>~Nevermind that for now. We’ll become a better team over time.~<br><br>“Dragon Roar!”<br><br>The skill had leveled up a few times and was now also amplified due to the form of the cave they were in and resounded as an echo. <br>Many spiders were stunned and without missing a beat Alexander sliced through them with a swing of his scythe in a wide arc. <br><br>Jumping back just as Shea had finished her incantation, which he had judged according to the quickly intensifying red light surrounding her. She used &lt;Spitfire&gt;, which created a stream of flame from her horn. She engulfed the spiders in front of them with hot flames that aren't particularly damaging but have the annoying ability to burn for 20 sec. on every surface, while being extremely hard to put out.<br><br>The spiders caught fire and the fire started to spread from spider to spider due to them panicking and scurrying around, the fire on the spiders was illuminating the cavern they were in. The sight was amazing. At least a thousand spiders were on the ground, the walls and the ceiling around them.<br><br>“Dragon Hide!”<br><br>Alexander whispered and was finally attacked by the now furious spiders after the effects of the shield disappeared. Slashing and hacking Alexander desperately fought of the spiders and was happy that they had the tunnel behind them so no spider could attack from there. Shea aided him by using shield of light a few times to give him time to bandage his wounds. She also used as many of her aoe spells as possible. They included &lt;spitfire&gt; and &lt;star rain&gt; , which was a shower of sharp needles made of holy energy.<br> <br>After almost an entire hour of desperate fighting they finally managed to clear this cavern even though the spiders weren’t all that strong. At the other end of the cavern was another tunnel. <br><br>Walking through it, they arrived at another chamber with different possible entrances. Following the tunnel with the most life forms they made their way into the heart of this bee-hide or rather ant-hide like cave. <br><br>After a few days of killing masses of spiders, exploring the caverns and also getting lost, since it seemed that following the most life forms wasn’t ultimately the correct direction, they arrived at a chamber that was illuminated by fungi on the walls.<br><br>In the middle of the chamber lay a huge spider, which was at least size of a van. It was the spider queen according to the golden name above her head. It being golden of color meant this was a boss-class monster. They were stronger than even the same monster type at 50 levels higher than them.<br><br>Quietly sneaking up to the queen that seemed as if she were sleeping, Alexander raised the scythe and used &lt;Soul slice&gt;. <br>The queen woke up with a screech that left Alexander stumbling backwards holding his ears, but fortunately holding onto the scythe.<br><br>Shea too stumbled away from this horrifying noise. Even though Alexander’s dragon roar was quite loud, it couldn't be heard far into tunnels, which were twisting and turning constantly. But the screech of the spider queen was in an entirely different dimension of loudness! It was loud enough to be heard by all spiders inside the entire lair and all players or other creatures inside it. Even outside the entrance one could hear it if one listened closely.<br><br>All spiders, even the ones engaged in fighting other groups of players suddenly started to rush towards the queen, which left the players confused!<br><br>"What was that?"<br>“What happened?”<br>“Was that ….?”<br>“Yes I think so!”<br><br>All players reached the same conclusion. Someone had found the spider queen!<br> <br>The players inside quickly followed the spiders, but most couldn't keep up. Nonetheless those that could. Assassins, monks, made signs on the way, while tracking the spiders that were accelerating to a speed that was even too fast for them to follow, so team members could follow their trail. It was the first time that someone had reached the spider queen. It was a huge lair with at least 100.000 spiders inside and hundreds of tunnels forming a labyrinth and no players managed to survive long enough against the quickly reproducing spiders, which only didn't go to the starting cavern due to it being too bright for them there, maybe. <br><br>When other players arrived at the last place approximately 10-15 minutes after the spiders, since they got shaken off and had to track them rest of the way. There they met with a slaughtering where an incredible battle must have taken place. <br><br>When their team mates that were slower finally arrived the various rogues, monks and assassins that stood still at the only entrance to this chamber were completely shocked. Tens of thousands of spiders lay dead around the lifeless body of the huge queen. All loot had been taken and the players or whatever did this was in sight. <br><br>The different groups staring at this scene went outside after not being able to move for 20 minutes due to the shock and sat down together to eat. They discussed how it was possible to kill so many of these spiders so quickly even though they arrived only slightly behind the spiders. And also to discuss how it was possible to kill the spider queen, which was a boss monster equivalent to a Lvl. 130-150 mob. <br><br>Only very few boss monsters had been beaten before and certainly non close to the spider queen’s level. One of the players then said: <br><br>“Someone apparently was able to defeat such a monster.”<br><br>He didn't know how right he was when he said that!<br><br>-----<br>Back to Alexander and Shea at the moment of the screech.<br>-------<br><br>Backing off from the screech. Alexander readied his weapon. Shea had activated her soul sense and told him that many spiders were currently heading their way, so they had to hurry. <br><br>Activating &lt;room of sound&gt; to block out the screech Alexander charged at the spider and swung his scythe at its legs cutting of two in the process. A spider had 8 so cutting of two didn't make it fall down. <br><br>The queen stopped her screech and made a gurgling noise before spitting at Alex , which he dodged by a hairs width due to not wanting to be spit on. Seeing that the spit sizzled on the ground and left behind a hole. He guessed that it was some kind of acid and he was lucky to have dodged it. <br><br>The spider turned to attack him with one of its huge legs, but Alexander noticed it and swung his scythe to slice it off. It met the scythe and fell to the ground with blood spraying off it. The blood also sizzled like acid on the ground. <br><br>Jumping up and to the side he avoided another one of its spit attacks. He landed on the ground and immediately darted to the left since many of the usual spiders started running towards him from the right. Shea used &lt;spitfire&gt; and directly following it with &lt;star shower&gt; aimed behind Alexander directly on the spiders. <br><br>Running at the wall then jumping up and using the wall as a boost backflipped. Some spiders had followed him and couldn’t stop fast enough so they ran straight into the wall. Even before landing he immediately started twisting and spinning his scythe around himself, hitting slashing and smacking the surrounding spiders. <br><br>More and more spiders were coming out of the tunnel connected to this room but also from cracks on the walls and ceiling located everywhere. Shea was in a corner and maintained &lt;shield of light&gt; by repeatedly casting it, around herself. But she wouldn't be able to keep it up for long against such an onslaught of animals. <br><br>The scythe once again was glowing purple due to having reached the maximum amount of souls that could be stored inside, but instead of using soul fury like he normally would have done, which would cause a quick and powerful burst of releasing all souls at once, he controlled the souls he had stored in the scythe to steadily stream out to envelop first his scythe and then his body to hopefully increase his attack and/or his defense.<br><br>Turning around he continued to defend and attack against as many spiders as possible. Sometimes kicking them or even throwing them of his shoulder/back. He turned around quicker and quicker and the souls also turned around quicker and quicker and soon began to slice the souls of the spiders. No physical damage was caused, since they were intangible themselves, but instead caused spiritual damage.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Soul weapon skill learned soul Tornado</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;">Soul Tornado</span><br><br>Wrap all stored souls around your body, then begin to whirl them around yourself. They will increase in speed on their own and reach astonishing speeds that directly cut into the souls of approaching creatures.You will be standing in the center of this tornado and are able to touch and attack through it without getting hurt. Soulless objects aren’t affected.<br> <br>Effect: 1% of attack power damage when it touches any living creature. <br>Mana cost: 30 mana/sec.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Now even without Alexander turning around, the tornado continued to spin. It was also good that the tornado was semi-transparent, since otherwise he wouldn’t see anything beyond it. It was similar to looking through a slightly purple tinted glass.<br> <br>Now running right into the masses of spiders, Alexander now slashed through as many as possible and used soul fury almost continuously due to the amount of enemies killed and souls stored. <br><br>Glancing at Shea through the corner of his eyes he saw that she was still alive and seemed to be in a milky white cocoon with eyes closed and unmoving. It seemed as if she used a skill he didn’t know of. No spider seemed to be able to damage the cocoon but due to their mindlessness they continued to attack. Thousands of spiders kept pouring inside the cavern and if not for the mana and health potions he had bought and looted from players he would have died long ago. <br><br>Their level might not be as high as some of the undead he fought, it was most likely even slightly lower than the gropper’s, but they were many many times more aggressive and numerous than the other enemies he had faced. Seeing that his mana and health was almost depleted and he had no potions left, he decided to try one last thing before miserably dying, hopefully saving Shea’s life in the process. Using the souls in his scythe, he mentally pressed them together to form a condensed ball at the top of his scythe, above the place the blade was attached to the staff part. Aiming the ball quickly at the queen he shouted:<br><br>“BANG!”<br><br>And released the condensed ball towards the spider queen. He had intended to shoot the ball to crash into her, but instead it shot out like a beam, which went right into the head of the queen, thus killing the already weakened queen with a critical hit. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">New locked soul weapon skill learned: Soul Beam</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;">Soul Beam</span><br><br>Gathering stored souls into a ball to release them in a concentrated beam to inflict high damage on a target. <br><br>Effect: 10% attack power per soul used</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 weapon: Scythe form changed appearance due to user’s usage. Creating a spike at the top of the staff.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Accepting the inevitable death since he had achieved in killing the queen and had even gained two new incredible skills during the fight, he waited for the pain accompanying multiple spiders ripping into him with their teeth and poison.<br><br>Ding. Opening his eyes due to the sound of system message and since no pain had come, the first thing he saw was:<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Level up<br>Level up<br>Level up<br>Level up<br>Level 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 colspan="4">You are first to have cleared the entire lair of the spider queen <br>+50 Fame</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">For clearing it Single-handedly<br>Fame +20</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Looking past the messages he saw that Shea was in front of him and had used &lt;shield of light&gt;. The shield flickered and then collapsed just like Shea. Kneeling down he saw that the acid of the queen was on her and quickly burning itself into her. Quickly using one of the knives on his belt to cut out the surrounding parts of the flesh and throwing the skin with acid away from them, Alexander then used first aid to stop the bleeding. <br><br>Shea had recovered enough to use her weak healing spells. Even though they were weak, they were still better than nothing. After a few more healing spells she finally had recovered enough to stand up again. Alex asked:<br><br>Are you alright now? What happened exactly? <br><br>“You critically wounded the spider queen, so all spiders started to rush to her and ignored you due to their queen having sustained such damage that she was about to die. Her body was growing quickly in size, so I suspected that something bad might happen. I ran to you to cover you, since you didn't move, and managed to erect the &lt;shield of light&gt; just before she exploded and her acidic inner fluids reached us. However the shield of light was to weak for such a strong attack, so some of it got through and hit me. The rest of the spiders had died due to the acid.”<br><br>Looking around Alexander realized she was right, due to her having been damaged he hadn’t noticed all spiders lying dead all around them. The spider queen had many holes in her, if one looked closely and some fluids were still leaking out of them. Furthermore most of the spiders in the cave were half gone due to acid or had holes in them. <br><br>Standing up Alex quickly picked up all available loot, like coins, spider threads and even the occasional poison sacks. He followed Shea out through by going up a slope of rocks that had broken form the ceiling after the spider queen’s death or rather her last acid explosion attack. THis slope led to a platform a few meters above the ground and was covered with at least a dozen spider eggs the size of soccer balls. Alexander couldn't bring himself to smash the spider eggs even though it would prevent the spiders from repopulating. He had to leave the possibility of them respawning for other players to use the caves as training ground or rather slaughtering grounds. He even took one with him as a sort of souvenir. Now he was at level 101 and the Handicraft skill was available as well as 4 more skill slots.<br><br>When the eggs cracked the ones that hatched first quickly began destroying the other eggs by pushing them off the platform killing the spiders inside, since they weren’t fully awake yet. The surviving spiders started to fight against each other until only a single spider remained. This spider had become the next queen of the cavern. </div>

Nearing the exit of the dungeon Alexander saw that it was already day outside, the moment he was fully outside the cave he collapsed, since he was assaulted by unbelievable pain. His wings painfully retracted into his body and skin, muscles and nerves grew back giving the feeling of acid being poured on every inch of his body. The black gooey stuff that formed a robe around him seeped back with a scorching pain into his mouth, which felt as if he was drowning or at least how he imagined it to feel like. His scythe turned into a bubbling mass in his hand which formed a face. Suddenly he heard a voice in his head: “Massssster, you may choose my three extra forms. ” “No way! Are you the scythe? That’s a really nice option. You forming a face and speaking in my head surprised me a bit, but this is a game! Ok, I’d like to have these three forms: Bow, Claymore and these two chakrams. Can you make two for me to dual wield them?” “Yessss. Very well masssster. ” | Learned new locked skill: Soul Weapon Transform. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Soul Weapon TransformChange between the three types of weapons your soul weapon can transform in by shouting the key word, which is determined by the types of weapons you choose. At night the soul weapon will always form a scythe at first!Health cost: 300 health pointsHealth cost for transformation at night: 100 health points/ second | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Locked skills. Skills that count as passive skills, with a usage cost and no level. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | The soul weapon transformed into a bow, probably since that was his first weapon choice. The transformation looked amazing, since the soul weapon moved like liquid, slowly forming the weapon and then becoming solid. “Pleassssse change the form of the weapon according to how you want it in the future to be. Changing it later on requires a complicated ritual.” The bow however was too short for Alexander's liking, so he said: “Can you be longer? At least a bit bigger than my height if possible.” The bow grew longer according to Alexander's wishes. It was now about half a head taller than him. But when he lifted it up and pulled the string he noticed another problem. The draw length and the draw strength needed for it was much too low to suit his preferences. So he also changed them both to shoot at least 500 meters far. He could make them both much higher than in real life due to having extra strength and agility in game. “Finished!” “Now pleasssse change the next weapon.” The Soul weapon changed into a claymore, which he immediately made longer as well. It was now over 2 meters long with the blade part of the weapon being as long as him tall. Holding it, Alexander was surprised by how light it was. “Can you also change weight? If yes please become heavier until I say stop.” Making the sword much heavier Alexander was satisfied. He might not be able to swing this 50kg weapon around fast anymore, but this just meant he would increase his stats wielding it and its destructive force would rise as well. It was already even longer and just as thick as the last one so no changes. If it was stabbed into the ground in front of him he could almost fully hide behind it without being seen from the front. “Now the lasssst weapon, masssster. ” The soul weapon changed into the two chakrams. “Hmm can you add a small spike at the front of the the flat sides. A spike the length of his thumb formed on each side of the chakrams. “Make them half as long.” Alex could now also use these to hit down on weapons and maybe break them in process, while still having the sharp round part of the chakrams acting as a slicing weapon. “Finished!” “Thank you masssster. I will now go back to sleep and wait for more souls to eat.” ~Weird, but still somehow a cool weapon.~ | Additional effect to Soul Weapon Transform obtained!By saying: Arma transmutant X you can transform your weapon.X is gladius for claymore, arcum for bow and sicam for chakrams. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | The unicorn had watched all this with fascinated eyes and now was confused that Alexander displayed a human form unlike before inside the cave. The unicorn's head didn't even reach the shoulders of Alexander, which proved to Alexander that it indeed was young. Reactivating system messages he was flooded with notifications of increasing skill proficiencies, stats, levels and even generating a new stat Perseverance. | ToughnessYou are able to endure more hits and pain. Cannot distribute any stat points. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | You have cleared the entire Gropper’s nest.Fame +50For clearing it Single-handedlyFame +20 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | He had leveled up 18 times in the cave and had reached lvl. 85. He distributed his stat points with a focus on agility, wisdom and intellect since now he would need more mana to effectively incorporate his mana-consuming skills in a battle. He also put some in strength due to always needing a bit of it. His skills had all also increased extraordinarily in proficiency: | NON-Class Skills: | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Blacksmithing Lvl. 9:99%Repair Intermediate Lvl. | | | | | Tailoring Lvl. 6: 32% | | | | | Illusion Lvl. 7: 24% | | | | | Conversion Lvl. 4: 29% | | | | | Cooking Lvl. 9: 14% | | | | | First Aid Lvl. 8: 42% | | | | | Trapping Lvl. 7: 4% | | | | | Taming Lvl. 1: 18% | | | | | Bloodlust Lvl. 1: 64% | | | | | Dragon Soul Set:Dragon Roar Lvl. 7: 51%Dragon Power Lvl. 5: 19%Dragon Hide Lvl. 5: 17% | | | | | Passive: Identify Lvl. 9: 23% | | | | | Passive: Vision Lvl. 8: 63% | | | | | Passive: Animal Speech Lvl. 1: 15% | | | | | Class Skills: | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Wild Hunt Lvl. 1: 0% | | | | | Room of Sound Lvl. 1: 13% | | | | | Mist of Weakness Lvl. 6: 22% | | | | | Passive: Shadow Walk Lvl. 3: 12% | | | | | Soul Reaper Set:Soul Weapon Mastery Intermediate Lvl. 6: 35%Soul Eater Lvl. 1:0%Soul Fury Lvl. 4: 67%Soul Slice Lvl. 6: 43%Passive: Soul Harvest Lvl. 8: 72%Soul Suck Lvl. 3: 29%Soul Sense Lvl. 7: 14% | | | | He couldn't learn even one more skills due to having earned a class and thus being able to learn only ten non-class related skills. Only a few more levels until he reached Lvl. 100 and then he could learn up to 15 skills aside from his class skills. “Do you know where the next town or city is.” He asked the unicorn, which answered: “Yes. But why? Also know that I will be hunted inside.” “Don't worry, I can make you seem as if you were an ordinary horse.” “How? Which skill or spell can make something like that possible?” “I have the illusion skill!” “Orange magic? You can perform orange magic! How is that possible?” “You know of orange magic? Please tell me what you know. I need to find out more about it.” “Not much! Only that it had been supposedly forgotten or rather lost millennia ago. But the unicorn elders might know more.” “Can I meet them?” “I am not sure. Normally we do not show our home to others and hide ourselves, but since you have saved me they might just allow it.” “That would be great. I was sent on a quest to find out more about orange magic to break an ancient curse. However that can wait. First of all we should find a city since I need to resupply. On our way there I will train my illusion skill to let you look like an ordinary horse, while we are inside it.” For the next two weeks they travelled side by side towards the nearest human settlement. On the way Alexander continuously trained his illusion skill to let the horn disappear and also to let the fur of Shea, which was the name of the unicorn be a little browner and not so pristinely white even after walking for hours on end through the forest and through mud. Just before they arrived at the town. Alexander and Shea hid in the forest to wait for his mana to replenish. Then Alexander walked out with Shea who looked like a regular young, light brown horse. Naturally he also used the illusion skill to hide his murderers mark, which took quite a lot of training to flawlessly execute. Since maintaining his concentration on these three illusions at the same time was considerably hard by itself but to execute these three at the same time, while also being able to focus on his surroundings and react to them was the truly difficult part. The guards who were NPC's sceptically looked at Alexander due to his high infamy and told him to watch what he was doing inside the town. Luckily the illusion skill made them less wary and allowed him as a PK’er inside the town. It was a small town almost as small as a regular village, which had a lot of activity though. NPC's and users were bustling about. Walking at the edges of the crowd, since both Alexander and Shea felt uncomfortable with that many other people around them although for different reasons. Alexander due to bearing the murderer’s mark and Shea due to being one of the mythical unicorns that were hunted for their magical horns. This village wasn't a starting town, but was rather for players just above lvl. 50 due to the hunting grounds surrounding it, so the players as well weren't considered newbies anymore. Alexander had collected 40 gold coins by looting the players in the citadel of Serabourg, the undead and the grasshopper creatures. Quickly but nonetheless cautiously they moved at the edges of the crowd to find a blacksmith to replace the portable furnace for a better model, which allowed higher temperatures and more space to melt more metal at once. They also found a tailor where he bought himself better equipment than what he was currently wearing. Since his current equipment was at best adequate for Lvl. 50. He also bought new sewing materials and many fabrics and much leather since he really needed to improve his Tailoring to beginner Lvl. 8, so that he could finally acquire the Handicraft skill. He also bought spices and some fruits and other snacks for Shea and himself. After buying everything he needed he had less than one gold coin remaining. After finishing his purchases he walked up to different players and asked them where the hardest hunting ground was near the village. He was told that it was the lair of the spider queen. They also told him where to find it. Hurrying outside since his mana had completely ran out once more. The other times it had ran out inside the town, they had hidden themselves in dark alleys and even once broken into a house to refill Alexander’s mana to maintain the illusion spell. They moved into the forest where Alex could finally release the illusion cast upon them. “That was thrilling, but also really uncomfortable, due to always fearing that someone would discover us.” He commented, since it had happened that players as well as guards had come close to them due to seeing Shea’s horn, but when they had gotten close enough they weer affected by the illusion skill as well and didn’t think too much about what they had seen. The guards and other NPC’s had been perplexed, while the players probably thought it was due to sleep loss. “I don't even want to imagine what would have happened if the skill had failed and we had been discovered.” Shea replied. “No use worrying. Nothing happened and even if something had happened, I am confident enough to say that I would have gotten us out of there by using brute force. Okay now let me get to work.” Throwing Shea an apple, Alexander sat down and after activating the dragon power skill, he began to sew. Shea also buffed him and his agility and stamina had both greatly improved thanks to it. Shea even though young was quite proficient in buffing spells, but rather lacked in healing or attack spells. She was also only at level 54 due to her not being able to fight as well as other unicorns her age. She said it was, because she was too timid for a fight and also not proficient enough in damage skills. Her most proficient skills however were of the defensive type making her a laughing stalk amongst the younger unicorns, especially the males. Alexander sewed for an entire 2 weeks to reach beginner Lvl. 8 and finally collapsed due to having worked almost nonstop for the last 50 hour end-stretch. You have learned the skill Handicraft | HandicraftA handicraft is any of a wide variety of types of work where useful and decorative objects are made completely by hand or by using only simple tools. It increases both damage dealt by fists and also damage dealth with melee and ranged weapons.Raised as a by product of other craft related skills | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Due to having reached limit of learnable skills, the Hadnicraft Skill will be unavailable until freeing up skill slots! | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | “Finally!” He loudly exclaimed. He woke Shea up with his shout as well as frightening a few animals in the surrounding trees and on the ground. The first few nights the transformation had been extremely painful and his screams would have alerted the guards and players if it weren't for the room of sound skill. But it became less and less painful. Partly due him getting used to it and also due to his toughness stat raising quite a bit each time. Even though it was becoming less and less painful it was still horrible and hurt like hell! Sewing with his skeleton hands in his reaper form surprisingly wasn't any different to sewing with his normal hands. He was no good both times, which was the reason it had taken so long to increase his tailoring by even a few levels. Standing up he and Shea made their way to the lair of the spider queen to become stronger and especially increase their skill proficiencies. Shea particularly wanted to train her attacking skills and due to now joining Alexander in a party also her healing spells that will be crucial to survive in higher difficulty regions. They needed to get stronger since the areas surrounding the home of the unicorns was inhabited by very strong monsters that were around level 350-400. Young unicorns were all set out somewhere in the continent to get stronger on their own and they then journeyed to reach their home place. It was made more difficult due to the home place being in a special dimension that changed its entrance in this world irregularly. Shea most likely was the only unicorn with a companion due to them being extremely cautious and mistrusting beings. They both knew that it would take quite a long to get strong enough to even think of journeying there, so they were in no real hurry and wanted to explore many places on the continent on their adventure first, which also meant they couldn’t exactly slack off in getting stronger. Arriving at the entrance to the lair, which again was a cave much to Alexander's happiness. Heavy sarcasm intended. Alex quickly used the illusion skill since players were spread out all around the entrance prepping up or just leisurely waiting for team members or something similar. Good thing that nobody seemed to have noticed that Shea had a horn or changed her colour from white to light-brown in the blink of an eye. Walking towards the entrance some groups of players stopped him to ask what class he was and if he wanted to join their parties. Most of them assumed that he was some kind of monk or martial artist since he didn't carry any weapons, which he didn't need anymore due to his soul weapon which was currently a bracelet on his right arm. And also because he wore light armour. "Join our party. We can use an agile fighter. " "Join us. We will sweep through the lair" And similar things were said to him. But he replied to all :" No, thanks. We will be fine on our own. " They were all confused after he said this. Some at first because he said we even though he was clearly alone with only his horse. But most because they couldn't believe him since even the current highest level players were only in the level eighties and they would have problems soloing a lvl. 70 dungeon. Undisturbed by their stares Alexander and Shea went into the dungeon. Maybe they weren't fully undisturbed since both of them were nervous due to having to keep up the illusion skill and not liking to be the center of attention. Thankfully the further in they went the darker the cave got and finally Alex felt safe enough to dispel the skill. Walking a bit further they arrived in a small cave which had a dozen or more different entrances. Alexander finally transformed into his reaper form since this seemed to be the real entrance to the lair. Both activated their Soul-sense skill and finally decided on one of the tunnels due to the most souls being located inside. They hurried towards the entrance, since they could see the light of a torch getting stronger in one of the other entrances, which meant players were coming towards the cave they were currently in. Both of them didn't need a torch inside this almost pitch black cave. Alex was fine with his upgraded vision skill, which had reached the late intermediate levels and Shea could see in the dark since she was born due to a certain uniqueness in the eyes of unicorns. Alex didn’t have qualms killing the spiders inhabiting this dungeon due to them being bloodthirsty, senseless killers and mutations to normal spiders. Walking through the tunnel Shea started to hear small clicking sounds, which she told Alexander telepathically. Using soul sense once more Alexander realized that they were very close to the first enemy spiders. So he whispered: “Please buff us, Shea.” Shea cast the buffs she could use and a white light surrounded them due to the holy magic Shea used. Apparently holy magic didn't hurt Alexander even though he had a skeletal body. But only buffing spells could be used on him. Healing spells didn't have any effect when he was in this form, which they had found out after Alexander fell down a small cliff hidden behind bushes, while he was talking to Shea on their way to the human settlement. He had been distracted by maintaining the illusion skill and talking at the same time. The moment the white glow started emitting from them the shuffling and scuttling sound of the spiders feet had stopped. Going further down the tunnel, they were in a big cavern that was eerily silent. Stopping at the entrance of the tunnel they were in they both finally looked up after scanning the room for spiders, but not seeing any, to see hundreds of eyes looking down on them. As if waiting for a perfect opportunity the spiders had stayed quiet to ambush them, but now they were seen, so they collectively jumped on Alexander and Shea. A blinding shield of light was erected around the two of them on which the spiders that were as big as small dogs landed. It was one of Shea’s defensive skills called <Shield of light>! The spiders shrieked due to the sudden brightness and even Alexander was momentarily blinded. Shea had reacted out of panic and not thought of what effect it would have on him as well. ~Nevermind that for now. We’ll become a better team over time.~ “Dragon Roar!” The skill had leveled up a few times and was now also amplified due to the form of the cave they were in and resounded as an echo. Many spiders were stunned and without missing a beat Alexander sliced through them with a swing of his scythe in a wide arc. Jumping back just as Shea had finished her incantation, which he had judged according to the quickly intensifying red light surrounding her. She used <Spitfire>, which created a stream of flame from her horn. She engulfed the spiders in front of them with hot flames that aren't particularly damaging but have the annoying ability to burn for 20 sec. on every surface, while being extremely hard to put out. The spiders caught fire and the fire started to spread from spider to spider due to them panicking and scurrying around, the fire on the spiders was illuminating the cavern they were in. The sight was amazing. At least a thousand spiders were on the ground, the walls and the ceiling around them. “Dragon Hide!” Alexander whispered and was finally attacked by the now furious spiders after the effects of the shield disappeared. Slashing and hacking Alexander desperately fought of the spiders and was happy that they had the tunnel behind them so no spider could attack from there. Shea aided him by using shield of light a few times to give him time to bandage his wounds. She also used as many of her aoe spells as possible. They included <spitfire> and <star rain> , which was a shower of sharp needles made of holy energy. After almost an entire hour of desperate fighting they finally managed to clear this cavern even though the spiders weren’t all that strong. At the other end of the cavern was another tunnel. Walking through it, they arrived at another chamber with different possible entrances. Following the tunnel with the most life forms they made their way into the heart of this bee-hide or rather ant-hide like cave. After a few days of killing masses of spiders, exploring the caverns and also getting lost, since it seemed that following the most life forms wasn’t ultimately the correct direction, they arrived at a chamber that was illuminated by fungi on the walls. In the middle of the chamber lay a huge spider, which was at least size of a van. It was the spider queen according to the golden name above her head. It being golden of color meant this was a boss-class monster. They were stronger than even the same monster type at 50 levels higher than them. Quietly sneaking up to the queen that seemed as if she were sleeping, Alexander raised the scythe and used <Soul slice>. The queen woke up with a screech that left Alexander stumbling backwards holding his ears, but fortunately holding onto the scythe. Shea too stumbled away from this horrifying noise. Even though Alexander’s dragon roar was quite loud, it couldn't be heard far into tunnels, which were twisting and turning constantly. But the screech of the spider queen was in an entirely different dimension of loudness! It was loud enough to be heard by all spiders inside the entire lair and all players or other creatures inside it. Even outside the entrance one could hear it if one listened closely. All spiders, even the ones engaged in fighting other groups of players suddenly started to rush towards the queen, which left the players confused! "What was that?" “What happened?” “Was that ….?” “Yes I think so!” All players reached the same conclusion. Someone had found the spider queen! The players inside quickly followed the spiders, but most couldn't keep up. Nonetheless those that could. Assassins, monks, made signs on the way, while tracking the spiders that were accelerating to a speed that was even too fast for them to follow, so team members could follow their trail. It was the first time that someone had reached the spider queen. It was a huge lair with at least 100.000 spiders inside and hundreds of tunnels forming a labyrinth and no players managed to survive long enough against the quickly reproducing spiders, which only didn't go to the starting cavern due to it being too bright for them there, maybe. When other players arrived at the last place approximately 10-15 minutes after the spiders, since they got shaken off and had to track them rest of the way. There they met with a slaughtering where an incredible battle must have taken place. When their team mates that were slower finally arrived the various rogues, monks and assassins that stood still at the only entrance to this chamber were completely shocked. Tens of thousands of spiders lay dead around the lifeless body of the huge queen. All loot had been taken and the players or whatever did this was in sight. The different groups staring at this scene went outside after not being able to move for 20 minutes due to the shock and sat down together to eat. They discussed how it was possible to kill so many of these spiders so quickly even though they arrived only slightly behind the spiders. And also to discuss how it was possible to kill the spider queen, which was a boss monster equivalent to a Lvl. 130-150 mob. Only very few boss monsters had been beaten before and certainly non close to the spider queen’s level. One of the players then said: “Someone apparently was able to defeat such a monster.” He didn't know how right he was when he said that! ----- Back to Alexander and Shea at the moment of the screech. ------- Backing off from the screech. Alexander readied his weapon. Shea had activated her soul sense and told him that many spiders were currently heading their way, so they had to hurry. Activating <room of sound> to block out the screech Alexander charged at the spider and swung his scythe at its legs cutting of two in the process. A spider had 8 so cutting of two didn't make it fall down. The queen stopped her screech and made a gurgling noise before spitting at Alex , which he dodged by a hairs width due to not wanting to be spit on. Seeing that the spit sizzled on the ground and left behind a hole. He guessed that it was some kind of acid and he was lucky to have dodged it. The spider turned to attack him with one of its huge legs, but Alexander noticed it and swung his scythe to slice it off. It met the scythe and fell to the ground with blood spraying off it. The blood also sizzled like acid on the ground. Jumping up and to the side he avoided another one of its spit attacks. He landed on the ground and immediately darted to the left since many of the usual spiders started running towards him from the right. Shea used <spitfire> and directly following it with <star shower> aimed behind Alexander directly on the spiders. Running at the wall then jumping up and using the wall as a boost backflipped. Some spiders had followed him and couldn’t stop fast enough so they ran straight into the wall. Even before landing he immediately started twisting and spinning his scythe around himself, hitting slashing and smacking the surrounding spiders. More and more spiders were coming out of the tunnel connected to this room but also from cracks on the walls and ceiling located everywhere. Shea was in a corner and maintained <shield of light> by repeatedly casting it, around herself. But she wouldn't be able to keep it up for long against such an onslaught of animals. The scythe once again was glowing purple due to having reached the maximum amount of souls that could be stored inside, but instead of using soul fury like he normally would have done, which would cause a quick and powerful burst of releasing all souls at once, he controlled the souls he had stored in the scythe to steadily stream out to envelop first his scythe and then his body to hopefully increase his attack and/or his defense. Turning around he continued to defend and attack against as many spiders as possible. Sometimes kicking them or even throwing them of his shoulder/back. He turned around quicker and quicker and the souls also turned around quicker and quicker and soon began to slice the souls of the spiders. No physical damage was caused, since they were intangible themselves, but instead caused spiritual damage. | Soul weapon skill learned soul Tornado | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Soul TornadoWrap all stored souls around your body, then begin to whirl them around yourself. They will increase in speed on their own and reach astonishing speeds that directly cut into the souls of approaching creatures.You will be standing in the center of this tornado and are able to touch and attack through it without getting hurt. Soulless objects aren’t affected. Effect: 1% of attack power damage when it touches any living creature. Mana cost: 30 mana/sec. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Now even without Alexander turning around, the tornado continued to spin. It was also good that the tornado was semi-transparent, since otherwise he wouldn’t see anything beyond it. It was similar to looking through a slightly purple tinted glass. Now running right into the masses of spiders, Alexander now slashed through as many as possible and used soul fury almost continuously due to the amount of enemies killed and souls stored. Glancing at Shea through the corner of his eyes he saw that she was still alive and seemed to be in a milky white cocoon with eyes closed and unmoving. It seemed as if she used a skill he didn’t know of. No spider seemed to be able to damage the cocoon but due to their mindlessness they continued to attack. Thousands of spiders kept pouring inside the cavern and if not for the mana and health potions he had bought and looted from players he would have died long ago. Their level might not be as high as some of the undead he fought, it was most likely even slightly lower than the gropper’s, but they were many many times more aggressive and numerous than the other enemies he had faced. Seeing that his mana and health was almost depleted and he had no potions left, he decided to try one last thing before miserably dying, hopefully saving Shea’s life in the process. Using the souls in his scythe, he mentally pressed them together to form a condensed ball at the top of his scythe, above the place the blade was attached to the staff part. Aiming the ball quickly at the queen he shouted: “BANG!” And released the condensed ball towards the spider queen. He had intended to shoot the ball to crash into her, but instead it shot out like a beam, which went right into the head of the queen, thus killing the already weakened queen with a critical hit. | New locked soul weapon skill learned: Soul Beam | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Soul BeamGathering stored souls into a ball to release them in a concentrated beam to inflict high damage on a target. Effect: 10% attack power per soul used | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Soul weapon: Scythe form changed appearance due to user’s usage. Creating a spike at the top of the staff. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Accepting the inevitable death since he had achieved in killing the queen and had even gained two new incredible skills during the fight, he waited for the pain accompanying multiple spiders ripping into him with their teeth and poison. Ding. Opening his eyes due to the sound of system message and since no pain had come, the first thing he saw was: | Level upLevel upLevel upLevel upLevel up | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | You are first to have cleared the entire lair of the spider queen +50 Fame | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | For clearing it Single-handedlyFame +20 | | | | Looking past the messages he saw that Shea was in front of him and had used <shield of light>. The shield flickered and then collapsed just like Shea. Kneeling down he saw that the acid of the queen was on her and quickly burning itself into her. Quickly using one of the knives on his belt to cut out the surrounding parts of the flesh and throwing the skin with acid away from them, Alexander then used first aid to stop the bleeding. Shea had recovered enough to use her weak healing spells. Even though they were weak, they were still better than nothing. After a few more healing spells she finally had recovered enough to stand up again. Alex asked: Are you alright now? What happened exactly? “You critically wounded the spider queen, so all spiders started to rush to her and ignored you due to their queen having sustained such damage that she was about to die. Her body was growing quickly in size, so I suspected that something bad might happen. I ran to you to cover you, since you didn't move, and managed to erect the <shield of light> just before she exploded and her acidic inner fluids reached us. However the shield of light was to weak for such a strong attack, so some of it got through and hit me. The rest of the spiders had died due to the acid.” Looking around Alexander realized she was right, due to her having been damaged he hadn’t noticed all spiders lying dead all around them. The spider queen had many holes in her, if one looked closely and some fluids were still leaking out of them. Furthermore most of the spiders in the cave were half gone due to acid or had holes in them. Standing up Alex quickly picked up all available loot, like coins, spider threads and even the occasional poison sacks. He followed Shea out through by going up a slope of rocks that had broken form the ceiling after the spider queen’s death or rather her last acid explosion attack. THis slope led to a platform a few meters above the ground and was covered with at least a dozen spider eggs the size of soccer balls. Alexander couldn't bring himself to smash the spider eggs even though it would prevent the spiders from repopulating. He had to leave the possibility of them respawning for other players to use the caves as training ground or rather slaughtering grounds. He even took one with him as a sort of souvenir. Now he was at level 101 and the Handicraft skill was available as well as 4 more skill slots. When the eggs cracked the ones that hatched first quickly began destroying the other eggs by pushing them off the platform killing the spiders inside, since they weren’t fully awake yet. The surviving spiders started to fight against each other until only a single spider remained. This spider had become the next queen of the cavern.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Necromancer<br>A Royal Road Fan Fiction<br>By: Halosty<br>Chapter 38<br><br> Quietus entered the tailor’s shop. He had some things he needed to buy. “Needle and thread please.”<br><br> The shopkeeper pulled out some needle and thread and set them on the counter. “Need anything else? We just got a shipment of some good cloth in. Lots of choices of color.”<br><br> “No thanks, I don’t need cloth.”<br><br> “You hunt your own? Too bad. That’ll be ten silvers.”<br><br> Quietus paid the man and received his goods. He didn’t bother haggling over prices, it wasn’t worth his time. He didn’t even get a discount for his fame, because he was in disguise. Of course, if he hadn’t been, besides trouble with the guards, most shopkeepers would treat him much worse because of his high infamy.<br><br> Quietus didn’t need the needle and thread for tailoring. He didn’t plan to take up any more crafting professions. Might as well leave that to, well, the professionals. However, he did need them to help him with hunting. He’d run into some problems earlier.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> Quietus stared into the face of a tiger. It was next on the list of prey in his widening list of enemies defeated. It was useful to know how to fight different things, but most importantly it helped his anatomy skill level up much faster… which helped his critical hits, and thus any sneak attacks.<br><br> The tiger stared back at Quietus. It had good enough senses that he couldn’t sneak up on it. Eventually, the tiger decided to make the first move, and pounced.<br><br> Quietus leaned to the side as he slashed. He hadn’t quite finished setting up his Spectral Hand to fire Dark Arrows at the tiger, but he’d still been ready for an attack. Master Valarao would have had his hide if he wasn’t prepared at all times. In fact, he’d been especially keen on that lately.<br><br> The tiger had still managed to swipe at Quietus as it went by, but he hadn’t taken the full force of the attack. Quietus’ own attack had been somewhat more accurate, and the poison seemed to be doing well.<br><br> Before it had time to attack him again, he started firing Dark Arrows at it. It howled in pain, with good reason. It got a few more swipes at Quietus, but he again avoided the full force of the attack. It was still quite damaging, but he managed to kill the tiger with more than a quarter of his life left. Perhaps not the best fight, but he’d get used to it.<br><br> Then, he noticed his health was still dropping. It wasn’t poison. He looked at his status window.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You are bleeding!<br><br>Health will continue to drop until proper care or magical healing is given.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> Quietus knew there were herbs that could staunch bleeding, but he hadn’t bothered to keep any of them. He was also willing to bet that potions wouldn’t help, but he tried anyway.<br><br> Nope, didn’t work. Well, he’d have to find some other way to deal with the problem in the future.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have died!<br><br>Unable to log in for 19 hours (76 hours in Royal Road)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>--------------------------<br><br> At school, Mortimer slipped past some dumb jocks into class. People had been looking for him, but they’d been so obvious about it he had no trouble getting past them with a wig and a jacket. Mortimer was avoiding conflict for now, but not because he was afraid of them. He was just waiting for the right time. It was possible they would give up on him, because he felt that ignoring them once wasn’t a serious problem. Obviously they felt differently.<br><br> Mortimer knew he would be fine in class, they wouldn’t risk doing anything in front of teachers. Outside of class, they couldn’t even find him if he didn’t let them. Still, it was becoming an annoyance. He’d have to do something soon. Well, for now, he’d go to class. It wouldn’t do to fall behind in classes.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> The second fight with a tiger went much like the first, although a bit better on Quietus’ part. Still, he was bleeding and needed to treat it. He rubbed some herbs on the wounds. The bleeding had slowed, but not stopped, as he’d expected. This was why he bought the needle and thread.<br><br> One of the first things Quietus noticed was that needles could really hurt. It wasn’t much worse than Dark Hand or Dark Arrow, but it was much more localized. He had to concentrate so that he didn’t twitch and mess up his stitching. His health was still going down. Then…<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have learned a skill<br><br>Stitching<br><br>Allows you to sew up wounds.<br><br>Stops bleeding and restores a small amount of health.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> Quietus was hoping to get something like this. He managed to do a good enough job to stop all the bleeding, but he definitely wouldn’t say he had been elegant. Fortunately, he wouldn’t normally scar in Royal Road. Otherwise, everyone would look pretty messed up.<br><br> After a while of hunting tigers, Quietus got a strange message.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>New Guild quest!<br><br>Damsel in Distress<br><br>A member of your guild has been captured! They are being held in a fort on the edge of the Plains of Despair. Rescue her!<br>Rewards: Fame, Experience, Guild Prestige based on contribution</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> Quietus didn’t particularly care about a guild quest. He was prepared to ignore it, until he saw one more line.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Name of Captured Member: Ruby</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> Well, he had time. He could go participate in this quest out of the goodness of his heart. After all, someone needed saving!<br><br> He started walking towards the location given, then stopped. It was really far away. Days, probably. He almost gave up, then remembered something. There was a method to get there faster… probably.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> Well, his method definitely was faster than walking. It was also much, much less comfortable. Tigers weren’t meant for riding. Some people would have wondered how he tamed a tiger, but that was the wrong thing to wonder.<br><br> The proper thing to wonder was why someone would make a zombie tiger. Well, the answer to that was simple. Why <span style="font-style: italic;">wouldn’t</span> you make a zombie tiger? Unlimited stamina and high speed! Sure, there was the small problem of comfort. It was kind of hard to hold on, but fortunately Quietus’ climb skill helped him keep his grip.<br><br> When he got near the fort, fortunately not located inside of the Plains of Despair, it had only been a few hours. A few hours, but it felt like weeks. Tigers had hard backs, and Quietus’ rear end felt that quite clearly.<br><br> Outside the fort, or really a small castle, Quietus saw a group of people. He didn’t recognize most of them specifically, but they were wearing the emblem of Children of the Light. They were on horses, but they must still have been nearby when the quest happened. Among the people, Quietus did recognize Angelo. Of course, a knight must always be there to rescue a damsel in distress. Even more so when you’re friends with them. <br><br>Quietus wondered how Ruby even got captured in the first place. Usually, she was with Angelo and the rest. That should ordinarily have been enough.<br><br>Quietus surveyed the scene. A large stone building, but one tower stood out. It was much taller. A good place to keep a damsel. Of course, a dungeon would be better, but it seemed like a good way inside anyway. He’d first have to deal with the archers on the walls. He didn’t want to be spotted climbing with no way to fight back.<br><br>Fortunately he made it to the edge of the lower wall without incident. This was partially due to his excellent Stealth skill, but mostly due to the knights out front being really loud. Plus, he left his zombie tiger behind to expire. Zombies were terrible at stealth. He would have liked to keep it, but he had to keep recasting Animation or it would end, and then the body would disappear. <br><br>The climb wasn’t too bad, but Quietus took it slowly just in case. He had to be as quiet as he could because he was in a vulnerable position. Still, Quietus made it up onto the wall, and soon found the first archer. Watching for threats from down below.<br><br>At the same time as Quietus used backstab, he covered the archer’s mouth. There wasn’t an abundance of archers, and none of them had been placed in pairs. Sloppy. Quietus took them all out one by one. The last one actually managed to get a cry out, but it didn’t matter, since there was no one to help him.<br><br>Quietus now headed for the tower. From the sounds he could hear below, the knights were inside and about halfway through the fort. He could still make it to the tower first, if that was the right location.<br><br>Quietus picked a good location to climb up, right below a window. He didn’t particularly need to be quiet until he got near the window, so he made quick progress. As he peeked in the window, he saw a room. It sure looked like somewhere you’d keep a damsel. It could have just been someone’s room though. He didn’t see anyone inside.<br><br>After entering the room, he noticed some anomalies. First, the bed seemed to be missing some sheets. Then, the sheets seemed to be tied into a rope going out… the window on the other side of the tower.<br><br>At this point, the door was knocked down and Angelo burst into the room. “I’m here to rescue you… Quietus?”<br><br>Quietus pointed towards the window. “We’re late.”<br><br>“Then, what about the quest?”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Quest completed<br><br>Damsel in Distress<br><br>The damsel has managed to escape thanks to some distractions.<br><br>You have leveled up!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Quietus would have been more happy if he’d been more than 10% of a level away from leveling up, and if it had actually given him progress towards the next level. Well, obviously his contribution had only been as a distraction anyway. He shouldn’t have expected much different.<br><br>Angelo just nodded. “That’s what I get for logging in five minutes late.”<br><br>End Chapter 38<br><br>Previous Chapter: &lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=2236&amp;p=14555#p14555"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=2236&amp;p=14555#p14555&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=2238"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=2238&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt; </div>

Necromancer A Royal Road Fan Fiction By: Halosty Chapter 38 Quietus entered the tailor’s shop. He had some things he needed to buy. “Needle and thread please.” The shopkeeper pulled out some needle and thread and set them on the counter. “Need anything else? We just got a shipment of some good cloth in. Lots of choices of color.” “No thanks, I don’t need cloth.” “You hunt your own? Too bad. That’ll be ten silvers.” Quietus paid the man and received his goods. He didn’t bother haggling over prices, it wasn’t worth his time. He didn’t even get a discount for his fame, because he was in disguise. Of course, if he hadn’t been, besides trouble with the guards, most shopkeepers would treat him much worse because of his high infamy. Quietus didn’t need the needle and thread for tailoring. He didn’t plan to take up any more crafting professions. Might as well leave that to, well, the professionals. However, he did need them to help him with hunting. He’d run into some problems earlier. -------------------------- Quietus stared into the face of a tiger. It was next on the list of prey in his widening list of enemies defeated. It was useful to know how to fight different things, but most importantly it helped his anatomy skill level up much faster… which helped his critical hits, and thus any sneak attacks. The tiger stared back at Quietus. It had good enough senses that he couldn’t sneak up on it. Eventually, the tiger decided to make the first move, and pounced. Quietus leaned to the side as he slashed. He hadn’t quite finished setting up his Spectral Hand to fire Dark Arrows at the tiger, but he’d still been ready for an attack. Master Valarao would have had his hide if he wasn’t prepared at all times. In fact, he’d been especially keen on that lately. The tiger had still managed to swipe at Quietus as it went by, but he hadn’t taken the full force of the attack. Quietus’ own attack had been somewhat more accurate, and the poison seemed to be doing well. Before it had time to attack him again, he started firing Dark Arrows at it. It howled in pain, with good reason. It got a few more swipes at Quietus, but he again avoided the full force of the attack. It was still quite damaging, but he managed to kill the tiger with more than a quarter of his life left. Perhaps not the best fight, but he’d get used to it. Then, he noticed his health was still dropping. It wasn’t poison. He looked at his status window. | You are bleeding!Health will continue to drop until proper care or magical healing is given. | | --- | Quietus knew there were herbs that could staunch bleeding, but he hadn’t bothered to keep any of them. He was also willing to bet that potions wouldn’t help, but he tried anyway. Nope, didn’t work. Well, he’d have to find some other way to deal with the problem in the future. | You have died!Unable to log in for 19 hours (76 hours in Royal Road) | | --- | -------------------------- At school, Mortimer slipped past some dumb jocks into class. People had been looking for him, but they’d been so obvious about it he had no trouble getting past them with a wig and a jacket. Mortimer was avoiding conflict for now, but not because he was afraid of them. He was just waiting for the right time. It was possible they would give up on him, because he felt that ignoring them once wasn’t a serious problem. Obviously they felt differently. Mortimer knew he would be fine in class, they wouldn’t risk doing anything in front of teachers. Outside of class, they couldn’t even find him if he didn’t let them. Still, it was becoming an annoyance. He’d have to do something soon. Well, for now, he’d go to class. It wouldn’t do to fall behind in classes. -------------------------- The second fight with a tiger went much like the first, although a bit better on Quietus’ part. Still, he was bleeding and needed to treat it. He rubbed some herbs on the wounds. The bleeding had slowed, but not stopped, as he’d expected. This was why he bought the needle and thread. One of the first things Quietus noticed was that needles could really hurt. It wasn’t much worse than Dark Hand or Dark Arrow, but it was much more localized. He had to concentrate so that he didn’t twitch and mess up his stitching. His health was still going down. Then… | You have learned a skillStitchingAllows you to sew up wounds.Stops bleeding and restores a small amount of health. | | --- | Quietus was hoping to get something like this. He managed to do a good enough job to stop all the bleeding, but he definitely wouldn’t say he had been elegant. Fortunately, he wouldn’t normally scar in Royal Road. Otherwise, everyone would look pretty messed up. After a while of hunting tigers, Quietus got a strange message. | New Guild quest!Damsel in DistressA member of your guild has been captured! They are being held in a fort on the edge of the Plains of Despair. Rescue her!Rewards: Fame, Experience, Guild Prestige based on contribution | | --- | Quietus didn’t particularly care about a guild quest. He was prepared to ignore it, until he saw one more line. | Name of Captured Member: Ruby | | --- | Well, he had time. He could go participate in this quest out of the goodness of his heart. After all, someone needed saving! He started walking towards the location given, then stopped. It was really far away. Days, probably. He almost gave up, then remembered something. There was a method to get there faster… probably. -------------------------- Well, his method definitely was faster than walking. It was also much, much less comfortable. Tigers weren’t meant for riding. Some people would have wondered how he tamed a tiger, but that was the wrong thing to wonder. The proper thing to wonder was why someone would make a zombie tiger. Well, the answer to that was simple. Why wouldn’t you make a zombie tiger? Unlimited stamina and high speed! Sure, there was the small problem of comfort. It was kind of hard to hold on, but fortunately Quietus’ climb skill helped him keep his grip. When he got near the fort, fortunately not located inside of the Plains of Despair, it had only been a few hours. A few hours, but it felt like weeks. Tigers had hard backs, and Quietus’ rear end felt that quite clearly. Outside the fort, or really a small castle, Quietus saw a group of people. He didn’t recognize most of them specifically, but they were wearing the emblem of Children of the Light. They were on horses, but they must still have been nearby when the quest happened. Among the people, Quietus did recognize Angelo. Of course, a knight must always be there to rescue a damsel in distress. Even more so when you’re friends with them. Quietus wondered how Ruby even got captured in the first place. Usually, she was with Angelo and the rest. That should ordinarily have been enough. Quietus surveyed the scene. A large stone building, but one tower stood out. It was much taller. A good place to keep a damsel. Of course, a dungeon would be better, but it seemed like a good way inside anyway. He’d first have to deal with the archers on the walls. He didn’t want to be spotted climbing with no way to fight back. Fortunately he made it to the edge of the lower wall without incident. This was partially due to his excellent Stealth skill, but mostly due to the knights out front being really loud. Plus, he left his zombie tiger behind to expire. Zombies were terrible at stealth. He would have liked to keep it, but he had to keep recasting Animation or it would end, and then the body would disappear. The climb wasn’t too bad, but Quietus took it slowly just in case. He had to be as quiet as he could because he was in a vulnerable position. Still, Quietus made it up onto the wall, and soon found the first archer. Watching for threats from down below. At the same time as Quietus used backstab, he covered the archer’s mouth. There wasn’t an abundance of archers, and none of them had been placed in pairs. Sloppy. Quietus took them all out one by one. The last one actually managed to get a cry out, but it didn’t matter, since there was no one to help him. Quietus now headed for the tower. From the sounds he could hear below, the knights were inside and about halfway through the fort. He could still make it to the tower first, if that was the right location. Quietus picked a good location to climb up, right below a window. He didn’t particularly need to be quiet until he got near the window, so he made quick progress. As he peeked in the window, he saw a room. It sure looked like somewhere you’d keep a damsel. It could have just been someone’s room though. He didn’t see anyone inside. After entering the room, he noticed some anomalies. First, the bed seemed to be missing some sheets. Then, the sheets seemed to be tied into a rope going out… the window on the other side of the tower. At this point, the door was knocked down and Angelo burst into the room. “I’m here to rescue you… Quietus?” Quietus pointed towards the window. “We’re late.” “Then, what about the quest?” | Quest completedDamsel in DistressThe damsel has managed to escape thanks to some distractions.You have leveled up! | | --- | Quietus would have been more happy if he’d been more than 10% of a level away from leveling up, and if it had actually given him progress towards the next level. Well, obviously his contribution had only been as a distraction anyway. He shouldn’t have expected much different. Angelo just nodded. “That’s what I get for logging in five minutes late.” End Chapter 38 Previous Chapter: <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=2236&p=14555#p14555">viewtopic.php?f=47&t=2236&p=14555#p14555</a><!-- l --> Next Chapter: <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=2238">viewtopic.php?f=47&t=2238</a><!-- l -->

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Chapter 1 A new Adventure<br><br>Disclaimer: I own nothing , this is purely a fanfic for enjoyment. Cross-over from various games , books and anime.<br><br>Summary: Harry Potter was fed up with the wizarding world, so he jumped into the veil, and went into a different dimension. Naruto's dimension. Gary stu Harry, Self-REPLACE Harry, Gaming Harry? Find out.<br><br>Harry Potter, The Boy-Who-Lived, The Chosen one, Champion of light, Deafeater of You-know-Who, etc. etc. etc. and his most famous tittle, "The Master of Death".<br><br>Harry thought that his obligations was done. He fought a war, because a crazy old lady phrophesized, that he would be a chosen one to finally defeat You-know-Who. This led to the death of his beloved parents by hand of the Dark Lord Voldemort. Surprisingly, he was very lucky that the killing curse spell, a famous one-shot, one-kill spell rebounded, and killed the dark wanker himself. The oh so great Dumbledore said that it was his parents love that saved him. He really did not believe the nonsense that it was love that saved him. He was just lucky, he rationalized that he had gained a sort of magical immunization from the Dark Lord when he was made into an accidental horcrux. He was Iucky that magic immunization saved him when he confronted the possesed professor Quirrel.<br><br>Harry Potter paid his dues to the magical community when he saved them from Voldemort. He expected that he could live a normal happy life now that the war was over.<br><br>Sadly, it was not meant to be. The whole magical community turned on him, claiming him to be the next uprising Dark Lord. He rationalized that they were probably after his money, after all he was the richest person in magical Britain. He was Heir to Hufflepuff, Heir to Gryffindor, Heir to Ravenclaw and Heir to Slytherin by rights of conquest.<br><br>He decided that he had enough, so he made a secret trip to gringots, and withrawed all of his assets to an enchanted bottomless pouch. He went to the veil into the department of mystery, and jumped in. He researched the veil enough to know that it was a magical doorway to another world or dimension, and was very hopeful that he could start a new life.<br><br>He wokes up in the middle of the forest, and he noticed that he was a kid again. He estimated that he was age 7. Harry noticed that he had a blinking icon on his peripheral vision, and he dicided to touch it.<br><br>.<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;"> Ding.<br><br>®System Notice:<br><br>Dear Harry Potter,<br><br>As you may have noticed, you have been de-aged to grant your request to a new life. This is a system menu, it has your items, skills, money, and stats. To view your stats, say stats, and to view your skills, say skills and if you want to check your items, say inventory. I decided it would be fun if you start fresh, so I erased all your hard earned magical skills. Mad!?, Mwahahaha , I'm sorry but this is for my entertainment. I'm not that cruel so I gave you a bunch of other random skills so you can survive. Don't worry, all your wealth was transferred into large gold bars. One gold bar is equivalent to 10000 Ryo so you won't be poor, in fact I believe you have enough money to buy a country, aren't I great?. This screen window will only be visible to you, and this also acts as pocket dimension that will store infinite items, and food will never go bad if you decided to store it here. I'm so generous, praise me, praise me more. Oh shush you, Go on to your next adventure.<br><br>Sincerely,<br><br>Death<br><br>P.S<br><br>I have adjusted your body so you can understand these inhabitants language </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Harry: "Sigh, even in here someone gets a last laugh, but oh well, I'll bite."<br><br>Harry: "Status Window!."<br><br><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;"> Character Name: Harry Potter<br><br>Alignment: Neutral<br><br>Level:1<br><br>Profession: Master of death<br><br>Title:None<br><br>Fame: 0<br><br>Health: 100<br><br>Mana: 100<br><br>Strength: 10<br><br>Agility: 10<br><br>Vitality: 10<br><br>Wisdom: 10<br><br>Intellect:10<br><br>Stamina: 10<br><br>Luck: 10<br><br>Attack:20<br><br>Magic Attack: 20<br><br>Magic defense: 20<br><br>Defense:20 </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>Harry: "Okay not bad, Skills!."<br><br><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;"> ®Learned Skill:<br><br>©Ruwach lv1<br><br>-Reveals Hiding and Cloaking players and monsters within 5% range.<br><br>Cost 20 Mana </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><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;"> ®Learned skill:<br><br>©Soul strike lv1<br><br>-Hits the target with (1+SkillLV/2) bolts for 1*MATK using Ghost Element. Does extra 5% damage per SkillLV to Undead property Monsters. Bolts increases as skill level increases<br><br>- 1 bolt<br><br>Cost 50 mana </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><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;"> ©Heal lvl1<br><br>-Heals a target's HP equal to the Magical Damage of the user. When used against Undead property monsters, it is a holy attack that ignores MDEF and INT, but deals only half damage (that is HealValue*ElementModifier/2).<br><br>- Each skill level adds additional +50 heal<br><br>Cost 20 mana </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;"> ®Learned skill:<br><br>©Summon Angeling:<br><br>Cost 2000 mana </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><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;"> ® Angeling<br><br>-Angeling is the final evolution form of Poring! Unlike its cute appearance, it is pretty strong. It has hated humans ever since it spotted other innocent brethren get damaged by them. </span></li></ul><br></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"><ul><br><li><span style="font-weight: bold;"> <br>HP: 55000<br><br>Level: 20<br><br>Race: Angel<br><br>Property: Holy 4<br><br>Size: Medium<br><br>Hit(100%): 90<br><br>Flee(95%): 163. Base Experience 163<br><br>Walk Speed: Slow Job Experience 144<br><br>Atk Delay :1.07s<br><br>Attack: 120-195 Base Exp Per HP 0.003:1<br><br>Def: 0 Job Exp Per HP 0.003:1<br><br>Magic Def: 70 Delay After Hit Average<br><br>Atk Range: 1 cells Str 1 Int 75<br><br>Spell Range: 10 cells Agi 50 Dex 68<br><br>Sight Range: 12 cells Vit 20. Luk 200<br><br>Note: Cells = Meters </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><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;"> ®Elements:<br><br>Neutral. 100%<br><br>Water. 0%<br><br>Earth. 0%<br><br>Fire . 0%<br><br>Wind. 0%<br><br>Poison. 0%<br><br>Holy. -100%<br><br>Shadow. 200%<br><br>Ghost. 0%<br><br>Undead. 175% </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><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;"> ®Monster skills:<br><br>©Safety Wall [Lv5]<br><br>-Creates a Safety Wall effect in 1 cell. The effect will protect anyone standing on that cell from 1+SkillLV Physical attacks. The attacks do not have to hit to count against the total number of protected hits. Multiple Safety Walls do not stack on one cell.<br><br>Skills from monsters closer than 4 cells are considered as melee attacks.<br><br>Other Notes :<br><br>Cannot be used in Sealed Shrine<br><br>Spell cannot be stacked<br><br>©level description:<br><br>1. 2 Protected Hits<br><br>2. 3 Protected Hits<br><br>3. 4 Protected Hits<br><br>4. 5 Protected Hits<br><br>5 . 6 Protected Hits<br><br>6 . 7 Protected Hits<br><br>7. 8 Protected Hits<br><br>8. 9 Protected Hits<br><br>9. 10 Protected Hits<br><br>10. 11 Protected Hits </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><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;"> ©Teleportation [Lv1]<br><br>-At level 1, you can teleport to a random spot on the same map. At level 2, you can also choose to teleport to your save point. When Teleportation is actually cast, a window will appear showing the available options (including cancel). </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><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;"> ©Heal [Lv9]<br><br>-Heals a target's HP equal to the Magical Damage of the user. When used against Undead property monsters, it is a holy attack that ignores MDEF and INT, but deals only half damage (that is HealValue*ElementModifier/2).<br><br>- Each skill level adds additional +50 heal </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><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;"> ©Holy Attribute Attack [Lv 5]<br><br>-Spell attack that is imbued with holy properties. </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>.<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;"> © Reverse Orcish [Lv1]<br><br>Stay Duration: 1200 sec<br><br>Effect: Changes head of another player to that of an Orc </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><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;"> © Summon minion [Lv 9]<br><br>-Summon slaves to do your bidding. ( lower kinds of different poring [RO game] evolutions </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Harry: "At least the the skills are decent, there's even a teaser skill to help me motivate, now for the items.<br><br>Harry: "Inventory!."<br><br><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;"> Money:<br>- 100,000,000 Gold </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Harry: "Holy Crap!, death was not joking, hmm 100 million gold and 1 gold is equal to 10k ryo, whoohoo I'm super rich."<br><br>Harry was content with his new skills, and money. He decided to visit the nearest civilization, and walked there.<br><br><br><br><br>Authors Note:<br><br>Stats formula:<br><br>1 str = 2 attack<br><br>1 vit = 5 hp, 2 def<br><br>1 int = 5 mp or mana, 2 magic attack, 2 magic def<br><br>Stats that I'm not sure how to formulate:<br><br>Wisdom = mana regen, magic def<br><br>Agility = attack rate, dodge<br><br>Luck = critical chance<br><br>Stamina = speaks for itself<br><br><br>Question: Is it okay to post this here?, the only moonlight sculptor element here are the skills. :?: </div>

Chapter 1 A new Adventure Disclaimer: I own nothing , this is purely a fanfic for enjoyment. Cross-over from various games , books and anime. Summary: Harry Potter was fed up with the wizarding world, so he jumped into the veil, and went into a different dimension. Naruto's dimension. Gary stu Harry, Self-REPLACE Harry, Gaming Harry? Find out. Harry Potter, The Boy-Who-Lived, The Chosen one, Champion of light, Deafeater of You-know-Who, etc. etc. etc. and his most famous tittle, "The Master of Death". Harry thought that his obligations was done. He fought a war, because a crazy old lady phrophesized, that he would be a chosen one to finally defeat You-know-Who. This led to the death of his beloved parents by hand of the Dark Lord Voldemort. Surprisingly, he was very lucky that the killing curse spell, a famous one-shot, one-kill spell rebounded, and killed the dark wanker himself. The oh so great Dumbledore said that it was his parents love that saved him. He really did not believe the nonsense that it was love that saved him. He was just lucky, he rationalized that he had gained a sort of magical immunization from the Dark Lord when he was made into an accidental horcrux. He was Iucky that magic immunization saved him when he confronted the possesed professor Quirrel. Harry Potter paid his dues to the magical community when he saved them from Voldemort. He expected that he could live a normal happy life now that the war was over. Sadly, it was not meant to be. The whole magical community turned on him, claiming him to be the next uprising Dark Lord. He rationalized that they were probably after his money, after all he was the richest person in magical Britain. He was Heir to Hufflepuff, Heir to Gryffindor, Heir to Ravenclaw and Heir to Slytherin by rights of conquest. He decided that he had enough, so he made a secret trip to gringots, and withrawed all of his assets to an enchanted bottomless pouch. He went to the veil into the department of mystery, and jumped in. He researched the veil enough to know that it was a magical doorway to another world or dimension, and was very hopeful that he could start a new life. He wokes up in the middle of the forest, and he noticed that he was a kid again. He estimated that he was age 7. Harry noticed that he had a blinking icon on his peripheral vision, and he dicided to touch it. . | * Ding.®System Notice:Dear Harry Potter,As you may have noticed, you have been de-aged to grant your request to a new life. This is a system menu, it has your items, skills, money, and stats. To view your stats, say stats, and to view your skills, say skills and if you want to check your items, say inventory. I decided it would be fun if you start fresh, so I erased all your hard earned magical skills. Mad!?, Mwahahaha , I'm sorry but this is for my entertainment. I'm not that cruel so I gave you a bunch of other random skills so you can survive. Don't worry, all your wealth was transferred into large gold bars. One gold bar is equivalent to 10000 Ryo so you won't be poor, in fact I believe you have enough money to buy a country, aren't I great?. This screen window will only be visible to you, and this also acts as pocket dimension that will store infinite items, and food will never go bad if you decided to store it here. I'm so generous, praise me, praise me more. Oh shush you, Go on to your next adventure.Sincerely,DeathP.SI have adjusted your body so you can understand these inhabitants language | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Harry: "Sigh, even in here someone gets a last laugh, but oh well, I'll bite." Harry: "Status Window!." | * Character Name: Harry PotterAlignment: NeutralLevel:1Profession: Master of deathTitle:NoneFame: 0Health: 100Mana: 100Strength: 10Agility: 10Vitality: 10Wisdom: 10Intellect:10Stamina: 10Luck: 10Attack:20Magic Attack: 20Magic defense: 20Defense:20 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Harry: "Okay not bad, Skills!." | * ®Learned Skill:©Ruwach lv1-Reveals Hiding and Cloaking players and monsters within 5% range.Cost 20 Mana | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * ®Learned skill:©Soul strike lv1-Hits the target with (1+SkillLV/2) bolts for 1*MATK using Ghost Element. Does extra 5% damage per SkillLV to Undead property Monsters. Bolts increases as skill level increases- 1 boltCost 50 mana | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * ©Heal lvl1-Heals a target's HP equal to the Magical Damage of the user. When used against Undead property monsters, it is a holy attack that ignores MDEF and INT, but deals only half damage (that is HealValue*ElementModifier/2).- Each skill level adds additional +50 healCost 20 mana | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * ®Learned skill:©Summon Angeling:Cost 2000 mana | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * ® Angeling-Angeling is the final evolution form of Poring! Unlike its cute appearance, it is pretty strong. It has hated humans ever since it spotted other innocent brethren get damaged by them. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * HP: 55000Level: 20Race: AngelProperty: Holy 4Size: MediumHit(100%): 90Flee(95%): 163. Base Experience 163Walk Speed: Slow Job Experience 144Atk Delay :1.07sAttack: 120-195 Base Exp Per HP 0.003:1Def: 0 Job Exp Per HP 0.003:1Magic Def: 70 Delay After Hit AverageAtk Range: 1 cells Str 1 Int 75Spell Range: 10 cells Agi 50 Dex 68Sight Range: 12 cells Vit 20. Luk 200Note: Cells = Meters | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * ®Elements:Neutral. 100%Water. 0%Earth. 0%Fire . 0%Wind. 0%Poison. 0%Holy. -100%Shadow. 200%Ghost. 0%Undead. 175% | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * ®Monster skills:©Safety Wall [Lv5]-Creates a Safety Wall effect in 1 cell. The effect will protect anyone standing on that cell from 1+SkillLV Physical attacks. The attacks do not have to hit to count against the total number of protected hits. Multiple Safety Walls do not stack on one cell.Skills from monsters closer than 4 cells are considered as melee attacks.Other Notes :Cannot be used in Sealed ShrineSpell cannot be stacked©level description:1. 2 Protected Hits2. 3 Protected Hits3. 4 Protected Hits4. 5 Protected Hits5 . 6 Protected Hits6 . 7 Protected Hits7. 8 Protected Hits8. 9 Protected Hits9. 10 Protected Hits10. 11 Protected Hits | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * ©Teleportation [Lv1]-At level 1, you can teleport to a random spot on the same map. At level 2, you can also choose to teleport to your save point. When Teleportation is actually cast, a window will appear showing the available options (including cancel). | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * ©Heal [Lv9]-Heals a target's HP equal to the Magical Damage of the user. When used against Undead property monsters, it is a holy attack that ignores MDEF and INT, but deals only half damage (that is HealValue*ElementModifier/2).- Each skill level adds additional +50 heal | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * ©Holy Attribute Attack [Lv 5]-Spell attack that is imbued with holy properties. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | . | * © Reverse Orcish [Lv1]Stay Duration: 1200 secEffect: Changes head of another player to that of an Orc | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * © Summon minion [Lv 9]-Summon slaves to do your bidding. ( lower kinds of different poring [RO game] evolutions | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Harry: "At least the the skills are decent, there's even a teaser skill to help me motivate, now for the items. Harry: "Inventory!." | * Money:- 100,000,000 Gold | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Harry: "Holy Crap!, death was not joking, hmm 100 million gold and 1 gold is equal to 10k ryo, whoohoo I'm super rich." Harry was content with his new skills, and money. He decided to visit the nearest civilization, and walked there. Authors Note: Stats formula: 1 str = 2 attack 1 vit = 5 hp, 2 def 1 int = 5 mp or mana, 2 magic attack, 2 magic def Stats that I'm not sure how to formulate: Wisdom = mana regen, magic def Agility = attack rate, dodge Luck = critical chance Stamina = speaks for itself Question: Is it okay to post this here?, the only moonlight sculptor element here are the skills. :?:

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> I finish playing and sing the music that I thought would go with the situation. Suddenly a few messages pop up in front of me.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">A Skill Has Been Developed By A Special Action!!!</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Music Beginner Level 9 99.99%<br>You get an additional 90% towards the effect of the song<br>You get an additional 27% towards the skill at playing your instrument or singing<br><span style="color: #FF0000;">Warning Skill Can't Progress Past Beginner Level 9 Till You Have Selected Your Class<br>Any Experience That Would Otherwise Go To This Skill Gets Saved And Will Be Applied After You Choose Your Class</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">You Have Completed The Quest Music<br>You have played exceptionally well for Jill and her family<br>You get a bonus 10 fame for playing so well and the excellent food<br>You get increased intimacy with Jill and her family</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Wow that is one shocker. I didn't think that I would get fame for just playing some music and I will have to check my stats later I remind myself.<br><br>Jill and her family look over with a surprised look of how well I played. Pretty darn certain I was a lot better than they thought I would be. So with a smug face I ask them,"So do you now believe I am a man?"<br><br>They look at each other and then reply while looking at me with a strait face,"Nope"<br><br>Then they just start laughing. While they are enjoying themselves I announce that I will go take that bath now. So I get up and as I was about to go put the guitar back in the room I got it from when Jill's dad calls out to me.<br><br>"Hey Dusk how about you keep that guitar since you are so good with it"<br><br>"Thanks mister..."<br><br>"Just call me Jake and this is my lovely wife Louren."<br><br>"Thank you Mr. Jake and Mrs. Louren for letting me entertain you this fine evening. Also perhaps after my bath and I learn how to sew can I please stay the night? I won't ask for an answer till after the bath though so take your time."<br><br>So I leave the family and head to the backyard to go into the bathroom. I have to heat up the bath a little more by putting more wood onto the fire but then I take off my travelers clothes along with the guitar and store them in my bag<br><br>I then allow myself to relax and think about what I will do from now on.<br><br>"Perhaps I should ask Jake if he has any maps I can borrow? Or maybe I should try to go to the Basic Training hall to improve my avatar's stats?"<br><br>After a while of thinking about what to do about the start of my new Assassin's guild in game it turns out that I need to get my skills to expert level for my class before I can officially start my guild. First I need to get a class though but I think I should try to figure this out later once I have a better idea of what is available.<br>I get out of the bath and start to put my cloths on and then I decide to try and eavesdrop over what Jake and the others are saying. I crouch close to the ground and move lightly to decrease the chance of sound alerting them I am outside the window and since it is windy outside they shouldn't be able to hear my breathing.<br><br>"Why the hell did you bring that girl here Jill!? Do you want the lord to find out about our secret? You know our family can't afford to have our secret found out!! Anybody else might be fine but we don't know anything about these mysterious foreigners. From stories I've heard they will do anything for money. Do you know how dangerous it is for our family to have people in the house!! Why did you even give him the room with the secret door to the basement?" Jake practically yelled.<br><br>"Father why are you being so difficult about this? She just needs a place to stay for a month till she can go outside the city walls. After she leaves what are the chances that we will ever see her again afterwards and also you know that foreigners won't be able to find the access panel in the closet in her room. So why don't we just let her stay for a month and a few days as a person to cook dinner and play music. You saw her and surely you can tell she has a natural talent for music." Jill calmly told her father.<br><br>"Our family history is down there and we haven't even been able to find any hints regarding what ever the hell that thing is down there..." After Jake said that he suddenly go quite like he was thinking about something.<br><br>As I was waiting to hear more two messages popped up in front of me.<br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4" valign="top" width="100%"><div align="center">You Have Developed Two Skills Through Special Actions</div></td></tr><tr><td colspan="4" valign="top" width="100%"><div align="center">Stealth (Passive)/(Active) Beginner Level 3<br>You can be more stealthy in all your actions<br>Passive stealth 15% increased chance at not being discovered<br>Active stealth 30% increased chance at not being discovered</div></td></tr><tr><td colspan="4" valign="top" width="100%"><div align="center">Hearing (Passive) Beginner Level 4<br>Single Target 40% increase in the range you can hear things in that direction<br>Area Effect 20% increase in the range you can hear things and understand whats going on around you</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br>I close the windows and notice that they will think something is wrong with the amount of time I have spent in the bath and decide that it is time to head back into the house. </div>

I finish playing and sing the music that I thought would go with the situation. Suddenly a few messages pop up in front of me. | A Skill Has Been Developed By A Special Action!!! | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Music Beginner Level 9 99.99%You get an additional 90% towards the effect of the songYou get an additional 27% towards the skill at playing your instrument or singingWarning Skill Can't Progress Past Beginner Level 9 Till You Have Selected Your ClassAny Experience That Would Otherwise Go To This Skill Gets Saved And Will Be Applied After You Choose Your Class | | | | | You Have Completed The Quest MusicYou have played exceptionally well for Jill and her familyYou get a bonus 10 fame for playing so well and the excellent foodYou get increased intimacy with Jill and her family | | | | Wow that is one shocker. I didn't think that I would get fame for just playing some music and I will have to check my stats later I remind myself. Jill and her family look over with a surprised look of how well I played. Pretty darn certain I was a lot better than they thought I would be. So with a smug face I ask them,"So do you now believe I am a man?" They look at each other and then reply while looking at me with a strait face,"Nope" Then they just start laughing. While they are enjoying themselves I announce that I will go take that bath now. So I get up and as I was about to go put the guitar back in the room I got it from when Jill's dad calls out to me. "Hey Dusk how about you keep that guitar since you are so good with it" "Thanks mister..." "Just call me Jake and this is my lovely wife Louren." "Thank you Mr. Jake and Mrs. Louren for letting me entertain you this fine evening. Also perhaps after my bath and I learn how to sew can I please stay the night? I won't ask for an answer till after the bath though so take your time." So I leave the family and head to the backyard to go into the bathroom. I have to heat up the bath a little more by putting more wood onto the fire but then I take off my travelers clothes along with the guitar and store them in my bag I then allow myself to relax and think about what I will do from now on. "Perhaps I should ask Jake if he has any maps I can borrow? Or maybe I should try to go to the Basic Training hall to improve my avatar's stats?" After a while of thinking about what to do about the start of my new Assassin's guild in game it turns out that I need to get my skills to expert level for my class before I can officially start my guild. First I need to get a class though but I think I should try to figure this out later once I have a better idea of what is available. I get out of the bath and start to put my cloths on and then I decide to try and eavesdrop over what Jake and the others are saying. I crouch close to the ground and move lightly to decrease the chance of sound alerting them I am outside the window and since it is windy outside they shouldn't be able to hear my breathing. "Why the hell did you bring that girl here Jill!? Do you want the lord to find out about our secret? You know our family can't afford to have our secret found out!! Anybody else might be fine but we don't know anything about these mysterious foreigners. From stories I've heard they will do anything for money. Do you know how dangerous it is for our family to have people in the house!! Why did you even give him the room with the secret door to the basement?" Jake practically yelled. "Father why are you being so difficult about this? She just needs a place to stay for a month till she can go outside the city walls. After she leaves what are the chances that we will ever see her again afterwards and also you know that foreigners won't be able to find the access panel in the closet in her room. So why don't we just let her stay for a month and a few days as a person to cook dinner and play music. You saw her and surely you can tell she has a natural talent for music." Jill calmly told her father. "Our family history is down there and we haven't even been able to find any hints regarding what ever the hell that thing is down there..." After Jake said that he suddenly go quite like he was thinking about something. As I was waiting to hear more two messages popped up in front of me. | | You Have Developed Two Skills Through Special Actions | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Stealth (Passive)/(Active) Beginner Level 3You can be more stealthy in all your actionsPassive stealth 15% increased chance at not being discoveredActive stealth 30% increased chance at not being discovered | | | | | Hearing (Passive) Beginner Level 4Single Target 40% increase in the range you can hear things in that directionArea Effect 20% increase in the range you can hear things and understand whats going on around you | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | I close the windows and notice that they will think something is wrong with the amount of time I have spent in the bath and decide that it is time to head back into the house.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Chapter 5 The Book<br><br>Disclaimer: I own nothing , this is purely a fanfic for enjoyment. Cross-over from various games , books and anime.<br><br>*The Hokage Office*<br><br>In the Hokage tower's office where a bunch of Jonin Ninja awaited to deliver the reports of the passing hopeful genins.<br><br>"Ahem.. Now may I have your attention please,... Good." The hokage said.<br><br>"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to bear witness to the matrimony between..." was interrupted.<br><br>"Ahem!..., umm, hokage-sama, this isn't a wedding recital." said the random Jonin.<br><br>"What!?, ehh?, Of course I knew that, I was testing you young whipper-snappers to keep on your toes." The hokage said.<br><br>Everyone in the room sweatdropped.<br><br>"Now that I have your undivided attention, REPORT!." The hokage commanded.<br><br>"Team 8 with Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame passes." said Kurenai.<br><br>"Team ten with Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Choji Akimichi passes." said Asuma.<br><br>Everyone was curious on team seven's performance.<br><br>"Team seven with Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki, and Harry Potter passes, barely." said Kakashi.<br><br>A shocked reaction could be seen on the faces of the people in the room.<br><br>"Kakashi explain!." demanded the hokage.<br><br>"Well, The test was the usual bell test that I give to very genin hopeful students that I gave. Naruto was brash, and fought head on when I taught Taijutsu. Let's just say that he is suffering from a serious private injury (giggles*). Next I tested Hary in ninjutsu, suffice to say I was impressed in the ninjutsu portion of the test. He countered my jutsu perfectly with an obscure form of kekkai jutsu's. Last but not the least, the Uchiha passed out of the genjutsu test with my creative use of FanGirl illusions." Said Kakashi.<br><br>"That's low Kakashi, no-one should deserve that kind of fate." said Asuma.<br><br>"Ehh?, you win some, you loose some. Anyways, Harry was able to get the bells at the end of the test. I was surprised, and he refused to tell me how he did it. He gave them up in the end to both Naruto, and Sasuke but they both refused to accept Harry's offer, thus I passed them." explained Kakashi.<br><br>"That's great Kakashi, everyone dismissed, Kakashi please stay behind." the hokage ordered.<br><br>After everyone left the room.<br><br>"What can I do for you hokage-sama?." asked Kakashi.<br><br>"Ahem!..., I noticed that you have acquired the new season of Icha Icha, might I know where you got it from?." asked the hokage curiously.<br><br>"hmmm?, you said something hokage-sama?." asked Kakashi.<br><br>"Don't use that tone with me Kakashi!, now, where did you get the new series of Icha Icha from!?." The hokage questioned with killing intent.<br><br>"I don't know what your talking about hokage-sama, this isn't Icha Icha I'm reading." explained Kakashi.<br><br>"I'm dissapointed in you Kakashi, who knew you've gone soft from years of service." The hokage said in a dissapointed tone.<br><br>"Let me rephrase that hokage-sama, this is definitely not Icha Icha,... it's even better." Kakashi declared.<br><br>"What!, how could that be?, No-one, I mean no-one has made a book that surpassed my young pupil Jiraiya's work." the hokage said in disbelief.<br><br>"Well this one does, it's so exciting, so vivid, so MAGICAL. The author said said that he gave me the first signed copy, and said that he has yet to publish it. Hehehe, he said that the series was gonna get loads better. If this was just the opening book, I wonder if the next series will turn out. So far it hasn't dissapointed me yet. Ohhhhh!... Ahhhhhh!, the concept is so knew, and original, I can't stop reading." Kakashi explained.<br><br>"The hokage was flabbergasted, the mighty Kakashi has found a book that could rival the legendary Icha Icha that his student made. He thought for sure that the legendary series will go unsurpassed, but if Kakashi said it was that good, it probably is, I mean no-one has been able to get Kakashi to read another book." The hokage thought.<br><br>With the hokage's thought finished debating on what he has decided the next best course of Action.<br><br>"Jonin Hatake Kakashi, I the Lord Hokage, Order you, to hand me that book this instant!." The hokage ordered.<br><br>"I refuse!, Hokage-sama, with all due respect, get your own book." Kakashi replied.<br><br>"Suppose where can I get that book, when it isn't even in the shelves yet?." asked the hokage sarcastically.<br><br>"You should ask the author then, He should have a few copies lying around. He was ready to publish the first series." Kakashi replied.<br><br>"And who is this mysterious author?." asked the hokage.<br><br>"Don't let his age fool you Hokage-sama, he knows what's he's doing. I only planned to read the first two pages, but I didn't noticed that it already took me ten minutes of continuous reading before I was interrupted. It's that powerful hokage-sama. The author is none other than my student Harry Potter." Kakashi proudly declared.<br>Sarutobi was baffled. One so young, and already this experienced. He had no choice but to see if it is true, after all seeing is believing.<br><br>"Anbu!." The hokage ordered.<br><br>"Yes, hokage-sama?." The Anbu replied, who appeared in front of the hokage.<br><br>"Bring me Harry Potter here immediately!, I mean Now!." The hokage commanded in a commanding tone. Gone was the face of the kind old man, and it was replaced with the one who gave him the monicker "The professor", the Anbu could only comply, there was no room of argument, any other than complete obedience will only result in death.<br><br>Meanwhile, Team seven were happily eating ramen when a swirl of leaves popped up of existence near the ramen shop, and came the Anbu ordered by the hokage.<br><br>The Anbu didn't bother to let them know what happened, and just took Harry, and whisked him away, leaving a stunned Uzumaki, and Uchiha.<br><br>"OMG!, someone took Harry!." Naruto said worriedly.<br><br>"Calm down dobe, that was an Anbu judging from the mask the ninja was wearing, I'm sure Harry is fine." The stoic Uchiha declared.<br><br>"Oh!, now that I think about it, it was an Anbu who took Harry, I hope he'll be back soon." said Naruto who went back to eating ramen.<br><br>"hnn." replied Sasuke who also went back to eating ramen.<br><br>Back at the hokage tower where the Anbu took Harry.<br><br>"Urgghh!, what hit me?, Urghhh, where am I?." Asked Harry.<br><br>"Ahem!, Now Harry, I have ordered my Anbu to bring you here today for some serious business." The hokage explained.<br><br>Harry was sweating bullets, what could the hokage possibly want with him?.<br><br>"What can I do for you, hokage-sama?." Asked Harry.<br><br>"Yes, I just heard from Kakashi over there that you have an interesting book that you plan on publishing, and I was wondering If I could get an advanced signed copy?." The hokage asked hopefully.<br><br>"Oh yes, I do in fact have several signed copy ready just in case, and plan on distributing them for testing purposes, Maybe you can help me hokage-sama?." Asked Harry hopefully.<br><br>"What can I help you with Harry.?" the Hokage asked curiously.<br><br>"Yes, you see I have made twenty advance signed copies of my new book, and I was planning on distributing them in a testing stage to see if the readers are interested in it, unfortunately due to my age, no-one has been taking me seriously, so I gave one to Kakashi-sensei who I noticed is an Avid fan of the Icha Icha series. If I have the approval of such a great sensei, then that would push on the series that I'm planning on publishing. But I need to distribute the nineteen books left, but I don't know anyone who is as open as Kakashi who read books similar to Icha Icha." Harry explained.<br><br>"Look no further Harry, I can distribute them for you, you see I called you here to see if I can have a copy of the book you have. As Kakashi said, it is so good that it surpassed the Icha Icha series, and I'm DYING to get one of your books." The Hokage explained like he was drooling for a raw steak.<br><br>"I thank you hokage-sama, here are the copies." Harry swiped his inventory, and popped came nineteen copies of the green book, and handed them to the hokage.<br><br>"I thank you Harry, I know where to give the others, and I can assure you, they will be welcomed" The hokage said reassuringly.<br><br>"Thank you hokage-sama, I have to go now, my teammates must be worried about about me."<br><br>"Yes, don't keep them waiting." The hokage said in a don't disturb me because I have a brand new toy to test kind of tone.<br><br>With that Harry left the Hokage tower leaving one Sarutobi, and one Kakashi giggling.<br><br>"Hmm, The Magical Adventures of Gilderoy Lockheart. What a cheesy tittle, but I can't argue the contents. It really is magical." The hokage pondered while reading some more.<br><br>News quickly spread about Harry's book in the elemental nations due to the Hokage's influence. The rumors reached the ears of the one, and only Jiaraiya, the Toad sage of Mount Myoboku.<br><br>"Whats this?, Someone dare claims to have surpassed my Life's work?, and greatness?. Whoever you are Gilderoy Lockheart, prepare yourself!, No-one, I mean No-one outperverts this Great Super Pervert Jiraiya, Sage of Mount Myokobu." Jiraiya declared.<br><br>Unfortunately, this outburst revealed his hiding spot in the women's hotspring section, and the great Super Pervert received a beating of a lifetime.<br><br>"I'll get you for this Gidleroy Lockheart, if it's the last thing I do." Jiraiya declared while he was being beaten.<br><br><br><br><br>Authors Note:<br><br>Harry's pen name used in his book series is Gilderoy Lockheart in honor of his teachings.<br><br><br>Happy reading,<br><br>zed019 </div>

Chapter 5 The Book Disclaimer: I own nothing , this is purely a fanfic for enjoyment. Cross-over from various games , books and anime. *The Hokage Office* In the Hokage tower's office where a bunch of Jonin Ninja awaited to deliver the reports of the passing hopeful genins. "Ahem.. Now may I have your attention please,... Good." The hokage said. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to bear witness to the matrimony between..." was interrupted. "Ahem!..., umm, hokage-sama, this isn't a wedding recital." said the random Jonin. "What!?, ehh?, Of course I knew that, I was testing you young whipper-snappers to keep on your toes." The hokage said. Everyone in the room sweatdropped. "Now that I have your undivided attention, REPORT!." The hokage commanded. "Team 8 with Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame passes." said Kurenai. "Team ten with Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Choji Akimichi passes." said Asuma. Everyone was curious on team seven's performance. "Team seven with Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki, and Harry Potter passes, barely." said Kakashi. A shocked reaction could be seen on the faces of the people in the room. "Kakashi explain!." demanded the hokage. "Well, The test was the usual bell test that I give to very genin hopeful students that I gave. Naruto was brash, and fought head on when I taught Taijutsu. Let's just say that he is suffering from a serious private injury (giggles*). Next I tested Hary in ninjutsu, suffice to say I was impressed in the ninjutsu portion of the test. He countered my jutsu perfectly with an obscure form of kekkai jutsu's. Last but not the least, the Uchiha passed out of the genjutsu test with my creative use of FanGirl illusions." Said Kakashi. "That's low Kakashi, no-one should deserve that kind of fate." said Asuma. "Ehh?, you win some, you loose some. Anyways, Harry was able to get the bells at the end of the test. I was surprised, and he refused to tell me how he did it. He gave them up in the end to both Naruto, and Sasuke but they both refused to accept Harry's offer, thus I passed them." explained Kakashi. "That's great Kakashi, everyone dismissed, Kakashi please stay behind." the hokage ordered. After everyone left the room. "What can I do for you hokage-sama?." asked Kakashi. "Ahem!..., I noticed that you have acquired the new season of Icha Icha, might I know where you got it from?." asked the hokage curiously. "hmmm?, you said something hokage-sama?." asked Kakashi. "Don't use that tone with me Kakashi!, now, where did you get the new series of Icha Icha from!?." The hokage questioned with killing intent. "I don't know what your talking about hokage-sama, this isn't Icha Icha I'm reading." explained Kakashi. "I'm dissapointed in you Kakashi, who knew you've gone soft from years of service." The hokage said in a dissapointed tone. "Let me rephrase that hokage-sama, this is definitely not Icha Icha,... it's even better." Kakashi declared. "What!, how could that be?, No-one, I mean no-one has made a book that surpassed my young pupil Jiraiya's work." the hokage said in disbelief. "Well this one does, it's so exciting, so vivid, so MAGICAL. The author said said that he gave me the first signed copy, and said that he has yet to publish it. Hehehe, he said that the series was gonna get loads better. If this was just the opening book, I wonder if the next series will turn out. So far it hasn't dissapointed me yet. Ohhhhh!... Ahhhhhh!, the concept is so knew, and original, I can't stop reading." Kakashi explained. "The hokage was flabbergasted, the mighty Kakashi has found a book that could rival the legendary Icha Icha that his student made. He thought for sure that the legendary series will go unsurpassed, but if Kakashi said it was that good, it probably is, I mean no-one has been able to get Kakashi to read another book." The hokage thought. With the hokage's thought finished debating on what he has decided the next best course of Action. "Jonin Hatake Kakashi, I the Lord Hokage, Order you, to hand me that book this instant!." The hokage ordered. "I refuse!, Hokage-sama, with all due respect, get your own book." Kakashi replied. "Suppose where can I get that book, when it isn't even in the shelves yet?." asked the hokage sarcastically. "You should ask the author then, He should have a few copies lying around. He was ready to publish the first series." Kakashi replied. "And who is this mysterious author?." asked the hokage. "Don't let his age fool you Hokage-sama, he knows what's he's doing. I only planned to read the first two pages, but I didn't noticed that it already took me ten minutes of continuous reading before I was interrupted. It's that powerful hokage-sama. The author is none other than my student Harry Potter." Kakashi proudly declared. Sarutobi was baffled. One so young, and already this experienced. He had no choice but to see if it is true, after all seeing is believing. "Anbu!." The hokage ordered. "Yes, hokage-sama?." The Anbu replied, who appeared in front of the hokage. "Bring me Harry Potter here immediately!, I mean Now!." The hokage commanded in a commanding tone. Gone was the face of the kind old man, and it was replaced with the one who gave him the monicker "The professor", the Anbu could only comply, there was no room of argument, any other than complete obedience will only result in death. Meanwhile, Team seven were happily eating ramen when a swirl of leaves popped up of existence near the ramen shop, and came the Anbu ordered by the hokage. The Anbu didn't bother to let them know what happened, and just took Harry, and whisked him away, leaving a stunned Uzumaki, and Uchiha. "OMG!, someone took Harry!." Naruto said worriedly. "Calm down dobe, that was an Anbu judging from the mask the ninja was wearing, I'm sure Harry is fine." The stoic Uchiha declared. "Oh!, now that I think about it, it was an Anbu who took Harry, I hope he'll be back soon." said Naruto who went back to eating ramen. "hnn." replied Sasuke who also went back to eating ramen. Back at the hokage tower where the Anbu took Harry. "Urgghh!, what hit me?, Urghhh, where am I?." Asked Harry. "Ahem!, Now Harry, I have ordered my Anbu to bring you here today for some serious business." The hokage explained. Harry was sweating bullets, what could the hokage possibly want with him?. "What can I do for you, hokage-sama?." Asked Harry. "Yes, I just heard from Kakashi over there that you have an interesting book that you plan on publishing, and I was wondering If I could get an advanced signed copy?." The hokage asked hopefully. "Oh yes, I do in fact have several signed copy ready just in case, and plan on distributing them for testing purposes, Maybe you can help me hokage-sama?." Asked Harry hopefully. "What can I help you with Harry.?" the Hokage asked curiously. "Yes, you see I have made twenty advance signed copies of my new book, and I was planning on distributing them in a testing stage to see if the readers are interested in it, unfortunately due to my age, no-one has been taking me seriously, so I gave one to Kakashi-sensei who I noticed is an Avid fan of the Icha Icha series. If I have the approval of such a great sensei, then that would push on the series that I'm planning on publishing. But I need to distribute the nineteen books left, but I don't know anyone who is as open as Kakashi who read books similar to Icha Icha." Harry explained. "Look no further Harry, I can distribute them for you, you see I called you here to see if I can have a copy of the book you have. As Kakashi said, it is so good that it surpassed the Icha Icha series, and I'm DYING to get one of your books." The Hokage explained like he was drooling for a raw steak. "I thank you hokage-sama, here are the copies." Harry swiped his inventory, and popped came nineteen copies of the green book, and handed them to the hokage. "I thank you Harry, I know where to give the others, and I can assure you, they will be welcomed" The hokage said reassuringly. "Thank you hokage-sama, I have to go now, my teammates must be worried about about me." "Yes, don't keep them waiting." The hokage said in a don't disturb me because I have a brand new toy to test kind of tone. With that Harry left the Hokage tower leaving one Sarutobi, and one Kakashi giggling. "Hmm, The Magical Adventures of Gilderoy Lockheart. What a cheesy tittle, but I can't argue the contents. It really is magical." The hokage pondered while reading some more. News quickly spread about Harry's book in the elemental nations due to the Hokage's influence. The rumors reached the ears of the one, and only Jiaraiya, the Toad sage of Mount Myoboku. "Whats this?, Someone dare claims to have surpassed my Life's work?, and greatness?. Whoever you are Gilderoy Lockheart, prepare yourself!, No-one, I mean No-one outperverts this Great Super Pervert Jiraiya, Sage of Mount Myokobu." Jiraiya declared. Unfortunately, this outburst revealed his hiding spot in the women's hotspring section, and the great Super Pervert received a beating of a lifetime. "I'll get you for this Gidleroy Lockheart, if it's the last thing I do." Jiraiya declared while he was being beaten. Authors Note: Harry's pen name used in his book series is Gilderoy Lockheart in honor of his teachings. Happy reading, zed019

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Day 5</span><br><br>Lee Jun repeated exercises to increase his flexibility. <br><br>Chung Il sat and watched him do his stretches. “Push yourself harder. You are getting up too quickly! You must bend all the way down and be able to touch your toes! You are so young and flexible!”<br><br>Lee Jun bent and bent but he really could not touch his toes. <br><br>“Hold that position for a minute and don’t stop trying to touch your toes, then release yourself from that positions and then after 10 seconds go back trying, do 10 sets of those.” Chung Il instructed as continued watching Lee Jun. Before sword training came body training, without a strong body it was pointless. A sword in the hands of a weakling is no different from a butterknife, but any object in the hands of a master is a potential weapon.<br><br>As Lee Jun got up again, he noticed the dojang was had been looking quite empty for the last few days.<br><br>“Master where is everyone else?” He asked out of curiousity.<br><br>“Training…” Chung Il said as he switched on a tablet to watch RREV news feed.<br><br>“A special camp?” Lee Jun asked as he bent back to touch his toes.<br><br>“No…they are at home…on Royal Road Elementarem Vim…” Chung Il said without looking away from his monitor. He was too engrossed with the news; since the joining of the Geomchi’s three more new cities had been unlocked in Earth Kingdom. It was the only kingdom where players were able to rapidly progress explore. Players in Fire and Air were struggling the most in exploring their kingdoms owing to various external disturbances and local politics. Water Kingdom was the most obscure one since the Hermes guild (the largest and the guild at the forefront) never revealed to the public how much progress had they made.<br><br>Lee Jun stared at his master in shock. “Elementarem Vim?” He asked again just to be sure he heard it right.<br><br>“Aye, we decided to have a go at it.” Chung Il said as he out away his laptop. “Please don’t take a break! You want to keep those muscles working.”<br><br>Lee Jun continued stretching. He would shoot glances at his master, hoping that Chung Il would reveal more. “So the Geomchis have returned?...” Lee Jun asked.<br><br>“Aye…” His master said without the slightest interest in explaining further details.<br><br>When he noticed that his master wasn’t getting the hint, he asked for the details. “Master, so what kind of training are you doing in Elementarem Vim?”<br><br>“Sword training…”<br><br>“But I have been reading that swords…and martial artists have no place in Royal Road…”<br><br>Chung Il put away his tablet for the second time and looked at Lee Jun. “Who told you that?” He asked taking offense to that statement.<br><br>“Umm…I still follow the news for the game.” Lee Jun replied. “A lot of commentators and critics think that martial arts are not needed in this game.”<br><br>“Then they are mistaken.” Chung Il said with no change in tone. “It does not matter whether you can control the earth, fire or wind. If you have no sense of martial arts then you are doomed.”<br><br>“And what about professional gamers? They are good at martial arts, I am certain they can do more harm.” Lee Jun interjected. It was fun for him to question one of the living legends and see first hand how their great minds work.<br><br>“It doesn’t matter, you just need to become the best martial artist there is. If you are strong you are strong no one can defeat you…”<br><br>“Yes, but wont they be stronger since they know both martial arts and have elemental powers?” Lee Jun restated his question differently. “How can the way of the sword possibly help in a battle such as that?”<br><br>“You are underestimating the sword and the Geomchi’s training too much, young one.” Chung Il replied as he joined Lee Jun in the warm ups. “There are bound to be differences in our strengths but also in our weaknesses. The way of the Geomchis is more special than simply the way of the sword. It is a way of life.”<br><br>Lee Jun wasn’t sure what the old man meant here but he went with the flow. “But generations have changed master, I don’t think the Geomchi’s will have much impact if they don’t pick up elemental powers along with sword techniques.”<br><br>“Agreed, but we are a dojang, the sword comes before some magical non existent power.” Chung Il said.<br><br>Lee Jun was slightly disappointed in the answer he was hoping he would be able to coax his master into trying a different power or something along those lines. Geomchi’s in Royal Road were hardcore martial artists however they were nothing more than mere supporting charcters to Weed’s grand adventures in all the stories that he had read.<br><br>“You too are forbidden from practicing magic only the way of the sword..if you can ever log back on to virtual reality.” He added realizing whom he was talking to.<br><br>“Yeah…I don’t think there exists any other way for me right now. I am a pure neutral player.” Lee Jun confessed.<br><br>“Pure neutral?” Chung Il asked, he had no idea what the technical terms of the game or RREV lingo were since he was still new to RREV.<br><br>“Its no different from being human.” Lee Jun explained.<br><br>Chung Il smiled, “Then you have no option but to master the sword. Do not worry even Lee Hyun played as a normal human in Royal Road.”<br><br>“Master, why do I not see master Lee Hyun here?” Lee Jun asked.<br><br>“Eh??” Chung Il gave Lee Jun a surprised look at the mention of Lee Hyun’s name.<br><br>“Where did you hear he was a master here?” Chung Il asked just to be sure Lee Jun remembered nothing from his past. Ever since Chung Il read that Lee Jun grew up in an orphanage owned by a trust of Lee Hyun, he had been slightly edgy. He did not know why but he felt like he knew this child from before…<br><br>“Umm…I saw it on the old trophy in the cabinet.” Lee Jun said as he pointed to a cabinet.<br><br>“Oh that!” Chung Il said slightly relieved. “Yes, he is master here however for a long long time he stopped coming since he has been slightly busy with work and other stuff happened.”<br><br>Before Lee Jun could ask more Chung Il passed him a katana. <br><br>“Master?” Lee Jun asked suspiciously as he received the katana with both his hands. Although katanas are supposed to light, it was still surprisingly heavy for Lee Jun. If he had not been practicing with a real sword before he probably would have never agreed to what Chung Il said next.<br><br>“Interested in a joust?” Chung Il asked as he unsheathed his katana.<br><br>“Yes!” Lee Jun said excitedly as he went to get some protective gear.<br><br>“Where are you going?” Chung Il asked. <br><br>“To get the protect gear?” Lee Jun said with his voice going faint. He had a bad feeling about this.<br><br>“Oh, you don’t need that, have a little faith in your master. I maybe old but I am indeed a master, I wouldn’t possibly hurt you.” Chung Il said slowly. It wasn’t a very convincing statement but Lee Jun could do nothing but accept it.<br><br>The two bowed to each other and took three steps back.<br><br>Thanks to his match with Hwa, Lee Jun had a fair graps on how capable his masters were. Hwa’s match was also a good lesson on attack reach. Lee Jun knew that from this distance (about 9 feet), he was probably in his masters attack range but not vice versa.<br><br>Lee Jun continued retreating. Although the match had not begun, he could feel his masters killer aura emanating. <br><br>“This is just practice right?” Lee Jun asked jokingly. However he was greeted with nothing but silence. <br><br>*Gulp*<br><br>‘Maybe I shouldn’t have asked him about master Lee Hyun…”<br><br>Chung Il held his position and only focused on Lee Jun. He could not hear anything that Lee Jun spoke, in fact he was concentrating so much he could perfectly hear everything as if it were happening in slow motion hence he could not make sense of what Lee Jun just said.<br><br>Lee Jun wasn’t sure what to do at this point. So far his master stood still like a statue emanating a killer aura but other than that he didn’t do anything else. <br>Lee Jun took a step forward, he was back in his master’s attack range. Although he had practiced sword strikes before, he had never had the opportunity to actual engage in sword play before. He had seen plenty of matches and was very fairly confident he could do what the other seniors did. That is why he instantly agreed to Chung Il’s proposal. He wanted to guage how far had he come through training.<br><br>Lee Jun took another step, he was still too far too attack his master. With each step he took closer to his master, the more suffocating the air around him became. He began finding it difficult to breath. Was it his master’s aura or his own cowardice? He did not know.<br><br>Had it been wooden swords, Lee Jun would have felt more comfortable to strike or receive strikes but with the real thing in hand and no protective, somehow the entire setting changed. It felt like the stakes had been raised a million fold. Many gamblers experience this kind of feeling. Imagine playing a game of black jack, if the stakes were as low as $1 then everyone would have a go, but imagine if the stakes were increased to $ 1 million? It brings about an air of tension that becomes most difficult to handle. Right now on Lee Jun’s mind was not the sword but thoughts of how dangerous this was. One mistake on his part could injure his master or he could hurt himself.<br><br>Lee Jun took his third step closer to Chung Il. He was now in range to attack his master. He knew this was going to be risky. He realized soon he needed to have some faith in his master’s skills being superior than his to make the first strike. ‘If it is master, he should be able to defend it.’<br><br>Lee Jun lept forward and slashed his sword as he had been taught by his instructors. <br><br>Chung Il stood motionless.<br><br>‘No!!’ Lee Jun thought as he raced down with his sword. ‘MOVE MASTER!’ Lee Jun closed his eyes in horror. However, when he realized he hit nothing, Lee Jun looked up and noticed, even though he did such a wide strike down his master stood unscathed …he did not so much even flinch. ‘Of by a millimeter?’<br><br>Lee Jun begun a series of strikes at his master however, no matter how much he tried it never touched Chung Il. Finally, Lee Jun noticed that all though it was sublte, Chung Il would move back just enough to miss the edge of the sword by the width of a hair.<br><br>It was nothing short of spectacular. <br><br>Lee Jun smiled. ‘I can go all out.’<br><br>He began with pierce moves and slashes. He was finally able to get Chung Il to defend. However even the defending done by Chung Il was on level Lee Jun could never imagine. When Lee Jun thrusted his sword forward, Chung Il simply moved his sword forward and deflected the attack completely without reeling under the impact. In fact it was Lee Jun who fell of balance. ‘What the heck? How is he doing that?’ Lee Jun wondered.<br><br>Lee Jun began losing confidence, using his first match against Hwa as a benchmark of a master’s abilitiy was serious mistake. If Hwa could be rated in terms of power as 100 then Chung Il was well over 10,000. The difference could only be stated as ridiculous.<br><br>After thirty minutes, Lee Jun found himself breathless. Moving around holding a katana was exhausting. His master on the otherhand stood just as he did before the start of the match. Chung Il wasn’t breathing hard nor was he sweating. <br><br>Lee Jun closed his eyes and focused for a moment. ‘A reckless charge will accomplish nothing. This is a serious duel; I have yet to answer him seriously.’ Lee Jun quickly recalled all his lessons and sword matches he had witnessed. For Lee Jun recalling something was the same as reliving it or being taught vicariously (like the Matrix?). <br><br>Lee Jun built up his concentration and then opened his eyes. If Chung Il was an audience member he would have been able to tell that Lee Jun had accomplished nearly the same state of mind which he was presently in; a feat that usually takes decades of practice to achieve. It must be noted that Lee Jun didn’t copy Chung Il’s power of focus this was his natural state when he put his mind to something.<br><br>Lee Jun began weaving a complex set of strikes, hacks, slashes anything that he could throw at his master. It wasn’t a simple lopsided battle anymore. Chung Il began answering Lee Jun’s seriously as well. There were moments where he would use evasive techniques to dodge and had to counter attack just to slow down Lee Jun’s pace of attacks. Lee Jun’s attacks could be likened to those of angry hornets whose nest has been disturbed. Their attack maybe small weak individually but when they come one after another it becomes a potentially lethal weapon.<br><br>The two exchanged blow after blow. Chung Il was slightly surprised with Lee Jun’s attacks. He did not expect Lee Jun to be able to do much however his disciple surpassed his expectations. This joust proved without doubt the imitation of the half step that he witnessed during the trials was the real thing. ‘Monster’ Chung Il thought to himself as tried to define the child’s talent. He knew that Lee Jun was special and his talent was over flowing but this was ridiculous. It was likea wild beast which had been in slumber had been awoken.<br><br>However, Lee Jun’s sudden burst of attacks came to a grinding halt. He completely wore himself out.<br><br>“huff puff…” Lee Jun was breathing hard as he struggled to hold the sword up.<br><br>This match reminded him of Shadow versus Theodore. Shadow kept playing on and on with Theodore and in the end Theodore was reduced to nothing but dust.<br><br>As Lee Jun got hold of his breath, he gathered the remaining energy he had for a final attack before calling it quits. ‘Let’s try merging steps…’ Lee Jun thought as he recalled the various advance trainings he was forced to watch the beginning few days he was at the Dojang.<br><br>Lee Jun ran forward and slashed horizontal at Chung Il. Chung Il was forced to jump back, however that was what Lee Jun had been waiting for. ‘Dodge this in midair..’ Lee Jun jumped forward, with his body tilted slightly angular and then thrust the sword forward. It was only for a second, but Lee Jun managed to slightly graze Chung Il’s attire. In that split second, Chung Il responded to the danger with his strongest offense…<br>Lee Jun couldn’t even see what his master did since it was so fast.<br><br>However, after that he felt very lighted headed as if blood was being drained from his body. He could see his master shouting something and looking at him with a frown. The world became dark and he soon lost consciousness. <br><br>Lee Jun fell to the ground and a small pool of blood began forming around his chest.<br><br><br><br>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>Authors Note:<br><br>1. Made this into a new chapter, since that one wasn't letting me put everything in one post.<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=1581" 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>

Day 5 Lee Jun repeated exercises to increase his flexibility. Chung Il sat and watched him do his stretches. “Push yourself harder. You are getting up too quickly! You must bend all the way down and be able to touch your toes! You are so young and flexible!” Lee Jun bent and bent but he really could not touch his toes. “Hold that position for a minute and don’t stop trying to touch your toes, then release yourself from that positions and then after 10 seconds go back trying, do 10 sets of those.” Chung Il instructed as continued watching Lee Jun. Before sword training came body training, without a strong body it was pointless. A sword in the hands of a weakling is no different from a butterknife, but any object in the hands of a master is a potential weapon. As Lee Jun got up again, he noticed the dojang was had been looking quite empty for the last few days. “Master where is everyone else?” He asked out of curiousity. “Training…” Chung Il said as he switched on a tablet to watch RREV news feed. “A special camp?” Lee Jun asked as he bent back to touch his toes. “No…they are at home…on Royal Road Elementarem Vim…” Chung Il said without looking away from his monitor. He was too engrossed with the news; since the joining of the Geomchi’s three more new cities had been unlocked in Earth Kingdom. It was the only kingdom where players were able to rapidly progress explore. Players in Fire and Air were struggling the most in exploring their kingdoms owing to various external disturbances and local politics. Water Kingdom was the most obscure one since the Hermes guild (the largest and the guild at the forefront) never revealed to the public how much progress had they made. Lee Jun stared at his master in shock. “Elementarem Vim?” He asked again just to be sure he heard it right. “Aye, we decided to have a go at it.” Chung Il said as he out away his laptop. “Please don’t take a break! You want to keep those muscles working.” Lee Jun continued stretching. He would shoot glances at his master, hoping that Chung Il would reveal more. “So the Geomchis have returned?...” Lee Jun asked. “Aye…” His master said without the slightest interest in explaining further details. When he noticed that his master wasn’t getting the hint, he asked for the details. “Master, so what kind of training are you doing in Elementarem Vim?” “Sword training…” “But I have been reading that swords…and martial artists have no place in Royal Road…” Chung Il put away his tablet for the second time and looked at Lee Jun. “Who told you that?” He asked taking offense to that statement. “Umm…I still follow the news for the game.” Lee Jun replied. “A lot of commentators and critics think that martial arts are not needed in this game.” “Then they are mistaken.” Chung Il said with no change in tone. “It does not matter whether you can control the earth, fire or wind. If you have no sense of martial arts then you are doomed.” “And what about professional gamers? They are good at martial arts, I am certain they can do more harm.” Lee Jun interjected. It was fun for him to question one of the living legends and see first hand how their great minds work. “It doesn’t matter, you just need to become the best martial artist there is. If you are strong you are strong no one can defeat you…” “Yes, but wont they be stronger since they know both martial arts and have elemental powers?” Lee Jun restated his question differently. “How can the way of the sword possibly help in a battle such as that?” “You are underestimating the sword and the Geomchi’s training too much, young one.” Chung Il replied as he joined Lee Jun in the warm ups. “There are bound to be differences in our strengths but also in our weaknesses. The way of the Geomchis is more special than simply the way of the sword. It is a way of life.” Lee Jun wasn’t sure what the old man meant here but he went with the flow. “But generations have changed master, I don’t think the Geomchi’s will have much impact if they don’t pick up elemental powers along with sword techniques.” “Agreed, but we are a dojang, the sword comes before some magical non existent power.” Chung Il said. Lee Jun was slightly disappointed in the answer he was hoping he would be able to coax his master into trying a different power or something along those lines. Geomchi’s in Royal Road were hardcore martial artists however they were nothing more than mere supporting charcters to Weed’s grand adventures in all the stories that he had read. “You too are forbidden from practicing magic only the way of the sword..if you can ever log back on to virtual reality.” He added realizing whom he was talking to. “Yeah…I don’t think there exists any other way for me right now. I am a pure neutral player.” Lee Jun confessed. “Pure neutral?” Chung Il asked, he had no idea what the technical terms of the game or RREV lingo were since he was still new to RREV. “Its no different from being human.” Lee Jun explained. Chung Il smiled, “Then you have no option but to master the sword. Do not worry even Lee Hyun played as a normal human in Royal Road.” “Master, why do I not see master Lee Hyun here?” Lee Jun asked. “Eh??” Chung Il gave Lee Jun a surprised look at the mention of Lee Hyun’s name. “Where did you hear he was a master here?” Chung Il asked just to be sure Lee Jun remembered nothing from his past. Ever since Chung Il read that Lee Jun grew up in an orphanage owned by a trust of Lee Hyun, he had been slightly edgy. He did not know why but he felt like he knew this child from before… “Umm…I saw it on the old trophy in the cabinet.” Lee Jun said as he pointed to a cabinet. “Oh that!” Chung Il said slightly relieved. “Yes, he is master here however for a long long time he stopped coming since he has been slightly busy with work and other stuff happened.” Before Lee Jun could ask more Chung Il passed him a katana. “Master?” Lee Jun asked suspiciously as he received the katana with both his hands. Although katanas are supposed to light, it was still surprisingly heavy for Lee Jun. If he had not been practicing with a real sword before he probably would have never agreed to what Chung Il said next. “Interested in a joust?” Chung Il asked as he unsheathed his katana. “Yes!” Lee Jun said excitedly as he went to get some protective gear. “Where are you going?” Chung Il asked. “To get the protect gear?” Lee Jun said with his voice going faint. He had a bad feeling about this. “Oh, you don’t need that, have a little faith in your master. I maybe old but I am indeed a master, I wouldn’t possibly hurt you.” Chung Il said slowly. It wasn’t a very convincing statement but Lee Jun could do nothing but accept it. The two bowed to each other and took three steps back. Thanks to his match with Hwa, Lee Jun had a fair graps on how capable his masters were. Hwa’s match was also a good lesson on attack reach. Lee Jun knew that from this distance (about 9 feet), he was probably in his masters attack range but not vice versa. Lee Jun continued retreating. Although the match had not begun, he could feel his masters killer aura emanating. “This is just practice right?” Lee Jun asked jokingly. However he was greeted with nothing but silence. *Gulp* ‘Maybe I shouldn’t have asked him about master Lee Hyun…” Chung Il held his position and only focused on Lee Jun. He could not hear anything that Lee Jun spoke, in fact he was concentrating so much he could perfectly hear everything as if it were happening in slow motion hence he could not make sense of what Lee Jun just said. Lee Jun wasn’t sure what to do at this point. So far his master stood still like a statue emanating a killer aura but other than that he didn’t do anything else. Lee Jun took a step forward, he was back in his master’s attack range. Although he had practiced sword strikes before, he had never had the opportunity to actual engage in sword play before. He had seen plenty of matches and was very fairly confident he could do what the other seniors did. That is why he instantly agreed to Chung Il’s proposal. He wanted to guage how far had he come through training. Lee Jun took another step, he was still too far too attack his master. With each step he took closer to his master, the more suffocating the air around him became. He began finding it difficult to breath. Was it his master’s aura or his own cowardice? He did not know. Had it been wooden swords, Lee Jun would have felt more comfortable to strike or receive strikes but with the real thing in hand and no protective, somehow the entire setting changed. It felt like the stakes had been raised a million fold. Many gamblers experience this kind of feeling. Imagine playing a game of black jack, if the stakes were as low as $1 then everyone would have a go, but imagine if the stakes were increased to $ 1 million? It brings about an air of tension that becomes most difficult to handle. Right now on Lee Jun’s mind was not the sword but thoughts of how dangerous this was. One mistake on his part could injure his master or he could hurt himself. Lee Jun took his third step closer to Chung Il. He was now in range to attack his master. He knew this was going to be risky. He realized soon he needed to have some faith in his master’s skills being superior than his to make the first strike. ‘If it is master, he should be able to defend it.’ Lee Jun lept forward and slashed his sword as he had been taught by his instructors. Chung Il stood motionless. ‘No!!’ Lee Jun thought as he raced down with his sword. ‘MOVE MASTER!’ Lee Jun closed his eyes in horror. However, when he realized he hit nothing, Lee Jun looked up and noticed, even though he did such a wide strike down his master stood unscathed …he did not so much even flinch. ‘Of by a millimeter?’ Lee Jun begun a series of strikes at his master however, no matter how much he tried it never touched Chung Il. Finally, Lee Jun noticed that all though it was sublte, Chung Il would move back just enough to miss the edge of the sword by the width of a hair. It was nothing short of spectacular. Lee Jun smiled. ‘I can go all out.’ He began with pierce moves and slashes. He was finally able to get Chung Il to defend. However even the defending done by Chung Il was on level Lee Jun could never imagine. When Lee Jun thrusted his sword forward, Chung Il simply moved his sword forward and deflected the attack completely without reeling under the impact. In fact it was Lee Jun who fell of balance. ‘What the heck? How is he doing that?’ Lee Jun wondered. Lee Jun began losing confidence, using his first match against Hwa as a benchmark of a master’s abilitiy was serious mistake. If Hwa could be rated in terms of power as 100 then Chung Il was well over 10,000. The difference could only be stated as ridiculous. After thirty minutes, Lee Jun found himself breathless. Moving around holding a katana was exhausting. His master on the otherhand stood just as he did before the start of the match. Chung Il wasn’t breathing hard nor was he sweating. Lee Jun closed his eyes and focused for a moment. ‘A reckless charge will accomplish nothing. This is a serious duel; I have yet to answer him seriously.’ Lee Jun quickly recalled all his lessons and sword matches he had witnessed. For Lee Jun recalling something was the same as reliving it or being taught vicariously (like the Matrix?). Lee Jun built up his concentration and then opened his eyes. If Chung Il was an audience member he would have been able to tell that Lee Jun had accomplished nearly the same state of mind which he was presently in; a feat that usually takes decades of practice to achieve. It must be noted that Lee Jun didn’t copy Chung Il’s power of focus this was his natural state when he put his mind to something. Lee Jun began weaving a complex set of strikes, hacks, slashes anything that he could throw at his master. It wasn’t a simple lopsided battle anymore. Chung Il began answering Lee Jun’s seriously as well. There were moments where he would use evasive techniques to dodge and had to counter attack just to slow down Lee Jun’s pace of attacks. Lee Jun’s attacks could be likened to those of angry hornets whose nest has been disturbed. Their attack maybe small weak individually but when they come one after another it becomes a potentially lethal weapon. The two exchanged blow after blow. Chung Il was slightly surprised with Lee Jun’s attacks. He did not expect Lee Jun to be able to do much however his disciple surpassed his expectations. This joust proved without doubt the imitation of the half step that he witnessed during the trials was the real thing. ‘Monster’ Chung Il thought to himself as tried to define the child’s talent. He knew that Lee Jun was special and his talent was over flowing but this was ridiculous. It was likea wild beast which had been in slumber had been awoken. However, Lee Jun’s sudden burst of attacks came to a grinding halt. He completely wore himself out. “huff puff…” Lee Jun was breathing hard as he struggled to hold the sword up. This match reminded him of Shadow versus Theodore. Shadow kept playing on and on with Theodore and in the end Theodore was reduced to nothing but dust. As Lee Jun got hold of his breath, he gathered the remaining energy he had for a final attack before calling it quits. ‘Let’s try merging steps…’ Lee Jun thought as he recalled the various advance trainings he was forced to watch the beginning few days he was at the Dojang. Lee Jun ran forward and slashed horizontal at Chung Il. Chung Il was forced to jump back, however that was what Lee Jun had been waiting for. ‘Dodge this in midair..’ Lee Jun jumped forward, with his body tilted slightly angular and then thrust the sword forward. It was only for a second, but Lee Jun managed to slightly graze Chung Il’s attire. In that split second, Chung Il responded to the danger with his strongest offense… Lee Jun couldn’t even see what his master did since it was so fast. However, after that he felt very lighted headed as if blood was being drained from his body. He could see his master shouting something and looking at him with a frown. The world became dark and he soon lost consciousness. Lee Jun fell to the ground and a small pool of blood began forming around his chest. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authors Note: 1. Made this into a new chapter, since that one wasn't letting me put everything in one post. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Connect to Royal Road – Elementarem Vim next Chapter? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Yes](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=1581) | [No](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=348) | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> title was meant to be V1 chapter 3 the first month (RT)<br>____________________________________________________________________________<br><br>After a good night sleep Richard wake up to is plain room this is only the start of everyday. <br><br>Get up looking at is depressing room which was a bed, a nightstand, closet full of clothes and still missing the pod for Royal Road the the school was meant to have give him.<br><br>Changing into the grey uniform. The pain in is leg from where is glasses had been the day before reawaken his anger for them.<br><br>‘those were very expense glass’<br><br>“Clam down Richard I can use them in Royal Road because they have experience.”<br><br>Before leave his apartment he grab some breakfast and started is long walk to school.<br><br>“I have never have hate this walk up this hill so much.”(exhaust breathing)<br><br>It was a hour long walk but because of his weight and lack of stamina he was trend before starting climbing it.<br><br>“Piggy can you catch me.”<br><br>“Run pig run.”<br><br>“Oink oink”<br><br>“Haha.”<br><br>Everyone that goes to school has to come this way so they all tease me who struggles to climb this hill. <br><br>“Did you see the pig yesterday trying to leave the pod room.”<br><br>“He look like my brother when I lock him up in the closet for a week.”<br><br>That pissed Richard of quite abit but he try to keep his cool.<br><br>Arriving at school he was called into the principals office where he go there he growled at Richard of for leave blood all over the floor and damaging the pods. <br><br>He was very angry about the fact the blood was more important then his life. The next hour he was struck having to clean it all up once it was all do he was allowed to login in to Royal Road<br><br>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br><br>Zeus was with 10 player having a chat about what they would do to waste time for the next few weeks (RR). <br><br>“I am so glad we found those few hidden information on PK.”<br><br>“Yup, if you are attack in a group and victim doesn’t know who killed, as well as, no witness you can gain no murderer mark or notoriety as long as the crime is not said to anyone, kind of like fame. Although we do loss abit of fame and gain infamy sadly.”<br><br>"in return we get to make his suffer"<br><br>“ anyway, back to topic, how can we make his life like hell in Royal Road.”<br><br>“I say we kill for a few weeks.”<br><br>“No we should let him enjoy the game only to take him out before leave.”<br><br>This argument went on for most any hour with everyone having a different idea of suffering. <br><br>“Ok, ok I got an idea. Let kill him for the first week, them the next few weeks make him work him like a slave doing old job for us, then kill him again before we leave town. Well we are at it we can make him stave and torture him”<br><br>The group all agree. <br><br>“Just you wait we will make you life hell so much that you will give up on your life.”<br><br>“Cheers to cutting the pig head off.”<br><br>“Cheers.”<br><br>“Cheers” <br><br>The plan was decide so all was left was to start the fun.<br><br>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br><br>Richard this time not letting his glass outside of the pod enter.<br><br>“The scan on your iris and body have determined that you are an registered user. how has an account call Strazio is this correct.”<br><br>“Yes.”<br><br>“Do you wish to continue you advantage.”<br><br>“It definitely was not an advantage. Yes.”<br><br>“Login in compete have a good advantage Strazio.”<br><br>“-------”<br><br>The light shone on him and then he was back in Royal Road.<br><br>“where am I.”<br><br>“I didn’t die here befo-<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>-35HP</td></tr><tr><td>-34HP</td></tr><tr><td>-18HP</td></tr><tr><td>-24HP</td></tr><tr><td>You have been killed. <br>Cannot log in for 24 hours.<br>Skills and levels will decrease as a result of player’s death.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>Once again he was sent back to the pod.<br><br>“This time is was not even 30 seconds.” screamed Richard after login then die straight away<br>Once he came out of the pod everyone was pointing their finger at him laughing at is pathetic deaths. In fact their was many people who came back to Baran Village just to watch died.<br><br>This keep up for a week(RR) before Ben came up to him on the 8 Day. <br><br>“You are now a servant to the guild call ‘pig killer’. If you don’t obey you will suffer ten’s of deaths do you understand.”<br><br>Not have a choose he had to do as told if not the would kill him tones of time in the game and his life in realty would get worse.<br><br>‘I will make you all paid for this I swear’<br><br>“Good you first job is to run to the blacksmith with all of this bone and ore them come back here with all the money if you don’t you will see hell. Do not even think about keeping any coin ether.”<br><br>Obediently he did as told but his eyes never stop showing a red eyes filled with anger directed at them.<br><br>This went on for weeks, Strazio seem to always have problems with his Stamina bar with little rest it was always in the 20% or lower.<br><br>When ever his hunger got to 1% only then did they give him so barely bread as if to make Strazio look like a staving dog, working hard to get its food.<br><br>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br><br>“Look like we can’t delay it any longer.” Said the principal “It the week of the exams he won’t have time to play royal road.”<br><br>“ok” relay a teacher as they left<br><br>“delay him from Royal Road as much as I could. Now Richard how will you act as you are left on your own.”<br><br>A teacher came running in.<br><br>“Sir the exams are to hard the student will all stagger to do this.”<br><br>“It’s fine.”<br><br>“Sir what are you up to.”<br><br>“Making this place like hell for him.”<br><br>“Richard, poor kid.”<br><br>“The rich and the best eats the poor and worse that how life works.”<br><br>“And he is an easy target or is there more to this then that?”<br><br>“----”<br><br>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>“The exam are tomorrow.” said Zeus to everyone. <br><br>“So now it begin.” rely Kite and everyone started laugh.<br><br>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br><br>Strazio was run to the market to give Zeus the money for the last job of the day so he could eat.<br><br>‘i as still not gotten uses to this new body, it’s faster and stronger them the one i am uses to”<br><br>An arrow came out of nowhere and stick him down.<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>-99HP</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>With only 1HP he searched to see who did it when Zeus came walking to him and took the money.<br><br>Starzio had done over a hundred run to building and come back to earn nothing but bread, was very angry to also see fifty plus people from his school surround him. Laugh at him, Spiting on him.<br><br>“Thank for you hard work but you aren’t need anymore.”<br><br>‘stab’<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>-1HP</td></tr><tr><td>You have been killed.<br>Cannot log in for 24 hours.<br>Skills and levels will decrease as a result of player’s death.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>Again Strazio was kill however this time it tick him off so badly.<br><br>He left the pod and walk out.<br><br>Everyone there was laugh at him has he walk past quietly. <br><br>Once he left them login on and left Baran Village scattering around the world.<br><br>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br><br>When he got home he found that the Royal Road pod was deliver finally but because he die less then 24 hour ago he couldn’t login.<br><br>In a voice that was sound like thunder he yelled.<br><br> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">“YOU HAVE DONE IT NOW AND YOU WILL PAY FOR IT.”</span></span><br><br>_______________________________________________________________________<br><br>VT is in game time<br>RT is real life time<br><br>thank for read, the next chapter will be in 4 day </div>

title was meant to be V1 chapter 3 the first month (RT) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ After a good night sleep Richard wake up to is plain room this is only the start of everyday. Get up looking at is depressing room which was a bed, a nightstand, closet full of clothes and still missing the pod for Royal Road the the school was meant to have give him. Changing into the grey uniform. The pain in is leg from where is glasses had been the day before reawaken his anger for them. ‘those were very expense glass’ “Clam down Richard I can use them in Royal Road because they have experience.” Before leave his apartment he grab some breakfast and started is long walk to school. “I have never have hate this walk up this hill so much.”(exhaust breathing) It was a hour long walk but because of his weight and lack of stamina he was trend before starting climbing it. “Piggy can you catch me.” “Run pig run.” “Oink oink” “Haha.” Everyone that goes to school has to come this way so they all tease me who struggles to climb this hill. “Did you see the pig yesterday trying to leave the pod room.” “He look like my brother when I lock him up in the closet for a week.” That pissed Richard of quite abit but he try to keep his cool. Arriving at school he was called into the principals office where he go there he growled at Richard of for leave blood all over the floor and damaging the pods. He was very angry about the fact the blood was more important then his life. The next hour he was struck having to clean it all up once it was all do he was allowed to login in to Royal Road ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Zeus was with 10 player having a chat about what they would do to waste time for the next few weeks (RR). “I am so glad we found those few hidden information on PK.” “Yup, if you are attack in a group and victim doesn’t know who killed, as well as, no witness you can gain no murderer mark or notoriety as long as the crime is not said to anyone, kind of like fame. Although we do loss abit of fame and gain infamy sadly.” "in return we get to make his suffer" “ anyway, back to topic, how can we make his life like hell in Royal Road.” “I say we kill for a few weeks.” “No we should let him enjoy the game only to take him out before leave.” This argument went on for most any hour with everyone having a different idea of suffering. “Ok, ok I got an idea. Let kill him for the first week, them the next few weeks make him work him like a slave doing old job for us, then kill him again before we leave town. Well we are at it we can make him stave and torture him” The group all agree. “Just you wait we will make you life hell so much that you will give up on your life.” “Cheers to cutting the pig head off.” “Cheers.” “Cheers” The plan was decide so all was left was to start the fun. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Richard this time not letting his glass outside of the pod enter. “The scan on your iris and body have determined that you are an registered user. how has an account call Strazio is this correct.” “Yes.” “Do you wish to continue you advantage.” “It definitely was not an advantage. Yes.” “Login in compete have a good advantage Strazio.” “-------” The light shone on him and then he was back in Royal Road. “where am I.” “I didn’t die here befo- | -35HP | | --- | | -34HP | | -18HP | | -24HP | | You have been killed. Cannot log in for 24 hours.Skills and levels will decrease as a result of player’s death. | Once again he was sent back to the pod. “This time is was not even 30 seconds.” screamed Richard after login then die straight away Once he came out of the pod everyone was pointing their finger at him laughing at is pathetic deaths. In fact their was many people who came back to Baran Village just to watch died. This keep up for a week(RR) before Ben came up to him on the 8 Day. “You are now a servant to the guild call ‘pig killer’. If you don’t obey you will suffer ten’s of deaths do you understand.” Not have a choose he had to do as told if not the would kill him tones of time in the game and his life in realty would get worse. ‘I will make you all paid for this I swear’ “Good you first job is to run to the blacksmith with all of this bone and ore them come back here with all the money if you don’t you will see hell. Do not even think about keeping any coin ether.” Obediently he did as told but his eyes never stop showing a red eyes filled with anger directed at them. This went on for weeks, Strazio seem to always have problems with his Stamina bar with little rest it was always in the 20% or lower. When ever his hunger got to 1% only then did they give him so barely bread as if to make Strazio look like a staving dog, working hard to get its food. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ “Look like we can’t delay it any longer.” Said the principal “It the week of the exams he won’t have time to play royal road.” “ok” relay a teacher as they left “delay him from Royal Road as much as I could. Now Richard how will you act as you are left on your own.” A teacher came running in. “Sir the exams are to hard the student will all stagger to do this.” “It’s fine.” “Sir what are you up to.” “Making this place like hell for him.” “Richard, poor kid.” “The rich and the best eats the poor and worse that how life works.” “And he is an easy target or is there more to this then that?” “----” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ “The exam are tomorrow.” said Zeus to everyone. “So now it begin.” rely Kite and everyone started laugh. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Strazio was run to the market to give Zeus the money for the last job of the day so he could eat. ‘i as still not gotten uses to this new body, it’s faster and stronger them the one i am uses to” An arrow came out of nowhere and stick him down. | -99HP | | --- | With only 1HP he searched to see who did it when Zeus came walking to him and took the money. Starzio had done over a hundred run to building and come back to earn nothing but bread, was very angry to also see fifty plus people from his school surround him. Laugh at him, Spiting on him. “Thank for you hard work but you aren’t need anymore.” ‘stab’ | -1HP | | --- | | You have been killed.Cannot log in for 24 hours.Skills and levels will decrease as a result of player’s death. | Again Strazio was kill however this time it tick him off so badly. He left the pod and walk out. Everyone there was laugh at him has he walk past quietly. Once he left them login on and left Baran Village scattering around the world. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ When he got home he found that the Royal Road pod was deliver finally but because he die less then 24 hour ago he couldn’t login. In a voice that was sound like thunder he yelled. “YOU HAVE DONE IT NOW AND YOU WILL PAY FOR IT.” \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ VT is in game time RT is real life time thank for read, the next chapter will be in 4 day

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Part 1 <br> <br><span style="font-style: italic;">Help came. <br> <br>It came in the form a banner portraying a beautiful woman. The Order of Freya, which had been allied to now eradicated church had come to search for survivors. &nbsp; <br> <br>Having heard of the might of the Order of Beelzebub, the High Priest of the Order of Freya had even given permission for their own Divine Saint to mobilise and help in the proceedings in the case of an emergency. <br> <br>In the end, they had only found one survivor. It was a young dark haired boy. To have been able to survive a battlefield in which all of his order had fallen in showed that the boy was not ordinary. <br> <br>They suspected his power. <br> <br>There were talks of what to do with the boy. Some suggested that they absorb the boy into their own religion. But others argued against it. <br> <br>They feared his power. <br> <br>They feared the might of the Divine Saint Knight of Beelzebub who would come looking for the boy once he learnt news of a survivor. <br> <br>They feared what would happen if the boy were to turn against them for they had no-one else but their own Divine Saint who could stand up against him. <br> <br>In the end, the conflict was resolved by the decision of Divine Saint of Freya: <br> <br>“I will take him with me and go to somewhere where they would least expect it.” <br> &nbsp; <br>To which the High Priest replied: <br> <br>“Fine, but don’t think that you can use this as an excuse escape work. Come to think of it, I know the perfect place to send you. You can go there to try to spread our religion and scout for other talented recruits. Oh and try to think up of a plausible training method to speed train them while you’re at it…”</span> <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;">***</div> <br> <br>“Will Naidiriv be alright if so many of us leave?” <br> <br>That thought had occurred to Godou as he left town and had been bugging him ever since so he decided to ask current companions about it was they walked. <br> <br>“Don’t worry. The two largest settlements in this area, Naidiriv and Tellap, will have about 10 000 inhabitants in total, including both NPCs and players. Considering that they are military towns, about a third of this population will have been properly trained to fight monsters. This means that they have a combined regular garrison of about 3000 fighters. The quest notification popped up in Tellap as well so some of the soldiers from here came from there as well.” <br> <br>“But isn’t that the about the same amount of people who just left Naidiriv?” <br> <br>“I think you’re forgetting the fact that 1000 more defenders joined Naidiriv in the last few days.” <br> <br>“Yup! That’s exactly right Ferrex. Because of the recruits from remnants of the other defence army, Naidiriv will still have about 500 defenders left if something goes wrong. Remember, when sieging a stronghold you need many times more attackers than defenders to succeed so 500 people should be enough to stall for a while.” <br> <br>“While these towns aren’t exactly fortresses, they were constructed during the last Kallamore-Haven war as one of the middle lines of defence so they much should be enough to hold out until help arrives with that much. Remember the walls in Tellap Godou? Those were constructed to be strong enough to withstand various attacks from tunnelling, catapults and magic. (Though, they’re still incomplete…)” <br> <br>His queries were answered by the experienced combination of Reta and Ferrex. After a few hours of traveling, Ferrex had come out of his shell and was now able to converse normally with all the other party members. <br> <br>The defence army had left Naidiriv approximately 5 hours ago and had been following Seirph’s lead ever since. Reta had forced a conversation between all the party members during this time allowing them to learn about each other’s tendencies and favourite attacks. Due to the lack of a tank in the party this process was especially important for their team, or so Reta said. <br> <br>Earlier on Godou had asked about why Quick Shot was so insistent about them all being in parties. Reta had readily given him a long explanation on it which when something along the lines of: <br> <br>“Fighting in parties with experienced players increases the survival rate of new players. Since we’re only about to fight a minor skirmish instead of a major battle so were are not likely to that many strong monsters, also, the rewards for high level players aren’t that great so letting the newbies grow has priority. Normally many high level players wouldn’t participant but stay back in town in case something happens. This case is an exception since the monster army was discovered so late.” <br> <br>From there conversations, Godou learn about the main weapons used by his unfamiliar &nbsp;party mates. Instead of blades, Reta used grey fist protectors as weapons which she claimed to have gotten by completing beginner training centre and were, apparently, bound to her. Flay was using a staff that gave bonuses to ice magic. <br> <br>Godou found Flay easy to get along with and so added him on his friends list as well. After all, there was no harm in broadening his social networks. <br> <br>Speaking of which, the concept of magic seemed fairly detailed considering that this was supposed to be a game. Godou had come across the concept of magic in Royal Road during the basic education. Spells were constructed in the form of circles or layers to produce attacks and other effects. <br> <br>These layers were constructed during the time a spellcaster chants the spell incantation, though apparently if your skill proficiency was high enough or if the spell was simple enough, the construction process would take place when you say the spell name instead of the incantation. Complex spells have multiple magic circles and activate in multiple stages. <br> <br>Spells also interfered with each other when they collide. Supposedly, spells of the same or similar elements would power each other up whilst spells of opposing elements would cancel each other out. There were also books that further explained this concept but Godou couldn’t make heads or tails of it so he had given up on reading them. &nbsp; <br> <br>Flay apparently didn’t know the finer points either so Godou guessed that it wasn’t necessary to knowledge to become a mage. <br> <br>Mages were the name of spellcasters who used magic spells in combat. Magic scholars where spellcasters who researched in the development of new magics and experimented in the construction of new magic circles. <br> <br>Magic could be learnt if one has a magic-related class or an intelligence stat of over 300. <br> <br>Godou hoped that they were close to their destination by now. His hunger saturation level was starting to drop to dangerous levels. The path they were going was very convoluted and so he had lost track of how to get back to Naidiriv. The sun had set quite a while ago so they were walking in the dark. At some point they had started hiking up a mountain which wore down his stamina as well. <br> <br>“I can sense strong holy presence up ahead. We might be close to our destination now…” <br> <br>Ferrex left the statement hang as if he had read Godou’s mind. <br> <br>After 20 more minutes of walking they were nearing the peak of the mountain when– <br> <br>Ding! <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">You have entered the vicinity of The Lost Temple of Lou. Due to being in close proximity of one of the Ancient Wonders of Versailles the following bonuses have been gained. &nbsp; <br> <br>The Lost Temple of Lou is one of the most sacred treasures of the Church of Lou. It was constructed in ancient times as a holy place of worship for the God of light, Lou. Its location was thought to be lost over 500 years ago. If the location of this temple is told to the Church of Lou a large reward will be given. <br> <br>+ 50% Health <br>+ 50% Mana <br>+ 50% Stamina <br>+ 30 in all stats <br> <br>The following information is available due to the completion of the Basic Education: <br>Due to the presence of a Divine Gem, the effects of holy magic have been doubled and the costs of casting holy magic have been halved. The path to this Temple randomly changes over time.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>A large white temple came into sight further up the mountain. It was a magnificent piece of architecture. Tall pillars of marble supported a carefully crafted roof giving the temple an aura of majesty. It stood near the peak of the mountain in near peak condition. It was an irreplaceable relic of the past. A survivor of the changing tides of time. It emitted a slight glow, like a beacon of light in the dark. <br> <br>The fighters in the army who had arrived were waiting in plateau a bit below the building. The party moved to join them. <br> <br>“I still don’t see any paladins.” <br> <br>“So is this where we are supposed to meet? It feels too quiet.” <br> <br>“I can smell the stench of the battlefield. Did the monster army reach here already?” <br> <br>“Wow such huge buffs, but wait, if the church of Freya had information on such a place then why didn’t they tell us about this sooner?” <br> <br>“Why is the Church of Freya waiting at a place belonging to the Church of Lou?” <br> <br>The murmuring of the people around him reflected Godou’s feelings. Although they were supposed to be safe now, why was the unshakeable feeling of “calm before the storm” so heavy in the atmosphere? <br> <br>Even Ferrex was muttering &nbsp;“Hmm…what’s this? Why is there Sacred Energy here?” as he looked around. <br> <br>It took about another 10 minutes for the rest of the army to catch up to them. Eventually, the whole 3000 man army was assembled, the NPCs in an ordered and ready formation while the players stayed in a jumbled mess of parties. They waited for someone from the Church of Freya, which was supposedly leading the army to show up, dissent spreading across their ranks the whole time. <br> <br>“Hey what’s going on?” <br> <br>“Where’s the Church of Freya?” <br> <br>Finally, a priest, the one who had named himself as Seirph appeared he was bombarded by various. <br> <br>“QUIET!!! IF YOU LOT DON’T SHUT UP HOW ARE WE GOING TO GET ANY ANSWERS???” <br> <br>The Captain of the Kallamore Knights silenced them. For saying: <br> <br>“Now you have some explaining to do! Some of my friends are paladins stationed in this area. If the Church of Freya really was here then they would have met up with me by now. Thus I find it unbelievable that you really are part of the Church of Freya. Identify yourself and state your intentions!” <br> <br>“Ha ha ha ha to be exposed by such shoddy reasoning, I really am getting lax. I didn’t lie though, the Church of Freya really is waiting for you here. Dispel!” <br> <br>The ground suddenly rippled as a powerful illusion was dispelled. The ground was suddenly covered in bloodstains and corpses. Godou noticed the all of the corpses bore a certain emblem. The symbol of the Church of Freya. <br> <br>The army was suddenly thrown into a state of confusion. Many of the soldiers were starting to point their weapons at Seirph. However, their sense of discipline was strong. They would not attack unless attacked first or commanded to. <br> <br>“As for my name and intentions, well, I guess these no need to hide it any longer… I am named Seirph, the Divine Saint of Embinyu! And my intentions are… to sacrifice you all for the sake of my holy order!” <br> <br>Part 2 <br> <br>“From your actions and words it is clear that you are an enemy of Kallamore! As such we, the peerless soldiers of this fierce kingdom will answer your challenge with the appropriate force!!!!!!!!” <br> <br>“You misunderstand... This will not be a war. This will be a one-sided massacre! Sacred Barrier Field Activate!” <br> <br>“ALL SOLDIERS CHAAAARRGGEEE!” <br> <br>A huge transparent dome shaped barrier was erected around the army. It enclosed a circle of a radius of 1 km in which nothing could get in or out. Additionally, a dim green light shone form the barrier, providing some light to the area within it. &nbsp; <br> <br>Seirph watched with amusement as the army charged at him in an wedge formation with the horse riding Kallamore Knights in the lead. No doubt the famed knights of Kallamore would give a heft amount of resurrection energy when offered as sacrifices. <br> <br>This sort of formation used the Kallamore Knights as an emotional cushion for the uncertainties of the army. The advantages of this type of charge were that the soldiers would keep fighting as long as they saw the Kallamore Knights leading the way. However if the knights were to fall then the momentum of the army would crumble. <br> <br>“Holy Lance!” <br> <br>Upon reaching this conclusion, Seirph cast an advanced level holy spell. The was a very common belief that holy magic had no offense power unless used against the forces of darkness. This of course, was not true. Holy magic had just as much potential in dealing damage as all the other elements. It just also happened to have the ability to heal as well. <br> <br>Seirph’s mastery in such offense spells, had of course long past the stage where he needed to chant incantations. <br> <br>A wide magic circle formed vertically in front of him and multiple golden lances erupted from it, hurtling at the knights like lasers. <br> <br>At the signal of their leader, the knights scattered in all directions and avoided the spell. It flew past them and smashed into the soldiers behind them. <br> <br>PIERCE. PIERCE. PIERCE. PIERCE. PIERCE. &nbsp; <br> <br>The lances easily impaled the unlucky front line defenders in their path and continued piercing through to hit the defenders behind them as well. <br> <br>Many of the soldiers died instantly to this attack. Some fell, dissolving to grey flames whilst others died leaving behind mangled corpses. <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">You killed a soldier. Resurrection Energy has increased by 123</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">You killed a player. Resurrection Energy has increased by 38</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">You killed a soldier. Resurrection Energy has increased by 84</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">You killed a player. Resurrection Energy has increased by 45</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">You killed a player. Resurrection Energy has increased by 25</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">You killed…</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br>Now, time to take advantage of the fact that the Knights have been separated from the army. Seirph ignored the rapidly incoming Kallamore Knights and directed his attention to the corpses lain across the battlefield. <br> <br>“Resurrect!” <br> <br>A mass of dark shadows surged out of the ground and was absorbed into the bodies. The corpses of the Order of Freya twitched and moved. Groaning, they crawled to their feet, their bodies elongating and growing larger until they became something barely recognisable as humans. <br> <br>Demonic spirits! <br> <br>The demonic spirits rose up from behind the Kallamore Knights, separating them from the rest of the army. <br> <br>“Attack!” <br> <br>Following his orders, the demonic spirits started to attack the army. <br> <br>“Y Y You… Don’t ignore us!” <br> <br>The Kallamore Knights showed signs of hesitation for a split second before continued to charge at him. <br> <br>Taking on this many Knights all at once would be very time consuming if at his current level so in this situation, <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> spell should be used. <br> <br>“Barrier Wall” <br> <br>Having come to that conclusion, Seirph cast a protective spell to buy some time for him to chant incantations. A bubble of green light formed around him just as the knights started their assault. <br> <br>“O heavenly messenger come hither and deliver this plead to the almightly god…. O one who governs all life, thou faithful servant requests thou might.” <br> <br>CRACK! <br> <br>The barrier around him was already starting to collapse from the assault of the Knights but still, Seirph stayed calm. Proud Knights of Kallamore, be honoured, for I am about to show you the true might of one who directly serves the gods! <br> <br>“I call upon thee, great one who rules over the cycle of death and resurrection, grant your servant the strength to prove the righteousness of thou faith.” <br> <br>A shining magic circle manifested at his feet, bathing him with golden light. <br> <br>“I beg of you, for I am thy vassal, eternally steadfast and eager.” <br> <br>CRACK! <br> <br>In a few seconds the Kallamore Knights would break through. But that was fine. <br> <br>“I beg of you, for I am thy medium, a subject of thou might and power.” <br> <br>CRACK! <br> <br>The spell had already passed the stage of being stoppable. <br> <br>“I beg of you, for I am the symbol of Embinyu, may you be revered by your followers and feared by your enemies.” <br> <br>CRACK! <br> <br>This was one of his few Divine Saint spells. <br> <br>“Blasphemers! Fear me for my power! And cower as you experience the wrath of the gods!” <br> <br>CRACK! <br> <br>A thump card on par with the Divine Possession of the Divine Saint Knights. <br> <br>“O powerful one who directs the flow of life and resurrection, grant me the power to dominate the pagans and liberate them from the shackles of life! Heaven’s Calling: Ascension of Embinyu!” <br> <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">10 000 Resurrection Energy has been consumed.</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Heaven’s Calling: Ascension of Embinyu has successfully activated. You have gained a form ascending that of all mortals. 20 resurrection energy will be consumed per second while this spell is active. If there is no more resurrection energy then this form will deactivate. <br> <br>The mastery of all other learnt skills and spells has been raised to the maximum possible level. <br> <br>You have gained 10 angel wings. Flight is enabled. <br> <br>Automatic magic defences have been enabled. <br> <br>Other spells of the Heaven’s Calling series cannot be used in this form. <br> <br>The power of Holy Magic is quadrupled. The power of all other magics is doubled. <br> <br>+ 2500 to all stats</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br> <br>SHATTER! <br> <br>The light shining on him solidified on his back in the form of multiple golden wings just as the Knights finally managed to destroy the barrier around him. <br> <br>“You will be first sacrifices then huh…” <br> <br>While presenting a benevolent smile, Seirph hovered over the heads of the Kallamore Knights, like a brilliant angel shining in the darkness of the night. <br> <br>Part 3 <br> <br>Just as the defence army was about to follow the lead of the Kallamore Knights, they sudden found themselves surrounded by demonic spirits. Although the army vastly outnumbered the demons, for some reason, the players were the ones who felt like they were being pushed back. There were several reasons for this though. <br> <br>Firstly, the army was worn out from about 6 hours of continuous marching and some of the weaker fighters were already suffering debuffs from low stamina and hunger saturation. <br> <br>Secondly, because they suddenly found themselves surrounded by enemies, the morale of army took a big hit. The morale of the army had not been raised by any inspirational speeches at the beginning of the campaign either. If they tried to escape then they would run into a barrier which wouldn’t break no matter how many times they attacked it. All these factors resulted in another heavy debuff due to morale, preventing the army from fighting in their best condition. <br> <br>And lastly, the demonic spirits were very tough to handle, some requiring multiple parties to hold back, let alone kill. The fact they gained a bonus in stats because it was night time didn’t either. Occasionally one of the demons would fall under the assault of the fighters in the army, only to rise up again as if completely unaffected. &nbsp; <br> <br>Eventually, the defence army ended up being separated in the tide of the battle. Ferrex’s party had lost sight of everyone else as they battled with a demonic spirit of their own in the forest below the plateau. <br> <br>They had been fighting with it for quite a while now and had yet to bring it down even once. On the other hand, the demon seemed groggy from its sudden revival but gradually its movements were starting to become sharper and sharper. <br> <br>“Ice Cage!” <br> <br>“Slow!” <br> <br>Both Flay and Ferrex cast spells in order to hinder the movements of the demonic spirit. However, it charged through these spells as if completely unaffected by them. <br> <br>The demon then slipped passed the vanguard of Reta and Godou with great speed, reaching the members of the party with weaker defences at the rear before they realised it. <br> <br>The 2 metre tall demonic spirit swung its arm powerfully at its nearest target, which in this case happened to be Flay. <br> <br>The ice mage died instantly, bursting into grey flames as he was struck. It seemed that the demonic spirit’s strength was also something to be reckoned with. <br> <br>“Shield Com– Urgh!” <br> <br>As the demonic spirit switched its sights onto him, Ferrex tried to cast a defensive spell but was stuck before he could finish. <br> <br>A sharp jolt of pain ripped through his body as the demon stabbed him through the heart with a knife-hand thrust. It ripped its hand out of his chest roughly, letting out a howl out of challenge. Ferrex collapsed to the ground face first as blood spurted out of the irregular shaped hole in his chest, colouring the ground around him with blood. <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">You have suffered a fatal wound. You will slowly lose HP over time. All methods of healing are no longer effective.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>“…Shit…” <br> <br>He lay there powerless as a feeling of numbness spread across his body. His vision blurred and then finally, he blacked out. <br> <br>… <br> <br>It had been a long time since this had happened to him. If he remembered correctly the last time had been about 8 years ago during <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> time… <br> <br>… &nbsp; <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">You have 0 HP. You have died.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>… <br> <br>By all rights he should be dead now. He should be joining his old friends and comrades in the realm of the dead. But why was he still conscious? Surely that spell was still unavailable for him to use… <br>… <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">4211 Resurrection Energy has been converted to Soul Power</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>… <br> <br>But of course! That was why… Ferrex reprimanded himself forgetting such basic knowledge. Regardless of how hard he had tried to forget his past, such an important piece of information shouldn’t have been forgotten in the first place... <br> <br>… <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Heaven’s Calling: Return is activating. <br> <br>4211 Soul Power has been consumed.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br> <br>… <br> <br>After all, no matter how he tried. He could not deny what he was… <br> <br>… <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Heaven’s Calling: Return has successfully activated, you have been completely revived. <br> <br>Due to an excess of Soul Power, your health, mana, skill cooldowns, stamina and hunger saturation level have been completely reset to the maximum value.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>Ferrex regained consciousness to find himself still lying face down. Heaven’s Calling: Return was a spell that automatically resurrected its caster by using Sacred Energy as a fuel source. Ferrex had heard about Blood Necromancers possessing a similar spell that could resurrect the caster as well. <br> <br>However, Heaven’s Calling: Return was different from the Blood Necromancer spell “Power to Reject Death” in many ways. <br> <br>First of all, in the case of Heaven’s Calling: Return, the caster did not lose any experience or skill proficiency upon death. The ones who killed them did not gain any experience either. The caster was not resurrected as an undead, but in the form they were in before death. In short, Heaven’s Calling: Return was a miracle that ignored the event of the caster dying in the first place. <br> <br>Most importantly, it was different from the Power to Reject Death in that it could be activated multiple times in a row. <br> <br>As long as there was Sacred Energy, then one could resurrect. <br> <br>There was no greater terror than watching someone you used painstaking sacrifices to kill revive again and again after dying. <br> <br>Thus, as long as there was Sacred Energy, Ferrex would never be able to reunite with his fallen comrades. &nbsp; <br> <br>Shaking himself back to the present, Ferrex tried to order his thoughts to gain a better understanding of his current situation. It was slight delay in the time of his dead and revival so about 5 seconds should have passed since his death. <br> <br>With no time to marvel at this miraculous revival, Ferrex scanned the battlefield and saw Reta engaging the demonic spirit in a high speed melee. &nbsp;Godou seemed to be watching from the sidelines, watching carefully for an opening to join in. <br> <br>It didn’t seem like she need any assistance but in such a fierce fight help of any kind would be welcomed. Probably… <br> <br>Deciding that Reta would be fine if he left her for her own devices for a few more seconds, Ferrex gathered up the Sacred Energy around him to cast the first specialised spell in a long time. <br> <br>“O heavenly messenger come hither and deliver this plead to the great goddess…. O one who governs all knowledge, thou faithful servant seeks thou guidance. &nbsp; <br> <br>I call upon thee, mighty one that rules over the souls of the fallen, grace your servant with the oracle of thou wisdom and allow me to see the truth of the world. Heaven’s Calling: True Sight!” <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">1000 Resurrection Energy has been converted to Soul Power</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">1000 Soul Power has been consumed.</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Heaven’s Calling: True Sight has successfully activated. You can now see the hidden truths in the world. <br> <br>Insight has increased by 2000 <br> <br>You can now see all hidden traps. <br> <br>You can see the flow of energy in the world. <br> <br>Detailed information on most things you see is now visible. <br> <br>Increased chance of understanding the structure of most magics and magical objects on sight.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>Ding! <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Mana Structure Comprehension has activated. <br> <br>A new spell has been learnt: Sacred Barrier Field (7 Circle Magic)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>Unintentionally he seemed to have learnt a new spell. <br> <br>The spell he had just cast, Heaven’s Calling: True Sight, was a spell that increased his perception and ability to understand things. <br> <br>Ferrex directed his sight to the demonic spirit trying to find its weakness. Rather than rushing in blindly into the fray, it seemed more logical to watch from watch from an opening from afar. Ferrex deduced that with his current physical abilities he more hindrance than help in a melee battle. <br> <br>If he joined in he would just end up attracting the demon’s attention and get killed again. Since his slowing curse had no effect on it, it was likely that the rest of his curses would have no effect on it. So should he cast buffs instead? That would probably work. If Reta was evenly matched with the demonic spirit right now then she should be able beat it if I with a simple war priest buff. <br> <br>Ferrex turned his sight on to Reta and realised the problem with that line of thought... Casting holy magic on Reta would be detrimental… So I guess that leaves Godou... &nbsp; <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;">***</div> <br> <br>Godou let out as sight of relief as he saw Ferrex get up after being struck. Although he could have sworn that the demonic spirit had struck a fatal wound, Ferrex seemed perfectly fine. &nbsp;Maybe game logic was just different. <br> <br>Reta was fighting with the demonic spirit nearby. After it had attacked Flay and Ferrex, Reta had rushed at it and engaged it in hand to hand combat. At some point in time before this, she had re-equipped her battle armour. Additionally, she had equipped a creepy-looking grey skull shaped mask which covered her entire face. Two circles of red light shone out under the mask were her eyes should have been giving the impression that she was a monster rather than a player. <br> <br>Even to an amateur like Godou, it was clear the Reta was proficient in real martial arts. She still had a long way to go when compared with a genius like Godou’s sworn elder sister who was called the Ruler of the Martial Realm or even her prodigal disciple, but from a normal person’s perspective, she was quite strong. &nbsp; <br> <br>In terms of level, the demon was obviously stronger than her but gradually, Reta started getting used to the movements of the demonic spirit. She started dodge its attacks by a paper thin margin and launching counter punches in the same moment. However, just as Reta was adapting to the demon, the demon was also adapting to Reta’s movements. Thus the fight so far had been a stalemate with neither able to land a clean hit. <br> <br>As he watched this, Godou could do nothing but curse at his own uselessness. No doubt he would be more hindrance than help if he tried to join Reta. After all, what could a low level player like him do in this situation? <br> <br>Godou hear the sounds of leaves being crushed underfoot behind him and flinched, expecting to see another demonic spirit appearing. He relaxed when he realised that it was just Ferrex who had just made his way to join him. <br> <br>Godou noticed that Ferrex hadn’t been casting any spells after he had been hit. Was he waiting for a opening to strike at as well? Or was his injury actually more serious than it seemed? <br> <br>A sign of worry must have shown on his face because Ferrex gave him a wry smile and said: <br> <br>“Don’t worry, it will take more than that to take me down.” <br> <br>Then he used the party chat function to allow Reta to listen to the conversation and added: <br> <br>“I have a plan.” <br> <br>“…” <br> <br>“Which is?” <br> <br>Since Reta seemed too preoccupied with the fight to contribute to the conversation, Godou asked in her stead. <br> <br>“Well it’s not really a plan but a corporative attack between all surviving party members. Looking at it now I have realised something about the demonic spirits and I think we can take it down. The keystone of this plan will be you, Reta. What I am about to say next may shock you but you can ask me all the questions you want after we defeat the demon.” <br> <br>“…” <br> <br>“As the demonic spirit gets damaged it automatically regenerates itself using the Sacred Energy around it. This creates the illusion that these demons are undefeatable. However this is not the case right now isn’t it? I can see the health of the demon. All of the wounds you have inflicted on it have not healed, Reta this is because of the class attributes of a Phantom Slayer right?” <br> <br>“!!!?” <br> <br>“However the troubling thing is that as you are now you are unable to defeat the demon yourself because all your active skills have been temporarily disabled due to some prior event. You also have negative magic resistance so that even holy magic will damage you. Furthermore, the demon also has more health and better defences than you so we will lose at this rate.” <br> <br>“…H H How did- ??!” <br> <br>“Questions come later! Concentrate one your fight! My plan comes in three simple steps. First, Godou will distract the demonic spirit so that Reta and back away from it. Then I will use powerful spell to weaken it. Afterwards it’s up to you Reta to finish off before it can completely regenerate.” <br> <br>(Wait so Reta was fighting the demonic spirit evenly without using any skills this whole time?!)&nbsp; <br> <br>Godou had thought that she had been activating them mentally, a trick he had discovered whilst fighting the kobold scouts. Then again, he also remembered Ferrex saying something about how mute people could activate skills. <br> <br>Moreover, Godou saw a huge hole in that plan. <br> <br>“Hang on a sec! How am I supposed to distract that thing? I don’t have any attacks that can scratch it, much less distract it.” <br> <br>“That’s why I’m going to buff you with a specialised holy spell.” <br> <br>Godou still wanted to ask more questions but stopped as Ferrex began chanting. <br> <br>“O heavenly messenger come hither and deliver this plead to the great goddess…. O one who governs all knowledge, thou faithful servant seeks thou protection. <br> <br>I call upon thee, mighty one that rules over the souls of the fallen, grace your servant with the blessing of thou might. <br> <br>Bestow upon this righteous soul an indomitable spirit to fight as your champion. Heaven’s Calling: Divine Blessing!” <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Heaven’s Calling: Divine Blessing has been applied. <br> <br>Movement speed has increased by 150%. Your body feels lighter and footsteps make no sound. <br> <br>You have been surrounded by a holy aura. Damage from holy and dark attributed attacks has been halved. <br> <br>+ 70 to all stats. <br> <br>Health regeneration has increased by a further 150% <br> <br>Mana regeneration has increased by a further 150% <br> <br>Stamina regeneration has increased by a further 150% <br> <br>Duration: 2 hours</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>“There, that should more or less make up for a difference of 100 or so levels. Combined with the buff from the Temple of Lou you should be able handle it now right?” <br> <br>“Y Yeah.” <br> <br>“So are we going to go with my plan?” <br> <br>“This is a do or die situation! &nbsp;I’ll in!” <br> <br>“I’m fine with it.” <br> <br>“Okay I’m going to start now. When I say the word “straight” initiate the plan!” <br> <br>““Roger!”” <br> <br>Godou thought for a second on what Ferrex wanted him to do. He had called Reta to move away so this spell would probably have a large area of effect. Therefore to distract the demon, Godou needed to use a ranged attack. And the only ranged attack he would perform was <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span>! <br> <br>“Arms Commandment! I call upon all the mana here…” <br> <br>Without further ado, Ferrex started chanting. A blazing red aura cloaked around him as the wind began to stir. <br> <br>“Let this bright light burn <span style="font-weight: bold;">straight</span>… towards the enemy…” <br> <br>Now! With no time to verbally activate his skill Godou created a mana spear to throw that the demon. <br> <br>BUZZ! <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">You have successfully created a mana weapon.</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Your mana weapon has absorbed the holy aura around you.</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Mana weapon has been converted to Holy Magic Weapon. <br> <br>The following information is available due to the completion of the basic education: <br> <br>Holy Magic Weapons are elemental weapons sustained through magic and inflict both physical and magical damage. <br> <br>Holy Magic Weapons are able to bypass physical and magical defences. <br> <br>Holy Magic Weapons will deal critical damage on the forces of darkness.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br> <br>Barely registering the discovery of a new application for his skill, Godou threw the spear with all his might at the demonic spirit. When he had still played baseball he had been reputed as catcher with a strong throw. Thus, Godou had confidence with the speed and accuracy of his pickoffs! <br> <br>“…and become the strike of fury… “ <br> <br>The demonic spirit sensed danger incoming from the spear and flinched. In that moment, Reta swiftly backed away. <br> <br>“Mana Burn!” <br> <br>A beam of light erupted from Ferrex and hurtled towards the demon in this split second. <br> <br>There was an explosion from where the demonic spirit was standing. A dust cloud covered the area as a result of it and Godou lost sight of the others. <br> <br>“Be careful! That still wasn’t enough!” <br> <br>“Ionising powers! Please grant me the power to make things right and defeat the enemy. Grant thy servant the strength to reclaim the light for I fear neither the sacrifice nor the counsel against me! Noble Sacrifice!” <br> <br>A second beam of light flashed, clearing away the dust in the air. Godou heard the demonic sprit howl in pain. He saw Reta charging at it, a blur of grey. It noticed her and raised its hand to strike. On impulse, Godou created another spear and threw it at the demon. <br> <br>The spear didn’t make it in time due to the extreme speed of the two combatants and the demon managed to strike a glancing blow on Reta’s side. However, it managed distract the demon when it hit, allowing Reta to land a clean blow. <br> <br>A stream of darkness burst from the demon, bursting into the depths of forest leaving behind the corpse of a slain paladin of Freya which collapsed with a puppet that had its strings cut. <br> <br>“So all that still wasn’t enough to kill it… well, no matter, it’s too damaged to be able to fight again.” <br> <br>Godou turned around to see Ferrex standing behind him. They regrouped with Reta and the trio sat down to rest in a secluded location to recover from their fight and restore their hunger saturation levels. Compared to other parties, they only had one casualty, Flay, which seemed pretty good. However, in exchange, Reta was down to about 40% of her health while Ferrex and Godou were relatively fine. <br> <br>As they sat and rested, Godou and Reta started to interrogate Ferrex. <br> <br>“You seem pretty calm. Ferrex can you make sense of what’s going on here?” <br> <br>“How is it possible that you are still here? Noble sacrifice is a holy spell that turns all of the caster’s Health and Mana into damage and is only available to priests past their class second advancement! But if you’re a priest then why can you use Mana Burn? Who are you? What are you?” <br> <br>“Woah Woah Woah slow down… I can’t answer you all at once” <br> <br>“Okay I think the most important question right now is this: What’s going on?” <br> <br>“I’m not sure of the details myself but I think we are in the process of being slaughtered by a Divine Saint to gather Sacred Energy. This place is flooded with Resurrection energy so it’s probably the Church of Embinyu.” <br> <br>Godou noted that Ferrex’s tone was surprisingly calm despite the weight of what he had just said. <br> <br>“Sorry… Divine what?” <br> <br>“A Divine Saint. Divine Saints and Divine Saint knights are the most powerful members of churches. They are the only members of the church that can directly channel power out of their respective Gods. It wouldn’t be farfetched to say that they are the proxies of the gods themselves. <br> <br>Divine Saints are given the additional ability to learn any type of magic and are one of the few who can utilise Sacred Energy of faith. <br> <br>On the other hand, Divine Saint knights have the additional ability of Divine Possession which bestows upon them the additional abilities often based on powerful creatures worshiped by their church.” <br> <br>“What do you mean by Sacred Energy?” <br> <br>“It’s a special type of energy that can be consumed to cast spells and do other things like mana. However, its different from mana in that it has no upper limit. Resurrection Energy, Soul Power, Spiritual Flow, Blessings of Life… these are all categories of Sacred Energy. Each Church has their own type of Sacred Energy and their own way of obtaining it. Resurrection Energy, which is obtained by taking another’s life, is what Seirph is currently using. <br> <br>Most likely he intends to kill us all and use us as sacrifices to gather more resurrection energy. The amount of Resurrection Energy he currently has is… overwhelming and yet he is still trying to get more. I shudder to think of what he intends to do with it all.” <br> <br>“If these Divine Saints and Saint Knights are so powerful how come this is the first time I’m hearing about it? Surely news of such a strong class should have spread by now?” <br> <br>“I don’t remember reading about them in the church either.” <br> <br>“While the knowledge on the Divine Saint variants are not a secret, their existence and identities of them are kept well hidden inside the church, often only told to the current Pope and their most inner council by the preceding Pope. Also, there can only one Divine Saint and Divine Saint Knight for each religion at any one time. <br> <br>More often than not they will not be a member of the church but some farmer on the other side of the continent. They could even be someone on the enemy’s side. It’s not a power you can earn through hard work you see. It’s something you are born with. &nbsp; <br> <br>To most other members, they are nothing other than a myth and their active roles in battles passed off as miracles from the gods. Such is the power of the Divine class that their very existence on the battlefield changes the outcome of the battle. <br> <br>You see, there is a race going on involving all the churches of all religions. A race to discover and awaken their Divine Saints and Divine Saint Knights. When a church manages to find and awaken both their Divine Saint and Divine Saint Knight, it is said to be a sign of the coming of a new era. The churches order squadrons of paladins and priests to search villages, towns and even kingdoms to look for people with potential. But most of them believe that their just searching for new talented recruits but what their actually doing is searching for potential Divine Saint Variants.” <br> <br>“But why are they hidden?” <br> <br>“If the existence of them were made public then they would gain public support. Of course they act as a special unit in the church and follow only the orders of the Pope but some ignorant members of the church may be it as an excuse to start rumours of a power struggle between the Divine Saint and the Pope. This would sow the seeds of confusion and disorganisation inside the church ultimately destroying it. Divine Saints and Divine Saint Knights are well aware of this and have to agree to staying out of the spotlight to awaken their powers. Usually, they are given a place in the middle or low rankings of the church to avoid suspicion. <br> <br>Also, if by some freak accident occurs and a Divine Saint or Divine Saint Knight is killed then their church will suffer a great loss in strength and morale. Just having one of them awakened increases the effectiveness of the specialised spells of the church you see. This leads them vulnerable to being destroyed or absorbed by the worshippers of other gods. This is to protect the potential assassins from being destroyed by their would-be targets as well. <br> <br>The only thing that could defeat or restrain a Divine Saint is other Divine Saint or a Divine Saint Knight. This is the one rule must be obeyed in this world. Well according to legends there are some other abnormal existences like the Dragon Kings, Spirit Kings, Magic Kings, Abyssal Lord, Overlords and Elemental lords who are said to be able to rival them but who’s to say that they actually exist? Short of that you would need a massive army of elites and even then you might not win.” <br> <br>“Okay but who are you Ferrex? Why do you know all this? Ordinarily I wouldn’t have asked but in this situation I think I have a right to know.” <br> <br>Ferrex appeared hesitant but making a determined expression he said: <br> <br>“I am a member of a lost religion that was destroyed by the Divine Saint Knight of Beelzebub…” <br> <br>“Ah…” <br> <br>“And I was… I am their Divine Saint.” <br> <br>------------- <br>And so the climax begins. <br>Well, I did warn you about the info dumping… <br>... 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Part 1 Help came. It came in the form a banner portraying a beautiful woman. The Order of Freya, which had been allied to now eradicated church had come to search for survivors.   Having heard of the might of the Order of Beelzebub, the High Priest of the Order of Freya had even given permission for their own Divine Saint to mobilise and help in the proceedings in the case of an emergency. In the end, they had only found one survivor. It was a young dark haired boy. To have been able to survive a battlefield in which all of his order had fallen in showed that the boy was not ordinary. They suspected his power. There were talks of what to do with the boy. Some suggested that they absorb the boy into their own religion. But others argued against it. They feared his power. They feared the might of the Divine Saint Knight of Beelzebub who would come looking for the boy once he learnt news of a survivor. They feared what would happen if the boy were to turn against them for they had no-one else but their own Divine Saint who could stand up against him. In the end, the conflict was resolved by the decision of Divine Saint of Freya: “I will take him with me and go to somewhere where they would least expect it.”   To which the High Priest replied: “Fine, but don’t think that you can use this as an excuse escape work. Come to think of it, I know the perfect place to send you. You can go there to try to spread our religion and scout for other talented recruits. Oh and try to think up of a plausible training method to speed train them while you’re at it…” *** “Will Naidiriv be alright if so many of us leave?” That thought had occurred to Godou as he left town and had been bugging him ever since so he decided to ask current companions about it was they walked. “Don’t worry. The two largest settlements in this area, Naidiriv and Tellap, will have about 10 000 inhabitants in total, including both NPCs and players. Considering that they are military towns, about a third of this population will have been properly trained to fight monsters. This means that they have a combined regular garrison of about 3000 fighters. The quest notification popped up in Tellap as well so some of the soldiers from here came from there as well.” “But isn’t that the about the same amount of people who just left Naidiriv?” “I think you’re forgetting the fact that 1000 more defenders joined Naidiriv in the last few days.” “Yup! That’s exactly right Ferrex. Because of the recruits from remnants of the other defence army, Naidiriv will still have about 500 defenders left if something goes wrong. Remember, when sieging a stronghold you need many times more attackers than defenders to succeed so 500 people should be enough to stall for a while.” “While these towns aren’t exactly fortresses, they were constructed during the last Kallamore-Haven war as one of the middle lines of defence so they much should be enough to hold out until help arrives with that much. Remember the walls in Tellap Godou? Those were constructed to be strong enough to withstand various attacks from tunnelling, catapults and magic. (Though, they’re still incomplete…)” His queries were answered by the experienced combination of Reta and Ferrex. After a few hours of traveling, Ferrex had come out of his shell and was now able to converse normally with all the other party members. The defence army had left Naidiriv approximately 5 hours ago and had been following Seirph’s lead ever since. Reta had forced a conversation between all the party members during this time allowing them to learn about each other’s tendencies and favourite attacks. Due to the lack of a tank in the party this process was especially important for their team, or so Reta said. Earlier on Godou had asked about why Quick Shot was so insistent about them all being in parties. Reta had readily given him a long explanation on it which when something along the lines of: “Fighting in parties with experienced players increases the survival rate of new players. Since we’re only about to fight a minor skirmish instead of a major battle so were are not likely to that many strong monsters, also, the rewards for high level players aren’t that great so letting the newbies grow has priority. Normally many high level players wouldn’t participant but stay back in town in case something happens. This case is an exception since the monster army was discovered so late.” From there conversations, Godou learn about the main weapons used by his unfamiliar  party mates. Instead of blades, Reta used grey fist protectors as weapons which she claimed to have gotten by completing beginner training centre and were, apparently, bound to her. Flay was using a staff that gave bonuses to ice magic. Godou found Flay easy to get along with and so added him on his friends list as well. After all, there was no harm in broadening his social networks. Speaking of which, the concept of magic seemed fairly detailed considering that this was supposed to be a game. Godou had come across the concept of magic in Royal Road during the basic education. Spells were constructed in the form of circles or layers to produce attacks and other effects. These layers were constructed during the time a spellcaster chants the spell incantation, though apparently if your skill proficiency was high enough or if the spell was simple enough, the construction process would take place when you say the spell name instead of the incantation. Complex spells have multiple magic circles and activate in multiple stages. Spells also interfered with each other when they collide. Supposedly, spells of the same or similar elements would power each other up whilst spells of opposing elements would cancel each other out. There were also books that further explained this concept but Godou couldn’t make heads or tails of it so he had given up on reading them.   Flay apparently didn’t know the finer points either so Godou guessed that it wasn’t necessary to knowledge to become a mage. Mages were the name of spellcasters who used magic spells in combat. Magic scholars where spellcasters who researched in the development of new magics and experimented in the construction of new magic circles. Magic could be learnt if one has a magic-related class or an intelligence stat of over 300. Godou hoped that they were close to their destination by now. His hunger saturation level was starting to drop to dangerous levels. The path they were going was very convoluted and so he had lost track of how to get back to Naidiriv. The sun had set quite a while ago so they were walking in the dark. At some point they had started hiking up a mountain which wore down his stamina as well. “I can sense strong holy presence up ahead. We might be close to our destination now…” Ferrex left the statement hang as if he had read Godou’s mind. After 20 more minutes of walking they were nearing the peak of the mountain when– Ding! | You have entered the vicinity of The Lost Temple of Lou. Due to being in close proximity of one of the Ancient Wonders of Versailles the following bonuses have been gained.   The Lost Temple of Lou is one of the most sacred treasures of the Church of Lou. It was constructed in ancient times as a holy place of worship for the God of light, Lou. Its location was thought to be lost over 500 years ago. If the location of this temple is told to the Church of Lou a large reward will be given. + 50% Health + 50% Mana + 50% Stamina + 30 in all stats The following information is available due to the completion of the Basic Education: Due to the presence of a Divine Gem, the effects of holy magic have been doubled and the costs of casting holy magic have been halved. The path to this Temple randomly changes over time. | | --- | A large white temple came into sight further up the mountain. It was a magnificent piece of architecture. Tall pillars of marble supported a carefully crafted roof giving the temple an aura of majesty. It stood near the peak of the mountain in near peak condition. It was an irreplaceable relic of the past. A survivor of the changing tides of time. It emitted a slight glow, like a beacon of light in the dark. The fighters in the army who had arrived were waiting in plateau a bit below the building. The party moved to join them. “I still don’t see any paladins.” “So is this where we are supposed to meet? It feels too quiet.” “I can smell the stench of the battlefield. Did the monster army reach here already?” “Wow such huge buffs, but wait, if the church of Freya had information on such a place then why didn’t they tell us about this sooner?” “Why is the Church of Freya waiting at a place belonging to the Church of Lou?” The murmuring of the people around him reflected Godou’s feelings. Although they were supposed to be safe now, why was the unshakeable feeling of “calm before the storm” so heavy in the atmosphere? Even Ferrex was muttering  “Hmm…what’s this? Why is there Sacred Energy here?” as he looked around. It took about another 10 minutes for the rest of the army to catch up to them. Eventually, the whole 3000 man army was assembled, the NPCs in an ordered and ready formation while the players stayed in a jumbled mess of parties. They waited for someone from the Church of Freya, which was supposedly leading the army to show up, dissent spreading across their ranks the whole time. “Hey what’s going on?” “Where’s the Church of Freya?” Finally, a priest, the one who had named himself as Seirph appeared he was bombarded by various. “QUIET!!! IF YOU LOT DON’T SHUT UP HOW ARE WE GOING TO GET ANY ANSWERS???” The Captain of the Kallamore Knights silenced them. For saying: “Now you have some explaining to do! Some of my friends are paladins stationed in this area. If the Church of Freya really was here then they would have met up with me by now. Thus I find it unbelievable that you really are part of the Church of Freya. Identify yourself and state your intentions!” “Ha ha ha ha to be exposed by such shoddy reasoning, I really am getting lax. I didn’t lie though, the Church of Freya really is waiting for you here. Dispel!” The ground suddenly rippled as a powerful illusion was dispelled. The ground was suddenly covered in bloodstains and corpses. Godou noticed the all of the corpses bore a certain emblem. The symbol of the Church of Freya. The army was suddenly thrown into a state of confusion. Many of the soldiers were starting to point their weapons at Seirph. However, their sense of discipline was strong. They would not attack unless attacked first or commanded to. “As for my name and intentions, well, I guess these no need to hide it any longer… I am named Seirph, the Divine Saint of Embinyu! And my intentions are… to sacrifice you all for the sake of my holy order!” Part 2 “From your actions and words it is clear that you are an enemy of Kallamore! As such we, the peerless soldiers of this fierce kingdom will answer your challenge with the appropriate force!!!!!!!!” “You misunderstand... This will not be a war. This will be a one-sided massacre! Sacred Barrier Field Activate!” “ALL SOLDIERS CHAAAARRGGEEE!” A huge transparent dome shaped barrier was erected around the army. It enclosed a circle of a radius of 1 km in which nothing could get in or out. Additionally, a dim green light shone form the barrier, providing some light to the area within it.   Seirph watched with amusement as the army charged at him in an wedge formation with the horse riding Kallamore Knights in the lead. No doubt the famed knights of Kallamore would give a heft amount of resurrection energy when offered as sacrifices. This sort of formation used the Kallamore Knights as an emotional cushion for the uncertainties of the army. The advantages of this type of charge were that the soldiers would keep fighting as long as they saw the Kallamore Knights leading the way. However if the knights were to fall then the momentum of the army would crumble. “Holy Lance!” Upon reaching this conclusion, Seirph cast an advanced level holy spell. The was a very common belief that holy magic had no offense power unless used against the forces of darkness. This of course, was not true. Holy magic had just as much potential in dealing damage as all the other elements. It just also happened to have the ability to heal as well. Seirph’s mastery in such offense spells, had of course long past the stage where he needed to chant incantations. A wide magic circle formed vertically in front of him and multiple golden lances erupted from it, hurtling at the knights like lasers. At the signal of their leader, the knights scattered in all directions and avoided the spell. It flew past them and smashed into the soldiers behind them. PIERCE. PIERCE. PIERCE. PIERCE. PIERCE.   The lances easily impaled the unlucky front line defenders in their path and continued piercing through to hit the defenders behind them as well. Many of the soldiers died instantly to this attack. Some fell, dissolving to grey flames whilst others died leaving behind mangled corpses. | You killed a soldier. Resurrection Energy has increased by 123 | | --- | | You killed a player. Resurrection Energy has increased by 38 | | You killed a soldier. Resurrection Energy has increased by 84 | | You killed a player. Resurrection Energy has increased by 45 | | You killed a player. Resurrection Energy has increased by 25 | | You killed… | Now, time to take advantage of the fact that the Knights have been separated from the army. Seirph ignored the rapidly incoming Kallamore Knights and directed his attention to the corpses lain across the battlefield. “Resurrect!” A mass of dark shadows surged out of the ground and was absorbed into the bodies. The corpses of the Order of Freya twitched and moved. Groaning, they crawled to their feet, their bodies elongating and growing larger until they became something barely recognisable as humans. Demonic spirits! The demonic spirits rose up from behind the Kallamore Knights, separating them from the rest of the army. “Attack!” Following his orders, the demonic spirits started to attack the army. “Y Y You… Don’t ignore us!” The Kallamore Knights showed signs of hesitation for a split second before continued to charge at him. Taking on this many Knights all at once would be very time consuming if at his current level so in this situation, that spell should be used. “Barrier Wall” Having come to that conclusion, Seirph cast a protective spell to buy some time for him to chant incantations. A bubble of green light formed around him just as the knights started their assault. “O heavenly messenger come hither and deliver this plead to the almightly god…. O one who governs all life, thou faithful servant requests thou might.” CRACK! The barrier around him was already starting to collapse from the assault of the Knights but still, Seirph stayed calm. Proud Knights of Kallamore, be honoured, for I am about to show you the true might of one who directly serves the gods! “I call upon thee, great one who rules over the cycle of death and resurrection, grant your servant the strength to prove the righteousness of thou faith.” A shining magic circle manifested at his feet, bathing him with golden light. “I beg of you, for I am thy vassal, eternally steadfast and eager.” CRACK! In a few seconds the Kallamore Knights would break through. But that was fine. “I beg of you, for I am thy medium, a subject of thou might and power.” CRACK! The spell had already passed the stage of being stoppable. “I beg of you, for I am the symbol of Embinyu, may you be revered by your followers and feared by your enemies.” CRACK! This was one of his few Divine Saint spells. “Blasphemers! Fear me for my power! And cower as you experience the wrath of the gods!” CRACK! A thump card on par with the Divine Possession of the Divine Saint Knights. “O powerful one who directs the flow of life and resurrection, grant me the power to dominate the pagans and liberate them from the shackles of life! Heaven’s Calling: Ascension of Embinyu!” | 10 000 Resurrection Energy has been consumed. | | --- | | Heaven’s Calling: Ascension of Embinyu has successfully activated. You have gained a form ascending that of all mortals. 20 resurrection energy will be consumed per second while this spell is active. If there is no more resurrection energy then this form will deactivate. The mastery of all other learnt skills and spells has been raised to the maximum possible level. You have gained 10 angel wings. Flight is enabled. Automatic magic defences have been enabled. Other spells of the Heaven’s Calling series cannot be used in this form. The power of Holy Magic is quadrupled. The power of all other magics is doubled. + 2500 to all stats | SHATTER! The light shining on him solidified on his back in the form of multiple golden wings just as the Knights finally managed to destroy the barrier around him. “You will be first sacrifices then huh…” While presenting a benevolent smile, Seirph hovered over the heads of the Kallamore Knights, like a brilliant angel shining in the darkness of the night. Part 3 Just as the defence army was about to follow the lead of the Kallamore Knights, they sudden found themselves surrounded by demonic spirits. Although the army vastly outnumbered the demons, for some reason, the players were the ones who felt like they were being pushed back. There were several reasons for this though. Firstly, the army was worn out from about 6 hours of continuous marching and some of the weaker fighters were already suffering debuffs from low stamina and hunger saturation. Secondly, because they suddenly found themselves surrounded by enemies, the morale of army took a big hit. The morale of the army had not been raised by any inspirational speeches at the beginning of the campaign either. If they tried to escape then they would run into a barrier which wouldn’t break no matter how many times they attacked it. All these factors resulted in another heavy debuff due to morale, preventing the army from fighting in their best condition. And lastly, the demonic spirits were very tough to handle, some requiring multiple parties to hold back, let alone kill. The fact they gained a bonus in stats because it was night time didn’t either. Occasionally one of the demons would fall under the assault of the fighters in the army, only to rise up again as if completely unaffected.   Eventually, the defence army ended up being separated in the tide of the battle. Ferrex’s party had lost sight of everyone else as they battled with a demonic spirit of their own in the forest below the plateau. They had been fighting with it for quite a while now and had yet to bring it down even once. On the other hand, the demon seemed groggy from its sudden revival but gradually its movements were starting to become sharper and sharper. “Ice Cage!” “Slow!” Both Flay and Ferrex cast spells in order to hinder the movements of the demonic spirit. However, it charged through these spells as if completely unaffected by them. The demon then slipped passed the vanguard of Reta and Godou with great speed, reaching the members of the party with weaker defences at the rear before they realised it. The 2 metre tall demonic spirit swung its arm powerfully at its nearest target, which in this case happened to be Flay. The ice mage died instantly, bursting into grey flames as he was struck. It seemed that the demonic spirit’s strength was also something to be reckoned with. “Shield Com– Urgh!” As the demonic spirit switched its sights onto him, Ferrex tried to cast a defensive spell but was stuck before he could finish. A sharp jolt of pain ripped through his body as the demon stabbed him through the heart with a knife-hand thrust. It ripped its hand out of his chest roughly, letting out a howl out of challenge. Ferrex collapsed to the ground face first as blood spurted out of the irregular shaped hole in his chest, colouring the ground around him with blood. | You have suffered a fatal wound. You will slowly lose HP over time. All methods of healing are no longer effective. | | --- | “…Shit…” He lay there powerless as a feeling of numbness spread across his body. His vision blurred and then finally, he blacked out. … It had been a long time since this had happened to him. If he remembered correctly the last time had been about 8 years ago during that time… …   | You have 0 HP. You have died. | | --- | … By all rights he should be dead now. He should be joining his old friends and comrades in the realm of the dead. But why was he still conscious? Surely that spell was still unavailable for him to use… … | 4211 Resurrection Energy has been converted to Soul Power | | --- | … But of course! That was why… Ferrex reprimanded himself forgetting such basic knowledge. Regardless of how hard he had tried to forget his past, such an important piece of information shouldn’t have been forgotten in the first place... … | Heaven’s Calling: Return is activating. 4211 Soul Power has been consumed. | | --- | … After all, no matter how he tried. He could not deny what he was… … | Heaven’s Calling: Return has successfully activated, you have been completely revived. Due to an excess of Soul Power, your health, mana, skill cooldowns, stamina and hunger saturation level have been completely reset to the maximum value. | | --- | Ferrex regained consciousness to find himself still lying face down. Heaven’s Calling: Return was a spell that automatically resurrected its caster by using Sacred Energy as a fuel source. Ferrex had heard about Blood Necromancers possessing a similar spell that could resurrect the caster as well. However, Heaven’s Calling: Return was different from the Blood Necromancer spell “Power to Reject Death” in many ways. First of all, in the case of Heaven’s Calling: Return, the caster did not lose any experience or skill proficiency upon death. The ones who killed them did not gain any experience either. The caster was not resurrected as an undead, but in the form they were in before death. In short, Heaven’s Calling: Return was a miracle that ignored the event of the caster dying in the first place. Most importantly, it was different from the Power to Reject Death in that it could be activated multiple times in a row. As long as there was Sacred Energy, then one could resurrect. There was no greater terror than watching someone you used painstaking sacrifices to kill revive again and again after dying. Thus, as long as there was Sacred Energy, Ferrex would never be able to reunite with his fallen comrades.   Shaking himself back to the present, Ferrex tried to order his thoughts to gain a better understanding of his current situation. It was slight delay in the time of his dead and revival so about 5 seconds should have passed since his death. With no time to marvel at this miraculous revival, Ferrex scanned the battlefield and saw Reta engaging the demonic spirit in a high speed melee.  Godou seemed to be watching from the sidelines, watching carefully for an opening to join in. It didn’t seem like she need any assistance but in such a fierce fight help of any kind would be welcomed. Probably… Deciding that Reta would be fine if he left her for her own devices for a few more seconds, Ferrex gathered up the Sacred Energy around him to cast the first specialised spell in a long time. “O heavenly messenger come hither and deliver this plead to the great goddess…. O one who governs all knowledge, thou faithful servant seeks thou guidance.   I call upon thee, mighty one that rules over the souls of the fallen, grace your servant with the oracle of thou wisdom and allow me to see the truth of the world. Heaven’s Calling: True Sight!” | 1000 Resurrection Energy has been converted to Soul Power | | --- | | 1000 Soul Power has been consumed. | | Heaven’s Calling: True Sight has successfully activated. You can now see the hidden truths in the world. Insight has increased by 2000 You can now see all hidden traps. You can see the flow of energy in the world. Detailed information on most things you see is now visible. Increased chance of understanding the structure of most magics and magical objects on sight. | Ding! | Mana Structure Comprehension has activated. A new spell has been learnt: Sacred Barrier Field (7 Circle Magic) | | --- | Unintentionally he seemed to have learnt a new spell. The spell he had just cast, Heaven’s Calling: True Sight, was a spell that increased his perception and ability to understand things. Ferrex directed his sight to the demonic spirit trying to find its weakness. Rather than rushing in blindly into the fray, it seemed more logical to watch from watch from an opening from afar. Ferrex deduced that with his current physical abilities he more hindrance than help in a melee battle. If he joined in he would just end up attracting the demon’s attention and get killed again. Since his slowing curse had no effect on it, it was likely that the rest of his curses would have no effect on it. So should he cast buffs instead? That would probably work. If Reta was evenly matched with the demonic spirit right now then she should be able beat it if I with a simple war priest buff. Ferrex turned his sight on to Reta and realised the problem with that line of thought... Casting holy magic on Reta would be detrimental… So I guess that leaves Godou...   *** Godou let out as sight of relief as he saw Ferrex get up after being struck. Although he could have sworn that the demonic spirit had struck a fatal wound, Ferrex seemed perfectly fine.  Maybe game logic was just different. Reta was fighting with the demonic spirit nearby. After it had attacked Flay and Ferrex, Reta had rushed at it and engaged it in hand to hand combat. At some point in time before this, she had re-equipped her battle armour. Additionally, she had equipped a creepy-looking grey skull shaped mask which covered her entire face. Two circles of red light shone out under the mask were her eyes should have been giving the impression that she was a monster rather than a player. Even to an amateur like Godou, it was clear the Reta was proficient in real martial arts. She still had a long way to go when compared with a genius like Godou’s sworn elder sister who was called the Ruler of the Martial Realm or even her prodigal disciple, but from a normal person’s perspective, she was quite strong.   In terms of level, the demon was obviously stronger than her but gradually, Reta started getting used to the movements of the demonic spirit. She started dodge its attacks by a paper thin margin and launching counter punches in the same moment. However, just as Reta was adapting to the demon, the demon was also adapting to Reta’s movements. Thus the fight so far had been a stalemate with neither able to land a clean hit. As he watched this, Godou could do nothing but curse at his own uselessness. No doubt he would be more hindrance than help if he tried to join Reta. After all, what could a low level player like him do in this situation? Godou hear the sounds of leaves being crushed underfoot behind him and flinched, expecting to see another demonic spirit appearing. He relaxed when he realised that it was just Ferrex who had just made his way to join him. Godou noticed that Ferrex hadn’t been casting any spells after he had been hit. Was he waiting for a opening to strike at as well? Or was his injury actually more serious than it seemed? A sign of worry must have shown on his face because Ferrex gave him a wry smile and said: “Don’t worry, it will take more than that to take me down.” Then he used the party chat function to allow Reta to listen to the conversation and added: “I have a plan.” “…” “Which is?” Since Reta seemed too preoccupied with the fight to contribute to the conversation, Godou asked in her stead. “Well it’s not really a plan but a corporative attack between all surviving party members. Looking at it now I have realised something about the demonic spirits and I think we can take it down. The keystone of this plan will be you, Reta. What I am about to say next may shock you but you can ask me all the questions you want after we defeat the demon.” “…” “As the demonic spirit gets damaged it automatically regenerates itself using the Sacred Energy around it. This creates the illusion that these demons are undefeatable. However this is not the case right now isn’t it? I can see the health of the demon. All of the wounds you have inflicted on it have not healed, Reta this is because of the class attributes of a Phantom Slayer right?” “!!!?” “However the troubling thing is that as you are now you are unable to defeat the demon yourself because all your active skills have been temporarily disabled due to some prior event. You also have negative magic resistance so that even holy magic will damage you. Furthermore, the demon also has more health and better defences than you so we will lose at this rate.” “…H H How did- ??!” “Questions come later! Concentrate one your fight! My plan comes in three simple steps. First, Godou will distract the demonic spirit so that Reta and back away from it. Then I will use powerful spell to weaken it. Afterwards it’s up to you Reta to finish off before it can completely regenerate.” (Wait so Reta was fighting the demonic spirit evenly without using any skills this whole time?!)  Godou had thought that she had been activating them mentally, a trick he had discovered whilst fighting the kobold scouts. Then again, he also remembered Ferrex saying something about how mute people could activate skills. Moreover, Godou saw a huge hole in that plan. “Hang on a sec! How am I supposed to distract that thing? I don’t have any attacks that can scratch it, much less distract it.” “That’s why I’m going to buff you with a specialised holy spell.” Godou still wanted to ask more questions but stopped as Ferrex began chanting. “O heavenly messenger come hither and deliver this plead to the great goddess…. O one who governs all knowledge, thou faithful servant seeks thou protection. I call upon thee, mighty one that rules over the souls of the fallen, grace your servant with the blessing of thou might. Bestow upon this righteous soul an indomitable spirit to fight as your champion. Heaven’s Calling: Divine Blessing!” | Heaven’s Calling: Divine Blessing has been applied. Movement speed has increased by 150%. Your body feels lighter and footsteps make no sound. You have been surrounded by a holy aura. Damage from holy and dark attributed attacks has been halved. + 70 to all stats. Health regeneration has increased by a further 150% Mana regeneration has increased by a further 150% Stamina regeneration has increased by a further 150% Duration: 2 hours | | --- | “There, that should more or less make up for a difference of 100 or so levels. Combined with the buff from the Temple of Lou you should be able handle it now right?” “Y Yeah.” “So are we going to go with my plan?” “This is a do or die situation!  I’ll in!” “I’m fine with it.” “Okay I’m going to start now. When I say the word “straight” initiate the plan!” ““Roger!”” Godou thought for a second on what Ferrex wanted him to do. He had called Reta to move away so this spell would probably have a large area of effect. Therefore to distract the demon, Godou needed to use a ranged attack. And the only ranged attack he would perform was that! “Arms Commandment! I call upon all the mana here…” Without further ado, Ferrex started chanting. A blazing red aura cloaked around him as the wind began to stir. “Let this bright light burn straight… towards the enemy…” Now! With no time to verbally activate his skill Godou created a mana spear to throw that the demon. BUZZ! | You have successfully created a mana weapon. | | --- | | Your mana weapon has absorbed the holy aura around you. | | Mana weapon has been converted to Holy Magic Weapon. The following information is available due to the completion of the basic education: Holy Magic Weapons are elemental weapons sustained through magic and inflict both physical and magical damage. Holy Magic Weapons are able to bypass physical and magical defences. Holy Magic Weapons will deal critical damage on the forces of darkness. | Barely registering the discovery of a new application for his skill, Godou threw the spear with all his might at the demonic spirit. When he had still played baseball he had been reputed as catcher with a strong throw. Thus, Godou had confidence with the speed and accuracy of his pickoffs! “…and become the strike of fury… “ The demonic spirit sensed danger incoming from the spear and flinched. In that moment, Reta swiftly backed away. “Mana Burn!” A beam of light erupted from Ferrex and hurtled towards the demon in this split second. There was an explosion from where the demonic spirit was standing. A dust cloud covered the area as a result of it and Godou lost sight of the others. “Be careful! That still wasn’t enough!” “Ionising powers! Please grant me the power to make things right and defeat the enemy. Grant thy servant the strength to reclaim the light for I fear neither the sacrifice nor the counsel against me! Noble Sacrifice!” A second beam of light flashed, clearing away the dust in the air. Godou heard the demonic sprit howl in pain. He saw Reta charging at it, a blur of grey. It noticed her and raised its hand to strike. On impulse, Godou created another spear and threw it at the demon. The spear didn’t make it in time due to the extreme speed of the two combatants and the demon managed to strike a glancing blow on Reta’s side. However, it managed distract the demon when it hit, allowing Reta to land a clean blow. A stream of darkness burst from the demon, bursting into the depths of forest leaving behind the corpse of a slain paladin of Freya which collapsed with a puppet that had its strings cut. “So all that still wasn’t enough to kill it… well, no matter, it’s too damaged to be able to fight again.” Godou turned around to see Ferrex standing behind him. They regrouped with Reta and the trio sat down to rest in a secluded location to recover from their fight and restore their hunger saturation levels. Compared to other parties, they only had one casualty, Flay, which seemed pretty good. However, in exchange, Reta was down to about 40% of her health while Ferrex and Godou were relatively fine. As they sat and rested, Godou and Reta started to interrogate Ferrex. “You seem pretty calm. Ferrex can you make sense of what’s going on here?” “How is it possible that you are still here? Noble sacrifice is a holy spell that turns all of the caster’s Health and Mana into damage and is only available to priests past their class second advancement! But if you’re a priest then why can you use Mana Burn? Who are you? What are you?” “Woah Woah Woah slow down… I can’t answer you all at once” “Okay I think the most important question right now is this: What’s going on?” “I’m not sure of the details myself but I think we are in the process of being slaughtered by a Divine Saint to gather Sacred Energy. This place is flooded with Resurrection energy so it’s probably the Church of Embinyu.” Godou noted that Ferrex’s tone was surprisingly calm despite the weight of what he had just said. “Sorry… Divine what?” “A Divine Saint. Divine Saints and Divine Saint knights are the most powerful members of churches. They are the only members of the church that can directly channel power out of their respective Gods. It wouldn’t be farfetched to say that they are the proxies of the gods themselves. Divine Saints are given the additional ability to learn any type of magic and are one of the few who can utilise Sacred Energy of faith. On the other hand, Divine Saint knights have the additional ability of Divine Possession which bestows upon them the additional abilities often based on powerful creatures worshiped by their church.” “What do you mean by Sacred Energy?” “It’s a special type of energy that can be consumed to cast spells and do other things like mana. However, its different from mana in that it has no upper limit. Resurrection Energy, Soul Power, Spiritual Flow, Blessings of Life… these are all categories of Sacred Energy. Each Church has their own type of Sacred Energy and their own way of obtaining it. Resurrection Energy, which is obtained by taking another’s life, is what Seirph is currently using. Most likely he intends to kill us all and use us as sacrifices to gather more resurrection energy. The amount of Resurrection Energy he currently has is… overwhelming and yet he is still trying to get more. I shudder to think of what he intends to do with it all.” “If these Divine Saints and Saint Knights are so powerful how come this is the first time I’m hearing about it? Surely news of such a strong class should have spread by now?” “I don’t remember reading about them in the church either.” “While the knowledge on the Divine Saint variants are not a secret, their existence and identities of them are kept well hidden inside the church, often only told to the current Pope and their most inner council by the preceding Pope. Also, there can only one Divine Saint and Divine Saint Knight for each religion at any one time. More often than not they will not be a member of the church but some farmer on the other side of the continent. They could even be someone on the enemy’s side. It’s not a power you can earn through hard work you see. It’s something you are born with.   To most other members, they are nothing other than a myth and their active roles in battles passed off as miracles from the gods. Such is the power of the Divine class that their very existence on the battlefield changes the outcome of the battle. You see, there is a race going on involving all the churches of all religions. A race to discover and awaken their Divine Saints and Divine Saint Knights. When a church manages to find and awaken both their Divine Saint and Divine Saint Knight, it is said to be a sign of the coming of a new era. The churches order squadrons of paladins and priests to search villages, towns and even kingdoms to look for people with potential. But most of them believe that their just searching for new talented recruits but what their actually doing is searching for potential Divine Saint Variants.” “But why are they hidden?” “If the existence of them were made public then they would gain public support. Of course they act as a special unit in the church and follow only the orders of the Pope but some ignorant members of the church may be it as an excuse to start rumours of a power struggle between the Divine Saint and the Pope. This would sow the seeds of confusion and disorganisation inside the church ultimately destroying it. Divine Saints and Divine Saint Knights are well aware of this and have to agree to staying out of the spotlight to awaken their powers. Usually, they are given a place in the middle or low rankings of the church to avoid suspicion. Also, if by some freak accident occurs and a Divine Saint or Divine Saint Knight is killed then their church will suffer a great loss in strength and morale. Just having one of them awakened increases the effectiveness of the specialised spells of the church you see. This leads them vulnerable to being destroyed or absorbed by the worshippers of other gods. This is to protect the potential assassins from being destroyed by their would-be targets as well. The only thing that could defeat or restrain a Divine Saint is other Divine Saint or a Divine Saint Knight. This is the one rule must be obeyed in this world. Well according to legends there are some other abnormal existences like the Dragon Kings, Spirit Kings, Magic Kings, Abyssal Lord, Overlords and Elemental lords who are said to be able to rival them but who’s to say that they actually exist? Short of that you would need a massive army of elites and even then you might not win.” “Okay but who are you Ferrex? Why do you know all this? Ordinarily I wouldn’t have asked but in this situation I think I have a right to know.” Ferrex appeared hesitant but making a determined expression he said: “I am a member of a lost religion that was destroyed by the Divine Saint Knight of Beelzebub…” “Ah…” “And I was… I am their Divine Saint.” ------------- And so the climax begins. Well, I did warn you about the info dumping… ... I regret using so many tables... | [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=1352) | [Exit](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=96) | | [Next](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=96&t=1640) |

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> News articles about unknown group of players that Managed to clear such a strong dungeon started showing up on the net. <br>When Alexander woke up and finished his morning exercises, he saw these news articles and his chest swelled up in pride. Feeling a bit arrogant and also grinning mischieviously, he called Frederic and asked if he had seen the news article on the royal road official website. <br><br>“No, damn it! You woke me up just now.”<br><br>“Hmm. I don't feel sorry. That’s weird. Anyway hurry and look at them.”<br><br>“Leave me alone. I just want to go back to sleep.”<br><br>“Ok then never mind! Where are you guys currently?”<br><br>“ We met up with Benjamin and Liz and today at three we wanted to start our dungeon hunt. We’ll slowly move towards where Daniel is, since he seemes to be doing just fine on his own. It seems as if he has found a hermit in some mountain that has the same class as him and he seems to train Daniel to become even more lazy, if what Jonathan says is true.”<br><br>“Which dungeon are you guys going to?”<br><br>“It’s called ‘The abandoned mines of kaballon’. It's infested with demonic spawn at around lvl. 80 with the annoying ability to teleport and to pop up out of walls, ground or the ceiling. We found a water Mage to join us since the demonic spawns are mostly made up of fire element. She's a real looker as well. “<br><br>“Yeah alright. Go to sleep again!”<br><br>“Cya. Wait a moment now I’m wide awake, you s…”<br><br>He hung up with a huge grin plastered on his face and he contacted his sister next . When she finally picked up the phone after many rings:<br><br>“Who’zz it?”<br><br>“Hey sis. How are you doing?”<br><br>“Damn you, I should have known. Do u have any idea what time it is!!”<br><br>“It's already 6 am. So rise and shine!”<br><br>“I really hate you, you know that, right?”<br><br>“I love you, too.”<br><br>“So what is it that you wanted from me, l'il bro ?”<br><br>“Where are you currently in Royal Road?”<br><br>“Still Somewhere near Haven kingdom, I think. You know that I have your lousy sense of direction. But why?”<br><br>“I'm quite near to Haven kingdom right now and there is a dungeon I would like you and your boyfriend Raymond, I think was his name, to join me since it might be fun to see you get your a** kicked and show off my awesome skills.”<br><br>“Why you midget. Where is it? We will be there and ill show you how strong I have gotten. You can't even be lvl. 50 yet since it wasn't that long ago since you left the city and you are always travelling solo in games.”<br><br>“Oh, I wouldn't be so sure about that. What's your level by the way?”<br><br>“I'm already lvl. 76, since I received help from Ray and his friends in the guild. What about you?”<br><br>“Not telling. See you later. PM me in game!”<br><br>“Hey you ....”<br><br>He had quickly hung up to not hear the angry tirade of curses from his sister and since he loved the angry reactions he got from hanging up in the middle of other people talking.<br><br>Logging in after freshening up and eating, he found himself sitting in the cave he and Shea had fled to when it started raining. He saw that it was already light outside and Shea had left the cave, probably to stretch a bit and walk in the fresh morning air or wash herself at the small lake a couple of minutes on foot away from the cave. <br>Stretching he stood up and started doing basic exercises, since the body in game has to keep in shape and stay fit just like his Real Life body, otherwise controlling it fluently might not work. <br><br>He was striking the wall repeatedly without stopping even though his knuckles on his fists were bleeding profusely The pain was much more bearable than in real life, due to his stats and also due to the game sensors reducing pain by quite a bit as well. When he had accidently hit a wall in anger once before it had raised his perseverance stat due to him hitting a sharp rock unwillingly. Since then he had stuck doing repeat practices of the same action. It also improved his first aid skill because he had to bandage his knuckles and also shins after doing kicking exercises against trees.<br><br>He had generated the skill ‘Rixa Mastery’ as well. It seemed to be an advanced form of the skill: ‘bare-handed mastery’, since it included kicking attacks as well. <br><br>He neither cared nor felt it and was so engrossed in his task that he didn't even notice the distinct sound of a sword leaving its scabbard being made behind him. Suddenly however he felt a great killing intent aimed at him and managed to swiftly jump to the side but his arm was nicked in the process and was now bleeding. Luckily it was a shallow cut and didn't take away much of his HP and didn’t cut through any tendons. <br><br>Looking at who or what had attacked him, Alexander saw a man who was wearing a very thin looking but flexible metal armor. His face was also covered by a helmet that only had a slit for the eyes and small vertical slits for air at the mouth. He had a thin rapier in one hand and a dagger in the other. Alexander didn’t know who this person was, but him attacking Alexander without any warning from behind meant he was an enemy. Lowering his stance, Alexander readied himself to react to the opponents attack, since he currently didn’t have a weapon at hand and summoning the soul weapon day-forms would cause an opening.<br><br>When the enemy lunged, Alexander swiftly moved to the side and while the rapier was still in its movement moved forward, while twisting around the blade and thus he closed up on the opponent. Grabbing the arm holding the rapier with a quick grip, he let himself drop to avoid the counter slash the other man instinctively did with his dagger, breaking the elbow joint of the man in the process.<br><br>A few moments later, Alexander had subdued the other guy and was currently holding the dagger of this man at his neck. <br><br>"So what do u want from me? Why did you attack me?"<br><br><br>"I'm a pursuer of justice and have come to take your head for all the crimes you have committed."<br><br>"Oh a real role playing fanatic from the way you act. So that means you are a bounty hunter! Will you leave on your own or do I have to persuade you?"<br><br>"I won't leave until you are dead. "<br><br>"That's a real pity, since I don't really have anything against you and never killed anyone without reason before. Now let me try sth. on you!"<br><br>Saying that he concentrated and looked at the guy lying below him and suddenly his hand shot forward into the chest of the man and pulled out his soul. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;">----- Pov of Kronos -----</div><br><br>I have finally found the trail of the man who had killed hundreds of players in rosenheim. Killing him will gain me 20000 gold coins, making me the richest player in the game and a huge amount of fame due to the high bounty placed on that guys head, due to a guild having formed to specifically hunt and kill him and others like him.<br>The main reason he was following this guy however was because it was a quest the guard captain had bestowed upon him to see if he, Kronos, was really ready to give his life in pursuit of justice. And hunting and punishing this man, who at the moment was the worst criminal of all freedmen according to the captain, even though he hadn’t killed many natives, only those guards sent to hunt him.<br> <br>The was currently resting inside a cavern leisurely and unaware of his presence. He had been following him for quite some time and had already confirmed that it was the right person with a spell scroll he was given by the guild that he had contacted after receiving the request and researching about the man. Sneaking up on him he wanted to kill him while staying unnoticed due to still being cautious and nervous in facing someone this obviously strong especially since it had been quite some time since the massacre in rosenheim and this guy was sure to have leveled up in the meantime. <br><br>He had been lucky that he had found this guys trail, which was wholly attributed to him finding the golden horn of the fairy of the lake as a random monster drop, which led to being granted a wish from the fairy.<br><br>Swinging at the guy with all the force he could muster he was instead met with no resistance and looked up in shock to see the man standing upright and unharmed a bit to the left of where he crouched before. He seemed to have been hit though, since his right arm was bleeding from a shallow slice.<br><br>He had to attack him now before this guy could equip his weapon, whatever it may be. Though he had been following him for a few days, this guy almost always fought with his bare hands easily defeating his opponents, but it also seemed that when he woke up in the morning to follow this man and his horse further, since they only moved during the day, he saw slashes all around the forest on the trees and also huge places on the ground covered in blood. <br>Seeing these he was really spooked, since they were currently in a Lvl. 80 area, but these marks indicated dozens upon dozens of killed enemies, killed by some sort of blade and the only group in the area was this guy with his horse that at times seemed to be an unicorn, which must have been a trick of the light, due to the fact that unicorns are extremely good and pure creatures and generally believed to be untameable. The slashes and dead creatures indicated that this person used a bladed weapon and was extremely proficient in it.<br><br>So he attacked with a simple, but extremely fast stab towards this guy with his custom-made weapon, mixing a sword and a rapier, while holding onto a dagger with his left hand.<br><br>The next moment however he was lying on the ground with his own dagger on his throat. His arm felt as if it was broken and he didn't even see what had happened, which just showed how dangerous and fast this opponent was. <br><br>After a bit of talking the guy suddenly grabbed into Kronos’s chest and pulled something almost invisible out, which was immeadiately followed by pain!!<br><br>"Aaaaaargh. Aaaaa. Aargh "<br><br>He didn't know how long he felt that horrible pain, but he sure as hell knew that he never wanted to feel something like that ever again. After what felt like forever, finally blissful blackness surrounded him. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You have died!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Breathing heavily he stumbled out of the capsule and almost collapsed on the floor. <br><br>~That was just way too scary and painful.~ <br>He thought while hugging his legs to his chest shivering even though it wasn't remotely cold. <br>~That guy was way too dangerous!~<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">----- Someone’s POV -----</div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Gained new 'Soul Reaper Set' skill: Grasp of the Reaper</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Grasp of the Reaper Lvl.1: 0%<br><br>Pull out the soul of a living being causing unimaginable pain and damage but leaving yourself vulnerable at the same time. <br><br>Effect: extreme pain that disables the target from retaliating. 120% damage dealt/sec.<br>On own self: (-95% defense stat, toughness and -50% Str., AGI) for 10 sec.<br>--The skill ‘Soul Eater’ can be used after using this skill. --</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>He had been extremely curious in the past, since no matter what he tried he never could use the skill Soul Eater, since he never got a hold off an actual soul, but rather it was always his Soul-weapon that sucked it inside. He was still holding onto the soul and didn't know what to do with it now.<br>How exactly did he use the skill: Soul Eater. He didn’t really want to bite into this wriggly, squishy and slimy glowing ball in his hand. He asked Shea who had come running back as soon as she had heard the screams. <br><br>"That soul is pure so eating it might improve stats and I think that is the only way to use the skill. The stat increase would be higher if your own soul was pure as well though. "<br><br>"Hmm. Ok then you eat it, since your soul is pure as well. And I can always have some in the future. "<br><br>"I can't eat something like a soul. It wouldn't be right. I also don’t have the skill! "<br><br>"Oh. You are worrying too much. What could possibly go wrong? So eat up! &lt;Soul Eater&gt;"<br><br>And with that Alexander pushed the soul into the mouth of Shea who involuntarily swallowed it due to shock. <br>Suddenly Shea's fur started to darken and soon became a grayish tone. <br><br>"What happened ?? It seems I can use the skill to feed others souls as well."<br><br>"I gained a new class and some stat increases. I now seem to be a shadow unicorn."<br><br>"Hmmm. Does it carry any significance? Like not being able to return to your home?"<br><br>"How does my soul look like?"<br><br>Activating Soul-Sense he looked at her soul and was surprised, since the previously bright unblemished white of her soul now had a few grey whisks in it. Telling her what he saw, she just said:<br><br>"I see. Only pure unicorns are allowed to return home. "<br><br>"So what do you want to do now? And what do the grey/ black whisks in your soul mean?"<br><br>"It's death. The black color means death. Not my death mind you. Death is the opposite of life and thus black in color. Green is nature. Red is evil. Purple is divinity. I still intend to follow you on your journey and the only rule to be allowed to go back home was to stay pure. But the color of purity was never specified, now that I think about it. We will figure something out. We might as well try making me the first pure unicorn with a black soul. I just wish my fur wasn't this color. "<br> <br>Using the Illusion skill he turned the fur white once more. <br><br>“Is this better?” he asked Shea. <br><br>“Yes, but for how long can you keep this much stronger illusion up?”<br><br>“Practicing it, will only help lengthen the time I can keep it up.”<br><br>Travelling together towards Haven kingdom, where he wanted to meet his sister, for the next month they encountered many different kinds of creatures and constantly were under a lot of pressure, since Alexander only had minimal amounts of mana for the fights, since he used the rest for the illusion on Shea. The new thing they both now did was to eat the souls of their enemies to gain strength that way. Though It seemed as if that skill was only useful once for each monster type. Other eaten souls still gave effects but these were drastically reduced from the first soul of the corresponding monster type. And the bonus kept reducing at each subsequent meal. <br><br>Shea's fur and soul however got darker and darker the more souls were eaten, which solved their problem of trying to get her soul pure once more. Alexander personally thought it looked amazing, even though Shea herself was always lamenting over losing her pristinely white fur.<br>The egg he had snatched from the spider lair still didn't show any signs of cracking but the spider inside was at least still alive, which its soul confirmed, and he also didn't know what to do with the pendent he had gotten from the spider queen either. <br><br>Some time during the journey he had also gotten the message, that his friendship with Shea had reached maximum, which was immediately followed by a golden light coming out of Shea's body which flew into Alexanders back. It gave of a pleasant warm feeling. It was accompanied by the message that Shea had soul-bonded with Alexander. The same thing happened the other way around for Shea as well. <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;"> Soul bond</span><br><br>An unbreakable bond between comrades. As long as one who is soul bonded is in this world the ones soul bonded to him will resurect in 4 days time after activation of hidden locked skill: resurrect soul!</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;">Resurrect soul</span><br><br>Activate the resurrection of soul-bonded ones after four days. Must stay alive for four days otherwise the skill will be cancelled.<br>cost: -50% HP, -50%MP, -50%Stamina until resurrection. -1 Lvl. permanent.<br>If used on a soul not soul bonded. HP, MP=10 and for 1 week and -10 Lvl. permanent.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Additionally a mark had appeared at the spot where the light entered. On Shea it was a hooded man carrying a scythe and on Alexander’s right shoulder it was a unicorn. It was giving off a white glow.<br>Later on they also discovered that their souls were connected by a thin thread of light. This light would be very helpful later on, since it stayed connected no matter how much they distanced themselves from each other. <br><br>Then finally they arrived at a village. Asking around he gathered the information that this was the Askran settlement. It was a peculiar place with low-level monsters in the area and only trick dungeons. Dungeons with very few monsters but many traps, puzzles,mazes and repeatable quests. </div>

News articles about unknown group of players that Managed to clear such a strong dungeon started showing up on the net. When Alexander woke up and finished his morning exercises, he saw these news articles and his chest swelled up in pride. Feeling a bit arrogant and also grinning mischieviously, he called Frederic and asked if he had seen the news article on the royal road official website. “No, damn it! You woke me up just now.” “Hmm. I don't feel sorry. That’s weird. Anyway hurry and look at them.” “Leave me alone. I just want to go back to sleep.” “Ok then never mind! Where are you guys currently?” “ We met up with Benjamin and Liz and today at three we wanted to start our dungeon hunt. We’ll slowly move towards where Daniel is, since he seemes to be doing just fine on his own. It seems as if he has found a hermit in some mountain that has the same class as him and he seems to train Daniel to become even more lazy, if what Jonathan says is true.” “Which dungeon are you guys going to?” “It’s called ‘The abandoned mines of kaballon’. It's infested with demonic spawn at around lvl. 80 with the annoying ability to teleport and to pop up out of walls, ground or the ceiling. We found a water Mage to join us since the demonic spawns are mostly made up of fire element. She's a real looker as well. “ “Yeah alright. Go to sleep again!” “Cya. Wait a moment now I’m wide awake, you s…” He hung up with a huge grin plastered on his face and he contacted his sister next . When she finally picked up the phone after many rings: “Who’zz it?” “Hey sis. How are you doing?” “Damn you, I should have known. Do u have any idea what time it is!!” “It's already 6 am. So rise and shine!” “I really hate you, you know that, right?” “I love you, too.” “So what is it that you wanted from me, l'il bro ?” “Where are you currently in Royal Road?” “Still Somewhere near Haven kingdom, I think. You know that I have your lousy sense of direction. But why?” “I'm quite near to Haven kingdom right now and there is a dungeon I would like you and your boyfriend Raymond, I think was his name, to join me since it might be fun to see you get your a** kicked and show off my awesome skills.” “Why you midget. Where is it? We will be there and ill show you how strong I have gotten. You can't even be lvl. 50 yet since it wasn't that long ago since you left the city and you are always travelling solo in games.” “Oh, I wouldn't be so sure about that. What's your level by the way?” “I'm already lvl. 76, since I received help from Ray and his friends in the guild. What about you?” “Not telling. See you later. PM me in game!” “Hey you ....” He had quickly hung up to not hear the angry tirade of curses from his sister and since he loved the angry reactions he got from hanging up in the middle of other people talking. Logging in after freshening up and eating, he found himself sitting in the cave he and Shea had fled to when it started raining. He saw that it was already light outside and Shea had left the cave, probably to stretch a bit and walk in the fresh morning air or wash herself at the small lake a couple of minutes on foot away from the cave. Stretching he stood up and started doing basic exercises, since the body in game has to keep in shape and stay fit just like his Real Life body, otherwise controlling it fluently might not work. He was striking the wall repeatedly without stopping even though his knuckles on his fists were bleeding profusely The pain was much more bearable than in real life, due to his stats and also due to the game sensors reducing pain by quite a bit as well. When he had accidently hit a wall in anger once before it had raised his perseverance stat due to him hitting a sharp rock unwillingly. Since then he had stuck doing repeat practices of the same action. It also improved his first aid skill because he had to bandage his knuckles and also shins after doing kicking exercises against trees. He had generated the skill ‘Rixa Mastery’ as well. It seemed to be an advanced form of the skill: ‘bare-handed mastery’, since it included kicking attacks as well. He neither cared nor felt it and was so engrossed in his task that he didn't even notice the distinct sound of a sword leaving its scabbard being made behind him. Suddenly however he felt a great killing intent aimed at him and managed to swiftly jump to the side but his arm was nicked in the process and was now bleeding. Luckily it was a shallow cut and didn't take away much of his HP and didn’t cut through any tendons. Looking at who or what had attacked him, Alexander saw a man who was wearing a very thin looking but flexible metal armor. His face was also covered by a helmet that only had a slit for the eyes and small vertical slits for air at the mouth. He had a thin rapier in one hand and a dagger in the other. Alexander didn’t know who this person was, but him attacking Alexander without any warning from behind meant he was an enemy. Lowering his stance, Alexander readied himself to react to the opponents attack, since he currently didn’t have a weapon at hand and summoning the soul weapon day-forms would cause an opening. When the enemy lunged, Alexander swiftly moved to the side and while the rapier was still in its movement moved forward, while twisting around the blade and thus he closed up on the opponent. Grabbing the arm holding the rapier with a quick grip, he let himself drop to avoid the counter slash the other man instinctively did with his dagger, breaking the elbow joint of the man in the process. A few moments later, Alexander had subdued the other guy and was currently holding the dagger of this man at his neck. "So what do u want from me? Why did you attack me?" "I'm a pursuer of justice and have come to take your head for all the crimes you have committed." "Oh a real role playing fanatic from the way you act. So that means you are a bounty hunter! Will you leave on your own or do I have to persuade you?" "I won't leave until you are dead. " "That's a real pity, since I don't really have anything against you and never killed anyone without reason before. Now let me try sth. on you!" Saying that he concentrated and looked at the guy lying below him and suddenly his hand shot forward into the chest of the man and pulled out his soul. ----- Pov of Kronos ----- I have finally found the trail of the man who had killed hundreds of players in rosenheim. Killing him will gain me 20000 gold coins, making me the richest player in the game and a huge amount of fame due to the high bounty placed on that guys head, due to a guild having formed to specifically hunt and kill him and others like him. The main reason he was following this guy however was because it was a quest the guard captain had bestowed upon him to see if he, Kronos, was really ready to give his life in pursuit of justice. And hunting and punishing this man, who at the moment was the worst criminal of all freedmen according to the captain, even though he hadn’t killed many natives, only those guards sent to hunt him. The was currently resting inside a cavern leisurely and unaware of his presence. He had been following him for quite some time and had already confirmed that it was the right person with a spell scroll he was given by the guild that he had contacted after receiving the request and researching about the man. Sneaking up on him he wanted to kill him while staying unnoticed due to still being cautious and nervous in facing someone this obviously strong especially since it had been quite some time since the massacre in rosenheim and this guy was sure to have leveled up in the meantime. He had been lucky that he had found this guys trail, which was wholly attributed to him finding the golden horn of the fairy of the lake as a random monster drop, which led to being granted a wish from the fairy. Swinging at the guy with all the force he could muster he was instead met with no resistance and looked up in shock to see the man standing upright and unharmed a bit to the left of where he crouched before. He seemed to have been hit though, since his right arm was bleeding from a shallow slice. He had to attack him now before this guy could equip his weapon, whatever it may be. Though he had been following him for a few days, this guy almost always fought with his bare hands easily defeating his opponents, but it also seemed that when he woke up in the morning to follow this man and his horse further, since they only moved during the day, he saw slashes all around the forest on the trees and also huge places on the ground covered in blood. Seeing these he was really spooked, since they were currently in a Lvl. 80 area, but these marks indicated dozens upon dozens of killed enemies, killed by some sort of blade and the only group in the area was this guy with his horse that at times seemed to be an unicorn, which must have been a trick of the light, due to the fact that unicorns are extremely good and pure creatures and generally believed to be untameable. The slashes and dead creatures indicated that this person used a bladed weapon and was extremely proficient in it. So he attacked with a simple, but extremely fast stab towards this guy with his custom-made weapon, mixing a sword and a rapier, while holding onto a dagger with his left hand. The next moment however he was lying on the ground with his own dagger on his throat. His arm felt as if it was broken and he didn't even see what had happened, which just showed how dangerous and fast this opponent was. After a bit of talking the guy suddenly grabbed into Kronos’s chest and pulled something almost invisible out, which was immeadiately followed by pain!! "Aaaaaargh. Aaaaa. Aargh " He didn't know how long he felt that horrible pain, but he sure as hell knew that he never wanted to feel something like that ever again. After what felt like forever, finally blissful blackness surrounded him. | You have died! | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Breathing heavily he stumbled out of the capsule and almost collapsed on the floor. ~That was just way too scary and painful.~ He thought while hugging his legs to his chest shivering even though it wasn't remotely cold. ~That guy was way too dangerous!~ ----- Someone’s POV ----- | Gained new 'Soul Reaper Set' skill: Grasp of the Reaper | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Grasp of the Reaper Lvl.1: 0%Pull out the soul of a living being causing unimaginable pain and damage but leaving yourself vulnerable at the same time. Effect: extreme pain that disables the target from retaliating. 120% damage dealt/sec.On own self: (-95% defense stat, toughness and -50% Str., AGI) for 10 sec.--The skill ‘Soul Eater’ can be used after using this skill. -- | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | He had been extremely curious in the past, since no matter what he tried he never could use the skill Soul Eater, since he never got a hold off an actual soul, but rather it was always his Soul-weapon that sucked it inside. He was still holding onto the soul and didn't know what to do with it now. How exactly did he use the skill: Soul Eater. He didn’t really want to bite into this wriggly, squishy and slimy glowing ball in his hand. He asked Shea who had come running back as soon as she had heard the screams. "That soul is pure so eating it might improve stats and I think that is the only way to use the skill. The stat increase would be higher if your own soul was pure as well though. " "Hmm. Ok then you eat it, since your soul is pure as well. And I can always have some in the future. " "I can't eat something like a soul. It wouldn't be right. I also don’t have the skill! " "Oh. You are worrying too much. What could possibly go wrong? So eat up! <Soul Eater>" And with that Alexander pushed the soul into the mouth of Shea who involuntarily swallowed it due to shock. Suddenly Shea's fur started to darken and soon became a grayish tone. "What happened ?? It seems I can use the skill to feed others souls as well." "I gained a new class and some stat increases. I now seem to be a shadow unicorn." "Hmmm. Does it carry any significance? Like not being able to return to your home?" "How does my soul look like?" Activating Soul-Sense he looked at her soul and was surprised, since the previously bright unblemished white of her soul now had a few grey whisks in it. Telling her what he saw, she just said: "I see. Only pure unicorns are allowed to return home. " "So what do you want to do now? And what do the grey/ black whisks in your soul mean?" "It's death. The black color means death. Not my death mind you. Death is the opposite of life and thus black in color. Green is nature. Red is evil. Purple is divinity. I still intend to follow you on your journey and the only rule to be allowed to go back home was to stay pure. But the color of purity was never specified, now that I think about it. We will figure something out. We might as well try making me the first pure unicorn with a black soul. I just wish my fur wasn't this color. " Using the Illusion skill he turned the fur white once more. “Is this better?” he asked Shea. “Yes, but for how long can you keep this much stronger illusion up?” “Practicing it, will only help lengthen the time I can keep it up.” Travelling together towards Haven kingdom, where he wanted to meet his sister, for the next month they encountered many different kinds of creatures and constantly were under a lot of pressure, since Alexander only had minimal amounts of mana for the fights, since he used the rest for the illusion on Shea. The new thing they both now did was to eat the souls of their enemies to gain strength that way. Though It seemed as if that skill was only useful once for each monster type. Other eaten souls still gave effects but these were drastically reduced from the first soul of the corresponding monster type. And the bonus kept reducing at each subsequent meal. Shea's fur and soul however got darker and darker the more souls were eaten, which solved their problem of trying to get her soul pure once more. Alexander personally thought it looked amazing, even though Shea herself was always lamenting over losing her pristinely white fur. The egg he had snatched from the spider lair still didn't show any signs of cracking but the spider inside was at least still alive, which its soul confirmed, and he also didn't know what to do with the pendent he had gotten from the spider queen either. Some time during the journey he had also gotten the message, that his friendship with Shea had reached maximum, which was immediately followed by a golden light coming out of Shea's body which flew into Alexanders back. It gave of a pleasant warm feeling. It was accompanied by the message that Shea had soul-bonded with Alexander. The same thing happened the other way around for Shea as well. | Soul bondAn unbreakable bond between comrades. As long as one who is soul bonded is in this world the ones soul bonded to him will resurect in 4 days time after activation of hidden locked skill: resurrect soul! | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Resurrect soulActivate the resurrection of soul-bonded ones after four days. Must stay alive for four days otherwise the skill will be cancelled.cost: -50% HP, -50%MP, -50%Stamina until resurrection. -1 Lvl. permanent.If used on a soul not soul bonded. HP, MP=10 and for 1 week and -10 Lvl. permanent. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Additionally a mark had appeared at the spot where the light entered. On Shea it was a hooded man carrying a scythe and on Alexander’s right shoulder it was a unicorn. It was giving off a white glow. Later on they also discovered that their souls were connected by a thin thread of light. This light would be very helpful later on, since it stayed connected no matter how much they distanced themselves from each other. Then finally they arrived at a village. Asking around he gathered the information that this was the Askran settlement. It was a peculiar place with low-level monsters in the area and only trick dungeons. Dungeons with very few monsters but many traps, puzzles,mazes and repeatable quests.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Chapter Eight – Begging For Meat<br><br>The woman sobbed, afraid to move from the spot where she fell.<br>The hooded figures straightened and waited for Jon to do something.<br>When he didn't, one of them stretched out his hand, chanted a few words, and lightning began to crackle around it.<br>It was a beginner’s spell and Jon had seen and received lightning bolts like the one now aimed at him during his experience with war.<br>The dark figure was either a really high level player, confident enough he could finish Jon off with a beginner's spell or a real beginner foolish enough to disclose his magic. Whoever he was, Jon took out his knife and was chanting the healing spell quickly.<br>The second figure whispered something and both of them disappeared back into the alley they came from.<br><br><br><br>With his curiosity satisfied he was ready to leave, and since the men left by their own will he didn't feel compelled to follow them.<br>The woman stood up shaking and blocked his path.<br>"Thank you." She said in a weak voice. "Thank you."<br>There was nothing to be thankful for, and Jon was puzzled at her words.<br>-'I don't have time for this.'- He tried to move on but the woman motioned to grab his arm to stop him.<br>He turned suddenly and grabbed her arm in the air.<br>Maybe she took it as a sign of empathy or caring, because it made her cry even harder but with tears of relief instead of fear.<br>"I thought I was dead for sure. They would have killed me like the others if not for you."<br>She moved in to embrace Jon but he managed to stop her.<br>"Damn those guards! Instead of patrolling the streets they go of to chase dogs in the forest…" She wasn't a young woman and the stress finally got to her and caused her knees to buckle under her. She fell on something squishy and when she looked at what it was she wailed all over again.<br>The sound of her crying brought up unpleasant memories for him and while her eyes were closed he sneaked away.<br>"The food! They stepped all over it!" Another wail interrupted her angry yelling. "We'll starve to death!"<br>She was in the middle of the shopping district and in the middle of the night, there was no one to pay attention to her.<br>While he was getting what Burka asked for from the kitchen the sound of her voice quieted down.<br><br>She was picking things up into a torn sack off the ground.<br>He could see tears flowing down her face as they reflected the light of the moon. She must have smelled the spices he was carrying because she turned to look at him before the sound of his footsteps reached her.<br>As he passed by her he dropped two large sacks to the ground.<br>"It's you, isn't it?" she didn't even look at the sacks.<br>"You're the one who humiliated Yarel? I was there, your clothes are different but it's you, I can tell."<br>She got up and dusted herself a little.<br>"From the whole slums district, thank you," she said with a bow.<br>"Her sword and shield have been feeding us for the past weeks. My son would have probably lost one of his hands to the guards if not for you help." She paused to swallow down a new wave of tears. "But the money is slowly ending and I had to take more and more risks lately. We struck a deal with a merchant that sells us his leftovers for cheap prices. They are mostly rotten but we make do." She showed him a piece of moldy bread on the ground. "He agreed to do business with us only in these hours so that no customers see him selling to us beggars, and those volchers you saw, have been picking us off one by one."<br>She approached him and tried to grab hold of his hand but Jon was faster than her.<br>"Please help us!" She continued undiscouraged. "The guards won't do anything and we have no money to pay a guild."<br>"We're desperate! Children are afraid to play outside in the day and at night everyone locks himself inside, not that has ever stopped them…"<br>"If this goes on for longer we will all starve to death! You must help us like you did with that awful woman!"<br>He pointed at the sacks making her finally notice them. She jumped to them and marveled at their insides. One sack of rice and one of flour lay before her as she began to sob again.<br>"Thank you…" She said to Jon but he was no longer there.<br>He left as soon as she turned around, glad to get away from her.<br><br>"Finally! I thought you'd never come!" Burka snatched a sack from Jon's hands.<br>He ran to the meat, which was shining bright red with steam coming out from it.<br>"Sit down, kiddo. There's nothing you can help with now." Jon was twenty three years old, yet to Dragon whose hair was completely grey he was nothing more than some brat. The wrinkles on his face deepened as he smiled and moved a stool next to a makeshift table.<br>"Wipe your mouth!" He snapped at Orr.<br>"Sowwy." He tried to speak but puddles of saliva made it difficult for him. He had to spit to the side before talking again.<br>"Its been more than a year since I've eaten Burka's cooking. My body can't help it."<br>-'So he's been playing the game for more than three months…" He lost himself in calculations.<br><br>"Snap out of it." Dragon waved his hand before Jon's face.<br>He focused on his face and tried to figure what happened. A slice of meat was put under his nose and the other three men were ready to pounce on theirs.<br>-'I'll need to get strong fast. Three months is too long.'- He concluded. –'I want to fight mega-beasts soon…'-<br>He was late to take a bite so he ended up looking at the three dragon-slayers appreciate their first bite. Each of them paused after it and rolled his yes in delight. Orr looked to his side, probably reading the pop-up window that came out.<br>"Not bad… not bad at all… you didn't mention he was a magma dragon."<br>"He was my first of its type, I never thought it would show in the bonuses."<br>"They are a bit stronger than your typical fire breather, but the fire bonus they give is worth it," Burka stated.<br>"Hunt down a few magmas and your next fire type will be that much easier." Dragon savored the taste.<br>His interest was picked. He was never one turn down free food and when it came to meat, Jon's appetite was never ending.<br>He took a deep breath of the aroma and took a big bite.<br>It was amazing!<br>He didn't even bother looking at the system massage that jumped before him. He ripped piece after piece, devouring it all with hardly a breath taken.<br>It was all gone too soon. He stared in disbelief at his empty plate.<br>His eyes jumped from plate to plate looking for more.<br>"Don't worry, kid. It happens to everyone their first time." Dragon tried to get his attention in vain.<br>"Jon, look at me." He snapped his fingers and when that didn't work he struck the crate they were eating on with his hand.<br>"The taste can be addictive, but don't do something stupid, you hear me?"<br>"I've seen people go crazy after trying high quality dragon meat. In some cases they go up to a dragon and try to eat it alive…"<br>-'I don't need a dragon! I'll just kill them and take it all to myself!'-<br>"Don't!" Burka commanded as if he read his thoughts. "I'd hate to hurt you."<br>"Eat it slowly this time." He gave a bit of his slice to Jon, and continued eating patiently.<br>It was the hardest thing he did since he started playing but he forced himself to chew slowly.<br>When he was done the empty plate put tears in his eyes. He wanted more. He needed more!<br>-I have to kill it alone! More meat for me!'-<br>He knew he had to get stronger and it was time to make good on Gorge's offer to help.<br>-'Time to take this game seriously.'-<br><br>He turned his attention to the messages the system notified him about.<br>You have finished eating dragon meat.<br>HP increases by 1000<br>Mp increases by 1000<br>All stats increase by 100<br>Temporarily Fire Immunity<br>Effect lasts for 10 hours.<br><br>Alchemy Levels Up<br><br>You have consumed the meat of Grilmir the magma dragon.<br>The magic infused meat has given you the following bonuses permanently:<br>Vitality 50<br>Strength 50<br>Dexterity 50<br>Intelligence 50<br>Fire resistance 2%<br><br>"I see you’ve finally paid attention to the bonuses that come with the taste."<br>"Don't start thinking you can hunt dragon for the rest of your life though," Orr said. "At most there are three dragon kills a year. Most of the time it's killing monsters to level up and looking for better gear. The rest of the time we practice ways to fight the damn thing."<br>"Ferocious beasts," Dragon sighed. "Did I tell you about the time I saw one decimate an entire army?"<br>"Yes!" Burka snapped. "If you want to tell stories, tell him what happens after the meat is pealed off." He pointed at Jon.<br>"Not much to say about that really…"he turned to Jon enthusiastically nonetheless.<br><br>It was a long story with many personal stories mixed with in.<br>The main point of it was though, that to kill a dragon it is not enough to take away the meat of his bones, you need to spread and hide the bones as well.<br>Long ago, the bones were left in the place a dragon was killed and years later the dragon would come back as a bone dragon, a furious, raging, mad and vengeful skeletal dragon bent on destroying and killing. Even though it lacks strength and magic power without his flesh, it is a scary sight and can easily turn entire citadels into rubble.<br>Apparently some of the bones of the one they finished eating will be used for weapon and goods craft here in the citadel.<br>It was at this point that Orr, drunk as he was, took out a huge bone from out of his inventory and offered it to Jon.<br>"Take it!" He insisted. "I was planning of having it turned into a new mullet, but the dragon turned out to be weaker the dragon whose bones my current weapon had been made out of."<br>He than started crying and yelling at the night sky how unfair the world was.<br><br>It was morning already and the stories were still coming. Burka was the one who put an end to them in the end. He spoke out how it was time to sleep as he needed to start preparing for tomorrow later in the evening.<br>"For how much are you selling the meat?" Orr asked Dragon.<br>"Well, an average strength one like him… between fifteen hundred gold to two thousand depending on the size of the meal, I guess."<br>"Whoa! So what my cut?"<br>"The usual twenty percent."<br>"With a piece of that size we can easily make half a million gold. You'll be able to upgrade your equipment again." They both smiled and embraced, saying their farewells and leaving in different direction.<br>Jon was left alone with nothing to do until evening.<br>Still possessed by his earlier frame of mind he asked himself what he could do to get stronger. Killing the same monster over and over didn't appeal to him; he knew that would bore him too fast.<br>He concluded that he just didn't know enough about the game to make that decision and after looking at the real world clock he decided not to wake up Gorge and simply headed to the mages’ guild.<br>He had the option of changing his class into a mage, and the idea of fighting a dragon with magic appealed to him.<br><br>He found an instructor and was offered a choice between mage and cleric classes thanks to his heal spell.<br><br>Class Change Notice<br>You have been offered to switch to Longbow Man from an Assassin.<br>Skills gained by becoming an assassin will be deleted, unless you have reached level two or higher in them.<br><br>You have changed your profession to a Mage.<br>The mage is the most versatile class in the game and is suited best for patient and creative people. By controlling and channeling arcane power with his mind the mage can do things most people don’t even dream of.<br>From controlling the elements to materializing matter out of thin air, the power of the mage is only limited by his ingenuity and dedication.<br>+150 Mp<br>+20 Wisdom<br>The mage can change to a stronger class when he reaches level 30. To initiate the class change quest you will need to visit an instructor specific to your class who will offer you class options after looking at your skills and spells.<br><br>Magic Capacity Passive Skill Acquired<br>This skill lowers the backlash of misfiring spells and reduces the damage taken when casting spells that require higher magic mastery than you have.<br>Magic capacity also guards from the damage taken when casting spells that need more Mp than you currently have.<br><br>Control Magic Passive Skill Acquired<br>A passive skill that heightens your control over the spells you cast. Good magic control can prevent area of effect spells (AoE) from hitting your allies while buff and de-buff spells can be applied on many targets at once.<br>Even the most basic of magic can be used in a variety of ways when you have enough control over it.<br><br>Meditation Skill Acquired<br>By maintaining correct breathing and mental focus for long periods the mage can force his body to become more compatible with the arcane powers.<br>During this state of awareness the mage's mana points return at an accelerated rate.<br>One of the many side effects of this passive state is increased mana.<br>Level 1: +5 Mp every level up.<br><br>Jon read the skill descriptions and decided on his next move.<br>Up the stairs he went and into the guilds library he entered. Just like last time, near every table groups of players were gathered. The bookkeeper was collecting finished books that were left around the library."Ice magic."<br>"Oh, hello again." He was in a cheery attitude again. "How is the healing magic? Do you like it? Was it useful?" He put down the books he was holding but one.<br>"Do you want to try this one? I was told it is a must read for clerics!"<br>It was easier to just take the book and stop him from talking.<br>"Ice magic?"<br>"Sit down; I'll bring it to you." He went to the bookshelves. "Beginner level right?"<br>Jon nodded.<br>He picked an empty chair near a window and read the book title, "Healing Spells for Army Use", it said. He skimmed through it and deemed it useful. He needed to level up his three new skills as fast as he could and the last spell of the book was perfect for that.<br>"Healing Rain", needed an intermediate level magic mastery and fifteen hundred Mp. It was an area of effect spell that summons arcane rain that heals everything it touches.<br>-'Stat Window'- He wanted to be sure.<br>Stat Window<br>Avatar: Jon Type: Chaotic<br>Level: 14 Class: Mage<br>Title: Leader of the Pack<br>+10 Charisma<br>Taming animals is 20% easier and faster.<br>Life: 1030 (+1640) Fame: -82 Mana: 625 (+1500)<br>Strength: 98 (+100) Dexterity: 94 (+100) Vitality: 61 (+100)<br>Wisdom: 38 (+100) Intelligence: 67 (+100) Focus: 12 (+100)<br>Leadership: 0 (+100) Perception: 3 (+100) Luck: 0 (+100)<br>Offence: 9 Defense: 10<br>Resistance to Magic:<br>Cold: 5%<br>Fire: 2%<br>Holy: 1%<br>Affinity to Elements:<br>Holy: 1% <br><br>With the temporary bonus from the dragon meat he had more than enough Mp and casting the spell would train all three of his new passive skills.<br>A few drops of Scholar's Brew were enough to finish the book quickly. The bookkeeper put a pile of books next to him but Jon ignored them for the time being.<br><br>You Have Completed the Book: "Healing Spells for Army Use"<br>Wisdom Rises by 1 (+1 Wis)<br><br>He made a mental note to reread the book in the future but at the moment he asked the Npc for a book that soon lay open before him. A few more drops of the brew and that book was done with as well.<br><br>You Have Completed the Book: "Limiting Area Spells"<br>Wisdom Rises By 1 (+1 Wis)<br><br>Done with that, he read the spell. It was long and hard.<br>Even though there was a chapter dedicated specifically to the correct pronunciation of the words reading the spell in full was difficult. It took forty three minutes to read it all, but the moment he was done his Mp began to drop.<br>With magic mastery of only level four, fifteen hundred mana points were not enough to cast the spell, and soon all of his Mp was gone and his Hp began to disappear as well.<br>He was thankful to the dragon meat or else he would have surely been dead. His whole body sucked into powering up the spell.<br><br>Shining clouds began to gather under the ceiling. Thunder cracked inside the room and all the eyes in the library shot up.<br>With the second thunder came the rain. Drops of golden light fell to the floor and were absorbed into the wood. Both people and books were soon covered in bright golden light.<br>Nothing got wet. As soon as a rain drop fell on something it evaporated into golden mist which soon hung low and became a golden fog that hid the floor from sight.<br>The sight was captivating and hypnotizing.<br>The golden light moved as if alive, twisting and swirling around the players’ legs. Those with good imagination looked at it and saw faces looking back at them. Jon could see them too and it was these faces that almost killed him.<br><br>The spell sucked away all of his Mp to activate and with no Mp left it began to eat away at his Hp to sustain itself. Since the spell was something he activated by himself the system didn't give him any warning, and if it wasn't for his instincts telling him something was not right the spell would have sucked all his life away.<br>-'Thank you,'- they saved him again and he was grateful.<br>He made a mental note, to always glance at his Hp bar when using a new spell or experimenting with an old one.<br>Breaking off the spell the rain stopped and with a quite, almost cat like hiss, the clouds and mist disappeared.<br>The library was left sparkling even in the absence of the golden light. As there was nothing to heal the rain cleaned instead. A surprising result but true nonetheless.<br>Everyone and everything looked new. People felt like they ad just come out of the shower, clothes and books were cleaned of stains and dust, while everything wooden inside the library was rejuvenated. Cracked floor boards were mended and desks that used to have burn marks or broken legs grew back to their original state.<br>"Healing Rain" Spell Learnt<br>An area of effect spell that conjures rain clouds out of thin air.<br>The clouds then condense holy power into liquid form that drops to the ground as rain.<br>Anyone touched by the drops will have its Hp restored.<br>While each drop by itself has very little healing power, sustaining the clouds for even a small period of time can heal hundreds of targets completely.<br>Level 1: AoE size – 15m radius.<br>Restore rate: 1Hp per drop.<br><br>Magic Capacity Levels Up<br><br>Magic Mastery Levels Up<br>Level 5 effects: Can cast beginner level spells.<br>Casting speed increased by 10%<br><br>Intelligence Rises by 1 (+1 Int)<br><br>He was a bit disappointed that the magic control skill didn't rise as well but he would deal with it later.<br>With his Mp bar completely empty he checked the meditation skill and read about what it required him to do. Surprised at how simple it was he breathed in, slowly, through his nose and breathed out even slower through his mouth. He looked at his Mp bar and saw it begin to fill up quickly.<br>It took a couple of minutes but his Mp was restored completely.<br>Looking at the skill he saw it was at 83%.<br>-'Good. Now what will I do about the third skill.'- Control Magic was at 0%.<br>He summoned his trusty ball of magic. He missed it. The bluish light was a familiar sight now and gave off a comforting feeling.<br>Weaving it through his fingers and around his hand like he was used to he looked at the skill and saw its experience rising.<br>One percent, two percent, three percent, it was too slow.<br><br>Jon decided to try something he didn't understand why he hadn’t tried earlier.<br>Concentrating on the floating ball he focused and summoned another ball, and when both balls looked stable he summoned another one, and another one.<br>He began spinning them around his torso, adding more balls whenever he was convinced the others looked stable and felt secure.<br>Blue light danced around him, dim in the bright sunlight, but strong enough to color him light blue.<br>The seventh ball was the limit, when he added it the others began to shake violently and spun out of control, disappearing into dust.<br>Focus Rises by 1(+1 Foc)<br><br>He started slower the second time.<br>First he began meditating. While doing the breathing exercise he slowly brought out the balls.<br>Again the seventh ball was his downfall, however this time he maintained all seven for longer.<br>Meditation Skill Levels Up<br>Level 2: +10 Mp every level up.<br>Affect while active: 2Mp every second.<br><br>It was time to get back to the kitchen.<br>He left the guild building with two small spheres of light spinning behind him.<br><br>The kitchen was a hectic mess. Everyone was running around and yelling. No one even noticed Jon enter.<br>He put on an apron and jumped into the fray, blue light spinning over his head.<br>Control Magic Skill levels Up<br><br>It was the dead of the night when Dragon screamed for Jon to come to him.<br>The effects of the dragon meat were long gone and they were all tired from the evening preparation.<br>"Do you know her?" Dragon said in a deep tone.<br>"Jon looked at the woman and recognized her from the other night.<br>"…" he nodded.<br>"I see…" Dragon seemed to be busy thinking. "Then you better take care of this before the guests start arriving!" He stormed out of the room and left the two alone.<br>The woman dropped to her knees.<br>"I'm sorry!" she cried. "I didn't know where else to go!"<br>Jon felt annoyed at the sound of her crying voice.<br>"The guards wouldn't listen and adventurers refused to help without a reward!" Her voice broke at the end of the sentence. "Please! When I saw the sign over the front door I remembered the bags you gave me and I knew I would find you here. You are my last chance!" She pleaded.<br>"Please save my daughter!" She wailed.<br>"They broke inside our house and forced their way to her room. We tried to fight but it was useless. My son was bruised and bleeding but he's followed them, I beg you, please help us…"<br>She was in her night gown, and in the candle light of the room Jon understood that the dark stains on it were blood. Her face was starting to swell up and her weight favored the left side, in an attempt to lessen the pain of the right.<br>He knew she was desperate and that Dragon was right. She wouldn't leave any time soon and letting the customers see her in the morning would be a big problem. They were all highborn or wealthy, and seeing a begger outside the restaurant would surely spoil the taste of the dragon meat for them.<br>"I don't have anything to give you in return but I'll do anything you want in return. Save her! You're the only left for me to ask…"<br>The words he chanted were ignored by her. Either she didn't hear it over the sound of her own sobbing.<br>Family Matters Quest Accepted<br>A woman from the citadel slums has come begging you for help.<br>She claims her daughter was taken against her will and you are the only one who can save her.<br>Follow the woman to the building her son identified and bring the daughter back to the mother's arms.<br>Difficulty: D<br>Reward: None.<br><br>He touched her shoulder and the golden light spread around her body. It engulfed her completely and as it disappeared an expression of relief appeared on her face.<br>"Thank you," she managed to say before the healing spell finished. Her consciousness escaped her grasp and she began falling to the floor, only to be caught by Jon.<br><br>"Here, drink this." Dragon stood over her and offered a glass of water.<br>It didn't take long for her to regain her consciousness and the moment she did she jumped up. Standing up too fast made her world spin around and make the room go dark. Dragon helped to steady her.<br>"Jon, told me what happened…" he helped her to a chair, "It's hard to get details from him but I got the gist of it."<br>"…"<br>"Can you walk? You need to show him where to go."<br>"My son is outside…" she said in a weak voice, "Novick..."<br>Dragon looked Jon in the eyes and motioned him to leave.<br>"Don't worry Ms. everything will be alright." He lifted the glass of water to her mouth again.<br>The boy was pacing back and forth outside while the brute eyed him with annoyance.<br>"His with you?" he said to Jon when he saw him.<br>Jon ignored him like usual, but the boy turned at the sound of the words and ran up to him.<br>"Let's run."<br>Blood flowed out of the boy's nose and his cheek was swollen. He was young, around nine or ten and very skinny. Jon touched him with a glowing palm and the blood flow stopped.<br>The boy didn't even notice he was healed; he simply turned around and ran off, stopping only to make sure Jon was following.<br><br>Soon the light from the market was lost in the maze of alleys and the darkness took over. The boy was breathing heavily but he refused to slow down.<br>"There it is!" he pointed at one of the many doors on the street they were. There was nothing distinguishable about it but the kid seemed certain.<br>He was looking around all the time, searching for the hooded figures. They were almost at the door when I opened and light spilled out to the street.<br>Jon grabbed the kid by his collar, shut his mouth with the other hand and hid in a small space between two houses.<br>"Are you sure?" Even without the silence that comes during early hours of the morning, Jon was close enough to hear the conversation.<br>"I'd love to show you my work. You are men who can appreciate my art."<br>"We need to go, there are other clients waiting."<br>"Too bad. I enjoy showing this to people." He sighed, "The expressions they make are just…"<br>"Sorry sir, but I rather not lose my dinner. We really need to go. I hope you will make use of our services in the future, goodbye and have a good time."<br>"What about you? I saw how you stared. Don't you want to see me work?"<br>The second hooded figure must have shaken its head in denial because the conversation was over and the men left.<br>"A shame…" the door closed and the darkness engulfed the street once again.<br>They walked past them silently and the boy began to trash violently when he saw them. He would have surely ran out and got himself killed.<br>Jon refused to take the risk of being noticed as well, so he moved his arm to the child's neck and squeezed hard, waiting for the small body to stop struggling. </div>

Chapter Eight – Begging For Meat The woman sobbed, afraid to move from the spot where she fell. The hooded figures straightened and waited for Jon to do something. When he didn't, one of them stretched out his hand, chanted a few words, and lightning began to crackle around it. It was a beginner’s spell and Jon had seen and received lightning bolts like the one now aimed at him during his experience with war. The dark figure was either a really high level player, confident enough he could finish Jon off with a beginner's spell or a real beginner foolish enough to disclose his magic. Whoever he was, Jon took out his knife and was chanting the healing spell quickly. The second figure whispered something and both of them disappeared back into the alley they came from. With his curiosity satisfied he was ready to leave, and since the men left by their own will he didn't feel compelled to follow them. The woman stood up shaking and blocked his path. "Thank you." She said in a weak voice. "Thank you." There was nothing to be thankful for, and Jon was puzzled at her words. -'I don't have time for this.'- He tried to move on but the woman motioned to grab his arm to stop him. He turned suddenly and grabbed her arm in the air. Maybe she took it as a sign of empathy or caring, because it made her cry even harder but with tears of relief instead of fear. "I thought I was dead for sure. They would have killed me like the others if not for you." She moved in to embrace Jon but he managed to stop her. "Damn those guards! Instead of patrolling the streets they go of to chase dogs in the forest…" She wasn't a young woman and the stress finally got to her and caused her knees to buckle under her. She fell on something squishy and when she looked at what it was she wailed all over again. The sound of her crying brought up unpleasant memories for him and while her eyes were closed he sneaked away. "The food! They stepped all over it!" Another wail interrupted her angry yelling. "We'll starve to death!" She was in the middle of the shopping district and in the middle of the night, there was no one to pay attention to her. While he was getting what Burka asked for from the kitchen the sound of her voice quieted down. She was picking things up into a torn sack off the ground. He could see tears flowing down her face as they reflected the light of the moon. She must have smelled the spices he was carrying because she turned to look at him before the sound of his footsteps reached her. As he passed by her he dropped two large sacks to the ground. "It's you, isn't it?" she didn't even look at the sacks. "You're the one who humiliated Yarel? I was there, your clothes are different but it's you, I can tell." She got up and dusted herself a little. "From the whole slums district, thank you," she said with a bow. "Her sword and shield have been feeding us for the past weeks. My son would have probably lost one of his hands to the guards if not for you help." She paused to swallow down a new wave of tears. "But the money is slowly ending and I had to take more and more risks lately. We struck a deal with a merchant that sells us his leftovers for cheap prices. They are mostly rotten but we make do." She showed him a piece of moldy bread on the ground. "He agreed to do business with us only in these hours so that no customers see him selling to us beggars, and those volchers you saw, have been picking us off one by one." She approached him and tried to grab hold of his hand but Jon was faster than her. "Please help us!" She continued undiscouraged. "The guards won't do anything and we have no money to pay a guild." "We're desperate! Children are afraid to play outside in the day and at night everyone locks himself inside, not that has ever stopped them…" "If this goes on for longer we will all starve to death! You must help us like you did with that awful woman!" He pointed at the sacks making her finally notice them. She jumped to them and marveled at their insides. One sack of rice and one of flour lay before her as she began to sob again. "Thank you…" She said to Jon but he was no longer there. He left as soon as she turned around, glad to get away from her. "Finally! I thought you'd never come!" Burka snatched a sack from Jon's hands. He ran to the meat, which was shining bright red with steam coming out from it. "Sit down, kiddo. There's nothing you can help with now." Jon was twenty three years old, yet to Dragon whose hair was completely grey he was nothing more than some brat. The wrinkles on his face deepened as he smiled and moved a stool next to a makeshift table. "Wipe your mouth!" He snapped at Orr. "Sowwy." He tried to speak but puddles of saliva made it difficult for him. He had to spit to the side before talking again. "Its been more than a year since I've eaten Burka's cooking. My body can't help it." -'So he's been playing the game for more than three months…" He lost himself in calculations. "Snap out of it." Dragon waved his hand before Jon's face. He focused on his face and tried to figure what happened. A slice of meat was put under his nose and the other three men were ready to pounce on theirs. -'I'll need to get strong fast. Three months is too long.'- He concluded. –'I want to fight mega-beasts soon…'- He was late to take a bite so he ended up looking at the three dragon-slayers appreciate their first bite. Each of them paused after it and rolled his yes in delight. Orr looked to his side, probably reading the pop-up window that came out. "Not bad… not bad at all… you didn't mention he was a magma dragon." "He was my first of its type, I never thought it would show in the bonuses." "They are a bit stronger than your typical fire breather, but the fire bonus they give is worth it," Burka stated. "Hunt down a few magmas and your next fire type will be that much easier." Dragon savored the taste. His interest was picked. He was never one turn down free food and when it came to meat, Jon's appetite was never ending. He took a deep breath of the aroma and took a big bite. It was amazing! He didn't even bother looking at the system massage that jumped before him. He ripped piece after piece, devouring it all with hardly a breath taken. It was all gone too soon. He stared in disbelief at his empty plate. His eyes jumped from plate to plate looking for more. "Don't worry, kid. It happens to everyone their first time." Dragon tried to get his attention in vain. "Jon, look at me." He snapped his fingers and when that didn't work he struck the crate they were eating on with his hand. "The taste can be addictive, but don't do something stupid, you hear me?" "I've seen people go crazy after trying high quality dragon meat. In some cases they go up to a dragon and try to eat it alive…" -'I don't need a dragon! I'll just kill them and take it all to myself!'- "Don't!" Burka commanded as if he read his thoughts. "I'd hate to hurt you." "Eat it slowly this time." He gave a bit of his slice to Jon, and continued eating patiently. It was the hardest thing he did since he started playing but he forced himself to chew slowly. When he was done the empty plate put tears in his eyes. He wanted more. He needed more! -I have to kill it alone! More meat for me!'- He knew he had to get stronger and it was time to make good on Gorge's offer to help. -'Time to take this game seriously.'- He turned his attention to the messages the system notified him about. You have finished eating dragon meat. HP increases by 1000 Mp increases by 1000 All stats increase by 100 Temporarily Fire Immunity Effect lasts for 10 hours. Alchemy Levels Up You have consumed the meat of Grilmir the magma dragon. The magic infused meat has given you the following bonuses permanently: Vitality 50 Strength 50 Dexterity 50 Intelligence 50 Fire resistance 2% "I see you’ve finally paid attention to the bonuses that come with the taste." "Don't start thinking you can hunt dragon for the rest of your life though," Orr said. "At most there are three dragon kills a year. Most of the time it's killing monsters to level up and looking for better gear. The rest of the time we practice ways to fight the damn thing." "Ferocious beasts," Dragon sighed. "Did I tell you about the time I saw one decimate an entire army?" "Yes!" Burka snapped. "If you want to tell stories, tell him what happens after the meat is pealed off." He pointed at Jon. "Not much to say about that really…"he turned to Jon enthusiastically nonetheless. It was a long story with many personal stories mixed with in. The main point of it was though, that to kill a dragon it is not enough to take away the meat of his bones, you need to spread and hide the bones as well. Long ago, the bones were left in the place a dragon was killed and years later the dragon would come back as a bone dragon, a furious, raging, mad and vengeful skeletal dragon bent on destroying and killing. Even though it lacks strength and magic power without his flesh, it is a scary sight and can easily turn entire citadels into rubble. Apparently some of the bones of the one they finished eating will be used for weapon and goods craft here in the citadel. It was at this point that Orr, drunk as he was, took out a huge bone from out of his inventory and offered it to Jon. "Take it!" He insisted. "I was planning of having it turned into a new mullet, but the dragon turned out to be weaker the dragon whose bones my current weapon had been made out of." He than started crying and yelling at the night sky how unfair the world was. It was morning already and the stories were still coming. Burka was the one who put an end to them in the end. He spoke out how it was time to sleep as he needed to start preparing for tomorrow later in the evening. "For how much are you selling the meat?" Orr asked Dragon. "Well, an average strength one like him… between fifteen hundred gold to two thousand depending on the size of the meal, I guess." "Whoa! So what my cut?" "The usual twenty percent." "With a piece of that size we can easily make half a million gold. You'll be able to upgrade your equipment again." They both smiled and embraced, saying their farewells and leaving in different direction. Jon was left alone with nothing to do until evening. Still possessed by his earlier frame of mind he asked himself what he could do to get stronger. Killing the same monster over and over didn't appeal to him; he knew that would bore him too fast. He concluded that he just didn't know enough about the game to make that decision and after looking at the real world clock he decided not to wake up Gorge and simply headed to the mages’ guild. He had the option of changing his class into a mage, and the idea of fighting a dragon with magic appealed to him. He found an instructor and was offered a choice between mage and cleric classes thanks to his heal spell. Class Change Notice You have been offered to switch to Longbow Man from an Assassin. Skills gained by becoming an assassin will be deleted, unless you have reached level two or higher in them. You have changed your profession to a Mage. The mage is the most versatile class in the game and is suited best for patient and creative people. By controlling and channeling arcane power with his mind the mage can do things most people don’t even dream of. From controlling the elements to materializing matter out of thin air, the power of the mage is only limited by his ingenuity and dedication. +150 Mp +20 Wisdom The mage can change to a stronger class when he reaches level 30. To initiate the class change quest you will need to visit an instructor specific to your class who will offer you class options after looking at your skills and spells. Magic Capacity Passive Skill Acquired This skill lowers the backlash of misfiring spells and reduces the damage taken when casting spells that require higher magic mastery than you have. Magic capacity also guards from the damage taken when casting spells that need more Mp than you currently have. Control Magic Passive Skill Acquired A passive skill that heightens your control over the spells you cast. Good magic control can prevent area of effect spells (AoE) from hitting your allies while buff and de-buff spells can be applied on many targets at once. Even the most basic of magic can be used in a variety of ways when you have enough control over it. Meditation Skill Acquired By maintaining correct breathing and mental focus for long periods the mage can force his body to become more compatible with the arcane powers. During this state of awareness the mage's mana points return at an accelerated rate. One of the many side effects of this passive state is increased mana. Level 1: +5 Mp every level up. Jon read the skill descriptions and decided on his next move. Up the stairs he went and into the guilds library he entered. Just like last time, near every table groups of players were gathered. The bookkeeper was collecting finished books that were left around the library."Ice magic." "Oh, hello again." He was in a cheery attitude again. "How is the healing magic? Do you like it? Was it useful?" He put down the books he was holding but one. "Do you want to try this one? I was told it is a must read for clerics!" It was easier to just take the book and stop him from talking. "Ice magic?" "Sit down; I'll bring it to you." He went to the bookshelves. "Beginner level right?" Jon nodded. He picked an empty chair near a window and read the book title, "Healing Spells for Army Use", it said. He skimmed through it and deemed it useful. He needed to level up his three new skills as fast as he could and the last spell of the book was perfect for that. "Healing Rain", needed an intermediate level magic mastery and fifteen hundred Mp. It was an area of effect spell that summons arcane rain that heals everything it touches. -'Stat Window'- He wanted to be sure. Stat Window Avatar: Jon Type: Chaotic Level: 14 Class: Mage Title: Leader of the Pack +10 Charisma Taming animals is 20% easier and faster. Life: 1030 (+1640) Fame: -82 Mana: 625 (+1500) Strength: 98 (+100) Dexterity: 94 (+100) Vitality: 61 (+100) Wisdom: 38 (+100) Intelligence: 67 (+100) Focus: 12 (+100) Leadership: 0 (+100) Perception: 3 (+100) Luck: 0 (+100) Offence: 9 Defense: 10 Resistance to Magic: Cold: 5% Fire: 2% Holy: 1% Affinity to Elements: Holy: 1% With the temporary bonus from the dragon meat he had more than enough Mp and casting the spell would train all three of his new passive skills. A few drops of Scholar's Brew were enough to finish the book quickly. The bookkeeper put a pile of books next to him but Jon ignored them for the time being. You Have Completed the Book: "Healing Spells for Army Use" Wisdom Rises by 1 (+1 Wis) He made a mental note to reread the book in the future but at the moment he asked the Npc for a book that soon lay open before him. A few more drops of the brew and that book was done with as well. You Have Completed the Book: "Limiting Area Spells" Wisdom Rises By 1 (+1 Wis) Done with that, he read the spell. It was long and hard. Even though there was a chapter dedicated specifically to the correct pronunciation of the words reading the spell in full was difficult. It took forty three minutes to read it all, but the moment he was done his Mp began to drop. With magic mastery of only level four, fifteen hundred mana points were not enough to cast the spell, and soon all of his Mp was gone and his Hp began to disappear as well. He was thankful to the dragon meat or else he would have surely been dead. His whole body sucked into powering up the spell. Shining clouds began to gather under the ceiling. Thunder cracked inside the room and all the eyes in the library shot up. With the second thunder came the rain. Drops of golden light fell to the floor and were absorbed into the wood. Both people and books were soon covered in bright golden light. Nothing got wet. As soon as a rain drop fell on something it evaporated into golden mist which soon hung low and became a golden fog that hid the floor from sight. The sight was captivating and hypnotizing. The golden light moved as if alive, twisting and swirling around the players’ legs. Those with good imagination looked at it and saw faces looking back at them. Jon could see them too and it was these faces that almost killed him. The spell sucked away all of his Mp to activate and with no Mp left it began to eat away at his Hp to sustain itself. Since the spell was something he activated by himself the system didn't give him any warning, and if it wasn't for his instincts telling him something was not right the spell would have sucked all his life away. -'Thank you,'- they saved him again and he was grateful. He made a mental note, to always glance at his Hp bar when using a new spell or experimenting with an old one. Breaking off the spell the rain stopped and with a quite, almost cat like hiss, the clouds and mist disappeared. The library was left sparkling even in the absence of the golden light. As there was nothing to heal the rain cleaned instead. A surprising result but true nonetheless. Everyone and everything looked new. People felt like they ad just come out of the shower, clothes and books were cleaned of stains and dust, while everything wooden inside the library was rejuvenated. Cracked floor boards were mended and desks that used to have burn marks or broken legs grew back to their original state. "Healing Rain" Spell Learnt An area of effect spell that conjures rain clouds out of thin air. The clouds then condense holy power into liquid form that drops to the ground as rain. Anyone touched by the drops will have its Hp restored. While each drop by itself has very little healing power, sustaining the clouds for even a small period of time can heal hundreds of targets completely. Level 1: AoE size – 15m radius. Restore rate: 1Hp per drop. Magic Capacity Levels Up Magic Mastery Levels Up Level 5 effects: Can cast beginner level spells. Casting speed increased by 10% Intelligence Rises by 1 (+1 Int) He was a bit disappointed that the magic control skill didn't rise as well but he would deal with it later. With his Mp bar completely empty he checked the meditation skill and read about what it required him to do. Surprised at how simple it was he breathed in, slowly, through his nose and breathed out even slower through his mouth. He looked at his Mp bar and saw it begin to fill up quickly. It took a couple of minutes but his Mp was restored completely. Looking at the skill he saw it was at 83%. -'Good. Now what will I do about the third skill.'- Control Magic was at 0%. He summoned his trusty ball of magic. He missed it. The bluish light was a familiar sight now and gave off a comforting feeling. Weaving it through his fingers and around his hand like he was used to he looked at the skill and saw its experience rising. One percent, two percent, three percent, it was too slow. Jon decided to try something he didn't understand why he hadn’t tried earlier. Concentrating on the floating ball he focused and summoned another ball, and when both balls looked stable he summoned another one, and another one. He began spinning them around his torso, adding more balls whenever he was convinced the others looked stable and felt secure. Blue light danced around him, dim in the bright sunlight, but strong enough to color him light blue. The seventh ball was the limit, when he added it the others began to shake violently and spun out of control, disappearing into dust. Focus Rises by 1(+1 Foc) He started slower the second time. First he began meditating. While doing the breathing exercise he slowly brought out the balls. Again the seventh ball was his downfall, however this time he maintained all seven for longer. Meditation Skill Levels Up Level 2: +10 Mp every level up. Affect while active: 2Mp every second. It was time to get back to the kitchen. He left the guild building with two small spheres of light spinning behind him. The kitchen was a hectic mess. Everyone was running around and yelling. No one even noticed Jon enter. He put on an apron and jumped into the fray, blue light spinning over his head. Control Magic Skill levels Up It was the dead of the night when Dragon screamed for Jon to come to him. The effects of the dragon meat were long gone and they were all tired from the evening preparation. "Do you know her?" Dragon said in a deep tone. "Jon looked at the woman and recognized her from the other night. "…" he nodded. "I see…" Dragon seemed to be busy thinking. "Then you better take care of this before the guests start arriving!" He stormed out of the room and left the two alone. The woman dropped to her knees. "I'm sorry!" she cried. "I didn't know where else to go!" Jon felt annoyed at the sound of her crying voice. "The guards wouldn't listen and adventurers refused to help without a reward!" Her voice broke at the end of the sentence. "Please! When I saw the sign over the front door I remembered the bags you gave me and I knew I would find you here. You are my last chance!" She pleaded. "Please save my daughter!" She wailed. "They broke inside our house and forced their way to her room. We tried to fight but it was useless. My son was bruised and bleeding but he's followed them, I beg you, please help us…" She was in her night gown, and in the candle light of the room Jon understood that the dark stains on it were blood. Her face was starting to swell up and her weight favored the left side, in an attempt to lessen the pain of the right. He knew she was desperate and that Dragon was right. She wouldn't leave any time soon and letting the customers see her in the morning would be a big problem. They were all highborn or wealthy, and seeing a begger outside the restaurant would surely spoil the taste of the dragon meat for them. "I don't have anything to give you in return but I'll do anything you want in return. Save her! You're the only left for me to ask…" The words he chanted were ignored by her. Either she didn't hear it over the sound of her own sobbing. Family Matters Quest Accepted A woman from the citadel slums has come begging you for help. She claims her daughter was taken against her will and you are the only one who can save her. Follow the woman to the building her son identified and bring the daughter back to the mother's arms. Difficulty: D Reward: None. He touched her shoulder and the golden light spread around her body. It engulfed her completely and as it disappeared an expression of relief appeared on her face. "Thank you," she managed to say before the healing spell finished. Her consciousness escaped her grasp and she began falling to the floor, only to be caught by Jon. "Here, drink this." Dragon stood over her and offered a glass of water. It didn't take long for her to regain her consciousness and the moment she did she jumped up. Standing up too fast made her world spin around and make the room go dark. Dragon helped to steady her. "Jon, told me what happened…" he helped her to a chair, "It's hard to get details from him but I got the gist of it." "…" "Can you walk? You need to show him where to go." "My son is outside…" she said in a weak voice, "Novick..." Dragon looked Jon in the eyes and motioned him to leave. "Don't worry Ms. everything will be alright." He lifted the glass of water to her mouth again. The boy was pacing back and forth outside while the brute eyed him with annoyance. "His with you?" he said to Jon when he saw him. Jon ignored him like usual, but the boy turned at the sound of the words and ran up to him. "Let's run." Blood flowed out of the boy's nose and his cheek was swollen. He was young, around nine or ten and very skinny. Jon touched him with a glowing palm and the blood flow stopped. The boy didn't even notice he was healed; he simply turned around and ran off, stopping only to make sure Jon was following. Soon the light from the market was lost in the maze of alleys and the darkness took over. The boy was breathing heavily but he refused to slow down. "There it is!" he pointed at one of the many doors on the street they were. There was nothing distinguishable about it but the kid seemed certain. He was looking around all the time, searching for the hooded figures. They were almost at the door when I opened and light spilled out to the street. Jon grabbed the kid by his collar, shut his mouth with the other hand and hid in a small space between two houses. "Are you sure?" Even without the silence that comes during early hours of the morning, Jon was close enough to hear the conversation. "I'd love to show you my work. You are men who can appreciate my art." "We need to go, there are other clients waiting." "Too bad. I enjoy showing this to people." He sighed, "The expressions they make are just…" "Sorry sir, but I rather not lose my dinner. We really need to go. I hope you will make use of our services in the future, goodbye and have a good time." "What about you? I saw how you stared. Don't you want to see me work?" The second hooded figure must have shaken its head in denial because the conversation was over and the men left. "A shame…" the door closed and the darkness engulfed the street once again. They walked past them silently and the boy began to trash violently when he saw them. He would have surely ran out and got himself killed. Jon refused to take the risk of being noticed as well, so he moved his arm to the child's neck and squeezed hard, waiting for the small body to stop struggling.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> By Creepaz (nice name, right? heehee)<br>Prologue: And so it begins<br>Royal Road the game with infinite possiblities, you can be anything you like in this game as long as you have the will to get through it, me being the hardcore gaming fan that i am couldn't resist buying and playing this game, but there was one huge problem MONEY, i didn't have enough money to buy it. I couldn't do anything other than gaming so my livelihood was established through RMT (real money trade) and i was hoping to change my workplace from CoM to Royal Road, but reality hit and i was lost in despair, the pod used to run RR is just to expensive with my pay, but i don't even have the right to complain i mean seriously how many people can seriously say they enjoy their job, well mine can't exactly be called a job, so i had it a little better than the average joe out there, after a couple of months only buying the bear necessities i finally have 10% of my needed amount.<br><br><br><br><br>"ugh, this just wont cut it, i need to find another way to make money fast, if i keep going like this it'll take me forever to raise that money, i need to find a part time job somewhere *grooowl* but first some food" since it was morning cereal would do, watching television while eating food was almost the only pleasure left, since RR has caused me to get bored of CoM.<br>"Royal Road has quickly--"<br>"haa, RR is everywhere and it just makes it that more painful that i don't have it myself, well back to work i guess" cleaning the dishes i went on my pc, but before logging on CoM there is just one certain website i have to check, the game auction site<br>"wait what's this" clicking on an auction i see the most amazing thing ever Weed was selling his account and he even set the price to only 10000 won, since his items alone could be sold for at least 10 times more than that, and i'm talking apiece thinking this is my lucky break i instantly bid for it, but apparently the instant i clicked others had aswell and the price was already raised to 30000 but its true value still exceeded that of course, so i kept on bidding and bidding and bidding, until finally it went outside my price range, and it just wasn't worth it anymore.Weed was my idol as he was the best player in CoM, before the patch came out i was on the max level next to Weed, but in just a few months after the patch he was already max, making my admiration for him shoot through the roof, naturally i tried to mimic Weeds playstyle but my personal best for consecutive hours of gaming was only 120 while Weeds was 206 or was it 216 i don't remember, either way Weed remained my eternal goal and idol, of course i was disappointed when i saw it on sale since now i doesn't matter if i catch up since it wouldn't be Weed controlling him, the auction still had 12 hours and it was already around the millions, i wonder how much my account would sell for seeing as i am the second best player after Weed of course in CoM i felt tempted to sell my account aswell, but it was a very tough decision as CoM was my livelihood, if something went wrong and it sold for a low price how would i countinue with my life.<br>"alright i'll sell it after weed's auction is finished, better beef up my char untill then" logging into CoM i set a deadline for myself for 24 hours, i had to reach max before that, as i was only 25 levels away i thought it was pretty possible, but i couldn't have been more wrong, after 5 levels the exp requirement for each level raised with 200%, making party play an impossiblity, as it would yield too little exp, making it so i can't reach my deadline, i went to the upper-mid level dungeons by myself, and cleared them in record time, but after the dungeon my exp only went up with 25% this was too low, so i went to harder dungeons untill i found one that gave 80% exp, but it goes through my potions like water so after 10 runs i ran out of gold, but i was much closer to max than before, only needed 10 more levels, but unfortunately my deadline passed so i set up the sale, writing that it needed only 10 levels to max and some info about the items put it on sale for 10000 won and went to bed hoping that i'll atleast get enough money to buy Royal Road. </div>

By Creepaz (nice name, right? heehee) Prologue: And so it begins Royal Road the game with infinite possiblities, you can be anything you like in this game as long as you have the will to get through it, me being the hardcore gaming fan that i am couldn't resist buying and playing this game, but there was one huge problem MONEY, i didn't have enough money to buy it. I couldn't do anything other than gaming so my livelihood was established through RMT (real money trade) and i was hoping to change my workplace from CoM to Royal Road, but reality hit and i was lost in despair, the pod used to run RR is just to expensive with my pay, but i don't even have the right to complain i mean seriously how many people can seriously say they enjoy their job, well mine can't exactly be called a job, so i had it a little better than the average joe out there, after a couple of months only buying the bear necessities i finally have 10% of my needed amount. "ugh, this just wont cut it, i need to find another way to make money fast, if i keep going like this it'll take me forever to raise that money, i need to find a part time job somewhere *grooowl* but first some food" since it was morning cereal would do, watching television while eating food was almost the only pleasure left, since RR has caused me to get bored of CoM. "Royal Road has quickly--" "haa, RR is everywhere and it just makes it that more painful that i don't have it myself, well back to work i guess" cleaning the dishes i went on my pc, but before logging on CoM there is just one certain website i have to check, the game auction site "wait what's this" clicking on an auction i see the most amazing thing ever Weed was selling his account and he even set the price to only 10000 won, since his items alone could be sold for at least 10 times more than that, and i'm talking apiece thinking this is my lucky break i instantly bid for it, but apparently the instant i clicked others had aswell and the price was already raised to 30000 but its true value still exceeded that of course, so i kept on bidding and bidding and bidding, until finally it went outside my price range, and it just wasn't worth it anymore.Weed was my idol as he was the best player in CoM, before the patch came out i was on the max level next to Weed, but in just a few months after the patch he was already max, making my admiration for him shoot through the roof, naturally i tried to mimic Weeds playstyle but my personal best for consecutive hours of gaming was only 120 while Weeds was 206 or was it 216 i don't remember, either way Weed remained my eternal goal and idol, of course i was disappointed when i saw it on sale since now i doesn't matter if i catch up since it wouldn't be Weed controlling him, the auction still had 12 hours and it was already around the millions, i wonder how much my account would sell for seeing as i am the second best player after Weed of course in CoM i felt tempted to sell my account aswell, but it was a very tough decision as CoM was my livelihood, if something went wrong and it sold for a low price how would i countinue with my life. "alright i'll sell it after weed's auction is finished, better beef up my char untill then" logging into CoM i set a deadline for myself for 24 hours, i had to reach max before that, as i was only 25 levels away i thought it was pretty possible, but i couldn't have been more wrong, after 5 levels the exp requirement for each level raised with 200%, making party play an impossiblity, as it would yield too little exp, making it so i can't reach my deadline, i went to the upper-mid level dungeons by myself, and cleared them in record time, but after the dungeon my exp only went up with 25% this was too low, so i went to harder dungeons untill i found one that gave 80% exp, but it goes through my potions like water so after 10 runs i ran out of gold, but i was much closer to max than before, only needed 10 more levels, but unfortunately my deadline passed so i set up the sale, writing that it needed only 10 levels to max and some info about the items put it on sale for 10000 won and went to bed hoping that i'll atleast get enough money to buy Royal Road.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Day: 7</span><br><br>‘Why master?’ were Lee Jun’s thought’s as he watched his master standing with one leg raised facing him. Lee Jun’s body grew cold and stomach churned violently. He was soon overwhelmed by a feeling of lightness as blood rushed to his head.<br><br>The scene of his master’s kick soon disappeared and was replaced with blurs of different shades of brown and patches of greens inbetween. <br><br>Lee Jun could no longer hear his own thoughts as air rushed in from behind his ears. The air rushed through the gaps between his arms and legs, he knew this sensation all too well. He was falling…he was falling down fast…and this wasn’t a dream or virtual reality where could just wake up. This wasn’t some endless feeling of falling. What lay beneath greeting him was the cold hard ground.<br><br>This was reality…he was falling to his death. <br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Day: 1</span><br><br>“I am better now, thank you for visiting…” Chung Il said with a warm smile.<br><br>Cha Eunhee looked at him one more time before looking away. Even now when they were so old she was easily embarrassed in moments such as these. She had literally fallen head over heels Chung Il’s smile.<br><br>“Is that the boy you spoke of?” Cha Eunhee asked as she pointed towards Lee Jun. She was trying to distract her attention by switching topic.<br><br>“Ah yes. It is him…”<br><br>“Never have you spoken so highly of a student before…this one looks so young and frail. How long has he been practicing?” Cha Eunhee asked with concern.<br><br>“A little over 3 weeks.”<br><br>“That is all? What have you seen in three weeks that left such a strong impression on you?”<br><br>“Your words are misplaced, I saw something very special in him the very first day I met him.”<br><br>Cha Eunhee shot him a puzzled expression.<br><br>“And what did you see?” she asked softly.<br><br>“I saw no limits of this child’s potential…”<br><br>“…”<br><br>“But he does have one flaw…maybe a wound or scar more than a flaw…” Chung Il explained, “He hurt himself and is now unable to log back into VR.”<br><br>“Is that so bad?” Cha Eunhee asked curiously.<br><br>“No…from the perspective of the way of the sword it is not so bad. However, in today’s society, a child unable to accept VR is like a fish out of water. They are bound to flip flop and die. Even if he continues without curing his ailment he may be alive but not alive. Everyday might turn into a struggle until he suffocates…”<br><br>“I agree with you…isn’t that why you returned? Even if you can learn the way of the sword, once you are used to the feel of it in VR, there is no going back?” Cha Eunhee asked with a smile. She knew her husband all too well.<br><br>Chung Il sheepishly smiled. He was caught, regardless of an introduction to VR games, he would have probably begun some series or the other.<br>“I want to help this child. More than his potential, I believe in his determination. I saw it in his eyes…”<br><br>“Then I will help you. Though, if you need my help you should just ask for it. You don’t have to burden all the problems on your own…in all these years you have never changed…I guess it is something I should stop expecting…but for once I would like to hear you …”<br>“Cha Eunhee, please help me.” Chung Il asked without hesitation.<br><br>Cha Eunhee smiled back she was only teasing him. “You are so serious about him…”<br><br>“I would have done this for any of my disciples…”<br><br>“That is so true…just like master Ahn Hyundo…”<br><br>“Then will you help me?” Chung Il asked with a smile.<br><br>“Of course I will!” Cha Eunhee emphasized it again and again. “You don’t doubt my abilities? Do you?”<br><br>“Well you have stopped your practice for over ten years…”<br><br>“Well excuse me!” Cha Eunhee said taking offense, “Let me remind you, it was I who pioneered treating psychological ailment with the aid of virtual reality? Do you forget?”<br><br>Chung Il nodded side ways, how could he possibly forget, his wife received a global recognition award for her work.<br><br>“Even if this is the opposite case of my life’s works…I promise you in no more than seven days I will cure this boy of his ailment!” Cha Eunhee declared.<br><br>Lee Jun sneezed; he wondered who was thinking of him…<br><br>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>Authors Note:<br><br>1. This chapter is incomplete...I will be updating all 7 days here. So visit back here for more. Sorry for the short releases, I am trying to fit as much writing as I can before I leave for winter holidays. Due to personal reasons, I may not be back till Mid Jan, hence, I am really pushing for as much story and as much writing as I possibly can.<br>2. Day 3 and 4 have been branched into a separate chapter!<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=1577" 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>

Day: 7 ‘Why master?’ were Lee Jun’s thought’s as he watched his master standing with one leg raised facing him. Lee Jun’s body grew cold and stomach churned violently. He was soon overwhelmed by a feeling of lightness as blood rushed to his head. The scene of his master’s kick soon disappeared and was replaced with blurs of different shades of brown and patches of greens inbetween. Lee Jun could no longer hear his own thoughts as air rushed in from behind his ears. The air rushed through the gaps between his arms and legs, he knew this sensation all too well. He was falling…he was falling down fast…and this wasn’t a dream or virtual reality where could just wake up. This wasn’t some endless feeling of falling. What lay beneath greeting him was the cold hard ground. This was reality…he was falling to his death. Day: 1 “I am better now, thank you for visiting…” Chung Il said with a warm smile. Cha Eunhee looked at him one more time before looking away. Even now when they were so old she was easily embarrassed in moments such as these. She had literally fallen head over heels Chung Il’s smile. “Is that the boy you spoke of?” Cha Eunhee asked as she pointed towards Lee Jun. She was trying to distract her attention by switching topic. “Ah yes. It is him…” “Never have you spoken so highly of a student before…this one looks so young and frail. How long has he been practicing?” Cha Eunhee asked with concern. “A little over 3 weeks.” “That is all? What have you seen in three weeks that left such a strong impression on you?” “Your words are misplaced, I saw something very special in him the very first day I met him.” Cha Eunhee shot him a puzzled expression. “And what did you see?” she asked softly. “I saw no limits of this child’s potential…” “…” “But he does have one flaw…maybe a wound or scar more than a flaw…” Chung Il explained, “He hurt himself and is now unable to log back into VR.” “Is that so bad?” Cha Eunhee asked curiously. “No…from the perspective of the way of the sword it is not so bad. However, in today’s society, a child unable to accept VR is like a fish out of water. They are bound to flip flop and die. Even if he continues without curing his ailment he may be alive but not alive. Everyday might turn into a struggle until he suffocates…” “I agree with you…isn’t that why you returned? Even if you can learn the way of the sword, once you are used to the feel of it in VR, there is no going back?” Cha Eunhee asked with a smile. She knew her husband all too well. Chung Il sheepishly smiled. He was caught, regardless of an introduction to VR games, he would have probably begun some series or the other. “I want to help this child. More than his potential, I believe in his determination. I saw it in his eyes…” “Then I will help you. Though, if you need my help you should just ask for it. You don’t have to burden all the problems on your own…in all these years you have never changed…I guess it is something I should stop expecting…but for once I would like to hear you …” “Cha Eunhee, please help me.” Chung Il asked without hesitation. Cha Eunhee smiled back she was only teasing him. “You are so serious about him…” “I would have done this for any of my disciples…” “That is so true…just like master Ahn Hyundo…” “Then will you help me?” Chung Il asked with a smile. “Of course I will!” Cha Eunhee emphasized it again and again. “You don’t doubt my abilities? Do you?” “Well you have stopped your practice for over ten years…” “Well excuse me!” Cha Eunhee said taking offense, “Let me remind you, it was I who pioneered treating psychological ailment with the aid of virtual reality? Do you forget?” Chung Il nodded side ways, how could he possibly forget, his wife received a global recognition award for her work. “Even if this is the opposite case of my life’s works…I promise you in no more than seven days I will cure this boy of his ailment!” Cha Eunhee declared. Lee Jun sneezed; he wondered who was thinking of him… ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authors Note: 1. This chapter is incomplete...I will be updating all 7 days here. So visit back here for more. Sorry for the short releases, I am trying to fit as much writing as I can before I leave for winter holidays. Due to personal reasons, I may not be back till Mid Jan, hence, I am really pushing for as much story and as much writing as I possibly can. 2. Day 3 and 4 have been branched into a separate chapter! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Connect to Royal Road – Elementarem Vim next Chapter? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Yes](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=1577) | [No](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=348) | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 1 – Isolation and new Friends</span> <br> <br>I wonder when I'll get my new equipment. <br> <br>[Be Patient. These things take time] <br> <br>True but to think that guy had friends that were intermediate in blacksmithing and tailoring. I believe not many had such skills in this continent. Or was that only apply for players not the natives of this land. Well he did say that it would take a day for them to make it. <br> <br>Flashback Time...... <br> <br>“So where are we going?” I asked the overly tall man next to me. <br> <br>The man smiled at me and said, “To the blacksmith and Tailor of course. Where else are you getting new equipment. By the way I noticed that we haven't introduce ourselves to each other. I'm the head guard of the information guild, Oreal.” <br> <br>I replied quickly with, “Eden.” <br> <br>We walked a couple of minutes and eventually got to a fancy building. Unlike most buildings in this game, this building was actually colourful! It had countless different colours painted on the walls and was more looked more like a candy house than anything else....is it me or does it look like a cake on the side......man I miss the food I used to eat. Burnt meat and rye bread is causing me to lose my sense of taste. Well at least at the inns and restaurants I get some decent food. <br> <br>“Eden your drooling.” <br> <br>Oreal gave a small laugh at me. <br> <br>Eh? What? Drooling? I quickly wiped my mouth and tried to hide my embarrassment. <br> <br>[Are you that hungry?] <br> <br>SHUT IT! <br> <br>“Anyway we have to go in.” <br> <br>Oreal had a hesitant look on his face. Why? This makes me nervous in going in as well you know.... <br> <br>“Oreal is have a wonderful body as usual” A voice came behind us next to me. <br> <br>I looked over to where the voice was and I saw a man.....groping the giant known as Oreal. The man was as tall as me and was wearing colourful clothings. You could say that he was wearing a rainbow suit. This man was...well sniffing Oreal and Oreal was very very disturbed. <br> <br>Cough <br> <br>Oreal somehow managed to get this....pervert off of him. I looked away when he did it just in case it was offensive to the eyes. And it was the right choice the pervert that was groping Oreal was on the ground panting like he climaxed. God what did you do Oreal. I gave him a disturbed look. <br> <br>“Hey don't give me that look please.” he begged. <br> <br>After some awkward moments Oreal introduced me to the pervert. “This man is the head tailor in this city. His name is Pato.” <br> <br>Pato got up from the ground and extended his hand to shake my own. I don't want to touch him nevertheless get near him now. Pato made a sad face and disappeared? <br> <br>Grope Grope <br> <br>The fuck? Someone was groping my breasts. I feel hands moving through my clothes and onto my skin. <br> <br>“Such smooth skin. And your a guy! I want to take you home!” said Pato behind me groping the shit out of my body. <br> <br>FUCK. Why do I always end up with weirdos and perverts! <br> <br>In an enraged voice I said, “Get....THE FUCK OFF ME! LIGHTNING BOLT!” <br> <br>I turned around and shot a powerful lightning shot at Pato. The attack missed and hit the building behind him and made a large dent. <br> <br>Grope Grope <br> <br>“Don't get angry, it'll waste your good looks~” said the pervert behind me again. <br> <br>How the fuck is this guy teleporting behind me? I don't feel any kind of magic coming from him so was it due to his physical skills? <br> <br>While enduring the groping I asked Oreal whom was very disturbed, “What did this guy do before he was a tailor?” <br> <br>Oreal shook his head and said with great regret, “He was the caption of the Royal guards. Back then he was respectable” <br> <br>What? This guy is....what? HOW THE HELL DOES ONE TURN OUT LIKE THIS?! <br> <br>“I finally found my true colours after meeting a good friend~” said Pato while reading my mind. <br> <br>He licked my ear......fuck this, I imagined a lightning armor surrounding my body. <br> <br>“Lightning Armor” <br> <br>Sparks came out of my body. It looks like this spell cost around 5 mana per second so that means I have 2000 seconds free of this guy. Pato was deflected away from me by this spell. <br> <br>“You think you can escape me with just that~” said Pato mockingly. I gave him a 'I like to see you try' look and increased the power of my lightning armor. <br> <br>Bing <br> <br>Bing? Did something happen? <br> <br>Grope Grope <br> <br>Eh? Why the hell is this pervert groping me again?! <br> <br>“Pato has the power to dispel magic to a certain extent. If you wish to stop him, you'll have to use a city wide level magic on him” coughed Oreal. <br> <br>Really? This guy is THAT powerful. How does a guy like that become..this thing? <br> <br>“Anyway Pato, we came to you to make a set of clothings for Eden whom your groping right now.” said Oreal trying to ignore the fact that Pato's hands are going places they shouldn't go......fuck. <br> <br>Actually now that I think about why is there no one helping me right now? Is it because this guy is too powerful or is it because they don't care or both? <br> <br>Pato stopped groping by body for a few moments to say, “What's the material?” <br> <br>I answered, “Cyclops,” while trying to get free from him. <br> <br>“Cyclops? How rare. Such materials are usually used for high levelled people. I see that this one isn't at that stage yet. Unless you want the cloths I make to be weaker than usual, I can't really help you.” said Pato waiting for my decision. <br> <br>Damn, weaker clothes that I can wear right now or clothes that are powerful but I have to wait a while to wear. <br> <br>“What if I give you this to enchant the clothes?” <br> <br>Oreal pulled out a small gem that was the size of a handball. It was pale in colour and emitted a small light from the centre of it. When Pato saw this gem he let go of me which was very nice of Oreal help me out and immediately went to examine the gem in Oreal's hand. <br> <br>“Is this? No. How? When?” asked Pato in a surprised voice. Was this thing in Oreal's hand that rare? Or was it something of value to Pato? <br> <br>“With this you can enchant hundreds of clothes. Of course you have to complete this request first.” said Oreal in a very convincing voice. <br> <br>“I already have the measurements.” <br> <br>With that Pato snatched the Cyclops leather and ran into his building to start work. I stared in disbelief that a person would be that encouraged to do work from seeing an item besides money. I immediately questioned Oreal about what just happened. <br> <br>“That gem is something very rare but has many uses. I believe that the price on the market easily exceeds 3 million gold. I was lucky enough to find one in a dungeon a couple of years back.” explained Oreal. <br> <br>“But what does Pato need it for.” I asked. <br> <br>“One of its use is to add enchantments to materials. If the material also had some special effects than it would either alter or add new effects the crater wishes. You can say this is an item all crafter want. It also has some use in battle but it's use outside of battle is far greater.” <br> <br>“Wouldn't it be a waste to use for me?” <br> <br>I was kinda guilty right now. How can I owe so much to one person. <br> <br>Despite my dilemma Oreal smiled and said, “Don't worry, I was meaning to give it to him for years now. I owe him a couple of favours you see and so does the rest of the city. Anyway we should head to the blacksmith workshop now. Fortunately my other friend isn't as...unique as Pato.” <br> <br>I hope so too. <br> <br>A couple of minutes later.... <br> <br>We were at the blacksmith place now and this place was HUGE! I swear that this place was at least three times the size of any normal building. <br> <br>“Unlike the tailor, a number of equipment is needed for a blacksmith to reach his full potential. For starters you see the huge furnace right? That's for mostly melting metals. The hotter the fire the quicker this can be done. Next you see the anvils. Mostly for hammering metals and fixing stuff on. Than you see the large number of tools on the side. Well most of the space was used for the furnace. The rest was to give the blacksmiths some space to work in. You don't really want to work while bumping into your co-workers every second right? Well my friend should be the one that's making the most noise....” <br> <br>BANG BANG BANG BANG <br> <br>The sound of a hammer hitting metal? Well this place was a blacksmith workshop but to make so much sound...what on Earth is this friend making? <br> <br>“We should go in before he goes into a state where he ignores everything around again.” <br> <br>Oreal walked into the blacksmith workshop which I saw had a number of people working there. I think there are a number of players here since they stopped and looked at me and Oreal when we went in. Why I know they're player? That's because those who are working hard ignore everything around them to a certain extent besides the ones that require you to communicate with other people. Well there's no point in looking at people who don't even do their job right. <br> <br>Eventually we got to the very back of the workshop where I saw something amazing again...a man was making a siege weapon and was flipping it around while forging it. How high does one's strength stat have to be for you to do this easily. I can see that other players are amazed by this as well. <br> <br>“Ryan RYAN! STOP WORKING FOR A BIT WILL YA!” shouted Oreal when we were near the blacksmith named Ryan. <br> <br>Ryan was bald which made it easier for me to describe him. He was overly muscular like how you would imagine blacksmiths and had a moustache. He was less tan than I though he would be as well. &nbsp; <br> <br>BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG <br> <br>He wasn't listening.....damn. <br> <br>Oreal sigh and said quietly so no one but me and Ryan could hear, “Your daughter is getting married.” <br> <br>“WHAT?! WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME EARILER!!!” shouted Ryan in a loud commanding voice. <br> <br>His voice caused everyone to turn their head and look at him awaiting commands. He was THAT important? <br> <br>Oreal took a moment to let Ryan's emotion stabilise again and said, “I need you to make a weapon and armor for this one here.” <br> <br>Ryan took his gaze off Oreal and placed it on me. He was staring at me. It wasn't a perverted look like Pato but it still made me nervous for my life. <br> <br>“What's the material? This one is kinda weak so I'm limited to what I can make.” said Ryan after examining me. <br> <br>Why do people consider me to be too weak? I took down a Cyclops you know. <br> <br>Oreal replied, “Cyclops bones.” <br> <br>Ryan looked a bit shocked and said, “I still have that gem you gave me before so I can make a weaker version of the stuff I make. It'll still take a day to make though.” <br> <br>Why does everything take a day to make? I think I saw some players make gear in less than a couple of minutes. Well it was kinda low levelled but and I suppose that the higher levelled gear would take longer to make but for it to take a day? <br> <br>“That reminds me, I need to take your measurements.” said Ryan. <br> <br>He went over to me and took a piece of rope. He tied it to me and untied it several times on different parts of my body. Well this was the proper way to measure one's body....not groping the hell out of the person. <br> <br>After he finished Ryan asked Oreal, “Who's the bastard that tricked my daughter,” while holding his hand tightly like he was crushing it. <br> <br>Not flinching from the pain Oreal replied, “That was a joke.” <br> <br>Ryan's eyebrows knitted together. He was obviously pissed at Oreal and he tightened his grip on Oreal. “That's not a very funny joke.” <br> <br>Oreal once again replied normally ignoring the fact that Ryan is practically crushing his hand with, “You weren't listening to me so I had to. Now let go of me.” <br> <br>Ryan let go of Oreal's hand and took the Cyclops bones with him to work on. But before that he said to me, “Do you prefer light or heavy armor?” <br> <br>“Light” I said immediately. <br> <br>I hate the fact that I can't run around fast in the battlefield with heavy armor on. If I was a bit slower in many of my previous experiences I would've died. Ryan went to get something and Oreal pulled me out of the blacksmith workshop so I won't interfere with Ryan's work. <br> <br>“You know that I'm under level 100 right?” I asked Oreal immediately. <br> <br>Cyclops were in the level 300s and that usually meant that the gear you can make out of it was around that level. Unless the stuff I'm getting were enchanted with the Cyclops stuff I can't see how I can even wear it let along use it. <br> <br>“Don't worry, you'll see. Both Pato and Ryan are top class crafters. I know they can make a good set of armor for you. Of course this isn't for free.” said Oreal with a evil smile. <br> <br>Crap I was wrong I trusting this man. What the hell will he take from me? I don't have any money anymore. Shit...he is considering my...body? <br> <br>“Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha. Man your that nervous are you? All the cost is in the materials I gave to the two. That stuff cost a lot to get since Cyclops are so rare these days. They'll use the leftover materials later for something on their own. Don't worry about the cost. Its free considering what Maria made you do.” laughed Oreal. <br> <br>Well I'm glad that I'm not losing my purity to something like this. <br> <br>“Anyway I'll sent the stuff to the inn your staying in later.” <br> <br>With that Oreal left to the information guild. <br> <br>Now back to the present....... <br> <br>Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored. <br> <br>[Why don't you do another quest instead of just sitting here? You do have to get stronger quickly. Go to the information guild if they have a hunting request or something] <br> <br>Fine. I got up from the bed and went downstairs. I rented a room for a while so I don't have to be worried if someone tries to rent the room as well. <br> <br>“Hey isn't that...” <br> <br>“The one at the guild...” <br> <br>“Demi-human” <br> <br>“It killed a Cyclops right?” <br> <br>And people were deciding to gossip about me now. Great....I went over to the door and went out of the inn while ignoring the fact that people were more alerted when I was around. Anyway I arrived at the information guild and I noticed that Maria the one that caused me so much trouble was not here. Instead there was another person doing the job that Maria failed to do. <br> <br>I went up to the new receptionist lady and said, “Do you have some request I can do?” <br> <br>The receptionist looked up at me and said, “There are a number of requests the guild is has that you can do. You may select one over that and bring it to me.” <br>The receptionist pointed at a board that was crowded with people trying to select a quest to do. <br> <br>“Hey have you heard that some town was attacked by undead?” <br> <br>“Yeah, this could mean a rise in quests to clear out undead!” <br> <br>“But I hate fighting them, they smell...” <br> <br>Some people had a conversation that didn't concern me. I went over to the crowded quest board but people were blocking my way. It seems some people want to dominate the board to get the low risk, high pay jobs. But I don't care about all of that. <br> <br>“Move.” I said trying to get the attention of these fools. <br> <br>But they ignored me. They continued to push each other out of their way in order to get to the board. But there was a particular group of people at the board itself and not moving. <br> <br>“Move now.” I said emphasising on each word. <br> <br>One person turned around to see who said something thankfully. But what came out of her mouth was not nice, “Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Demi-human!” <br> <br>With those words everyone pretty much turned around to see that I was here. And they all decided to get out of my way as well with the exception of the ones at the board. I think they were of the same guild since they were wearing the same crap on them. They did turn around to look at me but gave a me a look that told me to piss off. <br> <br>I walked a couple of steps to the quest board and said to the 5 fools that were blocking my way, “Move. Your in the way.” <br> <br>The one directly in front of me and properly the leader of these fools said, “No. We're still selecting our quest.” with a small grin that said they could get away with this. <br> <br>I sighed. Why do these people exist in practically every place known to man? I walked up to them and tried to get pass them to the quest board. The five pretty much tightened together to block my path. <br> <br>Pissed off I said in a threatening voice, “Move or die. Your choice.” <br> <br>Hearing these words the punk in front of me said, “I'm from the 'Headless Might' guild. I wouldn't mess with us if I were you.” <br> <br>He had a smile of superiority when he said this. Hmm....headless....headless....where have I heard this before? <br> <br>[Remember the people who tried to recruit you?] <br> <br>No why? Can I kill them? <br> <br>[Do whatever you want] <br> <br>Well, I'll do just that. I imagined these fools being shocked to death. <br> <br>“Chain lightning” <br> <br>From my hands, lightning came out of them in large quantities and flew to the five in front of me. Due to its nature the five fools could not even move when being shocked and were quickly burnt black and died leaving a grey flame. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">You have killed a player. Infamy increased by 100. You have gained the Murderer mark.</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 killed a player. Infamy increased by 100</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 killed a player. Infamy increased by 100</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 killed a player. Infamy increased by 100</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 killed a player. Infamy increased by 100</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Hmm? Murderer mark? What's that? And why did my infamy increase when I killed these fools? I was expecting to gain some fame since these guys are bothering other people. I looked around and saw that everyone was very far away from me now. What did I do? Its not like I'm threatening them. <br> <br>[Eden you just killed 5 people in a moments glance. I believe this murderer mark indicates those who killed their peers and takes a while to disappear. Pray that you don't get kicked out of the city for this] <br> <br>Well I don't really care about getting kicked out of the city. <br> <br>[You may not get the equipment Oreal promised you] <br> <br>Shit! I spent so much time getting the materials and now I may not get the promised shit Oreal promised?! How do I get rid of this murderer mark? <br> <br>[Either donate money to the church or do a lot of stuff that helps the city] <br> <br>I don't have money on me so I have to do the latter. Man I was trying to do some easy work but now I have to do the quests that benefit the city greatly...I looked at the quest board that was divided into the difficulty levels. The highest rank was 'C' and there was only on quest there. But just in case I looked at the other quests there. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Quest List <br> <br>Rank: C <br>- Hunt the Harpies <br> <br>Rank: D <br>- Escort the merchants to towns <br>- Hunt the bandits <br>- Help investigate the ruins <br> <br>Rank: E <br>- Find missing person <br>- Find missing pet <br>- Collect materials <br>- Clear out abandoned mines <br>- Kill unusual creature <br> <br>Rank: F <br>- Help find the missing notes <br>- Sort books <br>- Clean the house <br>- Feed the farm animals <br>- Collect leather for tailor guild <br>- Collect ores for blacksmith guild <br>- Run errands for guards <br>- Summaries the book <br>- Clean the stables <br>- Clean dishes in restaurant</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Well most of the stuff I see are things that are completed by new players....they are utter crap. Well it looks like I'm doing the 'Hunt the Harpies' quest. I took the piece of paper that had the quest details on it and went over to the receptionist to apply for the quest. <br> <br>“For all 'C' ranked quest, you need to be in a party.” said the receptionist ignoring the fact that I just killed 5 people and everyone else was trying to get away from me. <br> <br>I asked the receptionist, “Can't I just do the quest alone?” <br> <br>The receptionist immediately responded with, “Guild policy. I can't do anything about it. It was changed quite recently to decrease failure rates of quests.” <br> <br>Wait this policy was changed RECENTLY?! <br> <br>“When was this policy changed?” I asked trying to get a quick respond. <br> <br>The receptionist bluntly said, “A day ago when the guild master wanted to review guild policies.” <br> <br>FUCK! That damn bitch is trying to get in my way no matter what. The next time I see her, I'm killing her! But first I have to get this quest. I quickly scanned the room to find at least someone to party with but everywhere I looked, people avoided my gaze. <br> <br>“Looks like your having some trouble.” <br> <br>I turned to where the voice was coming from and saw what you would call a beauty. She had long blond hair and had a face you would often see in paintings of Goddesses. She wore a paladin style armor that was mostly blue and gold. <br> <br>“Yes I am. This new policy is annoying me.” I said to this blond beauty. <br> <br>The blond beauty started laughing quietly at my words. How come people are laughing at me more recently. <br> <br>“Well this policy is annoying me as well. Want to party?” <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Alexandra sent a party invite</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Should I...or should I not. Might as well. <br> <br>“I accept” <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">You have accepted the party invite</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>[Eden I feel a strange feeling form this one. Be careful] <br> <br>Great.....I'm partying with a weirdo now. <br> <br>The person named Alexandra walked up to the receptionist and said, “We accept this quest.” <br> <br>The receptionist responded with, “I hope for your success.” <br> <br>Ding <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">You have accepted the quest 'Hunt the Harpies' <br> <br>Harpies, creatures of the sky have been hunting down towns in the Kingdom. The King has requested that some brace adventurers to eliminate these creatures for the peace of the Kingdom. The Harpies has been sighted nearby in the villages to the south. <br> <br>Rank: C <br>Restriction: Elimination of all Harpies <br>Reward: 100 gold</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>“Well lets go. If we hurry, we can finish this quest in a day.” <br> <br>With that she walked out of the guild and headed to the southern gate of the city. I quickly followed her ignoring the fact that many many people were staring at us. <br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 2 – Harpies </span> <br> <br>We were walking down the path which would take us to the villages that were getting attacked by the harpies. We started talking about ourselves and what we could do. <br> <br>“Well you can consider me to be of the mage class since I mainly use magic.” I said trying to keep the fact that I was a BIT stronger than most people in many ways. <br> <br>[A 'bit' is an understatement] <br> <br>Alexandra noted that I was a mage and said, “I'm...well you can consider me a paladin. I'm a bit different from normal paladins.” <br> <br>Well I can see that. Normally paladins are highly sought after since it was a class associated with churches and had a high survival rate even when soloing. Paladins can be split up into three types. The offensive, defensive and support types. Guiding by the fact that Alexandra was wielding a large two handed great sword, she was of the offensive type. <br> <br>So we have a sort of mage and a sort of paladin in this party. Well hopefully Alexandra has a long range attack since harpies are flying creatures. Wait I still don't know her level. It should be in the 200s right judging by the armor she's wearing. <br> <br>“Alexandra what level are you?” I asked in my kindness voice ever. <br> <br>Alexandra was taken a bit back when I asked her about her level. She took a moment and said, “Tell me your level first.” <br> <br>Hmm? Why would she want to know my level first? Well there's no harm in it. <br> <br>“Level 92.” I said. <br> <br>With that Alexandra sighed I relief and said, “I'm level 95. I'm glad we're near the same level.” <br> <br>Why would she be glad that I was near her level? <br> <br>“Well the thing is that my class is a bit unique and a bit more powerful than normal. Since I heard you killed a Cyclops I was thinking that you were a considerably high level. I see that you also have a powerful class if you could handle a Cyclops on your own.” <br> <br>Umm....there was a party with me that got killed but who cares about them. <br> <br>“Also its nice to have a girls night out!” <br> <br>Eh? Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! <br> <br>Trying to calm myself I was about to say I was a guy but considering the circumstances and what I could do......the possibilities.... <br> <br>[Eden this could end really bad for you if you tell a lie] <br> <br>Right.....shit. All my hopes and dreams..... <br> <br>“I'm a...guy.” <br> <br>Alexandra was shocked. But not the way I expected she was. <br> <br>She quickly smiled and said, “This will be interesting later on.” <br> <br>She had that evil schemer smile on her face. I had a sudden chill when I saw it. <br> <br>Some time later.... <br> <br>We arrived to where the Harpies were. We had to run around to find these things but it was worth it in the end. There was 21 Harpies in total. The village was already doomed so we don't need to care about saving the survivors. Both of us were sneaking nearer and nearer to the Harpies to get a good surprise attack. Apparently Alexandra has a long range attack that she can use. The plan we agreed on was for me to attack first then Alexandra to follow up. We don't really know each other's true abilities so this was a first to both of us that usually hunt alone. <br> <br>I imagined the Harpies that were on the houses and in the sky to be stuck by lightning. I targeted as much of them as possible, especially the ones in the sky. <br> <br>“Lightning Bolt times 10” <br> <br>10 bolts of lightning cam out of my hands and hit 10 of the Harpies which killed most of them. Alerted to the presence of enemies all of the Harpies decided to attack us. Well us sneaking was useless right now so I got up and prepared another spell to use. <br> <br>“Sword Wave” <br> <br>BANG <br> <br>Alexandra swung her sword in the direction of the Harpies. A wave came out of it and flew a couple of metres to hit and cleanly kill some Harpies. Now there were 12 Harpies left. Seeing that they were outmatched, the Harpies decided to run away but I wasn't going to let them go. <br> <br>“Wind Vortex” <br> <br>FLOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHH <br> <br>Wind was sucking in everything in the area. The Harpies were trying to escape but my spell trapped them in the ruins of the village. <br> <br>“Sword Wave” <br> <br>BANG <br> <br>Alexandra shot another wave to the centre of the wind vortex and made a big explosion killing the Harpies in one go. <br> <br>Ding <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Quest Complete <br> <br>Go to the information guild for your reward <br> <br>You have levelled up <br>You have levelled up <br>You have levelled up <br>You gained 10 fame <br>Infamy decreased by 50</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>“Hmm...I levelled up three times” I said out loud. <br> <br>“I levelled up twice.” said Alexandra. <br> <br>With that returned to the information guild for our reward. <br> <br>“Here is your reward, 100 gold.” said the receptionist. I took the bag of gold and split it 50/50 between the two of us. If it were up to me, I would've killed her and take all of the gold for my self but llyfr said it would be a very bad idea if I did. <br> <br>Alexandra came up to me and said, “We should party from now on.” <br> <br>Without a reason to reject her I said, “Fine.” <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=1529" 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=1622" target="_blank">Next</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <br> <br>Author's Notes: <br>- Well there goes the simple plot..... <br>- This chapter is a bit over 5000 words long since I can't be bothered to get the actual number <br>- Next week we have a setting up chapter with almost no action! <br>- Been reading Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria. Its actually interesting. <br>- BTW the rest of this volume consist of MC learning a new (more efficient and <span style="font-weight: bold;">easier to write</span>) way of using magic in between some combat here and there.... </div>

Part 1 – Isolation and new Friends I wonder when I'll get my new equipment. [Be Patient. These things take time] True but to think that guy had friends that were intermediate in blacksmithing and tailoring. I believe not many had such skills in this continent. Or was that only apply for players not the natives of this land. Well he did say that it would take a day for them to make it. Flashback Time...... “So where are we going?” I asked the overly tall man next to me. The man smiled at me and said, “To the blacksmith and Tailor of course. Where else are you getting new equipment. By the way I noticed that we haven't introduce ourselves to each other. I'm the head guard of the information guild, Oreal.” I replied quickly with, “Eden.” We walked a couple of minutes and eventually got to a fancy building. Unlike most buildings in this game, this building was actually colourful! It had countless different colours painted on the walls and was more looked more like a candy house than anything else....is it me or does it look like a cake on the side......man I miss the food I used to eat. Burnt meat and rye bread is causing me to lose my sense of taste. Well at least at the inns and restaurants I get some decent food. “Eden your drooling.” Oreal gave a small laugh at me. Eh? What? Drooling? I quickly wiped my mouth and tried to hide my embarrassment. [Are you that hungry?] SHUT IT! “Anyway we have to go in.” Oreal had a hesitant look on his face. Why? This makes me nervous in going in as well you know.... “Oreal is have a wonderful body as usual” A voice came behind us next to me. I looked over to where the voice was and I saw a man.....groping the giant known as Oreal. The man was as tall as me and was wearing colourful clothings. You could say that he was wearing a rainbow suit. This man was...well sniffing Oreal and Oreal was very very disturbed. Cough Oreal somehow managed to get this....pervert off of him. I looked away when he did it just in case it was offensive to the eyes. And it was the right choice the pervert that was groping Oreal was on the ground panting like he climaxed. God what did you do Oreal. I gave him a disturbed look. “Hey don't give me that look please.” he begged. After some awkward moments Oreal introduced me to the pervert. “This man is the head tailor in this city. His name is Pato.” Pato got up from the ground and extended his hand to shake my own. I don't want to touch him nevertheless get near him now. Pato made a sad face and disappeared? Grope Grope The fuck? Someone was groping my breasts. I feel hands moving through my clothes and onto my skin. “Such smooth skin. And your a guy! I want to take you home!” said Pato behind me groping the shit out of my body. FUCK. Why do I always end up with weirdos and perverts! In an enraged voice I said, “Get....THE FUCK OFF ME! LIGHTNING BOLT!” I turned around and shot a powerful lightning shot at Pato. The attack missed and hit the building behind him and made a large dent. Grope Grope “Don't get angry, it'll waste your good looks~” said the pervert behind me again. How the fuck is this guy teleporting behind me? I don't feel any kind of magic coming from him so was it due to his physical skills? While enduring the groping I asked Oreal whom was very disturbed, “What did this guy do before he was a tailor?” Oreal shook his head and said with great regret, “He was the caption of the Royal guards. Back then he was respectable” What? This guy is....what? HOW THE HELL DOES ONE TURN OUT LIKE THIS?! “I finally found my true colours after meeting a good friend~” said Pato while reading my mind. He licked my ear......fuck this, I imagined a lightning armor surrounding my body. “Lightning Armor” Sparks came out of my body. It looks like this spell cost around 5 mana per second so that means I have 2000 seconds free of this guy. Pato was deflected away from me by this spell. “You think you can escape me with just that~” said Pato mockingly. I gave him a 'I like to see you try' look and increased the power of my lightning armor. Bing Bing? Did something happen? Grope Grope Eh? Why the hell is this pervert groping me again?! “Pato has the power to dispel magic to a certain extent. If you wish to stop him, you'll have to use a city wide level magic on him” coughed Oreal. Really? This guy is THAT powerful. How does a guy like that become..this thing? “Anyway Pato, we came to you to make a set of clothings for Eden whom your groping right now.” said Oreal trying to ignore the fact that Pato's hands are going places they shouldn't go......fuck. Actually now that I think about why is there no one helping me right now? Is it because this guy is too powerful or is it because they don't care or both? Pato stopped groping by body for a few moments to say, “What's the material?” I answered, “Cyclops,” while trying to get free from him. “Cyclops? How rare. Such materials are usually used for high levelled people. I see that this one isn't at that stage yet. Unless you want the cloths I make to be weaker than usual, I can't really help you.” said Pato waiting for my decision. Damn, weaker clothes that I can wear right now or clothes that are powerful but I have to wait a while to wear. “What if I give you this to enchant the clothes?” Oreal pulled out a small gem that was the size of a handball. It was pale in colour and emitted a small light from the centre of it. When Pato saw this gem he let go of me which was very nice of Oreal help me out and immediately went to examine the gem in Oreal's hand. “Is this? No. How? When?” asked Pato in a surprised voice. Was this thing in Oreal's hand that rare? Or was it something of value to Pato? “With this you can enchant hundreds of clothes. Of course you have to complete this request first.” said Oreal in a very convincing voice. “I already have the measurements.” With that Pato snatched the Cyclops leather and ran into his building to start work. I stared in disbelief that a person would be that encouraged to do work from seeing an item besides money. I immediately questioned Oreal about what just happened. “That gem is something very rare but has many uses. I believe that the price on the market easily exceeds 3 million gold. I was lucky enough to find one in a dungeon a couple of years back.” explained Oreal. “But what does Pato need it for.” I asked. “One of its use is to add enchantments to materials. If the material also had some special effects than it would either alter or add new effects the crater wishes. You can say this is an item all crafter want. It also has some use in battle but it's use outside of battle is far greater.” “Wouldn't it be a waste to use for me?” I was kinda guilty right now. How can I owe so much to one person. Despite my dilemma Oreal smiled and said, “Don't worry, I was meaning to give it to him for years now. I owe him a couple of favours you see and so does the rest of the city. Anyway we should head to the blacksmith workshop now. Fortunately my other friend isn't as...unique as Pato.” I hope so too. A couple of minutes later.... We were at the blacksmith place now and this place was HUGE! I swear that this place was at least three times the size of any normal building. “Unlike the tailor, a number of equipment is needed for a blacksmith to reach his full potential. For starters you see the huge furnace right? That's for mostly melting metals. The hotter the fire the quicker this can be done. Next you see the anvils. Mostly for hammering metals and fixing stuff on. Than you see the large number of tools on the side. Well most of the space was used for the furnace. The rest was to give the blacksmiths some space to work in. You don't really want to work while bumping into your co-workers every second right? Well my friend should be the one that's making the most noise....” BANG BANG BANG BANG The sound of a hammer hitting metal? Well this place was a blacksmith workshop but to make so much sound...what on Earth is this friend making? “We should go in before he goes into a state where he ignores everything around again.” Oreal walked into the blacksmith workshop which I saw had a number of people working there. I think there are a number of players here since they stopped and looked at me and Oreal when we went in. Why I know they're player? That's because those who are working hard ignore everything around them to a certain extent besides the ones that require you to communicate with other people. Well there's no point in looking at people who don't even do their job right. Eventually we got to the very back of the workshop where I saw something amazing again...a man was making a siege weapon and was flipping it around while forging it. How high does one's strength stat have to be for you to do this easily. I can see that other players are amazed by this as well. “Ryan RYAN! STOP WORKING FOR A BIT WILL YA!” shouted Oreal when we were near the blacksmith named Ryan. Ryan was bald which made it easier for me to describe him. He was overly muscular like how you would imagine blacksmiths and had a moustache. He was less tan than I though he would be as well.   BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG He wasn't listening.....damn. Oreal sigh and said quietly so no one but me and Ryan could hear, “Your daughter is getting married.” “WHAT?! WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME EARILER!!!” shouted Ryan in a loud commanding voice. His voice caused everyone to turn their head and look at him awaiting commands. He was THAT important? Oreal took a moment to let Ryan's emotion stabilise again and said, “I need you to make a weapon and armor for this one here.” Ryan took his gaze off Oreal and placed it on me. He was staring at me. It wasn't a perverted look like Pato but it still made me nervous for my life. “What's the material? This one is kinda weak so I'm limited to what I can make.” said Ryan after examining me. Why do people consider me to be too weak? I took down a Cyclops you know. Oreal replied, “Cyclops bones.” Ryan looked a bit shocked and said, “I still have that gem you gave me before so I can make a weaker version of the stuff I make. It'll still take a day to make though.” Why does everything take a day to make? I think I saw some players make gear in less than a couple of minutes. Well it was kinda low levelled but and I suppose that the higher levelled gear would take longer to make but for it to take a day? “That reminds me, I need to take your measurements.” said Ryan. He went over to me and took a piece of rope. He tied it to me and untied it several times on different parts of my body. Well this was the proper way to measure one's body....not groping the hell out of the person. After he finished Ryan asked Oreal, “Who's the bastard that tricked my daughter,” while holding his hand tightly like he was crushing it. Not flinching from the pain Oreal replied, “That was a joke.” Ryan's eyebrows knitted together. He was obviously pissed at Oreal and he tightened his grip on Oreal. “That's not a very funny joke.” Oreal once again replied normally ignoring the fact that Ryan is practically crushing his hand with, “You weren't listening to me so I had to. Now let go of me.” Ryan let go of Oreal's hand and took the Cyclops bones with him to work on. But before that he said to me, “Do you prefer light or heavy armor?” “Light” I said immediately. I hate the fact that I can't run around fast in the battlefield with heavy armor on. If I was a bit slower in many of my previous experiences I would've died. Ryan went to get something and Oreal pulled me out of the blacksmith workshop so I won't interfere with Ryan's work. “You know that I'm under level 100 right?” I asked Oreal immediately. Cyclops were in the level 300s and that usually meant that the gear you can make out of it was around that level. Unless the stuff I'm getting were enchanted with the Cyclops stuff I can't see how I can even wear it let along use it. “Don't worry, you'll see. Both Pato and Ryan are top class crafters. I know they can make a good set of armor for you. Of course this isn't for free.” said Oreal with a evil smile. Crap I was wrong I trusting this man. What the hell will he take from me? I don't have any money anymore. Shit...he is considering my...body? “Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha. Man your that nervous are you? All the cost is in the materials I gave to the two. That stuff cost a lot to get since Cyclops are so rare these days. They'll use the leftover materials later for something on their own. Don't worry about the cost. Its free considering what Maria made you do.” laughed Oreal. Well I'm glad that I'm not losing my purity to something like this. “Anyway I'll sent the stuff to the inn your staying in later.” With that Oreal left to the information guild. Now back to the present....... Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored Bored. [Why don't you do another quest instead of just sitting here? You do have to get stronger quickly. Go to the information guild if they have a hunting request or something] Fine. I got up from the bed and went downstairs. I rented a room for a while so I don't have to be worried if someone tries to rent the room as well. “Hey isn't that...” “The one at the guild...” “Demi-human” “It killed a Cyclops right?” And people were deciding to gossip about me now. Great....I went over to the door and went out of the inn while ignoring the fact that people were more alerted when I was around. Anyway I arrived at the information guild and I noticed that Maria the one that caused me so much trouble was not here. Instead there was another person doing the job that Maria failed to do. I went up to the new receptionist lady and said, “Do you have some request I can do?” The receptionist looked up at me and said, “There are a number of requests the guild is has that you can do. You may select one over that and bring it to me.” The receptionist pointed at a board that was crowded with people trying to select a quest to do. “Hey have you heard that some town was attacked by undead?” “Yeah, this could mean a rise in quests to clear out undead!” “But I hate fighting them, they smell...” Some people had a conversation that didn't concern me. I went over to the crowded quest board but people were blocking my way. It seems some people want to dominate the board to get the low risk, high pay jobs. But I don't care about all of that. “Move.” I said trying to get the attention of these fools. But they ignored me. They continued to push each other out of their way in order to get to the board. But there was a particular group of people at the board itself and not moving. “Move now.” I said emphasising on each word. One person turned around to see who said something thankfully. But what came out of her mouth was not nice, “Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Demi-human!” With those words everyone pretty much turned around to see that I was here. And they all decided to get out of my way as well with the exception of the ones at the board. I think they were of the same guild since they were wearing the same crap on them. They did turn around to look at me but gave a me a look that told me to piss off. I walked a couple of steps to the quest board and said to the 5 fools that were blocking my way, “Move. Your in the way.” The one directly in front of me and properly the leader of these fools said, “No. We're still selecting our quest.” with a small grin that said they could get away with this. I sighed. Why do these people exist in practically every place known to man? I walked up to them and tried to get pass them to the quest board. The five pretty much tightened together to block my path. Pissed off I said in a threatening voice, “Move or die. Your choice.” Hearing these words the punk in front of me said, “I'm from the 'Headless Might' guild. I wouldn't mess with us if I were you.” He had a smile of superiority when he said this. Hmm....headless....headless....where have I heard this before? [Remember the people who tried to recruit you?] No why? Can I kill them? [Do whatever you want] Well, I'll do just that. I imagined these fools being shocked to death. “Chain lightning” From my hands, lightning came out of them in large quantities and flew to the five in front of me. Due to its nature the five fools could not even move when being shocked and were quickly burnt black and died leaving a grey flame. | You have killed a player. Infamy increased by 100. You have gained the Murderer mark. | | --- | | You have killed a player. Infamy increased by 100 | | --- | | You have killed a player. Infamy increased by 100 | | --- | | You have killed a player. Infamy increased by 100 | | --- | | You have killed a player. Infamy increased by 100 | | --- | Hmm? Murderer mark? What's that? And why did my infamy increase when I killed these fools? I was expecting to gain some fame since these guys are bothering other people. I looked around and saw that everyone was very far away from me now. What did I do? Its not like I'm threatening them. [Eden you just killed 5 people in a moments glance. I believe this murderer mark indicates those who killed their peers and takes a while to disappear. Pray that you don't get kicked out of the city for this] Well I don't really care about getting kicked out of the city. [You may not get the equipment Oreal promised you] Shit! I spent so much time getting the materials and now I may not get the promised shit Oreal promised?! How do I get rid of this murderer mark? [Either donate money to the church or do a lot of stuff that helps the city] I don't have money on me so I have to do the latter. Man I was trying to do some easy work but now I have to do the quests that benefit the city greatly...I looked at the quest board that was divided into the difficulty levels. The highest rank was 'C' and there was only on quest there. But just in case I looked at the other quests there. | Quest List Rank: C - Hunt the Harpies Rank: D - Escort the merchants to towns - Hunt the bandits - Help investigate the ruins Rank: E - Find missing person - Find missing pet - Collect materials - Clear out abandoned mines - Kill unusual creature Rank: F - Help find the missing notes - Sort books - Clean the house - Feed the farm animals - Collect leather for tailor guild - Collect ores for blacksmith guild - Run errands for guards - Summaries the book - Clean the stables - Clean dishes in restaurant | | --- | Well most of the stuff I see are things that are completed by new players....they are utter crap. Well it looks like I'm doing the 'Hunt the Harpies' quest. I took the piece of paper that had the quest details on it and went over to the receptionist to apply for the quest. “For all 'C' ranked quest, you need to be in a party.” said the receptionist ignoring the fact that I just killed 5 people and everyone else was trying to get away from me. I asked the receptionist, “Can't I just do the quest alone?” The receptionist immediately responded with, “Guild policy. I can't do anything about it. It was changed quite recently to decrease failure rates of quests.” Wait this policy was changed RECENTLY?! “When was this policy changed?” I asked trying to get a quick respond. The receptionist bluntly said, “A day ago when the guild master wanted to review guild policies.” FUCK! That damn bitch is trying to get in my way no matter what. The next time I see her, I'm killing her! But first I have to get this quest. I quickly scanned the room to find at least someone to party with but everywhere I looked, people avoided my gaze. “Looks like your having some trouble.” I turned to where the voice was coming from and saw what you would call a beauty. She had long blond hair and had a face you would often see in paintings of Goddesses. She wore a paladin style armor that was mostly blue and gold. “Yes I am. This new policy is annoying me.” I said to this blond beauty. The blond beauty started laughing quietly at my words. How come people are laughing at me more recently. “Well this policy is annoying me as well. Want to party?” | Alexandra sent a party invite | | --- | Should I...or should I not. Might as well. “I accept” | You have accepted the party invite | | --- | [Eden I feel a strange feeling form this one. Be careful] Great.....I'm partying with a weirdo now. The person named Alexandra walked up to the receptionist and said, “We accept this quest.” The receptionist responded with, “I hope for your success.” Ding | You have accepted the quest 'Hunt the Harpies' Harpies, creatures of the sky have been hunting down towns in the Kingdom. The King has requested that some brace adventurers to eliminate these creatures for the peace of the Kingdom. The Harpies has been sighted nearby in the villages to the south. Rank: C Restriction: Elimination of all Harpies Reward: 100 gold | | --- | “Well lets go. If we hurry, we can finish this quest in a day.” With that she walked out of the guild and headed to the southern gate of the city. I quickly followed her ignoring the fact that many many people were staring at us. Part 2 – Harpies We were walking down the path which would take us to the villages that were getting attacked by the harpies. We started talking about ourselves and what we could do. “Well you can consider me to be of the mage class since I mainly use magic.” I said trying to keep the fact that I was a BIT stronger than most people in many ways. [A 'bit' is an understatement] Alexandra noted that I was a mage and said, “I'm...well you can consider me a paladin. I'm a bit different from normal paladins.” Well I can see that. Normally paladins are highly sought after since it was a class associated with churches and had a high survival rate even when soloing. Paladins can be split up into three types. The offensive, defensive and support types. Guiding by the fact that Alexandra was wielding a large two handed great sword, she was of the offensive type. So we have a sort of mage and a sort of paladin in this party. Well hopefully Alexandra has a long range attack since harpies are flying creatures. Wait I still don't know her level. It should be in the 200s right judging by the armor she's wearing. “Alexandra what level are you?” I asked in my kindness voice ever. Alexandra was taken a bit back when I asked her about her level. She took a moment and said, “Tell me your level first.” Hmm? Why would she want to know my level first? Well there's no harm in it. “Level 92.” I said. With that Alexandra sighed I relief and said, “I'm level 95. I'm glad we're near the same level.” Why would she be glad that I was near her level? “Well the thing is that my class is a bit unique and a bit more powerful than normal. Since I heard you killed a Cyclops I was thinking that you were a considerably high level. I see that you also have a powerful class if you could handle a Cyclops on your own.” Umm....there was a party with me that got killed but who cares about them. “Also its nice to have a girls night out!” Eh? Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Trying to calm myself I was about to say I was a guy but considering the circumstances and what I could do......the possibilities.... [Eden this could end really bad for you if you tell a lie] Right.....shit. All my hopes and dreams..... “I'm a...guy.” Alexandra was shocked. But not the way I expected she was. She quickly smiled and said, “This will be interesting later on.” She had that evil schemer smile on her face. I had a sudden chill when I saw it. Some time later.... We arrived to where the Harpies were. We had to run around to find these things but it was worth it in the end. There was 21 Harpies in total. The village was already doomed so we don't need to care about saving the survivors. Both of us were sneaking nearer and nearer to the Harpies to get a good surprise attack. Apparently Alexandra has a long range attack that she can use. The plan we agreed on was for me to attack first then Alexandra to follow up. We don't really know each other's true abilities so this was a first to both of us that usually hunt alone. I imagined the Harpies that were on the houses and in the sky to be stuck by lightning. I targeted as much of them as possible, especially the ones in the sky. “Lightning Bolt times 10” 10 bolts of lightning cam out of my hands and hit 10 of the Harpies which killed most of them. Alerted to the presence of enemies all of the Harpies decided to attack us. Well us sneaking was useless right now so I got up and prepared another spell to use. “Sword Wave” BANG Alexandra swung her sword in the direction of the Harpies. A wave came out of it and flew a couple of metres to hit and cleanly kill some Harpies. Now there were 12 Harpies left. Seeing that they were outmatched, the Harpies decided to run away but I wasn't going to let them go. “Wind Vortex” FLOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHH Wind was sucking in everything in the area. The Harpies were trying to escape but my spell trapped them in the ruins of the village. “Sword Wave” BANG Alexandra shot another wave to the centre of the wind vortex and made a big explosion killing the Harpies in one go. Ding | Quest Complete Go to the information guild for your reward You have levelled up You have levelled up You have levelled up You gained 10 fame Infamy decreased by 50 | | --- | “Hmm...I levelled up three times” I said out loud. “I levelled up twice.” said Alexandra. With that returned to the information guild for our reward. “Here is your reward, 100 gold.” said the receptionist. I took the bag of gold and split it 50/50 between the two of us. If it were up to me, I would've killed her and take all of the gold for my self but llyfr said it would be a very bad idea if I did. Alexandra came up to me and said, “We should party from now on.” Without a reason to reject her I said, “Fine.” | Continue Misfortune? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Previous](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1529) | [Exit](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=161) | | [Next](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1622) | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Author's Notes: - Well there goes the simple plot..... - This chapter is a bit over 5000 words long since I can't be bothered to get the actual number - Next week we have a setting up chapter with almost no action! - Been reading Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria. Its actually interesting. - BTW the rest of this volume consist of MC learning a new (more efficient and easier to write) way of using magic in between some combat here and there....

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Chapter 4 Genin Test<br><br>Disclaimer: I own nothing , this is purely a fanfic for enjoyment. Cross-over from various games , books and anime.<br><br>The morning for the test finally came, Harry did his mourning routine, packed the essentials and more. He also brought his book collection, now what does Harry's books contain?. One word, MAGIC, no seriously, I'm just kidding with you readers, those were really the condensed form of fuinjutsu notes, that Harry learned. He found out, that he was quite good at it, His notes skyrocketed, that he had made them into self created books volume one to five.<br><br>Harry learned some fuinjitsu from storage scrolls, to exploding notes, and branched out from there. He would have pursued a chakra converter seals that converts regular chakra to healing chakra or the pre-made jutsu seals that stores a pre-made jutsu on the seal, but he wasn't just up to par just yet. Instead he flourished into the obscrure art of warding. It just resembled too much to the wizaring worlds protection wards, and quite frankly, the symbols on the fuinjutsu scrolls quite resembled the runes in his former world.<br><br>Harry finally finished packing, and arrived at training ground 7. He met with his teammates, and Harry went to his book as usual, and replied with the casual grunting greeting to the stoic Uchiha.<br><br>Naruto on the other hand was really getting angry for their jonin sensei's lateness. After three hours, the lazy Jonin finally arrived.<br><br>"Your late!." Accused the blonde.<br><br>"Well I would have said that I had to take the long way here because of a black cat, but seeing as you would not believe me either way, I was up all night reading. (giggles*)."explained Kakashi.<br><br>"Why do you guys have books anyways?, did it suddenly became a popular trend?." Naruto asked curiously.<br><br>"Naruto, You just haven't seen the light of these books, (giggles*), Here Kakashi-sensei, I'm sure you would appreciate this fine piece of literature."<br><br>Harry gave Kakashi a green book. After reading it for ten minutes, it had a reaction from the great Kakashi.<br><br>"Harry-sama, please show this book to the whole world, this world needs geniuses like you, (giggles*), the great Jiraiya, has finally met his match." Kakashi declared.<br><br>"Why thank you Kakashi-sensei, That's just volume one, I plan on publishing more of it soon." replied Harry.<br><br>I'm sure you guys are wondering what the green book was (no it was not the fuinjutsu books that I mentioned earlier). Harry remembered it like it was just yesterday.<br><br>Flashback<br><br>Harry was learning books from the konoha library, when he accidentally stumbled on the Adult section of the library. He stumbled upon on a certain orange book. Suffice to say the read was simulating, but it was just sub-par to Harry's standard, it just didn't click.<br><br>Harry remembered when he was in second year at Hogwarts. He was forced to read Some of professor Gilderoy Lockhart's not so convincing story books.<br><br>Nobody knew why Harry voiced his concern to professor Lockhart personally that day, but the teacher was aiming to please the Boy-Who-Lived. This resulted to Gilderoy Lockheart showing him some of the Adulterated Adventures of his collection. The result was instantaneous, Harry Potter quickly became his number one fan. Lockhart was so proud of himself, most of the books he published came from stealing them from the great minds of talented wizards through his memory charms. Of course these adventures include the rewards after saving the damsel in distress, by the hero ravaging the fair maiden after his quest. He has a multitude of books like this at his disposal that he never really got time to get published.<br><br>From then on They both made a deal, Harry would get copies of his stories, and in turn Harry would endorse his regular kiddy books.<br><br>Of course, this didn't last long because of the Basilisk fiasco, but Harry remembered the great adventures of the female body so vividly.<br><br>Luckily for Harry, he had a photograhic memory thanks to his occlumency training so he was able to reproduce the books with great quality detail.<br><br>Flashback End<br><br>"Ahem, now where was I?, here I have two bells, your mission is to get the bells to pass, but as you have noticed, there are only two, so one of you will go back to the academy. You have untill 12 p.m to get the bells, to those who don't get it within the time limit, I'll tie you up in a log, and we'll eat lunch in front of you." explained Kakashi.<br><br>"You may start."Kakashi declared<br><br>"Hmm, the Uchiha hides very well, and what's this?, the two pranksters are staying behind?." thought Kakashi<br><br>Kakashi then opened his orange book, and waited for the attack.<br><br>As soon as the start signal was given Naruto dashed towards Kakashi with kunai in hand. A jab to left, and a punch to right combined with a legsweep, and finished with an uppercut combo. Unfortunately Kakashi anticipated it very well, and dodged it flawlessly.<br><br>"Lesson one Taijutsu or hand to hand combat. Rule number one, never let an enemy get behind you." Kakashi explained<br><br>Kakashi was behind Naruto, and formed a hand sign.<br><br>"Konohagakure taijutsu ougi, One thousand years of death!." said Kakashi as he delivered a powerful asspoke to Naruto, to which Naruto flew a very high distance like a rocket.<br><br>"Aren't you gonna attack me?" Asked Kakashi to Harry to which Harry just shrugged.<br><br>"Suit yourself, lesson two Ninjutsu, Earth Style: Headhunter Jutsu!<br><br>(Doton: Shinju Zanshu no Jutsu) " Kakashi shouted.<br>Kakashi went underground, and was about to grab Harry's leg when some force stoped him, he went back up above ground to see what it was.<br><br>"Kekkai mode defense. (Barrier mode defense)" Harry announced his technique.<br><br>"Quite the technique you got there, try this one for size."replied Kakashi.<br><br>Kakashi quickly formed handsigns to perform a technique.<br><br>"Water Release: Gunshot! (Suiton: Teppodama)" Kakashi announced his technique.<br><br>"Kekkai mode: reflect (Barrier mode reflect)" Harry's technique collided with the water bullet, and reflected it back to Kakashi.<br><br>Kakashi dodged while Harry was silently casting another Jutsu.<br><br>"Okay your Good, I'll get back to you later."Kakashi vanished in a swirl of leaves to test Sasuke next.<br><br>Kakashi then tested the Uchiha in genjutsu, and Sasuke surprisingly passed out during the illusion, Kakashi used Fangirls in his illusions, and suffice to say, Sasuke couldn't take it, and fainted.<br><br>Time was finally up and they all gathered in front of the logs.<br><br>"You all failed!." Kakashi declared.<br><br>"On the contrary Kakashi, I got the bells right here." Harry revealed the two bells in his hand.<br><br>"How?." Asked the dumbfounded Kakashi.<br><br>"Hi-mi-tsu." replied Harry.<br><br>Flashback<br><br>" Water Release: Gunshot! (Suiton: Teppodama)" kakashi announced his technique.<br><br>"Kekkai mode: reflect (Barrier mode reflect)" Harry's technique collided with the water bullet, and reflected it back to Kakashi.<br><br>Kakashi dodged while Harry was silently casting another Jutsu.<br><br>"Okay your Good, I'll get back to you later."Kakashi vanished in a swirl of leaves to test Sasuke next.<br><br>What Harry casted there, was Kekkai mode: Fidellius to the bells. Due to its effects, Harry was able to get the bells at the end of the session easily.<br><br>Flashback end<br><br>"Okay..., so what are you gonna do to the bells?, who are you going to give one of them to?." asked Kakashi curiously.<br><br>"Well I don't really need to become a ninja right away, I'll go to the academy, you Naruto have a big dream to be hokage while Sasuke has to get stronger so he can have his revenge. You guys need it more than I do and I'm be glad to stay behind." explained Harry.<br><br>"What?, I don't wanna be ninja without you Harry, It was you who cheered for me, and trained with me. It's just not worth it to pass without you tebayo!." Naruto explained his reasoning.<br><br>"Hnn, Dobe, and Harry, I maybe focused on revenge to kill my brother, but I will do it with my own strength, and not by some charity from you two." Sasuke said.<br><br>"So you guys don't want any of the bells?." asked Kakashi.<br><br>Silence was their answer and that was all Kakashi needed to hear.<br><br>"You guys...PASS." Kakashi declared.<br><br>"The test was to see you guys can work together but Naruto was brash and dashed headlong to battle, Harry was to busy reading his book (your one to talk, giggles*), and Sasuke is to prideful to ask for help from your teammates. In the ninja world, those who break the rules are scum, that's true, but those who abandon their friends are worse than scum." Kakashi explained dutifully to his new genin team.<br><br>"Well see you guys here tomorrow at 7 a.m. in the morning. I will be reporting to Lord Hokage the results today." explained Kakashi<br><br>"Well seeing as we're all still hungry, how about we get some food, my treat." said Harry.<br><br>"Yatta!, Oh I know, we can go to Ichiraku Ramen, their ramen's the best."explained Naruto.<br><br>"Hnnn." replied the stoic Uchiha.<br><br>"Well let's go, Naruto lead the way." Harry ordered Naruto.<br><br>Authors Note:<br><br>®Harry's skills:<br><br>-These skills the results of Harry's study in fuinjutsu.<br><br>©Kekkai mode ( fidellius ) , An immensely complex spell or jutsu involving the magical concealment of a secret inside a single, living soul. The information is hidden inside the chosen person, or Secret Keeper, and is henceforth impossible to find — unless, of course, the Secret Keeper chooses to divulge it. As long as the Secret Keeper refused to speak , the enemy can never find them, not even if he had his nose pressed against their sitting room window!.<br><br>©Kekkai mode ( defense ), a jutsu acting as a regular barrier that's defense is ten times more powerful.<br><br>©Kekkai mode ( reflect ), a barrier jutsu that reflect jutsu back to its caster.<br><br>®System update Ver. 1.2<br><br><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;"> Character Name: Harry Potter<br><br>Alignment: Neutral<br><br>Level:21<br><br>Profession: Master of death<br><br>Title:None<br><br>Fame: 0<br><br>Health: 650<br><br>Mana: 700<br><br>Strength: 30<br><br>Agility: 30<br><br>Vitality: 50<br><br>Wisdom: 30<br><br>Intellect:70<br><br>Stamina: 30<br><br>Luck: 30<br><br>Attack:60<br><br>Magic Attack: 140<br><br>Magic defense: 60<br><br>Mana Regen speed:6 (+70 mana)<br><br>Defense:50<br><br>Speed: 60<br><br>Hit: 60<br><br>Crit: 60 </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>®Stats formula:<br><br>®Every level + 10 stats:<br><br>1 str = 2 attack, 5 hp<br><br>1 vit = 10 hp, 1 def<br><br>1 int = 10 mp or mana, 2 magic attack, 1 mana recovery.<br><br>1 wis = 2 magic defense, .2 mana regen.<br><br>1 agi = 2 speed, 2 hit<br><br>1 luck = 2 crit </div>

Chapter 4 Genin Test Disclaimer: I own nothing , this is purely a fanfic for enjoyment. Cross-over from various games , books and anime. The morning for the test finally came, Harry did his mourning routine, packed the essentials and more. He also brought his book collection, now what does Harry's books contain?. One word, MAGIC, no seriously, I'm just kidding with you readers, those were really the condensed form of fuinjutsu notes, that Harry learned. He found out, that he was quite good at it, His notes skyrocketed, that he had made them into self created books volume one to five. Harry learned some fuinjitsu from storage scrolls, to exploding notes, and branched out from there. He would have pursued a chakra converter seals that converts regular chakra to healing chakra or the pre-made jutsu seals that stores a pre-made jutsu on the seal, but he wasn't just up to par just yet. Instead he flourished into the obscrure art of warding. It just resembled too much to the wizaring worlds protection wards, and quite frankly, the symbols on the fuinjutsu scrolls quite resembled the runes in his former world. Harry finally finished packing, and arrived at training ground 7. He met with his teammates, and Harry went to his book as usual, and replied with the casual grunting greeting to the stoic Uchiha. Naruto on the other hand was really getting angry for their jonin sensei's lateness. After three hours, the lazy Jonin finally arrived. "Your late!." Accused the blonde. "Well I would have said that I had to take the long way here because of a black cat, but seeing as you would not believe me either way, I was up all night reading. (giggles*)."explained Kakashi. "Why do you guys have books anyways?, did it suddenly became a popular trend?." Naruto asked curiously. "Naruto, You just haven't seen the light of these books, (giggles*), Here Kakashi-sensei, I'm sure you would appreciate this fine piece of literature." Harry gave Kakashi a green book. After reading it for ten minutes, it had a reaction from the great Kakashi. "Harry-sama, please show this book to the whole world, this world needs geniuses like you, (giggles*), the great Jiraiya, has finally met his match." Kakashi declared. "Why thank you Kakashi-sensei, That's just volume one, I plan on publishing more of it soon." replied Harry. I'm sure you guys are wondering what the green book was (no it was not the fuinjutsu books that I mentioned earlier). Harry remembered it like it was just yesterday. Flashback Harry was learning books from the konoha library, when he accidentally stumbled on the Adult section of the library. He stumbled upon on a certain orange book. Suffice to say the read was simulating, but it was just sub-par to Harry's standard, it just didn't click. Harry remembered when he was in second year at Hogwarts. He was forced to read Some of professor Gilderoy Lockhart's not so convincing story books. Nobody knew why Harry voiced his concern to professor Lockhart personally that day, but the teacher was aiming to please the Boy-Who-Lived. This resulted to Gilderoy Lockheart showing him some of the Adulterated Adventures of his collection. The result was instantaneous, Harry Potter quickly became his number one fan. Lockhart was so proud of himself, most of the books he published came from stealing them from the great minds of talented wizards through his memory charms. Of course these adventures include the rewards after saving the damsel in distress, by the hero ravaging the fair maiden after his quest. He has a multitude of books like this at his disposal that he never really got time to get published. From then on They both made a deal, Harry would get copies of his stories, and in turn Harry would endorse his regular kiddy books. Of course, this didn't last long because of the Basilisk fiasco, but Harry remembered the great adventures of the female body so vividly. Luckily for Harry, he had a photograhic memory thanks to his occlumency training so he was able to reproduce the books with great quality detail. Flashback End "Ahem, now where was I?, here I have two bells, your mission is to get the bells to pass, but as you have noticed, there are only two, so one of you will go back to the academy. You have untill 12 p.m to get the bells, to those who don't get it within the time limit, I'll tie you up in a log, and we'll eat lunch in front of you." explained Kakashi. "You may start."Kakashi declared "Hmm, the Uchiha hides very well, and what's this?, the two pranksters are staying behind?." thought Kakashi Kakashi then opened his orange book, and waited for the attack. As soon as the start signal was given Naruto dashed towards Kakashi with kunai in hand. A jab to left, and a punch to right combined with a legsweep, and finished with an uppercut combo. Unfortunately Kakashi anticipated it very well, and dodged it flawlessly. "Lesson one Taijutsu or hand to hand combat. Rule number one, never let an enemy get behind you." Kakashi explained Kakashi was behind Naruto, and formed a hand sign. "Konohagakure taijutsu ougi, One thousand years of death!." said Kakashi as he delivered a powerful asspoke to Naruto, to which Naruto flew a very high distance like a rocket. "Aren't you gonna attack me?" Asked Kakashi to Harry to which Harry just shrugged. "Suit yourself, lesson two Ninjutsu, Earth Style: Headhunter Jutsu! (Doton: Shinju Zanshu no Jutsu) " Kakashi shouted. Kakashi went underground, and was about to grab Harry's leg when some force stoped him, he went back up above ground to see what it was. "Kekkai mode defense. (Barrier mode defense)" Harry announced his technique. "Quite the technique you got there, try this one for size."replied Kakashi. Kakashi quickly formed handsigns to perform a technique. "Water Release: Gunshot! (Suiton: Teppodama)" Kakashi announced his technique. "Kekkai mode: reflect (Barrier mode reflect)" Harry's technique collided with the water bullet, and reflected it back to Kakashi. Kakashi dodged while Harry was silently casting another Jutsu. "Okay your Good, I'll get back to you later."Kakashi vanished in a swirl of leaves to test Sasuke next. Kakashi then tested the Uchiha in genjutsu, and Sasuke surprisingly passed out during the illusion, Kakashi used Fangirls in his illusions, and suffice to say, Sasuke couldn't take it, and fainted. Time was finally up and they all gathered in front of the logs. "You all failed!." Kakashi declared. "On the contrary Kakashi, I got the bells right here." Harry revealed the two bells in his hand. "How?." Asked the dumbfounded Kakashi. "Hi-mi-tsu." replied Harry. Flashback " Water Release: Gunshot! (Suiton: Teppodama)" kakashi announced his technique. "Kekkai mode: reflect (Barrier mode reflect)" Harry's technique collided with the water bullet, and reflected it back to Kakashi. Kakashi dodged while Harry was silently casting another Jutsu. "Okay your Good, I'll get back to you later."Kakashi vanished in a swirl of leaves to test Sasuke next. What Harry casted there, was Kekkai mode: Fidellius to the bells. Due to its effects, Harry was able to get the bells at the end of the session easily. Flashback end "Okay..., so what are you gonna do to the bells?, who are you going to give one of them to?." asked Kakashi curiously. "Well I don't really need to become a ninja right away, I'll go to the academy, you Naruto have a big dream to be hokage while Sasuke has to get stronger so he can have his revenge. You guys need it more than I do and I'm be glad to stay behind." explained Harry. "What?, I don't wanna be ninja without you Harry, It was you who cheered for me, and trained with me. It's just not worth it to pass without you tebayo!." Naruto explained his reasoning. "Hnn, Dobe, and Harry, I maybe focused on revenge to kill my brother, but I will do it with my own strength, and not by some charity from you two." Sasuke said. "So you guys don't want any of the bells?." asked Kakashi. Silence was their answer and that was all Kakashi needed to hear. "You guys...PASS." Kakashi declared. "The test was to see you guys can work together but Naruto was brash and dashed headlong to battle, Harry was to busy reading his book (your one to talk, giggles*), and Sasuke is to prideful to ask for help from your teammates. In the ninja world, those who break the rules are scum, that's true, but those who abandon their friends are worse than scum." Kakashi explained dutifully to his new genin team. "Well see you guys here tomorrow at 7 a.m. in the morning. I will be reporting to Lord Hokage the results today." explained Kakashi "Well seeing as we're all still hungry, how about we get some food, my treat." said Harry. "Yatta!, Oh I know, we can go to Ichiraku Ramen, their ramen's the best."explained Naruto. "Hnnn." replied the stoic Uchiha. "Well let's go, Naruto lead the way." Harry ordered Naruto. Authors Note: ®Harry's skills: -These skills the results of Harry's study in fuinjutsu. ©Kekkai mode ( fidellius ) , An immensely complex spell or jutsu involving the magical concealment of a secret inside a single, living soul. The information is hidden inside the chosen person, or Secret Keeper, and is henceforth impossible to find — unless, of course, the Secret Keeper chooses to divulge it. As long as the Secret Keeper refused to speak , the enemy can never find them, not even if he had his nose pressed against their sitting room window!. ©Kekkai mode ( defense ), a jutsu acting as a regular barrier that's defense is ten times more powerful. ©Kekkai mode ( reflect ), a barrier jutsu that reflect jutsu back to its caster. ®System update Ver. 1.2 | * Character Name: Harry PotterAlignment: NeutralLevel:21Profession: Master of deathTitle:NoneFame: 0Health: 650Mana: 700Strength: 30Agility: 30Vitality: 50Wisdom: 30Intellect:70Stamina: 30Luck: 30Attack:60Magic Attack: 140Magic defense: 60Mana Regen speed:6 (+70 mana)Defense:50Speed: 60Hit: 60Crit: 60 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | ®Stats formula: ®Every level + 10 stats: 1 str = 2 attack, 5 hp 1 vit = 10 hp, 1 def 1 int = 10 mp or mana, 2 magic attack, 1 mana recovery. 1 wis = 2 magic defense, .2 mana regen. 1 agi = 2 speed, 2 hit 1 luck = 2 crit

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-style: italic;">*Thougts*</span><br><br>~Sound effects~<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">+++++</div><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chapter 19: Above the cliff </span><br><br><br>After finally receiving the bow and an arrow from Neuron Kyle aimed it at the cliff side and let the arrow fly. But it didn`t went as high as planned and hit the cliff.<br><br>“Neuron why did you give me a bend arrow”<br><br>“I didn’t, your aim is just crap”<br><br>“Doesn`t matter gimme another arrow”<br><br>“Here you go” <br><br>And this time it finally went over the cliff and Neuron could proceed with his plan of climbing.<br><br>Now Neuron was hanging 4m below the edge of the cliff pondering how he could climb those last meters. <br><br>“Hey, proceed”<br><br>“Let me think for a bit this is tricky”<br><br>After pondering for a while which Kyle used to cook himself another dish. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Seriously?, maybe he should have been the boss inside that dungeon*</span><br><br>~Light bulb appears~ <span style="font-style: italic;">*good, let’s try*</span><br><br>Neuron pulled out one of his axes, fastened a thread on it, and then he threw it over the cliff in a wide arc. Then he made another connection, which went through the rock while fastening the Axe in place. With this Neuron could finally go over the cliff. What he saw was breathtaking view. The cliff he climbed was actually a plateau with grassy field as wide as he could see surrounded by mountains and a really high one in the far end. On this field he could make out some monsters with his Hawkeyes, but they were too far away to pose a thread, and thus he ignored them for now.<br><br>Kyle noticed that Neuron got over the cliff, “hey Neuron, care to pull me up?”<br><br>“Wait a moment; I have to find something to fasten myself too”<br><br>He was desperately searching for a boulder or a tree on which he could fasten himself, as not to get pulled over the cliff while pulling up Kyle, but there was nothing to be found. So he had to improvise. To do this he needed some preparation. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Finally, he shows up*</span><br><br>“Hey Neuron you ready” Asked Kyle as soon as he noticed Neuron sticking his head over the cliff<br><br>“Yeah, I`m going to throw you some threads, fasten yourself and the backpacks to them, then I`m going too pull you up, But before, remove your armor, if not you’ll be too heavy”<br><br>“Kk”<br><br>After a long time Kyle was finally over the cliff.<br><br>“Hey ~Pant~ you didn`t ~pant~ remove ~ your gear ~pant~ you bastard!”<br><br>What Kyle saw was somewhat of a unique display. It was Neuron laying flat on his face, panting while countless threads expanded from him towards arrows that were stuck into the ground<br><br>When Neuron finally caught his breath he began to shout at Kyle why he didn`t remove his armor. But the person in question was ignoring him, while pulling their back bags that they left behind to reduce the weight, while groaning.<br><br>“Hey do you know how heavy those backpacks are, I couldn`t let you shift all the work to me couldn`t I?”<br><br>After hearing that Neuron was Speechless but as soon as he opened his mouth:<br><br>“Neuron we don’t have time to argue right now, look behind you”<br><br>“What?” After turning around he saw what made Kyle so preoccupied. It was a Mountain Troll, that charged/hopped right at them, somehow it looked like an Orang Utan, but what made the difference where his four arms and a staggering height of 2m, and also his fur was colored with a dark brown<br><br>“Now look, with all your shouting you attracted one hell of a bastard”<br><br>“Ähm, do you know what level this guy here is?”<br><br>“Hmmm, no, I do not, but I heard that brown is a common color for weak to middle leveled monsters inside a species, so we could be lucky or screwed, since their level ranges from 10 to 30. But I never heard of one with four arms.”<br><br>After that explanation the Troll was finally inside firing range for Neuron. Which Neuron put to good use, but even after 5 arrows it didn`t slow down at all. Then Kyle shouted: “Crap, this guy is a level 50, fuck.”<br><br>“Seriously?, what are we going to do now, we can`t beat something five times our level.<br><br>As soon as it was near them the Troll swung his arms like a windmill at Kyle, which could block that barrage, but only barely. <br><br>“Neuron, I`m going for a last ditch method, please form a connection with me. After hearing this Neuron sprinted towards Kyle and touched him on the head. “Done!” <br><br>“Why with my head! Anyway blind him with your shuriken and throwing knives.”<br><br>While Neuron was doing as told, Kyle circled around, the Troll/Orang Utan and when he finally had him between the cliff and himself, while barely managing to block those arms that felt like sledgehammers on his shield. He then yelled “Push” And charged towards the Troll, while his shield emanated a dark bluish color, managing to push it over the edge, but because he had too much momentum, he couldn`t stop and so he also was about to fall down. But his fall was soon halted by a Mana thread, which sadly was connected with his head. Looking down, Kyle saw the Troll landing on the ground.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Ugh, looks really cross*</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;"> You have leveled up </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;"> +50 Fame for defeating a Monster, which was more than double your Party level </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Hey Kyle, I got a Level and some Fame”<br><br>“Yeah, me too, although I gained two levels from it.”<br><br>Now they were advancing on the Plateau, but with more caution than ever, because if Monsters of those levels could roam freely. But with the vision skill of Neuron, they could easily evade contact.<br><br>“Ähm, Neuron do you see that?”<br><br>“Yeah, looks like the statue of an archer, and below there is also some sort of entrance, maybe that gives us some lead for my quest”<br><br>“Yeah, I never heard of a grave with an archer statue on it”<br><br>“Yeah I read in a book, that The archer Profession wasn`t highly regarded, so there where never statues build to let people remember their achievements”<br><br>“Hey Neuron where are you going” Kyle asked when he noticed Kyle hurrying towards the statue<br><br>“Well entering of course”<br><br>“Are you an idiot?, Haven`t you noticed the level range of monsters on this plateau, the weakest are still level 20 and go till 50”<br><br>“And?”<br><br>“Haven`t you ever played RPG`s?”<br><br>“I have, ah you mean, that those monsters inside will be higher level than the monsters outside right?”<br><br>“Finally you get it”<br><br>“So now what do you suggest?”<br><br>“That we power level ourselves till at least level 40”<br><br>“Hmm, sounds like a plan, but how, all I see here is grass and some Trolls, but nothing to lay a ambush or something”<br><br>“Good lets both think of something, at least we won`t have trouble anymore when we get to level 20.”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">_______________________________________________________________</div><br><br>Now Neuron was luring one of the weaker Trolls, fortunately the four armed kind seemed to be a rarity around here, so he had no trouble avoiding its swings, while leading it towards a pitfall they prepared after much work. Well Kyle did the most work, making the shovel and digging. Which was obvious, him investing most of his level up points into Strength and Vitality. While working on it he announced that he got the digging skill, and Neuron obviously wanted to see it<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;"> Digging: beginner Lv1<br>Enables you to dig faster<br>You use less stamina while digging<br>Earth affinity +1% </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>The task Neuron was assigned was to hide the pitfall, but this he couldn`t do until Kyle had finished digging, so he decided to work on his tailoring, trying to produce some leather armor that helped him against those Trolls, and everything that could await him inside the Dungeon. Occasionally he had to scatter the earth Kyle dug up, but mostly he could focus on Tailoring, but no product satisfied him, well of course because he only used rabbit leather which he got in high quantity by buying it from Players inside Gaber.<br><br>When Kyle finally was finished Neuron could get to work. He connected his threads to the edge of the hole, making a net, on which he put crass, completely hiding the pitfall. But one insecurity remained, that was Kyle’s restriction to only attack enemies that attacked him first. But they decided to just come up with something while fighting, as they had no other way.<br><br>And now he was luring the Troll to the aforementioned trap. When the Troll was finally standing on the threads Neuron cancelled them making him fall inside, but his torso still was outside the trap. <br>This was planned, because if the Troll had completely disappeared inside the trap, Kyle wouldn`t be able to do jack even without that restriction, because he obviously had no ranged skills. So Neuron began to attack the Troll who tried to cover its face. Kyle was sneaking up behind him and tried to hit it, but somehow he couldn`t even execute it.<br><br>“Problem, I can`t even try to strike it, somehow the system is preventing me from doing it”<br><br>“Shit, that’s just too annoying”<br><br>Now the Troll neared the ground with its face to protect it while trying to get out of the hole, while ignoring the arrows, so Neuron had no other option than to go into close quarter combat, to prevent him from getting out. So he drew his axes and hacked at one of the hands the Troll used to sustain itself, somehow cutting the tendon, which caused the arm to lose all its force making the Troll loose balance and falling flat on his face. Neuron didn`t let this opportunity go to waste and struck at his head. Getting up the Troll was finally furious and trashed around with his leftover arm; he even rotated his torso, so that the injured arm would fly around. Neuron managed to dodge the limb arm, but this left him wide open for the other, but Kyle managed to block the punch with his shield.<br><br>“Thanks, hey, does this count as attack?”<br><br>Hearing that Kyle tried to strike at the Troll and this time he managed to execute the attack.<br>“Great, now we finally have the upper hand!”<br><br>Sadly that false<br><br>Both of them where hitting the Troll as hard as they could, but it seemed to regenerate almost all of the damage it took. So now they were left with no other option than to hack away little chunks of its health, while preventing it from getting out of the pit.<br>Then finally after one hour of continuously hitting it, it died.<br><br>“hah, hah, that was hard, damn, they regenerate too fast”<br><br>“But the exp is worth it”<br><br>“Well yeah, I gained another level from it, and you”<br><br>“Me too”<br><br>Now for three days they worked like this, till they were finally able to equip the gear Warnton provided them. Now hunting was like a walk in the park for them, because they were heavily over equipped. Neuron even Managed to secure some Troll leather and sewed himself a new armor.<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;"> Simple Leather armor </span><br>Made by a Novice Tailor from Troll hides, that somehow knew, where the armors defense is low, and thus reinforced those parts.<br><br>Durability: 40/40<br>Defense: 12<br>Requirements:<br>Lv15</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>When Neuron finally was able to equip the new bow, the regular monsters stopped attacking them, only those with four arms attacked them relentlessly, which was quite annoying, because those where pretty high level and their four arms made predicting the next strike difficult, but soon also their onslaught subsided<br><br>Kyle also gained the skill War hammer mastery and managed to level it up to level three.<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;"> War hammer mastery beginner Lv3 </span><br>Increases attack Damage by 30% (blunt)<br>Increases attack speed by 6%<br>+1,5% Stun chance</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“So, Kyle what now, they seem to be avoiding us”<br><br>“Nothing to do, than to enter and hope for the best”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">_______________________________________________________________</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;"> You have entered The Tomb of the forgotten archer </span><br>For discovering a new Dungeon +100Fame<br><br>Upon defeat the boss will drop a rare item.</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Boah a rare Item, what could it be”<br><br>“Dunno, let’s find out!”<br><br>Both of them entered the dungeon, only to see a straight corridor ahead which was probably full of traps. Now Neuron looked strangely towards Kyle<br><br>“What?”<br><br>“You go first” he said with a gleam in his eyes<br><br>“No, I won`t, this corridor is obviously filled with traps”<br><br>“And? What do you want to do about them, I know we both don’t have a trap discover or disarm skill”<br><br>“So now you intent to let the one with the most health points and defense trigger them on purpose.”<br><br>“About right, and just look, there is a door, only 30m inside”<br><br>“Why is it, that when you suggest something I always get the brunt of it?”<br><br>“Don`t know”<br><br>With that cleared, Kyle cautiously began his way inside. The first trap he activated was a simple one. It just triggered some arrows that flew at him, but those didn`t give him any damage, because they where reflected by his armor. But as he proceeded the traps grew worse. Mostly they just shot arrows at him, but their number grew steadily till some managed to bypass his armor or hit somewhere the armor didn`t cover. First it didn`t face Kyle, but now they were poisoned, and even with a strong one, so he had to gobble down some antidotes. <br>Some dropped boulders from above, but Kyle had already gotten acquainted with the traps, so now he could hear a click sound when he activated them, and thus he managed to bring his shield between him and the falling rocks.<br>And because he had deliberately triggered all of the traps <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;"> Trap triggering Beginner Lv1 </span><br>Enables you to see traps, and judge their effect <br>While triggering them you are also able to position yourself so that you won`t get the full impact of the trap you triggered <br><br>-3% Damage from Traps<br>If a enemy gets caught in a trap you triggered it will get 10%more damage from it<br><br>Attention <br>Disarming Traps has become impossible</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>Then at 10m distance to the door he halted.<br><br>“What Happened?”<br><br>“The whole floor is a trap; I think it’s a pitfall that gets triggered when someone opens the door or comes close to it.”<br><br>“And?”<br><br>“This time you trigger it”<br><br>“Why?”<br><br>“As I said it’s a pitfall, so it will take time to open, and you can use this time to jump towards me, or I could pull you with one of your threads towards me, when you trigger it”<br><br>“Hmm, sounds convincing” but his thoughts were <span style="font-style: italic;">*Damn, he got me*</span><br><br>Neuron decided to go with the latter and thus Kyle managed to pull him out of the trap when Neuron activated it, like Kyle predicted right before the door.<br><br>But now, they had a serious problem, that being how to cross the 10m broad pitfall.<br><br>“Ähm Kyle do you have a suggestion?”<br><br>“Nope, not really, well let’s eat, and while eating we can think about it”<br><br>“Ähm Kyle what do your stats look like as of now?”<br><br>“Didn`t we agree not to show them again?”<br><br>“True, but what about only showing the status window, without the skill progression?”<br><br>“That, I think we could try”<br><br>Both: “Show Status Window only, to Kyle/Neuron<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%">30</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Class</td><td colspan="3">N/A</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fame</td><td width="25%">290</td><td width="25%">Infamy</td><td width="25%">150</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Title</td><td colspan="3">N/A</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">3104</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">2680</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">114</td><td width="25%">Dexterity</td><td width="25%">189</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">23</td><td width="25%">Intelligence</td><td width="25%">52</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Vitality</td><td width="25%">60</td><td width="25%">Luck</td><td width="25%">1</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Endurance</td><td width="25%">23</td><td width="25%">Sustenance</td><td width="25%">20</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fighting Spirit</td><td width="25%">13</td><td width="25%">Accuracy</td><td width="25%">10</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Base Attack</td><td width="25%">33</td><td width="25%">Defense</td><td width="25%">18</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><tr><td colspan="4">If your Infamy is higher than your fame, you will be wanted<br>Reward depends on the difference between Fame and Infamy</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;">Status Window</span></td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Name</td><td width="25%">Kyle</td><td width="25%">Level</td><td width="25%">32</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Class</td><td colspan="3">Defender</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fame</td><td width="25%">140</td><td width="25%">Infamy</td><td width="25%">50</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Title</td><td colspan="3">N/A</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">5548</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">2460</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">179 (+10)</td><td width="25%">Dexterity</td><td width="25%">105 (+10)</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">36</td><td width="25%">Intelligence</td><td width="25%">46</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Vitality</td><td width="25%">113 (+10)</td><td width="25%">Luck</td><td width="25%">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Endurance</td><td width="25%">40</td><td width="25%">Sustenance</td><td width="25%">25</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fighting Spirit</td><td width="25%">18</td><td width="25%">Block</td><td width="25%">11 (+10)</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Base Attack</td><td width="25%">54 (+70-80)</td><td width="25%">Defense</td><td width="25%">142 (+20)</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%">5%</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%">Dark</td><td width="25%">5%</td><td width="25%">Holy</td><td width="25%">5%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">+10 to Vitality, Strength and Dexterity<br>+20 to Defense<br>+10 to Block <br>Mobs attack you before they turn to the group members unless provoked<br>You may not engage mobs unless they attack you first<br>+5% to all Magical Resistance<br>If your Infamy is higher than your fame, you will be wanted<br>Reward depends on the difference between Fame and Infamy</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Hmm, that isn’t so bad as before, but Kyle you got some massive health and attack there”<br><br>“True, I invested most of my points into Vitality, Strength and Dexterity, but you too, how come you have so much health”<br><br>“Well, I invested most of the stat points into Dexterity of course, then Strength and nearly equal for the rest.”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">End Chapter 19</div><br><br>The next chapter will be...<br><br>A boss fight of course :twisted:<br><br>Hope you like my FF so far<br>and as always keep your criticism moderate :lol: </div>

*Thougts* ~Sound effects~ +++++ Chapter 19: Above the cliff After finally receiving the bow and an arrow from Neuron Kyle aimed it at the cliff side and let the arrow fly. But it didn`t went as high as planned and hit the cliff. “Neuron why did you give me a bend arrow” “I didn’t, your aim is just crap” “Doesn`t matter gimme another arrow” “Here you go” And this time it finally went over the cliff and Neuron could proceed with his plan of climbing. Now Neuron was hanging 4m below the edge of the cliff pondering how he could climb those last meters. “Hey, proceed” “Let me think for a bit this is tricky” After pondering for a while which Kyle used to cook himself another dish. *Seriously?, maybe he should have been the boss inside that dungeon* ~Light bulb appears~ *good, let’s try* Neuron pulled out one of his axes, fastened a thread on it, and then he threw it over the cliff in a wide arc. Then he made another connection, which went through the rock while fastening the Axe in place. With this Neuron could finally go over the cliff. What he saw was breathtaking view. The cliff he climbed was actually a plateau with grassy field as wide as he could see surrounded by mountains and a really high one in the far end. On this field he could make out some monsters with his Hawkeyes, but they were too far away to pose a thread, and thus he ignored them for now. Kyle noticed that Neuron got over the cliff, “hey Neuron, care to pull me up?” “Wait a moment; I have to find something to fasten myself too” He was desperately searching for a boulder or a tree on which he could fasten himself, as not to get pulled over the cliff while pulling up Kyle, but there was nothing to be found. So he had to improvise. To do this he needed some preparation. *Finally, he shows up* “Hey Neuron you ready” Asked Kyle as soon as he noticed Neuron sticking his head over the cliff “Yeah, I`m going to throw you some threads, fasten yourself and the backpacks to them, then I`m going too pull you up, But before, remove your armor, if not you’ll be too heavy” “Kk” After a long time Kyle was finally over the cliff. “Hey ~Pant~ you didn`t ~pant~ remove ~ your gear ~pant~ you bastard!” What Kyle saw was somewhat of a unique display. It was Neuron laying flat on his face, panting while countless threads expanded from him towards arrows that were stuck into the ground When Neuron finally caught his breath he began to shout at Kyle why he didn`t remove his armor. But the person in question was ignoring him, while pulling their back bags that they left behind to reduce the weight, while groaning. “Hey do you know how heavy those backpacks are, I couldn`t let you shift all the work to me couldn`t I?” After hearing that Neuron was Speechless but as soon as he opened his mouth: “Neuron we don’t have time to argue right now, look behind you” “What?” After turning around he saw what made Kyle so preoccupied. It was a Mountain Troll, that charged/hopped right at them, somehow it looked like an Orang Utan, but what made the difference where his four arms and a staggering height of 2m, and also his fur was colored with a dark brown “Now look, with all your shouting you attracted one hell of a bastard” “Ähm, do you know what level this guy here is?” “Hmmm, no, I do not, but I heard that brown is a common color for weak to middle leveled monsters inside a species, so we could be lucky or screwed, since their level ranges from 10 to 30. But I never heard of one with four arms.” After that explanation the Troll was finally inside firing range for Neuron. Which Neuron put to good use, but even after 5 arrows it didn`t slow down at all. Then Kyle shouted: “Crap, this guy is a level 50, fuck.” “Seriously?, what are we going to do now, we can`t beat something five times our level. As soon as it was near them the Troll swung his arms like a windmill at Kyle, which could block that barrage, but only barely. “Neuron, I`m going for a last ditch method, please form a connection with me. After hearing this Neuron sprinted towards Kyle and touched him on the head. “Done!” “Why with my head! Anyway blind him with your shuriken and throwing knives.” While Neuron was doing as told, Kyle circled around, the Troll/Orang Utan and when he finally had him between the cliff and himself, while barely managing to block those arms that felt like sledgehammers on his shield. He then yelled “Push” And charged towards the Troll, while his shield emanated a dark bluish color, managing to push it over the edge, but because he had too much momentum, he couldn`t stop and so he also was about to fall down. But his fall was soon halted by a Mana thread, which sadly was connected with his head. Looking down, Kyle saw the Troll landing on the ground. *Ugh, looks really cross* | * You have leveled up | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * +50 Fame for defeating a Monster, which was more than double your Party level | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | “Hey Kyle, I got a Level and some Fame” “Yeah, me too, although I gained two levels from it.” Now they were advancing on the Plateau, but with more caution than ever, because if Monsters of those levels could roam freely. But with the vision skill of Neuron, they could easily evade contact. “Ähm, Neuron do you see that?” “Yeah, looks like the statue of an archer, and below there is also some sort of entrance, maybe that gives us some lead for my quest” “Yeah, I never heard of a grave with an archer statue on it” “Yeah I read in a book, that The archer Profession wasn`t highly regarded, so there where never statues build to let people remember their achievements” “Hey Neuron where are you going” Kyle asked when he noticed Kyle hurrying towards the statue “Well entering of course” “Are you an idiot?, Haven`t you noticed the level range of monsters on this plateau, the weakest are still level 20 and go till 50” “And?” “Haven`t you ever played RPG`s?” “I have, ah you mean, that those monsters inside will be higher level than the monsters outside right?” “Finally you get it” “So now what do you suggest?” “That we power level ourselves till at least level 40” “Hmm, sounds like a plan, but how, all I see here is grass and some Trolls, but nothing to lay a ambush or something” “Good lets both think of something, at least we won`t have trouble anymore when we get to level 20.” \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Now Neuron was luring one of the weaker Trolls, fortunately the four armed kind seemed to be a rarity around here, so he had no trouble avoiding its swings, while leading it towards a pitfall they prepared after much work. Well Kyle did the most work, making the shovel and digging. Which was obvious, him investing most of his level up points into Strength and Vitality. While working on it he announced that he got the digging skill, and Neuron obviously wanted to see it | * Digging: beginner Lv1Enables you to dig fasterYou use less stamina while diggingEarth affinity +1% | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | The task Neuron was assigned was to hide the pitfall, but this he couldn`t do until Kyle had finished digging, so he decided to work on his tailoring, trying to produce some leather armor that helped him against those Trolls, and everything that could await him inside the Dungeon. Occasionally he had to scatter the earth Kyle dug up, but mostly he could focus on Tailoring, but no product satisfied him, well of course because he only used rabbit leather which he got in high quantity by buying it from Players inside Gaber. When Kyle finally was finished Neuron could get to work. He connected his threads to the edge of the hole, making a net, on which he put crass, completely hiding the pitfall. But one insecurity remained, that was Kyle’s restriction to only attack enemies that attacked him first. But they decided to just come up with something while fighting, as they had no other way. And now he was luring the Troll to the aforementioned trap. When the Troll was finally standing on the threads Neuron cancelled them making him fall inside, but his torso still was outside the trap. This was planned, because if the Troll had completely disappeared inside the trap, Kyle wouldn`t be able to do jack even without that restriction, because he obviously had no ranged skills. So Neuron began to attack the Troll who tried to cover its face. Kyle was sneaking up behind him and tried to hit it, but somehow he couldn`t even execute it. “Problem, I can`t even try to strike it, somehow the system is preventing me from doing it” “Shit, that’s just too annoying” Now the Troll neared the ground with its face to protect it while trying to get out of the hole, while ignoring the arrows, so Neuron had no other option than to go into close quarter combat, to prevent him from getting out. So he drew his axes and hacked at one of the hands the Troll used to sustain itself, somehow cutting the tendon, which caused the arm to lose all its force making the Troll loose balance and falling flat on his face. Neuron didn`t let this opportunity go to waste and struck at his head. Getting up the Troll was finally furious and trashed around with his leftover arm; he even rotated his torso, so that the injured arm would fly around. Neuron managed to dodge the limb arm, but this left him wide open for the other, but Kyle managed to block the punch with his shield. “Thanks, hey, does this count as attack?” Hearing that Kyle tried to strike at the Troll and this time he managed to execute the attack. “Great, now we finally have the upper hand!” Sadly that false Both of them where hitting the Troll as hard as they could, but it seemed to regenerate almost all of the damage it took. So now they were left with no other option than to hack away little chunks of its health, while preventing it from getting out of the pit. Then finally after one hour of continuously hitting it, it died. “hah, hah, that was hard, damn, they regenerate too fast” “But the exp is worth it” “Well yeah, I gained another level from it, and you” “Me too” Now for three days they worked like this, till they were finally able to equip the gear Warnton provided them. Now hunting was like a walk in the park for them, because they were heavily over equipped. Neuron even Managed to secure some Troll leather and sewed himself a new armor. | * Simple Leather armor Made by a Novice Tailor from Troll hides, that somehow knew, where the armors defense is low, and thus reinforced those parts.Durability: 40/40Defense: 12Requirements:Lv15 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | When Neuron finally was able to equip the new bow, the regular monsters stopped attacking them, only those with four arms attacked them relentlessly, which was quite annoying, because those where pretty high level and their four arms made predicting the next strike difficult, but soon also their onslaught subsided Kyle also gained the skill War hammer mastery and managed to level it up to level three. | * War hammer mastery beginner Lv3 Increases attack Damage by 30% (blunt)Increases attack speed by 6%+1,5% Stun chance | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | “So, Kyle what now, they seem to be avoiding us” “Nothing to do, than to enter and hope for the best” \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ | * You have entered The Tomb of the forgotten archer For discovering a new Dungeon +100FameUpon defeat the boss will drop a rare item. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | “Boah a rare Item, what could it be” “Dunno, let’s find out!” Both of them entered the dungeon, only to see a straight corridor ahead which was probably full of traps. Now Neuron looked strangely towards Kyle “What?” “You go first” he said with a gleam in his eyes “No, I won`t, this corridor is obviously filled with traps” “And? What do you want to do about them, I know we both don’t have a trap discover or disarm skill” “So now you intent to let the one with the most health points and defense trigger them on purpose.” “About right, and just look, there is a door, only 30m inside” “Why is it, that when you suggest something I always get the brunt of it?” “Don`t know” With that cleared, Kyle cautiously began his way inside. The first trap he activated was a simple one. It just triggered some arrows that flew at him, but those didn`t give him any damage, because they where reflected by his armor. But as he proceeded the traps grew worse. Mostly they just shot arrows at him, but their number grew steadily till some managed to bypass his armor or hit somewhere the armor didn`t cover. First it didn`t face Kyle, but now they were poisoned, and even with a strong one, so he had to gobble down some antidotes. Some dropped boulders from above, but Kyle had already gotten acquainted with the traps, so now he could hear a click sound when he activated them, and thus he managed to bring his shield between him and the falling rocks. And because he had deliberately triggered all of the traps | * Trap triggering Beginner Lv1 Enables you to see traps, and judge their effect While triggering them you are also able to position yourself so that you won`t get the full impact of the trap you triggered -3% Damage from TrapsIf a enemy gets caught in a trap you triggered it will get 10%more damage from itAttention Disarming Traps has become impossible | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Then at 10m distance to the door he halted. “What Happened?” “The whole floor is a trap; I think it’s a pitfall that gets triggered when someone opens the door or comes close to it.” “And?” “This time you trigger it” “Why?” “As I said it’s a pitfall, so it will take time to open, and you can use this time to jump towards me, or I could pull you with one of your threads towards me, when you trigger it” “Hmm, sounds convincing” but his thoughts were *Damn, he got me* Neuron decided to go with the latter and thus Kyle managed to pull him out of the trap when Neuron activated it, like Kyle predicted right before the door. But now, they had a serious problem, that being how to cross the 10m broad pitfall. “Ähm Kyle do you have a suggestion?” “Nope, not really, well let’s eat, and while eating we can think about it” “Ähm Kyle what do your stats look like as of now?” “Didn`t we agree not to show them again?” “True, but what about only showing the status window, without the skill progression?” “That, I think we could try” Both: “Show Status Window only, to Kyle/Neuron | Status Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | Neuron | Level | 30 | | Class | N/A | | | | Fame | 290 | Infamy | 150 | | Title | N/A | | | | Health | 3104 | Mana | 2680 | | Strength | 114 | Dexterity | 189 | | Wisdom | 23 | Intelligence | 52 | | Vitality | 60 | Luck | 1 | | Endurance | 23 | Sustenance | 20 | | Fighting Spirit | 13 | Accuracy | 10 | | Base Attack | 33 | Defense | 18 | | Magical Resistance | | | | | Fire | 0% | Water | 0% | | Earth | 0% | Air | 0% | | Dark | 0% | Holy | 0% | | If your Infamy is higher than your fame, you will be wantedReward depends on the difference between Fame and Infamy | | | | | Status Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | Kyle | Level | 32 | | Class | Defender | | | | Fame | 140 | Infamy | 50 | | Title | N/A | | | | Health | 5548 | Mana | 2460 | | Strength | 179 (+10) | Dexterity | 105 (+10) | | Wisdom | 36 | Intelligence | 46 | | Vitality | 113 (+10) | Luck | 0 | | Endurance | 40 | Sustenance | 25 | | Fighting Spirit | 18 | Block | 11 (+10) | | Base Attack | 54 (+70-80) | Defense | 142 (+20) | | Magical Resistance | | | | | Fire | 5% | Water | 5% | | Earth | 5% | Air | 5% | | Dark | 5% | Holy | 5% | | +10 to Vitality, Strength and Dexterity+20 to Defense+10 to Block Mobs attack you before they turn to the group members unless provokedYou may not engage mobs unless they attack you first+5% to all Magical ResistanceIf your Infamy is higher than your fame, you will be wantedReward depends on the difference between Fame and Infamy | | | | “Hmm, that isn’t so bad as before, but Kyle you got some massive health and attack there” “True, I invested most of my points into Vitality, Strength and Dexterity, but you too, how come you have so much health” “Well, I invested most of the stat points into Dexterity of course, then Strength and nearly equal for the rest.” End Chapter 19 The next chapter will be... A boss fight of course :twisted: Hope you like my FF so far and as always keep your criticism moderate :lol:

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <img src="http://i58.tinypic.com/1zl6iwx.jpg" border="0" alt="http%3a%2f%2fi58.tinypic.com%2f1zl6iwx.jpg"><br><br><br>Chapter3<br>The Manly Class<br><br>Don left Hiritol wearing beginner clothes and a tattered leather vest he picked up off a skeleton he found in the sewers. It still smelled foul but he didn’t have enough money to buy anything decent. The path to the mountains was a four day walk and he was without a party. Don already decided that he would go it alone though. The entrance to the tomb was too far out of the way for any party to be going there. That and it was guarded so only those with a purpose could enter. <br><br>Don started running as fast as he could. It still took two days in the real world to get there. He had to avoid areas he could get killed or risk death. Dying in royal road meant access to the game was lost for 24 hours, your character lost a level and 5~15% mastery for each skill, as well as being brought back to the last safe zone you were in. The monsters in the mountains ranged from level 60 to 220, and rarely traveled alone. Although it went against his man code to avoid conflict, his one exception to the rule was to avoid death when nothing could be gained from it. So unless he was sacrificing himself to save someone or something similar, he wouldn’t willing do something that was almost guaranteed to kill him.<br><br>Don arrived at the tomb of the great Blade Master Bourrick. It was not a grand entrance so it didn’t stand out much, but it did have a manned outpost there. When Don approached the men took out their weapons.<br><br>“Halt, authorization is required to enter.”<br><br>Don said, “I am here on behalf of the intelligence guild to test myself to get the blade master class.”<br><br>The armored guard nodded, “Very well.”<br><br>Don asked, “Why are you guys here anyways?”<br><br>“To protect the sanctity of this tomb in honor of those who reside within.”<br><br>Don thought, ‘Those?’ before saying, “But why are you protecting it?”<br><br>“We are protecting it from grave robbers. That is why only those who are authorized my go inside.”<br><br>“I see, thankyou.” Don passed the men and entered to tomb. It was well lit and dry, a well maintained place. Don decided to try his adventurer skills.<br><br>“Detect.”<br><br>The walls around him shimmered lightly. If there was something in the area that was hidden, it would glow. However because his proficiency was low, the glow would be almost unnoticeable so he had to pay attention. Don explored the tomb leisurely. He had just logged in so he had 24 hours to explore. While leveling Don gave stats mostly to strength, with the rest to agility and intellect. Because of that he had some extra mana to use skills like scan and detect a few times before needing to recharge.<br><br>Don reached a narrow hallway that looked suspicious, he didn’t know if traps would be that early in a tomb but he could afford to check.<br><br>“Detect’<br><br>The area shimmered without showing anything down the hall, but the wall just to his left shined very dimly for an instant. Don turned to face it and used detect again. He saw the same thing. The wall hid a secret. Don pushed against various parts of the wall but nothing happened, He went around a corner and used detect again, this time a single brick, opposite the wall dimly glowed for a moment. Don pressed in on the brick which sank a few inches. A rumbling sound came from the wall which lowered, revealing a staircase. Don boldly went in, it was definitely the manliest thing to do.<br><br>The lower part looked similar to the first part. After walking for a bit he heard a screeching sound. Some large purple monkey looking creature rushed at Don as soon as it spotted him. Don stared it down before looking behind it and shouting, “What is that?!” While pointing behind the monster. <br><br>The long limbed purple monkey turned around to see what was there, only to be slashed repeatedly in the back by Don.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Critical Hit!<br>Bluff mastery increased by 12%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Bluff cost no mana and was a very useful skill if you knew how to use it. <br><br>The monkey jumped forward after the Don’s attack trying to get away but Don’s first two strikes were to both its legs, it couldn’t run, only fight. <br><br>Don said, “Scan.” A screen appeared next to the monkey revealing some info about it.”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Rayshic lvl 50~<br>Health 1500~</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>The info revealed by scan increased as more of the same monster was scanned, and how much detail was given was determined by scan’s mastery level.<br><br>The monster seemed to be the one that dropped the knife, maybe not this one, but somewhere down here. Don charged forward slashing as much as he could with each step while moving up, down, left, and right to make his strike come from everywhere. Don didn’t even worry about defense because as long as he could push his opponent, his opponent couldn’t attack. After two minutes the Rayshic was dead, Don got a level, and moved on.<br><br>Although they were plenty strong if given the chance to attack, there were too few of them to cause Don a problem. That being said, it made it harder to encounter one and find that dagger. But Don was not in a great hurry. If he had to kill everything in the dungeon so be it. Of course he wished there were more, this place would make a good hunting grounds if it weren’t for the fact ten minutes or more would pass between fights. <br><br>Even through boredom Don remained vigilant. Whenever a hallway looked suspicious, he used detect. Ever since going into the deep region he had encountered half a dozen traps, though he had not managed to disarm any, they were too high a level for someone with his shabby skills to disarm. And when he failed to disarm it the thing went off. Hallways were blocked with fire or endless streams of arrows or needles. Don felt cheated because there was the possibility that the rayshic with the blade was beyond those passages. <br><br>He encountered another rayshic, it threw itself at him pinning itself to both of Don’s arms and taking a bite out of Don. Don ripped the thing off before yelling at it with all his might as he fought it off. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>New Stat: Perseverance</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Talking a strong hit gave him perseverance. It was a stat that reduced the amount of damage attacks did to him. Don yelled “Scan.”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Rayshic lvl 60~<br>Health 2100~ Mana 300~<br>ATK 40~ DEF 10~</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>He had scanned enough of the monkeys to get more info with each scan. Because each scan only revealed an approximate level he couldn’t determine which ones were stronger but this one was clearly the strongest he faced so far. That bite took out most of Don’s life. It may have been the one he was looking for. Don readied himself and started his fastest striking pattern as he dashed for the howling monkey. It ducked and weaved expertly but it couldn’t get closer. It tried to go around but the narrow hallway was not its friend. However Don couldn’t strike it either. It was a stalemate unless something could be changed. Don yelled, “You! Come out now!” The monkey turned around to see what Don was pointing and shouting at, giving Don the opening he needed. He stabbed the monkey with both swords at once in a technique he had practiced for hours against the dummies when he got bored.<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Critical Hit!<br>You have leveled up!<br>Skill level up: Bluff [2]</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>The monkey died, dropping only a tooth, the common drop for these mobs. <br><br>Don moved on. After twenty minutes further into the tomb he found another suspicious hallway. Although he thought suspicious, it looked in fact just like every hallway so far with a trap in it.<br><br>“Detect.”<br><br>The roof of a part of the hallway glowed lightly. Don had seen the same trap in another hallway. The area under that section of the roof was pressure sensitive, should it be stepped on the roof would come down, crushing the unfortunate trespasser. However Don knew that like all the traps he encountered in this place so far, it wouldn’t simply deactivate some time after triggered. The roof would stay down, effectively sealing off the passage permanently. Don approached the area in front of the trigger. He used detect again, looking closely at the wall where he saw in the dimmest of glow of a false brick that could be removed. Behind it was the trap mechanism, several ropes that were hooked between the trigger and whatever was holding the roof up. Don had to cut the rope that triggered the trap without himself triggering the trap. Don choose a rope, and sliced it.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Skill level up: Disarm trap [2]</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Don let out a deep sigh of relief. Just to be safe he threw some junk on the trigger but nothing happened, he tentatively stepped onto it, and then through it, down the tunnel. The passage turned a few times then came to a fairly large room with a door. After looking around a bit Don tried opening the door.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>The door is locked.<br>A key is required.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Don was now slightly confused. There is no way he would be given a quest to fight a monster that is behind a locked door. Don brought up his quest log to see the details of his quest.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Retrieve the Blade<br>Within the tomb of the Great Blade Master lies a raysic holding onto a blade. Obtain it and receive your reward.<br><br>Difficulty: Unknown<br>Requirement: Above average abilities<br>Reward: Blade Master Class</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Raysic? Not Rayshic?” The monster’s names were so similar he thought they were the same, but he had been hunting the wrong monster. It was likely that what he needed to fight was in the original part of the tomb. But then that bared the question. What was behind this door?<br><br>It took Don no effort to decide that the manliest thing to do was open it. After leaving with the class Don wouldn’t be able to return anyways so it was now or never.<br><br>Don had never picked a lock before, but he knew how. It came instinctively to him because he knew how locks work.<br><br>Don first put his tension wrench into the lower part of the lock and turned it left then right. It wouldn’t turn clockwise at all but it could slightly turn counter clockwise, meaning that was the direction the key turned it. He then slide the pick inside to feel the tumblers. He felt six tumblers, the lowest two were the same height. This would not be easy.<br><br>A keyhole is held in place within the lock by tumblers, or tiny pairs of cylinders columns in a line, that are pushed down by a spring from above. When a key is REPLACEed the tumblers rise to the point where the cylinders allow movement.<br><br><img src="http://img.wonderhowto.com/img/60/29/63472512936680/0/pick-basic-tumbler-locks.w654.jpg" border="0" alt="http%3a%2f%2fimg.wonderhowto.com%2fimg%2f60%2f29%2f634...s.w654.jpg"><br><br>Don turned the tension wrench until some of the pins became harder to move, these were to ones to raise first. However for this lock, there were two that were the same. Don turned over his pick to the flat side and lifted it parallel upwards until he felt the bottom of both of the pins and rose them together.<br>Click*<br><br>The tension wrench was able to move the lock just a bit, the two pins were now above the cylinder keeping them up as long as Don kept tension on the wrench. Don found the next hardest one to move and tapped it up until he heard another click. Three more to go. Don attempted to raise the next hardest to move tumbler when his pick snapped. Don froze for an instant afraid to move. While carefully keeping tension on the lock he slowly moved over to get another pick. Don felt grateful the wrench didn’t snap and that he didn’t lose tension. Had he slipped the lock would have returned to normal and all the tumblers would have set back into their original position. Don carefully reREPLACEed the pick and started back up with the fourth pin. <br><br>After three more clicks Don used the tension wrench to turn the lock all the way until the door had opened.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Skill level up: Unlock [2]</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Don got up and entered the door. Through it was a large room with a large statue of a man wielding two swords. Below the statue was an ornate sarcophagus. Don walked up to the thing and saw words that were inscribed in a plaque before the statue. <br><br>-Here lies Palutos, master of masters and teacher to the Blade Master Bourrick.<br>Any who wish for his wisdom may kneel at his tomb. <br><br>Don looked around for a bit and began to realized where he was. It seemed the Bourrick didn’t have the tomb built solely for himself, there were many famous masters entombed as well within. The section Don found was likely the secret area where many such masters were buried. That explained why this tomb had good security and wouldn’t allow grave robbers to enter.<br><br>Don figured the wisdom of Palutos was a buff or something, so he knelt before the stone coffin. Suddenly Don heard a strange voice.<br><br>"<span style="font-style: italic;">Adventurer who kneels before my tomb, does thou wish for the wisdom of Palutos? Within thee I see the qualifications, do you wish to take up the mantel I left when I died, do you wish to become a master of the sword arts</span>?"<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Hidden Class!If you accept it, you can use exclusive skills related to the nature of the class.<br>Do you want to convert now?</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Don got up and stared at the statue in disbelief for a moment. Then he said, “You’re Bourrick’s master?”<br><br>The voice replied, "<span style="font-style: italic;">I taught him everything that he knew, though not everything I knew.</span>”<br><br>In other words the master of a famous Blade Master. Don thought that nothing could be manlier. <br><br>“I accept.”<br><br>A light shone over Don and his stat window appeared in front of him<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>New Stat: Charisma<br>New Stat: Charm</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="2">Status Window</td></tr><tr><td>Avatar Don</td><td>Alignment Neutral</td></tr><tr><td>Race Lunar Elf</td><td>Title None</td></tr><tr><td>Level 37</td><td>Class Blade Dancer</td></tr><tr><td>Fame 20</td><td>Infamy None</td></tr><tr><td>Health 1760</td><td>Mana 430</td></tr><tr><td>Strength 139</td><td>Agility 101</td></tr><tr><td>Wisdom 21</td><td>Intellect 39</td></tr><tr><td>Vitality 60</td><td>Affinity to Nature 0</td></tr><tr><td>Charisma 80</td><td>Charm 80</td></tr><tr><td>Leadership 0</td><td>Perseverance 1</td></tr><tr><td>Fighting Spirit 52</td><td>Endurance 65</td></tr><tr><td>Attack 78</td><td>Defense 12</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Magic Resistances None</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">+ Charisma stat is added extra 80 points.<br>+ Charm stat is added an extra 80 points<br>+ Enables you to equip certain items specialized for the class.<br>+ Increases Attack Power while dual wielding swords.<br>+ Enables you to learn secret skills based on your level in Blade Dancing Mastery.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>New Skill: You have learned Blade Dancing<br>New Skill: You have learned Cross Body Parry<br>New Skill: You have learned Fiery Dance<br>New Skill: You have learned Illusion Steps</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Quest Failed: Retrieve the Blade<br>Cannot take class quest if one already has a class.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Don did a double take at the screen before mouthing, “Blade.... .Dancer?!” The class he had just received was a secret dancer class. Don shouted, “HEY! WHAT GIVES?!”<br><br>No answer. Don walked up to the coffin and yelled, “HEY! DON’T IGNORE ME! What is This?! You were a Dancer?!”<br><br>Don threw open the lid of the coffin. A skeleton in leather with two beautiful black ceremonial swords in his bone hands laid there. Don was so mad he shouted, “I Swear! If you don’t answer, I will take All your Stuff!”<br><br>Still no answer. Don was a man of his word. Don lifted the body out of the coffin and removed the leather armor from it, as well as the swords. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Infamy increased by 20 (+20 INF)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Don was tempted to leave the body out but stealing from the dead and disrespecting the dead were two different things. He placed the naked skeleton back in the coffin, closed the lid, and left. Thanks to his automapping skill he knew all the places he had been and was able to return to the first part of the dungeon where he spent the next fifteen hours fuming while killing Raysics. They were the same as Rayshics, but light blue. He killed every blue monkey in the dungeon, but none dropped the ceremonial blade that would let him convert to a blade master. <br><br>Once someone had a class, no guild would bother to give a quest that rewarded one with a class. The only way to change after that was to meet the requirements of another class and have an NPC ask you if you wanted to change. That was how, if he met the requirements, a warrior could become a Knight. And because Don somehow met the requirements, that was how he became a blade dancer.<br><br>After Don killed off all the Raysics he returned to the lower level again to find another tomb in the hopes some other dead master would offer him their class. However it seemed that Palutos was the last one he hadn’t sealed with a failed trap busting. The hallways that were blocked off with traps likely lead to the other masters meaning he couldn't reach them. The trap would reset after he left, but now that he no longer had a quest, he would not be allowed to re-enter. <br><br>Don left the tomb a broken man. The guards who were stationed at the time said, “What’s wrong?”<br><br>“I got tricked into becoming a dancer.”<br><br>They looked at each other then said, “As in, Blade Dancer? You made it to the lower tomb?”<br><br>“Yea.”<br><br>“So why are you so distraught?”<br><br>“I wanted to become a manly blade master, now I’m a dancer.”<br><br>The men looked at each other and shook their heads. Then they said, “If you want to see the power of a blade dancer, go to the top of Mt. Ketsdale. Rumor has it there is an old blade dancer there. You don’t seem to understand what you’ve gotten your hands on. Go there and find out.”<br><br>After that they returned to their normal positions. Don couldn’t imagine how a dancer could be manly. Though he hadn’t really looked at it yet. He hadn’t even looked at the skills.<br><br>“Show Dance skills”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Blade Dancing [1] 0%<br>Dancing with swords attracts the attention of enemies.</td></tr><tr><td>Cross Body Parry [1] 0%<br>Can only be used with equipped with two swords<br>Uses one sword to parry an enemy's attack while using the other to strike in the same movement<br>Mana Cost:15</td></tr><tr><td>Fiery Dance [1] 0%<br>Can only be used while dancing<br>Evokes the spirit of fire within your dance. Swords deal fire damage in addition to regular combat damage.<br>Mana Cost: 20 per second</td></tr><tr><td>Illusion Steps[1] 0%<br>Can only be used while dancing<br>Uses misleading dancing steps to go in a different direction than you appear to be going<br>Creates an after image.<br>Mana Cost: 30 Duration 5 steps</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Don looked through the skills carefully. He decided he may have misjudged the class. Normal dancers relied on the Charm and Charisma stat to distract monsters and make them lose their will to fight. They could only equip dresses and knives, so were weak in attack and defense. However Palutos was wearing beautiful leather armor, and obviously he could use swords. Don opened up his inventory to see the looted equipment he stole from the tomb.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Twin Ornate blades<br>Durability 100/100<br>Damage 25~27 (Each)<br>Black iron blade made in a set. A copy of the original weapons used by the Blade Dancer Plalutos. Not as strong as the originals, these were made for decorative purposes.<br>Requirements:<br>Level 50<br>50 Strength<br>50 Agility<br>Equips:<br>+10 Charisma<br>+10 Charm<br>When both weapons are equipped +25% Attack</td></tr><tr><td>Palutos’ Armor. <br>Durability 60/60<br>Defense 20<br>Armor made with leather from beasts with vibrant hides. A copy of the original used by Blade Dancer Palutos<br>Requirements:<br>50 Strength<br>50 Agility<br>Equips:<br>Effects of Dancing skills increase<br>Elemental damage does not affect the durability of armor</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Don took them out again to get a good look. Now that he was in the sun the truth of the armor was shone. Its surface shined many different hues when reflected. Like glossy fur of many colors. In battle it would definitely attract attention. In other words it was the male dancer equivalent of a dress. <br><br>From the weapons and skills Don judged that a blade dancer wasn’t as bad as he thought. The armor was good and the swords were excellent. He was lucky they were only copies instead of the originals. The copy’s stats and therefore requirements would be much lower than the original’s. He leveled up to 43 while in the tomb so he would be able to equip them very soon. However that didn’t change the fact that in order to make the most out of the class he had to dance. Besides the fact that he considered dancing unmanly, he couldn't do it if he wanted to. In his whole life he had never learned how to dance.<br><br>He decided for now he would give the class a trial run. At the very least he would find somewhere to hunt till he hit level 50. Then after equipping Palutos’ stuff Don would check out the the peak of this Mt. Ketsdale the guard spoke of.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Next Chapter 4 The First Dance<br>&lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=185&amp;t=1547"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=185&amp;t=1547&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt;<br><br>Previous Chapter 2 The Manly Training<br>&lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=185&amp;t=1534&amp;p=9255#p9255"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=185&amp;t=1534&amp;p=9255#p9255&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt;</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/28sqb0l.jpg" border="0" alt="http%3a%2f%2fi39.tinypic.com%2f28sqb0l.jpg"></div> </div>

 Chapter3 The Manly Class Don left Hiritol wearing beginner clothes and a tattered leather vest he picked up off a skeleton he found in the sewers. It still smelled foul but he didn’t have enough money to buy anything decent. The path to the mountains was a four day walk and he was without a party. Don already decided that he would go it alone though. The entrance to the tomb was too far out of the way for any party to be going there. That and it was guarded so only those with a purpose could enter. Don started running as fast as he could. It still took two days in the real world to get there. He had to avoid areas he could get killed or risk death. Dying in royal road meant access to the game was lost for 24 hours, your character lost a level and 5~15% mastery for each skill, as well as being brought back to the last safe zone you were in. The monsters in the mountains ranged from level 60 to 220, and rarely traveled alone. Although it went against his man code to avoid conflict, his one exception to the rule was to avoid death when nothing could be gained from it. So unless he was sacrificing himself to save someone or something similar, he wouldn’t willing do something that was almost guaranteed to kill him. Don arrived at the tomb of the great Blade Master Bourrick. It was not a grand entrance so it didn’t stand out much, but it did have a manned outpost there. When Don approached the men took out their weapons. “Halt, authorization is required to enter.” Don said, “I am here on behalf of the intelligence guild to test myself to get the blade master class.” The armored guard nodded, “Very well.” Don asked, “Why are you guys here anyways?” “To protect the sanctity of this tomb in honor of those who reside within.” Don thought, ‘Those?’ before saying, “But why are you protecting it?” “We are protecting it from grave robbers. That is why only those who are authorized my go inside.” “I see, thankyou.” Don passed the men and entered to tomb. It was well lit and dry, a well maintained place. Don decided to try his adventurer skills. “Detect.” The walls around him shimmered lightly. If there was something in the area that was hidden, it would glow. However because his proficiency was low, the glow would be almost unnoticeable so he had to pay attention. Don explored the tomb leisurely. He had just logged in so he had 24 hours to explore. While leveling Don gave stats mostly to strength, with the rest to agility and intellect. Because of that he had some extra mana to use skills like scan and detect a few times before needing to recharge. Don reached a narrow hallway that looked suspicious, he didn’t know if traps would be that early in a tomb but he could afford to check. “Detect’ The area shimmered without showing anything down the hall, but the wall just to his left shined very dimly for an instant. Don turned to face it and used detect again. He saw the same thing. The wall hid a secret. Don pushed against various parts of the wall but nothing happened, He went around a corner and used detect again, this time a single brick, opposite the wall dimly glowed for a moment. Don pressed in on the brick which sank a few inches. A rumbling sound came from the wall which lowered, revealing a staircase. Don boldly went in, it was definitely the manliest thing to do. The lower part looked similar to the first part. After walking for a bit he heard a screeching sound. Some large purple monkey looking creature rushed at Don as soon as it spotted him. Don stared it down before looking behind it and shouting, “What is that?!” While pointing behind the monster. The long limbed purple monkey turned around to see what was there, only to be slashed repeatedly in the back by Don. | Critical Hit!Bluff mastery increased by 12% | | --- | Bluff cost no mana and was a very useful skill if you knew how to use it. The monkey jumped forward after the Don’s attack trying to get away but Don’s first two strikes were to both its legs, it couldn’t run, only fight. Don said, “Scan.” A screen appeared next to the monkey revealing some info about it.” | Rayshic lvl 50~Health 1500~ | | --- | The info revealed by scan increased as more of the same monster was scanned, and how much detail was given was determined by scan’s mastery level. The monster seemed to be the one that dropped the knife, maybe not this one, but somewhere down here. Don charged forward slashing as much as he could with each step while moving up, down, left, and right to make his strike come from everywhere. Don didn’t even worry about defense because as long as he could push his opponent, his opponent couldn’t attack. After two minutes the Rayshic was dead, Don got a level, and moved on. Although they were plenty strong if given the chance to attack, there were too few of them to cause Don a problem. That being said, it made it harder to encounter one and find that dagger. But Don was not in a great hurry. If he had to kill everything in the dungeon so be it. Of course he wished there were more, this place would make a good hunting grounds if it weren’t for the fact ten minutes or more would pass between fights. Even through boredom Don remained vigilant. Whenever a hallway looked suspicious, he used detect. Ever since going into the deep region he had encountered half a dozen traps, though he had not managed to disarm any, they were too high a level for someone with his shabby skills to disarm. And when he failed to disarm it the thing went off. Hallways were blocked with fire or endless streams of arrows or needles. Don felt cheated because there was the possibility that the rayshic with the blade was beyond those passages. He encountered another rayshic, it threw itself at him pinning itself to both of Don’s arms and taking a bite out of Don. Don ripped the thing off before yelling at it with all his might as he fought it off. | New Stat: Perseverance | | --- | Talking a strong hit gave him perseverance. It was a stat that reduced the amount of damage attacks did to him. Don yelled “Scan.” | Rayshic lvl 60~Health 2100~ Mana 300~ATK 40~ DEF 10~ | | --- | He had scanned enough of the monkeys to get more info with each scan. Because each scan only revealed an approximate level he couldn’t determine which ones were stronger but this one was clearly the strongest he faced so far. That bite took out most of Don’s life. It may have been the one he was looking for. Don readied himself and started his fastest striking pattern as he dashed for the howling monkey. It ducked and weaved expertly but it couldn’t get closer. It tried to go around but the narrow hallway was not its friend. However Don couldn’t strike it either. It was a stalemate unless something could be changed. Don yelled, “You! Come out now!” The monkey turned around to see what Don was pointing and shouting at, giving Don the opening he needed. He stabbed the monkey with both swords at once in a technique he had practiced for hours against the dummies when he got bored. | Critical Hit!You have leveled up!Skill level up: Bluff [2] | | --- | The monkey died, dropping only a tooth, the common drop for these mobs. Don moved on. After twenty minutes further into the tomb he found another suspicious hallway. Although he thought suspicious, it looked in fact just like every hallway so far with a trap in it. “Detect.” The roof of a part of the hallway glowed lightly. Don had seen the same trap in another hallway. The area under that section of the roof was pressure sensitive, should it be stepped on the roof would come down, crushing the unfortunate trespasser. However Don knew that like all the traps he encountered in this place so far, it wouldn’t simply deactivate some time after triggered. The roof would stay down, effectively sealing off the passage permanently. Don approached the area in front of the trigger. He used detect again, looking closely at the wall where he saw in the dimmest of glow of a false brick that could be removed. Behind it was the trap mechanism, several ropes that were hooked between the trigger and whatever was holding the roof up. Don had to cut the rope that triggered the trap without himself triggering the trap. Don choose a rope, and sliced it. | Skill level up: Disarm trap [2] | | --- | Don let out a deep sigh of relief. Just to be safe he threw some junk on the trigger but nothing happened, he tentatively stepped onto it, and then through it, down the tunnel. The passage turned a few times then came to a fairly large room with a door. After looking around a bit Don tried opening the door. | The door is locked.A key is required. | | --- | Don was now slightly confused. There is no way he would be given a quest to fight a monster that is behind a locked door. Don brought up his quest log to see the details of his quest. | Retrieve the BladeWithin the tomb of the Great Blade Master lies a raysic holding onto a blade. Obtain it and receive your reward.Difficulty: UnknownRequirement: Above average abilitiesReward: Blade Master Class | | --- | “Raysic? Not Rayshic?” The monster’s names were so similar he thought they were the same, but he had been hunting the wrong monster. It was likely that what he needed to fight was in the original part of the tomb. But then that bared the question. What was behind this door? It took Don no effort to decide that the manliest thing to do was open it. After leaving with the class Don wouldn’t be able to return anyways so it was now or never. Don had never picked a lock before, but he knew how. It came instinctively to him because he knew how locks work. Don first put his tension wrench into the lower part of the lock and turned it left then right. It wouldn’t turn clockwise at all but it could slightly turn counter clockwise, meaning that was the direction the key turned it. He then slide the pick inside to feel the tumblers. He felt six tumblers, the lowest two were the same height. This would not be easy. A keyhole is held in place within the lock by tumblers, or tiny pairs of cylinders columns in a line, that are pushed down by a spring from above. When a key is REPLACEed the tumblers rise to the point where the cylinders allow movement.  Don turned the tension wrench until some of the pins became harder to move, these were to ones to raise first. However for this lock, there were two that were the same. Don turned over his pick to the flat side and lifted it parallel upwards until he felt the bottom of both of the pins and rose them together. Click* The tension wrench was able to move the lock just a bit, the two pins were now above the cylinder keeping them up as long as Don kept tension on the wrench. Don found the next hardest one to move and tapped it up until he heard another click. Three more to go. Don attempted to raise the next hardest to move tumbler when his pick snapped. Don froze for an instant afraid to move. While carefully keeping tension on the lock he slowly moved over to get another pick. Don felt grateful the wrench didn’t snap and that he didn’t lose tension. Had he slipped the lock would have returned to normal and all the tumblers would have set back into their original position. Don carefully reREPLACEed the pick and started back up with the fourth pin. After three more clicks Don used the tension wrench to turn the lock all the way until the door had opened. | Skill level up: Unlock [2] | | --- | Don got up and entered the door. Through it was a large room with a large statue of a man wielding two swords. Below the statue was an ornate sarcophagus. Don walked up to the thing and saw words that were inscribed in a plaque before the statue. -Here lies Palutos, master of masters and teacher to the Blade Master Bourrick. Any who wish for his wisdom may kneel at his tomb. Don looked around for a bit and began to realized where he was. It seemed the Bourrick didn’t have the tomb built solely for himself, there were many famous masters entombed as well within. The section Don found was likely the secret area where many such masters were buried. That explained why this tomb had good security and wouldn’t allow grave robbers to enter. Don figured the wisdom of Palutos was a buff or something, so he knelt before the stone coffin. Suddenly Don heard a strange voice. "Adventurer who kneels before my tomb, does thou wish for the wisdom of Palutos? Within thee I see the qualifications, do you wish to take up the mantel I left when I died, do you wish to become a master of the sword arts?" | Hidden Class!If you accept it, you can use exclusive skills related to the nature of the class.Do you want to convert now? | | --- | Don got up and stared at the statue in disbelief for a moment. Then he said, “You’re Bourrick’s master?” The voice replied, "I taught him everything that he knew, though not everything I knew.” In other words the master of a famous Blade Master. Don thought that nothing could be manlier. “I accept.” A light shone over Don and his stat window appeared in front of him | New Stat: CharismaNew Stat: Charm | | --- | | Status Window | | | --- | --- | | Avatar Don | Alignment Neutral | | Race Lunar Elf | Title None | | Level 37 | Class Blade Dancer | | Fame 20 | Infamy None | | Health 1760 | Mana 430 | | Strength 139 | Agility 101 | | Wisdom 21 | Intellect 39 | | Vitality 60 | Affinity to Nature 0 | | Charisma 80 | Charm 80 | | Leadership 0 | Perseverance 1 | | Fighting Spirit 52 | Endurance 65 | | Attack 78 | Defense 12 | | Magic Resistances None | | | + Charisma stat is added extra 80 points.+ Charm stat is added an extra 80 points+ Enables you to equip certain items specialized for the class.+ Increases Attack Power while dual wielding swords.+ Enables you to learn secret skills based on your level in Blade Dancing Mastery. | | | New Skill: You have learned Blade DancingNew Skill: You have learned Cross Body ParryNew Skill: You have learned Fiery DanceNew Skill: You have learned Illusion Steps | | --- | | Quest Failed: Retrieve the BladeCannot take class quest if one already has a class. | | --- | Don did a double take at the screen before mouthing, “Blade.... .Dancer?!” The class he had just received was a secret dancer class. Don shouted, “HEY! WHAT GIVES?!” No answer. Don walked up to the coffin and yelled, “HEY! DON’T IGNORE ME! What is This?! You were a Dancer?!” Don threw open the lid of the coffin. A skeleton in leather with two beautiful black ceremonial swords in his bone hands laid there. Don was so mad he shouted, “I Swear! If you don’t answer, I will take All your Stuff!” Still no answer. Don was a man of his word. Don lifted the body out of the coffin and removed the leather armor from it, as well as the swords. | Infamy increased by 20 (+20 INF) | | --- | Don was tempted to leave the body out but stealing from the dead and disrespecting the dead were two different things. He placed the naked skeleton back in the coffin, closed the lid, and left. Thanks to his automapping skill he knew all the places he had been and was able to return to the first part of the dungeon where he spent the next fifteen hours fuming while killing Raysics. They were the same as Rayshics, but light blue. He killed every blue monkey in the dungeon, but none dropped the ceremonial blade that would let him convert to a blade master. Once someone had a class, no guild would bother to give a quest that rewarded one with a class. The only way to change after that was to meet the requirements of another class and have an NPC ask you if you wanted to change. That was how, if he met the requirements, a warrior could become a Knight. And because Don somehow met the requirements, that was how he became a blade dancer. After Don killed off all the Raysics he returned to the lower level again to find another tomb in the hopes some other dead master would offer him their class. However it seemed that Palutos was the last one he hadn’t sealed with a failed trap busting. The hallways that were blocked off with traps likely lead to the other masters meaning he couldn't reach them. The trap would reset after he left, but now that he no longer had a quest, he would not be allowed to re-enter. Don left the tomb a broken man. The guards who were stationed at the time said, “What’s wrong?” “I got tricked into becoming a dancer.” They looked at each other then said, “As in, Blade Dancer? You made it to the lower tomb?” “Yea.” “So why are you so distraught?” “I wanted to become a manly blade master, now I’m a dancer.” The men looked at each other and shook their heads. Then they said, “If you want to see the power of a blade dancer, go to the top of Mt. Ketsdale. Rumor has it there is an old blade dancer there. You don’t seem to understand what you’ve gotten your hands on. Go there and find out.” After that they returned to their normal positions. Don couldn’t imagine how a dancer could be manly. Though he hadn’t really looked at it yet. He hadn’t even looked at the skills. “Show Dance skills” | Blade Dancing [1] 0%Dancing with swords attracts the attention of enemies. | | --- | | Cross Body Parry [1] 0%Can only be used with equipped with two swordsUses one sword to parry an enemy's attack while using the other to strike in the same movementMana Cost:15 | | Fiery Dance [1] 0%Can only be used while dancingEvokes the spirit of fire within your dance. Swords deal fire damage in addition to regular combat damage.Mana Cost: 20 per second | | Illusion Steps[1] 0%Can only be used while dancingUses misleading dancing steps to go in a different direction than you appear to be goingCreates an after image.Mana Cost: 30 Duration 5 steps | Don looked through the skills carefully. He decided he may have misjudged the class. Normal dancers relied on the Charm and Charisma stat to distract monsters and make them lose their will to fight. They could only equip dresses and knives, so were weak in attack and defense. However Palutos was wearing beautiful leather armor, and obviously he could use swords. Don opened up his inventory to see the looted equipment he stole from the tomb. | Twin Ornate bladesDurability 100/100Damage 25~27 (Each)Black iron blade made in a set. A copy of the original weapons used by the Blade Dancer Plalutos. Not as strong as the originals, these were made for decorative purposes.Requirements:Level 5050 Strength50 AgilityEquips:+10 Charisma+10 CharmWhen both weapons are equipped +25% Attack | | --- | | Palutos’ Armor. Durability 60/60Defense 20Armor made with leather from beasts with vibrant hides. A copy of the original used by Blade Dancer PalutosRequirements:50 Strength50 AgilityEquips:Effects of Dancing skills increaseElemental damage does not affect the durability of armor | Don took them out again to get a good look. Now that he was in the sun the truth of the armor was shone. Its surface shined many different hues when reflected. Like glossy fur of many colors. In battle it would definitely attract attention. In other words it was the male dancer equivalent of a dress. From the weapons and skills Don judged that a blade dancer wasn’t as bad as he thought. The armor was good and the swords were excellent. He was lucky they were only copies instead of the originals. The copy’s stats and therefore requirements would be much lower than the original’s. He leveled up to 43 while in the tomb so he would be able to equip them very soon. However that didn’t change the fact that in order to make the most out of the class he had to dance. Besides the fact that he considered dancing unmanly, he couldn't do it if he wanted to. In his whole life he had never learned how to dance. He decided for now he would give the class a trial run. At the very least he would find somewhere to hunt till he hit level 50. Then after equipping Palutos’ stuff Don would check out the the peak of this Mt. Ketsdale the guard spoke of. | Next Chapter 4 The First Dance<!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=185&t=1547">viewtopic.php?f=185&t=1547</a><!-- l -->Previous Chapter 2 The Manly Training<!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=185&t=1534&p=9255#p9255">viewtopic.php?f=185&t=1534&p=9255#p9255</a><!-- l --> | | --- | 

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Chapter 3 Team Selection<br><br>Disclaimer: I own nothing , this is purely a fanfic for enjoyment. Cross-over from various games , books and anime.<br><br>Harry was dumbfounded at the power of his newly acquired Hi-Ougi. He never really got the chance to test it full out before either. It came in two version of chants, The first one he just did was an anti-boss skill, while the other was an anti-army sized offensive AOE spell. Their we're some slight variations of the chants, but they were multi-purpose.<br><br>"Such jutsu should not be cast willy nilly, but maybe I can power it down to an applicable daily use." Harry thought.<br><br><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;"> Ding*<br><br>Level up x20<br><br>Stats unused 200 </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>"Naruto are you alright?" Harry asked in concern.<br><br>"That was, AWESOME!, teach me, please teach me that Jutsu!." Naruto begged.<br><br>"I wish I could teach you, but I think it is qualified as a bloodline thing." Harry answered to what he guessed was correct, since it was an Otherwordly skillset he used that lady death has given him, thus the probability of passing, or teaching the technique to another person is next to neigh impossible. He really wished he could though, he loved Naruto like a brother.<br><br>"Awww, too bad, That was the coolest jutsu I have seen in my life." Naruto declared.<br><br>"<span style="font-style: italic;">Gahh!, it really is to bad that I can't learn it tebayo!, I will just have to be satisfied for the jutsu that I learned, that makes an army of myself.</span>" Naruto thought.<br><br>"Indeed, The damage could be felt and seen from my office, and no doubt the light show reached the other villages." The new voice said that was revealed to be the Hokage.<br><br>"Umm, it was self defense?." Harry said in a weak excuse.<br><br>Harry was sweating bullets, who knew what manner of beast he might awaken, he just managed to gain the proverbial poking of the bees nest as it were.<br><br>"Self defense, was it?, Anbu what you saw here today will be classified as an S-Class secret that is punishable by death, we don't want to leak this to the other villages now would we?." The hokage said in an amused tone. That information would be like giving a piece of meat in a river full of piranha's, and everyone wants a piece of it, well, we did find it first so it is rightfully ours. Plus he's friends with naruto, I won't hand him over to Danzo, and his ROOT division, and make him a mindless drone.<br><br>"Now Naruto, I heard on what happened to the forbidden scroll of sealing from Iruka." The hokage decided to change the subject.<br><br>"Really?, phew, that's a relief, thanks Jiji." Naruto said.<br><br>"Okay, Anbu!, please escort these kids to their apartments." the hokage commanded.<br><br>Little did the Hokage know that there was a Root Anbu within the vicinity.<br><br>"Report!, What caused that damage?." Demanded the old War hawk Danzo.<br><br>"It is believed that what caused the damage was an inheritent ability of a bloodline Danzo- sama."the Anbu Root answered.<br><br>"A blast that powerful that could rival the Biju, at last we have finally got a weapon worthy of Konoha's strength, I must talk to Sarutobi about this, and showcase it on the chuunin exams, so who was the person who did this jutsu?." Asked Danzo.<br><br>"It was that new graduated kid at the academy Danzo-sama, it was Potter Harry." the Root Anbu replied.<br><br>"Follow him secretly, Who knows what other abilities he might have up his sleeve, we have to guard our weapon, who knows what village would want to get their hands on such a powerful weapon, soon Konoha will regain its rightful glory." Danzo declared.<br><br>Later that night Harry had a strange dream, There was a man with an orange spiral mask with a red eye wearing a black cloak with red clouds in a valley of what seems to be an army of Venus flytrap man facing an army of shinobi.<br><br>"Soon my Red eye moon plan will take place" The Orange masked man said.<br><br>"Let the fourth shinobi war begin!." The Orange masked man declared.<br><br>After that strange dream Harry woke-up.<br><br>"Phew, just a strange dream." Harry said in a whisper. Harry did his morning routine and went to the academy.<br><br>Harry arrived early and took the seat at the far back of the classroom. The students arrived one by one, then Iruka finally announced who's team was who.<br><br>"Team one will be..."<br><br>"Team two will be..."<br>"Team three will be..."<br><br>"Team four will be..."<br><br>"Team five will be..."<br><br>"Team six will be..."<br><br>"Team seven will be Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki, and Harry Potter. your jonin will be Hatake Kakashi"<br><br>"Yes!, true love conquers all!." Shouted Sakura.<br><br>"Umm, Sakura, your not included in team 7." Iruka pointed out.<br><br>"What!?, My mother will hear about this!, She's in the civilian council, she said that I was to be a team member with Sasuke-kun's team." Sakura shouted, then left the room.<br><br>"Well, now that that's over, team 8 will be Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka and Shino Aburame, your jonin will be Kurenai Yuhi."<br><br>"Team nine will be..."<br><br>"Team ten will be Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Choji Akimichi, your jonin will be Sarutobi Asuma."<br><br>Harry, and his team waited for their Jonin sensei, They waited for three hour thankfully Harry had his book, the other two members of his team mates wasnt as lucky.<br><br>"Gahh, I'm going crazy, when is that lazy bastard going to show up!?" shouted the blond.<br><br>"Hnn?." responded the stoic Uchiha.<br><br>"Hnn." Harry responded as if agreeing to Sasuke.<br><br>"Gahh!, you two are being buddy buddy with each other, Since when did Harry learn the language of the Uchiha?." pondered Naruto.<br><br>"Hnnn."<br><br>"Hnnnn."<br><br>"Hn."<br><br>"Hnn."<br><br>"Gahh!, you both are driving me crazy!."<br><br>A snicker could be heard in front of the classroom.<br><br>"My first impression of you three?, you guys are funny, meet me at the roof in five minutes." the white haired Jonin ordered.<br><br>Five minutes later, at the ninja academy rooftop.<br><br>"Okay let's, introduce ourselves, Name, Likes, Dislikes, Hobby, Dreams of the future."<br><br>"I'll go first, My name is Hatake Kakashi, My likes are ( eyes looked at his book and giggled ), my dislikes are... hmmm, my hobby is ( looks at his orange book again ). Dreams of the future?, I'm not sure." Introduced Kakashi.<br><br>"You next, ( pointed out to Harry )."<br><br>"My name is Harry Potter, My likes are ( looks at his own book and giggled ) and Naruto, my dislikes are those people who believe they are right and have a stick out their ass, especially an old man who says everything is permitted for the greater good, my hobby is ( looks again at his book ), and training. Dreams of the future?, I wanna be a Dark Lord and right hand man to Naruto when he becomes hokage." Introduced Harry.<br><br>"Okay, you next, blodie."<br><br>"My name is Uzumaki Naruto tebayo!, my likes are RAMEN, Harry, and Harry's Super Cool Jutsu, my dislikes are the waiting time of three minutes for RAMEN to cook, and prejudiced people, my hobbies are training, playing pranks, and dragging Harry to said pranks. My dream is to become Hokage tebayo!." Introduced<br><br>"Okay, your last duck haired boy."<br><br>"Hey, my hairs not that bad." the resident Uchiha protested.<br><br>"Now where was I, my name is Sasuke Uchiha, my likes tomatoes, my dislike are FANGIRLS, my hobby is to train, and my dream is, no, more like an ambition that I will make into a reality!, is to kill a certain man." declared the black haired teen Uchiha.<br><br>"<span style="font-style: italic;">Okay, I have a prankster, an enigma, and an avenger, just grea</span>t."thought Kakashi.<br><br>"Okay, meet me tomorrow at training ground seven at six a.m for the real genin test, don't forget to skip your breakfast, you might puke what you guys have eaten." said Kakashi.<br><br>"What do mean the real genin test?, aren't we genin already.?" asked Naruto.<br><br>"Well not really, the test you did before are just the basics, it is up to us Jonin instructor if you are ready to brave the shinobi world, if not, then you go back to the academy, simple as that. That way we weed out the elite from the normal crop of shinobi, expect that the success rate of these test are low especially mine, since I haven't passed any genin team at all." Kakashi explained.<br><br>"We'll past that test tebayo!, No-one can stop the future hokage!."Naruto declared.<br><br>"We shall see that tomorrow." replied Kakashi.<br><br>"Hnn."said the Uchiha.<br><br>"Hnnn." replied Harry.<br><br>"Arrgggg!, You guys stop doing that, it's creepy." the blond haired kid named Naruto said.<br><br>"Ahahahahahah, that's funny." said Kakashi.<br><br>"You guys are crazy, I best go and stay away from you people, it might be infectious." declared Naruto.<br><br>"Suit yourself." said Kakashi.<br><br>"Hnn."grunted Sasuke<br><br>"Hnnn."replied Harry. </div>

Chapter 3 Team Selection Disclaimer: I own nothing , this is purely a fanfic for enjoyment. Cross-over from various games , books and anime. Harry was dumbfounded at the power of his newly acquired Hi-Ougi. He never really got the chance to test it full out before either. It came in two version of chants, The first one he just did was an anti-boss skill, while the other was an anti-army sized offensive AOE spell. Their we're some slight variations of the chants, but they were multi-purpose. "Such jutsu should not be cast willy nilly, but maybe I can power it down to an applicable daily use." Harry thought. | * Ding*Level up x20Stats unused 200 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | "Naruto are you alright?" Harry asked in concern. "That was, AWESOME!, teach me, please teach me that Jutsu!." Naruto begged. "I wish I could teach you, but I think it is qualified as a bloodline thing." Harry answered to what he guessed was correct, since it was an Otherwordly skillset he used that lady death has given him, thus the probability of passing, or teaching the technique to another person is next to neigh impossible. He really wished he could though, he loved Naruto like a brother. "Awww, too bad, That was the coolest jutsu I have seen in my life." Naruto declared. "Gahh!, it really is to bad that I can't learn it tebayo!, I will just have to be satisfied for the jutsu that I learned, that makes an army of myself." Naruto thought. "Indeed, The damage could be felt and seen from my office, and no doubt the light show reached the other villages." The new voice said that was revealed to be the Hokage. "Umm, it was self defense?." Harry said in a weak excuse. Harry was sweating bullets, who knew what manner of beast he might awaken, he just managed to gain the proverbial poking of the bees nest as it were. "Self defense, was it?, Anbu what you saw here today will be classified as an S-Class secret that is punishable by death, we don't want to leak this to the other villages now would we?." The hokage said in an amused tone. That information would be like giving a piece of meat in a river full of piranha's, and everyone wants a piece of it, well, we did find it first so it is rightfully ours. Plus he's friends with naruto, I won't hand him over to Danzo, and his ROOT division, and make him a mindless drone. "Now Naruto, I heard on what happened to the forbidden scroll of sealing from Iruka." The hokage decided to change the subject. "Really?, phew, that's a relief, thanks Jiji." Naruto said. "Okay, Anbu!, please escort these kids to their apartments." the hokage commanded. Little did the Hokage know that there was a Root Anbu within the vicinity. "Report!, What caused that damage?." Demanded the old War hawk Danzo. "It is believed that what caused the damage was an inheritent ability of a bloodline Danzo- sama."the Anbu Root answered. "A blast that powerful that could rival the Biju, at last we have finally got a weapon worthy of Konoha's strength, I must talk to Sarutobi about this, and showcase it on the chuunin exams, so who was the person who did this jutsu?." Asked Danzo. "It was that new graduated kid at the academy Danzo-sama, it was Potter Harry." the Root Anbu replied. "Follow him secretly, Who knows what other abilities he might have up his sleeve, we have to guard our weapon, who knows what village would want to get their hands on such a powerful weapon, soon Konoha will regain its rightful glory." Danzo declared. Later that night Harry had a strange dream, There was a man with an orange spiral mask with a red eye wearing a black cloak with red clouds in a valley of what seems to be an army of Venus flytrap man facing an army of shinobi. "Soon my Red eye moon plan will take place" The Orange masked man said. "Let the fourth shinobi war begin!." The Orange masked man declared. After that strange dream Harry woke-up. "Phew, just a strange dream." Harry said in a whisper. Harry did his morning routine and went to the academy. Harry arrived early and took the seat at the far back of the classroom. The students arrived one by one, then Iruka finally announced who's team was who. "Team one will be..." "Team two will be..." "Team three will be..." "Team four will be..." "Team five will be..." "Team six will be..." "Team seven will be Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki, and Harry Potter. your jonin will be Hatake Kakashi" "Yes!, true love conquers all!." Shouted Sakura. "Umm, Sakura, your not included in team 7." Iruka pointed out. "What!?, My mother will hear about this!, She's in the civilian council, she said that I was to be a team member with Sasuke-kun's team." Sakura shouted, then left the room. "Well, now that that's over, team 8 will be Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka and Shino Aburame, your jonin will be Kurenai Yuhi." "Team nine will be..." "Team ten will be Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Choji Akimichi, your jonin will be Sarutobi Asuma." Harry, and his team waited for their Jonin sensei, They waited for three hour thankfully Harry had his book, the other two members of his team mates wasnt as lucky. "Gahh, I'm going crazy, when is that lazy bastard going to show up!?" shouted the blond. "Hnn?." responded the stoic Uchiha. "Hnn." Harry responded as if agreeing to Sasuke. "Gahh!, you two are being buddy buddy with each other, Since when did Harry learn the language of the Uchiha?." pondered Naruto. "Hnnn." "Hnnnn." "Hn." "Hnn." "Gahh!, you both are driving me crazy!." A snicker could be heard in front of the classroom. "My first impression of you three?, you guys are funny, meet me at the roof in five minutes." the white haired Jonin ordered. Five minutes later, at the ninja academy rooftop. "Okay let's, introduce ourselves, Name, Likes, Dislikes, Hobby, Dreams of the future." "I'll go first, My name is Hatake Kakashi, My likes are ( eyes looked at his book and giggled ), my dislikes are... hmmm, my hobby is ( looks at his orange book again ). Dreams of the future?, I'm not sure." Introduced Kakashi. "You next, ( pointed out to Harry )." "My name is Harry Potter, My likes are ( looks at his own book and giggled ) and Naruto, my dislikes are those people who believe they are right and have a stick out their ass, especially an old man who says everything is permitted for the greater good, my hobby is ( looks again at his book ), and training. Dreams of the future?, I wanna be a Dark Lord and right hand man to Naruto when he becomes hokage." Introduced Harry. "Okay, you next, blodie." "My name is Uzumaki Naruto tebayo!, my likes are RAMEN, Harry, and Harry's Super Cool Jutsu, my dislikes are the waiting time of three minutes for RAMEN to cook, and prejudiced people, my hobbies are training, playing pranks, and dragging Harry to said pranks. My dream is to become Hokage tebayo!." Introduced "Okay, your last duck haired boy." "Hey, my hairs not that bad." the resident Uchiha protested. "Now where was I, my name is Sasuke Uchiha, my likes tomatoes, my dislike are FANGIRLS, my hobby is to train, and my dream is, no, more like an ambition that I will make into a reality!, is to kill a certain man." declared the black haired teen Uchiha. "Okay, I have a prankster, an enigma, and an avenger, just great."thought Kakashi. "Okay, meet me tomorrow at training ground seven at six a.m for the real genin test, don't forget to skip your breakfast, you might puke what you guys have eaten." said Kakashi. "What do mean the real genin test?, aren't we genin already.?" asked Naruto. "Well not really, the test you did before are just the basics, it is up to us Jonin instructor if you are ready to brave the shinobi world, if not, then you go back to the academy, simple as that. That way we weed out the elite from the normal crop of shinobi, expect that the success rate of these test are low especially mine, since I haven't passed any genin team at all." Kakashi explained. "We'll past that test tebayo!, No-one can stop the future hokage!."Naruto declared. "We shall see that tomorrow." replied Kakashi. "Hnn."said the Uchiha. "Hnnn." replied Harry. "Arrgggg!, You guys stop doing that, it's creepy." the blond haired kid named Naruto said. "Ahahahahahah, that's funny." said Kakashi. "You guys are crazy, I best go and stay away from you people, it might be infectious." declared Naruto. "Suit yourself." said Kakashi. "Hnn."grunted Sasuke "Hnnn."replied Harry.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Exams are over schools out guess who's back. Me, but don't let me hold you up.<br><br>----------------------------------------------<br>Chapter 7: The Test<br><br>*Yawn*<br><br>‘Time to get up,’ thought Perseus as he sat up.<br><br>He checked the time and saw that he still had half an hour to go, so he decided to take a shower.<br><br>After his shower Perseus got dressed and walked out of the main gates of the base ready for the test. He chose a direction and started walking. After walking for 10 minutes, Perseus realized he was getting nowhere and decided to finally ask for directions.<br><br>He called out to a merchant who was minding his stall, “Excuse me sir could you point me in the direction of the Royal Castle, I am late for a meeting.”<br><br>“Sure it’s just down the road, keep walking and after a few minutes you will reach the castle,” said the kind merchant pointing down the road.<br><br>“Thanks,” said Perseus as he walked towards the castle.<br><br>‘How could I have missed this thing, it’s huge,’ Perseus thought stupefied. The castle was indeed huge, the castle had 4 towers each reaching 40 meters, walls 15 meters high and dozens of Knights, wearing gold tabards, patrolling the walkways on the walls. The gate was guarded by 4 very strong looking guards armed with very sharp lances and shields.<br><br>“Halt, state your name and business here,” said Guard 1.<br><br>“Hey, I’m Perseus, Instructor Grant told me to come here for a test,” said Perseus.<br><br>“Oh the winner of the tournament, we’ve been expecting you. The instructor is waiting inside,” said Guard 2 as he ushered perseus inside.<br><br>The guard quickly took Perseus inside the gates and told him to go down a flight of stairs.<br><br>Perseus walked for minutes and just as he began to wonder if the stairs would ever end he found himself in a small room with no windows and a door with many carvings on it.<br><br>As he walked in the Instructor came out of the shadows and with a smile he said, “I must be dreaming you’re here on time for once.”<br><br>Perseus smiled back and said, “Yeah, I guess so. Is the test in there?”<br><br>“Yeah, but before we begin the test I have to tell you some things first. First this test is something that was created back in the days of the great Empires and the room past here is enchanted with magic by the most powerful enchantress who ever lived. The room itself will change shape to fit the needs of the test. Secondly the moment you enter the room it goes through your memories and experiences and chooses a test designed to test you in for a class it decides is best for you. So you will not get the class unless you pass the test. Also when you enter you may remember things you would rather not, so I am inclined to warn you before. Oh and Perseus just remember whatever you see during the test is not real,” he said. <br><br>Without a moment’s thought Perseus grinned and opened the door.<br><br>As soon as he stepped through the door Perseus fell to the ground gasping for air. His head was in a twist, he was seeing images of his life being played out in mere moments.. He saw his early days, the ones he spent with his family, all the trips to the corner shop, park and all the pranks he played. The memories caused Perseus to laugh between his gasps for air, then the visions started getting darker and Perseus found himself under the bed, the one he hated so much. Even though he knew he couldn’t change what was happening he started shouting and screaming at his younger self to do something, anything. But nothing happened, he had to watch his mother’s death again. Perseus started crying, they were bitter tears, filled with regret and anger at himself and the man. The visions didn’t stop there and kept showing what happened after her death, the police dropping the case because of a lack of suspects, despite Perseus’s protest, her funeral all the way to the present.<br><br>Perseus didn’t notice that the visions were continuing or that they stopped he just kept crying. After 5 minutes he managed to calm himself down and looked around he saw that he was in a small cavern a few meters wide and the door he came through was not behind him anymore. As he got up he noticed some movement to left, moving closer he saw that it was a little boy no older than 7 years old, staring at him with wide fearful eyes.<br><br>Perseus walked closer to him but he backed away whimpering and began begging Perseus not to kill him.<br><br>Perseus didn’t know what the boy had been through but he could tell that the boy was clearly traumatized. He held out his hand and said, “Don’t worry kid I’ll protect you from all the bad people. Come on lets get out of here. I’m Perseus what’s your name.”<br><br>Hesitantly the boy took Perseus’s hand and spoke softly, “Alex.”<br><br>Perseus lead them out of the cave and into an impossibly long and narrow tunnel. It had many diverging paths but he thought it best to just go straight, for now. After 20 minutes of walking Alex started to get tired so Perseus stopped and took out some bread and his canteen. He handed a loaf of bread to Alex and said, “Eat some of this, I know its not that good but its all we've got.”<br><br>“Thank you,” he said before digging in.<br><br>They sat eating in silence before Perseus broke the silence.<br><br>“Alex, how did you get here and why did you think I was going to kill you.”<br><br>Alex was silent for a while and just when Perseus thought he wasn’t going to answer he said, “My village was raided by some bad people they...they ” he started crying before he could finish.<br><br>Perseus didn’t know exactly what happened but he had a pretty good idea. He wanted to know more but he kept quiet waiting for Alex to compose himself.<br><br>After a minute he started talking again, “They killed everyone. I ran. Even though all my friends and family were being killed I ran, I ran all the way here, I thought I was safe then I heard voices so I ran deeper, that’s when I saw you. You appeared out of nowhere so I thought they sent you but you said you will protect me right, can you kill them, please kill them, please, please…..” he said before going into another crying fit.<br><br>Perseus was in rage he couldn’t believe how those people could make an innocent little boy want something like revenge. No. He understood perfectly, it was exactly what he went through. Even if the boy was an NPC he still had emotions and experiences to Perseus he was real, so he would help him. Perseus wasn’t going to say something like someday there time will come, no, he knew exactly what he was going to do.<br><br>Perseus stood up and told Alex, “Let’s go.”<br><br>Alex got up and dried his tears before asking, “Where?”<br><br>“To serve justice,” was Perseus’s answer before he began walking.<br><br>Without a word Alex followed Perseus and after another half an hour they reached a large cavern littered with stones and broken tools. In the center of the room there was a campfire but no people.<br><br>‘Looks like this used to be a mine,’ Perseus thought as he looked around.<br><br>Perseus slowly approached the fire and as soon as he was in the center of the cavern he felt several Killing Intents around him. Cursing his carelessness Perseus unsheathed both his Claymores and blocked the two attacks aimed at Alex. The two aggressors jumped back into the shadows as a man stepped into the light of the campfire.<br>The man was wearing a hood and leather armor, judging by his gear he appeared to be in the late 20s at most. The man just started clapping before looking at Perseus.<br><br>“That was a good block you just did, but I am going to have to ask you not to interfere,” the hooded man said.<br><br>“Not interfere?! You are trying to kill a little kid, do you think I will just stand back and let you,” Perseus asked incredulously.<br><br>“I had hoped so, but if you have a problem with that,” he signaled to the men in the shadows and eight men came out of the shadows, all wearing malicious grins and carrying swords.<br><br>“I don’t think so, you probably noticed when your men attacked just then. I’m a lot stronger than all of you. If you fight me you will all die,” Perseus said with a confident grin. Many of them were uneasy at that statement but stayed silent, watching their leader.<br><br>The hooded man however just smiled and said, “That may be the case but how well can you fight while protecting the kid. You are outnumbered, if you fight us you will make a mistake and both of you will die. So if you want to survive hand over the boy. If you do his death will be quick and painless.”<br><br>Perseus realized the truth of the man’s words but was unwilling to accept that he is too weak to save the boy, so he just growled at them and defiantly said, “His name is Alex and not in this lifetime.”<br><br>The man was about to tell his men to attack when Alex spoke, “I’ll go.”<br><br>“You can’t he’ll kill you,” said Perseus desperately trying to stop Alex but he was already in front of the bandit leader.<br><br>“It’s okay, this way you get to live,” Alex said with a smile.<br><br>“Now drop your weapons or I’ll hurt the kid more than I have to and you guys tie him up,” said the man said as he grabbed Alex.<br><br>Perseus had no choice but to give himself up or he would kill Alex. They took his weapons and tied him next to the fire.<br><br>“Now that he’s out of the way lets get down to business,” the man said with a malicious gleam in his eye.<br><br>Alex looked the hooded man in the eye and bravely said, “Get it over with.”<br><br>The man however didn’t seem to agree and just shook his head as he said, “After all the trouble you put me through, you’re not getting away that easily. I’m gonna have some fun before I kill you.”<br><br>With that said the hooded man began torturing the poor boy, hitting him with the butt of the blade, punching and kicking the child. The scene was so gruesome many of the man’s own men looked away.<br><br>“Stop it, he is only a child, show him some mercy. Just kill him, he doesn’t deserve this,” Perseus said as he struggled to free himself.<br><br>The man just ignored Perseus’s warnings and continued to beat Alex. Until finally Alex stopped responding to his beatings. The man didn’t care and just kept beating his limp body.<br><br>Perseus noticed Alex’s lack of response and called out to him, “ALEX, ALEX ANSWER ME ALEX.”<br><br>‘They killed him, they killed him, they killed him, I was helpless again. These bastards killed him, damn it. I promised, I would protect him. I promised, damn it. These Fucking Bastards.’<br><br>Perseus felt his rage boil and begin to take a physical form by itself, mist of black and red began to our out of Perseus and spread throughout the room. The power of the raw emotions emitted from Perseus froze everyone of them in place except the hooded man, who obliviously kept hitting Alex’s limp body. Some of the men thought about informing their boss of Perseus’s state but upon looking at Perseus’s eyes they shut their mouths. He tensed himself and broke through his bonds.<br><br>The hooded man only realized what happened to Perseus when he heard sound of metal snapping. He looked at Perseus with disbelief and fear evident in his eyes. His only bargaining chip is dead, the man stronger than all his men is free and now he’s pissed. <br><br>The grunts were scared stiff but Perseus paid them no heed and walked right past them, he would deal with them later. His target was in front of him. The hooded man saw that he was going to die he knew but he just accepted it. He decided that since he was going to die he would just say what he wants.<br><br>“You want to kill me, huh? You may be strong, you may be able to rip through metal but you can’t fight the world. You see even if you kill me there will always be someone worse than me, someone more evil. It will never end and one day you will die,” he said laughing like a mad man.<br><br>“Doesn’t matter I’ll just kill them after I’m done with you.”<br><br>With that said he grabbed the hooded man’s head lifting him off the ground. Perseus then focused his all his aggression into his free fist and formed spikes. He then pummeled everything he had into the man. The man’s screams filled the cavern but none of his men lifted a finger for fear of being targeted by Perseus. The man screamed for minutes before Perseus crushed his skull with a sickening crunch. Perseus dropped the hooded man’s bloody mutilated body onto the ground before looking at the men around the room.<br><br>They were too scared to move for fear of dying, some began crying sensing their demise and others started to be for forgiveness. Perseus however didn't care for their fear or their regret over their actions. They hadn't stopped Alex’s death nor that of Alex’s friends and family so they were guilty. He was just delivering justice, nothing more and nothing less. They would die simple as that. Perseus spent the next ten minutes carrying out a slaughter that would make Vlad Tepes turn over in his grave.<br><br>After carrying out his duty he walked over to Alex’s body and held him in his hands before letting out a roar of anger and sorrow, finally releasing his emotions the Killing Spirit faded away back into Perseus. He then began digging a grave for the boy all the while contemplating what happened.<br><br>‘My first kill, they say when you kill someone you lose a part of yourself and feel regret. Ha, yea right. I would feel anything but regret over this. It was justice, simple as that. No regret, no guilt only rightness but if there is something I regret its not kill the bastard before. Never again, I was helpless this time but this won’t happen again, ever.’<br><br>Finishing the deed Perseus grabbed his stuff and walked out of the cavern with a heavy heart. After walking for a few minutes he finds another door. Perseus opens the door and walks through. He finds himself back in the room with the instructor standing in front of him. But before Perseus could say anything he feels an intense burning cover his entire body, before he passes out on the ground.<br><br><br>------------------------------------------------<br>So there's Chapter 7. <br>A bit short yes but I felt that it should end there. I spent a fair bit of time on this chapter and kept rewriting it. <br>The next one will be out sometime tomorrow nearly finished with it just need to fine tune it. I think you will find his class interesting.<br>Don't forget to comment and give your opinion.<br>Also if it wasn't clear enough Perseus was tied up with rope that was lined with metal like a cord, of sorts. </div>

Exams are over schools out guess who's back. Me, but don't let me hold you up. ---------------------------------------------- Chapter 7: The Test *Yawn* ‘Time to get up,’ thought Perseus as he sat up. He checked the time and saw that he still had half an hour to go, so he decided to take a shower. After his shower Perseus got dressed and walked out of the main gates of the base ready for the test. He chose a direction and started walking. After walking for 10 minutes, Perseus realized he was getting nowhere and decided to finally ask for directions. He called out to a merchant who was minding his stall, “Excuse me sir could you point me in the direction of the Royal Castle, I am late for a meeting.” “Sure it’s just down the road, keep walking and after a few minutes you will reach the castle,” said the kind merchant pointing down the road. “Thanks,” said Perseus as he walked towards the castle. ‘How could I have missed this thing, it’s huge,’ Perseus thought stupefied. The castle was indeed huge, the castle had 4 towers each reaching 40 meters, walls 15 meters high and dozens of Knights, wearing gold tabards, patrolling the walkways on the walls. The gate was guarded by 4 very strong looking guards armed with very sharp lances and shields. “Halt, state your name and business here,” said Guard 1. “Hey, I’m Perseus, Instructor Grant told me to come here for a test,” said Perseus. “Oh the winner of the tournament, we’ve been expecting you. The instructor is waiting inside,” said Guard 2 as he ushered perseus inside. The guard quickly took Perseus inside the gates and told him to go down a flight of stairs. Perseus walked for minutes and just as he began to wonder if the stairs would ever end he found himself in a small room with no windows and a door with many carvings on it. As he walked in the Instructor came out of the shadows and with a smile he said, “I must be dreaming you’re here on time for once.” Perseus smiled back and said, “Yeah, I guess so. Is the test in there?” “Yeah, but before we begin the test I have to tell you some things first. First this test is something that was created back in the days of the great Empires and the room past here is enchanted with magic by the most powerful enchantress who ever lived. The room itself will change shape to fit the needs of the test. Secondly the moment you enter the room it goes through your memories and experiences and chooses a test designed to test you in for a class it decides is best for you. So you will not get the class unless you pass the test. Also when you enter you may remember things you would rather not, so I am inclined to warn you before. Oh and Perseus just remember whatever you see during the test is not real,” he said. Without a moment’s thought Perseus grinned and opened the door. As soon as he stepped through the door Perseus fell to the ground gasping for air. His head was in a twist, he was seeing images of his life being played out in mere moments.. He saw his early days, the ones he spent with his family, all the trips to the corner shop, park and all the pranks he played. The memories caused Perseus to laugh between his gasps for air, then the visions started getting darker and Perseus found himself under the bed, the one he hated so much. Even though he knew he couldn’t change what was happening he started shouting and screaming at his younger self to do something, anything. But nothing happened, he had to watch his mother’s death again. Perseus started crying, they were bitter tears, filled with regret and anger at himself and the man. The visions didn’t stop there and kept showing what happened after her death, the police dropping the case because of a lack of suspects, despite Perseus’s protest, her funeral all the way to the present. Perseus didn’t notice that the visions were continuing or that they stopped he just kept crying. After 5 minutes he managed to calm himself down and looked around he saw that he was in a small cavern a few meters wide and the door he came through was not behind him anymore. As he got up he noticed some movement to left, moving closer he saw that it was a little boy no older than 7 years old, staring at him with wide fearful eyes. Perseus walked closer to him but he backed away whimpering and began begging Perseus not to kill him. Perseus didn’t know what the boy had been through but he could tell that the boy was clearly traumatized. He held out his hand and said, “Don’t worry kid I’ll protect you from all the bad people. Come on lets get out of here. I’m Perseus what’s your name.” Hesitantly the boy took Perseus’s hand and spoke softly, “Alex.” Perseus lead them out of the cave and into an impossibly long and narrow tunnel. It had many diverging paths but he thought it best to just go straight, for now. After 20 minutes of walking Alex started to get tired so Perseus stopped and took out some bread and his canteen. He handed a loaf of bread to Alex and said, “Eat some of this, I know its not that good but its all we've got.” “Thank you,” he said before digging in. They sat eating in silence before Perseus broke the silence. “Alex, how did you get here and why did you think I was going to kill you.” Alex was silent for a while and just when Perseus thought he wasn’t going to answer he said, “My village was raided by some bad people they...they ” he started crying before he could finish. Perseus didn’t know exactly what happened but he had a pretty good idea. He wanted to know more but he kept quiet waiting for Alex to compose himself. After a minute he started talking again, “They killed everyone. I ran. Even though all my friends and family were being killed I ran, I ran all the way here, I thought I was safe then I heard voices so I ran deeper, that’s when I saw you. You appeared out of nowhere so I thought they sent you but you said you will protect me right, can you kill them, please kill them, please, please…..” he said before going into another crying fit. Perseus was in rage he couldn’t believe how those people could make an innocent little boy want something like revenge. No. He understood perfectly, it was exactly what he went through. Even if the boy was an NPC he still had emotions and experiences to Perseus he was real, so he would help him. Perseus wasn’t going to say something like someday there time will come, no, he knew exactly what he was going to do. Perseus stood up and told Alex, “Let’s go.” Alex got up and dried his tears before asking, “Where?” “To serve justice,” was Perseus’s answer before he began walking. Without a word Alex followed Perseus and after another half an hour they reached a large cavern littered with stones and broken tools. In the center of the room there was a campfire but no people. ‘Looks like this used to be a mine,’ Perseus thought as he looked around. Perseus slowly approached the fire and as soon as he was in the center of the cavern he felt several Killing Intents around him. Cursing his carelessness Perseus unsheathed both his Claymores and blocked the two attacks aimed at Alex. The two aggressors jumped back into the shadows as a man stepped into the light of the campfire. The man was wearing a hood and leather armor, judging by his gear he appeared to be in the late 20s at most. The man just started clapping before looking at Perseus. “That was a good block you just did, but I am going to have to ask you not to interfere,” the hooded man said. “Not interfere?! You are trying to kill a little kid, do you think I will just stand back and let you,” Perseus asked incredulously. “I had hoped so, but if you have a problem with that,” he signaled to the men in the shadows and eight men came out of the shadows, all wearing malicious grins and carrying swords. “I don’t think so, you probably noticed when your men attacked just then. I’m a lot stronger than all of you. If you fight me you will all die,” Perseus said with a confident grin. Many of them were uneasy at that statement but stayed silent, watching their leader. The hooded man however just smiled and said, “That may be the case but how well can you fight while protecting the kid. You are outnumbered, if you fight us you will make a mistake and both of you will die. So if you want to survive hand over the boy. If you do his death will be quick and painless.” Perseus realized the truth of the man’s words but was unwilling to accept that he is too weak to save the boy, so he just growled at them and defiantly said, “His name is Alex and not in this lifetime.” The man was about to tell his men to attack when Alex spoke, “I’ll go.” “You can’t he’ll kill you,” said Perseus desperately trying to stop Alex but he was already in front of the bandit leader. “It’s okay, this way you get to live,” Alex said with a smile. “Now drop your weapons or I’ll hurt the kid more than I have to and you guys tie him up,” said the man said as he grabbed Alex. Perseus had no choice but to give himself up or he would kill Alex. They took his weapons and tied him next to the fire. “Now that he’s out of the way lets get down to business,” the man said with a malicious gleam in his eye. Alex looked the hooded man in the eye and bravely said, “Get it over with.” The man however didn’t seem to agree and just shook his head as he said, “After all the trouble you put me through, you’re not getting away that easily. I’m gonna have some fun before I kill you.” With that said the hooded man began torturing the poor boy, hitting him with the butt of the blade, punching and kicking the child. The scene was so gruesome many of the man’s own men looked away. “Stop it, he is only a child, show him some mercy. Just kill him, he doesn’t deserve this,” Perseus said as he struggled to free himself. The man just ignored Perseus’s warnings and continued to beat Alex. Until finally Alex stopped responding to his beatings. The man didn’t care and just kept beating his limp body. Perseus noticed Alex’s lack of response and called out to him, “ALEX, ALEX ANSWER ME ALEX.” ‘They killed him, they killed him, they killed him, I was helpless again. These bastards killed him, damn it. I promised, I would protect him. I promised, damn it. These Fucking Bastards.’ Perseus felt his rage boil and begin to take a physical form by itself, mist of black and red began to our out of Perseus and spread throughout the room. The power of the raw emotions emitted from Perseus froze everyone of them in place except the hooded man, who obliviously kept hitting Alex’s limp body. Some of the men thought about informing their boss of Perseus’s state but upon looking at Perseus’s eyes they shut their mouths. He tensed himself and broke through his bonds. The hooded man only realized what happened to Perseus when he heard sound of metal snapping. He looked at Perseus with disbelief and fear evident in his eyes. His only bargaining chip is dead, the man stronger than all his men is free and now he’s pissed. The grunts were scared stiff but Perseus paid them no heed and walked right past them, he would deal with them later. His target was in front of him. The hooded man saw that he was going to die he knew but he just accepted it. He decided that since he was going to die he would just say what he wants. “You want to kill me, huh? You may be strong, you may be able to rip through metal but you can’t fight the world. You see even if you kill me there will always be someone worse than me, someone more evil. It will never end and one day you will die,” he said laughing like a mad man. “Doesn’t matter I’ll just kill them after I’m done with you.” With that said he grabbed the hooded man’s head lifting him off the ground. Perseus then focused his all his aggression into his free fist and formed spikes. He then pummeled everything he had into the man. The man’s screams filled the cavern but none of his men lifted a finger for fear of being targeted by Perseus. The man screamed for minutes before Perseus crushed his skull with a sickening crunch. Perseus dropped the hooded man’s bloody mutilated body onto the ground before looking at the men around the room. They were too scared to move for fear of dying, some began crying sensing their demise and others started to be for forgiveness. Perseus however didn't care for their fear or their regret over their actions. They hadn't stopped Alex’s death nor that of Alex’s friends and family so they were guilty. He was just delivering justice, nothing more and nothing less. They would die simple as that. Perseus spent the next ten minutes carrying out a slaughter that would make Vlad Tepes turn over in his grave. After carrying out his duty he walked over to Alex’s body and held him in his hands before letting out a roar of anger and sorrow, finally releasing his emotions the Killing Spirit faded away back into Perseus. He then began digging a grave for the boy all the while contemplating what happened. ‘My first kill, they say when you kill someone you lose a part of yourself and feel regret. Ha, yea right. I would feel anything but regret over this. It was justice, simple as that. No regret, no guilt only rightness but if there is something I regret its not kill the bastard before. Never again, I was helpless this time but this won’t happen again, ever.’ Finishing the deed Perseus grabbed his stuff and walked out of the cavern with a heavy heart. After walking for a few minutes he finds another door. Perseus opens the door and walks through. He finds himself back in the room with the instructor standing in front of him. But before Perseus could say anything he feels an intense burning cover his entire body, before he passes out on the ground. ------------------------------------------------ So there's Chapter 7. A bit short yes but I felt that it should end there. I spent a fair bit of time on this chapter and kept rewriting it. The next one will be out sometime tomorrow nearly finished with it just need to fine tune it. I think you will find his class interesting. Don't forget to comment and give your opinion. Also if it wasn't clear enough Perseus was tied up with rope that was lined with metal like a cord, of sorts.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Day: 6</span><br><br>Lee Jun opened his eyes slowly, he was in a bright room and all he could see was five blurry shadowy figures looking over him. His eyes were watery making everything blurry, he closed his eyes as it wasn’t too comfortable in the bright light. Instead he chose to listen.<br><br>“Chung Il hyung nim that was going too far!” Roi Lee said as he shot a glance at Lee Jun. None of them had noticed Lee Jun had already woken up.<br><br>“How can you hurt a student?” Choi Jong asked with concern hoping to get some truth on the matter. He knew there had to be reason why Chung Il did what he did. He could not buy the explanation that Lee Jun had evoked such a response from a master. ‘Something isn’t adding up here…’ He thought to himself.<br><br>Chung Il held his head low and quietly listened to what every one had to say to him. He wanted to explain everything to them but Cha Eunhee had explicitly banned him from mentioning anything to the other masters. Although sword training without protective gear was scripted on his part, the entire injury in itself was rather spontaneous descision…in other words it would be considered no less than a mistake on Chung Il’s part. Rather than chickening out of the plan as Chung Il wanted to, Cha Eunhee pushed his buttons into continuing.<br><br>‘On the Brightside the most dangerous item on the list is over.’ Chung Il thought to himself as he was being scolded by the other three.<br><br>Lee Jun wondered where his mother was, she should have been informed about the <span style="font-style: italic;">incident?</span><br><br>“Where is the boy’s mother?” Roi Lee asked suspiously.<br><br>“We informed her that he is on a special training camp for the weekend…” Chung Il said as he looked away from the others. He knew they would scold him more for this.<br><br>“How can you lie to her!” Choi Jong asked in shock. Chung Il the level headed person that he knew would never do something like this! <br><br>Choi Jong was sure Cha Eunhee was involved in this matter somehow. He didn’t pursue talking to Chung Il anymore and quietly left the room with the others. <br><br>Choi Jong knew no matter how many times they would ask, it was pointless Chung Il wound’t tell them anything. The one person who held the key to the entire story was Cha Eunhee and he had to find her before she made Chung Il do anything more dangerous.<br><br>Lee Jun was slightly alarmed learning that his mother wasn’t told the truth. He could not imagine his masters being as such that they would hide the truth. <br><br>Lee Jun slowly opened his eyes and sat up straight. His masters greeted him and left Chung Il and him alone in the room. An awkward silence grew in the room steadily. Lee Jun took the initiative to break the silence. “I guess I need more training, ahaha…” <br><br>Chung Il smiled seeing the effort his student was taking to lighten the mood. “A lot more training, but you are doing fine at your pace right now.”<br><br>“So what happened? How long have I been out?” Lee Jun asked as he looked around at his surroundings.<br><br>“I accidently attacked you with fullforce and knocked you out with the reverse side of my blade…” Chung Il paused he wasn’t sure how to proceed with the next bit… “It was more serious than you can imagine, I think reflexively stabbed you back…thought it was shallow it was still a wound to the chest…you were out for a complete day.”<br><br>Lee Jun couldn’t believe it, “I was stabbed in the chest?” He asked for reconfirmation.<br><br>“Well there is no damage, it wasn’t too deep and it hit none of your vital organs. Lungs, heart etc everything is ok.” Chung Il assured Lee Jun who looked most scared as he clutched on to his shirt. “Why don’t you take off that shirt and I’ll bring you a mirror to see yourself in…”<br><br>Lee Jun lifted his shirt to see the wound on his chest. There was a slight scar left behind but nothing permanent. It would probably go away in a few days.<br><br>“We are at Fortisse Hospital, so you have the country’s finest doctors treating you. You can be assured you are in safe hands.” Chung Il said as he tried to address the scar on Lee Jun’s chest. “They used tissue damage repair operation; it was an instant recovery with no permenant marks.”<br><br>Lee Jun slowly pulled down his shirt; he wasn’t sure what to make of it. Since everything happened so quickly he didn’t know what to make of it. He didn’t even remember the sword striking him through the back, though he did remember being knocked down from the back.<br><br>Lee Jun shuddered as he recalled the last moments of his fight. He could barely remember it but did remember a burning sensation spread from the center of his chest when he lay in the pool of his own blood.<br><br>“Master if it was an instant recovery…why am I still in the hospital?” Lee Jun asked suspisiously.<br><br>“Because you fainted brat!” Cha Eunhee answered his question. She really didn’t like the boy who disrespected his elder. It was a genuine reply too. <br><br>“You were too tired and with the sudden loss of blood, you just collapsed.” Chung Il quickly explained. “You didn’t wake up because you were simply tired…”<br><br>Lee Jun thought about it for a moment, it was the best sleep he had had in a long long time. Every night he was plagued with nightmares or some weird dream…but for once in a long time he really felt truly rested. His muscles were relaxed and he was pumped up with energy. <br><br>“Then we can leave?” He asked as he threw away the blanket.<br><br>Chung Il smiled and Cha Eunhee frowned.<br><br>“Yes, we can leave.” Chung Il said as he stood up too.<br><br>“Brat…” Cha Eunhee called out to Lee Jun.<br><br>Lee Jun turned and looked in her direction. He didn’t understand why she disliked him. <br><br>“Don’t tell your mother about this…” Cha Eunhee requested. <br><br>The wrath of his mother was fearsome Chung Il had experienced her ire first hand and his knees were trembling in fear.<br><br>“I don’t know if I can lie to her…” Lee Jun teased Cha Eunhee back. “She can easily see through all my lies…” <br><br>‘That’s what you get for being so rude!’ Lee Jun thought.<br><br>‘Why this brat….I am going to make him experience more hell!’ Cha Eunhee thought to herself.<br><br>Chung Il, ‘My dojang is going to shut down…’<br><br>“Well it is a request on behalf your timid master.” Cha Eunhee replied. “Why don’t you go on ahead, we need to speak to the doctors and make sure the records are completed. Head down this corridor and the exit is on your right, it will be the door with nothing marked on it.<br><br>Lee Jun quietly left while Cha Eunhee shifted her attention to Chung Il.<br><br>“What do you think you were doing!” Cha Eunhee asked angrily. “It was meant to be a shock therapy not a killing session!”<br><br>“He was in no danger…” Chung Il replied, “I aimed such that it would hit no vital organs…”<br><br>Cha Eunhee stood in shock for a moment, she knew her husband was a master of a dojang but she would have never believed his skill was so ridiculously impressive. However, now was not the moment to stare at him in awe. She quickly gathered herself and began scolding on a new line of argument. “We were supposed to build up it up slowly not abruptly like that…it can have consequences that we can’t even imagine?”<br><br>“Isn’t this entire plan fraught with risk?” Chung Il shot back. “Everything we do can have consquences…and what if his mother finds out? Will you take responsibility?”<br><br>“Don’t worry about that…” Cha Eunhee replied cooly.<br><br>“Why not?” Chung Il asked with an astonished look on his face.<br><br>“Because blackmail is an effective answer to many problems…” Cha Eunhee said with the same deviously evil grin that Chung Il saw on her face yesterday.<br><br>“What have you done?” Chung Il asked in horror.<br><br>Cha Eunhee held up a room marker which read, “Changing Room – Women Only!”<br><br>It took a moment for Chung Il to realize what just happened. Before he could rush out of the room to save his beloved disciple he heard a few women squealing.<br><br>As Chung Il and Cha Eunhee made their way down the corridor which Lee Jun had taken, they could see Lee Jun being scolded by one of the nurses. Cha Eunhee smiled, ‘That’s why you should never mess with your elders…’<br>“Are you this child’s grandparents?” The Nurse asked as Cha Eunhee and Chung Il approached them.<br><br>“Yes.” Cha Eunhee lied. <br><br>Lee Jun was too dazzed in shock from what he had witnessed to hear the lie.<br><br>“This boy was caught peeping into the women’s changing room!” The nurse complained.<br><br>“I am sorry.” Cha Eunhee spoke in a melodramatic fashion while slightly bowing. “Our grandson is a little on the perverted side. He is going through puberty …. his parents passed away and we don’t know how to stop him… ” Cha Eunhee explained with fake tears brimming in her eyes. “Could you please forgive him…”<br><br>Lee Jun’s red face was wearing the imprint of a large hand and he now he was too shocked by Cha Eunhee lie to speak. He wanted to fight back and point out that there was no room marker on the door reading women’s changing room, he wanted to explain that Cha Eunhee was not his grandmother and he wanted to explain that she was the one who told him this was the exit…he did not expect Cha Eunhee to be so vicious and cruel…and even if he did say anything who would believe the words of a child?<br><br>The nurse looked at the grandparents and sighed. “Well please be strict with him. You can’t make excuses like this all the time!” She said.<br><br>“Yes ofcourse. Jun why don’t you apologize to the nice lady. You shouldn’t do something like this ever again.” Cha Eunhee teased.<br><br>Lee Jun obediently bowed to the nurse and apologized.<br><br>Cha Eunhee frowned, ‘You are still to meek.’ She was secretly hoping all this while that Lee Jun would burst out in anger and explain the truth. However since he was too level headed about the situation, he never brought out his feelings. ‘If you clog them up like that it will only become worse…’<br><br>Once the nurse left, Cha Eunhee turned to Lee Jun, “Quite the daring pervert, aren’t you?” She asked slyly.<br><br>“…why?” Lee Jun muttered in anger. He was boiling mad in rage right now.<br><br>“Lets let not speak to your mother about these things.” Cha Eunhee began, “I think your mother would hate learning that her son has a peeping fetish…”<br><br>“I understand…” Lee Jun said as he pushed by Cha Eunhee.<br><br>“Was all that necessary?” Chung Il asked as he stood silently witnessing Cha Eunhee’s lies. <br><br>“Did you notice something?” Cha Eunhee asked.<br><br>“Yes, this child is more mature than you.” Chung Il replied slightly irritated.<br><br>Cha Eunhee shot her husband an angry look. “This was your request not mine. If I am going to help him then I am going to do things my way!”<br><br>“…” Chung Il recoiled back in fear.<br><br>“He didn’t fight back once. Even now he isn’t fighting back…he is holding all those emotions inside him….it is like a cracker being set of inside a bottle, at some point the bottle will explode…what do you think happened last time?”<br><br>“But this wasn’t on the script…” Chung Il argued back weakly. <br><br>“Neither was stabbing him…these things go on guts…” Cha Eunhee defended her position.<br><br>“But what about the consequences…” Chung Il immediately dropped that line of reasoning; which his wife gave to him when he tried defending his spontaneous action, seeing his wife’s glare.<br><br>“We need to push him further…” Cha Eunhee said.<br><br>“As scripted?” Chung Il asked dreadfully.<br><br>“Minor adjustments…” Cha Eunhee replied as they left the hospital and found Lee Jun sitting in the reception waiting for them. <br><br>The drive back to the dojang was quiet. Neither party said a word to the other. Lee Jun was quietly going through what happened in his mind. Nothing was adding up, what did he ever do to Cha Eunhee that deserved this treatment? The situation reminded him of something similar he had experienced…Wu Fang Li’s betrayal. It always bothered him that his good friend for no reason decided to betray him. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Why? Is it something I do or say unknowingly to offend people around me? </span> Lee Jun pondered. He wanted to ask Cha Eunhee why she did it but he didn’t have the guts to do it. In someway he also felt partially guilty for what he witnessed. The moments were forever imprinted in his photographic memory like mind. Lee Jun went red in embarrassment as he recalled what he saw…he was only too glad that they reached the Dojang disturbing his train of thoughts. <span style="font-style: italic;"> Is this puberty? </span> Lee Jun wondered.<br><br>“Perverted brat.” Cha Eunhee called out.<br><br>Lee Jun looked up quietly; he had forgotten he had bigger fish to deal with. <br><br>“We told your mother that you will be staying with us over the weekend. She sent some clothes over.” Cha Eunhee said as she handed Lee Jun a bag full of his clothes. <br><br>“Your room is in the eastern wing, go get changed and come back, we are going to go out for dinner.” Cha Eunhee said. <br><br>Lee Jun stepped out of the administration room and headed towards the eastern wing; with none of the practioners coming to the dojang, it looked more like a ghost house. It was vast and empty with not a soul in sight…<br><br>Lee Jun stepped into the eastern wing and found two rows of beds lined up. <span style="font-style: italic;"> ‘I didn’t know this dojang had a hostel facility for practioners…none of the practioners ever stayed back…or spoke of it…’</span> <br><br>Lee Jun noticed that someone else’s belongings scattered all over one of the beds. He was glad he had company. He quickly took out his clothes and a towel from his bag and headed down to the showers. <span style="font-style: italic;"> ‘I wonder if they have soap?’ </span> He wondered since all he had was a shampoo... As he walked towards the showers, he could hear the water running… ‘Don’t tell me it’s an open shower…I wonder which practioners is staying back?’ Lee Jun had memorized everyone’s name and face.<br><br>Lee Jun sighed, it was an open shower. Luckily it was was really steamy so he couldn’t see anyone else. He quietly made his way through the steam and towards a shower. He stood under the hot shower as it massaged his developing muscles. He still had a lot on his mind; Cha Eunhee was the devil’s spawn. She was testing him at every nook and corner… ‘I have to be careful of her…Yikes too hot!’ Lee Jun looked around for his shampoo bottle as the steam made it impossible to tell which way he had been standing. He waved his hands around hoping to hit the wall when he touched something spongy and soft…it almost felt like skin… ‘Was there anyone in our dojang that fat?’ Lee Jun wondered; given his height and what he had felt he concluded it was someone’s stomach he had touched…<br><br>“Sorry, just looking for the shampoo…” Lee Jun said.<br><br>“KYYAAAA!” Ji Woo screamed.<br><br>“Fuck…” Lee Jun said as he recognized the voice. He lost consciousness after that; he just flew through the air and hit the wall upon receiving a roundhouse kick. The shampoo bottle fell by his side.<br><br><br>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>Authors Note:<br><br>1. :3 <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=1584" 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>

Day: 6 Lee Jun opened his eyes slowly, he was in a bright room and all he could see was five blurry shadowy figures looking over him. His eyes were watery making everything blurry, he closed his eyes as it wasn’t too comfortable in the bright light. Instead he chose to listen. “Chung Il hyung nim that was going too far!” Roi Lee said as he shot a glance at Lee Jun. None of them had noticed Lee Jun had already woken up. “How can you hurt a student?” Choi Jong asked with concern hoping to get some truth on the matter. He knew there had to be reason why Chung Il did what he did. He could not buy the explanation that Lee Jun had evoked such a response from a master. ‘Something isn’t adding up here…’ He thought to himself. Chung Il held his head low and quietly listened to what every one had to say to him. He wanted to explain everything to them but Cha Eunhee had explicitly banned him from mentioning anything to the other masters. Although sword training without protective gear was scripted on his part, the entire injury in itself was rather spontaneous descision…in other words it would be considered no less than a mistake on Chung Il’s part. Rather than chickening out of the plan as Chung Il wanted to, Cha Eunhee pushed his buttons into continuing. ‘On the Brightside the most dangerous item on the list is over.’ Chung Il thought to himself as he was being scolded by the other three. Lee Jun wondered where his mother was, she should have been informed about the incident? “Where is the boy’s mother?” Roi Lee asked suspiously. “We informed her that he is on a special training camp for the weekend…” Chung Il said as he looked away from the others. He knew they would scold him more for this. “How can you lie to her!” Choi Jong asked in shock. Chung Il the level headed person that he knew would never do something like this! Choi Jong was sure Cha Eunhee was involved in this matter somehow. He didn’t pursue talking to Chung Il anymore and quietly left the room with the others. Choi Jong knew no matter how many times they would ask, it was pointless Chung Il wound’t tell them anything. The one person who held the key to the entire story was Cha Eunhee and he had to find her before she made Chung Il do anything more dangerous. Lee Jun was slightly alarmed learning that his mother wasn’t told the truth. He could not imagine his masters being as such that they would hide the truth. Lee Jun slowly opened his eyes and sat up straight. His masters greeted him and left Chung Il and him alone in the room. An awkward silence grew in the room steadily. Lee Jun took the initiative to break the silence. “I guess I need more training, ahaha…” Chung Il smiled seeing the effort his student was taking to lighten the mood. “A lot more training, but you are doing fine at your pace right now.” “So what happened? How long have I been out?” Lee Jun asked as he looked around at his surroundings. “I accidently attacked you with fullforce and knocked you out with the reverse side of my blade…” Chung Il paused he wasn’t sure how to proceed with the next bit… “It was more serious than you can imagine, I think reflexively stabbed you back…thought it was shallow it was still a wound to the chest…you were out for a complete day.” Lee Jun couldn’t believe it, “I was stabbed in the chest?” He asked for reconfirmation. “Well there is no damage, it wasn’t too deep and it hit none of your vital organs. Lungs, heart etc everything is ok.” Chung Il assured Lee Jun who looked most scared as he clutched on to his shirt. “Why don’t you take off that shirt and I’ll bring you a mirror to see yourself in…” Lee Jun lifted his shirt to see the wound on his chest. There was a slight scar left behind but nothing permanent. It would probably go away in a few days. “We are at Fortisse Hospital, so you have the country’s finest doctors treating you. You can be assured you are in safe hands.” Chung Il said as he tried to address the scar on Lee Jun’s chest. “They used tissue damage repair operation; it was an instant recovery with no permenant marks.” Lee Jun slowly pulled down his shirt; he wasn’t sure what to make of it. Since everything happened so quickly he didn’t know what to make of it. He didn’t even remember the sword striking him through the back, though he did remember being knocked down from the back. Lee Jun shuddered as he recalled the last moments of his fight. He could barely remember it but did remember a burning sensation spread from the center of his chest when he lay in the pool of his own blood. “Master if it was an instant recovery…why am I still in the hospital?” Lee Jun asked suspisiously. “Because you fainted brat!” Cha Eunhee answered his question. She really didn’t like the boy who disrespected his elder. It was a genuine reply too. “You were too tired and with the sudden loss of blood, you just collapsed.” Chung Il quickly explained. “You didn’t wake up because you were simply tired…” Lee Jun thought about it for a moment, it was the best sleep he had had in a long long time. Every night he was plagued with nightmares or some weird dream…but for once in a long time he really felt truly rested. His muscles were relaxed and he was pumped up with energy. “Then we can leave?” He asked as he threw away the blanket. Chung Il smiled and Cha Eunhee frowned. “Yes, we can leave.” Chung Il said as he stood up too. “Brat…” Cha Eunhee called out to Lee Jun. Lee Jun turned and looked in her direction. He didn’t understand why she disliked him. “Don’t tell your mother about this…” Cha Eunhee requested. The wrath of his mother was fearsome Chung Il had experienced her ire first hand and his knees were trembling in fear. “I don’t know if I can lie to her…” Lee Jun teased Cha Eunhee back. “She can easily see through all my lies…” ‘That’s what you get for being so rude!’ Lee Jun thought. ‘Why this brat….I am going to make him experience more hell!’ Cha Eunhee thought to herself. Chung Il, ‘My dojang is going to shut down…’ “Well it is a request on behalf your timid master.” Cha Eunhee replied. “Why don’t you go on ahead, we need to speak to the doctors and make sure the records are completed. Head down this corridor and the exit is on your right, it will be the door with nothing marked on it. Lee Jun quietly left while Cha Eunhee shifted her attention to Chung Il. “What do you think you were doing!” Cha Eunhee asked angrily. “It was meant to be a shock therapy not a killing session!” “He was in no danger…” Chung Il replied, “I aimed such that it would hit no vital organs…” Cha Eunhee stood in shock for a moment, she knew her husband was a master of a dojang but she would have never believed his skill was so ridiculously impressive. However, now was not the moment to stare at him in awe. She quickly gathered herself and began scolding on a new line of argument. “We were supposed to build up it up slowly not abruptly like that…it can have consequences that we can’t even imagine?” “Isn’t this entire plan fraught with risk?” Chung Il shot back. “Everything we do can have consquences…and what if his mother finds out? Will you take responsibility?” “Don’t worry about that…” Cha Eunhee replied cooly. “Why not?” Chung Il asked with an astonished look on his face. “Because blackmail is an effective answer to many problems…” Cha Eunhee said with the same deviously evil grin that Chung Il saw on her face yesterday. “What have you done?” Chung Il asked in horror. Cha Eunhee held up a room marker which read, “Changing Room – Women Only!” It took a moment for Chung Il to realize what just happened. Before he could rush out of the room to save his beloved disciple he heard a few women squealing. As Chung Il and Cha Eunhee made their way down the corridor which Lee Jun had taken, they could see Lee Jun being scolded by one of the nurses. Cha Eunhee smiled, ‘That’s why you should never mess with your elders…’ “Are you this child’s grandparents?” The Nurse asked as Cha Eunhee and Chung Il approached them. “Yes.” Cha Eunhee lied. Lee Jun was too dazzed in shock from what he had witnessed to hear the lie. “This boy was caught peeping into the women’s changing room!” The nurse complained. “I am sorry.” Cha Eunhee spoke in a melodramatic fashion while slightly bowing. “Our grandson is a little on the perverted side. He is going through puberty …. his parents passed away and we don’t know how to stop him… ” Cha Eunhee explained with fake tears brimming in her eyes. “Could you please forgive him…” Lee Jun’s red face was wearing the imprint of a large hand and he now he was too shocked by Cha Eunhee lie to speak. He wanted to fight back and point out that there was no room marker on the door reading women’s changing room, he wanted to explain that Cha Eunhee was not his grandmother and he wanted to explain that she was the one who told him this was the exit…he did not expect Cha Eunhee to be so vicious and cruel…and even if he did say anything who would believe the words of a child? The nurse looked at the grandparents and sighed. “Well please be strict with him. You can’t make excuses like this all the time!” She said. “Yes ofcourse. Jun why don’t you apologize to the nice lady. You shouldn’t do something like this ever again.” Cha Eunhee teased. Lee Jun obediently bowed to the nurse and apologized. Cha Eunhee frowned, ‘You are still to meek.’ She was secretly hoping all this while that Lee Jun would burst out in anger and explain the truth. However since he was too level headed about the situation, he never brought out his feelings. ‘If you clog them up like that it will only become worse…’ Once the nurse left, Cha Eunhee turned to Lee Jun, “Quite the daring pervert, aren’t you?” She asked slyly. “…why?” Lee Jun muttered in anger. He was boiling mad in rage right now. “Lets let not speak to your mother about these things.” Cha Eunhee began, “I think your mother would hate learning that her son has a peeping fetish…” “I understand…” Lee Jun said as he pushed by Cha Eunhee. “Was all that necessary?” Chung Il asked as he stood silently witnessing Cha Eunhee’s lies. “Did you notice something?” Cha Eunhee asked. “Yes, this child is more mature than you.” Chung Il replied slightly irritated. Cha Eunhee shot her husband an angry look. “This was your request not mine. If I am going to help him then I am going to do things my way!” “…” Chung Il recoiled back in fear. “He didn’t fight back once. Even now he isn’t fighting back…he is holding all those emotions inside him….it is like a cracker being set of inside a bottle, at some point the bottle will explode…what do you think happened last time?” “But this wasn’t on the script…” Chung Il argued back weakly. “Neither was stabbing him…these things go on guts…” Cha Eunhee defended her position. “But what about the consequences…” Chung Il immediately dropped that line of reasoning; which his wife gave to him when he tried defending his spontaneous action, seeing his wife’s glare. “We need to push him further…” Cha Eunhee said. “As scripted?” Chung Il asked dreadfully. “Minor adjustments…” Cha Eunhee replied as they left the hospital and found Lee Jun sitting in the reception waiting for them. The drive back to the dojang was quiet. Neither party said a word to the other. Lee Jun was quietly going through what happened in his mind. Nothing was adding up, what did he ever do to Cha Eunhee that deserved this treatment? The situation reminded him of something similar he had experienced…Wu Fang Li’s betrayal. It always bothered him that his good friend for no reason decided to betray him. Why? Is it something I do or say unknowingly to offend people around me? Lee Jun pondered. He wanted to ask Cha Eunhee why she did it but he didn’t have the guts to do it. In someway he also felt partially guilty for what he witnessed. The moments were forever imprinted in his photographic memory like mind. Lee Jun went red in embarrassment as he recalled what he saw…he was only too glad that they reached the Dojang disturbing his train of thoughts. Is this puberty? Lee Jun wondered. “Perverted brat.” Cha Eunhee called out. Lee Jun looked up quietly; he had forgotten he had bigger fish to deal with. “We told your mother that you will be staying with us over the weekend. She sent some clothes over.” Cha Eunhee said as she handed Lee Jun a bag full of his clothes. “Your room is in the eastern wing, go get changed and come back, we are going to go out for dinner.” Cha Eunhee said. Lee Jun stepped out of the administration room and headed towards the eastern wing; with none of the practioners coming to the dojang, it looked more like a ghost house. It was vast and empty with not a soul in sight… Lee Jun stepped into the eastern wing and found two rows of beds lined up. ‘I didn’t know this dojang had a hostel facility for practioners…none of the practioners ever stayed back…or spoke of it…’ Lee Jun noticed that someone else’s belongings scattered all over one of the beds. He was glad he had company. He quickly took out his clothes and a towel from his bag and headed down to the showers. ‘I wonder if they have soap?’ He wondered since all he had was a shampoo... As he walked towards the showers, he could hear the water running… ‘Don’t tell me it’s an open shower…I wonder which practioners is staying back?’ Lee Jun had memorized everyone’s name and face. Lee Jun sighed, it was an open shower. Luckily it was was really steamy so he couldn’t see anyone else. He quietly made his way through the steam and towards a shower. He stood under the hot shower as it massaged his developing muscles. He still had a lot on his mind; Cha Eunhee was the devil’s spawn. She was testing him at every nook and corner… ‘I have to be careful of her…Yikes too hot!’ Lee Jun looked around for his shampoo bottle as the steam made it impossible to tell which way he had been standing. He waved his hands around hoping to hit the wall when he touched something spongy and soft…it almost felt like skin… ‘Was there anyone in our dojang that fat?’ Lee Jun wondered; given his height and what he had felt he concluded it was someone’s stomach he had touched… “Sorry, just looking for the shampoo…” Lee Jun said. “KYYAAAA!” Ji Woo screamed. “Fuck…” Lee Jun said as he recognized the voice. He lost consciousness after that; he just flew through the air and hit the wall upon receiving a roundhouse kick. The shampoo bottle fell by his side. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authors Note: 1. :3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Connect to Royal Road – Elementarem Vim next Chapter? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Yes](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=1584) | [No](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=348) | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&amp;t=1538&amp;p=9296#p92962" target="_blank">Previous Chapter</a> <br> <br>Author's Note: <br>So here it is. Somehow I still managed to release it this week even if by a hair's breath :D Nothing much to say just that I hope you like the dungeon. I recently noticed that there have been MANY chapters of this story written by me and through all of them Ace had entered only a single dungeon. Someone might even get the feeling they are rarities in this game &nbsp;:p So to remedy the situation in the last chapter and here I tried my best to explore one. Of course, it's not how it's suppose to be because it's written by me but I hope you like it none the less.&nbsp; <br> <br>And about the dungeon having no table about them being the first to enter, well, I think it was already answered in this chapter, but just to explain why I had said I would change it and didn't. It's pretty simple really. Xion's reply made me think of what if they weren't the first one's to find it and I decided to combine the ending of this volume with the dungeon exploration <br> <br>**** <br> <br>Heat. Inferno burning with the fires of hell. Scorching flames of anger blazing inside the veins. Crimson coloured eyes glaring at an unfortunate soul who dared to challenge the devil. Stupidity beyond belief. Hard to say whose. <br> <br>"Now now, I know you wish for my death, but does it have to be so violent?" Nein asked with a laugh, his eyes shining with mirth. <br> <br>Ace tried to take a deep breath but he couldn't even do that. His body was no longer his; he was only a guest in it. Even moving eyeballs was beyond him. If his head was raised his eyes opened, but if he was laid down they closed up. <br> <br>And he couldn't do a damn thing to change that. <br> <br>"Hey, if not me, you would be dead by now! Be more appreciative of my sacrifice! I had to jump over that pit full of spikes in a rush to save you and I'm no rogue like you!" he said, not losing his smile. <br> <br>'What is he so happy about?' Ace wondered in a back of his mind. 'And I'm no rogue! I'm a mage kid and assassin monster! Can you hear me! There is no word rogue there!' <br> <br>"But really what class are you? I saw you using a dagger, showing awe inspiring trap dodging skills and casting a spell. That last thing just doesn't fit with the rest at all. Would you mind helping me out on this?" Nein asked, looking Ace straight in the eyes. "Weren't you blue eyed? I could have sworn you were!" he said in surprise. <br> <br>'His observation and analytic skills are as good as I thought. He never misses a thing even if it's an insignificant action in the middle of a life and death situation. Luckily, there are no way for him to see my emotions in this state and how his words resonate with me.' <br> <br>"Truly were your eyes deep red on the verge of becoming purple?" <br> <br>'Of course, not! Are you blind? Wait, that would give me away! So yes they were blue, you're just seeing wrong now.' Ace tried to calm his frustration and anger to regain the balance as that was the main meaning of blue. He only needed a bit more of logical thinking before his eyes would turn dark blue. <br> <br>"You know you don't have to stay so silent... I would feel better if you said at least something" Nein said, scratching his forehead. Ace's eyes darkened. That blue was miles away. "Oh could it be that you haven't noticed? You can leave the body as a spirit! I will be able to see your emotions that way at least. It's kind of eerie to be talking and see only a blank stare directed at myself all the time." <br> <br>'Leave my body?' Ace asked taking a step back and to his surprise he was out of his own body. 'Does that mean that I was always moving and he could see parts of me getting out? How much did he find out from that?' <br> <br>"So you really didn't know? I'm sorry. I didn't take into account that maybe you're not the solo guy like me who'd rather die than ask for anyone's help in finding something out." <br> <br>'If that was true why would you be with Perry's group? You're lying now, but why?' <br> <br>"Now that we understood each other, I think we should start moving. We still need to get out of here and I think you're eager to get your character back. Don't worry once we meet a sufficient cleric, I'll turn you back into a human." <br> <br>Ace nodded as if agreeing to it and looked at himself. He was see through but there was colour to him - orange and red mixed with green. 'What could it possibly mean?' He tried to move and this time he could do whatever he wanted. To find out more about his new state he tried to walk through the door. Like a ghost he passed it and appeared on the other side. <br> <br>The place was exactly the same. Even the water seemed to drop from the ceiling on the same intervals. 'So this is what I so desperately tried to reach?' A bitter laugh escaped his mouth but no sound could be heard. He tried talking then. Lips moved, but nothing came out and there were no reflection of him in a small hole of water collected on the ground. <br> <br>He walked further ahead, exploring his surroundings but nothing interesting ever turned up until another door came into view. There were nothing to suggest another set of traps but Ace didn't trust it this time. Last place seemed safe too and look where it got him. It will be interesting to see how Nein planned to cross this by himself. <br> <br>That made him turn around and walk back. He didn't want to miss any of the fun when Nein tried to cross traps and such. It would also provide much information about who the guy truly was and what he could do. <br> <br>The doors set in stone were still closed. 'Did he not even take a step while I was away?' He passed through and saw the guy sitting against the wall with his head down. <br> <br>As if he had made some sound, Nein raised his head. "You're back! Where did you go for so long?" <br> <br>Ace tilted his head sideways. <br> <br>"You took the light away with you! How was I supposed to do anything?" <br> <br>'I took the light away?' Ace looked around and saw [Flare] hanging slightly over his head. 'So that's why I could see everything when I went there. But why is it following me and not my body?' He pointed at Nein and then the small flame and then back at the guy. <br> <br>"Hm? Are you asking me why I didn't call it out myself?" Ace nodded. "It's easier to just show it. Flare!" <br> <br>A wavering flame appeared from out of nowhere before Nein. It was the size of a human eye and lighted no more than few centimetres around itself. 'Was mine like that too once? When did it change so much?' <br> <br>"I have no idea what you did with yours but it's way beyond what I have seen before. I don't dare to think of what would have happened to a real spell if you had been as dedicated to raising it as you were with this one." <br> <br>Ace shook his head and turned around pointing to the door. It wasn't fun to argue when he couldn't utter a word or even express his opinion. <br> <br>"Okay okay! I get it. I'll get moving, you want to return back to normal after all." <br> <br>Ace nodded as if that was most important to him now and waited for Nein to open the door. He was waiting eagerly for the trap time. <br> <br>"It's locked!" Nein said in surprise. He hadn't expected that. Now how was he supposed to learn more if there was no way to go neither back nor forth? He had many tricks up his sleeve but being able to pass through walls wasn't one of them. <br> <br>The kid started to move and Nein returned his attention back to him. Usually those he made into puppets were terrified, quickly logged off and if younger started to cry but this child was only angry like a few criminals he used once. Yet even that passed quickly. Maybe it was especially because of his youth? Instead of having fear he was full of adventurous spirit and wanted to learn more about being a spirit... But wasn't he smarter than that? <br> <br>And that spell was a mystery too. Why did it follow his spirit instead of the body? It was illogical. No one could see spirits besides a few certain people and not even spells could touch them. <br> <br>Hand waved before his eyes and he shook his head to clear his mind. "Sorry. I've just been thinking how stuck we are here. It's pretty hopeless." <br> <br>Ace rolled his eyes and started to write letters in the air. One as column, another as a stick with a belly on the left side and one more a straight line down. <br> <br>"I... d... i..." <br> <br>Ace widened his eyes in disbelief before finishing with a doughnut and a cross. <br> <br>"O... t... Hmm... I.d.i.o.t. Idiot! Wait what? Why would you say something like that!" Nein shouted in sadness. <br> <br>'Because you don't listen to me at all!' Ace made sure that Nein was watching him this time and came close to the door. Then he pretended to do something around the lock and with a big smile opened imaginary doors. After that he pointed to his body and the door as if saying now you do that. <br> <br>"You mean you have lock picking skill and tools?" Nein asked surprised. Ace raised one finger. "Level one?" He nodded. "But that's almost nothing..." <br> <br>He said that but none the less ordered the puppet to approach the door and start picking the lock. "Open the door". The body moved swiftly and took out the required tools. 'So he can use things in my inventory on its own accord? But it looks like Nein can't just look inside himself.' <br> <br>Hours passed and the puppet was still at work yet he showed no signs of tiredness. Nein on the other hand did. A few drops of sweat ran down his forehead but he pretended like nothing happened so Ace did that too. It was useful information in itself without any explanations. <br> <br>Nein glanced at him so Ace decided to check something. He waved his hands showing the whole dungeon and then raised his fingers, one, seven and two. The guy stared at him for a moment before shaking his head in quick motions. "Can you repeat it?" Ace did, this time showing different fingers. "This place?" A nod. "One, six, five?" Another one and a questioning look towards the door. "This place, numbers and a door. What could you be thinking?" <br> <br>'He's clearly tired. Otherwise he would have picked up on it by now. So this puppet controlling actually takes a lot of energy even if the doll is doing almost nothing. Or is it because of the skill being used?' <br> <br>He pointed at his body and raised one finger, then made an oval with two and showed five. After that he pointed at the wall with another questioning look. "Oh you're asking what level this place is?" Ace sighed 'Finally.' &nbsp;"Well, I don't know.” &nbsp;Ace face palmed and dragged the hand down slowly with murderous intent in his eyes. They were asking whether he was really that stupid or just pretended. <br> <br>Nein yawned and dragged his attention back to the kid who was making fun of him now. What a spoiled brat. Didn't he know that tired people aren't up for quick wit games? &nbsp;'You're the one that's hiding that from him!' his conscience tried to say but he shut it up.&nbsp; <br> <br>That wasn’t his problem. And what was that the kid wanted of him now. He was pointing at the walls again and showing random numbers. Another yawn, this one wide enough to swallow a hippo. 'So sleepy but I need to act as if I'm fine. I can't show just how much it actually drains me to keep the doll active.' <br> <br>Ace tried to get the answer again but Nein seemed lost in his own thoughts and no longer paid any attention to him. 'Is he tired enough to not be thinking properly any more or is he just faking it? How am I to know whether he really suspects me of being Silver Wing or is just doing it out of duty to check every suspect?' Plagued by these questions he decided to give himself more time to think. <br> <br>He got in Nein's face and kept on making gross things until he finally saw him. His eyes widened as he saw Ace eating his own hand. "What are you doing?" he asked in a shout, all his other thoughts scattering away. The kid smiled brightly and fell to the ground pretending to be asleep. Then he quickly jumped up and pointed to him and the ground. It was obvious what he wanted to say. <br> <br>"I can't. There's still a long time till your character will be able to open the door. But I appreciate the thought" he said, surprised that the kid had noticed his exhaustion. There was annoyance on the child's face and a mischievous fire lit up in his eyes. 'What could he do now?' Nein asked himself running through his mind all the possibilities. There wasn't much a spirit could do besides staying in his face. <br> <br>Darkness. <br> <br>That was the genius idea. <br> <br>And it worked. <br> <br>The puppet couldn't work by himself without light yet even if Nein took manual control of it he didn't know even the basics of lock picking. 'How did he manage to become the boss of the situation while being in a most powerless state in the whole game? I just don't get it...' <br> <br>With a tired sigh he sat down where he stood. It's not like there was a difference where he laid down. "You can come back now, you win" he said yawning again. <br> <br>There was distrust on the kid's face as he walked back through the wall but seeing him on the ground and the puppet fallen next to the door, he smiled and came to sit next to him. "Why are you forcing me to rest now? I thought you wanted to hurry ahead." <br> <br>The child nodded and stood up to act something out. He walked slowly as if dragging himself forward. But then his legs stumbled upon each other and he rolled forward landing on his back, pure terror appearing on his face as he looked up and light died down in his eyes. There was no movement for a moment before the kid jumped up and pointed at him. "That's what will happen to me?" He nodded and pretended to go to sleep again. "But I'm really not that tired..." <br> <br>The kid glared at him and walked to leave again. "Wait, wait! I'm going to do as you say. There's no need to leave!" The kid tilted his head, thinking if to trust his word. "Don't worry, you can leave any time you want if you see me trying to work." <br> <br>He was used to being alone but sleeping in a dangerous cave... That was one of the more stupid actions a player could do in a game. More than half of those who did, found themselves locked away in real life for a couple of hours. Yet he was given no choice so it was better if the kid stood guard. He might be a spirit only but he clearly had the ability to think of a way to make himself known. <br> <br>'Are you scared of the dark?' Ace asked him with a laugh and settled down. It was really annoying that he couldn't read or do something of a kind. Now he was only wasting time here. If only the guy could fall asleep faster. <br> <br>Nein took out a blanket and used it to soften the ground under him. He had only one as some inns had bad accommodations and he used it to warm himself up. Sleeping outside wasn't his favourite past time. The question what he was doing here was at the front of his mind, preventing him from actually falling asleep. <br> <br>Ace crawled before him and noticing the furrowed eyebrows knew that something was wrong. He clenched his teeth and faked another smile. What could he do to get the guy’s mind back from where it was stuck? <br> <br>A sudden thought struck him, now if the guy just grasped it. He tried to talk and Nein raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing? You know I can't hear you..." <br> <br>Ace nodded quickly and started to sway as if hearing some melody. Nein looked at him for a few long moments before his mind came to a conclusion. "Are your trying to sing me that song as a lullaby?" His reward was a wide smile coming to bloom on the kid's face. He looked really cute like that. <br> <br>"London bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down..." he murmured the words under his breath and watched the kid. There was something in the simple repeating movements of his that calmed his mind down and he could almost hear the kid's soft voice singing the lyrics. It wasn't a lullaby but if one slowed down the music and... <br> <br>Ace watched Nein following his movements with his eyes and becoming sleepier. His eyes grew heavier and soon enough they closed for the last time that day/night whatever it was at the moment. Ace had no idea how long they had spent there and didn't really care. He had forever in his hands. <br> <br>He left the room and waited some time before returning and making sure that Nein was really asleep and not only pretending. There was no movement so he went out again. <br> <br>This time he planned to scout way more ahead and see what was at the end of the tunnel. Also if there were other life forms or only traps. It was unusual that in a dungeon they haven't met anyone for so long. There was something at work here and he planned to find it. There was still a long time before Nein would be waking up. <br> <br>He walked on and through many doors. It was going to be hell for Nein to reach the end for sure. After four or so the path branched off into three different ones. He chose left and continued forward. <br> <br>It was eerily quiet there. Even the sounds of dropping water were absent. Now that he took notice of it the cave seemed dryer and well maintained, if he could say it. Could it be that humans lived here? <br> <br>Up ahead another set of doors stood but they were different from the previous ones. These were clearly human made from iron and with supports against the walls. There was nothing unnatural to them like to previous ones. <br>He walked past and saw one more door and one more. Every five steps or so there was a different set of doors blocking the path and he had a feeling it wasn't only them. <br> <br>He returned to the first ones and started to count. One... Two... Three.. Four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten. 'Not bad. I don't envy the guy who was forced to do all this. It's a masterpiece of the highest quality.’ <br> <br>Behind the last ones he saw a group of humans sitting next to a fire and playing cards. One of them raised their head for some reason and looked straight at him. Ace was about to run back but the eyes of the guy passed through him and stopped at [Flare]. "What is that fire doing here?" <br> <br>"What fire?" another asked. "That blue one" the first said, pointing at the floating flame. <br> <br>Now others noticed it too and rose to see what it was. One tried to touch it but his hand passed right through it and it seemed like he didn't even feel the heat. "What the hell?" he asked in surprise. Ace watched it with interest too. Last time he checked [Flare] wasn't incorporeal and released a small but existent amount of heat. <br> <br>"Do you think we should call the boss?" <br> <br>"For something so trivial? Nah..." <br> <br>"But what if it's some sign? I don't want to be the one to say that we knew that something was wrong and didn't tell him that." <br> <br>"You've got a point" another said circling the flame and passing right through Ace. 'It feels like I don't even exist...' he murmured to himself and decided to leave. He shouldn't arise too much suspicion or they might decide to investigate the dungeon and will find Nein. And he needed that guy alive to return to being real. It was fun walking through walls but that's it. Being alive brought much more joy than that. <br> <br>He went all the way back and this time chose the middle path. It went down and branched off quite often but most of the paths lead only to dead ends. It was boring without enemies or traps to create some action so he started to experiment on what he could do. <br> <br>From what he had seen already nobody could hear or see him. Nein was an exception as he could see. Maybe it had something to do with him being the puppeteer? There was a ghost quality to his body that allowed him to pass through walls but nothing else of the sort. Or was there? He tried to jump up but there was no power behind his muscles! It was like trying to use a mountain of feathers as a support to lift you up! They just scattered around and nothing happened! <br> <br>'What if I'm doing it wrong? I never saw a ghost jumping into air; they all just started to float... Hmm...' He closed his eyes and imagined himself rising from the ground in slow motion. Little by little he reached the ceiling and stopped there. And opened his eyes. <br> <br>To his utter surprise he was actually flying. He tried to move, turn around, roll over the head and even do some air swimming. Everything was done just as he imagined without him having to even lift a finger. 'So this form is made more to play around than go for realism? What else can I do?' <br> <br>He imagined himself moving twice as fast and it happened, his flying speed increased so that soon enough he was passing through stone. Stopping and turning around he returned to finish his exploration in the centre path. <br> <br>There were only dead ends, no matter which side he chose. He had an idea that this whole path was only a big death trap but just to make sure he went everywhere and even tried to pass through walls in case there were hidden rooms. None existed. <br> <br>Then he chose the right path and tried to control [Flare] as he walked into another dead end. It listened to his mind's commands as if hearing them. It even used Burst. <br> <br>That made him feel a bit better about his situation. Now he had a real way to influence what was going to happen. Well, if it was going to happen. It would be really anticlimactic if after all his work finding out about the right path, Nein would just go and die at the first trap. <br> <br>He had to return and make sure that didn't happen. <br> <br>There was no way to tell how long he was exploring while being underground. What if many hours had passed and Nein has been waiting for him? That would be disastrous! He rushed forth with all his might. <br> <br>Only when he stood next to the sleeping Nein did a question arise in his mind, why would it be disastrous? It wasn't like Nein could take a step without him even if he woke up. 'So why did I run here as if the whole hell was chasing me?' <br> <br>Angrily he tried to hit the wall but his fist passed right through it. 'What is going on? My acting is slipping; I do things without thinking and even almost revealed my alter ego! Dammit! What am I doing?' He cursed and tried to pull out his hair but he couldn't grasp them. He was incorporeal even to himself. 'Bastards' he hissed and fell to the ground. 'And I don't even have my flute here!' He punched the ground in a desperate attempt to feel the pain of it but it was in vain. There was nothing in the world that could touch him now. <br> <br>He chuckled. And full blown laughed with his head falling back. It was just too hilarious. <br> <br>Sometime later he fell asleep. <br> <br>Nein didn't move and looked asleep too but a spell of his was active [Third Eye]. It allowed him to see things up to a mile away as if he was standing there but he had never expected to use it to spy on a kid who was standing just a meter away from him. <br> <br>What he saw shocked him to the core of his being. The kid believed his lie and left after deciding that he had fallen asleep and for a long time. So long that he had actually fallen asleep and even woken up again. He had lain still and sometime later the kid showed up in a hurry. There was fear on his face which soon turned into surprise. He looked around as if not believing what he was seeing. And then he started to cackle madly. <br> <br>Nein had no idea what it was truly about but he could see waves of self-disgust leaving the kid's body. It convulsed from the laughter and hatred. It took all Nein had not to rush over and comfort the child. He had prided himself in being a cold hearted person but now he knew it was only because he had never seen anyone truly lost and heart-broken. 'What happened to him?' <br> <br>But he couldn't ask that. <br> <br>He was here only to find Silver Wing. Nothing more, nothing less. Saving broken children allowed inside the game wasn't part of it. Not even close to it. He was already lying and bringing more misery to the child's life and he would continue doing that until he learnt what he needed. Even force was allowed if that brought results. It was only a game. <br> <br>Nein rose, not able to stay still any longer, and came closer to the sleeping form. He crouched down and brushed the kid's hair or imagined doing so as he was a ghost. "So innocent looking..." he murmured laughing at himself. Wasn't that word created to describe sleeping children? <br> <br>And he had to destroy it. <br> <br>"Take care of the lock" he said quietly to the puppet and took out an array of bottles before himself. All of them contained different liquids but they had one thing in common - they were all deadly poisons. He picked some and started to mix. It had been a long while since he used books to tell him what to do. <br> <br>They didn't contain anything of interest to him so he abandoned the idea to be taught by past's greatest minds and decided to carve his own path. He experimented often with everything ranging from poisons to holy water. As long as it could be put into an elixir he did it. And tried everything on himself.&nbsp; <br> <br>This time he didn't have the time to try anything new so he would have to come up with some buffs to strengthen the puppet's body and make him indestructible for the moment. With this idea in mind he started to work even more quickly. His vast knowledge of herbs and potions' characteristics allowed him to do it in a fast and efficient way. <br> <br>In half an hour he was done and knew that the puppet was almost finished too. So he poured the potions inside its mouth and told to be done with it. The kid should be happy because his lock picking will be many levels higher when he returns to his body. <br> <br>Now he only needed to wait for the kid to wake up. It would be nice to get ahead while he was asleep but he really didn't have any way to light the cave. He was so stupid to think he'd never come to need it. One of the first things to do when he leaves this dungeon will be getting some spell to light the surroundings. [Fire Globe] or something of the like. <br> <br>He returned back to the kid's side and took out a book about unsolved mysteries. It helped him to rise intelligence and sometimes even pointed to the direction of extra rare spells or items. Dungeons too but he preferred to sell that information instead of acting on it himself. <br> <br>*... is fire. It burns without fuel yet never runs out. It takes power from no wizard or artefact of power. It is an eternal source coming from itself. The only example is said to be in Gerdiusb Kingdom's hidden vault but there are people who call it only a myth because in the last few ages no one was allowed in to see it.&nbsp; <br> <br>What I was interested was that it actually...* <br> <br>A see-through hand blocked the page and Nein raised his head. A kid had woken up and was pointing at the puppet who was sitting calmly next to an open door with a wide smile. Nein matched it and rose. <br> <br>"That's amazing! He actually did it!" he said in a surprised tone. <br> <br>Ace took that as an insult but just smiled and nodded as if proud of his work. <br> <br>"Oh and you learnt to fly?" <br> <br>Ace looked at himself and saw that he was a feet above ground and it was too late to pretend that nothing happened so he just smiled brighter and nodded eagerly. Then he went to show off his new flying skills acting as a Peter Pan. <br> <br>"Not bad" Nein laughed. "What else can you do?" <br> <br>'Is he trying to get information from me or is just curious?' Ace wondered shrugging and floating beside Nein's head on his back. <br> <br>"Are you trying to make me jealous?" Nein asked with a chuckle putting his book back in the bag. Ace showed him his tongue and flew towards the puppet, motioning for him to follow. "Okay, okay! I'm coming! Let's explore this dungeon together." <br> <br>They passed through the doors and Nein felt quite disappointed. He had expected to see at least some change in the scenery but he was met only by the same damp and dark walls. "What a let-down..." he murmured and saw Ace look down as if it was his fault. Had he been so sad previously because of this? But it's not like he could do anything about it! "Is it like this further on too?" <br> <br>Ace nodded. He was doing a lot of that lately. But it wasn't like he had many other ways to express himself when words were unavailable. <br> <br>The path twisted and moved like a snake but didn't change at all. "And you can't even sing now to brighten the mood." <br> <br>Ting! <br> <br>A new message has arrived! <br> <br>Ace tried to click on the window that had appeared before his eyes but his fingers didn't touch the surface. They passed through it just like anything else. He jumped in front of Nein to get his attention. <br> <br>"What is it?" he asked. <br> <br>Ace pointed at himself, put a hand at his ear and pretended to talk. "Phone talk?" Ace drew an envelope. "A message?" Ace nodded. "So?" He tried to touch the surface again and emphasized the fact that nothing stopped his finger. "You can't touch it?" Ace shook his head with sadness. "And what do you expect me to do about it?" Ace rolled his eyes and pointed at the puppet. "Use him to allow you to see it?" <br> <br>Ace jumped towards the puppet and inside his own body. "Open the newly received message." <br> <br>*Hey, Ace! I'm finally back! Where are you now? I'm leaving the hut and meeting up with Monthu! That was a thing that had to be done for me to return. I hope you don't mind... I'm really sorry. I know we promised to travel together but my brother is everything to me. It is not right to leave him behind... Please can we still be friends?* <br> <br>Ace was so shocked he took a step back and out of his body. Why was Par coming back? He was supposed to follow everyone else and leave him alone! He wasn't allowed to twist the rules and return with his brother in tow! <br> <br>"Is something wrong, kid? You look as if you've seen a ghost." <br> <br>'Worse' Ace murmured. He clenched his fists and tried to control his anger. 'It is going to be all right. You'll pull through no matter what. But he shouldn't have returned!' <br> <br>Angrily he walked forward. Nein had no idea what was happening so he decided to just follow. <br> <br>Dark blue flames lightened under their feet in an intricate design and Nein knew something bad was going to happen. Magical circles didn’t appear randomly. He had walked straight into a trap. To get a plus for bravery he tried to get out but was stopped by columns of fire until the spell charged itself and he was transported together with the puppet and the spirit kid &nbsp;to another part of the dungeon. <br> <br>He knew they were still inside it as he was surrounded by the same damp walls. To the capturers’ credit, he could say they had tried to soften it down with the hearth but without wood it was pretty damn useless. Or was it made to make fun of the victims? That could also be the case. Three people appeared before him having malicious smiles directed at the kid. They had shining armour with some insignia drawn on them that he was sure he had seen somewhere before, but where could it have been?&nbsp; <br> <br>“So we meet again, young liar! What a coincidence!” <br> <br>Nein looked at the spirit instead of the motionless puppet but there was no emotion on the kid’s face. He couldn’t tell whether the kid knew those people or not. <br> <br>“And who might you be?” he asked them. There was no point in waiting for the puppet to answer. It wasn’t going to happen. <br> <br>“You shut up. I’m talking with this bastard at the moment.” the leader of them growled.&nbsp; <br> <br>“I’m sorry to say that but if you wanted to have an intellectual conversation with him, you’re a bit too late.” <br> <br>“And why so? Do you want the same treatment as he will get? I had planned to give you a swift painless death but if you’re asking for it…” <br> <br>‘What has the kid done to them? Why would they even think about torturing him?’ “I’m a puppeteer and I needed a good doll. This specimen showed up in my sight and I took the chance. It was a smart move by me” Nein said with an all-knowing smile. <br> <br>“What do you mean? Does it have to do something with him being so quiet?” <br> <br>“You could say so. I’ve taken his free will away and control his actions. All he can do is watch and be able to do nothing to stop me. It’s a beautiful world we live in, isn’t it?” <br> <br>“You can’t be serious… Such a thing shouldn’t even exist!” one of the henchmen shouted out. <br> <br>“Really?” Nein asked with a raised eyebrow. ”Let’s see what he wouldn’t normally do… Oh! &nbsp;Kid bow before me.” The puppet did as told and Nein watched the real kid from the corner of his eyes. He had guessed right and the boy was disgusted. ‘So it’s good that I made him bow only to me.’ <br> <br>“That’s amazing…” the henchmen said in awe while their leader watched with furrowed eyebrows. Nein didn’t like it at all. “It is of no importance to me what had happened to the kid” the boss finally said. <br> <br>“So?” Nein asked in a laid back manner while his mind was working over time to think of a way out of this situation. <br> <br>“Both of you will the face the same fate. I promise you, it won’t be pretty” he said with a laugh and activated some spell that made his body start to grow fainter.&nbsp; <br> <br>Without thinking it through Nein pushed his hand to the puppet with a scream. “Speed of light!” It was a buff that doubled the puppet’s movement and attack speed. <br> <br>The puppet moved faster than the eye could see and used all of its skills to prevent the trio from leaving. Two received many stab wounds while the boss only a single deadly attack that passed through all armour. Everyone watched in surprise as that single attack fell the heavily armoured leader, stopping the spell altogether.&nbsp; <br> <br>The boss laughed heavily. “So once again… I’m to die from your hand... It’s no surprise… you’re the world’s biggest liar… with your innocent looks.... It is only me… who has seen the darkness behind that fake… niceness of yours.... But no worries… I’ll be back in a few days to... to get my revenge on you… It was your falling… to send that light of yours to scout… I knew… I just knew… it… it couldn’t be… be anyone... anyone but you…” &nbsp; <br> <br>Nein listened to that talk without really caring for it but then one part caught his attention. Send that flame to scout… ‘So it wasn’t an accident that I got caught? I’ve been had by a child.’ He turned around to pay Ace his respects for tricking him so masterfully but the kid was gone. There wasn’t even a trace of him left in the room.&nbsp; <br> <br> <br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&amp;t=1684" target="_blank">Next Chapter</a> </div>

[Previous Chapter](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&t=1538&p=9296#p92962) Author's Note: So here it is. Somehow I still managed to release it this week even if by a hair's breath :D Nothing much to say just that I hope you like the dungeon. I recently noticed that there have been MANY chapters of this story written by me and through all of them Ace had entered only a single dungeon. Someone might even get the feeling they are rarities in this game  :p So to remedy the situation in the last chapter and here I tried my best to explore one. Of course, it's not how it's suppose to be because it's written by me but I hope you like it none the less.  And about the dungeon having no table about them being the first to enter, well, I think it was already answered in this chapter, but just to explain why I had said I would change it and didn't. It's pretty simple really. Xion's reply made me think of what if they weren't the first one's to find it and I decided to combine the ending of this volume with the dungeon exploration **** Heat. Inferno burning with the fires of hell. Scorching flames of anger blazing inside the veins. Crimson coloured eyes glaring at an unfortunate soul who dared to challenge the devil. Stupidity beyond belief. Hard to say whose. "Now now, I know you wish for my death, but does it have to be so violent?" Nein asked with a laugh, his eyes shining with mirth. Ace tried to take a deep breath but he couldn't even do that. His body was no longer his; he was only a guest in it. Even moving eyeballs was beyond him. If his head was raised his eyes opened, but if he was laid down they closed up. And he couldn't do a damn thing to change that. "Hey, if not me, you would be dead by now! Be more appreciative of my sacrifice! I had to jump over that pit full of spikes in a rush to save you and I'm no rogue like you!" he said, not losing his smile. 'What is he so happy about?' Ace wondered in a back of his mind. 'And I'm no rogue! I'm a mage kid and assassin monster! Can you hear me! There is no word rogue there!' "But really what class are you? I saw you using a dagger, showing awe inspiring trap dodging skills and casting a spell. That last thing just doesn't fit with the rest at all. Would you mind helping me out on this?" Nein asked, looking Ace straight in the eyes. "Weren't you blue eyed? I could have sworn you were!" he said in surprise. 'His observation and analytic skills are as good as I thought. He never misses a thing even if it's an insignificant action in the middle of a life and death situation. Luckily, there are no way for him to see my emotions in this state and how his words resonate with me.' "Truly were your eyes deep red on the verge of becoming purple?" 'Of course, not! Are you blind? Wait, that would give me away! So yes they were blue, you're just seeing wrong now.' Ace tried to calm his frustration and anger to regain the balance as that was the main meaning of blue. He only needed a bit more of logical thinking before his eyes would turn dark blue. "You know you don't have to stay so silent... I would feel better if you said at least something" Nein said, scratching his forehead. Ace's eyes darkened. That blue was miles away. "Oh could it be that you haven't noticed? You can leave the body as a spirit! I will be able to see your emotions that way at least. It's kind of eerie to be talking and see only a blank stare directed at myself all the time." 'Leave my body?' Ace asked taking a step back and to his surprise he was out of his own body. 'Does that mean that I was always moving and he could see parts of me getting out? How much did he find out from that?' "So you really didn't know? I'm sorry. I didn't take into account that maybe you're not the solo guy like me who'd rather die than ask for anyone's help in finding something out." 'If that was true why would you be with Perry's group? You're lying now, but why?' "Now that we understood each other, I think we should start moving. We still need to get out of here and I think you're eager to get your character back. Don't worry once we meet a sufficient cleric, I'll turn you back into a human." Ace nodded as if agreeing to it and looked at himself. He was see through but there was colour to him - orange and red mixed with green. 'What could it possibly mean?' He tried to move and this time he could do whatever he wanted. To find out more about his new state he tried to walk through the door. Like a ghost he passed it and appeared on the other side. The place was exactly the same. Even the water seemed to drop from the ceiling on the same intervals. 'So this is what I so desperately tried to reach?' A bitter laugh escaped his mouth but no sound could be heard. He tried talking then. Lips moved, but nothing came out and there were no reflection of him in a small hole of water collected on the ground. He walked further ahead, exploring his surroundings but nothing interesting ever turned up until another door came into view. There were nothing to suggest another set of traps but Ace didn't trust it this time. Last place seemed safe too and look where it got him. It will be interesting to see how Nein planned to cross this by himself. That made him turn around and walk back. He didn't want to miss any of the fun when Nein tried to cross traps and such. It would also provide much information about who the guy truly was and what he could do. The doors set in stone were still closed. 'Did he not even take a step while I was away?' He passed through and saw the guy sitting against the wall with his head down. As if he had made some sound, Nein raised his head. "You're back! Where did you go for so long?" Ace tilted his head sideways. "You took the light away with you! How was I supposed to do anything?" 'I took the light away?' Ace looked around and saw [Flare] hanging slightly over his head. 'So that's why I could see everything when I went there. But why is it following me and not my body?' He pointed at Nein and then the small flame and then back at the guy. "Hm? Are you asking me why I didn't call it out myself?" Ace nodded. "It's easier to just show it. Flare!" A wavering flame appeared from out of nowhere before Nein. It was the size of a human eye and lighted no more than few centimetres around itself. 'Was mine like that too once? When did it change so much?' "I have no idea what you did with yours but it's way beyond what I have seen before. I don't dare to think of what would have happened to a real spell if you had been as dedicated to raising it as you were with this one." Ace shook his head and turned around pointing to the door. It wasn't fun to argue when he couldn't utter a word or even express his opinion. "Okay okay! I get it. I'll get moving, you want to return back to normal after all." Ace nodded as if that was most important to him now and waited for Nein to open the door. He was waiting eagerly for the trap time. "It's locked!" Nein said in surprise. He hadn't expected that. Now how was he supposed to learn more if there was no way to go neither back nor forth? He had many tricks up his sleeve but being able to pass through walls wasn't one of them. The kid started to move and Nein returned his attention back to him. Usually those he made into puppets were terrified, quickly logged off and if younger started to cry but this child was only angry like a few criminals he used once. Yet even that passed quickly. Maybe it was especially because of his youth? Instead of having fear he was full of adventurous spirit and wanted to learn more about being a spirit... But wasn't he smarter than that? And that spell was a mystery too. Why did it follow his spirit instead of the body? It was illogical. No one could see spirits besides a few certain people and not even spells could touch them. Hand waved before his eyes and he shook his head to clear his mind. "Sorry. I've just been thinking how stuck we are here. It's pretty hopeless." Ace rolled his eyes and started to write letters in the air. One as column, another as a stick with a belly on the left side and one more a straight line down. "I... d... i..." Ace widened his eyes in disbelief before finishing with a doughnut and a cross. "O... t... Hmm... I.d.i.o.t. Idiot! Wait what? Why would you say something like that!" Nein shouted in sadness. 'Because you don't listen to me at all!' Ace made sure that Nein was watching him this time and came close to the door. Then he pretended to do something around the lock and with a big smile opened imaginary doors. After that he pointed to his body and the door as if saying now you do that. "You mean you have lock picking skill and tools?" Nein asked surprised. Ace raised one finger. "Level one?" He nodded. "But that's almost nothing..." He said that but none the less ordered the puppet to approach the door and start picking the lock. "Open the door". The body moved swiftly and took out the required tools. 'So he can use things in my inventory on its own accord? But it looks like Nein can't just look inside himself.' Hours passed and the puppet was still at work yet he showed no signs of tiredness. Nein on the other hand did. A few drops of sweat ran down his forehead but he pretended like nothing happened so Ace did that too. It was useful information in itself without any explanations. Nein glanced at him so Ace decided to check something. He waved his hands showing the whole dungeon and then raised his fingers, one, seven and two. The guy stared at him for a moment before shaking his head in quick motions. "Can you repeat it?" Ace did, this time showing different fingers. "This place?" A nod. "One, six, five?" Another one and a questioning look towards the door. "This place, numbers and a door. What could you be thinking?" 'He's clearly tired. Otherwise he would have picked up on it by now. So this puppet controlling actually takes a lot of energy even if the doll is doing almost nothing. Or is it because of the skill being used?' He pointed at his body and raised one finger, then made an oval with two and showed five. After that he pointed at the wall with another questioning look. "Oh you're asking what level this place is?" Ace sighed 'Finally.'  "Well, I don't know.”  Ace face palmed and dragged the hand down slowly with murderous intent in his eyes. They were asking whether he was really that stupid or just pretended. Nein yawned and dragged his attention back to the kid who was making fun of him now. What a spoiled brat. Didn't he know that tired people aren't up for quick wit games?  'You're the one that's hiding that from him!' his conscience tried to say but he shut it up.  That wasn’t his problem. And what was that the kid wanted of him now. He was pointing at the walls again and showing random numbers. Another yawn, this one wide enough to swallow a hippo. 'So sleepy but I need to act as if I'm fine. I can't show just how much it actually drains me to keep the doll active.' Ace tried to get the answer again but Nein seemed lost in his own thoughts and no longer paid any attention to him. 'Is he tired enough to not be thinking properly any more or is he just faking it? How am I to know whether he really suspects me of being Silver Wing or is just doing it out of duty to check every suspect?' Plagued by these questions he decided to give himself more time to think. He got in Nein's face and kept on making gross things until he finally saw him. His eyes widened as he saw Ace eating his own hand. "What are you doing?" he asked in a shout, all his other thoughts scattering away. The kid smiled brightly and fell to the ground pretending to be asleep. Then he quickly jumped up and pointed to him and the ground. It was obvious what he wanted to say. "I can't. There's still a long time till your character will be able to open the door. But I appreciate the thought" he said, surprised that the kid had noticed his exhaustion. There was annoyance on the child's face and a mischievous fire lit up in his eyes. 'What could he do now?' Nein asked himself running through his mind all the possibilities. There wasn't much a spirit could do besides staying in his face. Darkness. That was the genius idea. And it worked. The puppet couldn't work by himself without light yet even if Nein took manual control of it he didn't know even the basics of lock picking. 'How did he manage to become the boss of the situation while being in a most powerless state in the whole game? I just don't get it...' With a tired sigh he sat down where he stood. It's not like there was a difference where he laid down. "You can come back now, you win" he said yawning again. There was distrust on the kid's face as he walked back through the wall but seeing him on the ground and the puppet fallen next to the door, he smiled and came to sit next to him. "Why are you forcing me to rest now? I thought you wanted to hurry ahead." The child nodded and stood up to act something out. He walked slowly as if dragging himself forward. But then his legs stumbled upon each other and he rolled forward landing on his back, pure terror appearing on his face as he looked up and light died down in his eyes. There was no movement for a moment before the kid jumped up and pointed at him. "That's what will happen to me?" He nodded and pretended to go to sleep again. "But I'm really not that tired..." The kid glared at him and walked to leave again. "Wait, wait! I'm going to do as you say. There's no need to leave!" The kid tilted his head, thinking if to trust his word. "Don't worry, you can leave any time you want if you see me trying to work." He was used to being alone but sleeping in a dangerous cave... That was one of the more stupid actions a player could do in a game. More than half of those who did, found themselves locked away in real life for a couple of hours. Yet he was given no choice so it was better if the kid stood guard. He might be a spirit only but he clearly had the ability to think of a way to make himself known. 'Are you scared of the dark?' Ace asked him with a laugh and settled down. It was really annoying that he couldn't read or do something of a kind. Now he was only wasting time here. If only the guy could fall asleep faster. Nein took out a blanket and used it to soften the ground under him. He had only one as some inns had bad accommodations and he used it to warm himself up. Sleeping outside wasn't his favourite past time. The question what he was doing here was at the front of his mind, preventing him from actually falling asleep. Ace crawled before him and noticing the furrowed eyebrows knew that something was wrong. He clenched his teeth and faked another smile. What could he do to get the guy’s mind back from where it was stuck? A sudden thought struck him, now if the guy just grasped it. He tried to talk and Nein raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing? You know I can't hear you..." Ace nodded quickly and started to sway as if hearing some melody. Nein looked at him for a few long moments before his mind came to a conclusion. "Are your trying to sing me that song as a lullaby?" His reward was a wide smile coming to bloom on the kid's face. He looked really cute like that. "London bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down..." he murmured the words under his breath and watched the kid. There was something in the simple repeating movements of his that calmed his mind down and he could almost hear the kid's soft voice singing the lyrics. It wasn't a lullaby but if one slowed down the music and... Ace watched Nein following his movements with his eyes and becoming sleepier. His eyes grew heavier and soon enough they closed for the last time that day/night whatever it was at the moment. Ace had no idea how long they had spent there and didn't really care. He had forever in his hands. He left the room and waited some time before returning and making sure that Nein was really asleep and not only pretending. There was no movement so he went out again. This time he planned to scout way more ahead and see what was at the end of the tunnel. Also if there were other life forms or only traps. It was unusual that in a dungeon they haven't met anyone for so long. There was something at work here and he planned to find it. There was still a long time before Nein would be waking up. He walked on and through many doors. It was going to be hell for Nein to reach the end for sure. After four or so the path branched off into three different ones. He chose left and continued forward. It was eerily quiet there. Even the sounds of dropping water were absent. Now that he took notice of it the cave seemed dryer and well maintained, if he could say it. Could it be that humans lived here? Up ahead another set of doors stood but they were different from the previous ones. These were clearly human made from iron and with supports against the walls. There was nothing unnatural to them like to previous ones. He walked past and saw one more door and one more. Every five steps or so there was a different set of doors blocking the path and he had a feeling it wasn't only them. He returned to the first ones and started to count. One... Two... Three.. Four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten. 'Not bad. I don't envy the guy who was forced to do all this. It's a masterpiece of the highest quality.’ Behind the last ones he saw a group of humans sitting next to a fire and playing cards. One of them raised their head for some reason and looked straight at him. Ace was about to run back but the eyes of the guy passed through him and stopped at [Flare]. "What is that fire doing here?" "What fire?" another asked. "That blue one" the first said, pointing at the floating flame. Now others noticed it too and rose to see what it was. One tried to touch it but his hand passed right through it and it seemed like he didn't even feel the heat. "What the hell?" he asked in surprise. Ace watched it with interest too. Last time he checked [Flare] wasn't incorporeal and released a small but existent amount of heat. "Do you think we should call the boss?" "For something so trivial? Nah..." "But what if it's some sign? I don't want to be the one to say that we knew that something was wrong and didn't tell him that." "You've got a point" another said circling the flame and passing right through Ace. 'It feels like I don't even exist...' he murmured to himself and decided to leave. He shouldn't arise too much suspicion or they might decide to investigate the dungeon and will find Nein. And he needed that guy alive to return to being real. It was fun walking through walls but that's it. Being alive brought much more joy than that. He went all the way back and this time chose the middle path. It went down and branched off quite often but most of the paths lead only to dead ends. It was boring without enemies or traps to create some action so he started to experiment on what he could do. From what he had seen already nobody could hear or see him. Nein was an exception as he could see. Maybe it had something to do with him being the puppeteer? There was a ghost quality to his body that allowed him to pass through walls but nothing else of the sort. Or was there? He tried to jump up but there was no power behind his muscles! It was like trying to use a mountain of feathers as a support to lift you up! They just scattered around and nothing happened! 'What if I'm doing it wrong? I never saw a ghost jumping into air; they all just started to float... Hmm...' He closed his eyes and imagined himself rising from the ground in slow motion. Little by little he reached the ceiling and stopped there. And opened his eyes. To his utter surprise he was actually flying. He tried to move, turn around, roll over the head and even do some air swimming. Everything was done just as he imagined without him having to even lift a finger. 'So this form is made more to play around than go for realism? What else can I do?' He imagined himself moving twice as fast and it happened, his flying speed increased so that soon enough he was passing through stone. Stopping and turning around he returned to finish his exploration in the centre path. There were only dead ends, no matter which side he chose. He had an idea that this whole path was only a big death trap but just to make sure he went everywhere and even tried to pass through walls in case there were hidden rooms. None existed. Then he chose the right path and tried to control [Flare] as he walked into another dead end. It listened to his mind's commands as if hearing them. It even used Burst. That made him feel a bit better about his situation. Now he had a real way to influence what was going to happen. Well, if it was going to happen. It would be really anticlimactic if after all his work finding out about the right path, Nein would just go and die at the first trap. He had to return and make sure that didn't happen. There was no way to tell how long he was exploring while being underground. What if many hours had passed and Nein has been waiting for him? That would be disastrous! He rushed forth with all his might. Only when he stood next to the sleeping Nein did a question arise in his mind, why would it be disastrous? It wasn't like Nein could take a step without him even if he woke up. 'So why did I run here as if the whole hell was chasing me?' Angrily he tried to hit the wall but his fist passed right through it. 'What is going on? My acting is slipping; I do things without thinking and even almost revealed my alter ego! Dammit! What am I doing?' He cursed and tried to pull out his hair but he couldn't grasp them. He was incorporeal even to himself. 'Bastards' he hissed and fell to the ground. 'And I don't even have my flute here!' He punched the ground in a desperate attempt to feel the pain of it but it was in vain. There was nothing in the world that could touch him now. He chuckled. And full blown laughed with his head falling back. It was just too hilarious. Sometime later he fell asleep. Nein didn't move and looked asleep too but a spell of his was active [Third Eye]. It allowed him to see things up to a mile away as if he was standing there but he had never expected to use it to spy on a kid who was standing just a meter away from him. What he saw shocked him to the core of his being. The kid believed his lie and left after deciding that he had fallen asleep and for a long time. So long that he had actually fallen asleep and even woken up again. He had lain still and sometime later the kid showed up in a hurry. There was fear on his face which soon turned into surprise. He looked around as if not believing what he was seeing. And then he started to cackle madly. Nein had no idea what it was truly about but he could see waves of self-disgust leaving the kid's body. It convulsed from the laughter and hatred. It took all Nein had not to rush over and comfort the child. He had prided himself in being a cold hearted person but now he knew it was only because he had never seen anyone truly lost and heart-broken. 'What happened to him?' But he couldn't ask that. He was here only to find Silver Wing. Nothing more, nothing less. Saving broken children allowed inside the game wasn't part of it. Not even close to it. He was already lying and bringing more misery to the child's life and he would continue doing that until he learnt what he needed. Even force was allowed if that brought results. It was only a game. Nein rose, not able to stay still any longer, and came closer to the sleeping form. He crouched down and brushed the kid's hair or imagined doing so as he was a ghost. "So innocent looking..." he murmured laughing at himself. Wasn't that word created to describe sleeping children? And he had to destroy it. "Take care of the lock" he said quietly to the puppet and took out an array of bottles before himself. All of them contained different liquids but they had one thing in common - they were all deadly poisons. He picked some and started to mix. It had been a long while since he used books to tell him what to do. They didn't contain anything of interest to him so he abandoned the idea to be taught by past's greatest minds and decided to carve his own path. He experimented often with everything ranging from poisons to holy water. As long as it could be put into an elixir he did it. And tried everything on himself.  This time he didn't have the time to try anything new so he would have to come up with some buffs to strengthen the puppet's body and make him indestructible for the moment. With this idea in mind he started to work even more quickly. His vast knowledge of herbs and potions' characteristics allowed him to do it in a fast and efficient way. In half an hour he was done and knew that the puppet was almost finished too. So he poured the potions inside its mouth and told to be done with it. The kid should be happy because his lock picking will be many levels higher when he returns to his body. Now he only needed to wait for the kid to wake up. It would be nice to get ahead while he was asleep but he really didn't have any way to light the cave. He was so stupid to think he'd never come to need it. One of the first things to do when he leaves this dungeon will be getting some spell to light the surroundings. [Fire Globe] or something of the like. He returned back to the kid's side and took out a book about unsolved mysteries. It helped him to rise intelligence and sometimes even pointed to the direction of extra rare spells or items. Dungeons too but he preferred to sell that information instead of acting on it himself. *... is fire. It burns without fuel yet never runs out. It takes power from no wizard or artefact of power. It is an eternal source coming from itself. The only example is said to be in Gerdiusb Kingdom's hidden vault but there are people who call it only a myth because in the last few ages no one was allowed in to see it.  What I was interested was that it actually...* A see-through hand blocked the page and Nein raised his head. A kid had woken up and was pointing at the puppet who was sitting calmly next to an open door with a wide smile. Nein matched it and rose. "That's amazing! He actually did it!" he said in a surprised tone. Ace took that as an insult but just smiled and nodded as if proud of his work. "Oh and you learnt to fly?" Ace looked at himself and saw that he was a feet above ground and it was too late to pretend that nothing happened so he just smiled brighter and nodded eagerly. Then he went to show off his new flying skills acting as a Peter Pan. "Not bad" Nein laughed. "What else can you do?" 'Is he trying to get information from me or is just curious?' Ace wondered shrugging and floating beside Nein's head on his back. "Are you trying to make me jealous?" Nein asked with a chuckle putting his book back in the bag. Ace showed him his tongue and flew towards the puppet, motioning for him to follow. "Okay, okay! I'm coming! Let's explore this dungeon together." They passed through the doors and Nein felt quite disappointed. He had expected to see at least some change in the scenery but he was met only by the same damp and dark walls. "What a let-down..." he murmured and saw Ace look down as if it was his fault. Had he been so sad previously because of this? But it's not like he could do anything about it! "Is it like this further on too?" Ace nodded. He was doing a lot of that lately. But it wasn't like he had many other ways to express himself when words were unavailable. The path twisted and moved like a snake but didn't change at all. "And you can't even sing now to brighten the mood." Ting! A new message has arrived! Ace tried to click on the window that had appeared before his eyes but his fingers didn't touch the surface. They passed through it just like anything else. He jumped in front of Nein to get his attention. "What is it?" he asked. Ace pointed at himself, put a hand at his ear and pretended to talk. "Phone talk?" Ace drew an envelope. "A message?" Ace nodded. "So?" He tried to touch the surface again and emphasized the fact that nothing stopped his finger. "You can't touch it?" Ace shook his head with sadness. "And what do you expect me to do about it?" Ace rolled his eyes and pointed at the puppet. "Use him to allow you to see it?" Ace jumped towards the puppet and inside his own body. "Open the newly received message." *Hey, Ace! I'm finally back! Where are you now? I'm leaving the hut and meeting up with Monthu! That was a thing that had to be done for me to return. I hope you don't mind... I'm really sorry. I know we promised to travel together but my brother is everything to me. It is not right to leave him behind... Please can we still be friends?* Ace was so shocked he took a step back and out of his body. Why was Par coming back? He was supposed to follow everyone else and leave him alone! He wasn't allowed to twist the rules and return with his brother in tow! "Is something wrong, kid? You look as if you've seen a ghost." 'Worse' Ace murmured. He clenched his fists and tried to control his anger. 'It is going to be all right. You'll pull through no matter what. But he shouldn't have returned!' Angrily he walked forward. Nein had no idea what was happening so he decided to just follow. Dark blue flames lightened under their feet in an intricate design and Nein knew something bad was going to happen. Magical circles didn’t appear randomly. He had walked straight into a trap. To get a plus for bravery he tried to get out but was stopped by columns of fire until the spell charged itself and he was transported together with the puppet and the spirit kid  to another part of the dungeon. He knew they were still inside it as he was surrounded by the same damp walls. To the capturers’ credit, he could say they had tried to soften it down with the hearth but without wood it was pretty damn useless. Or was it made to make fun of the victims? That could also be the case. Three people appeared before him having malicious smiles directed at the kid. They had shining armour with some insignia drawn on them that he was sure he had seen somewhere before, but where could it have been?  “So we meet again, young liar! What a coincidence!” Nein looked at the spirit instead of the motionless puppet but there was no emotion on the kid’s face. He couldn’t tell whether the kid knew those people or not. “And who might you be?” he asked them. There was no point in waiting for the puppet to answer. It wasn’t going to happen. “You shut up. I’m talking with this bastard at the moment.” the leader of them growled.  “I’m sorry to say that but if you wanted to have an intellectual conversation with him, you’re a bit too late.” “And why so? Do you want the same treatment as he will get? I had planned to give you a swift painless death but if you’re asking for it…” ‘What has the kid done to them? Why would they even think about torturing him?’ “I’m a puppeteer and I needed a good doll. This specimen showed up in my sight and I took the chance. It was a smart move by me” Nein said with an all-knowing smile. “What do you mean? Does it have to do something with him being so quiet?” “You could say so. I’ve taken his free will away and control his actions. All he can do is watch and be able to do nothing to stop me. It’s a beautiful world we live in, isn’t it?” “You can’t be serious… Such a thing shouldn’t even exist!” one of the henchmen shouted out. “Really?” Nein asked with a raised eyebrow. ”Let’s see what he wouldn’t normally do… Oh!  Kid bow before me.” The puppet did as told and Nein watched the real kid from the corner of his eyes. He had guessed right and the boy was disgusted. ‘So it’s good that I made him bow only to me.’ “That’s amazing…” the henchmen said in awe while their leader watched with furrowed eyebrows. Nein didn’t like it at all. “It is of no importance to me what had happened to the kid” the boss finally said. “So?” Nein asked in a laid back manner while his mind was working over time to think of a way out of this situation. “Both of you will the face the same fate. I promise you, it won’t be pretty” he said with a laugh and activated some spell that made his body start to grow fainter.  Without thinking it through Nein pushed his hand to the puppet with a scream. “Speed of light!” It was a buff that doubled the puppet’s movement and attack speed. The puppet moved faster than the eye could see and used all of its skills to prevent the trio from leaving. Two received many stab wounds while the boss only a single deadly attack that passed through all armour. Everyone watched in surprise as that single attack fell the heavily armoured leader, stopping the spell altogether.  The boss laughed heavily. “So once again… I’m to die from your hand... It’s no surprise… you’re the world’s biggest liar… with your innocent looks.... It is only me… who has seen the darkness behind that fake… niceness of yours.... But no worries… I’ll be back in a few days to... to get my revenge on you… It was your falling… to send that light of yours to scout… I knew… I just knew… it… it couldn’t be… be anyone... anyone but you…”   Nein listened to that talk without really caring for it but then one part caught his attention. Send that flame to scout… ‘So it wasn’t an accident that I got caught? I’ve been had by a child.’ He turned around to pay Ace his respects for tricking him so masterfully but the kid was gone. There wasn’t even a trace of him left in the room.  [Next Chapter](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&t=1684)

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Day 7</span><br><br>Lee Jun woke up to the smell of warm delicious kimbap rolls (Author Note: I am not sure Cha Eunhee knows how to make anything else). His stomach grumbled and Lee Jun sat up straight. He was back in the hostel room with his hair dry and changed into his night suit. Just as Lee Jun tried recalling what happened last night Cha Eunhee walked into the room with more rolls and juice in a jug. <br><br>“Oh the perverted demon is awake now.” She said with a smirk as she placed the food on a table beside him. “It was just a light concussion, you shouldn’t be too worried.” Cha Eunhee added seeing him touch the back of his head.<br><br>“You…did that intentionally…” Lee Jun muttered slowly under his breath. The memories of last night came rushing back to him. His face turned red in embarrassment and anger. <br><br>“You should be thankful that Ji Woo contacted me first after knocking you out and not your master. He might have killed you…” Cha Eunhee continued without paying attention to Lee Jun.<br><br>“DON”T MESS WITH ME!” Lee Jun burst out in anger. He was well over his tipping point. The last few days, the therapy session, the sword fight and now being shamed in front of Ji Woo probably his first friend in forever…<br><br>“…”Cha Eunhee stayed silent, he caught Cha Eunhee completely unaware. She had been wondering how much more would she have to push him before should incite a response. ‘Looks like I don’t have to push him anymore.’<br><br>Tears welled up in Lee Jun’s eyes as he failed holding them back.<br><br>“If you were that angry why didn’t you say anything?” Cha Eunhee asked him as she sat down beside him.<br><br>“…” Lee Jun did not utter a word as he tried to cool himself down. It was not in his nature to get upset or angry. Yet this woman frustrated him time and time again, she stirred up his memories like a jar full of mud. Even the slightest disturbances would make the water murky. After a long silence he finally asked her, “Was this some test of yours? Is this part of some therapy session?”<br><br>“Yes.” Cha Eunhee replied softly. “You are definitely prodigy to figure this much out for your age. I was hoping you would fuss a bit more, let out a few more emotions and then have me explain this was part of therapy.”<br><br>“So this will help me get better?” Lee Jun asked still wary of her.<br><br>“Yes…”<br><br>“Embarrassing me in front of Ji Woo?” Lee Jun cut her of.<br><br>“Well…I needed to bring your emotions out, it seems like you finally broke. That is what is important. To often do you hold your emotions back in you need to let the past go and look forward.” Cha Eunhee explained.<br><br>“Heh…” Lee Jun smirked with tears falling uncontrollably down his eyes. He didn’t know whether he could trust this woman or not. She had time and time repeatedly betrayed him (well it was only twice) but he didn’t feel he should trust her words.<br><br>“Was master involved in this?” He asked, wondering how long has this extreme therapy session of hers being going on for.<br><br>“No. He has no clue that you are under such intense therapy.” Cha Eunhee lied.<br><br>Lee Jun stared at her suspiously. <br><br>“I can see that you don’t trust me. However, maybe there is someone else you can trust on.” Cha Eunhee said as she looked towards the door. “Come in Ji Woo, I know you are listening…”<br><br>Lee Jun clenched his fist tightly; the last person he wanted to see now was Ji Woo.<br><br>Ji Woo entered the room her she went slightly red in the face for being caught eavesdropping. <br><br>“Ji Woo, would you like to know something interesting?” Cha Eunhee asked rhetorically. Before Ji Woo could reply, Cha Eunhee continued, “Lee Jun and you share common past.”<br><br>Both Ji Woo and Lee Jun stared at Cha Eunhee. They both were wondering what was she possibly talking about. They had never met each other before, school was definitely the first. They quickly forgot about the therapy session or what happened last night and were only interested in what Cha Eunhee had to say. Lee Jun was sure there was nothing he and Ji Woo had in common. It was impossible for one like Ji Woo to have met him during his miserable past.<br><br>Ji Woo too didn’t believe there was any remote possibility for them to share any connection historically.<br><br>“I see both of you want to know but neither of you believe that you can share anything in common?” Cha Eunhee asked them seeing their expression. “Maybe you two should talk it out with each other.” Cha Eunhee suggested as she got up.<br><br>‘What the..’ Lee Jun thought as he avoided looking at Ji Woo. He really wanted to know what it was that they shared in common.<br><br>Cha Eunhee left the two children alone and went to check on her husband.<br><br>“I am sorry.” Ji Woo spoke first. She never held back her strength. It could also be said she had not control over her monstrous strength.<br><br>“Me too..” Lee Jun said going red in the face.<br><br>“I had no idea that Cha Eunhee ajumma set you up…” Ji Woo continued with her face going red in embarrassment as she too recalled what happened last night.<br><br>“No the fault is all mine. I should have known better that she would try doing something like this after what she put me through.” Lee Jun said as he averted his gaze. <br><br>Ji Woo gave him a puzzled look having no idea what he was talking about.<br><br>“I thought my room mate was one of the other practioners of the dojang. I didn’t think you would be here…” Lee Jun said still looking away. Last night memories were impressed deep into mind. Trying to forget about it only made it worse. <span style="font-style: italic;"> Soft…smooth…</span> Lee Jun kept going red as he realized what he had touched. He tried breaking up his thoughts by talking, “I should have tried the west wing for the mens dorm.”<br><br>“There is no west wing…” Ji Woo replied slowly. She was hesitant to reveal the truth to Lee Jun.<br><br>Lee Jun looked at her slowly. ‘Then why was she here?’ <br><br>“Umm…I live here…” Ji Woo slowly replied.<br><br>Lee Jun was slightly surprised. He almost didn’t hear Ji Woo since she was so soft.<br><br>“I didn’t know you were master’s daughter…” Lee Jun said slightly terrified of what he had done. If his master ever found out he might not live to see another day. Lee Jun’s scar burned slightly.<br><br>“I am not their daughter…” Ji Woo replied softly. This was clearly difficult for her to talk about.<br><br>“…”<br><br>“I was brought up by the masters and everyone here….” Ji Woo began. “My parents passed away in an accident. Since my father was a disciple of <span style="font-style: italic;">master</span> and he had no relatives, <span style="font-style: italic;"> master</span> decided to take me in….”<br><br>Lee Jun now understood the words of the annoying ajumma. “I don’t have any parents as well…”<br><br>Ji Woo looked up slightly shocked on the relevation. “I am sorry.” She whispered.<br><br>“NO, I am sorry!” Lee Jun insisted. “I was the one who clearly made you feel unconformtable….I don’t even remember what my parents look like…also I have a wonderful mother…”<br>“…” Ji Woo was going to ask him about the lady who filled in the role of his mother when Lee Jun added, “I was adopted, she is a wonderful mother…”<br><br>Ji Woo smiled. She knew what he meant, though she was adopted by her father’s master the entire dojang felt like a big family. Never did shee feel lonely with so many dojang members. However, meeting Lee Jun was different, meeting someone similar who understood the pain of knowing you are orphan made her feel slightly better; she wasn’t alone in this world who suffered. <br><br>“I would have never guessed…” Lee Jun said as he looked at Ji Woo. “..if you had not told me.”<br><br>“I am glad…” Ji Woo replied, “..to have met you. I was always jealous of seeing children with parents…and I wondered why I had been wronged…”<br><br>Lee Jun didn’t know for sure for to comfort her as tears dripped down Ji Woo’s face.<br><br>“You must be thinking I am despicable?” Ji Woo said as she continued crying.<br><br>Lee Jun was so completely clueless what to do. He understood her well, he too knew what it felt like being jealous of those who had a roof under their head, parents to kiss them good night and to be loved unconditionally. Till he was adopted those jealous feelings resided deep within. It was a reason why he wanted to grow up quickly, so that he could take care of his mother. He wanted to express his gratitude. Ji Woo continued to sob. Lee Jun involuntarily moved in and hugged her. It was all he knew to do to console her. His mothers hugs were the best and they always cured him of his tears; so wasn’t it just the right thing to do?<br><br>Ji Woo hugged back Lee Jun tightly as she continued crying quietly. Lee Jun’s grip however began to waiver, her strength was monstrous to the point she was choking him. It wasn’t the choking so much that was bothering him…but rather the other stuff he was feeling…he couldn’t simply just ignore <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">that</span></span>. His thoughts kept going back to what he felt last night, it was definitely <span style="font-style: italic;">those</span>. He was now sure of it! He was also sure of another thing, he was going through puberty. <br><br>The fragrance of Ji Woo’s hair felt nice. Her skin was smooth and soft. Apart from the choking, everything else definitely had a <span style="font-style: italic;">pink</span> feeling to it. However, the choking was killing the entire moment…<br><br>“Ji Woo..” Lee Jun squeaked. “Choking me..” He said as he tapped her arm.<br><br>“Oh Sorry!” She said letting go of him completely. She recoiled back slightly embarrassed realizing what she had just done. Then there was also her heart beating so fast…<span style="font-style: italic;">what did that mean?</span> she wondered. <br><br>The two stared into each other’s eyes and reflected on their encounter how they had met. Lee Jun was happy that Ji Woo dragged him here…he had made a good friend…before Lee Jun knew what was Ji Woo moved forward and kissed him on the lips. <br><br>It was a brief kiss, just touching of the lips nothing more.<br><br>However Lee Jun was frozen like a statue in a complete state of shock. Ji Woo ran out of the room in embarrassment.<br><br>“Ouch” she said as she crashed into Chung Il on her way out. “Sorry!” she said her face going red in embarrassment; she had no idea why she did what she did.<br><br>Chung Il got up slowly; he was devasted after what he witnessed. Chung Il knocked on the door before entering; Lee Jun however didn’t respond he was too dazed to think clearly. The one time he wanted to clearly remember something he could not. The kiss was just too brief! And it happened all so suddenly! Lee Jun scowled his first kiss was stolen from him; not that he minded it was Ji Woo…she was after all very very pretty…Lee Jun had a stupid grin on his face not realizing Chung Il sat in front of him.<br><br>“You seem to be doing better?” Chung Il asked.<br><br>“Yeah…” Lee Jun replied he still wasn’t paying attention to whom he was speaking to, ‘soft lips…’<br><br>“Why don’t we go for a walk…” Chung Il said slightly irritated; somehow he knew what Lee Jun was thinking of.<br><br>“Huh?” Lee Jun said. Before he knew it he was was walking with Chung Il on a hill trail.<br><br>The walk was definitely doing him good. Since he had to carry a heavy backpack he no longer had the luxury to think of Ji Woo or the <span style="font-style: italic;">kiss</span>…everytime he did think of it; the world seemed to be colored in pink in his eyes. After an hour long hike, Chung Il signaled a break. They had reached the peak of the hill. The view was breath taking for Lee Jun, reality would always remain reality…<br><br>‘How did it come to this?’ Chung Il wondered as he stared at the forest in the distance. <br><br>“Master why are we here?” Lee Jun asked. Lee Jun had no clue at all why did his master suddenly decide to give him a special hell training.<br><br>Lee Jun opened his bottle of water and began drinking. The hike had him all sweating. Lee Jun spat out the water as felt a blow to his chest. <br><br>‘Why master?’ were Lee Jun’s thought’s as he watched his master standing with one leg raised facing him. Lee Jun’s body grew cold and stomach churned violently. He was soon overwhelmed by a feeling of lightness as blood rushed to his head.<br><br>The scene of his master’s kick soon disappeared and was replaced with blurs of different shades of brown and patches of greens inbetween. <br><br>Lee Jun could no longer hear his own thoughts as air rushed in from behind his ears. The air rushed through the gaps between his arms and legs, he knew this sensation all too well. He was falling…he was falling down fast…and this wasn’t a dream or virtual reality where could just wake up. This wasn’t some endless feeling of falling. What lay beneath greeting him was the cold hard ground.<br><br>This was reality…he was falling to his death. <br><br><br><br>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>Authors Note:<br><br>1. And that completes the 7 days! :3 <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=1612" 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>

Day 7 Lee Jun woke up to the smell of warm delicious kimbap rolls (Author Note: I am not sure Cha Eunhee knows how to make anything else). His stomach grumbled and Lee Jun sat up straight. He was back in the hostel room with his hair dry and changed into his night suit. Just as Lee Jun tried recalling what happened last night Cha Eunhee walked into the room with more rolls and juice in a jug. “Oh the perverted demon is awake now.” She said with a smirk as she placed the food on a table beside him. “It was just a light concussion, you shouldn’t be too worried.” Cha Eunhee added seeing him touch the back of his head. “You…did that intentionally…” Lee Jun muttered slowly under his breath. The memories of last night came rushing back to him. His face turned red in embarrassment and anger. “You should be thankful that Ji Woo contacted me first after knocking you out and not your master. He might have killed you…” Cha Eunhee continued without paying attention to Lee Jun. “DON”T MESS WITH ME!” Lee Jun burst out in anger. He was well over his tipping point. The last few days, the therapy session, the sword fight and now being shamed in front of Ji Woo probably his first friend in forever… “…”Cha Eunhee stayed silent, he caught Cha Eunhee completely unaware. She had been wondering how much more would she have to push him before should incite a response. ‘Looks like I don’t have to push him anymore.’ Tears welled up in Lee Jun’s eyes as he failed holding them back. “If you were that angry why didn’t you say anything?” Cha Eunhee asked him as she sat down beside him. “…” Lee Jun did not utter a word as he tried to cool himself down. It was not in his nature to get upset or angry. Yet this woman frustrated him time and time again, she stirred up his memories like a jar full of mud. Even the slightest disturbances would make the water murky. After a long silence he finally asked her, “Was this some test of yours? Is this part of some therapy session?” “Yes.” Cha Eunhee replied softly. “You are definitely prodigy to figure this much out for your age. I was hoping you would fuss a bit more, let out a few more emotions and then have me explain this was part of therapy.” “So this will help me get better?” Lee Jun asked still wary of her. “Yes…” “Embarrassing me in front of Ji Woo?” Lee Jun cut her of. “Well…I needed to bring your emotions out, it seems like you finally broke. That is what is important. To often do you hold your emotions back in you need to let the past go and look forward.” Cha Eunhee explained. “Heh…” Lee Jun smirked with tears falling uncontrollably down his eyes. He didn’t know whether he could trust this woman or not. She had time and time repeatedly betrayed him (well it was only twice) but he didn’t feel he should trust her words. “Was master involved in this?” He asked, wondering how long has this extreme therapy session of hers being going on for. “No. He has no clue that you are under such intense therapy.” Cha Eunhee lied. Lee Jun stared at her suspiously. “I can see that you don’t trust me. However, maybe there is someone else you can trust on.” Cha Eunhee said as she looked towards the door. “Come in Ji Woo, I know you are listening…” Lee Jun clenched his fist tightly; the last person he wanted to see now was Ji Woo. Ji Woo entered the room her she went slightly red in the face for being caught eavesdropping. “Ji Woo, would you like to know something interesting?” Cha Eunhee asked rhetorically. Before Ji Woo could reply, Cha Eunhee continued, “Lee Jun and you share common past.” Both Ji Woo and Lee Jun stared at Cha Eunhee. They both were wondering what was she possibly talking about. They had never met each other before, school was definitely the first. They quickly forgot about the therapy session or what happened last night and were only interested in what Cha Eunhee had to say. Lee Jun was sure there was nothing he and Ji Woo had in common. It was impossible for one like Ji Woo to have met him during his miserable past. Ji Woo too didn’t believe there was any remote possibility for them to share any connection historically. “I see both of you want to know but neither of you believe that you can share anything in common?” Cha Eunhee asked them seeing their expression. “Maybe you two should talk it out with each other.” Cha Eunhee suggested as she got up. ‘What the..’ Lee Jun thought as he avoided looking at Ji Woo. He really wanted to know what it was that they shared in common. Cha Eunhee left the two children alone and went to check on her husband. “I am sorry.” Ji Woo spoke first. She never held back her strength. It could also be said she had not control over her monstrous strength. “Me too..” Lee Jun said going red in the face. “I had no idea that Cha Eunhee ajumma set you up…” Ji Woo continued with her face going red in embarrassment as she too recalled what happened last night. “No the fault is all mine. I should have known better that she would try doing something like this after what she put me through.” Lee Jun said as he averted his gaze. Ji Woo gave him a puzzled look having no idea what he was talking about. “I thought my room mate was one of the other practioners of the dojang. I didn’t think you would be here…” Lee Jun said still looking away. Last night memories were impressed deep into mind. Trying to forget about it only made it worse. Soft…smooth… Lee Jun kept going red as he realized what he had touched. He tried breaking up his thoughts by talking, “I should have tried the west wing for the mens dorm.” “There is no west wing…” Ji Woo replied slowly. She was hesitant to reveal the truth to Lee Jun. Lee Jun looked at her slowly. ‘Then why was she here?’ “Umm…I live here…” Ji Woo slowly replied. Lee Jun was slightly surprised. He almost didn’t hear Ji Woo since she was so soft. “I didn’t know you were master’s daughter…” Lee Jun said slightly terrified of what he had done. If his master ever found out he might not live to see another day. Lee Jun’s scar burned slightly. “I am not their daughter…” Ji Woo replied softly. This was clearly difficult for her to talk about. “…” “I was brought up by the masters and everyone here….” Ji Woo began. “My parents passed away in an accident. Since my father was a disciple of master and he had no relatives, master decided to take me in….” Lee Jun now understood the words of the annoying ajumma. “I don’t have any parents as well…” Ji Woo looked up slightly shocked on the relevation. “I am sorry.” She whispered. “NO, I am sorry!” Lee Jun insisted. “I was the one who clearly made you feel unconformtable….I don’t even remember what my parents look like…also I have a wonderful mother…” “…” Ji Woo was going to ask him about the lady who filled in the role of his mother when Lee Jun added, “I was adopted, she is a wonderful mother…” Ji Woo smiled. She knew what he meant, though she was adopted by her father’s master the entire dojang felt like a big family. Never did shee feel lonely with so many dojang members. However, meeting Lee Jun was different, meeting someone similar who understood the pain of knowing you are orphan made her feel slightly better; she wasn’t alone in this world who suffered. “I would have never guessed…” Lee Jun said as he looked at Ji Woo. “..if you had not told me.” “I am glad…” Ji Woo replied, “..to have met you. I was always jealous of seeing children with parents…and I wondered why I had been wronged…” Lee Jun didn’t know for sure for to comfort her as tears dripped down Ji Woo’s face. “You must be thinking I am despicable?” Ji Woo said as she continued crying. Lee Jun was so completely clueless what to do. He understood her well, he too knew what it felt like being jealous of those who had a roof under their head, parents to kiss them good night and to be loved unconditionally. Till he was adopted those jealous feelings resided deep within. It was a reason why he wanted to grow up quickly, so that he could take care of his mother. He wanted to express his gratitude. Ji Woo continued to sob. Lee Jun involuntarily moved in and hugged her. It was all he knew to do to console her. His mothers hugs were the best and they always cured him of his tears; so wasn’t it just the right thing to do? Ji Woo hugged back Lee Jun tightly as she continued crying quietly. Lee Jun’s grip however began to waiver, her strength was monstrous to the point she was choking him. It wasn’t the choking so much that was bothering him…but rather the other stuff he was feeling…he couldn’t simply just ignore that. His thoughts kept going back to what he felt last night, it was definitely those. He was now sure of it! He was also sure of another thing, he was going through puberty. The fragrance of Ji Woo’s hair felt nice. Her skin was smooth and soft. Apart from the choking, everything else definitely had a pink feeling to it. However, the choking was killing the entire moment… “Ji Woo..” Lee Jun squeaked. “Choking me..” He said as he tapped her arm. “Oh Sorry!” She said letting go of him completely. She recoiled back slightly embarrassed realizing what she had just done. Then there was also her heart beating so fast…what did that mean? she wondered. The two stared into each other’s eyes and reflected on their encounter how they had met. Lee Jun was happy that Ji Woo dragged him here…he had made a good friend…before Lee Jun knew what was Ji Woo moved forward and kissed him on the lips. It was a brief kiss, just touching of the lips nothing more. However Lee Jun was frozen like a statue in a complete state of shock. Ji Woo ran out of the room in embarrassment. “Ouch” she said as she crashed into Chung Il on her way out. “Sorry!” she said her face going red in embarrassment; she had no idea why she did what she did. Chung Il got up slowly; he was devasted after what he witnessed. Chung Il knocked on the door before entering; Lee Jun however didn’t respond he was too dazed to think clearly. The one time he wanted to clearly remember something he could not. The kiss was just too brief! And it happened all so suddenly! Lee Jun scowled his first kiss was stolen from him; not that he minded it was Ji Woo…she was after all very very pretty…Lee Jun had a stupid grin on his face not realizing Chung Il sat in front of him. “You seem to be doing better?” Chung Il asked. “Yeah…” Lee Jun replied he still wasn’t paying attention to whom he was speaking to, ‘soft lips…’ “Why don’t we go for a walk…” Chung Il said slightly irritated; somehow he knew what Lee Jun was thinking of. “Huh?” Lee Jun said. Before he knew it he was was walking with Chung Il on a hill trail. The walk was definitely doing him good. Since he had to carry a heavy backpack he no longer had the luxury to think of Ji Woo or the kiss…everytime he did think of it; the world seemed to be colored in pink in his eyes. After an hour long hike, Chung Il signaled a break. They had reached the peak of the hill. The view was breath taking for Lee Jun, reality would always remain reality… ‘How did it come to this?’ Chung Il wondered as he stared at the forest in the distance. “Master why are we here?” Lee Jun asked. Lee Jun had no clue at all why did his master suddenly decide to give him a special hell training. Lee Jun opened his bottle of water and began drinking. The hike had him all sweating. Lee Jun spat out the water as felt a blow to his chest. ‘Why master?’ were Lee Jun’s thought’s as he watched his master standing with one leg raised facing him. Lee Jun’s body grew cold and stomach churned violently. He was soon overwhelmed by a feeling of lightness as blood rushed to his head. The scene of his master’s kick soon disappeared and was replaced with blurs of different shades of brown and patches of greens inbetween. Lee Jun could no longer hear his own thoughts as air rushed in from behind his ears. The air rushed through the gaps between his arms and legs, he knew this sensation all too well. He was falling…he was falling down fast…and this wasn’t a dream or virtual reality where could just wake up. This wasn’t some endless feeling of falling. What lay beneath greeting him was the cold hard ground. This was reality…he was falling to his death. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authors Note: 1. And that completes the 7 days! :3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Connect to Royal Road – Elementarem Vim next Chapter? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Yes](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=1612) | [No](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=348) | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Time: 1 Year Earlier<br>10th Grade English, High School Paper Proposal: Oscar Corvus – Hero or Villain?<br><br>Everyone knows who Oscar Corvus is. But, in case you don’t, and because we’re meant to write a “full introduction”, here’s a brief summary. Heir to the Corvus business empire, which mostly deals with energy, defense, medical and computing industries, six years ago Oscar became chairman, CEO and primary owner at age 20. Having started two years early at MIT, he graduated that same year with degrees in mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering, and then got married- pretty crazy, right? Needless to say, he’s a bit of a genius.<br><br>He started a whole bunch of programs, including the two that he’s most famous for: the PAC (Personal Armored Commander), and two years later, the PACs Corvii who first tested the armors. While the PAC system was really revolutionary for warfare, governments are just starting to buy a few suits, since governments are slow and the suits are expensive; Oscar still refuses to sell the most advanced models. The PACs Corvii is a mercenary company made up of an elite group of soldiers swearing loyalty to Oscar; these guys are called the Knights Corvii or Ravens by the media. Comparisons likening Oscar to King Arthur and the Ravens to his knights are still in the news almost every day.<br><br>The finest fighters to begin with, the Ravens were amped by experimental treatments developed by Corvus Medical Industries, and use personalized, prototype armors designed by Oscar himself. Oscar approves every major PACs deployment, and has done a lot “pro bono”, interceding in civil wars and genocides. Sometimes, “to get a break from the lab” he’ll go along in his personal armor. Many have called his actions “imperialistic, Christian biased, paternalistic interference”, his enemies have accused him of warcrimes and attempting to make himself a Roman Emperor (the whole “pax Romana”/ “pax Corvii” thing), and in eighteen countries (according to the NY Times, at least) he is either worshiped as a god or saint by budding cults. These were the golden years.<br>Unfortunately, a year ago, he made a mistake with his armor (at least that’s what we thought at the time), and on deployment it exploded, breaking Oscar’s back and costing him the use of his legs; this would become the greatest scandal of Oscar’s life. Six months ago he left rehab, still unable to walk, though the press releases from Corvus Medical Industries say that they have started a promising test treatment last week.<br><br>So why the whole scandal? It turns out Dulac Benwickson, one of Oscar’s best friends and one of five Raven Captains, called “the new Lancelot” in the press, decided he’d like to really copy Lancelot and have an affair with Jennifer Carmelide-Corvus, Oscar’s wife. Apparently, Dulac, full of love and wanting Oscar out of the way, sabotaged the armor. While recovering, Oscar put the pieces together. Two months ago, without warning Dulac he knew, Oscar had Dulac over to his house before shooting him half a dozen times; this, of course, made the situation very public. Oscar claims he “confronted Dulac about the infidelity, before Dulac attacked me. I had prepared for this by hiding a gun underneath the blanket covering my legs. After being knocked out of the chair, I opened fire killing Dulac.” Although Oscar was acquitted, he’s temporarily stopped all non-training activities of the Ravens and is “unavailable for comment while recuperating.”<br><br>Teacher’s Comments: Acceptable topic for a paper, though you need to find some books or scholarly articles as sources, not just the media. I want to see a timeline of events too, eg:<br><br>6 years ago: Graduates college, marries, becomes CEO and owner of Corvus Industries<br>4 years ago: Founds PACs Corvii<br>1 year ago: Injured by sabotaged armor<br>2 months ago: Shoots Dulac.<br>Now: Starting experimental treatment. </div>

Time: 1 Year Earlier 10th Grade English, High School Paper Proposal: Oscar Corvus – Hero or Villain? Everyone knows who Oscar Corvus is. But, in case you don’t, and because we’re meant to write a “full introduction”, here’s a brief summary. Heir to the Corvus business empire, which mostly deals with energy, defense, medical and computing industries, six years ago Oscar became chairman, CEO and primary owner at age 20. Having started two years early at MIT, he graduated that same year with degrees in mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering, and then got married- pretty crazy, right? Needless to say, he’s a bit of a genius. He started a whole bunch of programs, including the two that he’s most famous for: the PAC (Personal Armored Commander), and two years later, the PACs Corvii who first tested the armors. While the PAC system was really revolutionary for warfare, governments are just starting to buy a few suits, since governments are slow and the suits are expensive; Oscar still refuses to sell the most advanced models. The PACs Corvii is a mercenary company made up of an elite group of soldiers swearing loyalty to Oscar; these guys are called the Knights Corvii or Ravens by the media. Comparisons likening Oscar to King Arthur and the Ravens to his knights are still in the news almost every day. The finest fighters to begin with, the Ravens were amped by experimental treatments developed by Corvus Medical Industries, and use personalized, prototype armors designed by Oscar himself. Oscar approves every major PACs deployment, and has done a lot “pro bono”, interceding in civil wars and genocides. Sometimes, “to get a break from the lab” he’ll go along in his personal armor. Many have called his actions “imperialistic, Christian biased, paternalistic interference”, his enemies have accused him of warcrimes and attempting to make himself a Roman Emperor (the whole “pax Romana”/ “pax Corvii” thing), and in eighteen countries (according to the NY Times, at least) he is either worshiped as a god or saint by budding cults. These were the golden years. Unfortunately, a year ago, he made a mistake with his armor (at least that’s what we thought at the time), and on deployment it exploded, breaking Oscar’s back and costing him the use of his legs; this would become the greatest scandal of Oscar’s life. Six months ago he left rehab, still unable to walk, though the press releases from Corvus Medical Industries say that they have started a promising test treatment last week. So why the whole scandal? It turns out Dulac Benwickson, one of Oscar’s best friends and one of five Raven Captains, called “the new Lancelot” in the press, decided he’d like to really copy Lancelot and have an affair with Jennifer Carmelide-Corvus, Oscar’s wife. Apparently, Dulac, full of love and wanting Oscar out of the way, sabotaged the armor. While recovering, Oscar put the pieces together. Two months ago, without warning Dulac he knew, Oscar had Dulac over to his house before shooting him half a dozen times; this, of course, made the situation very public. Oscar claims he “confronted Dulac about the infidelity, before Dulac attacked me. I had prepared for this by hiding a gun underneath the blanket covering my legs. After being knocked out of the chair, I opened fire killing Dulac.” Although Oscar was acquitted, he’s temporarily stopped all non-training activities of the Ravens and is “unavailable for comment while recuperating.” Teacher’s Comments: Acceptable topic for a paper, though you need to find some books or scholarly articles as sources, not just the media. I want to see a timeline of events too, eg: 6 years ago: Graduates college, marries, becomes CEO and owner of Corvus Industries 4 years ago: Founds PACs Corvii 1 year ago: Injured by sabotaged armor 2 months ago: Shoots Dulac. Now: Starting experimental treatment.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Chapter 3.2: </span>Damn Bureaucrats!</span><br><br>The TV in the room was loudly broadcasting a Royal Road commercial featuring a paraplegic kid who could walk again in the virtual reality created by the game. The Royal Road commercials had come out of nowhere, but were now shown non-stop.<br><br> Ozzy was disgusted, ‘How can these people live with themselves, using a helpless kid like that to promote their useless product. It's revolting that humanity has come to this… <span style="font-style: italic;">Ack</span>!’<br><br>Ozzy looked away from the TV to those around him. He was sitting in one of the many chairs and sofas that were spread about the room. Some chairs were pointed to the TV as his was and others were pointed at each other – their occupants being currently engaged in chess, poker, monopoly or bridge games. Even with all these high-tech games taking over the TV commercials – it’s still the good old fashioned games like monopoly that survive in the old folks home. Ozzy didn't know whether he should be pleased by this fact or disturbed by it.<br><br>On the one hand it showed that humanity still valued its roots. On the other it showed that the retirement facility didn't want to invest its money into the entertainment of the elderly. He wasn't sure which perspective to take, so he decided to take the one he could be most vocal about. <br><br>“You see that Bernie!” Ozzy screamed at the man beside him, “there are all these fancy-schmancy gadgets out there that could make us feel young again! And do we get any of the action? <span style="font-style: italic;">Nooo.</span> We don’t! And you know why? I’ll tell you why! It’s because of those damn bureaucrats! Somebody has to show them they can’t just railroad us like this!”<br><br>Bernie just gave Ozzy an apologetic glance. The man was mostly deaf in both ears. Both men didn't really care that Bernie couldn't hear what Ozzy had been shouting. Bernie knew that Ozzy was just shouting because he could – and because he liked to be loud… a result of having been a drill-sergeant for many years before he had climbed the ranks. Both men knew that he didn't actually care about how the entertainment fund was divided. Most people in this facility were part of the wealthier class and didn't have to worry about paying for being old and unable to work. <br><br>Being old wasn't easy, but Ozzy was pretty fortunate when it came to his bodily equipments. He didn't have to deal with diaper priviliges like many of the others in the room. He had his pick of chairs and didn't have to worry if they had upholstery or not. <br><br>‘In the end, it’s the small things in life.’<br><br>‘The end huh… so it’s come to this.’<br><br>Ozzy wasn't depressed about being old, he knew it was just a part of life, he did however resent it a little. He had always been a goal-oriented man. A go-getter. A man who believed that merit could overcome any obstacle. And he had done pretty well for himself – all things considered. <br><br>When looking back at his life, <span style="font-style: italic;">this</span> is what he could see:<br><br>Macklemore Oswald. <br><br>Seventy-two years old. <br><br>Retired army General. <br><br>A <span style="font-style: italic;">true</span> medal of honor veteran. <br><br>Current location: Florida. <br><br>Current residence: End of the Road, Home of the Elderly. <br><br>‘Not only do they put me in this shit-hole, they got to rub it in my face that I’m old. They think I don’t get it? My joints don't let me forget it! Damn-it! <span style="font-style: italic;">End</span> of the Road is accurate. Ack! People nowadays have no <span style="font-style: italic;">respect</span>! None whatsoever!’<br><br>---<br><br>Ozzy had a hard, angular, quadratic face. He had a perpetual 5 o’clock shadow over his large jaw. In his youth he might have been considered extremely handsome – though handsome is a somewhat effeminate way of describing his good looks. These looks were however concealed by the permanent crease on his forehead caused by his never-ending scowl. It’s not that he was unhappy, it’s just that he got used to scowling so much – his face didn't remember how to… <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span>. His eyes were a steely grey, they were not however the eyes of a killer. The eyes that many military men ended up with. His eyes held a certain warmth. He had however inherited the harsh military buzz-cut. <br><br>Most see him as a moody character. Some of it is inherently his, the rest was drilled into him during his illustrious and extensive career with the army. He enrolled fresh out of college. It was his way out of a broken home in a small town. He had done very well for himself. He had applied his ideals of hard work into his life and it had paid off. His kids were both able to go to college and now had kids of their own. <br><br>When asked about them, he would answer in a harsh tone, “Damn ingrates! Forgettin’ who provided them with all those opportunities. Opportunities<span style="font-style: italic;"> I </span>never had!”<br><br>Deep down though, he knew that his kids would take him in with open arms if he asked, but he knew better than to ask. He didn't <span style="font-style: italic;">want</span> to live with his kids. He loved them and all, but they had to move on with their lives. <br><br>‘Let them live and learn.’ <br><br>They didn't need him for that. He was proud of them and was happy that they visited him in the holidays. He didn't need much more than that.<br><br>But he was just so <span style="font-style: italic;">bored</span> all the damn time. There was TV. Then there was food. Then there was some more TV. Then there was some more food. Then some lucky bastards got knocked out and went to sleep. And others like him – didn't have enough going wrong to get the good stuff. So he twisted and turned as he tried to go to sleep at night.<br><br>‘It’s so strange. When I was a kid I loved sleeping. I would of slept all day long if I could. And now, after six hours of sleep I can’t anymore. Maybe my body’s afraid of the ‘eternal sleep’ and is trying to stay awake. Heh. Heh. Heh.’ <br><br>He chuckled himself to sleep.<br><br>----------<br><br>The next morning Ozzy got up and decided he was going to play Royal Road. <br><br>‘After all, it can’t be as boring as what I do all day anyways.’ <br><br>He needed a sense of purpose in life. He needed his goals.<br><br>He had never played an MMORPG before. He had however had some experience with virtual reality. The American army had been experimenting with training recruits through a virtual reality simulator. He had given it a go once. <br><br>‘Perks of being the General. Heh.’<br><br>‘Can’t be that much different from that right?’<br><br>He signed into his Amazonia.com account and ordered a capsule. <br><br>‘This thing’s <span style="font-style: italic;">expensive</span>… <span style="font-style: italic;">buuuuut</span>… what am I going to do with my cash anyways? Bury it?’<br> <br>He didn't believe in saving it for his kids. His philosophy was: ‘I worked for mine, I’m gonna use it. If there’s some left when I go – <span style="font-style: italic;">then</span> it’s all yours… but until then stay out of my pocketbook’<br><br>Amazon had recently (16 years ago) merged with all the major shipping companies of the United States to form Amazonia. It had created a massive monopoly – but continued to offer low prices when they could have been exploitative. After the merger there had been major riots where people claimed that a company shouldn't be allowed that much power. Amazonia however, promised that it would not abuse its position, claiming that it had only gone into the merger to promote customer satisfaction. At a now famous press conference they promised that the merger allowed them to be so efficient they could deliver ice to your doorstep if you wanted.<br><br>At the time Ozzy had though they were full of crap so he decided to order a large chocolate milkshake from them. Twenty minutes later a deliveryman had showed up at his doorstep with a perfect shake in hand. Ozzy has been a loyal customer ever since. Every now and then he orders a chocolate milkshake, ‘to keep them on their toes.’<br><br>And so, he was not at all surprised when an hour later he waved away the two tech-support employees that had installed the capsule for him. He eyed the silver casing speculatively. Then, he squared his shoulders and purposefully entered the capsule. <br><br>----------<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Connect to Royal Road?<br>Yes | No</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>‘No <span style="font-style: italic;">Einstein</span> I want to go fly-fishing!’<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>‘Jesus Christ! Are they afraid I am going to change my mind or something? I just laid down hard cash for this piece of junk!’<br><br>“Yes.”<br><br>--Select the name of your avatar.<br><br>Ozzy had been ‘Ozzy’ for as long as he could remember. It had been Oswald in the army, but that was quickly morphed into Ozzy. By the he finished boot camp, even the drill-sergeant had to look at his file to remember his name. After fifty-four years, a successful marriage, two kids, a brief widowhood, an unsuccessful marriage, a brutal divorce and retirement – he <span style="font-style: italic;">still</span> went by Ozzy. He didn't see how now should be any different.<br>“Ozy.” <br>(A/N: The one less Z is to differentiate between real life and Royal Road Ozzy.)<br><br>--Select your gender from male, female or neutral.<br><br>“… Male.”<br><br>--Royal Road has forty-nine races. You may select your race from the primary twenty-nine. These races include, human, dwarf, elf…<br><br>“Human!”<br><br>--You may alter your appearance to a certain degree, at least 25% of your original appearance must be maintained.”<br><br>Ozzy wanted to remain the same, he didn’t see how pretending to be someone else was going to make anything better. But then he remembered all those commercials he had seen. He did not want to appear on national television. <br><br>‘People these days don’t know the value of privacy. I’m going to keep as much as I can of it.’<br><br>He thought about who he would like to look like. He considered making himself young again but quickly discounted that. Ozzy didn't want to be considered young by others. He liked the authority that was given to elders, ‘Even if every generation is becoming more and more disrespectful!’<br><br>As he thought about it, he found it difficult to think of someone he could just pretend to be. He didn't want that person to be alive! <br><br>‘That could bring all kinds of legal trouble.’ <br><br>And then he remembered Harry Potter. Ozzy had loved the series as a kid and he had always thought that Dumbledore was one of the best characters of the franchise. He decided.<br><br>“Make me be a Dumbledore.”<br><br>-- Your appearance has been modified in accordance to your instructions. The changes were made whilst still maintaining 25% of your original appearance.<br><br>‘Yea… ya… I get it! I’m old enough to <span style="font-style: italic;">look </span>like the guy… Ack!’<br><br>“Can’t we just get this game started already?”<br><br>-- Your account has been activated. Your stats and class shall be determined while you are playing Royal Road¬. You will now be guided through the introductory guide. Which will include all the information you need to survive and thrive in Royal Road.<br><br>“Alright.”<br><br>--Select the city and kingdom in which you want to start.<br><br>Ozzy remembered all of the TV commercials he had been forced to watch. The cripple-boy’s city had been the one that he remembered the most vividly. There had been footage taken from a running person’s perspective. Always moving, going somewhere. That’s the feeling he had gotten from those videos. That’s what he wanted. To be moving, doing, going somewhere. <br><br>“Fort Feranisburg.”<br> <br>*Flash*<br><br>Ozy looked around the market square. <br><br>‘Well this is… different.’ <br><br>Royal Road’s virtual reality was designed for pleasure and so the sensory reality aspect had been developed much more than what he remembered having experienced in the military pod. <br><br>‘Well… you know what? I kinda like it.’ <br><br>He was surprised himself. He had expected to come in and hate it immediately. Part of him had actually been looking forward to it. Imagine all the complaining that could be done in spending thousands of dollars on a useless venture.<br><br>He spent some time studying his surrounding and the people in it. He looked up at a woman that was standing next to him. In real life he wasn't short, he was sort of stockily built – but on an average frame. Here though he seemed to be shorter than average. Way shorter. He was probably around 5’0 tall. <br><br>He remembered asking to look like Dumbledore so he was perplexed. <br><br>‘Had they gotten it wrong? <span style="font-style: italic;">Surely</span> not. Everyone knows Harry Potter – even if it is sort of old.’<br><br>He decided there was nothing he could do about it and took stock of his appearance - comparing it to the real Dumbledore. He was small and slightly pudgy. <span style="font-style: italic;">He was still old and he still had his half-moon spectacles, but he was bald on the top of his head with little sprouts of hair still covering the sides and back of his head.</span> He had <span style="font-style: italic;">a large nose, a crooked posture and a large wooden staff that towered over his diminutive features. </span> He wondered about the staff.<br><br>He had been standing in the square for quite some time and he had seen other users appear out of thin air. Their gear was always the same and yet none of them had a staff. He was very confused. Being small was going to be difficult for him to adjust to as he had to shorten all of his movements to account for his smaller body. <br><br>---<br><br>Unbeknownst to him, Unicorn Corporation had not been able to get the copyright agreements to include Harry Potter into the virtual world. They had tried repeatedly, but the company that now owned the franchise had demanded a sum that Unicorn Corp. could not afford. They had invested almost every last penny into the development of the world; they hoped that the fantasy of the world itself would make up for the lack of Harry Potter and that users wouldn't take notice. They didn't. Unfortunately for Ozy though, a user named Mist had recorded a Dumbledore into the world. A Dumbledore that was completely different from the one he had known in his childhood. <br><br>---<br><br>Ozy decided get a move on. He wanted to shoot something. He hadn’t been able to go to the gun range in quite some time. He knew it was all just a game but he figured he could get the same level of enjoyment out of it since it all felt so <span style="font-style: italic;">rea</span>l. He asked one of the town’s people about where to go and they said he was probably looking for the Training Hall. The man he had asked pointed him in the right direction and off he went. <br><br>When he arrived at the Training Hall the first thing he realized was that it seemed kind of barren… and <span style="font-style: italic;">small</span>… especially if they had any <span style="font-style: italic;">real</span> firepower. A man introduced himself as he approached Ozy who had been looking around with a confused look on his face. <br><br>-“My name is Flavius. I am the main instructor of this Hall. Do you need some instruction?”<br><br>“Yeah, matter a fact, I do. Where are your guns?”<br><br>-“What are guns?”<br><br>“You know, they’re big. Mostly made out of metal, bullets come out of them.” At Flavius’s confused expression Ozy continued, “Well it doesn't even have to be guns. Where are your grenades? You got any of those?” Flavius still looked confused, “They explode when you take a pin out of them. You know, big<span style="font-style: italic;"> BAM BAM BAM?</span>” He said as he reenacted shooting a shotgun with his staff. <br><br>Flavius eyed the staff Ozy had been swinging around warily. He seemed to be contemplate something for a while before he eventually said. <br><br>-“I know what you are looking for. It's the alchemists’ guild!”<br><br>“…”<br><br>‘They can’t <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> have guns here… I mean this is a warfare game right? Isn’t the main objective about becoming the Emperor or something?’ <br><br>He thought about all of the commercials he had watched. Surely there had been guns in them… hadn’t there? As hard as he tried to remember – he couldn't remembering any scenes that had featured guns.<br><br>He could deal with the weirdly small body. In fact, he hadn’t even considered destroying the character to create a new one that would be easier to handle. He didn't believe in quitting. But no <span style="font-style: italic;">guns</span>? That was a harsh call even for him. He looked at Flavius who was still standing in front of him again. He gave him a pleading look and asked. <br><br>“Not even the standard issue M4 carbine? Or even an M9. I’ll take an M9 if you got it.”<br><br>By this point Flavius was getting impatient and said, “I’m sorry but we do not offer that kind of… equipment. Now if you want me to teach you how to fight. I would gladly assist you.”<br><br>‘No guns. <span style="font-style: italic;">Ack</span>! Damn. Damn. <span style="font-style: italic;">Double Damn</span>!”<br><br>Ozy squared his shoulders as far as he could in his little avatar and followed Flavius to the scarecrows.<br><br>'<span style="font-style: italic;">Flavius</span>...What a <span style="font-style: italic;">shitty</span> name!'<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=190&amp;t=1610" target="_blank">Chapter 4.1</a></div><br><br>----<br><br>That's what I <span style="font-style: italic;">hope</span> was some comic relief. Not a comedian though so...<br><br>** Might move this to after chapter 8 and 9. Remains to be seen. I wanted to write him though. <br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Again for those of you who need help placing the time:</span></span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"> 2 days (Royal Road time) after Foot has started his training with Ty. </span><br><br>I hope you guys enjoyed Ozzy. I had a lot of fun with him. He's my favorite so far - which is why I wrote him out before what I <span style="font-style: italic;">should</span> have.... OH well.... artistic liberty and whatnot.<br><br>Thanks for reading! <br>Chapters 8 and 9 are in the works. Not today though. Maybe tomorrow - but def. by Friday. (:<br>Got to figure some stuff out! </div>

Chapter 3.2: Damn Bureaucrats! The TV in the room was loudly broadcasting a Royal Road commercial featuring a paraplegic kid who could walk again in the virtual reality created by the game. The Royal Road commercials had come out of nowhere, but were now shown non-stop. Ozzy was disgusted, ‘How can these people live with themselves, using a helpless kid like that to promote their useless product. It's revolting that humanity has come to this… Ack!’ Ozzy looked away from the TV to those around him. He was sitting in one of the many chairs and sofas that were spread about the room. Some chairs were pointed to the TV as his was and others were pointed at each other – their occupants being currently engaged in chess, poker, monopoly or bridge games. Even with all these high-tech games taking over the TV commercials – it’s still the good old fashioned games like monopoly that survive in the old folks home. Ozzy didn't know whether he should be pleased by this fact or disturbed by it. On the one hand it showed that humanity still valued its roots. On the other it showed that the retirement facility didn't want to invest its money into the entertainment of the elderly. He wasn't sure which perspective to take, so he decided to take the one he could be most vocal about. “You see that Bernie!” Ozzy screamed at the man beside him, “there are all these fancy-schmancy gadgets out there that could make us feel young again! And do we get any of the action? Nooo. We don’t! And you know why? I’ll tell you why! It’s because of those damn bureaucrats! Somebody has to show them they can’t just railroad us like this!” Bernie just gave Ozzy an apologetic glance. The man was mostly deaf in both ears. Both men didn't really care that Bernie couldn't hear what Ozzy had been shouting. Bernie knew that Ozzy was just shouting because he could – and because he liked to be loud… a result of having been a drill-sergeant for many years before he had climbed the ranks. Both men knew that he didn't actually care about how the entertainment fund was divided. Most people in this facility were part of the wealthier class and didn't have to worry about paying for being old and unable to work. Being old wasn't easy, but Ozzy was pretty fortunate when it came to his bodily equipments. He didn't have to deal with diaper priviliges like many of the others in the room. He had his pick of chairs and didn't have to worry if they had upholstery or not. ‘In the end, it’s the small things in life.’ ‘The end huh… so it’s come to this.’ Ozzy wasn't depressed about being old, he knew it was just a part of life, he did however resent it a little. He had always been a goal-oriented man. A go-getter. A man who believed that merit could overcome any obstacle. And he had done pretty well for himself – all things considered. When looking back at his life, this is what he could see: Macklemore Oswald. Seventy-two years old. Retired army General. A true medal of honor veteran. Current location: Florida. Current residence: End of the Road, Home of the Elderly. ‘Not only do they put me in this shit-hole, they got to rub it in my face that I’m old. They think I don’t get it? My joints don't let me forget it! Damn-it! End of the Road is accurate. Ack! People nowadays have no respect! None whatsoever!’ --- Ozzy had a hard, angular, quadratic face. He had a perpetual 5 o’clock shadow over his large jaw. In his youth he might have been considered extremely handsome – though handsome is a somewhat effeminate way of describing his good looks. These looks were however concealed by the permanent crease on his forehead caused by his never-ending scowl. It’s not that he was unhappy, it’s just that he got used to scowling so much – his face didn't remember how to… not. His eyes were a steely grey, they were not however the eyes of a killer. The eyes that many military men ended up with. His eyes held a certain warmth. He had however inherited the harsh military buzz-cut. Most see him as a moody character. Some of it is inherently his, the rest was drilled into him during his illustrious and extensive career with the army. He enrolled fresh out of college. It was his way out of a broken home in a small town. He had done very well for himself. He had applied his ideals of hard work into his life and it had paid off. His kids were both able to go to college and now had kids of their own. When asked about them, he would answer in a harsh tone, “Damn ingrates! Forgettin’ who provided them with all those opportunities. Opportunities I never had!” Deep down though, he knew that his kids would take him in with open arms if he asked, but he knew better than to ask. He didn't want to live with his kids. He loved them and all, but they had to move on with their lives. ‘Let them live and learn.’ They didn't need him for that. He was proud of them and was happy that they visited him in the holidays. He didn't need much more than that. But he was just so bored all the damn time. There was TV. Then there was food. Then there was some more TV. Then there was some more food. Then some lucky bastards got knocked out and went to sleep. And others like him – didn't have enough going wrong to get the good stuff. So he twisted and turned as he tried to go to sleep at night. ‘It’s so strange. When I was a kid I loved sleeping. I would of slept all day long if I could. And now, after six hours of sleep I can’t anymore. Maybe my body’s afraid of the ‘eternal sleep’ and is trying to stay awake. Heh. Heh. Heh.’ He chuckled himself to sleep. ---------- The next morning Ozzy got up and decided he was going to play Royal Road. ‘After all, it can’t be as boring as what I do all day anyways.’ He needed a sense of purpose in life. He needed his goals. He had never played an MMORPG before. He had however had some experience with virtual reality. The American army had been experimenting with training recruits through a virtual reality simulator. He had given it a go once. ‘Perks of being the General. Heh.’ ‘Can’t be that much different from that right?’ He signed into his Amazonia.com account and ordered a capsule. ‘This thing’s expensive… buuuuut… what am I going to do with my cash anyways? Bury it?’ He didn't believe in saving it for his kids. His philosophy was: ‘I worked for mine, I’m gonna use it. If there’s some left when I go – then it’s all yours… but until then stay out of my pocketbook’ Amazon had recently (16 years ago) merged with all the major shipping companies of the United States to form Amazonia. It had created a massive monopoly – but continued to offer low prices when they could have been exploitative. After the merger there had been major riots where people claimed that a company shouldn't be allowed that much power. Amazonia however, promised that it would not abuse its position, claiming that it had only gone into the merger to promote customer satisfaction. At a now famous press conference they promised that the merger allowed them to be so efficient they could deliver ice to your doorstep if you wanted. At the time Ozzy had though they were full of crap so he decided to order a large chocolate milkshake from them. Twenty minutes later a deliveryman had showed up at his doorstep with a perfect shake in hand. Ozzy has been a loyal customer ever since. Every now and then he orders a chocolate milkshake, ‘to keep them on their toes.’ And so, he was not at all surprised when an hour later he waved away the two tech-support employees that had installed the capsule for him. He eyed the silver casing speculatively. Then, he squared his shoulders and purposefully entered the capsule. ---------- | Connect to Royal Road?Yes | No | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | ‘No Einstein I want to go fly-fishing!’ "Yes." -- The scan on your iris and vein has determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you want to create a new account? ‘Jesus Christ! Are they afraid I am going to change my mind or something? I just laid down hard cash for this piece of junk!’ “Yes.” --Select the name of your avatar. Ozzy had been ‘Ozzy’ for as long as he could remember. It had been Oswald in the army, but that was quickly morphed into Ozzy. By the he finished boot camp, even the drill-sergeant had to look at his file to remember his name. After fifty-four years, a successful marriage, two kids, a brief widowhood, an unsuccessful marriage, a brutal divorce and retirement – he still went by Ozzy. He didn't see how now should be any different. “Ozy.” (A/N: The one less Z is to differentiate between real life and Royal Road Ozzy.) --Select your gender from male, female or neutral. “… Male.” --Royal Road has forty-nine races. You may select your race from the primary twenty-nine. These races include, human, dwarf, elf… “Human!” --You may alter your appearance to a certain degree, at least 25% of your original appearance must be maintained.” Ozzy wanted to remain the same, he didn’t see how pretending to be someone else was going to make anything better. But then he remembered all those commercials he had seen. He did not want to appear on national television. ‘People these days don’t know the value of privacy. I’m going to keep as much as I can of it.’ He thought about who he would like to look like. He considered making himself young again but quickly discounted that. Ozzy didn't want to be considered young by others. He liked the authority that was given to elders, ‘Even if every generation is becoming more and more disrespectful!’ As he thought about it, he found it difficult to think of someone he could just pretend to be. He didn't want that person to be alive! ‘That could bring all kinds of legal trouble.’ And then he remembered Harry Potter. Ozzy had loved the series as a kid and he had always thought that Dumbledore was one of the best characters of the franchise. He decided. “Make me be a Dumbledore.” -- Your appearance has been modified in accordance to your instructions. The changes were made whilst still maintaining 25% of your original appearance. ‘Yea… ya… I get it! I’m old enough to look like the guy… Ack!’ “Can’t we just get this game started already?” -- Your account has been activated. Your stats and class shall be determined while you are playing Royal Road¬. You will now be guided through the introductory guide. Which will include all the information you need to survive and thrive in Royal Road. “Alright.” --Select the city and kingdom in which you want to start. Ozzy remembered all of the TV commercials he had been forced to watch. The cripple-boy’s city had been the one that he remembered the most vividly. There had been footage taken from a running person’s perspective. Always moving, going somewhere. That’s the feeling he had gotten from those videos. That’s what he wanted. To be moving, doing, going somewhere. “Fort Feranisburg.” *Flash* Ozy looked around the market square. ‘Well this is… different.’ Royal Road’s virtual reality was designed for pleasure and so the sensory reality aspect had been developed much more than what he remembered having experienced in the military pod. ‘Well… you know what? I kinda like it.’ He was surprised himself. He had expected to come in and hate it immediately. Part of him had actually been looking forward to it. Imagine all the complaining that could be done in spending thousands of dollars on a useless venture. He spent some time studying his surrounding and the people in it. He looked up at a woman that was standing next to him. In real life he wasn't short, he was sort of stockily built – but on an average frame. Here though he seemed to be shorter than average. Way shorter. He was probably around 5’0 tall. He remembered asking to look like Dumbledore so he was perplexed. ‘Had they gotten it wrong? Surely not. Everyone knows Harry Potter – even if it is sort of old.’ He decided there was nothing he could do about it and took stock of his appearance - comparing it to the real Dumbledore. He was small and slightly pudgy. He was still old and he still had his half-moon spectacles, but he was bald on the top of his head with little sprouts of hair still covering the sides and back of his head. He had a large nose, a crooked posture and a large wooden staff that towered over his diminutive features. He wondered about the staff. He had been standing in the square for quite some time and he had seen other users appear out of thin air. Their gear was always the same and yet none of them had a staff. He was very confused. Being small was going to be difficult for him to adjust to as he had to shorten all of his movements to account for his smaller body. --- Unbeknownst to him, Unicorn Corporation had not been able to get the copyright agreements to include Harry Potter into the virtual world. They had tried repeatedly, but the company that now owned the franchise had demanded a sum that Unicorn Corp. could not afford. They had invested almost every last penny into the development of the world; they hoped that the fantasy of the world itself would make up for the lack of Harry Potter and that users wouldn't take notice. They didn't. Unfortunately for Ozy though, a user named Mist had recorded a Dumbledore into the world. A Dumbledore that was completely different from the one he had known in his childhood. --- Ozy decided get a move on. He wanted to shoot something. He hadn’t been able to go to the gun range in quite some time. He knew it was all just a game but he figured he could get the same level of enjoyment out of it since it all felt so real. He asked one of the town’s people about where to go and they said he was probably looking for the Training Hall. The man he had asked pointed him in the right direction and off he went. When he arrived at the Training Hall the first thing he realized was that it seemed kind of barren… and small… especially if they had any real firepower. A man introduced himself as he approached Ozy who had been looking around with a confused look on his face. -“My name is Flavius. I am the main instructor of this Hall. Do you need some instruction?” “Yeah, matter a fact, I do. Where are your guns?” -“What are guns?” “You know, they’re big. Mostly made out of metal, bullets come out of them.” At Flavius’s confused expression Ozy continued, “Well it doesn't even have to be guns. Where are your grenades? You got any of those?” Flavius still looked confused, “They explode when you take a pin out of them. You know, big BAM BAM BAM?” He said as he reenacted shooting a shotgun with his staff. Flavius eyed the staff Ozy had been swinging around warily. He seemed to be contemplate something for a while before he eventually said. -“I know what you are looking for. It's the alchemists’ guild!” “…” ‘They can’t not have guns here… I mean this is a warfare game right? Isn’t the main objective about becoming the Emperor or something?’ He thought about all of the commercials he had watched. Surely there had been guns in them… hadn’t there? As hard as he tried to remember – he couldn't remembering any scenes that had featured guns. He could deal with the weirdly small body. In fact, he hadn’t even considered destroying the character to create a new one that would be easier to handle. He didn't believe in quitting. But no guns? That was a harsh call even for him. He looked at Flavius who was still standing in front of him again. He gave him a pleading look and asked. “Not even the standard issue M4 carbine? Or even an M9. I’ll take an M9 if you got it.” By this point Flavius was getting impatient and said, “I’m sorry but we do not offer that kind of… equipment. Now if you want me to teach you how to fight. I would gladly assist you.” ‘No guns. Ack! Damn. Damn. Double Damn!” Ozy squared his shoulders as far as he could in his little avatar and followed Flavius to the scarecrows. 'Flavius...What a shitty name!' [Chapter 4.1](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=190&t=1610) ---- That's what I hope was some comic relief. Not a comedian though so... ** Might move this to after chapter 8 and 9. Remains to be seen. I wanted to write him though. Again for those of you who need help placing the time: 2 days (Royal Road time) after Foot has started his training with Ty. I hope you guys enjoyed Ozzy. I had a lot of fun with him. He's my favorite so far - which is why I wrote him out before what I should have.... OH well.... artistic liberty and whatnot. Thanks for reading! Chapters 8 and 9 are in the works. Not today though. Maybe tomorrow - but def. by Friday. (: Got to figure some stuff out!

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> So here's my second chapter. Procrastination is the inspiration of all things.<br>I hope someone reads this. And if not, well it was still fun.<br>But if someone out there <span style="font-style: italic;">is</span> reading this. <br>Please tell me what you think! (: ... Not sure If I am doing this right. <br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Chapter 1.2:</span> You think I'm an Addict?</span><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>When Aphrodite was connected to Royal Road, the first sound that reached her ears was a feminine voice. She looked around, but there was no one there. It was a bit confusing being somewhere – when she knew she was still in the library. She had never been in a game that was this immersive. She took a while to look around. All she could see was white. Very disorienting.<br><br>--Do you want to create a new account? <br>The voice repeated.<br><br>“Yes.”<br><br>--Select the name of your avatar.<br><br>She thought about this for a while and responded with.<br>“Mist.” <br><br>The novel from yesterday was still sharp in her mind – and she was not going to name herself ‘Aphrodite’ if she had the choice. <br><br>'Athena – <span style="font-style: italic;">maybe</span>. Who decided to give their daughter the name of the Greek Godess of love and <span style="font-style: italic;">beauty </span>of all things? No thank you. Mist it is! Uncomplicated. Ambiguous. <span style="font-style: italic;">Anonymous</span>.' <br><br>---<br><br>Aphrodite’s parents had met on a cruise. Her mother was an heiress on vacation – spending money. She had always wanted to visit Greece, the location the cruise was taking off from. Her father had signed on as a barkeeper for some easy money. He was a computer science major barely scraping by and sorely needed the money. <br><br>Each had the typical ‘textbook’ appearance. Her mother having an elite upbringing was of petite stature with red brown hair. She wore it short but with constantly changing styles. Currently she was rocking the pixie cut. She was gorgeous.<br><br>Her father was Greek. He looked, as Aphrodite’s mother would put it in one of her novels, like a Greek God. Tall. Silky black hair. Penetrating green eyes. He was the epitome of male beauty. Her mother had been instantly infatuated with him. Elias Demopoulos. Soon there was a pregnancy on the way… which also explains the unfortunate Greek name. Aphrodite Korina Demopoulos.<br><br>‘I mean <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span>? I would have been happier with Mary Jane. Or Sally. Or Paddy even!’<br><br>Alas, it was not to be. Aphrodite inherited the name and an, for a girl who does not have a runway career in the short- or long-term future, unwelcome height of 5’11. (As a side note: when people say tall people can wear the weight well… not true in this case.)<br><br>So in the end, the outcome of this unholy matrimony, for as we know, it <span style="font-style: italic;">did</span> result in matrimony… was an overly tall, inaptly named fat girl. And so the story continues…<br><br>---<br><br>--Select your gender from male, female or neutral.<br><br>‘Neutral… wtf does that even mean? No boobs? No junk? No <span style="font-style: italic;">nothing</span>? <span style="font-style: italic;">Ughh</span>.. that kind of gives me the creeps… <span style="font-style: italic;">paaass</span>.’<br><br>“Female please.”<br><br>--Royal Road has forty-nine races. You may select your race from the primary twenty-nine. These races include, human, dwarf, elf…<br><br>“Elf!”<br><br>-- The elf race has subclasses. Please choose from: dark elf, high elf, wood elf, blood elf, midnight elf…<br><br>“That one.”<br><br>‘Gosh, how many elf kinds are there? I could be here all day. Isn’t this going a bit overboard with the options?’<br><br>--You may alter your appearance to a certain degree, at least 25% of your original appearance must be maintained. Racial traits will change you according to the features of the race you chose. As a Midnight elf you will have pointy ears, your eyes will be further apart, you will have less of a nose bridge…”<br><br>“I understand, I want to be skinnier… and shorter.”<br><br>‘No need to continue being an overly fat, overly large Amazon in the game when you don’t have to.’<br><br>-- Your appearance has been modified in accordance to your instructions. However as Midnight elves are known for their height. Your height has been altered to it's minimum given your body statistics. This has resulted in you being 5'11. Do you wish to make any more changes?<br><br>An image of a tall elf appeared before her. It looked nothing like her. Pointy ears – big forehead. But most of all: not fat. The elf was not pretty, but it wasn't as hideous as she was. She was satisfied. It looked nothing like her. It still had her green eyes which she had inherited from her father, possibly her only attractive attribute. The face was broad in the forehead but narrowed sharply at her cheekbones, giving her a delicate chin. It had a long nose and thin lips. Maybe it <span style="font-style: italic;">did </span>have some of her in it, the eyes and the lips. She liked it.<br><br>“No this is good.”<br><br>-- Your account has been activated. Your stats and class shall be determined while you are playing Royal Road¬. You will now be guided through the introductory guide. Which will include all the information you need to survive and thrive in Royal Road.<br><br>“Alright.”<br><br>--Select the city and kingdom in which you want to start.<br><br>“Something in a forest. Deep in the woods. Is there some elf kingdom that is hidden from others, hard to get to? That kind of thing?”<br><br>--Is the Hidden Village of Amirav of the Siradin Kingdom satisfactory? It is hidden deep in the forest of Amirav. It is not however recommended as a starting point due to the high level of the beasts that call this village their home. In addition…<br><br>“This is fine!”<br><br>She didn't really care. She was just playing this for a little bit anyways. <br><br>*Flash*<br><br>With a flash of light she appeared in front of a large tree.<br> <br>“What the hell!?” <br><br>She looked around in disbelief. Everything looked so real! And it <span style="font-style: italic;">felt</span> real. Even the air <span style="font-style: italic;">smelled</span> of forests and felt moist. <br><br>‘So weird!’<br><br>At first she thought she was just teleported into the middle of a random forest. But then she began to notice people… or elves. There were no houses that she could see, until she looked up and saw that the houses were built into the trees somehow. Or more like – the trees were built into houses… if that made sense. So the trees around her were houses. She briefly wondered if all trees were houses but then saw that some weren’t.<br><br>It was very disorienting for her, especially because of the realness of it all. <br><br>She was still gaping and looking around like a newborn calf (assuming that’s what newborn calves do…) when one kind looking elf walked up to her. He looked like Dumbledore without the glasses – add pointy ears and bingo! She was a fan of fantasy, and Harry Potter was a must-read… even if it was kind of retro. Most kids didn't even know who Harry Potter was anymore. ‘Strange to think there was a time when he was all the hype.’<br><br>He asked her if she needed help readjusting… which she did. He led her through the basics. It took upwards of two hours for him to give her a tutorial but she eventually got the hang of it. Dumbledore… who had introduced himself as Moark, told her that Amirav was unique and that she needed to gain familiarity with the houses (aka trees) to be permitted access. Only elves had access… at least no problem there… <br><br>He introduced her to the main house. ‘Village capital I guess.’ <br><br>After being granted access, vines grabbed her by the stomach and she was whipped up into the trees. <br><br>“Whoa!!”<br><br>After being set on her feet. She stumbled a little. <br><br>“Warn a person next time! Would ya!?”<br><br>She re-oriented herself. She was on a broad branch that twined itself around the tree to give it some sort of walkway. As she looked out to the other trees she saw they had similar walkways made of branches that twisted around the trunks. More branches connected the trees to each other. <br>‘<span style="font-style: italic;">Preeetty</span> neat. Too bad I won’t acquire any Tarzan skills though.’<br><br>She looked down to what must be at <span style="font-style: italic;">least</span> 100ft of falling space. <br><br>‘Well… Good thing I’m not afraid of heights. They should warn people though! Hey… <span style="font-style: italic;">by the way</span>, we do <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> recommend this village as a starting point if you fear heights.”<br><br>She looked around the house. There weren’t many people in it. She kind of liked it that way. She didn't know that this was one of the unpublished starting centers. Most people who had started playing the game on its first day 3 days ago – were game enthusiasts and knew all about the game. There were only 20,000 new players so far – most of which had started on the first day. <br><br>Most players had chosen one of the cities that were offered. This was a hidden village though, that had to be asked for. Which was hard – since players didn't know to ask for it. She was only the 12th user that had started in Amirav. Which was why the village was so empty. <br><br>It was the only starting point of its kind. Most starting points were at least mid-sized cities, this was one of Royal Roads hidden secrets. Other than asking for it, Amirav had other requirements. One had to be a Midnight Elf and one had to be among the first 50 people that asked for a hidden village in the elfdom. It was a limit imposed by the game so even if the village became public – it could still be categorized as ‘hidden’.<br><br>The village itself was never going to show up on any maps. Even if someone did find it, Amirav was un-map-able. The forest of the Siradin Kingdom was vast and wanderers would often find themselves thrown from one place to another by wormholes or some other form of teleportation. Knowing one’s location within it was basically impossible.<br><br>Aphrodite walked around the house that burrowed into the tree. Most rooms had an odd half-pie-slice shape veering off from a central circular room. One of the rooms she walked into had a collection of bows on the wall, another a collection of herbs, each seemed to have some sort of purpose. Eventually she found one that looked like someone’s office, it was the only room with books in it. Books were something she always noticed. The books were all on a shelf that grew out of one of the room’s walls. There weren’t many of them, maybe 50 or so. She opened one and was surprised that it was an <span style="font-style: italic;">actual</span> book, with <span style="font-style: italic;">actual</span> pages that she could leaf through… with <span style="font-style: italic;">actual</span> stuff written in it. ‘Everything in this game was just so damn real!’ <br><br>She sat down in one of the couches and began reading.<br><br>It was exactly her type of book. Fantasy. In Royal Road though, that fantasy was often synonymous to fact. This book contained the history of some painter. It was a great book and she promptly lost herself in it. <br><br>Hours passed and when she finished the book something happened. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Wisdom rises by 1. (+1 WIS)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>She had completely forgotten about the game. She had been so immersed in reading. ‘This game… <span style="font-style: italic;">so </span>frickin real!’<br><br>Remembering what Dumble… <span style="font-style: italic;">Moark</span> had said about the stats, she opened her stats window. <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Character Name</td><td width="25%">Mist</td><td width="25%">Alignment</td><td width="25%">Neutral</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%">Fame</td><td colspan="3">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">95</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">110</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 colspan="3">10</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">11</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">1</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></div><br><br>‘… <span style="font-style: italic;">Interesting</span>.’<br><br>She put the book back and decided to read another. This time the book was about the life of an elf-warrior. It centered on the fight between the two ancient tribes of Siradin, Kolfin and Paramore. <br><br>‘Very detailed stuff.’ <br><br>Again. She lost herself in the book. And again – a couple of hours later she finished it.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Intellect rises by 1. (+1 INT)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>‘I guess it’s not just wisdom that rises when you read.’<br><br>She continued reading other books. After reading two more, about famous elfs, none of her stats had gone up. <br><br>‘I guess it gets harder to gain stats. Same as dad’s other games… I have to keep reminding myself that I am in a game.’<br><br>She wasn't particularly concerned about the situation of her stats though and picked up another book. Halfway through the next book she was warned about her depleting satisfaction levels.<br><br>‘Right. Food.’ <br><br>She remembered what the elder had said about keeping the body nourished. Obviously she had forgotten about it while she was reading. <br><br>She opened her ‘Inventory Window’ and ate another of the barley breads given to her as a new user. She now had 8 left. She had eaten one during Moark’s tutorial. The satisfaction factor was full again. <br><br>‘Ugh, sometimes this game is too realistic. This bread sucks.’<br><br>She got back to reading. After finishing this book, something else happened.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Book Mastery has increased by 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">Book Mastery: Gives you the ability to read more quickly and comprehensively. Allows you to read books of any language or condition.</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">Your Book Mastery was increased to level 2.<br>Increases reading speed by 30%. (+30% AGT)<br>Increases stamina regeneration by 10%. (+10% STM)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>And so, Mist continued to read. Biographies of famous elves, histories of certain bloodlines, famous battles and other depictions of historic events of the Siradin Kingdom. Books which introduced her to the world of Royal Road and its history. At some point she decided to log out because she had to go to the bathroom in real life.<br><br>Aphrodite was shocked to realize it was only 8pm. She had spent a little over seven hours in the game, but it had felt like so much more. She checked and realized she had logged 30 game hours. <br><br>‘I can live so much more in so little time! But more importantly, I can read all I want!’ <br><br>Her priorities shifted. She quickly went to the bathroom, took a shower grabbed some food and logged back onto Royal Road. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=190&amp;t=1597" target="_blank">Chapter 1.3</a></div> </div>

So here's my second chapter. Procrastination is the inspiration of all things. I hope someone reads this. And if not, well it was still fun. But if someone out there is reading this. Please tell me what you think! (: ... Not sure If I am doing this right. Chapter 1.2: You think I'm an Addict? -- The scan on your iris and vein has determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you want to create a new account? When Aphrodite was connected to Royal Road, the first sound that reached her ears was a feminine voice. She looked around, but there was no one there. It was a bit confusing being somewhere – when she knew she was still in the library. She had never been in a game that was this immersive. She took a while to look around. All she could see was white. Very disorienting. --Do you want to create a new account? The voice repeated. “Yes.” --Select the name of your avatar. She thought about this for a while and responded with. “Mist.” The novel from yesterday was still sharp in her mind – and she was not going to name herself ‘Aphrodite’ if she had the choice. 'Athena – maybe. Who decided to give their daughter the name of the Greek Godess of love and beauty of all things? No thank you. Mist it is! Uncomplicated. Ambiguous. Anonymous.' --- Aphrodite’s parents had met on a cruise. Her mother was an heiress on vacation – spending money. She had always wanted to visit Greece, the location the cruise was taking off from. Her father had signed on as a barkeeper for some easy money. He was a computer science major barely scraping by and sorely needed the money. Each had the typical ‘textbook’ appearance. Her mother having an elite upbringing was of petite stature with red brown hair. She wore it short but with constantly changing styles. Currently she was rocking the pixie cut. She was gorgeous. Her father was Greek. He looked, as Aphrodite’s mother would put it in one of her novels, like a Greek God. Tall. Silky black hair. Penetrating green eyes. He was the epitome of male beauty. Her mother had been instantly infatuated with him. Elias Demopoulos. Soon there was a pregnancy on the way… which also explains the unfortunate Greek name. Aphrodite Korina Demopoulos. ‘I mean really? I would have been happier with Mary Jane. Or Sally. Or Paddy even!’ Alas, it was not to be. Aphrodite inherited the name and an, for a girl who does not have a runway career in the short- or long-term future, unwelcome height of 5’11. (As a side note: when people say tall people can wear the weight well… not true in this case.) So in the end, the outcome of this unholy matrimony, for as we know, it did result in matrimony… was an overly tall, inaptly named fat girl. And so the story continues… --- --Select your gender from male, female or neutral. ‘Neutral… wtf does that even mean? No boobs? No junk? No nothing? Ughh.. that kind of gives me the creeps… paaass.’ “Female please.” --Royal Road has forty-nine races. You may select your race from the primary twenty-nine. These races include, human, dwarf, elf… “Elf!” -- The elf race has subclasses. Please choose from: dark elf, high elf, wood elf, blood elf, midnight elf… “That one.” ‘Gosh, how many elf kinds are there? I could be here all day. Isn’t this going a bit overboard with the options?’ --You may alter your appearance to a certain degree, at least 25% of your original appearance must be maintained. Racial traits will change you according to the features of the race you chose. As a Midnight elf you will have pointy ears, your eyes will be further apart, you will have less of a nose bridge…” “I understand, I want to be skinnier… and shorter.” ‘No need to continue being an overly fat, overly large Amazon in the game when you don’t have to.’ -- Your appearance has been modified in accordance to your instructions. However as Midnight elves are known for their height. Your height has been altered to it's minimum given your body statistics. This has resulted in you being 5'11. Do you wish to make any more changes? An image of a tall elf appeared before her. It looked nothing like her. Pointy ears – big forehead. But most of all: not fat. The elf was not pretty, but it wasn't as hideous as she was. She was satisfied. It looked nothing like her. It still had her green eyes which she had inherited from her father, possibly her only attractive attribute. The face was broad in the forehead but narrowed sharply at her cheekbones, giving her a delicate chin. It had a long nose and thin lips. Maybe it did have some of her in it, the eyes and the lips. She liked it. “No this is good.” -- Your account has been activated. Your stats and class shall be determined while you are playing Royal Road¬. You will now be guided through the introductory guide. Which will include all the information you need to survive and thrive in Royal Road. “Alright.” --Select the city and kingdom in which you want to start. “Something in a forest. Deep in the woods. Is there some elf kingdom that is hidden from others, hard to get to? That kind of thing?” --Is the Hidden Village of Amirav of the Siradin Kingdom satisfactory? It is hidden deep in the forest of Amirav. It is not however recommended as a starting point due to the high level of the beasts that call this village their home. In addition… “This is fine!” She didn't really care. She was just playing this for a little bit anyways. *Flash* With a flash of light she appeared in front of a large tree. “What the hell!?” She looked around in disbelief. Everything looked so real! And it felt real. Even the air smelled of forests and felt moist. ‘So weird!’ At first she thought she was just teleported into the middle of a random forest. But then she began to notice people… or elves. There were no houses that she could see, until she looked up and saw that the houses were built into the trees somehow. Or more like – the trees were built into houses… if that made sense. So the trees around her were houses. She briefly wondered if all trees were houses but then saw that some weren’t. It was very disorienting for her, especially because of the realness of it all. She was still gaping and looking around like a newborn calf (assuming that’s what newborn calves do…) when one kind looking elf walked up to her. He looked like Dumbledore without the glasses – add pointy ears and bingo! She was a fan of fantasy, and Harry Potter was a must-read… even if it was kind of retro. Most kids didn't even know who Harry Potter was anymore. ‘Strange to think there was a time when he was all the hype.’ He asked her if she needed help readjusting… which she did. He led her through the basics. It took upwards of two hours for him to give her a tutorial but she eventually got the hang of it. Dumbledore… who had introduced himself as Moark, told her that Amirav was unique and that she needed to gain familiarity with the houses (aka trees) to be permitted access. Only elves had access… at least no problem there… He introduced her to the main house. ‘Village capital I guess.’ After being granted access, vines grabbed her by the stomach and she was whipped up into the trees. “Whoa!!” After being set on her feet. She stumbled a little. “Warn a person next time! Would ya!?” She re-oriented herself. She was on a broad branch that twined itself around the tree to give it some sort of walkway. As she looked out to the other trees she saw they had similar walkways made of branches that twisted around the trunks. More branches connected the trees to each other. ‘Preeetty neat. Too bad I won’t acquire any Tarzan skills though.’ She looked down to what must be at least 100ft of falling space. ‘Well… Good thing I’m not afraid of heights. They should warn people though! Hey… by the way, we do not recommend this village as a starting point if you fear heights.” She looked around the house. There weren’t many people in it. She kind of liked it that way. She didn't know that this was one of the unpublished starting centers. Most people who had started playing the game on its first day 3 days ago – were game enthusiasts and knew all about the game. There were only 20,000 new players so far – most of which had started on the first day. Most players had chosen one of the cities that were offered. This was a hidden village though, that had to be asked for. Which was hard – since players didn't know to ask for it. She was only the 12th user that had started in Amirav. Which was why the village was so empty. It was the only starting point of its kind. Most starting points were at least mid-sized cities, this was one of Royal Roads hidden secrets. Other than asking for it, Amirav had other requirements. One had to be a Midnight Elf and one had to be among the first 50 people that asked for a hidden village in the elfdom. It was a limit imposed by the game so even if the village became public – it could still be categorized as ‘hidden’. The village itself was never going to show up on any maps. Even if someone did find it, Amirav was un-map-able. The forest of the Siradin Kingdom was vast and wanderers would often find themselves thrown from one place to another by wormholes or some other form of teleportation. Knowing one’s location within it was basically impossible. Aphrodite walked around the house that burrowed into the tree. Most rooms had an odd half-pie-slice shape veering off from a central circular room. One of the rooms she walked into had a collection of bows on the wall, another a collection of herbs, each seemed to have some sort of purpose. Eventually she found one that looked like someone’s office, it was the only room with books in it. Books were something she always noticed. The books were all on a shelf that grew out of one of the room’s walls. There weren’t many of them, maybe 50 or so. She opened one and was surprised that it was an actual book, with actual pages that she could leaf through… with actual stuff written in it. ‘Everything in this game was just so damn real!’ She sat down in one of the couches and began reading. It was exactly her type of book. Fantasy. In Royal Road though, that fantasy was often synonymous to fact. This book contained the history of some painter. It was a great book and she promptly lost herself in it. Hours passed and when she finished the book something happened. | Wisdom rises by 1. (+1 WIS) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | She had completely forgotten about the game. She had been so immersed in reading. ‘This game… so frickin real!’ Remembering what Dumble… Moark had said about the stats, she opened her stats window. | Character Name | Mist | Alignment | Neutral | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Level | 1 | Profession | None | | Title | None | | | | Fame | 0 | | | | Health | 95 | Mana | 110 | | Strength | 10 | Agility | 10 | | Vitality | 10 | | | | Wisdom | 11 | Intellect | 10 | | Luck | 0 | Leadership | 0 | | Attack | 1 | | | | Defense | 0 | | | | Magic Resistance | None | | | ‘… Interesting.’ She put the book back and decided to read another. This time the book was about the life of an elf-warrior. It centered on the fight between the two ancient tribes of Siradin, Kolfin and Paramore. ‘Very detailed stuff.’ Again. She lost herself in the book. And again – a couple of hours later she finished it. | Intellect rises by 1. (+1 INT) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | ‘I guess it’s not just wisdom that rises when you read.’ She continued reading other books. After reading two more, about famous elfs, none of her stats had gone up. ‘I guess it gets harder to gain stats. Same as dad’s other games… I have to keep reminding myself that I am in a game.’ She wasn't particularly concerned about the situation of her stats though and picked up another book. Halfway through the next book she was warned about her depleting satisfaction levels. ‘Right. Food.’ She remembered what the elder had said about keeping the body nourished. Obviously she had forgotten about it while she was reading. She opened her ‘Inventory Window’ and ate another of the barley breads given to her as a new user. She now had 8 left. She had eaten one during Moark’s tutorial. The satisfaction factor was full again. ‘Ugh, sometimes this game is too realistic. This bread sucks.’ She got back to reading. After finishing this book, something else happened. | Book Mastery has increased by 1. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Book Mastery: Gives you the ability to read more quickly and comprehensively. Allows you to read books of any language or condition. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Your Book Mastery was increased to level 2.Increases reading speed by 30%. (+30% AGT)Increases stamina regeneration by 10%. (+10% STM) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | And so, Mist continued to read. Biographies of famous elves, histories of certain bloodlines, famous battles and other depictions of historic events of the Siradin Kingdom. Books which introduced her to the world of Royal Road and its history. At some point she decided to log out because she had to go to the bathroom in real life. Aphrodite was shocked to realize it was only 8pm. She had spent a little over seven hours in the game, but it had felt like so much more. She checked and realized she had logged 30 game hours. ‘I can live so much more in so little time! But more importantly, I can read all I want!’ Her priorities shifted. She quickly went to the bathroom, took a shower grabbed some food and logged back onto Royal Road. [Chapter 1.3](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=190&t=1597)

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Chapter 4 – Monsters in the kitchen<br><br><br>He was cold but could open his eyes now.<br>"Good, you're awake."<br>Jon opened his eyes and looked at the man the brute called Dragon. He straightened up.<br>"I was afraid for a moment. Can't have you dying on me, not before you're done paying for the meat you had eaten."<br>"…"<br>"How did you even manage to eat so much? When I heard the amount you owed I thought for sure there were at least three people."<br>Jon looked around. He was in some sort of freezer. An iron ball was chained to his legs.<br>"You'd be surprised how handy that thing has become lately. So many people trying to run off without paying."<br>"…"<br>"No response, kid? That's a first. I like hearing guys like you complain and beg."<br>"…"<br>"Ok… you'll stay here until you've paid back the gold you owe. Here's your knife you will need it." He stepped out of the room.<br>"That's better, can't stand the cold in there," he spoke to himself, "This here is our fridge. A mage comes by once a month to keep it cold. You, boy, will stay here and peel vegetables with that knife of yours."<br>A child came inside and put a crate of potatoes in front of Jon and an empty one beside him.<br>"He will bring them to you," Dragon pointed at the kid, "and take them away once you're done. There is soup on the stove there, take as much as you want. You're no use to me sick."<br>"…"<br>"Well? Start working!" he commanded and shut the door.<br>The blue ball of mana materialized at Jon's command. He stared at the potatoes before him.<br>He picked up a potato and began working.<br><br>Quest Notice<br>You have begun a quest. This quest cannot be denied and you cannot accept any more quests while this one is in progress.<br><br>Frozen Vegetables<br>You have refused to pay for your food and as punishment you will have to work for five days.<br>Difficulty: E<br>Reward: Debt is cleared.<br>Relationship with Dragon becomes neutral.<br><br>He was working on his second crate when the door opened.<br>A huge man squeezed through it and rushed towards him.<br>"What in Freya's name is this?" he screamed in his face.<br>"…"<br>"How am I to work with this?" he was holding a potato peeled by Jon.<br>'"…"<br>Jon's lack of response angered him even more. He smashed the potato with his hand and threw it at Jon.<br>Jon ignored it and simply went back to peeling.<br>The man stood there watching him, his hurried breath slowly going back to normal.<br>"Here, let me." He took Jon's knife and picked up a potato and peeled it in two swift motions.<br>"This is how you do it." He threw the peeled potato at Jon.<br>Jon picked another potato and gave it to the man.<br>"Again," he said.<br>Two swift motions and the potato was peeled.<br>"You try."<br>He did. It was a simple motion and Jon was always a quick learner and good with his hands.<br>"I'll come back when the carrots and onions come." He left as suddenly as he arrived.<br>Jon went back to peeling.<br><br>Focus Rises by 1(+1 Foc)<br><br>He liked peeling vegetables. It kept him busy and allowed him to forget about the rest of the world. The cold was bearable and the vegetables were never-ending.<br>The cook came twice more to show him how he wanted the carrots and onions peeled.<br>No one bothered him about his floating ball of light and he was getting stronger as a player, which was something he started to enjoy.<br>"You're a hard working young man aren't ya?" Dragon passed by, sharing a comment or two.<br>"You're the first one who didn't try to escape, you know that?"<br><br>It was the morning of the third day already. Jon who worked nonstop both day and night was in a trance like state.<br>Dragon's words snapped him out of it and he was left disoriented.<br>"What?"<br>"I'm saying you're the first one to accept his punishment. The ones before you always tried to escape." He smiled, "They never manage to do it, but they all tried to run nonetheless."<br>"…"<br>"I and the boys always place money on how long they will last. You have two more days left, keep this up and we will all lose for the first time."<br>"…"<br>"Still keeping quiet?" he started closing the door. "Can't complain as long as you keep working, I guess."<br><br>Focus Rises by 1(+1 Foc)<br><br>Focus Rises by 1(+1 Foc)<br><br>Knife/Dagger Mastery Acquired<br>Increases efficiency of handling knives and daggers.<br>When using a knife or a dagger, depending on your level of mastery, the following bonuses will be applied:<br>Attack Speed: +5%<br>Attack Power: +5%<br><br>Cold Resistance Increases by 5% (+5%)<br><br><br>And just like that, two more days passed. Jon felt kind of disappointed when Dragon came and told him he was free to go.<br>"You're done!" he said, "get out of here before I make you pay for all the money I lost on you."<br><br>Quest "Frozen Vegetables" Completed<br>Debt is cleared.<br>Relationship with Dragon becomes neutral.<br><br>He didn't want the quest to end. He liked doing this kind of monotonous work, it kept him busy while letting his mind wander at the same time.<br>Jon was looking for a job and he decided he wanted this one and applied to Dragon for it from inside the refrigerator.<br>"Are you serious?"<br>"Yes."<br>"Hmm… I can use a hard worker like you…"<br>"…"<br>Dragon began to smile.<br>"I have the perfect thing for you. You've met our cook right?" he motioned Jon to follow him. "The big guy who's always angry and yells a lot. Well, if you really want to work here, than your job will be to help him out. Agreed?"<br>Job Notice<br>You have been offered work as a kitchen hand. <br>Work schedule: 9 hours a day.<br>Pay: 20 silvers a day.<br>Do you accept?<br>Yes? No?<br><br>"Agreed."<br>"Good. You can start tomorrow. Be here at seven. We open up at eight and things need to be ready for when the morning customers start coming."<br>He walked Jon outside and stood at the door looking after him as Jon walked away.<br>"Five silvers, he quits the next day." The brute said at the door to Dragon.<br>"Ha. Ten, he stays longer than a week."<br>"I accept."<br>"I'll write it down then. Better go ask the rest of the guys." He went inside. "Not a word to Burka! Or the lad might end up dead."<br><br>Jon went back to the library to see if it turned back to the quiet place it had been. As he got closer to it he saw there were no longer people standing outside trying to get a glimpse at the body.<br>He entered through the large wooden doors and listened. The silence was deafening.<br>"You're back." Unknownadd, the book keeper, greeted him.<br>"I was afraid the rumor scared you away?"<br>"Rumor?"<br>"People seem to think there's some kind of monster hiding in here. They say it killed six people already." He sighed. "It brings more people, but only the wrong kinds of people come."<br>"…"<br>"Go look for yourself. I've saved your spot for you." He handed Jon a glass of Scholars Brew.<br>"Thank you."<br>He made his way through the bookshelves to the reading area.<br>Just like Unknowadd said, there were a lot of people there. However, none of them were reading.<br>These were players, and no longer the usual newbies who wanted to become mages. Although not high leveled, not even one wore the beginners clothes Jon had on him and was used to seeing in the library.<br>He sat down at his place. The wall of books was left in place and he scanned the room hidden from sight.<br>He counted twenty seven players. More seemed to be walking around between the bookshelves.<br>Jon broke off the spell he was constantly using and the blue ball of light disappeared.<br>-'I'll need it.'-<br>He took out the eighteenth volume of "Mages through the Ages" from his inventory and began reading, waiting for night to bring with it the darkness.<br><br>More people came as the sun went down. The reading area was hot from all the lit candles the players lighted. They seemed to think the candle light would protect them.<br>Jon knew better. As soon as it was dark enough he went into the sea of bookshelves and roamed it in complete darkness.<br>He could see the people who were searching for the monster amongst the bookshelves, clearly. They all held candles and the candle light shone through the gaps in the books.<br>He stepped further inside, until he could no longer see the bright light of the reading area. The sound of them talking was muffled by the books. He summoned the blue mana ball and floated it far from him.<br>Quietly he waited. There were so many people that it didn't take long for someone to take the bait.<br>Amongst the players, there were some who formed groups and pairs to search together. Luckily for Jon this player was alone.<br>He guided the blue light slowly towards where he was hiding, keeping it out of reach of the player.<br>He waited for the player to pass him and quietly followed him.<br>The player saw nothing outside the light of his candle. His gaze concentrated on Jon's beginners spell.<br>-'Silent Strike'-<br><br>Critical Hit<br><br>You have killed a player!<br>Fame is decreased by 20 points. (-20 Fame)<br>A red mark has appeared on your forehead, it will disappear in 6 hours.<br><br>Jon didn't need a higher critical hit rate or the higher damage the skill gave him, but he never took chances when it came to taking a persons life.<br>The knife had taken from Yarel, that same knife that he used to peel all those vegetables was lounged deep in the players brain. The hilt of the knife was poking out of his ear, and Jon held it as the player turned grey and disappeared.<br>A belt dropped to the ground, where just a moment ago the player’s feet were.<br>He picked up the belt and looked at its stats.<br><br><br>Level Up<br><br>Sneak Skill Levels Up<br>Level 2 effect: You are 5% harder to see.<br>You make 5% less sound when sneaking.<br><br><br>Silent Strike Levels Up<br>Level 2: Deal 15% more damage.<br>Chance of a critical hit increases by 40%.<br>Cost: 50 Mp<br><br>Dexterity increases by 1 (+1Dex)<br><br>He put it on.<br>It wasn't much but it was better than the simple rope he had for holding his pants up.<br><br>Hard Cloth Belt<br>Defense: 1 Durability: 9/10<br>A simple belt made out of sturdy cloth.<br><br>As the sun began to rise, Jon left the library and headed towards his new workplace.<br>He looked nothing like the man who came inside just yesterday.<br>New boots, pants, hood and simple leather breast armor now covered his body. His knife was strapped safely to his belt. In his inventory lay two swords and a magic staff.<br><br>The rumor changed during the night. People no longer suspected there was a monster in the library but seemed to be certain of it. Eight people were confirmed dead by their friends who were online. Jon didn't bother telling them there were more than that.<br>He was lucky for the rumor as it brought almost a hundred players to the library. His magic bait worked perfectly every time even on the mages.<br>The rumor now seemed to say, that Unknownadd would give a quest to defeat the monster. So as Jon walked by him he could see a bunch of players swarming around him.<br>They were all trying to get on his good side so he would give them a quest.<br>He headed for his new job.<br>The brute at the door greeted him with a grin. He went inside and entered the kitchen. It was already like a war zone. Half a dozen men were moving about hurriedly, preparing everything for opening time.<br>Jon located the head cook easily, as his massive size stood out in the small kitchen.<br>"Dragon tells me you're here to help me." He was already angry.<br>"You're late!"<br>Jon wasn't.<br>"Burka, show him around the place." Dragon poked his head out of his office.<br>This seemed to make Burka even angrier, but he gave Jon a tour nonetheless. Once the tour was over the orders started coming. Burka never spoke, he always yelled. And as Jon was now his right hand he got the most of the yelling.<br>Bring this, take that. Wash those, clean here. For nine hours he had to do what Burka yelled at him to do.<br>Jon didn't mind. He was used to being screamed at, so it didn't bother him. And as for obeying Burka, that too was fine with him as it kept him busy. Even during his break Burka made him work and Jon was fine with it.<br><br>Done with work, Jon headed back to the library. He sat at his usual place, opened his book and waited.<br>It wasn't a good night. The rumor spread even more and the library was full to the brink. Players no longer wandered alone and everywhere parties could be seen being formed.<br>He read through the night, leaving his seat only to get some of Unknownadd's special brew.<br>There were too many people; he decided not to risk it. He had a job now and he didn't want to lose it.<br>He left the library in the morning and went to work.<br>As soon as work was done he went back to the library.<br><br>Intelligence increases by 1 (+1 Int)<br><br>You Have Completed A Book: "Mages through the Ages, vol 18"<br>Wisdom Rises By 1 (+1 Wis)<br><br>You Have Completed A Book: "Mages through the Ages, vol 19"<br>Wisdom Rises By 1 (+1 Wis)<br><br>Four days passed this way with only his intelligence stat growing from sustaining the magic ball afloat while reading books. He kept his routine, and while things at work were progressing smoothly he couldn't get the last five kills he needed. The library was still swarming with players.<br>.<br><br>A strange thing happened thanks to the crowded library. It made Jon's relationship with the bookkeeper greatly increase. As Jon was the only person in the library who was still reading books and not searching for the rumored monster, the bookkeeper talked to Jon more with each passing day.<br>Today when Jon returned to the library from work, the crowd that surrounded Unknownadd was gone.<br>"Welcome back Jon," he greeted him kindly.<br>Jon smiled back.<br>"How are you coming along with the books I showed to you?"<br>"Last volume."<br>"That's great. I hope my brew helped with that."<br>"A lot."<br>"I was hoping you would say that." He took out a leather flask. "This here is a concentrated doze. I've prepared it especially for you."<br>Jon took the flask from him and put it in his inventory.<br>"There were so many people doing everything but reading lately, that the herb I use for my brew is all gone." He sighed. "I'm afraid there isn't going to be any more of it for quite some time now."<br>"Why?"<br>"The alchemist I buy it from said the person who supplies it to him hasn't gotten in touch with him for a while. And until he does, I can't make any more brew."<br>"I used the last of the herbs to make enough for you and me. Be careful though it's much stronger than usual."<br>"…"<br>"I know. I'll have a lot of trouble without it as well. My work will become twice as long." He sat down and stroked his long white beard.<br>"Help?"<br>"What? You want to help, Jon?" he said, cheered up, "I'm not sure you can though. No hurt in trying, however."<br>Unknowadd scribbled down a quick map and handed it to Jon.<br>"Tell him I sent you to help with the herb problem."<br><br>New Quest Added<br>Helping the Bookkeeper<br>Unknowadd, the library bookkeeper has asked you for help with obtaining an herb he desperately needs.<br>The Scholar's Brew he makes is something he can't do his work without, and the herb he uses for it is out of stock.<br>Get it for him as soon as possible.<br>Difficulty: E<br>Rewards: 10 gold.<br>Secret recipe for Scholar's Brew.<br><br><br>With the bookkeeper's map, finding the small shop was no problem. He understood why the map was needed once he found the shop.<br>It was located in an alley inside of an alley, far from the main street and inside a cellar of a house. There were no signs and no implications that there was a shop there. Jon wasn't even sure he was in the right place until he entered it.<br>Inside was dark and smoky. Dozens of smells filled his nostrils.<br>Everywhere he looked lay thousands of small glass bottles. Hanging from the ceiling were plants that dwindled down to the floor.<br>From the gaps in the shelves, poked out different flowers in all shapes, sizes and colors.<br>The only light in the room came from two small windows behind on the wall behind him. The little light that shone through them was dispersed by the hanging plants.<br>He stepped deeper, looking for a merchant. A sound came from the far side of the room and that’s where he headed, or tried to at least.<br>He had to maneuver through the maze of shelves and plants and when he got to the merchant, the merchant told him to go away.<br>"I told your boss a dozen times already, the poisons aren't ready yet! Sending you to threaten me won't make it happen any faster." He was measuring a plant to be cut and only spared Jon one fast glance.<br>Jon's high negative fame was working against him again.<br>"Not poison."<br>"Yes, like I said. No poison until I get my next shipment from the supplier." He spoke with his head down.<br>"A tribe of lizard men decided to change habitats and merchants had to by-pass their usual routes. All of the shipments this week are late in coming."<br>"Come back next week. I'm sure whoever it is you are planning on poisoning will still be alive to get poisoned."<br>"Scholar's Brew"<br>"Hmm?" he looked up at Jon, eyeing him through his small spectacles.<br>"Unknownadd sent me to help."<br>"The bookkeeper sent you?" he stopped working completely now.<br>"To get the Monk's-Tongue he so desperately needs?"<br>"Yes."<br>"Well, too bad for him. Like I told him already, there will be no Monk's-Tongue for the foreseeable future." He pushed his glasses back up his nose.<br>"It's a rare herb and the man who I used to buy it from seemed to have disappeared. I wouldn't be surprised if he died with where he decided to make his home." He went back to trimming the herd on his table.<br>"I'll get it."<br>He stopped working again. This time he looked at Jon with annoyance.<br>"You said Unknowadd sent you? Do you have any proof?"<br>Jon passed him a piece of paper that had the map drawn on it.<br>"And you say you want to help obtaining it?" He pushed his glasses up the nose again out of habit.<br>"I don't mind you doing it, but why are you? I'll tell you now, it's not easy to get. I was the only store in the citadel to sell it, and that's only because I don't mind doing business with shady people."<br>"…"<br>"The man I used to buy it from was probably crazy. Living where he lived to get his hands on it, he had to be."<br>"…"<br>"Not much of a talker, are you?" he smiled, "That’s' good. Better at keeping secrets, you silent types, are."<br>"It's good you want to help, but do you even know how the plant looks like?"<br>"No."<br>"Thought as much." He stood up and got a thick book from the back room.<br>"Here it is," he opened the book, "But before I show it to you we need to make a deal."<br>"…"<br>"If you're going there to find some Monk's Tongue, you might as well get me some other stuff I need on the way. Agreed?"<br>"Agreed."<br>"Good." He flipped through the book. "Let me teach you some basic alchemy. I need quite a bit of herbs so it should help with identifying them.<br><br>Alchemy Skill Learned<br>Alchemy gives you the ability to combine different ingredients into various potions.<br>It also helps with identifying what an ingredient is and what are its various effects.<br>From health potions to growth elixirs and poisons, a higher alchemy skill will allow for better potency results to be created.<br>The bonuses granted by the alchemy skill also apply to cooked food.<br>Note: Ingesting various ingredients will increase the skill and help with identifying the ingredients effect.<br><br>The alchemist lit a candle as the little light from the windows was starting to disappear.<br>"Are you sure you remember them all?"<br>"Yes."<br>"Remember, the more of them you bring the more I will pay you. Even if it's only one kind, bring me a bunch of it and it’s fine too. Understood?"<br><br>Quest Update<br>The alchemist asked you to gather him other plants while searching for the Monk's Tongue.<br>He asked for seventeen different kinds and said to bring as many of each as possible.<br>To gather the herbs you must enter the sewers of Serabourg Citadel. However there are iron bars blocking the way, so that monsters do not enter the city. In order for you to get to the area where the Monk Tongue grows, you will need to enter the sewers from outside the citadel walls. Use the northern entrance and head west through the tunnels.<br>Difficulty: E<br>Reward: Depends on amount of herbs gathered.<br><br>"Understood."<br>"Great. I hope you return alive." He went back to his work and didn't spare Jon another look.<br><br>Jon left the shop and headed back to his usual seat at the library. He couldn't continue the quest until he was allowed to leave the citadel. And seeing as how four weeks have yet to pass inside the game, there was nothing he could do for now.<br>So he went back to the library in hopes of killing a player or two before he needed to go to work.<br>Unfortunately the library was still packed with groups of players looking for the monster. He went to work without scoring even one kill.<br><br>"Eat this!" Burka said in his usual angered voice.<br>The day was over and Jon got his twenty silvers from Dragon. He was about to leave when Burka offered him a bowl of broth. Jon wasn't particularly hungry but Burka kept staring at him until he began eating.<br>-'It's good'-<br>"You have to speak up when you're in the kitchen. You haven't said one word the whole day!" his voice was loud even when he was talking normally.<br>"…"<br>"Tomorrow, come before the sun rises. I will show you how to help with the ingredients." Burka said looking at his own feet.<br>"Ok."<br>He went back to work, Jon finished eating and left. Burka may look like a fearsome warrior but his cooking skill was the real deal.<br><br><br>You energy has been completely restored.<br>You no longer feel tired.<br>HP increases by 300<br>Mp increases by 100<br>Stamina increases by 50<br>Effect lasts for 4 hours.<br><br>Although it meant coming more than three hours earlier, Jon didn't mind. With the library crowded as it was, until he found a different place for hunting he had nothing better to do. </div>

Chapter 4 – Monsters in the kitchen He was cold but could open his eyes now. "Good, you're awake." Jon opened his eyes and looked at the man the brute called Dragon. He straightened up. "I was afraid for a moment. Can't have you dying on me, not before you're done paying for the meat you had eaten." "…" "How did you even manage to eat so much? When I heard the amount you owed I thought for sure there were at least three people." Jon looked around. He was in some sort of freezer. An iron ball was chained to his legs. "You'd be surprised how handy that thing has become lately. So many people trying to run off without paying." "…" "No response, kid? That's a first. I like hearing guys like you complain and beg." "…" "Ok… you'll stay here until you've paid back the gold you owe. Here's your knife you will need it." He stepped out of the room. "That's better, can't stand the cold in there," he spoke to himself, "This here is our fridge. A mage comes by once a month to keep it cold. You, boy, will stay here and peel vegetables with that knife of yours." A child came inside and put a crate of potatoes in front of Jon and an empty one beside him. "He will bring them to you," Dragon pointed at the kid, "and take them away once you're done. There is soup on the stove there, take as much as you want. You're no use to me sick." "…" "Well? Start working!" he commanded and shut the door. The blue ball of mana materialized at Jon's command. He stared at the potatoes before him. He picked up a potato and began working. Quest Notice You have begun a quest. This quest cannot be denied and you cannot accept any more quests while this one is in progress. Frozen Vegetables You have refused to pay for your food and as punishment you will have to work for five days. Difficulty: E Reward: Debt is cleared. Relationship with Dragon becomes neutral. He was working on his second crate when the door opened. A huge man squeezed through it and rushed towards him. "What in Freya's name is this?" he screamed in his face. "…" "How am I to work with this?" he was holding a potato peeled by Jon. '"…" Jon's lack of response angered him even more. He smashed the potato with his hand and threw it at Jon. Jon ignored it and simply went back to peeling. The man stood there watching him, his hurried breath slowly going back to normal. "Here, let me." He took Jon's knife and picked up a potato and peeled it in two swift motions. "This is how you do it." He threw the peeled potato at Jon. Jon picked another potato and gave it to the man. "Again," he said. Two swift motions and the potato was peeled. "You try." He did. It was a simple motion and Jon was always a quick learner and good with his hands. "I'll come back when the carrots and onions come." He left as suddenly as he arrived. Jon went back to peeling. Focus Rises by 1(+1 Foc) He liked peeling vegetables. It kept him busy and allowed him to forget about the rest of the world. The cold was bearable and the vegetables were never-ending. The cook came twice more to show him how he wanted the carrots and onions peeled. No one bothered him about his floating ball of light and he was getting stronger as a player, which was something he started to enjoy. "You're a hard working young man aren't ya?" Dragon passed by, sharing a comment or two. "You're the first one who didn't try to escape, you know that?" It was the morning of the third day already. Jon who worked nonstop both day and night was in a trance like state. Dragon's words snapped him out of it and he was left disoriented. "What?" "I'm saying you're the first one to accept his punishment. The ones before you always tried to escape." He smiled, "They never manage to do it, but they all tried to run nonetheless." "…" "I and the boys always place money on how long they will last. You have two more days left, keep this up and we will all lose for the first time." "…" "Still keeping quiet?" he started closing the door. "Can't complain as long as you keep working, I guess." Focus Rises by 1(+1 Foc) Focus Rises by 1(+1 Foc) Knife/Dagger Mastery Acquired Increases efficiency of handling knives and daggers. When using a knife or a dagger, depending on your level of mastery, the following bonuses will be applied: Attack Speed: +5% Attack Power: +5% Cold Resistance Increases by 5% (+5%) And just like that, two more days passed. Jon felt kind of disappointed when Dragon came and told him he was free to go. "You're done!" he said, "get out of here before I make you pay for all the money I lost on you." Quest "Frozen Vegetables" Completed Debt is cleared. Relationship with Dragon becomes neutral. He didn't want the quest to end. He liked doing this kind of monotonous work, it kept him busy while letting his mind wander at the same time. Jon was looking for a job and he decided he wanted this one and applied to Dragon for it from inside the refrigerator. "Are you serious?" "Yes." "Hmm… I can use a hard worker like you…" "…" Dragon began to smile. "I have the perfect thing for you. You've met our cook right?" he motioned Jon to follow him. "The big guy who's always angry and yells a lot. Well, if you really want to work here, than your job will be to help him out. Agreed?" Job Notice You have been offered work as a kitchen hand. Work schedule: 9 hours a day. Pay: 20 silvers a day. Do you accept? Yes? No? "Agreed." "Good. You can start tomorrow. Be here at seven. We open up at eight and things need to be ready for when the morning customers start coming." He walked Jon outside and stood at the door looking after him as Jon walked away. "Five silvers, he quits the next day." The brute said at the door to Dragon. "Ha. Ten, he stays longer than a week." "I accept." "I'll write it down then. Better go ask the rest of the guys." He went inside. "Not a word to Burka! Or the lad might end up dead." Jon went back to the library to see if it turned back to the quiet place it had been. As he got closer to it he saw there were no longer people standing outside trying to get a glimpse at the body. He entered through the large wooden doors and listened. The silence was deafening. "You're back." Unknownadd, the book keeper, greeted him. "I was afraid the rumor scared you away?" "Rumor?" "People seem to think there's some kind of monster hiding in here. They say it killed six people already." He sighed. "It brings more people, but only the wrong kinds of people come." "…" "Go look for yourself. I've saved your spot for you." He handed Jon a glass of Scholars Brew. "Thank you." He made his way through the bookshelves to the reading area. Just like Unknowadd said, there were a lot of people there. However, none of them were reading. These were players, and no longer the usual newbies who wanted to become mages. Although not high leveled, not even one wore the beginners clothes Jon had on him and was used to seeing in the library. He sat down at his place. The wall of books was left in place and he scanned the room hidden from sight. He counted twenty seven players. More seemed to be walking around between the bookshelves. Jon broke off the spell he was constantly using and the blue ball of light disappeared. -'I'll need it.'- He took out the eighteenth volume of "Mages through the Ages" from his inventory and began reading, waiting for night to bring with it the darkness. More people came as the sun went down. The reading area was hot from all the lit candles the players lighted. They seemed to think the candle light would protect them. Jon knew better. As soon as it was dark enough he went into the sea of bookshelves and roamed it in complete darkness. He could see the people who were searching for the monster amongst the bookshelves, clearly. They all held candles and the candle light shone through the gaps in the books. He stepped further inside, until he could no longer see the bright light of the reading area. The sound of them talking was muffled by the books. He summoned the blue mana ball and floated it far from him. Quietly he waited. There were so many people that it didn't take long for someone to take the bait. Amongst the players, there were some who formed groups and pairs to search together. Luckily for Jon this player was alone. He guided the blue light slowly towards where he was hiding, keeping it out of reach of the player. He waited for the player to pass him and quietly followed him. The player saw nothing outside the light of his candle. His gaze concentrated on Jon's beginners spell. -'Silent Strike'- Critical Hit You have killed a player! Fame is decreased by 20 points. (-20 Fame) A red mark has appeared on your forehead, it will disappear in 6 hours. Jon didn't need a higher critical hit rate or the higher damage the skill gave him, but he never took chances when it came to taking a persons life. The knife had taken from Yarel, that same knife that he used to peel all those vegetables was lounged deep in the players brain. The hilt of the knife was poking out of his ear, and Jon held it as the player turned grey and disappeared. A belt dropped to the ground, where just a moment ago the player’s feet were. He picked up the belt and looked at its stats. Level Up Sneak Skill Levels Up Level 2 effect: You are 5% harder to see. You make 5% less sound when sneaking. Silent Strike Levels Up Level 2: Deal 15% more damage. Chance of a critical hit increases by 40%. Cost: 50 Mp Dexterity increases by 1 (+1Dex) He put it on. It wasn't much but it was better than the simple rope he had for holding his pants up. Hard Cloth Belt Defense: 1 Durability: 9/10 A simple belt made out of sturdy cloth. As the sun began to rise, Jon left the library and headed towards his new workplace. He looked nothing like the man who came inside just yesterday. New boots, pants, hood and simple leather breast armor now covered his body. His knife was strapped safely to his belt. In his inventory lay two swords and a magic staff. The rumor changed during the night. People no longer suspected there was a monster in the library but seemed to be certain of it. Eight people were confirmed dead by their friends who were online. Jon didn't bother telling them there were more than that. He was lucky for the rumor as it brought almost a hundred players to the library. His magic bait worked perfectly every time even on the mages. The rumor now seemed to say, that Unknownadd would give a quest to defeat the monster. So as Jon walked by him he could see a bunch of players swarming around him. They were all trying to get on his good side so he would give them a quest. He headed for his new job. The brute at the door greeted him with a grin. He went inside and entered the kitchen. It was already like a war zone. Half a dozen men were moving about hurriedly, preparing everything for opening time. Jon located the head cook easily, as his massive size stood out in the small kitchen. "Dragon tells me you're here to help me." He was already angry. "You're late!" Jon wasn't. "Burka, show him around the place." Dragon poked his head out of his office. This seemed to make Burka even angrier, but he gave Jon a tour nonetheless. Once the tour was over the orders started coming. Burka never spoke, he always yelled. And as Jon was now his right hand he got the most of the yelling. Bring this, take that. Wash those, clean here. For nine hours he had to do what Burka yelled at him to do. Jon didn't mind. He was used to being screamed at, so it didn't bother him. And as for obeying Burka, that too was fine with him as it kept him busy. Even during his break Burka made him work and Jon was fine with it. Done with work, Jon headed back to the library. He sat at his usual place, opened his book and waited. It wasn't a good night. The rumor spread even more and the library was full to the brink. Players no longer wandered alone and everywhere parties could be seen being formed. He read through the night, leaving his seat only to get some of Unknownadd's special brew. There were too many people; he decided not to risk it. He had a job now and he didn't want to lose it. He left the library in the morning and went to work. As soon as work was done he went back to the library. Intelligence increases by 1 (+1 Int) You Have Completed A Book: "Mages through the Ages, vol 18" Wisdom Rises By 1 (+1 Wis) You Have Completed A Book: "Mages through the Ages, vol 19" Wisdom Rises By 1 (+1 Wis) Four days passed this way with only his intelligence stat growing from sustaining the magic ball afloat while reading books. He kept his routine, and while things at work were progressing smoothly he couldn't get the last five kills he needed. The library was still swarming with players. . A strange thing happened thanks to the crowded library. It made Jon's relationship with the bookkeeper greatly increase. As Jon was the only person in the library who was still reading books and not searching for the rumored monster, the bookkeeper talked to Jon more with each passing day. Today when Jon returned to the library from work, the crowd that surrounded Unknownadd was gone. "Welcome back Jon," he greeted him kindly. Jon smiled back. "How are you coming along with the books I showed to you?" "Last volume." "That's great. I hope my brew helped with that." "A lot." "I was hoping you would say that." He took out a leather flask. "This here is a concentrated doze. I've prepared it especially for you." Jon took the flask from him and put it in his inventory. "There were so many people doing everything but reading lately, that the herb I use for my brew is all gone." He sighed. "I'm afraid there isn't going to be any more of it for quite some time now." "Why?" "The alchemist I buy it from said the person who supplies it to him hasn't gotten in touch with him for a while. And until he does, I can't make any more brew." "I used the last of the herbs to make enough for you and me. Be careful though it's much stronger than usual." "…" "I know. I'll have a lot of trouble without it as well. My work will become twice as long." He sat down and stroked his long white beard. "Help?" "What? You want to help, Jon?" he said, cheered up, "I'm not sure you can though. No hurt in trying, however." Unknowadd scribbled down a quick map and handed it to Jon. "Tell him I sent you to help with the herb problem." New Quest Added Helping the Bookkeeper Unknowadd, the library bookkeeper has asked you for help with obtaining an herb he desperately needs. The Scholar's Brew he makes is something he can't do his work without, and the herb he uses for it is out of stock. Get it for him as soon as possible. Difficulty: E Rewards: 10 gold. Secret recipe for Scholar's Brew. With the bookkeeper's map, finding the small shop was no problem. He understood why the map was needed once he found the shop. It was located in an alley inside of an alley, far from the main street and inside a cellar of a house. There were no signs and no implications that there was a shop there. Jon wasn't even sure he was in the right place until he entered it. Inside was dark and smoky. Dozens of smells filled his nostrils. Everywhere he looked lay thousands of small glass bottles. Hanging from the ceiling were plants that dwindled down to the floor. From the gaps in the shelves, poked out different flowers in all shapes, sizes and colors. The only light in the room came from two small windows behind on the wall behind him. The little light that shone through them was dispersed by the hanging plants. He stepped deeper, looking for a merchant. A sound came from the far side of the room and that’s where he headed, or tried to at least. He had to maneuver through the maze of shelves and plants and when he got to the merchant, the merchant told him to go away. "I told your boss a dozen times already, the poisons aren't ready yet! Sending you to threaten me won't make it happen any faster." He was measuring a plant to be cut and only spared Jon one fast glance. Jon's high negative fame was working against him again. "Not poison." "Yes, like I said. No poison until I get my next shipment from the supplier." He spoke with his head down. "A tribe of lizard men decided to change habitats and merchants had to by-pass their usual routes. All of the shipments this week are late in coming." "Come back next week. I'm sure whoever it is you are planning on poisoning will still be alive to get poisoned." "Scholar's Brew" "Hmm?" he looked up at Jon, eyeing him through his small spectacles. "Unknownadd sent me to help." "The bookkeeper sent you?" he stopped working completely now. "To get the Monk's-Tongue he so desperately needs?" "Yes." "Well, too bad for him. Like I told him already, there will be no Monk's-Tongue for the foreseeable future." He pushed his glasses back up his nose. "It's a rare herb and the man who I used to buy it from seemed to have disappeared. I wouldn't be surprised if he died with where he decided to make his home." He went back to trimming the herd on his table. "I'll get it." He stopped working again. This time he looked at Jon with annoyance. "You said Unknowadd sent you? Do you have any proof?" Jon passed him a piece of paper that had the map drawn on it. "And you say you want to help obtaining it?" He pushed his glasses up the nose again out of habit. "I don't mind you doing it, but why are you? I'll tell you now, it's not easy to get. I was the only store in the citadel to sell it, and that's only because I don't mind doing business with shady people." "…" "The man I used to buy it from was probably crazy. Living where he lived to get his hands on it, he had to be." "…" "Not much of a talker, are you?" he smiled, "That’s' good. Better at keeping secrets, you silent types, are." "It's good you want to help, but do you even know how the plant looks like?" "No." "Thought as much." He stood up and got a thick book from the back room. "Here it is," he opened the book, "But before I show it to you we need to make a deal." "…" "If you're going there to find some Monk's Tongue, you might as well get me some other stuff I need on the way. Agreed?" "Agreed." "Good." He flipped through the book. "Let me teach you some basic alchemy. I need quite a bit of herbs so it should help with identifying them. Alchemy Skill Learned Alchemy gives you the ability to combine different ingredients into various potions. It also helps with identifying what an ingredient is and what are its various effects. From health potions to growth elixirs and poisons, a higher alchemy skill will allow for better potency results to be created. The bonuses granted by the alchemy skill also apply to cooked food. Note: Ingesting various ingredients will increase the skill and help with identifying the ingredients effect. The alchemist lit a candle as the little light from the windows was starting to disappear. "Are you sure you remember them all?" "Yes." "Remember, the more of them you bring the more I will pay you. Even if it's only one kind, bring me a bunch of it and it’s fine too. Understood?" Quest Update The alchemist asked you to gather him other plants while searching for the Monk's Tongue. He asked for seventeen different kinds and said to bring as many of each as possible. To gather the herbs you must enter the sewers of Serabourg Citadel. However there are iron bars blocking the way, so that monsters do not enter the city. In order for you to get to the area where the Monk Tongue grows, you will need to enter the sewers from outside the citadel walls. Use the northern entrance and head west through the tunnels. Difficulty: E Reward: Depends on amount of herbs gathered. "Understood." "Great. I hope you return alive." He went back to his work and didn't spare Jon another look. Jon left the shop and headed back to his usual seat at the library. He couldn't continue the quest until he was allowed to leave the citadel. And seeing as how four weeks have yet to pass inside the game, there was nothing he could do for now. So he went back to the library in hopes of killing a player or two before he needed to go to work. Unfortunately the library was still packed with groups of players looking for the monster. He went to work without scoring even one kill. "Eat this!" Burka said in his usual angered voice. The day was over and Jon got his twenty silvers from Dragon. He was about to leave when Burka offered him a bowl of broth. Jon wasn't particularly hungry but Burka kept staring at him until he began eating. -'It's good'- "You have to speak up when you're in the kitchen. You haven't said one word the whole day!" his voice was loud even when he was talking normally. "…" "Tomorrow, come before the sun rises. I will show you how to help with the ingredients." Burka said looking at his own feet. "Ok." He went back to work, Jon finished eating and left. Burka may look like a fearsome warrior but his cooking skill was the real deal. You energy has been completely restored. You no longer feel tired. HP increases by 300 Mp increases by 100 Stamina increases by 50 Effect lasts for 4 hours. Although it meant coming more than three hours earlier, Jon didn't mind. With the library crowded as it was, until he found a different place for hunting he had nothing better to do.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 1 – New Gear</span> <br> <br>It has been a while since me and Alexandra partied up to so quests and we reached level 100 in no time. In that time Oreal had a person deliver my new gear starting from the clothes then the armor. The clothes I obtained her plain in colour thanks to the persistent of Oreal since I don't standing out. I had a new shirt and pants. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Shirt of the Cyclops Slayer &nbsp; Durability: 100/100 &nbsp;Defence: 30 <br> <br>Made from the leather of a slain Cyclops, it gives much defence in all areas. However it causes all Cyclops to be natural enemies of the one that wears this. <br> <br>Requirements: Level 100 <br>Options: <br>- Fame increase by 50 <br>- Increase hostility from Cyclops <br>- Increase Physical defence <br>- Decrease blunt damage on wearer</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Pants of the Cyclops Slayer &nbsp; Durability: 100/100 &nbsp;Defence: 30 <br> <br>Made from the leather of a slain Cyclops, it gives much defence in all areas and is soft for wear. However it causes all Cyclops to be natural enemies of the one that wears this. <br> <br>Requirements: Level 100 <br>Options: <br>- Fame increase by 50 <br>- Increase hostility from Cyclops <br>- Lowers chance of negative status effects <br>- Decrease blunt damage on wearer <br>- Increase Agility by 20</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>They pretty much did the same thing but since I have the set, it doubles the effects I'm getting from them which was very useful. The next thing I got was a set of light armor to use. It was also made from Cyclops leather but also had Cyclops bones in it. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Leather Chest piece of the Power &nbsp; Durability: 130/130 &nbsp;Defence: 50 <br> <br>Enchanted with the bones of a Cyclops, this chest piece is made more stronger than normal. However it is still made primary of leather so the defence isn’t as high as it could be. But the materials used as leather is of high ranking so the decrease isn't much. <br> <br>Requirements: level 100 <br>Options: <br>- Fame increase by 100 <br>- Decrease damage from projectiles <br>- Increase Strength by 15 <br>- Increase Agility by 10</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Well apparently Ryan only had time to make this chest piece but since I had other equipment already, it was all fine. The durability and defence of it was really really high for a level 100 gear. Ryan got hold of the information that I was a mage so he didn't make me any weapons as well though I didn't have any kind of restriction involving weapons. I equipped them and realised how much stronger my character was with proper gear on. <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%">103</td><td width="25%">Class</td><td width="25%">Awdur Dim</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fame</td><td width="25%">910</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%">10000</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">153+50</td><td width="25%">Agility</td><td width="25%">214+50</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Intelligence</td><td width="25%">252+100</td><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">43+100</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Concentration</td><td width="25%">181+100</td><td width="25%">Endurance</td><td width="25%">35+50</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Sustenance</td><td width="25%">79+50</td><td width="25%">Fighting Spirit</td><td width="25%">53+50</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Vitality</td><td width="25%">67+50</td><td width="25%">Stamina</td><td width="25%">53+50</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Offence</td><td width="25%">91</td><td width="25%">Defense</td><td width="25%">237</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Magic Resistance</td><td colspan="3">16%</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> <br>My defences practically doubled and I only feel a bit heavier than normal. Another thing is that my infamy went to zero after completing a number of quests for the city. Now NPCs don't try to avoid me and increase their prices by 100%. However there was something bothering me. <br> <br>“We need another person in our party.” said Alexandra while we were getting lunch. <br> <br>She was kind enough to treat me lunch and the first thing she said was this. Was she trying to make me feel guilty and accept whatever request she has? Or is this a scheme to get rid of me? <br> <br>“Why do we need another person” I said objecting to the fact that I have to deal with another person besides her. <br> <br>I seriously have trouble dealing with people in this game since most of them role play in some way that they wouldn't have in real life and you see many many people acting like bandits or knights consistently. <br> <br>“Well our party is very unbalanced.” retorted Alexandra. <br> <br>Well I was a 'mage' that had overpowered spells and could do physical stuff as well while Alexandra was a 'paladin' that had a number of offensive, defensive and support skills which made her able to play every role a party needs. In a sense we are unbalanced but overpowered at the same time. <br> <br>I don't see a way to include another person without making them feel useless. Alexandra was frowning at this fact. <br> <br>Man I'm weak to sad girls. <br> <br>“You can find a person but that person has to be pretty good and similar to our level.” I said trying to cheer this fool up. <br> <br>Alexandra smiled at the fact that I approved of her search. But instead of leaving to find that person she stayed here for some reason. <br> <br>“Why aren't you leaving?” I asked, curious on why she didn't leave yet. <br> <br>Alexandra smiled and said, “I'm curious about you.” <br> <br>Was this the infamous pick up line? <br> <br>“To be more precise your magic.” <br> <br>Well that was a short fantasy. With a sigh I said, “What about my magic?” <br> <br>Alexandra took a bite out of her sandwich before continuing. <br> <br>“Well magic use 'circles' to formulate the spell before casting and to even use a spell you have to learn it first. Both doesn't seem to apply to you though. This this due to your class?” <br> <br>I remembered Warlic explanation on how magic worked. I can't recall it but I know how to do it but not how to explain it. Well I should tell her part of the truth in exchange of some info on her as well. <br> <br>[You can either give her the whole true and hope for the best or give or part of the truth, hoping for the best in the future] <br> <br>Why are you so cautious about Alexandra. She seems to be a nice person. <br> <br>[She has the scent of the Gods on her] <br> <br>Well all people who are part of the church does. What's the problem. <br> <br>[I'm feeling a large quantity and quality of the power of the Gods through her. Not just one but a majority of the Gods that exist in this world] <br> <br>Well I'll be careful then. <br> <br>“I learned this kind of magic before I got a class. Also before you request information on other you should tell me more about yourself.” I responded. <br> <br>I was kinda hoping that she would blush like how you see in those novels and movies. But there was no respond. <br> <br>Alexandra sighed and said, “Fine lets make a deal. I request on information on you and you can request information of equal value on me.” <br> <br>“In that case what's your breast size?” I asked without thinking. Shit that was the wrong choice.... <br> <br>SLAP <br> <br>“Sorry.......” I cried. My right cheek was red. Hey llyfr does my wounds heal fast. <br> <br>[Hmm? Yeah it does why?] <br> <br>No reason. <br> <br>“Give me information on your magic or else” said Alexandra with a fierce look on her face. <br> <br>Shit if I oppose her than I'm worse than dead. I noted in the back of my mind to never oppose Alexandra or else something bad could happen to me at a certain time. <br> <br>Cough <br> <br>I started to talk about my magic. <br> <br>“Well the magic I use is a bit different then the one in this world. You can say its a different type of magic altogether....more ancient. Instead of following a set of formula to use a spell, I create the formula itself to cast a spell. This gives me more variety than any other mage in existence but at the same time is weaker than normal magic in general. Most spells are made form formulae that has been perfected over centuries to give the best stability and power in general. My magic is a bit more unstable.” <br> <br>Well that was all I knew in general about the magic Warlic taught me. It wasn't much since I think I passed out mid way and yet the information is stuck in my mind. I looked at Alexandra and saw that she had a very shocked look on her face. <br> <br>“That can't be all! If what your saying is true then your using very powerful ancient magic! The main reason why such magic is not wide spread is that its too dangerous. Has a spell ever failed on you?” <br> <br>Umm what? Help me out here llyfr. Llyfr took a moment and made it so that its voice could be heard my Alexandra as well. <br> <br>[Alexandra I am the existence known as llyfr] <br> <br>“Eh what? A voice? Where?” said Alexandra in confusion. <br> <br>[Calm down. I'm in Eden right now due to some circumstances] <br> <br>“I see.” Alexandra gave a sympathetic look at me but it wasn't for me but for llyfr for some reason. Wait, what's wrong with me that you would sympathise with llyfr?! <br> <br>[Well never mind that, you wanted an explanation on how Eden's magic works right?] <br> <br>“Yeah” <br> <br>[Well Eden explained the basics of it already on how he creates the formulae for his spells. I'm going to explain some of the other details. You want to know why Eden never failed to cast his magic correct?] <br> <br>“Yes, that's something I can't understand” said Alexandra in a plea. Is me using that kind of magic that strange? <br> <br>[The reason why Eden didn't die yet on using such magic is because my existence prevents him from doing such a stupid thing] <br> <br>Eh? Did you just insult me llyfr? Why would you do that? I though you were my friend.... <br> <br>[Anyway my existence is a pile of knowledge. Eden unconsciously with my help was keeping himself from getting killed by his own magic. But each time he fails some mana gets taken up to fix the problem and the spell runs as normal] <br> <br>“How comes I don't notice my mana decreasing that much?” I asked llyfr. <br> <br>[That's because you have more mana then you can use so it doesn't affect you] <br> <br>“Wait what's with this conversation? What do you mean Eden had more mana than he can use?” asked Alexandra still shocked of how the conversation went. <br> <br>[Hmm? Eden has the power to absorb an infinite amount of mana because it was my power originally. Well since I'm in him right now, Eden isn't human anymore] <br> <br>“Now we need to know something about you” I said with a evil smile on my face. <br> <br>She DID suggest a even exchange of information. Llyfr gave her enough information to warrant something back. Alexandra seeing the look on my face was very confused now. She paused for a moment before speaking about myself. <br> <br>“Well I'm a different kind of paladin then you normally see. I'm afflicted with all churches that are not considered evil. Basically I have the very rare blessing of Gods but it doesn't give me any noticeable bluffs or anything since my title and class are themselves are considered the gifts of the Gods.” <br> <br>[That explains why I feel the presence of the Gods in you in such quantity and quality] <br> <br>I felt that llyfr sighed just now. Was he relieved that this person wouldn't be an enemy or disappointed that Alexandra wasn't what it thought she would be. That reminds me...Alexandra has a title as well right? I wonder what it is. I might as well ask for her class as well. <br> <br>“Hey Alexandra what's your class and title?” I asked. <br> <br>Alexandra gave an evil smile to me saying that I fell into her trap. Shit! Now I have to give information on myself first! <br> <br>I continued with my sentence with, “By the way my class is called 'Awdur Dim' and my title is 'Darllenydd o'r holl' so please tell me....” <br> <br>Alexandra smiled at me knowing that she has me in her grasps and said while whispering, “My class is 'Holy Templar' and my title is 'Shining Crusader' also I'm kinda interested in your stats now. Show me and I'll show you mine.” <br> <br>Well there doesn't seem to be any harm in that but I don't havea choice here do I. <br> <br>“Share Status Window with Alexandra” <br> <br>I believe my status window appeared for Alexandra since I saw her facial expression change a couple of times while she was looking at it. <br> <br>After a while she said, “Share Status Window with Eden.” Well its time to check on her stats as well. I hope that it isn't that bad since most players will have stats that are inferior to mine due to my bonuses from my race, class and title. I quickly scanned through the 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%">Alexandra</td><td width="25%">Type</td><td width="25%">Good</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Race</td><td width="25%">Human</td><td width="25%">Title</td><td width="25%">Shining Crusader</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Level</td><td width="25%">106</td><td width="25%">Class</td><td width="25%">Holy Templar</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fame</td><td width="25%">1540</td><td width="25%">Infamy</td><td width="25%">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">5648</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">2314</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">278+10</td><td width="25%">Agility</td><td width="25%">298+10</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Intelligence</td><td width="25%">57</td><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">59</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Faith</td><td width="25%">127+50</td><td width="25%">Endurance</td><td width="25%">30</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Sustenance</td><td width="25%">103</td><td width="25%">Fighting Spirit</td><td width="25%">55</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Vitality</td><td width="25%">98</td><td width="25%">Stamina</td><td width="25%">108</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Offence</td><td width="25%">209</td><td width="25%">Defense</td><td width="25%">251</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Magic Resistance</td><td colspan="3">3%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Bonus</td><td colspan="3">+10 Strength +10 Agility <br>+50 Faith <br>+1000 Mana <br>Skills rank boosted by 1 <br>Unable to obtain Murderer Mark <br>Affiliation with Churches will be Good on default <br>Favoured by the Gods</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>Well her stats are more well balanced than my one. I just placed points in whatever stat I want to since its not going to make much of a difference anyway but I can clearly see that Alexandra was aiming for a melee type character but had other stats as well she has to increase like faith. I can't help to notice that she has two stats that I don't which are leadership and luck.....those stats weren't generated when I create my character even though it should've have....damn did the game glitch out for me? <br> <br>“Eden your stats are....overpowered. You don't even have health! Does healing work on you?” Alexandra started throwing questions at me left and right. Well first I want to get some explanation on her skills. <br> <br>“I'll answer your questions if you tell me your skills.” I said sneakily. <br> <br>“Fine Share Skill Window with Eden” said Alexandra quickly without thinking of the consequences. <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>Sword Mastery Beginner Level 9 (31%) <br> <br>Increase sword speed by 27% <br>Increase sword attack by 90%</td></tr><tr><td>Holy Magic Mastery Beginner Level 4 (53%) <br> <br>The ability to use and manipulate Holy magic <br> <br>Holy Magic Strength: 40% <br>Holy Magic Resistance: 4%</td></tr><tr><td>Sword Wave Beginner Level 5 (95%) <br> <br>Using the energy from your sword, a wave is produced and shot out. The strength, size and range of the wave is determined by the skill level <br> <br>Wave strength: 150% of strength <br>Wave Range: 5 metres <br>Cost: 15 mana</td></tr><tr><td>Holy Aura Beginner level 3 (99%) <br> <br>Creates an aura that serves for offence and defence. <br> <br>Amplify Strength and Speed: 1.3 times <br>Decrease damage amount: 9%</td></tr><tr><td>Battle Recovery Beginner Level 5 (43%) <br> <br>Recover the health of all party members and gives a bluff in some stats <br>Heal amount: 500 <br>Cost: 70 Mana</td></tr><tr><td>Crusade Sprint Beginner Level 6 (53%) <br> <br>Boost speed in a burst of speed. Last for 10 seconds. <br> <br>Agility Boost: 60% <br>Cost: 10 Mana</td></tr><tr><td>Battle Cry Beginner Level 1 (41%) <br> <br>A cry for battle. It brings courage in allies and fear in enemies. Strength of skill is base upon fighting spirit. <br> <br>Increase Morale by: 10% <br>Increase Strength by: 10% <br>Increase Agility by: 10% <br>Cost: 50 Mana</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>Well these skills are very interesting. I expected her to have sword mastery, holy mastery and the sword wave skill but the other four skills I also see are unique as far as I know. With the exception of the Crusade Sprint skill, all the other skills are used in a party. Its a wonder on hoe she manages to avoid getting recruitment offers from guilds especially since they flock to anyone that seems powerful. <br> <br>Speaking of guilds that one guild I pissed off didn't do anything to me yet. I was half expecting for them to send out some of their guys to harass or try to kill me. After I finished looking at her skills I looked at Alexandra to see that she was looking at me with hatred. Hey did wasn't my fault that you were tricked by me when you were asking me so many questions. <br> <br>Out of pity I said, “Share Skill Window with Alexandra” <br> <br>After that her facial expression was more positive towards me. Its kinda fun to manipulate someone else's emotion like that. <br> <br>“Eden even your skills are even more overpowered! I never heard of a person with such ridiculous skills before! You're literally invincible in wars where there's countless people fighting each other.” <br> <br>Pfft <br> <br>“I wish I could just fight on such terms. Unfortunately my fights are usually alone due to the nature of my skills and more then often I have to face powerful foes for some reason.” <br> <br>I looked back at all the enemies I faced. Most of them were utter trash so I could handle them but some of the other ones simply overpowered even me. Man I have the worse luck ever in facing foes. <br> <br>“That reminds me, I still haven't friended you. Would you like to be friends?” <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Alexandra sent a friend request</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>“Fine” I said without much thought in it. It really didn't matter to me either way. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">You have accepted Alexandra friend request</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>“Ah good now lets go to the church” said Alexandra in an innocence voice. I had a feeling that this would end up bad for me. <br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 2 – Unfriendly Terms</span> <br> <br>We got to the church of Thor that was the main religion in this city. Like many churches, their buildings were very expensive to make. If I recall the church of Thor was known to attack evil existences no matter the circumstances which makes me nervous. I hope that I won't get attacked immediately. <br> <br>“Alexandra do I have to go with you?” I asked trying to get as far away from that church as possible. <br> <br>If things happen the way I think it would then I'll probably be burnt to death on a stake. We were still in the process of walking to the place though I had thoughts of running away when she was not looking. <br> <br>“Don't even try to escape” threatened Alexandra. <br> <br>She gave me a sharp look and continued walking next to me. <br> <br>[I have a feeling that she will use her influence to order a hunt for us if you escape now] <br> <br>Yeah I have that feeling as well. <br> <br>A couple of minutes later and finally deciding to not escape from the crutches of this person because it would end up with me worse than if I followed her, we arrived at the church of Thor which unlike most other churches does not use gold as their primary colours. Instead they prefer blue and as evident, most of Thor's paladins had blue painted armor instead of gold which more than often make people mistake them as common knights or soldiers. <br> <br>In front of the main church gates was a guard wearing the blue paladin uniform. He was a tall bluff man. Man I see a lot of bluff people these days for some reason. I think the ability to change your appearance cause an influx of many people making themselves appear more attractive. Females often have more attractive faces and bodies, man are either more attractive in the same way and often have more muscle than needed. <br> <br>I think once I saw a fully bluff mage which was very disturbing. The moment the guard saw Alexandra he had a happy expression on his face which was a good thing....then he saw me and had an angry expression which was very bad for me. <br> <br>Zzziiiiiiinnnnnnnnggggggg <br> <br>The man unsheathe his sword and pointed it at me. He was about to cut me down and I prepared to fight him. I rather not get killed compared to being hunted down. I imagined the man being pushed back to the wall behind him. Just when we were about to kill each other Alexandra jumped between us. <br> <br>“Hey hey hey, don't fight!” pleaded Alexandra. <br> <br>It seems she knew this would happen and was prepared to stop it. That wasn't necessary since I can easily kill them all. <br> <br>[If you killed them then they'll hunt you down which would greatly interfere with our job] <br> <br>Right Right but I'm not backing down until he does. <br> <br>“Alexandra explain why this...thing...is with you” said the man while still staring at me. <br> <br>“He's a friend” said Alexandra quickly. <br> <br>The man was taken back a bit and said, “A man? I see. So that's how you trick people. DIE!” <br> <br>BANG <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">You took 488 damage</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>When the man was about to strike me and I was about to attack as well I could've sworn that Alexandra drew her sword used Sword Wave on both of us in an instant. <br> <br>I was blasted away onto the other side of the street. Thankfully I managed to stop myself before I hit the wall. The same couldn't be said for the other guy. He hit the wall with a lot of momentum and was trying to recover. <br> <br>“Now stop fighting before I'll really kill you two.” said Alexandra in a commanding voice. Hey I was just defending myself! <br> <br>Mumble mumble mumble <br> <br>“Hey what happened?” <br> <br>“That person there was fighting the guard” <br> <br>“A sinner? Who is stupid enough to enter the city as one.” <br> <br>“Not that person doesn't have a murderer mark on her. I fell like I know that person though...” <br> <br>“The Cyclops Slayer!” <br> <br>“You mean the one that killed 5 people without warning?” <br> <br>“Damn run away!” <br> <br>A crowd started to form due to the conflict and quickly disappeared as well when they knew it was 'me'. I quickly got myself up and went to Alexandra hoping that she doesn't attack me for the second time. <br> <br>“Well now he's knocked out lets go in” said Alexandra cheerfully. <br> <br>Was this a good thing? Man I feel for this guy even though he tried to kill me moments ago. Alexandra opened the door and walked in prompting me to follow. The inside of the church was pretty much what I expected it would be. Eventually we met a old man whom I presume to be the head priest here. He did have that air of authory. <br> <br>“Alexandra, what pleasure do I have to meet you today?” said the old man. <br> <br>I think there was some shuttering when he was talking and he was trying to avoid eye contact with Alexandra. I winder why? <br> <br>“Is there anything I can do for you?” asked Alexandra with the expectation that we'll get a quest. <br> <br>The old man pondered a bit trying to think of one. Eventually he tried to change the topic after seeing me. <br> <br>“Why did you bring such an existence in our church? You know our church has a policy to kill any evil in sight.” The old man said that but he didn't have any evil intentions towards me or at least that was what I felt. <br> <br>“Do you have a problem with that?” said Alexandra. <br> <br>She had a bright smile on her face. Normally I would think this person was asking nicely but since I know her true nature....ah it seems the old man agrees with me. He was begging for his life in front of someone whose suppose to be his ally. <br> <br>“There has been recent reports that there has been a rise in the number of undead in several area. Our church and several others have already dispatch troops to deal with them but they keep on increasing. Our investigation led us to the source of this chaos. A necromancer. I want you two to kill the necromancer to stop these events.” said the old man. <br> <br>Ding <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Kill the Necromancer that Plagues the Kingdom <br> <br>Investigation from the church of Thor has shown that a necromancer is solely responsible for the rapid increase in undead in the Kingdom. Several platoons of paladins have been dispatched to kill the necromancer but none have returned. After this act the fallen paladins were seen as part of the undead forces. The head priest request you to deal with this problem <br> <br>Rank: C <br>Restriction: Given by the head Priest <br>Reward: 500 gold and unknown</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>I have a feeling that this unknown reward is them not trying to kill me. <br> <br>“Yay a new quest~” <br> <br>Alexandra was very cheerful and immediately left for the quest. I stayed back and asked the head priest, “So where exactly is the necromancer?” <br> <br>“I'll give you a map.” he replied with a lot of empathy. He wished me luck on my journey not on actually killing the necromancer. <br> <br>I wish myself luck as well for the journey...... <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=1579" 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=1681" target="_blank">Next</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <br> <br>Author's Notes: <br>- Word Count: 4167 <br>- This chapter was originally shorter than it is now. I extended it a bit after reviewing the whole volume <br>- Next Chapter will be long...I can assure you that at least <br>- You know, sometimes I think I make characters too overpowered sometimes......it leaves me with little room to improve them over time. Well I did debluff Alexandra's skill set quite a bit while editing as well...... <br>- The quest is 'only' C ranked you say......MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, you really think its a mere 'C ranked' quest? No! Never will my characters will face such an easy quest! And the Reward will never increase! <br>- Just a note on my progress with the series as a whole. I'm up to Vol 3 Chapter 8 right now and I still didn't finish planning vol5 5 yet......I'm just going to finish vol 4 first then sort the rest of the series out later..... <br>- A second note, what actually happens and what you read is actually quite different from what I originally planned. Sometimes I think that a certain plot is more interesting, that one thing would sound better in this way, Changing the order of events or just simply scrapping the plot I planned out for a newer more interesting and less confusing one and sometimes for a more confusing one but with more significant </div>

Part 1 – New Gear It has been a while since me and Alexandra partied up to so quests and we reached level 100 in no time. In that time Oreal had a person deliver my new gear starting from the clothes then the armor. The clothes I obtained her plain in colour thanks to the persistent of Oreal since I don't standing out. I had a new shirt and pants. | Shirt of the Cyclops Slayer   Durability: 100/100  Defence: 30 Made from the leather of a slain Cyclops, it gives much defence in all areas. However it causes all Cyclops to be natural enemies of the one that wears this. Requirements: Level 100 Options: - Fame increase by 50 - Increase hostility from Cyclops - Increase Physical defence - Decrease blunt damage on wearer | | --- | | Pants of the Cyclops Slayer   Durability: 100/100  Defence: 30 Made from the leather of a slain Cyclops, it gives much defence in all areas and is soft for wear. However it causes all Cyclops to be natural enemies of the one that wears this. Requirements: Level 100 Options: - Fame increase by 50 - Increase hostility from Cyclops - Lowers chance of negative status effects - Decrease blunt damage on wearer - Increase Agility by 20 | | --- | They pretty much did the same thing but since I have the set, it doubles the effects I'm getting from them which was very useful. The next thing I got was a set of light armor to use. It was also made from Cyclops leather but also had Cyclops bones in it. | Leather Chest piece of the Power   Durability: 130/130  Defence: 50 Enchanted with the bones of a Cyclops, this chest piece is made more stronger than normal. However it is still made primary of leather so the defence isn’t as high as it could be. But the materials used as leather is of high ranking so the decrease isn't much. Requirements: level 100 Options: - Fame increase by 100 - Decrease damage from projectiles - Increase Strength by 15 - Increase Agility by 10 | | --- | Well apparently Ryan only had time to make this chest piece but since I had other equipment already, it was all fine. The durability and defence of it was really really high for a level 100 gear. Ryan got hold of the information that I was a mage so he didn't make me any weapons as well though I didn't have any kind of restriction involving weapons. I equipped them and realised how much stronger my character was with proper gear on. | Status Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | Eden | Type | Chaotic | | Race | Anhrefn | Title | Darllenydd o'r holl | | Level | 103 | Class | Awdur Dim | | Fame | 910 | Infamy | 0 | | Health | N/A | Mana | 10000 | | Strength | 153+50 | Agility | 214+50 | | Intelligence | 252+100 | Wisdom | 43+100 | | Concentration | 181+100 | Endurance | 35+50 | | Sustenance | 79+50 | Fighting Spirit | 53+50 | | Vitality | 67+50 | Stamina | 53+50 | | Offence | 91 | Defense | 237 | | Magic Resistance | 16% | | | | 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 | | | My defences practically doubled and I only feel a bit heavier than normal. Another thing is that my infamy went to zero after completing a number of quests for the city. Now NPCs don't try to avoid me and increase their prices by 100%. However there was something bothering me. “We need another person in our party.” said Alexandra while we were getting lunch. She was kind enough to treat me lunch and the first thing she said was this. Was she trying to make me feel guilty and accept whatever request she has? Or is this a scheme to get rid of me? “Why do we need another person” I said objecting to the fact that I have to deal with another person besides her. I seriously have trouble dealing with people in this game since most of them role play in some way that they wouldn't have in real life and you see many many people acting like bandits or knights consistently. “Well our party is very unbalanced.” retorted Alexandra. Well I was a 'mage' that had overpowered spells and could do physical stuff as well while Alexandra was a 'paladin' that had a number of offensive, defensive and support skills which made her able to play every role a party needs. In a sense we are unbalanced but overpowered at the same time. I don't see a way to include another person without making them feel useless. Alexandra was frowning at this fact. Man I'm weak to sad girls. “You can find a person but that person has to be pretty good and similar to our level.” I said trying to cheer this fool up. Alexandra smiled at the fact that I approved of her search. But instead of leaving to find that person she stayed here for some reason. “Why aren't you leaving?” I asked, curious on why she didn't leave yet. Alexandra smiled and said, “I'm curious about you.” Was this the infamous pick up line? “To be more precise your magic.” Well that was a short fantasy. With a sigh I said, “What about my magic?” Alexandra took a bite out of her sandwich before continuing. “Well magic use 'circles' to formulate the spell before casting and to even use a spell you have to learn it first. Both doesn't seem to apply to you though. This this due to your class?” I remembered Warlic explanation on how magic worked. I can't recall it but I know how to do it but not how to explain it. Well I should tell her part of the truth in exchange of some info on her as well. [You can either give her the whole true and hope for the best or give or part of the truth, hoping for the best in the future] Why are you so cautious about Alexandra. She seems to be a nice person. [She has the scent of the Gods on her] Well all people who are part of the church does. What's the problem. [I'm feeling a large quantity and quality of the power of the Gods through her. Not just one but a majority of the Gods that exist in this world] Well I'll be careful then. “I learned this kind of magic before I got a class. Also before you request information on other you should tell me more about yourself.” I responded. I was kinda hoping that she would blush like how you see in those novels and movies. But there was no respond. Alexandra sighed and said, “Fine lets make a deal. I request on information on you and you can request information of equal value on me.” “In that case what's your breast size?” I asked without thinking. Shit that was the wrong choice.... SLAP “Sorry.......” I cried. My right cheek was red. Hey llyfr does my wounds heal fast. [Hmm? Yeah it does why?] No reason. “Give me information on your magic or else” said Alexandra with a fierce look on her face. Shit if I oppose her than I'm worse than dead. I noted in the back of my mind to never oppose Alexandra or else something bad could happen to me at a certain time. Cough I started to talk about my magic. “Well the magic I use is a bit different then the one in this world. You can say its a different type of magic altogether....more ancient. Instead of following a set of formula to use a spell, I create the formula itself to cast a spell. This gives me more variety than any other mage in existence but at the same time is weaker than normal magic in general. Most spells are made form formulae that has been perfected over centuries to give the best stability and power in general. My magic is a bit more unstable.” Well that was all I knew in general about the magic Warlic taught me. It wasn't much since I think I passed out mid way and yet the information is stuck in my mind. I looked at Alexandra and saw that she had a very shocked look on her face. “That can't be all! If what your saying is true then your using very powerful ancient magic! The main reason why such magic is not wide spread is that its too dangerous. Has a spell ever failed on you?” Umm what? Help me out here llyfr. Llyfr took a moment and made it so that its voice could be heard my Alexandra as well. [Alexandra I am the existence known as llyfr] “Eh what? A voice? Where?” said Alexandra in confusion. [Calm down. I'm in Eden right now due to some circumstances] “I see.” Alexandra gave a sympathetic look at me but it wasn't for me but for llyfr for some reason. Wait, what's wrong with me that you would sympathise with llyfr?! [Well never mind that, you wanted an explanation on how Eden's magic works right?] “Yeah” [Well Eden explained the basics of it already on how he creates the formulae for his spells. I'm going to explain some of the other details. You want to know why Eden never failed to cast his magic correct?] “Yes, that's something I can't understand” said Alexandra in a plea. Is me using that kind of magic that strange? [The reason why Eden didn't die yet on using such magic is because my existence prevents him from doing such a stupid thing] Eh? Did you just insult me llyfr? Why would you do that? I though you were my friend.... [Anyway my existence is a pile of knowledge. Eden unconsciously with my help was keeping himself from getting killed by his own magic. But each time he fails some mana gets taken up to fix the problem and the spell runs as normal] “How comes I don't notice my mana decreasing that much?” I asked llyfr. [That's because you have more mana then you can use so it doesn't affect you] “Wait what's with this conversation? What do you mean Eden had more mana than he can use?” asked Alexandra still shocked of how the conversation went. [Hmm? Eden has the power to absorb an infinite amount of mana because it was my power originally. Well since I'm in him right now, Eden isn't human anymore] “Now we need to know something about you” I said with a evil smile on my face. She DID suggest a even exchange of information. Llyfr gave her enough information to warrant something back. Alexandra seeing the look on my face was very confused now. She paused for a moment before speaking about myself. “Well I'm a different kind of paladin then you normally see. I'm afflicted with all churches that are not considered evil. Basically I have the very rare blessing of Gods but it doesn't give me any noticeable bluffs or anything since my title and class are themselves are considered the gifts of the Gods.” [That explains why I feel the presence of the Gods in you in such quantity and quality] I felt that llyfr sighed just now. Was he relieved that this person wouldn't be an enemy or disappointed that Alexandra wasn't what it thought she would be. That reminds me...Alexandra has a title as well right? I wonder what it is. I might as well ask for her class as well. “Hey Alexandra what's your class and title?” I asked. Alexandra gave an evil smile to me saying that I fell into her trap. Shit! Now I have to give information on myself first! I continued with my sentence with, “By the way my class is called 'Awdur Dim' and my title is 'Darllenydd o'r holl' so please tell me....” Alexandra smiled at me knowing that she has me in her grasps and said while whispering, “My class is 'Holy Templar' and my title is 'Shining Crusader' also I'm kinda interested in your stats now. Show me and I'll show you mine.” Well there doesn't seem to be any harm in that but I don't havea choice here do I. “Share Status Window with Alexandra” I believe my status window appeared for Alexandra since I saw her facial expression change a couple of times while she was looking at it. After a while she said, “Share Status Window with Eden.” Well its time to check on her stats as well. I hope that it isn't that bad since most players will have stats that are inferior to mine due to my bonuses from my race, class and title. I quickly scanned through the status window. | Status Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | Alexandra | Type | Good | | Race | Human | Title | Shining Crusader | | Level | 106 | Class | Holy Templar | | Fame | 1540 | Infamy | 0 | | Health | 5648 | Mana | 2314 | | Strength | 278+10 | Agility | 298+10 | | Intelligence | 57 | Wisdom | 59 | | Faith | 127+50 | Endurance | 30 | | Sustenance | 103 | Fighting Spirit | 55 | | Vitality | 98 | Stamina | 108 | | Offence | 209 | Defense | 251 | | Magic Resistance | 3% | | | | Bonus | +10 Strength +10 Agility +50 Faith +1000 Mana Skills rank boosted by 1 Unable to obtain Murderer Mark Affiliation with Churches will be Good on default Favoured by the Gods | | | Well her stats are more well balanced than my one. I just placed points in whatever stat I want to since its not going to make much of a difference anyway but I can clearly see that Alexandra was aiming for a melee type character but had other stats as well she has to increase like faith. I can't help to notice that she has two stats that I don't which are leadership and luck.....those stats weren't generated when I create my character even though it should've have....damn did the game glitch out for me? “Eden your stats are....overpowered. You don't even have health! Does healing work on you?” Alexandra started throwing questions at me left and right. Well first I want to get some explanation on her skills. “I'll answer your questions if you tell me your skills.” I said sneakily. “Fine Share Skill Window with Eden” said Alexandra quickly without thinking of the consequences. | Skill Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Sword Mastery Beginner Level 9 (31%) Increase sword speed by 27% Increase sword attack by 90% | | Holy Magic Mastery Beginner Level 4 (53%) The ability to use and manipulate Holy magic Holy Magic Strength: 40% Holy Magic Resistance: 4% | | Sword Wave Beginner Level 5 (95%) Using the energy from your sword, a wave is produced and shot out. The strength, size and range of the wave is determined by the skill level Wave strength: 150% of strength Wave Range: 5 metres Cost: 15 mana | | Holy Aura Beginner level 3 (99%) Creates an aura that serves for offence and defence. Amplify Strength and Speed: 1.3 times Decrease damage amount: 9% | | Battle Recovery Beginner Level 5 (43%) Recover the health of all party members and gives a bluff in some stats Heal amount: 500 Cost: 70 Mana | | Crusade Sprint Beginner Level 6 (53%) Boost speed in a burst of speed. Last for 10 seconds. Agility Boost: 60% Cost: 10 Mana | | Battle Cry Beginner Level 1 (41%) A cry for battle. It brings courage in allies and fear in enemies. Strength of skill is base upon fighting spirit. Increase Morale by: 10% Increase Strength by: 10% Increase Agility by: 10% Cost: 50 Mana | Well these skills are very interesting. I expected her to have sword mastery, holy mastery and the sword wave skill but the other four skills I also see are unique as far as I know. With the exception of the Crusade Sprint skill, all the other skills are used in a party. Its a wonder on hoe she manages to avoid getting recruitment offers from guilds especially since they flock to anyone that seems powerful. Speaking of guilds that one guild I pissed off didn't do anything to me yet. I was half expecting for them to send out some of their guys to harass or try to kill me. After I finished looking at her skills I looked at Alexandra to see that she was looking at me with hatred. Hey did wasn't my fault that you were tricked by me when you were asking me so many questions. Out of pity I said, “Share Skill Window with Alexandra” After that her facial expression was more positive towards me. Its kinda fun to manipulate someone else's emotion like that. “Eden even your skills are even more overpowered! I never heard of a person with such ridiculous skills before! You're literally invincible in wars where there's countless people fighting each other.” Pfft “I wish I could just fight on such terms. Unfortunately my fights are usually alone due to the nature of my skills and more then often I have to face powerful foes for some reason.” I looked back at all the enemies I faced. Most of them were utter trash so I could handle them but some of the other ones simply overpowered even me. Man I have the worse luck ever in facing foes. “That reminds me, I still haven't friended you. Would you like to be friends?” | Alexandra sent a friend request | | --- | “Fine” I said without much thought in it. It really didn't matter to me either way. | You have accepted Alexandra friend request | | --- | “Ah good now lets go to the church” said Alexandra in an innocence voice. I had a feeling that this would end up bad for me. Part 2 – Unfriendly Terms We got to the church of Thor that was the main religion in this city. Like many churches, their buildings were very expensive to make. If I recall the church of Thor was known to attack evil existences no matter the circumstances which makes me nervous. I hope that I won't get attacked immediately. “Alexandra do I have to go with you?” I asked trying to get as far away from that church as possible. If things happen the way I think it would then I'll probably be burnt to death on a stake. We were still in the process of walking to the place though I had thoughts of running away when she was not looking. “Don't even try to escape” threatened Alexandra. She gave me a sharp look and continued walking next to me. [I have a feeling that she will use her influence to order a hunt for us if you escape now] Yeah I have that feeling as well. A couple of minutes later and finally deciding to not escape from the crutches of this person because it would end up with me worse than if I followed her, we arrived at the church of Thor which unlike most other churches does not use gold as their primary colours. Instead they prefer blue and as evident, most of Thor's paladins had blue painted armor instead of gold which more than often make people mistake them as common knights or soldiers. In front of the main church gates was a guard wearing the blue paladin uniform. He was a tall bluff man. Man I see a lot of bluff people these days for some reason. I think the ability to change your appearance cause an influx of many people making themselves appear more attractive. Females often have more attractive faces and bodies, man are either more attractive in the same way and often have more muscle than needed. I think once I saw a fully bluff mage which was very disturbing. The moment the guard saw Alexandra he had a happy expression on his face which was a good thing....then he saw me and had an angry expression which was very bad for me. Zzziiiiiiinnnnnnnnggggggg The man unsheathe his sword and pointed it at me. He was about to cut me down and I prepared to fight him. I rather not get killed compared to being hunted down. I imagined the man being pushed back to the wall behind him. Just when we were about to kill each other Alexandra jumped between us. “Hey hey hey, don't fight!” pleaded Alexandra. It seems she knew this would happen and was prepared to stop it. That wasn't necessary since I can easily kill them all. [If you killed them then they'll hunt you down which would greatly interfere with our job] Right Right but I'm not backing down until he does. “Alexandra explain why this...thing...is with you” said the man while still staring at me. “He's a friend” said Alexandra quickly. The man was taken back a bit and said, “A man? I see. So that's how you trick people. DIE!” BANG | You took 488 damage | | --- | When the man was about to strike me and I was about to attack as well I could've sworn that Alexandra drew her sword used Sword Wave on both of us in an instant. I was blasted away onto the other side of the street. Thankfully I managed to stop myself before I hit the wall. The same couldn't be said for the other guy. He hit the wall with a lot of momentum and was trying to recover. “Now stop fighting before I'll really kill you two.” said Alexandra in a commanding voice. Hey I was just defending myself! Mumble mumble mumble “Hey what happened?” “That person there was fighting the guard” “A sinner? Who is stupid enough to enter the city as one.” “Not that person doesn't have a murderer mark on her. I fell like I know that person though...” “The Cyclops Slayer!” “You mean the one that killed 5 people without warning?” “Damn run away!” A crowd started to form due to the conflict and quickly disappeared as well when they knew it was 'me'. I quickly got myself up and went to Alexandra hoping that she doesn't attack me for the second time. “Well now he's knocked out lets go in” said Alexandra cheerfully. Was this a good thing? Man I feel for this guy even though he tried to kill me moments ago. Alexandra opened the door and walked in prompting me to follow. The inside of the church was pretty much what I expected it would be. Eventually we met a old man whom I presume to be the head priest here. He did have that air of authory. “Alexandra, what pleasure do I have to meet you today?” said the old man. I think there was some shuttering when he was talking and he was trying to avoid eye contact with Alexandra. I winder why? “Is there anything I can do for you?” asked Alexandra with the expectation that we'll get a quest. The old man pondered a bit trying to think of one. Eventually he tried to change the topic after seeing me. “Why did you bring such an existence in our church? You know our church has a policy to kill any evil in sight.” The old man said that but he didn't have any evil intentions towards me or at least that was what I felt. “Do you have a problem with that?” said Alexandra. She had a bright smile on her face. Normally I would think this person was asking nicely but since I know her true nature....ah it seems the old man agrees with me. He was begging for his life in front of someone whose suppose to be his ally. “There has been recent reports that there has been a rise in the number of undead in several area. Our church and several others have already dispatch troops to deal with them but they keep on increasing. Our investigation led us to the source of this chaos. A necromancer. I want you two to kill the necromancer to stop these events.” said the old man. Ding | Kill the Necromancer that Plagues the Kingdom Investigation from the church of Thor has shown that a necromancer is solely responsible for the rapid increase in undead in the Kingdom. Several platoons of paladins have been dispatched to kill the necromancer but none have returned. After this act the fallen paladins were seen as part of the undead forces. The head priest request you to deal with this problem Rank: C Restriction: Given by the head Priest Reward: 500 gold and unknown | | --- | I have a feeling that this unknown reward is them not trying to kill me. “Yay a new quest~” Alexandra was very cheerful and immediately left for the quest. I stayed back and asked the head priest, “So where exactly is the necromancer?” “I'll give you a map.” he replied with a lot of empathy. He wished me luck on my journey not on actually killing the necromancer. I wish myself luck as well for the journey...... | Continue Misfortune? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Previous](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1579) | [Exit](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=161) | | [Next](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1681) | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Author's Notes: - Word Count: 4167 - This chapter was originally shorter than it is now. I extended it a bit after reviewing the whole volume - Next Chapter will be long...I can assure you that at least - You know, sometimes I think I make characters too overpowered sometimes......it leaves me with little room to improve them over time. Well I did debluff Alexandra's skill set quite a bit while editing as well...... - The quest is 'only' C ranked you say......MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, you really think its a mere 'C ranked' quest? No! Never will my characters will face such an easy quest! And the Reward will never increase! - Just a note on my progress with the series as a whole. I'm up to Vol 3 Chapter 8 right now and I still didn't finish planning vol5 5 yet......I'm just going to finish vol 4 first then sort the rest of the series out later..... - A second note, what actually happens and what you read is actually quite different from what I originally planned. Sometimes I think that a certain plot is more interesting, that one thing would sound better in this way, Changing the order of events or just simply scrapping the plot I planned out for a newer more interesting and less confusing one and sometimes for a more confusing one but with more significant

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Dod: No matter how many times i look at the previous one it seems like i killed the previous one too badly at the first chapter so i decided to start from scratch.<br>_______________________________________________________________________________________________________<br><br><br><br><br><br>Ahhhhh what an irony !!!!<br><br>Whole 23 years of my life I have been looked down, humiliated, made fun of !!! No more !!! At least this time I will prove to the world that I have been made for glory, power, and envy!!<br><br>This was our protagonists oath for himself before he began playing Royal Road but right now he is just an another player blended in thousands of player in the world with no good merit and more importantly no ACHIEVEMENT !. <br><br>To the present:<br><br>“Hey Fag, wanna go LoL(Lair of Litvart)?”<br><br>“Sure. . and STOP calling me 'FAG' a**hole”<br><br>“woah whoa, it's Kay dude I was just messin around ya don't be such a party pooper”<br><br>“I'm fed up with this, Look we have been playing 2 years now and we are still 35 level, just see that Weed dude he played only 1 year and now he is 350 level!!”<br><br>“it's kay Dodger, we'll catch up to him”<br><br>“How? Tell me Grego!!”<br><br>“well we can kill lots of monster and level up”<br><br>“ooh yea, and watch some girl fighting with monsters? Huh? You have been watching girls fighting with monsters entire time no . .. “<br><br>“Look look” Grego said while pointing.<br><br>“WHAT”<br><br>“Another girl entered the dungeon!”<br><br>“Screw it I’m out”<br><br>-Flash-<br><br>With a flash of light William logged out of the capsule to find himself in a pitch dark room.<br><br>Thud , clack , pom . .. <br><br>"Owe, I should stop playing in the dark seriously!"<br><br>Click. .<br><br>With the light began brightening the room I (starting now I'll use “I” instead of referring him from third perspective) saw my old room with small study table and 1 person bed. Soon I realized that I had nothing to do right now since I rage disconnecting the game. <br>After logging off I realized that I had nothing to do hence I usually plays at this time.<br><br>“Grooowl . . “<br><br>“ohhh weell I guess I should eat something" he thought<br><br>He went to kitchen and grabbed some sandwich that his mother made to him this morning. And started to brainstorming why he did so bad in playing royal road.<br><br>“Let me see, first 4 week I spend doing small quests for my starter gear. And then I met Grego at the rabbit field. Even though he was a jerk I could still tolerated him. And then after 4 or 5 months later we met that old guy who gave us Difficulty B quest. D*** we finished that quest barely after we died more than 3 times and spent 3 month doing it. Still we were quite happy for finishing the quest until that snot-nosed beggar came to us . . . what happened? <br><br>At first I gave him 1 copper when he begged us but he demanded more from us so we just ignored and walked away but he followed us like a parasite begging Grego suddenly snapped and cut the beggar down. later next week that beggar came with his “friends” which consisted hoard of beggar, of course we fought with them until we died. Dieing one time is okay for us but that devil brat camped in our re-spawn point so all we did was to be killed after every 24 hours for a month until we are naked and level one. Persistence of NPC specially that of beggar is quite a thing because we thought he will leave after killing us 1 or 2 time but ohh boy we were wrong big time. In the end we started playing half assed and now look at us 2 years worth of playing and still 35 level.”<br>While he was thinking he finished his meal, and went to his room.<br><br>And he thought “I think I should delete my accounts and start a new one I guess” <br>He opened his laptop started to search info for Royal road and he stumbled upon a stat gain conditions, kingdom info, Class advantage, and some skill prerequisite. So he began planning on what he should do with that information and best way to use it.<br><br>After 2 day<br><br>He finished his plan, and went ahead delete his account through royal road website. Even though he knows that it is not sufficient information or planning required for whole gaming time but he figured that he is not a type to go exactly according to plan so he decided to start the game.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Connect to Royal Road ?</td></tr><tr><td>Yes/no</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br><br>“yes”<br><br>Do you want to create a new account? <br><br>Sudden male voice alerted him because he clearly remembers that last time when he was doing this it was female voice and all his friend said that it was female voice who registered them. Tried to not bother with the detail too much he said <br>“yes”<br><br>Select the name of your avatar.<br><br>“Tinker” he already came up with this name during the last 2 days of planning.<br><br>Select your gender from male, female or neutral<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><br>“skip”<br><br>he skipped through the last parts because he thought it was waste of time.<br><br>"Flash"<br>After sudden flash of light I found myself in the middle of busy street filled with npc and players. I perfectly knows what is it like to be in a VR so he went straight to the blacksmith hoping to get repair skill if lucky get blacksmith skill because i planned that i will get craft skills during my first 4 week in beginner protection. <br><br>In no time he found the sign of blacksmith which is hammer carved in metal plate, by opening the door i saw sweaty and bulky people working, I walked up to the nearest person asked where I could find a work that awards repair skill or if possible blacksmith skill without converting into actual class. Then the other guy told me to meet the head smith which resides in the further room. After hearing that he went ahead to meet the smith, upon arriving there I saw a person who looked like a Professor Challenger from Canon Doyle's Lost World. I told to smith that I want to get a repair skill and also looking for <br>a work. Hearing that Smith stopped whatever he was doing and looked at me head to toe then he said “go away”, thinking that things went wrong I said “why? I could do anything I can to get the skill so tell me what should I do?”<br>Smith considering what I said for a moment then showed him the room full of weapons and told me “polish all the weapon and clean the room if you finish that I could give you the skill but let me tell you it is a lot of work you know.”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto">[/tbody]"Ding"<table><tbody><tr><td>Clean, polish, and clean</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Smith asked you to clean all the equipment laying around the empty room as well as clean the room</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Quest Requirement: Be a complete newbie</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Quest Reward: Repair skill</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>Do you accept?</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Yes/no</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>I said “okay” and went straight to the business. Next 4 day I spent cleaning without a break beside food and bladder stop. During the 2 day cleaning process I stumbled a hidden class named “polisher”, of course if I get it I will no longer can get his goal. After I finished on my 4th day and i got myself <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>skill: Weapon polishing</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Str +5</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Agi +5</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>skill: Persistence</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br><br>Quite happy with myself I went ahead to meet the smith to get my reward. Smith flabbergasted after hearing that I cleaned all of it because smith expected me to clean it 2 weeks because he knows that adventurer like me is lazy peoples rotten in the core. But like he promised smith gave me the skill and bid farewell.<br><br>Getting out of the BM shop I found out that surviving on rye bread is just a way of torturing myself. So I went to search for the restaurant to get a job. After asking few places I found a work in a nice middle class restaurant, good thing is that I will receive free food and cooking skill while getting paid. During the rest of week I first 4 week he worked at restaurant and in free time hitting the sh** out of scarecrows in training center. Even though doing all that training I didn't finished the basic training but got almost 20 stats in each stamina, strength, and agility also I got the skill cooking, and Anatomy while in restaurant butchering some animals to cook. <br><br>When I got out of the town I saw Grega running away from that beggar brat so I hided myself in the bush afraid of them to notice me. After they've gone I went out far away from public as far as possible in the wood and start slaughtering wolves. After few wolves I found a bear protecting her child from pack of wolves. At first I watched the beasts have a go at each other but when the mother bear began to die I unconsciously stepped out of the wood and began to charge at nearest wolf. Since I had 10 level from previous hunt I was fighting with them evenly with help of stats gained from training hall. Few minutes later I barely managed to kill the wolves. Getting my breath back I looked at the bears but the mother bear already died and her child was wailing and licking his mother. Then green light came out of the mother bear and said “thank you, adventurer for saving my child because I am sure that goddamned wolves will kill my child after me! And even if it is selfish request can you take care of my child until he can take care of himself” and then that green light disappeared as well as her body.<br><br>With her forcing her child to me. I thought “heck I guess I have no choice” </div>

Dod: No matter how many times i look at the previous one it seems like i killed the previous one too badly at the first chapter so i decided to start from scratch. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Ahhhhh what an irony !!!! Whole 23 years of my life I have been looked down, humiliated, made fun of !!! No more !!! At least this time I will prove to the world that I have been made for glory, power, and envy!! This was our protagonists oath for himself before he began playing Royal Road but right now he is just an another player blended in thousands of player in the world with no good merit and more importantly no ACHIEVEMENT !. To the present: “Hey Fag, wanna go LoL(Lair of Litvart)?” “Sure. . and STOP calling me 'FAG' a**hole” “woah whoa, it's Kay dude I was just messin around ya don't be such a party pooper” “I'm fed up with this, Look we have been playing 2 years now and we are still 35 level, just see that Weed dude he played only 1 year and now he is 350 level!!” “it's kay Dodger, we'll catch up to him” “How? Tell me Grego!!” “well we can kill lots of monster and level up” “ooh yea, and watch some girl fighting with monsters? Huh? You have been watching girls fighting with monsters entire time no . .. “ “Look look” Grego said while pointing. “WHAT” “Another girl entered the dungeon!” “Screw it I’m out” -Flash- With a flash of light William logged out of the capsule to find himself in a pitch dark room. Thud , clack , pom . .. "Owe, I should stop playing in the dark seriously!" Click. . With the light began brightening the room I (starting now I'll use “I” instead of referring him from third perspective) saw my old room with small study table and 1 person bed. Soon I realized that I had nothing to do right now since I rage disconnecting the game. After logging off I realized that I had nothing to do hence I usually plays at this time. “Grooowl . . “ “ohhh weell I guess I should eat something" he thought He went to kitchen and grabbed some sandwich that his mother made to him this morning. And started to brainstorming why he did so bad in playing royal road. “Let me see, first 4 week I spend doing small quests for my starter gear. And then I met Grego at the rabbit field. Even though he was a jerk I could still tolerated him. And then after 4 or 5 months later we met that old guy who gave us Difficulty B quest. D*** we finished that quest barely after we died more than 3 times and spent 3 month doing it. Still we were quite happy for finishing the quest until that snot-nosed beggar came to us . . . what happened? At first I gave him 1 copper when he begged us but he demanded more from us so we just ignored and walked away but he followed us like a parasite begging Grego suddenly snapped and cut the beggar down. later next week that beggar came with his “friends” which consisted hoard of beggar, of course we fought with them until we died. Dieing one time is okay for us but that devil brat camped in our re-spawn point so all we did was to be killed after every 24 hours for a month until we are naked and level one. Persistence of NPC specially that of beggar is quite a thing because we thought he will leave after killing us 1 or 2 time but ohh boy we were wrong big time. In the end we started playing half assed and now look at us 2 years worth of playing and still 35 level.” While he was thinking he finished his meal, and went to his room. And he thought “I think I should delete my accounts and start a new one I guess” He opened his laptop started to search info for Royal road and he stumbled upon a stat gain conditions, kingdom info, Class advantage, and some skill prerequisite. So he began planning on what he should do with that information and best way to use it. After 2 day He finished his plan, and went ahead delete his account through royal road website. Even though he knows that it is not sufficient information or planning required for whole gaming time but he figured that he is not a type to go exactly according to plan so he decided to start the game. | Connect to Royal Road ? | | --- | | Yes/no | “yes” Do you want to create a new account? Sudden male voice alerted him because he clearly remembers that last time when he was doing this it was female voice and all his friend said that it was female voice who registered them. Tried to not bother with the detail too much he said “yes” Select the name of your avatar. “Tinker” he already came up with this name during the last 2 days of planning. Select your gender from male, female or neutral “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" After sudden flash of light I found myself in the middle of busy street filled with npc and players. I perfectly knows what is it like to be in a VR so he went straight to the blacksmith hoping to get repair skill if lucky get blacksmith skill because i planned that i will get craft skills during my first 4 week in beginner protection. In no time he found the sign of blacksmith which is hammer carved in metal plate, by opening the door i saw sweaty and bulky people working, I walked up to the nearest person asked where I could find a work that awards repair skill or if possible blacksmith skill without converting into actual class. Then the other guy told me to meet the head smith which resides in the further room. After hearing that he went ahead to meet the smith, upon arriving there I saw a person who looked like a Professor Challenger from Canon Doyle's Lost World. I told to smith that I want to get a repair skill and also looking for a work. Hearing that Smith stopped whatever he was doing and looked at me head to toe then he said “go away”, thinking that things went wrong I said “why? I could do anything I can to get the skill so tell me what should I do?” Smith considering what I said for a moment then showed him the room full of weapons and told me “polish all the weapon and clean the room if you finish that I could give you the skill but let me tell you it is a lot of work you know.” [/tbody]"Ding" | Clean, polish, and clean | | --- | | Smith asked you to clean all the equipment laying around the empty room as well as clean the room | | --- | | Quest Requirement: Be a complete newbie | | --- | | Quest Reward: Repair skill | | --- | | Do you accept? | | --- | | Yes/no | | --- | I said “okay” and went straight to the business. Next 4 day I spent cleaning without a break beside food and bladder stop. During the 2 day cleaning process I stumbled a hidden class named “polisher”, of course if I get it I will no longer can get his goal. After I finished on my 4th day and i got myself | skill: Weapon polishing | | --- | | Str +5 | | --- | | Agi +5 | | --- | | skill: Persistence | | --- | Quite happy with myself I went ahead to meet the smith to get my reward. Smith flabbergasted after hearing that I cleaned all of it because smith expected me to clean it 2 weeks because he knows that adventurer like me is lazy peoples rotten in the core. But like he promised smith gave me the skill and bid farewell. Getting out of the BM shop I found out that surviving on rye bread is just a way of torturing myself. So I went to search for the restaurant to get a job. After asking few places I found a work in a nice middle class restaurant, good thing is that I will receive free food and cooking skill while getting paid. During the rest of week I first 4 week he worked at restaurant and in free time hitting the sh** out of scarecrows in training center. Even though doing all that training I didn't finished the basic training but got almost 20 stats in each stamina, strength, and agility also I got the skill cooking, and Anatomy while in restaurant butchering some animals to cook. When I got out of the town I saw Grega running away from that beggar brat so I hided myself in the bush afraid of them to notice me. After they've gone I went out far away from public as far as possible in the wood and start slaughtering wolves. After few wolves I found a bear protecting her child from pack of wolves. At first I watched the beasts have a go at each other but when the mother bear began to die I unconsciously stepped out of the wood and began to charge at nearest wolf. Since I had 10 level from previous hunt I was fighting with them evenly with help of stats gained from training hall. Few minutes later I barely managed to kill the wolves. Getting my breath back I looked at the bears but the mother bear already died and her child was wailing and licking his mother. Then green light came out of the mother bear and said “thank you, adventurer for saving my child because I am sure that goddamned wolves will kill my child after me! And even if it is selfish request can you take care of my child until he can take care of himself” and then that green light disappeared as well as her body. With her forcing her child to me. I thought “heck I guess I have no choice”

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Hi ppl. I just started writing my first fan-fic.<br><br>If you're reading it - awesome!!! <br><br>I am open to suggestions, criticisms and thoughts at any time. <br>Feel free to hate. Not going to get any better if ppl dont tell me what im doing wrong. so:<br><br>The floor is yours!!! </div>

Hi ppl. I just started writing my first fan-fic. If you're reading it - awesome!!! I am open to suggestions, criticisms and thoughts at any time. Feel free to hate. Not going to get any better if ppl dont tell me what im doing wrong. so: The floor is yours!!!

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> The group left the forest without further trouble. As it seemed the culprit vanished in thin air. The small and almost invisible path led them out of the labyrinth of trees and shadows. The treetops gave away for strays of the sun and the silent walking switched over to noisy chatter. Mouths stayed shut inside the forest but now everyone seemed delighted.<br>“Why do you guys follow one group all over the continent? You see, you haven’t found any clues until now.” You could see the interest. The question was not a casual one. She wanted to find out more about the group she was following.<br>Markus took the initiative.<br>“We think, the people, who are behind this group, attacked our home town. They murdered everyone in the same gruesome - Well, you saw it yourself, no need to explain it. It was not just our hometown at that time. It was our guild’s headquarters as well. And as destiny took its course, it burned down as well. The entire town burned down to crisps. We couldn’t do anything about it. We were on a mission and the few people who were at the guild got slaughtered. None of us expected something like this to happen, so we didn’t had any insurance - although it is a game, you could sign insurances to be on the safe side with a guild. We lost all our things that day. Our guild, our home, our friendships with the NPCs and many members. Who would want to be in a guild that consists of rubble and trash? Additionally we couldn’t raise any taxes because all people died.”<br>“That’s really sad to hear.” After a short break to honor the dead, she continued.<br>“But who on earth would attack an entire town by themselves, if they don’t want to occupy it? I never heard of town raids.”<br>“We neither, which is why we didn’t fill out a contract.” One of the elves spoke. Failariél couldn’t keep them apart.<br>“They wouldn’t have had a chance if we would have been there. We were top-notch at that time. One of the highest-ranking guilds, with strong members and good equipment. Our guild was well-developed - chiik.” It was the first time the Bull spoke up. He had a deep voice, it sounded intimidating.<br>Wrinkles on her head, and a weird expression was beginning to form on her face.<br>Tap<br>A hand clapped on Failariél`s shoulder, it was Markus. He had a grin on his face.<br>His polished armor reflected the light into her face. She was barely able to see anything except the outer appearance of him.<br>“First time hearing his voice, eh? He will speak more often from now on, so try to adjust yourself to the sound.”<br>“What does that mean - chiik? Do you want to say my voice sounds terrible - chiik?”<br>“Take it easy. We don’t want to drive her out by using nasty methods.”<br>Everyone laughed except Karthos. Perplexed, he didn’t get the joke and looked like an idiot.<br>-----------<br>“Honorable Instructor, you normally speak truth but … well... you see, there is no challenge here.<br>We are walking down this corridor for... I don’t know how long. We haven’t encountered any enemy yet.”<br>That’s exactly what happened after we went through the gate. We had been walking down this long, dusty corridor. Words were rare. Somehow, the instructor stopped his talking for once. I tried different ways to approach him but he only “hmphed” all the time.<br>“Be patient. It’s one of the golden rules you have yet to learn.”<br>Another weird answer. Finally, the chance was there to fight but what have I been doing for the last 30 minutes?<br>My hand was itchy from waiting to kill my first monster and my anticipation of the coming robbed me of every calm thought.<br>As the game showed me that I had to eat and afte rI finally fumbled out a barley bread out of my inventory he surprised me.<br>He turned around. And as he turned my bread fell out of my hand because of my clumsiness. I was at the end of my nerves.<br>“We are here. Time for you to get ready.”<br>All at once, I forgot about the bread, which was laying on the floor - even if 3 seconds hadn’t passed since the bread fell to the floor -, I was full of concentration. I could feel the end of my fingertips overflowing with excitement.<br>I didn’t think that something was wrong. We were still standing on the corridor. There were no side exits.<br>“So, what am I going to do?”<br>For a split second, his expression changed to something cruel, something I have never seen before, but it changed so quickly that I was not sure if it really happened. He looked just the same as always. As always. Not exactly as always. There was something else in his eyes. Hope? Pain? I couldn’t identify it.<br>“Like I said before, we will look if you are ready to face enemies head on. You said you never were in a real fight before and this will be your evaluation. Real fighting is different from textbook learning. We will see if you are fit to be a warrior.”<br>“Okay. That’s what I knew already.”<br>Anticipation forced me to look around. I still had no real idea of the last stage. He said there would be enemies to face. And fights to overcome. But the only thing I saw at that moment was the long, endless stretching corridor.<br>“So -”<br>Somehow I knew that something was amiss. I stopped talking. The heavy breathing sound of the instructor was not there anymore. And just as I realized that he vanished in thin air, everything went black. What the hell? A trapdoor opened up under me and I fell down.<br>Suddenly the peaceful situation changed to a life and death situation.<br>Noises, mainly footsteps filled the air. Enemies!<br>I knew it were enemies because there weren’t just footsteps, I could hear that swords were drawn out of their sheets. In addition, there was the sound of armor rattling and cracking. It must be rusty.<br>I may be inexperienced but to know that you have to change your position when you are caught in a trap is natural. But, my problem was that I still couldn’t see anything. My time grew shorter by every passing second and I had to do something.<br>I unsheathed my katana silently. Well, I didn’t drew it fully, I just pulled it a bit out of the sheet to be able to perform a quick-draw if necessary. Ting. I knew what I had to do. It must have been my intuition.<br>Adrenaline Rush!<br>Mana points were still low because I hadn’t done any real training to increase it.<br>As the skill stated, my five senses were enhanced, and I were able to see in the dark. There were skeletons all around me. Some had clubs in their bony hands, other swords. Most of them had small pieces of armor, which covered their old bones occasionally. One of them wore a big iron armor. The helmet throned with big ivory horns, and ornated with old verved letters. I couldn’t determine what they said at this distance. His eyes flashed red underneath the helmet and his entity radiated in a dark gloomy mist. He must have been a great warrior in life.They stood in one by one in a distance of at least fifteen feet. That was where the first skeleton stood.<br>Only then did I look around, still aware of the danger but I had to know where I was, and save the surroundings inside my head to make use of them. My mana went low pretty fast. The entire calculation took less than four seconds, so I had 60 mana points remaining, which should last for another twelve seconds. I stood in a huge hall, columns lining the side, which hold the weight of the entire edifice above with ease like Atlas would.<br>Exits were at both ends of the hall.<br>The army of skeletons, which consisted of at least ten, walked slowly but steadily, which is why they came nearer as more seconds passed.<br>I took the initiative, and rushed forward. The first skeleton came into my range. The quick-draw faster than normal through the skill was not visible for the normal eye. Katanas being extraordinarily sharp, did it slice through the right arm, which would have crashed down on my head with the club in its hand.<br>Critical Hit!<br>My steps amplified through the adrenaline, brought me past the first skeletons. My aim was to kill the leader of the pack to lower the morale of the other skeletons.<br>Fast cuts missed just as well as swings and my target came nearer every step.<br>The aura-hulled leader wore a big claymore in both hands and got ready to strike. Through his movements, I could see that he got ready to bring up the sword from the side and do a slash. I jumped over the tip of the sword, and brought the sword down on him as I came to the ground again. The cut was barely visible, but it penetrated the armor nonetheless. Beneath it was a still intact looking leather armor.<br>His HP bar barely dropped. The claymore hit me with the dull edge and threw me over. As I lay on the floor, I could see that he struck from above, so I rolled to the side and could hear the impact on the stone.<br>Gravel hit me. While I stood up, I sliced across his chest once again. It had the same effect as before and I realized that this would not help me win the fight. Frankly said, it did nothing.<br>My manapoints were below 20 already. I made another two fast cuts, dodged the sword, and cut off one of his arms. To my disappointment, the arm reattached itself with the help of the aura. It picked the arm up and manifested itself around the cut. Being astonished, I didn’t see the other skeletons advancing. One of them, an old looking skeleton with worn boots and gloves, drove it’s sword into my back. And I could feel the pain flashing up. I turned around and kicked him into his rib cage, hauling him off the ground. He bowled over the other skeletons and I had some seconds to concentrate on my fight with the leader again. I still had plenty of HP left.<br>The skeleton knight still had plenty of HP but I could see that he took some damage from my attacks.<br>The claymore came down on me once again, and barely after I escaped it, my manapoints hit zero. My skill deactivated itself and I was left alone with my own powers.<br>In a panic I rushed forward, driving my shoulder into his stomach area, well truthfully against his armor, and with that throwing him to the ground. Dust whirled up. I picked up the claymore he lost during the fall and slammed it through the small gap, my attacks had made, and pinning him to the ground with the claymore. It fit perfectly through the gap, as if it was made for it.<br>The HP dropped rapidly. The skeleton, pinned to the floor, could not change his fate anymore. He was doomed. Mankind calls it ‘Final Rest’. Maybe undeads have another opinion of dead or better said their own definition for it. As the skeleton lay there, dying, something switched in me. I couldn’t - I still can’t determine what it was. Was it the knowledge that I, could decide about life and death? Or was it the knowing of similarity? That everything ends at some point, even earth itself - and me? My thoughts switched around.<br>My first kill. First kill. Am I a murderer now? Nah, what a stupid thought. It’s a game! Even if it feels real.<br>I didn’t bother with the loot at that moment and spinned around. The pack of skeletons didn’t seem to be less motivated to feast on my entrails - or whatever they want to do with me. They were even more eager than before. The first rushed at me, arm raised - club clutched between the fingers - and ready to strike. I tried to do a step to the side but slipped over something. The club hit he me straight on the head. My nerve ends were ringing loudly and I fell to the ground, numb from the damage done to me, but I encouraged myself, that this was not the day for me to die. Rolling, I came away from the entity of bones and jumped up. This fight was not over yet. I kicked the skeleton another time, like I did before, but this time it was prepared and blocked it. It held both it’s arms in front of it’s rib cage. The arms made a weird noise but they withstood the strong kick despite the circumstances. The skeleton was pushed away two feet and looked at me with fierce eyes.<br>With my katana still lying on the ground, I didn’t have an any weapon. My wooden sword was either inside the training hall above or my room. Actually was that, not something I should think about right now. I dodged an attack from another skeleton, it came from my left side. It had a rusty sword and crackled as he striked. While jumping over to the katana, I saw, that even more skeletons came into the room. This will be a long day. My HP bar had hit it’s half through the attack on my head. My Mp weren’t recovering very fast and I only had my katana left to defend myself.<br>The situation looked grim.<br>But nonetheless was forfeiting not an option. I would fight till my last breath would leave my body.<br>Or I won’t. I sprinted away from the evil crowd to the horned skeleton, which was still lying on the ground and looted it. Somehow I knew how to do it. I didn’t look at the items and only clicked on ‘Take everything’. I would have enough time later on to examine what exactly I obtained.<br>The only exit that wasn’t filling the room with skeletons was the one right next to me. Only one enemy stood in my way. A moss covered skeleton who had clearly seen better days. It didn’t even had a weapon.<br>I tucked my katana away and picked up a stone on the way. As I approached I jumped high and let the stone drop stonehard on it’s head. There was a loud crack. The skeleton’s knees gave away, it hit the ground brutally and was dead once again. The last steps to another shady room, weren’t very difficult and I reached it in no time. What I thought at that moment was, how I could see in this darkness without my adrenaline rush? </div>

The group left the forest without further trouble. As it seemed the culprit vanished in thin air. The small and almost invisible path led them out of the labyrinth of trees and shadows. The treetops gave away for strays of the sun and the silent walking switched over to noisy chatter. Mouths stayed shut inside the forest but now everyone seemed delighted. “Why do you guys follow one group all over the continent? You see, you haven’t found any clues until now.” You could see the interest. The question was not a casual one. She wanted to find out more about the group she was following. Markus took the initiative. “We think, the people, who are behind this group, attacked our home town. They murdered everyone in the same gruesome - Well, you saw it yourself, no need to explain it. It was not just our hometown at that time. It was our guild’s headquarters as well. And as destiny took its course, it burned down as well. The entire town burned down to crisps. We couldn’t do anything about it. We were on a mission and the few people who were at the guild got slaughtered. None of us expected something like this to happen, so we didn’t had any insurance - although it is a game, you could sign insurances to be on the safe side with a guild. We lost all our things that day. Our guild, our home, our friendships with the NPCs and many members. Who would want to be in a guild that consists of rubble and trash? Additionally we couldn’t raise any taxes because all people died.” “That’s really sad to hear.” After a short break to honor the dead, she continued. “But who on earth would attack an entire town by themselves, if they don’t want to occupy it? I never heard of town raids.” “We neither, which is why we didn’t fill out a contract.” One of the elves spoke. Failariél couldn’t keep them apart. “They wouldn’t have had a chance if we would have been there. We were top-notch at that time. One of the highest-ranking guilds, with strong members and good equipment. Our guild was well-developed - chiik.” It was the first time the Bull spoke up. He had a deep voice, it sounded intimidating. Wrinkles on her head, and a weird expression was beginning to form on her face. Tap A hand clapped on Failariél`s shoulder, it was Markus. He had a grin on his face. His polished armor reflected the light into her face. She was barely able to see anything except the outer appearance of him. “First time hearing his voice, eh? He will speak more often from now on, so try to adjust yourself to the sound.” “What does that mean - chiik? Do you want to say my voice sounds terrible - chiik?” “Take it easy. We don’t want to drive her out by using nasty methods.” Everyone laughed except Karthos. Perplexed, he didn’t get the joke and looked like an idiot. ----------- “Honorable Instructor, you normally speak truth but … well... you see, there is no challenge here. We are walking down this corridor for... I don’t know how long. We haven’t encountered any enemy yet.” That’s exactly what happened after we went through the gate. We had been walking down this long, dusty corridor. Words were rare. Somehow, the instructor stopped his talking for once. I tried different ways to approach him but he only “hmphed” all the time. “Be patient. It’s one of the golden rules you have yet to learn.” Another weird answer. Finally, the chance was there to fight but what have I been doing for the last 30 minutes? My hand was itchy from waiting to kill my first monster and my anticipation of the coming robbed me of every calm thought. As the game showed me that I had to eat and afte rI finally fumbled out a barley bread out of my inventory he surprised me. He turned around. And as he turned my bread fell out of my hand because of my clumsiness. I was at the end of my nerves. “We are here. Time for you to get ready.” All at once, I forgot about the bread, which was laying on the floor - even if 3 seconds hadn’t passed since the bread fell to the floor -, I was full of concentration. I could feel the end of my fingertips overflowing with excitement. I didn’t think that something was wrong. We were still standing on the corridor. There were no side exits. “So, what am I going to do?” For a split second, his expression changed to something cruel, something I have never seen before, but it changed so quickly that I was not sure if it really happened. He looked just the same as always. As always. Not exactly as always. There was something else in his eyes. Hope? Pain? I couldn’t identify it. “Like I said before, we will look if you are ready to face enemies head on. You said you never were in a real fight before and this will be your evaluation. Real fighting is different from textbook learning. We will see if you are fit to be a warrior.” “Okay. That’s what I knew already.” Anticipation forced me to look around. I still had no real idea of the last stage. He said there would be enemies to face. And fights to overcome. But the only thing I saw at that moment was the long, endless stretching corridor. “So -” Somehow I knew that something was amiss. I stopped talking. The heavy breathing sound of the instructor was not there anymore. And just as I realized that he vanished in thin air, everything went black. What the hell? A trapdoor opened up under me and I fell down. Suddenly the peaceful situation changed to a life and death situation. Noises, mainly footsteps filled the air. Enemies! I knew it were enemies because there weren’t just footsteps, I could hear that swords were drawn out of their sheets. In addition, there was the sound of armor rattling and cracking. It must be rusty. I may be inexperienced but to know that you have to change your position when you are caught in a trap is natural. But, my problem was that I still couldn’t see anything. My time grew shorter by every passing second and I had to do something. I unsheathed my katana silently. Well, I didn’t drew it fully, I just pulled it a bit out of the sheet to be able to perform a quick-draw if necessary. Ting. I knew what I had to do. It must have been my intuition. Adrenaline Rush! Mana points were still low because I hadn’t done any real training to increase it. As the skill stated, my five senses were enhanced, and I were able to see in the dark. There were skeletons all around me. Some had clubs in their bony hands, other swords. Most of them had small pieces of armor, which covered their old bones occasionally. One of them wore a big iron armor. The helmet throned with big ivory horns, and ornated with old verved letters. I couldn’t determine what they said at this distance. His eyes flashed red underneath the helmet and his entity radiated in a dark gloomy mist. He must have been a great warrior in life.They stood in one by one in a distance of at least fifteen feet. That was where the first skeleton stood. Only then did I look around, still aware of the danger but I had to know where I was, and save the surroundings inside my head to make use of them. My mana went low pretty fast. The entire calculation took less than four seconds, so I had 60 mana points remaining, which should last for another twelve seconds. I stood in a huge hall, columns lining the side, which hold the weight of the entire edifice above with ease like Atlas would. Exits were at both ends of the hall. The army of skeletons, which consisted of at least ten, walked slowly but steadily, which is why they came nearer as more seconds passed. I took the initiative, and rushed forward. The first skeleton came into my range. The quick-draw faster than normal through the skill was not visible for the normal eye. Katanas being extraordinarily sharp, did it slice through the right arm, which would have crashed down on my head with the club in its hand. Critical Hit! My steps amplified through the adrenaline, brought me past the first skeletons. My aim was to kill the leader of the pack to lower the morale of the other skeletons. Fast cuts missed just as well as swings and my target came nearer every step. The aura-hulled leader wore a big claymore in both hands and got ready to strike. Through his movements, I could see that he got ready to bring up the sword from the side and do a slash. I jumped over the tip of the sword, and brought the sword down on him as I came to the ground again. The cut was barely visible, but it penetrated the armor nonetheless. Beneath it was a still intact looking leather armor. His HP bar barely dropped. The claymore hit me with the dull edge and threw me over. As I lay on the floor, I could see that he struck from above, so I rolled to the side and could hear the impact on the stone. Gravel hit me. While I stood up, I sliced across his chest once again. It had the same effect as before and I realized that this would not help me win the fight. Frankly said, it did nothing. My manapoints were below 20 already. I made another two fast cuts, dodged the sword, and cut off one of his arms. To my disappointment, the arm reattached itself with the help of the aura. It picked the arm up and manifested itself around the cut. Being astonished, I didn’t see the other skeletons advancing. One of them, an old looking skeleton with worn boots and gloves, drove it’s sword into my back. And I could feel the pain flashing up. I turned around and kicked him into his rib cage, hauling him off the ground. He bowled over the other skeletons and I had some seconds to concentrate on my fight with the leader again. I still had plenty of HP left. The skeleton knight still had plenty of HP but I could see that he took some damage from my attacks. The claymore came down on me once again, and barely after I escaped it, my manapoints hit zero. My skill deactivated itself and I was left alone with my own powers. In a panic I rushed forward, driving my shoulder into his stomach area, well truthfully against his armor, and with that throwing him to the ground. Dust whirled up. I picked up the claymore he lost during the fall and slammed it through the small gap, my attacks had made, and pinning him to the ground with the claymore. It fit perfectly through the gap, as if it was made for it. The HP dropped rapidly. The skeleton, pinned to the floor, could not change his fate anymore. He was doomed. Mankind calls it ‘Final Rest’. Maybe undeads have another opinion of dead or better said their own definition for it. As the skeleton lay there, dying, something switched in me. I couldn’t - I still can’t determine what it was. Was it the knowledge that I, could decide about life and death? Or was it the knowing of similarity? That everything ends at some point, even earth itself - and me? My thoughts switched around. My first kill. First kill. Am I a murderer now? Nah, what a stupid thought. It’s a game! Even if it feels real. I didn’t bother with the loot at that moment and spinned around. The pack of skeletons didn’t seem to be less motivated to feast on my entrails - or whatever they want to do with me. They were even more eager than before. The first rushed at me, arm raised - club clutched between the fingers - and ready to strike. I tried to do a step to the side but slipped over something. The club hit he me straight on the head. My nerve ends were ringing loudly and I fell to the ground, numb from the damage done to me, but I encouraged myself, that this was not the day for me to die. Rolling, I came away from the entity of bones and jumped up. This fight was not over yet. I kicked the skeleton another time, like I did before, but this time it was prepared and blocked it. It held both it’s arms in front of it’s rib cage. The arms made a weird noise but they withstood the strong kick despite the circumstances. The skeleton was pushed away two feet and looked at me with fierce eyes. With my katana still lying on the ground, I didn’t have an any weapon. My wooden sword was either inside the training hall above or my room. Actually was that, not something I should think about right now. I dodged an attack from another skeleton, it came from my left side. It had a rusty sword and crackled as he striked. While jumping over to the katana, I saw, that even more skeletons came into the room. This will be a long day. My HP bar had hit it’s half through the attack on my head. My Mp weren’t recovering very fast and I only had my katana left to defend myself. The situation looked grim. But nonetheless was forfeiting not an option. I would fight till my last breath would leave my body. Or I won’t. I sprinted away from the evil crowd to the horned skeleton, which was still lying on the ground and looted it. Somehow I knew how to do it. I didn’t look at the items and only clicked on ‘Take everything’. I would have enough time later on to examine what exactly I obtained. The only exit that wasn’t filling the room with skeletons was the one right next to me. Only one enemy stood in my way. A moss covered skeleton who had clearly seen better days. It didn’t even had a weapon. I tucked my katana away and picked up a stone on the way. As I approached I jumped high and let the stone drop stonehard on it’s head. There was a loud crack. The skeleton’s knees gave away, it hit the ground brutally and was dead once again. The last steps to another shady room, weren’t very difficult and I reached it in no time. What I thought at that moment was, how I could see in this darkness without my adrenaline rush?

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Necromancer<br>A Royal Road Fan Fiction<br>By: Halosty<br>Chapter 36<br><br> The warrior watched the road carefully. He was confident that the person he had to kill was in this area somewhere. He needed to kill this rogue again, for his own pride. He couldn’t let him get away with just a few deaths. He was obviously much lower level, and thus even the single defeat at his hands was an unforgivable embarrassment.<br><br> Someone walked along the road. Was it him? No, this one looked very different. Some kind of wizard, with spiky red hair. Well, that didn’t mean the warrior couldn’t kill him. It wasn’t like he was restricted to killing just for revenge. He waited for the wizard to get within range. As was his custom, he would strike just after his target walked past him, catching them by surprise. The time to pull his sword was approaching…<br><br>Then, the time passed. The warrior had been ready to start the battle, but not for it to start for him. He felt an eerily familiar pain in his neck. Then, suddenly, he could see the name of the player above his head. It <span style="font-style: italic;">was</span> him. In disguise, again. How careless. This time, though, he would have nowhere to run. The warrior swung his sword down at the false wizard, who quickly retreated.<br><br>The warrior looked at his health. Down by twenty percent? Not having his good armor was really a big drawback. Although the rogue had used both hands to stab him with the dagger, it was still more effective than the first time. Still, the warrior was confident he could catch the little punk here. He charged towards the rogue.<br><br>His first attack missed by mere inches. He had been a bit careless. He repositioned himself for another strike. His aim really could use some work, the rogue barely even dodged and he missed again. Now the rogue was slashing at him, and although he was barely penetrating the armor, the warrior’s health was slowly whittled down.<br><br>After a few more swings, the warrior managed a decent sized gash across the rogue’s chest. Not enough to kill him, but one or two more would do the trick. Then, he got in another. One more. As the last slash went in, the rogue messed up his dodge and did a weird twist where he turned almost entirely around. The two-handed sword swung down, and then the rogue was gone. He hadn’t dodge, he was just…gone.<br><br>Then…<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have received fatal critical damage!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> In the back? Was there someone else?<br><br> The warrior turned around with the last of his strength. There, he saw the ever-troublesome rogue. Then, he saw a dagger heading for his eye.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> Quietus wiped his dagger on the body, although it was not strictly necessary. As loot, he got a helm. He looked down at the face of the man he’d just killed. Blonde. Somehow… familiar. Where had he seen such golden hair? Gold made him think of…the golden warrior. He’d been in the Crimson Ravens. He appeared to have a grudge against Quietus, although he couldn’t think of any reason why it would be. He’d only <del>destroyed his guild</del> killed him once. Well, he’d also <del>made him lose all his items</del> looted his money, but that was just part of the guild war. Well, it didn’t matter to Quietus. He’d just remember to kill this guy on sight and leave it at that. He had no grudge against him.<br><br> Quietus thought about his new dodging technique. It could use some work. It was hard to use. It also wasn’t entirely new. It was just a use of Backslide while twisting. This allowed him to confuse the enemy, and since Backslide was closer to a teleport than movement, people couldn’t follow his actions unless they knew what to watch for. Of course, sometimes he just ran backwards into the enemy. Some of the tests had been… awkward. It was useful for getting in position for a backstab though.<br><br> Quietus decided to use it sparingly. He couldn’t use it in real life, so it wouldn’t help for his practice with Master Valarao. The training had helped quite a bit, and he’d learned to dodge with smaller movements. It was quicker, less tiring, and could be disorienting for an enemy who didn’t understand why they couldn’t get a hit in. Obviously, Quietus still had some work to do on the dodging front, since he’d still been quite injured.<br><br> Quietus then set off to do some hunting. He needed to keep slaying monsters to be able to keep up with his… recent activities. He had to kill himself, or at least die, to get into the “mines”. He didn’t want his level to lag too far behind, so he had to get some experience. At least he would quickly gain back lost experience as a bonus, thanks to The Power to Accept Death. Still, he lost some time for leveling in between.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> Quietus looked down from his perch near the top of a tree. It should be high enough for what he needed. He looked around for the best direction. Then, he jumped. He’d discovered that if he died in the same way, he didn’t end up in the “mines”. He’d wasted a day like that. Hopefully, he’d figure out what he was supposed to be doing soon.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> Quietus had tried many things to try to help the miners. However, he couldn’t find any way to interact with them. He couldn’t touch them, and none of his spells affected them. He couldn’t affect the world around them, either. So, he had to wait for their inevitable deaths to happen. Apparently, since there was very little going on in this place, time could be accelerated much more, so not too much time passed in the real world. Not that it made the waiting less boring.<br><br> Once all of the miners died, Quietus was ejected from the mines into reality. He felt like giving up, but it didn’t matter if he did.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> Mortimer had long since memorized how many miners there were, and experienced their deaths enough that he knew more than he cared to about their families and friends. Sometimes, he saw them in his real dreams as well. Whenever this happened, he felt like he hadn’t slept. He looked at himself in the mirror, and thought he looked like a zombie. Fortunately, it was still summer, so he could afford to be a little tired. Or a lot, as it may be.<br> Angela obviously noticed his changed state. “Mortimer, are you okay? You look like you haven’t slept for a week.”<br><br> “That’s not true… I get… some sleep.”<br><br> “Well, why are you not sleeping?”<br><br> “There’s a quest.”<br><br> “A quest? If you need help, I’ll come. I can bring others too, if you want.”<br><br> “No, it’s not something that more people would help with.”<br><br> “Well, is there a time limit? If not, you should just spend less time playing. It’ll help.”<br><br> “I only play like… four hours a day.”<br><br> “What? Then why aren’t you sleeping? Look, if you don’t get some sleep soon, we should get you some pills or something.”<br><br> “Yeah…” Mortimer said rather tiredly. “I think… I have an idea. We’ll see tomorrow whether or not it works.”<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> Quietus had spent the better part of two weeks dead. Well, almost two months in Royal Road. It had allowed him to spend a lot of time training with Master Valarao and exercising, but he wasn’t having that much fun. He’d died every day, and this most recent death had brought an interesting occurrence.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have reached intermediate level in The Power to Accept Death skill!<br><br>Upon death, experience lost will be stored in a buffer, which will give you a 55% bonus on experience until the buffer is empty. In addition, the lockout time upon death is reduced by five hours.<br><br>New features: Undead will be more friendly and are less likely to attack unprovoked.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> Quietus thought it was interesting, but not currently useful. It didn’t seem to affect his ability to interact with the ghosts or memories of the miners. Still, he could try the one last thing he hadn’t.<br><br> Quietus had used his Soul Bind ability on each miner (it just passed through them) and himself. He’d tried it on rocks, and picks, and anything else he could find. Still, there was one thing he hadn’t tried it on that might work.<br><br> Quietus grasped his dagger in his hand, and through the same hand used Soul Bind. Interestingly enough, the dagger took on a black… glow. Obviously glow wasn’t really what it did, but it had a black aura around it now, the same as the chains that formed on things when Soul Bind worked. Perhaps this would do.<br><br> Quietus walked up to a miner, and slashed. As he expected, there was no resistance on his dagger. However, unlike what he expected, there <span style="font-style: italic;">was</span> an effect. The miner cried out in pain and clutched at his neck. Then, he fell over on the ground dead. The other miners started panicking.<br><br> Since he’d found something that at least did something, Quietus set to work. He went around and killed all the miners, as quickly as he could. No point in making them suffer any more than they had to. He just hoped they stayed dead. He just wanted them to shut up and stop being in his dreams. The collapse of the mines had barely even started when the last echo of the last scream died out. Then…<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>The Suffering of the Miners<br><br>You have offered miners release from their torment through a swift death. Although it was not the most elegant solution, they can find some solace in a mercy killing.<br><br>Level up!<br>Level up!<br><br>Affinity for spirits has increased.<br>Sadism +10<br>Wisdom +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>A new skill has been learned.<br><br>Soul Annihilation<br><br>Beginner Level 1<br><br>+5% damage against ghosts and spirits<br>Prevents respawn of ghosts and spirits for an increased duration<br><br>1% chance to delay respawn of other monsters<br><br>Special: Increased growth of statistics when destroying enemies affected by Soul Bind</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> Quietus was glad the quest had finished. Now the ghosts should stay shut up. The skill wasn’t bad either.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> Mortimer came to his senses in the capsule. He got out and staggered over to his bed, where he quickly fell asleep.<br><br> In his sleep, he dreamed.<br><br> He was in a mine. In the mine were miners who had friends and family, and they would not stop pestering Mortimer with talk about them. It was starting to drive him crazy.<br><br> Then, from somewhere unknown, he pulled out a knife.<br><br> From then on, he was running around in the mines, killing people and laughing maniacally. Somehow, the laughing felt appropriate.<br><br> The mines seemed continue on forever, but he continued along, staining the walls in blood.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> In the morning, when Mortimer woke up, he felt he’d had a dream, but he couldn’t remember it. However, he did feel very refreshed.<br><br>End Chapter 36<br><br>Previous Chapter: &lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1546&amp;p=9383#p9383"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1546&amp;p=9383#p9383&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=2236"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=2236&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt; </div>

Necromancer A Royal Road Fan Fiction By: Halosty Chapter 36 The warrior watched the road carefully. He was confident that the person he had to kill was in this area somewhere. He needed to kill this rogue again, for his own pride. He couldn’t let him get away with just a few deaths. He was obviously much lower level, and thus even the single defeat at his hands was an unforgivable embarrassment. Someone walked along the road. Was it him? No, this one looked very different. Some kind of wizard, with spiky red hair. Well, that didn’t mean the warrior couldn’t kill him. It wasn’t like he was restricted to killing just for revenge. He waited for the wizard to get within range. As was his custom, he would strike just after his target walked past him, catching them by surprise. The time to pull his sword was approaching… Then, the time passed. The warrior had been ready to start the battle, but not for it to start for him. He felt an eerily familiar pain in his neck. Then, suddenly, he could see the name of the player above his head. It was him. In disguise, again. How careless. This time, though, he would have nowhere to run. The warrior swung his sword down at the false wizard, who quickly retreated. The warrior looked at his health. Down by twenty percent? Not having his good armor was really a big drawback. Although the rogue had used both hands to stab him with the dagger, it was still more effective than the first time. Still, the warrior was confident he could catch the little punk here. He charged towards the rogue. His first attack missed by mere inches. He had been a bit careless. He repositioned himself for another strike. His aim really could use some work, the rogue barely even dodged and he missed again. Now the rogue was slashing at him, and although he was barely penetrating the armor, the warrior’s health was slowly whittled down. After a few more swings, the warrior managed a decent sized gash across the rogue’s chest. Not enough to kill him, but one or two more would do the trick. Then, he got in another. One more. As the last slash went in, the rogue messed up his dodge and did a weird twist where he turned almost entirely around. The two-handed sword swung down, and then the rogue was gone. He hadn’t dodge, he was just…gone. Then… | You have received fatal critical damage! | | --- | In the back? Was there someone else? The warrior turned around with the last of his strength. There, he saw the ever-troublesome rogue. Then, he saw a dagger heading for his eye. -------------------------- Quietus wiped his dagger on the body, although it was not strictly necessary. As loot, he got a helm. He looked down at the face of the man he’d just killed. Blonde. Somehow… familiar. Where had he seen such golden hair? Gold made him think of…the golden warrior. He’d been in the Crimson Ravens. He appeared to have a grudge against Quietus, although he couldn’t think of any reason why it would be. He’d only ~~destroyed his guild~~ killed him once. Well, he’d also ~~made him lose all his items~~ looted his money, but that was just part of the guild war. Well, it didn’t matter to Quietus. He’d just remember to kill this guy on sight and leave it at that. He had no grudge against him. Quietus thought about his new dodging technique. It could use some work. It was hard to use. It also wasn’t entirely new. It was just a use of Backslide while twisting. This allowed him to confuse the enemy, and since Backslide was closer to a teleport than movement, people couldn’t follow his actions unless they knew what to watch for. Of course, sometimes he just ran backwards into the enemy. Some of the tests had been… awkward. It was useful for getting in position for a backstab though. Quietus decided to use it sparingly. He couldn’t use it in real life, so it wouldn’t help for his practice with Master Valarao. The training had helped quite a bit, and he’d learned to dodge with smaller movements. It was quicker, less tiring, and could be disorienting for an enemy who didn’t understand why they couldn’t get a hit in. Obviously, Quietus still had some work to do on the dodging front, since he’d still been quite injured. Quietus then set off to do some hunting. He needed to keep slaying monsters to be able to keep up with his… recent activities. He had to kill himself, or at least die, to get into the “mines”. He didn’t want his level to lag too far behind, so he had to get some experience. At least he would quickly gain back lost experience as a bonus, thanks to The Power to Accept Death. Still, he lost some time for leveling in between. -------------------------- Quietus looked down from his perch near the top of a tree. It should be high enough for what he needed. He looked around for the best direction. Then, he jumped. He’d discovered that if he died in the same way, he didn’t end up in the “mines”. He’d wasted a day like that. Hopefully, he’d figure out what he was supposed to be doing soon. -------------------------- Quietus had tried many things to try to help the miners. However, he couldn’t find any way to interact with them. He couldn’t touch them, and none of his spells affected them. He couldn’t affect the world around them, either. So, he had to wait for their inevitable deaths to happen. Apparently, since there was very little going on in this place, time could be accelerated much more, so not too much time passed in the real world. Not that it made the waiting less boring. Once all of the miners died, Quietus was ejected from the mines into reality. He felt like giving up, but it didn’t matter if he did. -------------------------- Mortimer had long since memorized how many miners there were, and experienced their deaths enough that he knew more than he cared to about their families and friends. Sometimes, he saw them in his real dreams as well. Whenever this happened, he felt like he hadn’t slept. He looked at himself in the mirror, and thought he looked like a zombie. Fortunately, it was still summer, so he could afford to be a little tired. Or a lot, as it may be. Angela obviously noticed his changed state. “Mortimer, are you okay? You look like you haven’t slept for a week.” “That’s not true… I get… some sleep.” “Well, why are you not sleeping?” “There’s a quest.” “A quest? If you need help, I’ll come. I can bring others too, if you want.” “No, it’s not something that more people would help with.” “Well, is there a time limit? If not, you should just spend less time playing. It’ll help.” “I only play like… four hours a day.” “What? Then why aren’t you sleeping? Look, if you don’t get some sleep soon, we should get you some pills or something.” “Yeah…” Mortimer said rather tiredly. “I think… I have an idea. We’ll see tomorrow whether or not it works.” -------------------------- Quietus had spent the better part of two weeks dead. Well, almost two months in Royal Road. It had allowed him to spend a lot of time training with Master Valarao and exercising, but he wasn’t having that much fun. He’d died every day, and this most recent death had brought an interesting occurrence. | You have reached intermediate level in The Power to Accept Death skill!Upon death, experience lost will be stored in a buffer, which will give you a 55% bonus on experience until the buffer is empty. In addition, the lockout time upon death is reduced by five hours.New features: Undead will be more friendly and are less likely to attack unprovoked. | | --- | Quietus thought it was interesting, but not currently useful. It didn’t seem to affect his ability to interact with the ghosts or memories of the miners. Still, he could try the one last thing he hadn’t. Quietus had used his Soul Bind ability on each miner (it just passed through them) and himself. He’d tried it on rocks, and picks, and anything else he could find. Still, there was one thing he hadn’t tried it on that might work. Quietus grasped his dagger in his hand, and through the same hand used Soul Bind. Interestingly enough, the dagger took on a black… glow. Obviously glow wasn’t really what it did, but it had a black aura around it now, the same as the chains that formed on things when Soul Bind worked. Perhaps this would do. Quietus walked up to a miner, and slashed. As he expected, there was no resistance on his dagger. However, unlike what he expected, there was an effect. The miner cried out in pain and clutched at his neck. Then, he fell over on the ground dead. The other miners started panicking. Since he’d found something that at least did something, Quietus set to work. He went around and killed all the miners, as quickly as he could. No point in making them suffer any more than they had to. He just hoped they stayed dead. He just wanted them to shut up and stop being in his dreams. The collapse of the mines had barely even started when the last echo of the last scream died out. Then… | You have completed a Quest!The Suffering of the MinersYou have offered miners release from their torment through a swift death. Although it was not the most elegant solution, they can find some solace in a mercy killing.Level up!Level up!Affinity for spirits has increased.Sadism +10Wisdom +10 | | --- | | A new skill has been learned.Soul AnnihilationBeginner Level 1+5% damage against ghosts and spiritsPrevents respawn of ghosts and spirits for an increased duration1% chance to delay respawn of other monstersSpecial: Increased growth of statistics when destroying enemies affected by Soul Bind | | --- | Quietus was glad the quest had finished. Now the ghosts should stay shut up. The skill wasn’t bad either. -------------------------- Mortimer came to his senses in the capsule. He got out and staggered over to his bed, where he quickly fell asleep. In his sleep, he dreamed. He was in a mine. In the mine were miners who had friends and family, and they would not stop pestering Mortimer with talk about them. It was starting to drive him crazy. Then, from somewhere unknown, he pulled out a knife. From then on, he was running around in the mines, killing people and laughing maniacally. Somehow, the laughing felt appropriate. The mines seemed continue on forever, but he continued along, staining the walls in blood. -------------------------- In the morning, when Mortimer woke up, he felt he’d had a dream, but he couldn’t remember it. However, he did feel very refreshed. End Chapter 36 Previous Chapter: <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1546&p=9383#p9383">viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1546&p=9383#p9383</a><!-- l --> Next Chapter: <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=2236">viewtopic.php?f=47&t=2236</a><!-- l -->

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> As promised Chapter 8.<br><br>-----------------------<br><br>Chapter 8: The First Hunt<br><br>“I’m telling you when he came out of there he looked different, like he had seen something.”<br><br>“I’m sure it’s just from th- He’s awake.”<br><br>“Hey Perseus,” said a surprisingly cheerful voice.<br><br>Perseus recognized the voice and replied, “Hey Masenfu.”<br><br>“How was the nap, kid,” said Instructor Grant.<br><br>“Good thanks, where am I,” Perseus asked as he sat up in bed.<br><br>“One of the spare rooms in the castle,” replied Sir Aglaron.<br><br>Perseus looked around and noticed that aside from the bed there was a mirror and a couch to the side of the room. The door was directly in front of the bed and about a meter wide.<br><br>“Oh yeah what happened did I pass, all I remember is walking out of the door some burning and then passing out,” said Perseus.<br><br>“You did pass if you didn’t you would have been kicked out of the room unconscious. The burning was normal, well for you. The class you got is, uhh, unique,” said Instructor Grant.<br><br>“You make it sound like something bad,” said Perseus.<br><br>“No, no it is a very good class, one of the best you could get. However when you got the class there were some changes to your body,” said Instructor Grant.<br><br>“What changes,” said Perseus fearing the worst.<br><br>“It’s best you see for yourself,” said Aglaron.<br><br>Perseus got up from the bed and walked to the mirror in his underwear and just froze when he saw himself in the mirror. His body had tattoos! On his arms he had a tattoo of a dragon coiled around his arms beginning from his wrist all the way to his shoulders. On his chest he had a tattoo of a lions head. On his legs he had five rings. All three were blood red in color. Finally on his right hand he had a white moon and on his left hand a black sun.<br><br>(On the chest imagine a lions head using the style of the autobots symbol.)<br><br>“These are awesome, I can’t believe you thought I’d hate this,” Perseus exclaimed as he continued to examine his tattoos.<br><br>“Wait, why do I have tattoos,” asked Perseus.<br><br>“I can answer that.”<br><br>The person who answered Perseus just entered through the door. He was a young man dressed in formal clothes, he had a regal look. He was followed by two guards. Perseus assumed he was some random noble until both his Masenfus got on their knees.<br><br>“Greetings Your Majesty,” they both said.<br><br>Perseus was shocked, he didn’t think the king would appear in front of him. He was dazed for a few seconds before kneeling in front of the King.<br><br>“No, you don’t need to kneel in front of me if anything I should be showing you respect and you two get up how many times have I told you to drop that act,” the King said while helping Perseus up.<br><br>The King then began explaining, “I know you have a lot of questions but stay quiet for now and listen. Now to answer your question those tattoos each have a meaning. But before that I should tell you more about your class. You have obtained a class of the oldest order of Knights on the Continent, the Order of Twilight. They were the peace keepers. They were legendary knights who prevented all form of war on the continent. <br><br>The order was praised for being able to keep the peace but they had one request. That was to build one of the testing rooms in each of the great Empires. The room would test to see if the person was worthy to join the order and if not it would give the person another class that suits them the best. We have one of the last rooms left, most were lost in the great battle that destroyed the three Empires. The Order also disappeared at the end of that battle, we have no idea if any still live or not.<br><br> Lastly the tattoos, each has a specific meaning. They are the virtues of the order, they go as the following. The Strength of a Dragon, The Speed of a Cheetah and The Heart of a Lion. Those are the meanings for the three tattoos. The ones on your hands I have no idea about though.”<br><br>Perseus was about to ask a question when the King said, “I know you have many questions but this is as much as I know at the moment, if you want I can give you access to the restricted section of the library. You can find more answers there, that is as much as I can do. Also there is one more thing. Since you are now a member of the Twilight Order. You cannot join the army of any Kingdom, so you are honorably discharged. Well, it was nice to meet you. Bye now. I’m off to do some work.”<br><br>With that he left a dazed Perseus. He turned to his Masenfus and said, “So I’m a part of a legendary long lost order, I am the last of said order, I cannot join any army so I got kicked out of Rosenheim Army and I am a knight now. Did i miss anything?”<br><br>“No, but don’t go thinking you can go adventuring just yet. Not until you pass some tests of mine,” said Aglaron with a smile.<br><br>“More tests,” Perseus grumbled.<br><br>“Yeah and they won’t be easy. The first one will start tomorrow, you have the rest of the day to do whatever you want and prepare. When you’re ready come to my room back in the base,” replied Aglaron.<br><br>“Okay, I’m going hunting see you tomorrow,” said Perseus as he made his way out of the room.<br><br>“How long do you think it will take for him to notice,” Aglaron asked the Instructor.<br><br>“10 seconds,” replied Instructor Grant.<br><br>“I’ll take that bet,” Aglaron said as he took out 10 gold.<br><br>“Well, you lose,” said Instructor Grant as Perseus ran inside the room.<br><br>“Say, would either of you know where all my clothes are,” inquired Perseus.<br><br>“Hahaha, yeah next to the couch, you should be more careful next time. Nearly lost 10 gold,” said Instructor Grant.<br><br>“What,” Perseus said confused.<br><br>“Nothing, don’t mind,” said Aglaron as he handed the Instructor his gold.<br><br>Perseus quickly dressed and made his way out of the castle and into town. Once in town he noticed that it was just a little past noon. He decided to spend as much time hunting as he could. The beginner hunting grounds were 10 minutes away.<br><br>‘I’ll check my new class and stats on the way there.’<br><br>“Stats and Skills”<br><br>Avatar: Perseus<br>Race: Human<br>Level: 1<br>Class: Twilight Guardian<br>Title: None<br>Fame: 0<br>Honor: 0<br>Life: 1500<br>Mana: 500<br>Strength: 87 (+20)<br>Agility: 85 (+20)<br>Vitality: 95<br>Endurance: 93<br>Sustenance: 90<br>Wisdom: 30<br>Intelligence: 35<br>Leadership: 0 <br>Killing Spirit: 134<br>Health Regeneration: 2.5 h/s<br>Mana regeneration: 0.55 m/s<br>Offence: 20<br>Defense: 16<br>Resistance to magic:<br>Fire: 10%<br>Water: 0%<br>Earth: 0%<br>Black: 0%<br><br>•+20 str and agi<br>•Armor worn weighs 25% less than original weight<br>•Monsters with Unlawful or Chaotic alignment will attack you on sight without the ability to disengage combat<br>•Disengaging combat before your opponent has fallen causes a permanent decrease to stats<br>•Skills can be used when mana has reached zero at the cost of 500% stamina.<br>•All healing received by outside sources has +25% effect strength<br>•When fighting monsters or characters with Unlawful or Chaotic Alignment, all stats increase by 30%.<br>•Killing non-monsters with Lawful or Good alignment causes a permanent decrease to stats<br>•Under certain conditions killing those of unlawful or Chaotic alignment causes you to gain permanent increases to stats<br><br><br>Repair: Intermediate 2(11%)<br>Polishing: Intermediate 4 (27%)<br>Sharpening: Intermediate 3 (46%)<br>Identify: Intermediate 3 (22%)<br>Killing Spirit Control: Intermediate 1 (0%)<br>New ability-You can now change the shape of your killing Spirit to a certain degree.<br>Riding: Beginner 7 (58%)<br>Weapon Mastery: Beginner 9 (45%)<br>Blacksmithing: Beginner 7 (78%)<br>Ambidextrous: Beginner 5 (54%)<br>Dual Wield: Beginner 5 (45%)<br><br>Class Skills:<br>Battle Healing: Beginner 1 (0%)<br>Increase health regeneration while in combat with beings of darkness.<br>+300% Health Regen during combat with Unlawful or chaotic aligned monsters or characters<br><br>Battle Rage: Beginner 1 (0%)<br>The longer a fight takes the stronger you become.<br>After 3 mins of combat, STR and AGI increase by 1 every 10 seconds<br><br>Righteous Fury: Beginner 1 (0%)<br>When you or any party member receive a blow that reduces your health by 30% or more, you become enraged for 30 seconds<br>+10% STR, VIT, AGI, -10% INT, WIS, CHA. +25% ATT<br><br>Familiar Taming: Beginner 1 (0%)<br>Any creature you bond with can become your familiar and fight by your side.<br>-20% EXP after bonding with a familiar who receives the EXP. Familiar can be summoned 24 hours after its death. Max number of familiars-2. Familiars receive a +10% bonus to their stats.<br><br>Roar of Might: Beginner 1 (0%)<br>You release a roar declaring your strength. <br>Increase all offensive abilities by 10% for 10 seconds, Mana Cost 300.<br><br><br>Perseus stopped walking and examined the windows in front of him.<br><br>‘I gained a level in Killing Spirit Control. So I can change the shape now, that’ll come in handy. Twilight Guardian, why is it guardian, maybe its a Knight sub class. I’ll have to research that. Looking at just the skills this class is OP. I have a healing ability, a strength and speed buff and I get to have familiars. I should get a dragon, where do you find dragons? Note to self search for dragon nest online.<br><br> The only major downside is that I lose stats for doing bad things like stealing, not that i’ll ever have to steal but I always like the option. But it looks like I can fight without worrying about anything with this class. The abilities let me fight longer, give me bonuses and even prevent mobs from escaping. This is perfect for me.’<br><br>“Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha,” <br><br>Perseus didn’t notice but he started laughing like a maniac and drew quite a few stares. That didn’t last long and as soon as he was aware he started calmly walking again as if the fit never happened.<br><br>While navigating his windows and observing his abilities in greater detail, he arrived at the hunting grounds.<br>At first sight it was quite a horrific sight to see. The grass was stained red and was littered with dismembered limbs and mutilated bodies with crimson blood gushing out forming a river of red on the open plain. It was a one sided massacre and from what Perseus could see those players never stood a chance. The rabbits were faster and had better control over their bodies, while the players had never fought before and were clumsy.<br><br>Perseus was growing tired of the scene in front him, so he ignored all the desperate screams for help and went into the forest.<br><br>‘Idiots, just because I’m a knight now it doesn’t mean I save random people who pick fights with little animals. You reap what you sow.’<br><br>Perseus kept travelling deeper and deeper into the forest until eventually he fell into a opening between two rocks, they led into a cavern. As soon as he entered a message popped up in front of him.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">You have discovered a new dungeon: The Wolf’s Den<br>For the next week double exp and item gain.</span><br><br>‘Awesome, I found a new dungeon, best first hunt ever.’<br><br>Perseus rounded the first corner and found his first wolf it seemed to be one of the patrols. The wolf seemed to be around level 6-7 and was brown in color. It wasn’t too hard to fight and Perseus with his boosted stats could easily have taken it in a couple of hits but Perseus wanted to experience the fight and test some of his abilities. After dodging the wolves slow lunges for a few minutes Perseus started to feel the effects of his battle rage skill. He felt something bubble within himself and he began to get faster and stronger though very slowly. Eventually Perseus got tired of his opponents feeble attempts and killed him. As soon as he did he felt all that built up energy vanish.<br><br>‘Damn it, that boost can feel addictive. That ability will come in handy in the future. I didn’t lose any stats that must mean that depending on the mob I fight I might or might not lose stats. Interesting. I’ll have to test that out later.<br><br>These guys are too weak. If this is going to be fun I have to make some personal rules. Alright no assigning stats and no skills aside from the new class skills. Now this will be fun,’ Perseus though with a smile.<br><br>After that encounter Perseus spent at least 10 minutes on each wolf so that he could activate battle rage and didn’t use any of his non-class skills. After dozens of encounters he gained 7 levels and one in Battle Rage. <br><br>Perseus now found himself in a large cavern and instead of the singular wolves he had seen up until this point the cavern was filled with a dozen brown wolves and a few grey wolves. They were all asleep but Perseus thought it was time for a wake up call.<br><br>“<span style="font-weight: bold;">ROAR OF MIGHT</span>”<br><br>‘You know I should shout something better next time. Though, it seems to have done the trick.’<br><br>Perseus’s roar woke up all the wolves and they weren’t too happy about being woken up.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">You have aggravated the wolves. They have become enraged. They have become stronger.</span><br><br>‘You don’t say,’ Perseus thought as he closed his windows.<br><br>The wolves all snarled at Perseus and rushed him claws and teeth ready for a kill. Perseus waited for them with anticipation of the fight to come. When the first wolf was about to take a bite out of Perseus, he kicked it in the face and spun around slashed anothers throat. Perseus slashed and kicked all around him reacting and acting to the killing intents directed towards him.<br><br>After killing another wolf Perseus noticed that he has only killed brown wolfs until now and that none of the grey wolves had attacked him yet. In between attacks Perseus took a look around and saw that the three grey wolves were just watching Perseus fight. It seemed as if they were analyzing Perseus.<br><br>‘The grey ones are smarter probably stronger too.’<br><br>Perseus was growing tired of the brown wolves so with a shout he slashed at the remaining wolves with greater speed than he had showed before, catching them unaware and killing them all on the spot.<br><br>It was only when all the other wolves were dead did the grey wolves attack Perseus. The first thing Perseus noticed was that they were stronger than the brown wolves and smarter as well. They surrounded Perseus and began to circle around him, looking for any kink in Perseus’s defences.<br><br>Perseus decided to give them what they wanted so he looked to the left as he loosened his guard from the right, baiting the wolf in. The wolf to his right took the bait and lunged for Perseus. Perseus raised his claymore to level with the oncoming wolves mouth, to impale the wolf. The force of the wolf’s lunge increased the penetration of the attack and the sword went right through the wolf, extending out of it’s backside. Perseus flicked his sword and the carcass dropped to the floor.<br><br>The two wolves left looked at the dead wolf in front of them and were about to run away when they found they were unable to move away from Perseus. Perseus seeing their hesitation rushed towards them and slashed at their legs, chopping them off. The two wolves were now whimpering. Perseus decided to put them out of their misery and chopped their heads off.<br><br>He picked up the loot, some furs and bones, and then continued to the next tunnel.<br><br>-----------------------------------------<br><br>Perseus had been in the Wolf’s Den for a 5 hours now and he was now level 17. He found that as he went deeper the wolf’s got stronger and more coordinated. The color of the wolf’s coat was in direct correlation with their strength. Their strength went like so Brown wolves at level 6-7, Grey wolves at 10-12, Dark Grey wolves at 13-15, finally Black and White who were both at level 17-20.<br><br>Perseus was currently in the boss room facing a dozen of Black and White wolves led by two Great Wolves one White the other Black. The two of them were sub bosses and were coordinating the attacks. Their pack moved together and attacked together they were difficult but nothing Perseus couldn’t handle.<br><br>He slashed at the wolf to his left, stepped in with his right foot and stab it in the heart before rolling to the side, narrowly dodging a bite to the head. Perseus blocked an attack from the back before lunging at the two wolves in front of him. He impaled their feet to the ground before kicking them both in the face.<br><br>‘Three down, twelve left. This will be fun,’ Perseus had a crazy smile on his face as he stabbed another wolf.<br><br>He cut off its head before sidestepping a double lunge from the two Great Wolves. They barked something at the remaining wolves and they stepped away from Perseus and gathered behind their leaders.<br><br>‘So that’s how they want to play it.’<br><br>Perseus realized what they were trying to do so he charged at the two leaders as fast as he could and cut out their throats to prevent any more commands and then chopped off one leg each so they wouldn’t interfere. Perseus didn’t stop there and turned over to the remaining nine wolves and then activated Roar Of Might before jumping straight toward the center of their formation. He used a dual horizontal slash followed up with dual stab to the sides and finished the last of them of with a dual diagonal slash forming an X. The result was a fountain of wolf blood and nine dead carcasses.<br><br>Perseus collected their drops before turning back to the Great Wolves. They looked at Perseus and flinched. Perseus was drenched in the blood of their fallen children and showed no remorse. They cursed him as the Bane of Wolves before bleeding to death.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">You are the first Person to clear the Wolves’ Den. You have gained 100 fame. <br>You have gained a new Title: The Bane of Wolves<br>All stats increase by 1 permanently.<br>You have gained 100 Honor<br>You have negative alignment with all wolf like creatures. In many cases you will be attacked on sight.</span><br><br>‘Great, more people to fight,’ was Perseus’s only thought as he made his way out of the dungeon and back to the citadel.<br><br>------------------------------------------------------------<br>It was nearly night and Perseus was now walking through the city looking for the tailor's shop. And after 10 minutes of wandering Perseus found the tailor. He stepped through the door and the first thing he noticed was how warm it was. The fireplace was alight and there was an old man sitting behind a counter opposite of the fireplace. Perseus walked closer and noticed the man was sleeping. So he rung the bell at the counter.<br><br>The man was startled and started,“Uah, huh, I wasn’t sleeping, honest honey. I was just resti-, Oh it’s a customer what can I do for you.”<br><br>Perseus was unfazed and said, “I need some gear made for me. It has to be made to my specifications and very easy to move in.”<br><br>“I can make anything you want but first I’ll need to take your measurements,” the man said as he directed Perseus to the back room.<br><br>Perseus followed him and as he was unequipping his gear he stopped and told him, “Umm don’t be too surprised at what you see.”<br><br>“Son, I’ve been a tailor for twenty years I have seen things you wouldn’t bel-, wait is that, are you one of the Twilight Order,” he shouted as he saw Perseus’s tattoos.<br><br>“Yea,” Perseus said as he shifted uncomfortably.<br><br>“My god, I dreamed of this day. The day I would use my craft for a member of the Twilight Order. If you promise to let me make all your clothes, I’ll make them for free, please. It would be an honor,” The man said visibly shaking with joy.<br><br>Perseus didn’t expect such a reaction, but he wasn’t one for turning down a good deal, so he accepted. He told the old tailor how he wanted his clothes made, handed him the material and then left the citadel. He had a dungeon to clear...again.<br><br>Chapter 8: END<br>--------------------------------<br>So there is chapter 8. <br>What do you think.<br>If you want to see his stats and skills after the fight go to the stats/skills page. </div>

As promised Chapter 8. ----------------------- Chapter 8: The First Hunt “I’m telling you when he came out of there he looked different, like he had seen something.” “I’m sure it’s just from th- He’s awake.” “Hey Perseus,” said a surprisingly cheerful voice. Perseus recognized the voice and replied, “Hey Masenfu.” “How was the nap, kid,” said Instructor Grant. “Good thanks, where am I,” Perseus asked as he sat up in bed. “One of the spare rooms in the castle,” replied Sir Aglaron. Perseus looked around and noticed that aside from the bed there was a mirror and a couch to the side of the room. The door was directly in front of the bed and about a meter wide. “Oh yeah what happened did I pass, all I remember is walking out of the door some burning and then passing out,” said Perseus. “You did pass if you didn’t you would have been kicked out of the room unconscious. The burning was normal, well for you. The class you got is, uhh, unique,” said Instructor Grant. “You make it sound like something bad,” said Perseus. “No, no it is a very good class, one of the best you could get. However when you got the class there were some changes to your body,” said Instructor Grant. “What changes,” said Perseus fearing the worst. “It’s best you see for yourself,” said Aglaron. Perseus got up from the bed and walked to the mirror in his underwear and just froze when he saw himself in the mirror. His body had tattoos! On his arms he had a tattoo of a dragon coiled around his arms beginning from his wrist all the way to his shoulders. On his chest he had a tattoo of a lions head. On his legs he had five rings. All three were blood red in color. Finally on his right hand he had a white moon and on his left hand a black sun. (On the chest imagine a lions head using the style of the autobots symbol.) “These are awesome, I can’t believe you thought I’d hate this,” Perseus exclaimed as he continued to examine his tattoos. “Wait, why do I have tattoos,” asked Perseus. “I can answer that.” The person who answered Perseus just entered through the door. He was a young man dressed in formal clothes, he had a regal look. He was followed by two guards. Perseus assumed he was some random noble until both his Masenfus got on their knees. “Greetings Your Majesty,” they both said. Perseus was shocked, he didn’t think the king would appear in front of him. He was dazed for a few seconds before kneeling in front of the King. “No, you don’t need to kneel in front of me if anything I should be showing you respect and you two get up how many times have I told you to drop that act,” the King said while helping Perseus up. The King then began explaining, “I know you have a lot of questions but stay quiet for now and listen. Now to answer your question those tattoos each have a meaning. But before that I should tell you more about your class. You have obtained a class of the oldest order of Knights on the Continent, the Order of Twilight. They were the peace keepers. They were legendary knights who prevented all form of war on the continent. The order was praised for being able to keep the peace but they had one request. That was to build one of the testing rooms in each of the great Empires. The room would test to see if the person was worthy to join the order and if not it would give the person another class that suits them the best. We have one of the last rooms left, most were lost in the great battle that destroyed the three Empires. The Order also disappeared at the end of that battle, we have no idea if any still live or not. Lastly the tattoos, each has a specific meaning. They are the virtues of the order, they go as the following. The Strength of a Dragon, The Speed of a Cheetah and The Heart of a Lion. Those are the meanings for the three tattoos. The ones on your hands I have no idea about though.” Perseus was about to ask a question when the King said, “I know you have many questions but this is as much as I know at the moment, if you want I can give you access to the restricted section of the library. You can find more answers there, that is as much as I can do. Also there is one more thing. Since you are now a member of the Twilight Order. You cannot join the army of any Kingdom, so you are honorably discharged. Well, it was nice to meet you. Bye now. I’m off to do some work.” With that he left a dazed Perseus. He turned to his Masenfus and said, “So I’m a part of a legendary long lost order, I am the last of said order, I cannot join any army so I got kicked out of Rosenheim Army and I am a knight now. Did i miss anything?” “No, but don’t go thinking you can go adventuring just yet. Not until you pass some tests of mine,” said Aglaron with a smile. “More tests,” Perseus grumbled. “Yeah and they won’t be easy. The first one will start tomorrow, you have the rest of the day to do whatever you want and prepare. When you’re ready come to my room back in the base,” replied Aglaron. “Okay, I’m going hunting see you tomorrow,” said Perseus as he made his way out of the room. “How long do you think it will take for him to notice,” Aglaron asked the Instructor. “10 seconds,” replied Instructor Grant. “I’ll take that bet,” Aglaron said as he took out 10 gold. “Well, you lose,” said Instructor Grant as Perseus ran inside the room. “Say, would either of you know where all my clothes are,” inquired Perseus. “Hahaha, yeah next to the couch, you should be more careful next time. Nearly lost 10 gold,” said Instructor Grant. “What,” Perseus said confused. “Nothing, don’t mind,” said Aglaron as he handed the Instructor his gold. Perseus quickly dressed and made his way out of the castle and into town. Once in town he noticed that it was just a little past noon. He decided to spend as much time hunting as he could. The beginner hunting grounds were 10 minutes away. ‘I’ll check my new class and stats on the way there.’ “Stats and Skills” Avatar: Perseus Race: Human Level: 1 Class: Twilight Guardian Title: None Fame: 0 Honor: 0 Life: 1500 Mana: 500 Strength: 87 (+20) Agility: 85 (+20) Vitality: 95 Endurance: 93 Sustenance: 90 Wisdom: 30 Intelligence: 35 Leadership: 0 Killing Spirit: 134 Health Regeneration: 2.5 h/s Mana regeneration: 0.55 m/s Offence: 20 Defense: 16 Resistance to magic: Fire: 10% Water: 0% Earth: 0% Black: 0% •+20 str and agi •Armor worn weighs 25% less than original weight •Monsters with Unlawful or Chaotic alignment will attack you on sight without the ability to disengage combat •Disengaging combat before your opponent has fallen causes a permanent decrease to stats •Skills can be used when mana has reached zero at the cost of 500% stamina. •All healing received by outside sources has +25% effect strength •When fighting monsters or characters with Unlawful or Chaotic Alignment, all stats increase by 30%. •Killing non-monsters with Lawful or Good alignment causes a permanent decrease to stats •Under certain conditions killing those of unlawful or Chaotic alignment causes you to gain permanent increases to stats Repair: Intermediate 2(11%) Polishing: Intermediate 4 (27%) Sharpening: Intermediate 3 (46%) Identify: Intermediate 3 (22%) Killing Spirit Control: Intermediate 1 (0%) New ability-You can now change the shape of your killing Spirit to a certain degree. Riding: Beginner 7 (58%) Weapon Mastery: Beginner 9 (45%) Blacksmithing: Beginner 7 (78%) Ambidextrous: Beginner 5 (54%) Dual Wield: Beginner 5 (45%) Class Skills: Battle Healing: Beginner 1 (0%) Increase health regeneration while in combat with beings of darkness. +300% Health Regen during combat with Unlawful or chaotic aligned monsters or characters Battle Rage: Beginner 1 (0%) The longer a fight takes the stronger you become. After 3 mins of combat, STR and AGI increase by 1 every 10 seconds Righteous Fury: Beginner 1 (0%) When you or any party member receive a blow that reduces your health by 30% or more, you become enraged for 30 seconds +10% STR, VIT, AGI, -10% INT, WIS, CHA. +25% ATT Familiar Taming: Beginner 1 (0%) Any creature you bond with can become your familiar and fight by your side. -20% EXP after bonding with a familiar who receives the EXP. Familiar can be summoned 24 hours after its death. Max number of familiars-2. Familiars receive a +10% bonus to their stats. Roar of Might: Beginner 1 (0%) You release a roar declaring your strength. Increase all offensive abilities by 10% for 10 seconds, Mana Cost 300. Perseus stopped walking and examined the windows in front of him. ‘I gained a level in Killing Spirit Control. So I can change the shape now, that’ll come in handy. Twilight Guardian, why is it guardian, maybe its a Knight sub class. I’ll have to research that. Looking at just the skills this class is OP. I have a healing ability, a strength and speed buff and I get to have familiars. I should get a dragon, where do you find dragons? Note to self search for dragon nest online. The only major downside is that I lose stats for doing bad things like stealing, not that i’ll ever have to steal but I always like the option. But it looks like I can fight without worrying about anything with this class. The abilities let me fight longer, give me bonuses and even prevent mobs from escaping. This is perfect for me.’ “Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha,” Perseus didn’t notice but he started laughing like a maniac and drew quite a few stares. That didn’t last long and as soon as he was aware he started calmly walking again as if the fit never happened. While navigating his windows and observing his abilities in greater detail, he arrived at the hunting grounds. At first sight it was quite a horrific sight to see. The grass was stained red and was littered with dismembered limbs and mutilated bodies with crimson blood gushing out forming a river of red on the open plain. It was a one sided massacre and from what Perseus could see those players never stood a chance. The rabbits were faster and had better control over their bodies, while the players had never fought before and were clumsy. Perseus was growing tired of the scene in front him, so he ignored all the desperate screams for help and went into the forest. ‘Idiots, just because I’m a knight now it doesn’t mean I save random people who pick fights with little animals. You reap what you sow.’ Perseus kept travelling deeper and deeper into the forest until eventually he fell into a opening between two rocks, they led into a cavern. As soon as he entered a message popped up in front of him. You have discovered a new dungeon: The Wolf’s Den For the next week double exp and item gain. ‘Awesome, I found a new dungeon, best first hunt ever.’ Perseus rounded the first corner and found his first wolf it seemed to be one of the patrols. The wolf seemed to be around level 6-7 and was brown in color. It wasn’t too hard to fight and Perseus with his boosted stats could easily have taken it in a couple of hits but Perseus wanted to experience the fight and test some of his abilities. After dodging the wolves slow lunges for a few minutes Perseus started to feel the effects of his battle rage skill. He felt something bubble within himself and he began to get faster and stronger though very slowly. Eventually Perseus got tired of his opponents feeble attempts and killed him. As soon as he did he felt all that built up energy vanish. ‘Damn it, that boost can feel addictive. That ability will come in handy in the future. I didn’t lose any stats that must mean that depending on the mob I fight I might or might not lose stats. Interesting. I’ll have to test that out later. These guys are too weak. If this is going to be fun I have to make some personal rules. Alright no assigning stats and no skills aside from the new class skills. Now this will be fun,’ Perseus though with a smile. After that encounter Perseus spent at least 10 minutes on each wolf so that he could activate battle rage and didn’t use any of his non-class skills. After dozens of encounters he gained 7 levels and one in Battle Rage. Perseus now found himself in a large cavern and instead of the singular wolves he had seen up until this point the cavern was filled with a dozen brown wolves and a few grey wolves. They were all asleep but Perseus thought it was time for a wake up call. “ROAR OF MIGHT” ‘You know I should shout something better next time. Though, it seems to have done the trick.’ Perseus’s roar woke up all the wolves and they weren’t too happy about being woken up. You have aggravated the wolves. They have become enraged. They have become stronger. ‘You don’t say,’ Perseus thought as he closed his windows. The wolves all snarled at Perseus and rushed him claws and teeth ready for a kill. Perseus waited for them with anticipation of the fight to come. When the first wolf was about to take a bite out of Perseus, he kicked it in the face and spun around slashed anothers throat. Perseus slashed and kicked all around him reacting and acting to the killing intents directed towards him. After killing another wolf Perseus noticed that he has only killed brown wolfs until now and that none of the grey wolves had attacked him yet. In between attacks Perseus took a look around and saw that the three grey wolves were just watching Perseus fight. It seemed as if they were analyzing Perseus. ‘The grey ones are smarter probably stronger too.’ Perseus was growing tired of the brown wolves so with a shout he slashed at the remaining wolves with greater speed than he had showed before, catching them unaware and killing them all on the spot. It was only when all the other wolves were dead did the grey wolves attack Perseus. The first thing Perseus noticed was that they were stronger than the brown wolves and smarter as well. They surrounded Perseus and began to circle around him, looking for any kink in Perseus’s defences. Perseus decided to give them what they wanted so he looked to the left as he loosened his guard from the right, baiting the wolf in. The wolf to his right took the bait and lunged for Perseus. Perseus raised his claymore to level with the oncoming wolves mouth, to impale the wolf. The force of the wolf’s lunge increased the penetration of the attack and the sword went right through the wolf, extending out of it’s backside. Perseus flicked his sword and the carcass dropped to the floor. The two wolves left looked at the dead wolf in front of them and were about to run away when they found they were unable to move away from Perseus. Perseus seeing their hesitation rushed towards them and slashed at their legs, chopping them off. The two wolves were now whimpering. Perseus decided to put them out of their misery and chopped their heads off. He picked up the loot, some furs and bones, and then continued to the next tunnel. ----------------------------------------- Perseus had been in the Wolf’s Den for a 5 hours now and he was now level 17. He found that as he went deeper the wolf’s got stronger and more coordinated. The color of the wolf’s coat was in direct correlation with their strength. Their strength went like so Brown wolves at level 6-7, Grey wolves at 10-12, Dark Grey wolves at 13-15, finally Black and White who were both at level 17-20. Perseus was currently in the boss room facing a dozen of Black and White wolves led by two Great Wolves one White the other Black. The two of them were sub bosses and were coordinating the attacks. Their pack moved together and attacked together they were difficult but nothing Perseus couldn’t handle. He slashed at the wolf to his left, stepped in with his right foot and stab it in the heart before rolling to the side, narrowly dodging a bite to the head. Perseus blocked an attack from the back before lunging at the two wolves in front of him. He impaled their feet to the ground before kicking them both in the face. ‘Three down, twelve left. This will be fun,’ Perseus had a crazy smile on his face as he stabbed another wolf. He cut off its head before sidestepping a double lunge from the two Great Wolves. They barked something at the remaining wolves and they stepped away from Perseus and gathered behind their leaders. ‘So that’s how they want to play it.’ Perseus realized what they were trying to do so he charged at the two leaders as fast as he could and cut out their throats to prevent any more commands and then chopped off one leg each so they wouldn’t interfere. Perseus didn’t stop there and turned over to the remaining nine wolves and then activated Roar Of Might before jumping straight toward the center of their formation. He used a dual horizontal slash followed up with dual stab to the sides and finished the last of them of with a dual diagonal slash forming an X. The result was a fountain of wolf blood and nine dead carcasses. Perseus collected their drops before turning back to the Great Wolves. They looked at Perseus and flinched. Perseus was drenched in the blood of their fallen children and showed no remorse. They cursed him as the Bane of Wolves before bleeding to death. You are the first Person to clear the Wolves’ Den. You have gained 100 fame. You have gained a new Title: The Bane of Wolves All stats increase by 1 permanently. You have gained 100 Honor You have negative alignment with all wolf like creatures. In many cases you will be attacked on sight. ‘Great, more people to fight,’ was Perseus’s only thought as he made his way out of the dungeon and back to the citadel. ------------------------------------------------------------ It was nearly night and Perseus was now walking through the city looking for the tailor's shop. And after 10 minutes of wandering Perseus found the tailor. He stepped through the door and the first thing he noticed was how warm it was. The fireplace was alight and there was an old man sitting behind a counter opposite of the fireplace. Perseus walked closer and noticed the man was sleeping. So he rung the bell at the counter. The man was startled and started,“Uah, huh, I wasn’t sleeping, honest honey. I was just resti-, Oh it’s a customer what can I do for you.” Perseus was unfazed and said, “I need some gear made for me. It has to be made to my specifications and very easy to move in.” “I can make anything you want but first I’ll need to take your measurements,” the man said as he directed Perseus to the back room. Perseus followed him and as he was unequipping his gear he stopped and told him, “Umm don’t be too surprised at what you see.” “Son, I’ve been a tailor for twenty years I have seen things you wouldn’t bel-, wait is that, are you one of the Twilight Order,” he shouted as he saw Perseus’s tattoos. “Yea,” Perseus said as he shifted uncomfortably. “My god, I dreamed of this day. The day I would use my craft for a member of the Twilight Order. If you promise to let me make all your clothes, I’ll make them for free, please. It would be an honor,” The man said visibly shaking with joy. Perseus didn’t expect such a reaction, but he wasn’t one for turning down a good deal, so he accepted. He told the old tailor how he wanted his clothes made, handed him the material and then left the citadel. He had a dungeon to clear...again. Chapter 8: END -------------------------------- So there is chapter 8. What do you think. If you want to see his stats and skills after the fight go to the stats/skills page.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Chapter 10 Enter Ash Ketchum<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><br>My name is Ash Ketchum, I am am a knight of justice, of course that's all self proclaimed. I started playing Royal Road in hopes of becoming a real knight. I trained really hard at the training hall, I almost gave up, but my dreams to become a knight must have a foundation and I refuse to abandon my dream. I eventually passed the basic training program with pure guts and determination alone.<br><br>I ash Ketchum finally passed that dreadful training program. I eventually did quest to help those in the city. Knight code no.1, always help those in need. Although I did not meet any damsel in distress and any evil Lord to slay, I was content.<br><br>Weeks past and by a twist of complete coincidence I stumbled to a knight of justice hidden class. I so graciously accepted the class and with passion continued my good deeds.<br><br>This led me with amassing stats of course, and finding hidden dungeons. I slew many evil beast inside and was rewarded with rare loots and praises from the people that are in actuality NPC's, my fame is just that high.<br><br>As I did my daily routine, I met a bunch of suspicious characters, I preached to them the oh so wonderful ways of chivalry and good deeds. At some point during my wonderful speech, the odd group suddenly attacked me. They use strange creatures to fight with them, but they were no match to my awesome self who was not a self proclaimed knight of justice any longer, but a real knight of justice. They put up a good fight but in the end I disposed of those savages. No one can best me, the knight of justice.<br><br>I went my merry way after hearing some sort of promise of revenge from those strange group calling themselves Team Rocket, but I thought nothing of it. That is until They showed up the next day when I fell down a pitfall trap and they decided to get their revenge. I won this time again, I wish I could forget them but those cheesy motto they use are quite catchy and it makes me hard for me to forget them.<br><br>A week passed by, and the odd group decided to show up again, this time they build a giant robot. I couldn't actually believe my eyes, a robot. It pained my heart to destroy that robot but justice must always prevail.<br><br><br>My meetings with these strange group seems to be frequent, and each time they get more bolder and sneakier with their attempt to teach me my lesson but as always, justice prevails.<br><br>On the coming days of my playing , they suddenly stopped their attempts at my life. On one hand I'm thankful , but on the other hand they could be planning something big this time. I must be ever vigilant on my training.<br><br>Another month passed and I became stronger from my training as well as richer as well. I eventually came to some rumors about a city that became popular just as Morata. That didn't interest me in the slightest, Another popular rumor seemed to pop up on another month about a group of merchants selling adorable portable pet/pillow/beanie bag that loots drops for you. Naturally I was interested as it became a bother to pick up loots. But the oddest thing was that the seller of this Hot item piece was a man with sky blue hair, a woman with red hair and a talking cat. This seemed to match that the group that was harassing me constantly. I thought to congratulate them on their success on turning to a new leaf, and maybe buy one of those cute pets. They're oh so all-purpose functionality is a must for a knight of justice like me, plus I heard that these pets are a chick magnet, I must boost my image as a respectable knight of justice by getting one of those pets.<br><br>I researched the forums and the ever popularity of those pets were ever growing. I read that they were somewhere in the eastern continent. I decided to travel there, and after another month I found them. They were surrounded with so many people swarming them, I too was one of those people. The people formed a line and they quickly thinned out, I managed to get my turn and decided to purchase the most expensive one they sold. They seem to not recognise me, I noticed that they seem to have never ending stocks of these things and they seem to have more at their RV type vehicle.<br><br>I decided to congratulate them personally on their success and for turning a new leaf. I confronted them at closing time and decided to reintroduce myself. Things seem to have went a wrong turn when they decided to get their revenge. Of course I was happy to comply, and with my high level and stats it seemed to be no problem to take care of these chumps!, who knows, maybe they'll drop tons of money to expand my ever growing greatness. I seem to be winning as usual and they are on their last legs. I was going to finish them off untill they shouted a name, they shouted a strange name and summoned forth a monster of horrible cute proportions. I laughed my ass of at the strange cute beast but I was interrupted when it casted a recovery spell on the other group, I quickly regained my composure and attacked the cute beast. My sword was blocked by a strange barrier and I was stunned. The cute beast casted a holy spell at me, along the barrage of other attacks from the criminal group, I stood no chance and died. I promise on my knighthood to get my revenge on those criminals when I log back on.<br><br>When I logged back on I was met with glares from many people, I wondered why they would do that to me and I asked them. I was surprised with their response. They said that the group selling those pets said that they're closing down for good. Some of the people saw him fight those merchants and pointed out that it was because of his behaviour that they ran out of town and decided to never sell those wonderful creatures again.<br><br>Without meaning too, the criminal group who won against this knight of justice accidentally framed him on a misunderstanding and he became public enemy number one.<br><br><br>Ash Ketchum , Knight of justice, Hero of many people ( mostly NPC's), became public enemy number one and his oh so popular reputation he spent gruelling many months raising, crumbled to dust overnight.<br><br>Ash: "I'll get you for this Team Rocket if that's the last thing I do". Ash vowed.<br><br>Here's what really happened, after months of travelling and after gaining plenty of funds, Zed finally recalled James, Jessie, and Meowth back to Pallet City to initiate his final phase of zed's plan. By not selling pets, the demand of those will surely rise and after some time, Zed will announce to sell them only at Pallet City and making them the town Mascot will boost Pallet City's income and reputation while having a monopoly on one of the hottest item on the game helps tremendously for zed's plans.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>Dear readers,<br> I am sad to inform you that I can't finish this fanfic as I have writers block, sigh.. it's been a good run but I can't seem to get any more good ideas. I'll post if I get anymore ideas, but for now I'm very sorry.<br><br>Sincerely,<br><br>zed019 </div>

Chapter 10 Enter Ash Ketchum Disclaimer: I own nothing , this is purely a fanfic for enjoyment. Cross-over from various games , books and anime. My name is Ash Ketchum, I am am a knight of justice, of course that's all self proclaimed. I started playing Royal Road in hopes of becoming a real knight. I trained really hard at the training hall, I almost gave up, but my dreams to become a knight must have a foundation and I refuse to abandon my dream. I eventually passed the basic training program with pure guts and determination alone. I ash Ketchum finally passed that dreadful training program. I eventually did quest to help those in the city. Knight code no.1, always help those in need. Although I did not meet any damsel in distress and any evil Lord to slay, I was content. Weeks past and by a twist of complete coincidence I stumbled to a knight of justice hidden class. I so graciously accepted the class and with passion continued my good deeds. This led me with amassing stats of course, and finding hidden dungeons. I slew many evil beast inside and was rewarded with rare loots and praises from the people that are in actuality NPC's, my fame is just that high. As I did my daily routine, I met a bunch of suspicious characters, I preached to them the oh so wonderful ways of chivalry and good deeds. At some point during my wonderful speech, the odd group suddenly attacked me. They use strange creatures to fight with them, but they were no match to my awesome self who was not a self proclaimed knight of justice any longer, but a real knight of justice. They put up a good fight but in the end I disposed of those savages. No one can best me, the knight of justice. I went my merry way after hearing some sort of promise of revenge from those strange group calling themselves Team Rocket, but I thought nothing of it. That is until They showed up the next day when I fell down a pitfall trap and they decided to get their revenge. I won this time again, I wish I could forget them but those cheesy motto they use are quite catchy and it makes me hard for me to forget them. A week passed by, and the odd group decided to show up again, this time they build a giant robot. I couldn't actually believe my eyes, a robot. It pained my heart to destroy that robot but justice must always prevail. My meetings with these strange group seems to be frequent, and each time they get more bolder and sneakier with their attempt to teach me my lesson but as always, justice prevails. On the coming days of my playing , they suddenly stopped their attempts at my life. On one hand I'm thankful , but on the other hand they could be planning something big this time. I must be ever vigilant on my training. Another month passed and I became stronger from my training as well as richer as well. I eventually came to some rumors about a city that became popular just as Morata. That didn't interest me in the slightest, Another popular rumor seemed to pop up on another month about a group of merchants selling adorable portable pet/pillow/beanie bag that loots drops for you. Naturally I was interested as it became a bother to pick up loots. But the oddest thing was that the seller of this Hot item piece was a man with sky blue hair, a woman with red hair and a talking cat. This seemed to match that the group that was harassing me constantly. I thought to congratulate them on their success on turning to a new leaf, and maybe buy one of those cute pets. They're oh so all-purpose functionality is a must for a knight of justice like me, plus I heard that these pets are a chick magnet, I must boost my image as a respectable knight of justice by getting one of those pets. I researched the forums and the ever popularity of those pets were ever growing. I read that they were somewhere in the eastern continent. I decided to travel there, and after another month I found them. They were surrounded with so many people swarming them, I too was one of those people. The people formed a line and they quickly thinned out, I managed to get my turn and decided to purchase the most expensive one they sold. They seem to not recognise me, I noticed that they seem to have never ending stocks of these things and they seem to have more at their RV type vehicle. I decided to congratulate them personally on their success and for turning a new leaf. I confronted them at closing time and decided to reintroduce myself. Things seem to have went a wrong turn when they decided to get their revenge. Of course I was happy to comply, and with my high level and stats it seemed to be no problem to take care of these chumps!, who knows, maybe they'll drop tons of money to expand my ever growing greatness. I seem to be winning as usual and they are on their last legs. I was going to finish them off untill they shouted a name, they shouted a strange name and summoned forth a monster of horrible cute proportions. I laughed my ass of at the strange cute beast but I was interrupted when it casted a recovery spell on the other group, I quickly regained my composure and attacked the cute beast. My sword was blocked by a strange barrier and I was stunned. The cute beast casted a holy spell at me, along the barrage of other attacks from the criminal group, I stood no chance and died. I promise on my knighthood to get my revenge on those criminals when I log back on. When I logged back on I was met with glares from many people, I wondered why they would do that to me and I asked them. I was surprised with their response. They said that the group selling those pets said that they're closing down for good. Some of the people saw him fight those merchants and pointed out that it was because of his behaviour that they ran out of town and decided to never sell those wonderful creatures again. Without meaning too, the criminal group who won against this knight of justice accidentally framed him on a misunderstanding and he became public enemy number one. Ash Ketchum , Knight of justice, Hero of many people ( mostly NPC's), became public enemy number one and his oh so popular reputation he spent gruelling many months raising, crumbled to dust overnight. Ash: "I'll get you for this Team Rocket if that's the last thing I do". Ash vowed. Here's what really happened, after months of travelling and after gaining plenty of funds, Zed finally recalled James, Jessie, and Meowth back to Pallet City to initiate his final phase of zed's plan. By not selling pets, the demand of those will surely rise and after some time, Zed will announce to sell them only at Pallet City and making them the town Mascot will boost Pallet City's income and reputation while having a monopoly on one of the hottest item on the game helps tremendously for zed's plans. Dear readers, I am sad to inform you that I can't finish this fanfic as I have writers block, sigh.. it's been a good run but I can't seem to get any more good ideas. I'll post if I get anymore ideas, but for now I'm very sorry. Sincerely, zed019

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-style: italic;">*Thougts*</span><br><br>~Sound effects~<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">+++++</div><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chapter 17: Dungeon</span><br><br><br><br>~Sigh~<br><br>“Yeah, you´re right”<br><br>“Why don`t we have anything to do!”<br><br>Somehow, three members of the Raven guild where sitting on top of the wall when they heard something they didn´t expect to hear, well at least not so soon after the city was conquered. What they heard where shouts like<br><br>“Hey, try to hit one”<br><br>“I`m trying to, I’m trying”<br><br>“ouch, that was me!”<br><br>“Sorry, my bad”<br><br>“Damn you little critters, stop jumping around so much”<br><br>“Ouch, this shitty creature just bit me”<br><br>After hearing that the mage pointed at them and said: “hey do you want to have some fun?<br><br>“Yeah” was the answer of the warrior<br><br>“I almost died of boredom” was the answer of the rouge that stood up and stretched.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">_______________________________________________________________</div><br><br> “Hey guys, do you want some help at leveling?”<br><br>Who approached them was the mage<br><br>“Well, and who might you be, asked the one with the spiky hair<br><br>“I´m Avore, and the rogue there is called Usku and this guy is Noelt.”<br><br>“Hello, I’m Neuron and this is Kyle” answered Neuron, bashing in the conversation: “and yeah we really appreciate the offer”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">Whisper:</div><br><br>“hey think a bit”<br><br>“Why, look at that beauty, and to boot, I never talked with any other player other than you, so this could be some chance to hear info’s, and leveling up is inside her offer too”<br><br>At this barrage of reasons Kyle just had to accept, not without a warning of course”<br><br>“Good, I get it, but stay alert, in this game nothing is for free, especially not from players, just remember in this game you can be everything”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">Whisper End:</div><br><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*They are apparently discussing something, I bet about joining us or not.* </span><br><br>“good, but could you tell us where this leveling is taking place?” asked Kyle<br><br>“In a dungeon, not so far from here” answered Usko<br><br>“So, and what level are the Mobs inside<br><br>At this Noelt replied:”Well the critters are level 10 with the boss being 15<br><br>“So what level are you three?” <br><br>Avore “14”<br><br>“Usku “16”<br><br>Noelt “15”<br><br>So with that being cleared they both were invited and the newly formed party headed for the dungeon, but what Avore said didn`t prove true, as they walked for nearly half an hour, till they reached the hole in the ground. When entering 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 have entered Goblins lair </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Upon entering, the three of them kept back, with the reasoning, that they would jump in if need arises, and Avore said, that she’d heal them.<br><br>And now, while both of them where fighting they had a discussion.<br><br>Avore “look at that knight, how he slashes his weapon around”<br><br>Usku “Yeah, and the archer can`t hit, he`s crap”<br><br>Noelt ”What’s that? Somehow the archer made a thread coming out from his stomach”<br><br>Avore “Cross”<br><br>“Usku “look, the thread goes through the goblins”<br><br>Avore “What was that?”<br><br>Noelt “He pulled the thread, and all goblins connected with it fell down”<br><br>And like that the conversation went on till <br><br>Noelt “I think they are getting better”<br><br>Usku “Yeah me too, somehow it looks like they are finally fighting together”<br><br>Avore “nah, come on, they just left the city, we saw them fighting rabbits, they are total Newbie’s”<br><br>But those two where right,<br><br>They both trained fighting for a long time inside the city, and now they could finally try out their moves on real targets, naturally at first they fought individually, but inside the Goblins nest, where they fought higher level opponents, well only higher level wise, because they both boosted their stats with training. And with the endangerment of their own lives, they had to fight together. Well the danger was there, but not as much, because the other three where there helping them out.<br>Avore healed them, (not as good as she could), and the other two only jumped in to prevent some fatality, but other than that they let Kyle and Neuron fight on their own and leeched on the EXP. But they didn´t waste any thought on it, basically Neuron and Kyle never noticed, because they were too distracted by the goblins<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">_______________________________________________________________</div><br><br>When the party finally arrived at the boss chamber both of them gained another 3 Levels.<br><br>Before the fight began Kyle said to Neuron:” give me your gear, I’m going to repair it”<br><br>“Sure, well are you three going to help us fighting the boss?”<br><br>Avore “Just do what you can, when it gets too hard we`ll help you”<br><br>She said that, but she had no intention to help, because they were inside this dungeon before, and after fighting the boss for a bit they retreated, because it had a real nasty ability, what those two clearly didn’t know about.<br><br>Neuron: “Good, so how about it Kyle?”<br><br>“Sure let’s go”<br><br>And with that they entered the boss chamber.<br><br>“Hey Kyle look at the floor, its full of bones”<br><br>“Wow, those look like goblin bones and there are human ones too.”<br><br>“How do you recognize them?”<br><br>“Just look at the skulls”<br><br>“Ah, you’re right”<br><br>Now they could finally see the boss, it was a goblin as tall as a human showing them its back, but it was natural for him to be this tall, because he was fat, really fat, his name fitting too, somewhat and apparently he even chomped down something.<br><br>“Hey Kyle did you see his name, and what the fuck is he eating now?”<br><br>“The Glutton, yeah it fits really well. I don`t know, rather I don`t want to know what he eats, he has terrible Table manners though, well let’s just ATTACK!”<br><br>After shouting that Kyle charged forwards, but Neuron could only laugh, because he knew, that Kyle couldn`t literally attack.<br><br>Usku “Hey, why is the archer laughing after hearing his friend shouting attack?”<br><br>Noelt: “dunno”<br><br>Avore “well he’s an idiot, why wasting the first strike”<br><br>But his shout worked somewhat, meaning the Glutton attacking him and not vice versa<br><br>Now the battle went on nicely, Kyle blocking The Gluttons movement, while Neuron was firing arrows at every body part he could see, and there were plenty of it. The fight went rather smoothly, till his health was down to 50%. At this time Neuron noticed the oversized Goblin making a really sick face and then<br><br>“KYLE DODGE!”<br><br>Kyle leaped to the side, and when he looked at the place where he stood before, there were no bones anymore. <br><br>“Hey, what happened, the whole floor is covered with bones, why is the only clean part there, where I stood moments ago?”<br><br>“Ähhm, he tried to puke all over you, and it appears, he pukes acid”<br><br>“What!, Puke! Gross! so that does it, I’m not going to fight him upfront anymore”<br><br>“You sure? You can`t attack you know!”<br><br>“Well, there is a hole in that rule, when a monster attacks me; I can attack it back, till its dead or forfeits.”<br><br>After hearing this, the Mage, Warrior and Rogue had question marks appearing all over their face.<br><br>Avore “Do you know what he means?”<br><br>Noelt “No”<br><br>Usku “Me neither, but let’s just enjoy the fight.”<br><br>“Hey Kyle, you sure, you know it’s just going to aggro him”<br>“Do it” He cried, while evading another stream of puke “Am I in the wrong game here?!”<br><br>“Ah yeah, now that you mentioned it, let some of the puke hit you, maybe it will attract some Goblins”<br><br>“Are you an idiot!?, first it’s too disgusting, and second why the hell should we attract more goblins!?” <br><br>“Ah, you’re right, so well here goes”<br><br>Avore “I can´t believe those idiots arguing in a boss battle”<br><br>Usku “let them, it’s funny!”<br><br>Noelt “It sure is”<br><br>After Neuron pondered for a while he made a deep breath and shouted “Hey you fat abomination, your mother drags catapults towards Gondor”<br><br>“Hey Neuron nice thought off”<br><br>Usku “Oh, I so gotta remember that!”<br><br>Noelt “classic”<br><br>Of course the goblin didn`t understand the meaning of those words, but coupled with Neurons Swear skill he somehow managed to get the meaning and roared charging straight towards Neuron<br><br>Avore “How is it possible for a mob to understand terms from outside this game?”<br><br>Usku “Stop thinking over the little details and enjoy the show”<br><br>Noelt “Yeah, this is going to be fun, look, The Glutton is now agro”<br><br>When the Glutton was near Neuron dropped his bow, drew his axes, then jumped over his head, landing on the same and hacking away at its face, while Kyle appeared behind it to work on the Gluttons back. The Glutton noticing, that this would be his end trashed around and managed to get rid of Neuron. After he landed Neuron performed a backward roll jumped up again and made a thread connecting with one of the arrows sticking out from the Gluttons chest, and because at this moment he showed him his back the thread went through it. Now Neuron pulled with all his might, but the Goblin didn´t move a meter, he just turned around. And this particular motion exerted a powerful effect on Neuron. <br>The Glutton was really fat, and while turning around on the spot he pulled on the thread, and since Neuron didn`t react accordingly he was spun around and landed face first on the wall. After regaining his senses, which took time, but the goblin wasn`t the broadest bulb, so he couldn`t understand what happened and stayed there looking at Neuron, while drool run down his mouth corner. After regaining his senses Neuron was really mad and threw his whole arsenal at it. The throwing knives and shuriken all hit home. While this barrage hit the glutton, Kyle appeared from behind and performed a shield bash aiming at the back of his head. Which made him finally disappear.<br><br>Usku while coming over with the rest of his group ~Clap Clap~ “Wow, that was a great fight, and now to distribute the loot”<br><br>Kyle “Distribute the loot? You three did nothing to help”<br><br>Neuron “really, I never noticed?”<br><br>“You should, it is your live after all”<br><br>“Ähm sorry, and so like this, we`ll take the loot of the glutton, you can have the rest”<br><br>Avore “Oh no, we`re taking everything, and if you don`t cooperate your lives will be forfeit”<br><br>After this declaration both of them could only stand there with their mouths agape<br><br>“Do you see Neuron, I told you not to trust them”<br><br>“Yeah, but what now?”<br><br>“Hmm, well what other to do than to fight, who would you like to face?”<br><br>“Well, the Warrior seems like a pain with all that armor, but the rouge seems easy”<br><br>“What about the mage?”<br><br>“Ah, yeah I’ll take her on too”<br><br>“You sure, she hasn`t shown us what she`s capable of”<br><br>“Ah, Mages are all squishies, some arrows and she`s history”<br><br>“True”<br><br>While Neuron and Kyle chatted the others could only listen with stunned expressions<br><br>Avore “What, …… How, ……. Why are they so calm?”<br><br>Noelt “They sure got balls”<br><br>Usku “Ok, let’s do how they want”<br><br>Avore “OH; I`m so gonna enjoy killing them, just so you know, I AM NOT SQUISHY!”<br><br>After that they dashed out to start the fight.<br><br>Noelt “Wow, two Knights fighting each other, this sure will be some fun”<br><br>Kyle “Ähm I am not a knight, but o well”<br><br>Noelt “So, now come attack me”<br><br>Kyle “Thanks for the offer, but I prefer to be attacked”<br><br>Usku <span style="font-style: italic;">*creep*</span> “as you wish”<br><br>After that he activated his dash ability appearing right before Kyle and slashing at him with his giant sword, but Kyle lifted his shield, that glowed in a purple light and with a loud bang both of their weapons met. After this clash, Noelt let out a shout of pain, while Kyle activated Disarm swinging his sword down at Noelt`s who let it drop, then Kyle kicked the sword wide away from him. Now being disarmed, Noelt couldn`t attack anymore and soon met his end in a pathetic way. <br>While diving to get his weapon Kyle impaled him with his sword. After this Kyle turned around to look for Neuron. And now was his turn to be stunned.<br><br>As soon as the fight began, Neuron shot arrow after arrow at the mage, when the rogue finally was near him he activated jump, and leapt high over him without stopping to shoot arrows at the mage, which soon died, because of the barrage of arrows she couldn´t even cast a spell finally showing what she`s worth. Then he could focus entirely on the rouge. This fight was a bit tricky for him, because Noelt was specialized in speed, and thus managed to duck his arrows, but what he couldn`t dodge where the threads, that formed all around Neuron, after he threw all his shurikens high in the air, making him stumble. When Usku met the Ground, Neuron was over him with his axes in the ready and hacked away at him like a woodcutter who for some reason hasn`t hacked wood for a long time and thus being in a frenzy.<br><br>What Kyle saw was Neuron, hacking away at the rouge like a madman, till he died.<br><br>After whipping the sweat and blood away Neuron approached Kyle “This sure was fun”<br><br>~Grin~ “Yeah, now let’s; hey wait, you have a read diamond on your face”<br><br>“Yeah you too”<br><br>“Damn, now where Player killers, we can`t go back in town, the whole guild would lynch us”<br><br>“Yeah, shit, I got +100 Infamy!”<br><br>“I got fifty, Neuron, are you now wanted?”<br><br>“No, 40 more Infamy to go, and you?”<br><br>“Well I am wanted now; my Infamy is 10 points higher than my fame”<br><br>“Damn, those three brought us more trouble than they were worth”<br><br>“Ok, nothing to do, other than to begin your quest, this mark won’t disappear for a while”<br><br>“Hmmm, let’s just look at the loot; there should be something, if they wanted it so much” and after identifying everything “Shit, nothing usable there”<br><br>What they found in the pile of loot, was mostly trash, some meat that no one wanted to take because they fought against who it belonged too. And a wooden wand that apparently belonged to the mage. Just to be sure Neuron identified all the loot they gained, from the players and the Goblins, but everything they had looted was just half destroyed weapons and meat, that of course stayed on the ground. <br>From the players he took: a knife from the rogue, the sword from the warrior and a ring that boosted Mana recovery that the mage dropped.<br><br>“Neuron, do you mind if I take all of the weapons”<br><br>“No, you can also have the ring if you want, I don`t need it. But what now, I wanted to at least say goodbye to Warnton and Brairan”<br><br>“Yeah, I want to see off Master”<br><br>“So you wait outside while I sneak in”<br><br>“Why do I have to wait?”<br><br>“Do you have stealth? Can you climb? And above all, who is wanted”<br><br>“No, and no, but we can argue about the last part; Smiling Chinese” Kyle said resignedly but with a smirk<br><br>“Good, then let me do it”<br><br>“Hey, I know that look, you plan something else”<br><br>“What?” at that he turned around to hide his expression.<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">End Chapter 17</div><br><br>Okay, tell me your thoughts about the first boss battle </div>

*Thougts* ~Sound effects~ +++++ Chapter 17: Dungeon ~Sigh~ “Yeah, you´re right” “Why don`t we have anything to do!” Somehow, three members of the Raven guild where sitting on top of the wall when they heard something they didn´t expect to hear, well at least not so soon after the city was conquered. What they heard where shouts like “Hey, try to hit one” “I`m trying to, I’m trying” “ouch, that was me!” “Sorry, my bad” “Damn you little critters, stop jumping around so much” “Ouch, this shitty creature just bit me” After hearing that the mage pointed at them and said: “hey do you want to have some fun? “Yeah” was the answer of the warrior “I almost died of boredom” was the answer of the rouge that stood up and stretched. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ “Hey guys, do you want some help at leveling?” Who approached them was the mage “Well, and who might you be, asked the one with the spiky hair “I´m Avore, and the rogue there is called Usku and this guy is Noelt.” “Hello, I’m Neuron and this is Kyle” answered Neuron, bashing in the conversation: “and yeah we really appreciate the offer” Whisper: “hey think a bit” “Why, look at that beauty, and to boot, I never talked with any other player other than you, so this could be some chance to hear info’s, and leveling up is inside her offer too” At this barrage of reasons Kyle just had to accept, not without a warning of course” “Good, I get it, but stay alert, in this game nothing is for free, especially not from players, just remember in this game you can be everything” Whisper End: *They are apparently discussing something, I bet about joining us or not.* “good, but could you tell us where this leveling is taking place?” asked Kyle “In a dungeon, not so far from here” answered Usko “So, and what level are the Mobs inside At this Noelt replied:”Well the critters are level 10 with the boss being 15 “So what level are you three?” Avore “14” “Usku “16” Noelt “15” So with that being cleared they both were invited and the newly formed party headed for the dungeon, but what Avore said didn`t prove true, as they walked for nearly half an hour, till they reached the hole in the ground. When entering a message appeared | * You have entered Goblins lair | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Upon entering, the three of them kept back, with the reasoning, that they would jump in if need arises, and Avore said, that she’d heal them. And now, while both of them where fighting they had a discussion. Avore “look at that knight, how he slashes his weapon around” Usku “Yeah, and the archer can`t hit, he`s crap” Noelt ”What’s that? Somehow the archer made a thread coming out from his stomach” Avore “Cross” “Usku “look, the thread goes through the goblins” Avore “What was that?” Noelt “He pulled the thread, and all goblins connected with it fell down” And like that the conversation went on till Noelt “I think they are getting better” Usku “Yeah me too, somehow it looks like they are finally fighting together” Avore “nah, come on, they just left the city, we saw them fighting rabbits, they are total Newbie’s” But those two where right, They both trained fighting for a long time inside the city, and now they could finally try out their moves on real targets, naturally at first they fought individually, but inside the Goblins nest, where they fought higher level opponents, well only higher level wise, because they both boosted their stats with training. And with the endangerment of their own lives, they had to fight together. Well the danger was there, but not as much, because the other three where there helping them out. Avore healed them, (not as good as she could), and the other two only jumped in to prevent some fatality, but other than that they let Kyle and Neuron fight on their own and leeched on the EXP. But they didn´t waste any thought on it, basically Neuron and Kyle never noticed, because they were too distracted by the goblins \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ When the party finally arrived at the boss chamber both of them gained another 3 Levels. Before the fight began Kyle said to Neuron:” give me your gear, I’m going to repair it” “Sure, well are you three going to help us fighting the boss?” Avore “Just do what you can, when it gets too hard we`ll help you” She said that, but she had no intention to help, because they were inside this dungeon before, and after fighting the boss for a bit they retreated, because it had a real nasty ability, what those two clearly didn’t know about. Neuron: “Good, so how about it Kyle?” “Sure let’s go” And with that they entered the boss chamber. “Hey Kyle look at the floor, its full of bones” “Wow, those look like goblin bones and there are human ones too.” “How do you recognize them?” “Just look at the skulls” “Ah, you’re right” Now they could finally see the boss, it was a goblin as tall as a human showing them its back, but it was natural for him to be this tall, because he was fat, really fat, his name fitting too, somewhat and apparently he even chomped down something. “Hey Kyle did you see his name, and what the fuck is he eating now?” “The Glutton, yeah it fits really well. I don`t know, rather I don`t want to know what he eats, he has terrible Table manners though, well let’s just ATTACK!” After shouting that Kyle charged forwards, but Neuron could only laugh, because he knew, that Kyle couldn`t literally attack. Usku “Hey, why is the archer laughing after hearing his friend shouting attack?” Noelt: “dunno” Avore “well he’s an idiot, why wasting the first strike” But his shout worked somewhat, meaning the Glutton attacking him and not vice versa Now the battle went on nicely, Kyle blocking The Gluttons movement, while Neuron was firing arrows at every body part he could see, and there were plenty of it. The fight went rather smoothly, till his health was down to 50%. At this time Neuron noticed the oversized Goblin making a really sick face and then “KYLE DODGE!” Kyle leaped to the side, and when he looked at the place where he stood before, there were no bones anymore. “Hey, what happened, the whole floor is covered with bones, why is the only clean part there, where I stood moments ago?” “Ähhm, he tried to puke all over you, and it appears, he pukes acid” “What!, Puke! Gross! so that does it, I’m not going to fight him upfront anymore” “You sure? You can`t attack you know!” “Well, there is a hole in that rule, when a monster attacks me; I can attack it back, till its dead or forfeits.” After hearing this, the Mage, Warrior and Rogue had question marks appearing all over their face. Avore “Do you know what he means?” Noelt “No” Usku “Me neither, but let’s just enjoy the fight.” “Hey Kyle, you sure, you know it’s just going to aggro him” “Do it” He cried, while evading another stream of puke “Am I in the wrong game here?!” “Ah yeah, now that you mentioned it, let some of the puke hit you, maybe it will attract some Goblins” “Are you an idiot!?, first it’s too disgusting, and second why the hell should we attract more goblins!?” “Ah, you’re right, so well here goes” Avore “I can´t believe those idiots arguing in a boss battle” Usku “let them, it’s funny!” Noelt “It sure is” After Neuron pondered for a while he made a deep breath and shouted “Hey you fat abomination, your mother drags catapults towards Gondor” “Hey Neuron nice thought off” Usku “Oh, I so gotta remember that!” Noelt “classic” Of course the goblin didn`t understand the meaning of those words, but coupled with Neurons Swear skill he somehow managed to get the meaning and roared charging straight towards Neuron Avore “How is it possible for a mob to understand terms from outside this game?” Usku “Stop thinking over the little details and enjoy the show” Noelt “Yeah, this is going to be fun, look, The Glutton is now agro” When the Glutton was near Neuron dropped his bow, drew his axes, then jumped over his head, landing on the same and hacking away at its face, while Kyle appeared behind it to work on the Gluttons back. The Glutton noticing, that this would be his end trashed around and managed to get rid of Neuron. After he landed Neuron performed a backward roll jumped up again and made a thread connecting with one of the arrows sticking out from the Gluttons chest, and because at this moment he showed him his back the thread went through it. Now Neuron pulled with all his might, but the Goblin didn´t move a meter, he just turned around. And this particular motion exerted a powerful effect on Neuron. The Glutton was really fat, and while turning around on the spot he pulled on the thread, and since Neuron didn`t react accordingly he was spun around and landed face first on the wall. After regaining his senses, which took time, but the goblin wasn`t the broadest bulb, so he couldn`t understand what happened and stayed there looking at Neuron, while drool run down his mouth corner. After regaining his senses Neuron was really mad and threw his whole arsenal at it. The throwing knives and shuriken all hit home. While this barrage hit the glutton, Kyle appeared from behind and performed a shield bash aiming at the back of his head. Which made him finally disappear. Usku while coming over with the rest of his group ~Clap Clap~ “Wow, that was a great fight, and now to distribute the loot” Kyle “Distribute the loot? You three did nothing to help” Neuron “really, I never noticed?” “You should, it is your live after all” “Ähm sorry, and so like this, we`ll take the loot of the glutton, you can have the rest” Avore “Oh no, we`re taking everything, and if you don`t cooperate your lives will be forfeit” After this declaration both of them could only stand there with their mouths agape “Do you see Neuron, I told you not to trust them” “Yeah, but what now?” “Hmm, well what other to do than to fight, who would you like to face?” “Well, the Warrior seems like a pain with all that armor, but the rouge seems easy” “What about the mage?” “Ah, yeah I’ll take her on too” “You sure, she hasn`t shown us what she`s capable of” “Ah, Mages are all squishies, some arrows and she`s history” “True” While Neuron and Kyle chatted the others could only listen with stunned expressions Avore “What, …… How, ……. Why are they so calm?” Noelt “They sure got balls” Usku “Ok, let’s do how they want” Avore “OH; I`m so gonna enjoy killing them, just so you know, I AM NOT SQUISHY!” After that they dashed out to start the fight. Noelt “Wow, two Knights fighting each other, this sure will be some fun” Kyle “Ähm I am not a knight, but o well” Noelt “So, now come attack me” Kyle “Thanks for the offer, but I prefer to be attacked” Usku *creep* “as you wish” After that he activated his dash ability appearing right before Kyle and slashing at him with his giant sword, but Kyle lifted his shield, that glowed in a purple light and with a loud bang both of their weapons met. After this clash, Noelt let out a shout of pain, while Kyle activated Disarm swinging his sword down at Noelt`s who let it drop, then Kyle kicked the sword wide away from him. Now being disarmed, Noelt couldn`t attack anymore and soon met his end in a pathetic way. While diving to get his weapon Kyle impaled him with his sword. After this Kyle turned around to look for Neuron. And now was his turn to be stunned. As soon as the fight began, Neuron shot arrow after arrow at the mage, when the rogue finally was near him he activated jump, and leapt high over him without stopping to shoot arrows at the mage, which soon died, because of the barrage of arrows she couldn´t even cast a spell finally showing what she`s worth. Then he could focus entirely on the rouge. This fight was a bit tricky for him, because Noelt was specialized in speed, and thus managed to duck his arrows, but what he couldn`t dodge where the threads, that formed all around Neuron, after he threw all his shurikens high in the air, making him stumble. When Usku met the Ground, Neuron was over him with his axes in the ready and hacked away at him like a woodcutter who for some reason hasn`t hacked wood for a long time and thus being in a frenzy. What Kyle saw was Neuron, hacking away at the rouge like a madman, till he died. After whipping the sweat and blood away Neuron approached Kyle “This sure was fun” ~Grin~ “Yeah, now let’s; hey wait, you have a read diamond on your face” “Yeah you too” “Damn, now where Player killers, we can`t go back in town, the whole guild would lynch us” “Yeah, shit, I got +100 Infamy!” “I got fifty, Neuron, are you now wanted?” “No, 40 more Infamy to go, and you?” “Well I am wanted now; my Infamy is 10 points higher than my fame” “Damn, those three brought us more trouble than they were worth” “Ok, nothing to do, other than to begin your quest, this mark won’t disappear for a while” “Hmmm, let’s just look at the loot; there should be something, if they wanted it so much” and after identifying everything “Shit, nothing usable there” What they found in the pile of loot, was mostly trash, some meat that no one wanted to take because they fought against who it belonged too. And a wooden wand that apparently belonged to the mage. Just to be sure Neuron identified all the loot they gained, from the players and the Goblins, but everything they had looted was just half destroyed weapons and meat, that of course stayed on the ground. From the players he took: a knife from the rogue, the sword from the warrior and a ring that boosted Mana recovery that the mage dropped. “Neuron, do you mind if I take all of the weapons” “No, you can also have the ring if you want, I don`t need it. But what now, I wanted to at least say goodbye to Warnton and Brairan” “Yeah, I want to see off Master” “So you wait outside while I sneak in” “Why do I have to wait?” “Do you have stealth? Can you climb? And above all, who is wanted” “No, and no, but we can argue about the last part; Smiling Chinese” Kyle said resignedly but with a smirk “Good, then let me do it” “Hey, I know that look, you plan something else” “What?” at that he turned around to hide his expression. End Chapter 17 Okay, tell me your thoughts about the first boss battle

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> With the exams over the principal went on about how Royal Road was going to lead then to the future and how for the school will work with it, at least for now. First you chose 5 subjects like Physic History ect... English and Math were a requirement. Each lesson took 1 hour and they had to come to school at least for one hour in every subject they took every week. The good thing was that they had the subject about 3 time a week. although the principal never said what the reasons for putting the game over school was. <br><br>This please Richard as he could spend more time on Royal Road but with the average being at level 56 with decent armor and him on level 1 with no weapon or armor the changes of win were at 0%.<br><br>Login in I knew that I would not be able to kill them. As he predicted they all were gone.<br><br>“At least the month of hell had some benefit I learn something. Stat window”<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;">Stats window</span></td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Name</td><td width="25%">Strazio</td><td width="25%">Race</td><td width="25%">half Beastman half Human</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 colspan="2">Fame</td><td colspan="2">0</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Title</td><td colspan="2">The unlucky fool</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%">16</td><td width="25%">Agility</td><td width="25%">24</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Stamina</td><td colspan="2">27</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">7</td><td width="25%">Intellect</td><td width="25%">8</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Luck</td><td width="25%">-10</td><td width="25%">Leadership</td><td width="25%">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Attack</td><td width="25%">4</td><td width="25%">Defense</td><td width="25%">0</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4"><span style="font-weight: bold;">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%">Black Magic</td><td width="25%">0%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Race boost</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">human:</td><td colspan="2">all stats start at 10(wid int str agi sta)<br> all magic is unlock</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Beastman: (sealed)</td><td colspan="2">wid and int -1<br> agi and sta +5</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“i started with abit more in Agility and Stamina due to being part Beastman”<br><br>other then my race improvements. From all the run I did I gain Strength, Agility and Stamina increased well Wisdom, Intellect and Luck decrease due to not learning anything and dying so many times. Luck became so bad that he got a title. It did nothing but made me feel worse then I already was and with the way he felt today that was very hard as he had not gotten over the way they treated me, them got rid of me.<br><br>Zero Fame was something that also anger me know that i did some many quest but because they never gave him the quest they got all the reward with no work well he did all the work and got nothing.<br><br>Even though I was angry at what they had done to me it wouldn’t help at the moment. “First thing first. Training is need so I can fight against then all.”<br><br>On the net he learn about this thing call the Training Guild. Their he could learn how to fight against enemy. this was also how I found out about a few of the gaming commands<br><br>“Excuse me sure but where is the Training Guild.”<br><br>But as luck would have it. “What are you talking about? There was never a Training guild in are city.”<br><br>“---”<br><br>“We do have an archer area.”<br><br>“That will do.”<br><br>“Take the second left then straight down until you see the Blacksmith from their you turn right and you will see it.”<br><br>“Thank you”<br><br>When he got their a man in is early 30 stood by the gear he had short hair and was somewhere between 6 foot 5 to 6 foot 7. not bad to look at but no stunning ether.<br><br>“Hello they youngster would you like to learn how to use a bow.”<br><br>“Yes instructor”<br><br>For an hour he shoot quick and slow arrow but none got near his target even if he was a few meter away.<br><br>“Youngster it seem that you can you a bow at all even with my help.”<br><br>“---”<br><br>“Unfortunately are town is not big in fact this is the only place where people can use a weapon, we have no magic ether.”<br><br>‘How can a city have only one weapon guild even ogre can use more weapons.’<br><br>“You will have to go to another city or teach it to yourself.”<br>“Is their any spare weapon I could choose from.”?<br>“That barrel over their has a few rusty sword but that it.”<br><br>Looking thought the sword I could see that using a bow as a melee weapon was better then these swords. however, no one would give him a bow be use like that so he was suck with these rusty things that look like it would break at any second.<br><br>“If you like I could let you use one of are targeting dummies to help train yourself.”<br><br>“Thank you for all the help.”<br><br>“No problem you seem like you need it so how can I turn you away.”<br><br>“Agree”<br><br>I gear the barrel of swords and head to the dummies to train. <br><br>After a few hour I final smiled.<br><br>I had gain 3 skills and a stat.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Right hand sword masterly B LVL 1<br><br>Increase Attack power by (+10%)<br>Increase Attack speed by (+2%)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Left hand sword masterly B LVL 1<br><br>Increase Attack power by (+10%)<br>Increase Attack speed by (+2%)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Duel hand sword masterly B LVL 1<br><br>Increase Attack power by (+15%)<br>Increase Attack speed by (+6%)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Weapon handling<br><br>Each weapon has it own way of being use this stat make it easier to learn new weapon styles and different weapons. This stat also increase the changes of learning new weapon skills(only melee weapon and martial arts)<br>Can’t distributing stat bonus in to this stat</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>I guess I got weapon handing because I use a range of attack from probably different styles.<br><br>----------------------------------------------------------<br><br>The instructor wonder how Strazio was doing but was train another student so he could not tell what he was doing. <br><br>“Sir should I aim for the last target”<br><br>“go ahead” he was not think of what the student was doing but what reason Strazio had of being here<br><br>The student fire about 20 shoot that where close to the target before he even remember about where Strazio was.<br><br>“STOP.”<br><br>“What’s wrong?” the student was surprised by the yelled <br><br>He didn’t even answer the student, he just ran. The student followed to see a man standing a few feet away for the dummies with arrow all around. Only them did he understand what had happen.<br><br>“Are you ok” ask the student.<br><br>“Thank you” was Strazio reply with a big smile not one of is use anger but a smile as if the world had change from is tragedy life, to a world of sunshine and lollipops.<br><br>This stun as this is not a normal reaction to being shoot at yet alone one Strazio ever shown to anyone. Then as he show then what he had gain from their little mistake.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Instinct<br><br>You react to every suasion like or not with this stat you react quick and can become on step ahead of your opponent. quick planing and exclusion increase stat. can’t distributing stat bonus in 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>Dodging B LVL 1<br><br>increase change of dodge by (+2.5%)<br>increase counter attack after dodging by (+.5%)<br><br>cost: decrease health a little due to fall</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Running Strike B LVL 1<br><br>boost to a target and strike<br>increase power of attack by (+2.5%)<br><br>cost 10 S/s</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Their faces change as they look at the screen. <br><br>“It look like I have another way to start training.”<br><br>“No that is to dangerous.” yelled the instructor. <br><br>“More dangerous then not knowing that barrage of arrow are aim at your location.”<br><br>Nether could reply to that comment.<br><br>“Thank for agreeing to help me train.” Strazio walking off to get started.<br><br>“I am going to regret this ain’t I.”<br><br>“I do think so.”<br>____________________________________________________________________<br><br>S/s is stamina per second<br>_____________________________________________________________________<br><br>the next chapter will be out after the class poll finishes </div>

With the exams over the principal went on about how Royal Road was going to lead then to the future and how for the school will work with it, at least for now. First you chose 5 subjects like Physic History ect... English and Math were a requirement. Each lesson took 1 hour and they had to come to school at least for one hour in every subject they took every week. The good thing was that they had the subject about 3 time a week. although the principal never said what the reasons for putting the game over school was. This please Richard as he could spend more time on Royal Road but with the average being at level 56 with decent armor and him on level 1 with no weapon or armor the changes of win were at 0%. Login in I knew that I would not be able to kill them. As he predicted they all were gone. “At least the month of hell had some benefit I learn something. Stat window” | Stats window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | Strazio | Race | half Beastman half Human | | Level | 1 | Profession | none | | Fame | | 0 | | | Title | | The unlucky fool | | | Health | 100 | Mana | 100 | | Strength | 16 | Agility | 24 | | Stamina | | 27 | | | Wisdom | 7 | Intellect | 8 | | Luck | -10 | Leadership | 0 | | Attack | 4 | Defense | 0 | | Resistance | | | | | Fire | 0% | Water | 0% | | Earth | 0% | Black Magic | 0% | | Race boost | | | | | human: | | all stats start at 10(wid int str agi sta) all magic is unlock | | | Beastman: (sealed) | | wid and int -1 agi and sta +5 | | “i started with abit more in Agility and Stamina due to being part Beastman” other then my race improvements. From all the run I did I gain Strength, Agility and Stamina increased well Wisdom, Intellect and Luck decrease due to not learning anything and dying so many times. Luck became so bad that he got a title. It did nothing but made me feel worse then I already was and with the way he felt today that was very hard as he had not gotten over the way they treated me, them got rid of me. Zero Fame was something that also anger me know that i did some many quest but because they never gave him the quest they got all the reward with no work well he did all the work and got nothing. Even though I was angry at what they had done to me it wouldn’t help at the moment. “First thing first. Training is need so I can fight against then all.” On the net he learn about this thing call the Training Guild. Their he could learn how to fight against enemy. this was also how I found out about a few of the gaming commands “Excuse me sure but where is the Training Guild.” But as luck would have it. “What are you talking about? There was never a Training guild in are city.” “---” “We do have an archer area.” “That will do.” “Take the second left then straight down until you see the Blacksmith from their you turn right and you will see it.” “Thank you” When he got their a man in is early 30 stood by the gear he had short hair and was somewhere between 6 foot 5 to 6 foot 7. not bad to look at but no stunning ether. “Hello they youngster would you like to learn how to use a bow.” “Yes instructor” For an hour he shoot quick and slow arrow but none got near his target even if he was a few meter away. “Youngster it seem that you can you a bow at all even with my help.” “---” “Unfortunately are town is not big in fact this is the only place where people can use a weapon, we have no magic ether.” ‘How can a city have only one weapon guild even ogre can use more weapons.’ “You will have to go to another city or teach it to yourself.” “Is their any spare weapon I could choose from.”? “That barrel over their has a few rusty sword but that it.” Looking thought the sword I could see that using a bow as a melee weapon was better then these swords. however, no one would give him a bow be use like that so he was suck with these rusty things that look like it would break at any second. “If you like I could let you use one of are targeting dummies to help train yourself.” “Thank you for all the help.” “No problem you seem like you need it so how can I turn you away.” “Agree” I gear the barrel of swords and head to the dummies to train. After a few hour I final smiled. I had gain 3 skills and a stat. | Right hand sword masterly B LVL 1Increase Attack power by (+10%)Increase Attack speed by (+2%) | | --- | | Left hand sword masterly B LVL 1Increase Attack power by (+10%)Increase Attack speed by (+2%) | | --- | | Duel hand sword masterly B LVL 1Increase Attack power by (+15%)Increase Attack speed by (+6%) | | --- | | Weapon handlingEach weapon has it own way of being use this stat make it easier to learn new weapon styles and different weapons. This stat also increase the changes of learning new weapon skills(only melee weapon and martial arts)Can’t distributing stat bonus in to this stat | | --- | I guess I got weapon handing because I use a range of attack from probably different styles. ---------------------------------------------------------- The instructor wonder how Strazio was doing but was train another student so he could not tell what he was doing. “Sir should I aim for the last target” “go ahead” he was not think of what the student was doing but what reason Strazio had of being here The student fire about 20 shoot that where close to the target before he even remember about where Strazio was. “STOP.” “What’s wrong?” the student was surprised by the yelled He didn’t even answer the student, he just ran. The student followed to see a man standing a few feet away for the dummies with arrow all around. Only them did he understand what had happen. “Are you ok” ask the student. “Thank you” was Strazio reply with a big smile not one of is use anger but a smile as if the world had change from is tragedy life, to a world of sunshine and lollipops. This stun as this is not a normal reaction to being shoot at yet alone one Strazio ever shown to anyone. Then as he show then what he had gain from their little mistake. | InstinctYou react to every suasion like or not with this stat you react quick and can become on step ahead of your opponent. quick planing and exclusion increase stat. can’t distributing stat bonus in to this stat. | | --- | | Dodging B LVL 1increase change of dodge by (+2.5%)increase counter attack after dodging by (+.5%)cost: decrease health a little due to fall | | --- | | Running Strike B LVL 1boost to a target and strikeincrease power of attack by (+2.5%)cost 10 S/s | | --- | Their faces change as they look at the screen. “It look like I have another way to start training.” “No that is to dangerous.” yelled the instructor. “More dangerous then not knowing that barrage of arrow are aim at your location.” Nether could reply to that comment. “Thank for agreeing to help me train.” Strazio walking off to get started. “I am going to regret this ain’t I.” “I do think so.” \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ S/s is stamina per second \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ the next chapter will be out after the class poll finishes

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Ok. I’m done with this chapter. Thanks.-Shadow<br>I must grow up quickly... Kayle needs me to protect him... The only company he has is me. <br><br>Determined to level up and grow quickly, Sunshine opened her small majestic wings. It's night time for Kayle, and he had headed to bed a few minutes ago. Since he was only 9 years old, he was restricted from playing after 9pm. <br><br>Kayle was gone for now. Sunshine decided to train herself so she would be able to protect the fragile little kid. Before she hatched, she could feel his sorrow, his loneliness. After hatching, she learnt about Kayle's heartless sisters.She read Kayle's memory and found out his love for his sisters. Being abandoned by them, Kayle had received a heavy blow. However, he didn't show it. <br><br>Sunshine soared through the silent night sky, looking for prey. She had to get stronger. Kayle wanted to ride on her, so she had to do her best.<br><br>While flying through the night sky, she saw a skirmish between a group of people and bandits. They had raided the bandit camp. However, they found themselves slowly being cornered, the amount of bandits were overwhelming. Two familiar faces were seen... <br><br>"If only Kayle was here... "<br><br>"Yeah, I agree... Without him, fighting seems harder. "<br><br>Estee regretted that Kayle left the party just as they were about to raid the bandit camp. Short of a skilled warrior, the fight started out not in their favor, and the twin sisters had to protect their friends and fight at the same time. <br><br>Sunshine could see the entire camp, and she knew that Kayle would definitely risk himself to protect his sisters. So she decided to act. Her horns turned red, combustion occurred in her mouth and the fire became bigger. A large, fiery ball formed quickly, and she shot the ball of fire towards the tent furthest away.<br><br>Boom! Crrk crackle... The tent caught fire and caught the attention of the bandit leader.<br><br>"Someone stop the fire!" He ordered. <br><br>Some bandits left the fight and started running towards the well. Sunshine saw the well, and her horns immediately changed into dark blue. As soon as the bandits started drawing water, spears of water shot out of the water body, piercing through their heart. The spears remain in their body and started to freeze quickly, as it froze, the shape changed and spikes of red, bloody, icicles shot out of their body. The bandits turned into flashes of grey light and vanished. As those who went to draw water had died suddenly, without the leader knowing, Sunshine continued to set the camp on fire. <br><br>Fireballs started to rain down on the camp. Due to the moonlight, Sunshine shone radiantly and was spotted instantly when they tried looking for the source of fireballs. <br><br>"A Dragon! Kill it! And put out the fire!” Roared the leader in horror, as he took his bow and started shooting arrows at Sunshine. As most of the tents at the edge were on fire, Sunshine changed her tactics. Her horns changed color and turned grey. A strong wind suddenly blew, and the arrows were blown away. The bandits found themselves struck by their own arrows while others were hit unexpectedly. At the same time, fire spread rapidly towards the rest of the camp. <br>The bandit leader was panic-stricken. His camp was blazing wildly through the dark night. “Ignore the fire and and concentrate on the fight!” He commanded. He had lost hope of recovering the camp. <br><br>As the whole camp was on fire, Estee and party fought near the camp exit, slaying every bandit who tried to escape from the raging fire. Black smoke chokes the air, the bandits receives status effects, as the oxygen in the surrounding air was eaten by the flames, and turned into carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide from incomplete combustion. The weak ones died from inhaling too much carbon monoxide. <br><br>The numbers of bandits plummeted quickly, and soon, only a dozen of them were left. The bandit leader and his best fighter stood in front of the party, planning to fight their way through. <br><br>"Be careful, they are a lot stronger than the small fries," Estee warned her classmates. <br><br>They prepared their stance for the final showdown. Sunshine was confident that Estee’s party would win, thus, she started looting the place with her tiny claws, as all items collected by her would be shared between Kayle and her. Even if Kayle was offline, he would still receive the items and loot. Taking some of the rare loot, she opened her wings and soared through the sky. She turned her head and saw the party tying the bandit leader up. Sunshine received fame for burning the entire camp down, and also helping in the extermination of the entire bandit camp in that mountain range. A global announcement was made, announcing that the round mountain range’s bandit were wiped out entirely, and that the village nearby would be available as a new starting location. <br><br>Sunshine continued flying through the forest, hunting for food and leveling herself up at the same time. <br><br>Sunlight shone across Kayle’s face. <br><br>"Ah, it is 8am..."<br><br>He got off the bed and started brushing his teeth. He walked slowly to dining table. A lunchbox was placed there, with a note. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto">Morning Kayle, your beautiful sister cooked your favourite fried rice for you. I hope you will enjoy it. // <br>Kayle's mood brightened up instantly, and he opened the box of rice quickly. He took the spoon by the side of the lunch box and started savouring every bite. 45 minutes later, the lunchbox found itself sitting in the sink, waiting to be washed, as Kayle jumped into the capsule and connected to royal road.]<table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>=====================================================================================================================<br>Common test in 2 week times, might be very slowly on release since i am writing for X Mas event~ </div>

Ok. I’m done with this chapter. Thanks.-Shadow I must grow up quickly... Kayle needs me to protect him... The only company he has is me. Determined to level up and grow quickly, Sunshine opened her small majestic wings. It's night time for Kayle, and he had headed to bed a few minutes ago. Since he was only 9 years old, he was restricted from playing after 9pm. Kayle was gone for now. Sunshine decided to train herself so she would be able to protect the fragile little kid. Before she hatched, she could feel his sorrow, his loneliness. After hatching, she learnt about Kayle's heartless sisters.She read Kayle's memory and found out his love for his sisters. Being abandoned by them, Kayle had received a heavy blow. However, he didn't show it. Sunshine soared through the silent night sky, looking for prey. She had to get stronger. Kayle wanted to ride on her, so she had to do her best. While flying through the night sky, she saw a skirmish between a group of people and bandits. They had raided the bandit camp. However, they found themselves slowly being cornered, the amount of bandits were overwhelming. Two familiar faces were seen... "If only Kayle was here... " "Yeah, I agree... Without him, fighting seems harder. " Estee regretted that Kayle left the party just as they were about to raid the bandit camp. Short of a skilled warrior, the fight started out not in their favor, and the twin sisters had to protect their friends and fight at the same time. Sunshine could see the entire camp, and she knew that Kayle would definitely risk himself to protect his sisters. So she decided to act. Her horns turned red, combustion occurred in her mouth and the fire became bigger. A large, fiery ball formed quickly, and she shot the ball of fire towards the tent furthest away. Boom! Crrk crackle... The tent caught fire and caught the attention of the bandit leader. "Someone stop the fire!" He ordered. Some bandits left the fight and started running towards the well. Sunshine saw the well, and her horns immediately changed into dark blue. As soon as the bandits started drawing water, spears of water shot out of the water body, piercing through their heart. The spears remain in their body and started to freeze quickly, as it froze, the shape changed and spikes of red, bloody, icicles shot out of their body. The bandits turned into flashes of grey light and vanished. As those who went to draw water had died suddenly, without the leader knowing, Sunshine continued to set the camp on fire. Fireballs started to rain down on the camp. Due to the moonlight, Sunshine shone radiantly and was spotted instantly when they tried looking for the source of fireballs. "A Dragon! Kill it! And put out the fire!” Roared the leader in horror, as he took his bow and started shooting arrows at Sunshine. As most of the tents at the edge were on fire, Sunshine changed her tactics. Her horns changed color and turned grey. A strong wind suddenly blew, and the arrows were blown away. The bandits found themselves struck by their own arrows while others were hit unexpectedly. At the same time, fire spread rapidly towards the rest of the camp. The bandit leader was panic-stricken. His camp was blazing wildly through the dark night. “Ignore the fire and and concentrate on the fight!” He commanded. He had lost hope of recovering the camp. As the whole camp was on fire, Estee and party fought near the camp exit, slaying every bandit who tried to escape from the raging fire. Black smoke chokes the air, the bandits receives status effects, as the oxygen in the surrounding air was eaten by the flames, and turned into carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide from incomplete combustion. The weak ones died from inhaling too much carbon monoxide. The numbers of bandits plummeted quickly, and soon, only a dozen of them were left. The bandit leader and his best fighter stood in front of the party, planning to fight their way through. "Be careful, they are a lot stronger than the small fries," Estee warned her classmates. They prepared their stance for the final showdown. Sunshine was confident that Estee’s party would win, thus, she started looting the place with her tiny claws, as all items collected by her would be shared between Kayle and her. Even if Kayle was offline, he would still receive the items and loot. Taking some of the rare loot, she opened her wings and soared through the sky. She turned her head and saw the party tying the bandit leader up. Sunshine received fame for burning the entire camp down, and also helping in the extermination of the entire bandit camp in that mountain range. A global announcement was made, announcing that the round mountain range’s bandit were wiped out entirely, and that the village nearby would be available as a new starting location. Sunshine continued flying through the forest, hunting for food and leveling herself up at the same time. Sunlight shone across Kayle’s face. "Ah, it is 8am..." He got off the bed and started brushing his teeth. He walked slowly to dining table. A lunchbox was placed there, with a note. Morning Kayle, your beautiful sister cooked your favourite fried rice for you. I hope you will enjoy it. // Kayle's mood brightened up instantly, and he opened the box of rice quickly. He took the spoon by the side of the lunch box and started savouring every bite. 45 minutes later, the lunchbox found itself sitting in the sink, waiting to be washed, as Kayle jumped into the capsule and connected to royal road.] | | | --- | ===================================================================================================================== Common test in 2 week times, might be very slowly on release since i am writing for X Mas event~

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Chapter 1 New X Adenture X Again<br><br>Disclaimer: I own nothing , this is purely a fanfic for enjoyment. Cross-over from various games , books and anime.<br><br>Author's Note:<br><br>This is the sequel of Death's New Entertainment Chapter 7<br><br><br><br><br><br>Previously on Death's New Entertainment.<br><br>Hari was fighting an army of Zetsu.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">"I understand of the full lights of the heavens."</span> Harry's voice echoed to the large sorrounding area, his voice was filled with power, and the Zetsu army stood there frozen. A large scale complicated circle runic array formed around the army of Zetsus, the arrays were moving, and the runes were dancing gracefully. One would notice that an octagon shaped, pentagram carved beautifully along the runic arrays<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Call upon me with the openings with ease, Call!." </span>The eight sides of large scale glyph of the octagon was brimming with beam energy, and shot up in swirling formation that converged at the center of the runic array, and with their collective energy, It shot up, and rocketed to the sky leaving a hole in the clouds, and leaving the stratosphere very quickly.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Come forth divine lightning, this Ends Now!, Hi-Ougi!, Indignation! AOE Version!"</span> As soon as these words left Harry's mouth, the large energy that exited the atmosphere came down like a pillar of lightning, only 40 times more thick, and stronger than a regular lightning bolt. A large blast of concentrated energy rained down, but as the blast was half-way in its destination, it exploded like a firecracker, and the small pieces of energy blasts was scattered, and the lightning energy that touched the ground resulted in countless explosions after explosions wiping out most of the Army of Zetsu.<br><br>Both forces were stunned, and awe of the destructive power of the Jutsu that Hari performed.<br><br>The shinobi side were celebrating their imminent success, until Madara Uchiha teleported at the scene.<br><br>"You!, you have ruined my Red eye Moon Plan, but not all is lost, I still have the core members of the akatsuki, and an army of revived ninja's. I will nip the bud of my enemy this time around, so that No-one will be able to stop me!." Mascara declared.<br><br>"Say goodbye to your pitiful life, KAMUI!." Madara performed Kamui on Hari.<br><br>"Noo!, nii-san! don't leave me!." Gaara Shouted.<br><br>"Its too late Boy!, I'll send your precious nii-san to another dimension, and let him be someone else's problem, MWAHAHAHAHAHAH!" Madara laughed as Hari was sucked inside the dimension tear.<br><br>Then Hari no Sabaku was No more.<br><br>Chapter Start:<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Monstrous Animals<br><br>Rare Species<br><br>Buried Riches<br><br>Hidden Treasures<br><br>Worlds of Demons<br><br>Unexplored Lands<br><br>The world "unknown" seems magic<br><br>And some men are attracted by this force<br><br>They are called "Hunters"</span></span><br><br>Hari's POV:<br><br>Hari never felt an agonizing pain before, this surely was it. Hari's body felt like it was being ripped to pieces. The last thing he remembered was Madara used some kind of technique to him.<br><br>"I hope everyone is okay." were Hari's last thought before he passed out from the pain.<br><br>~Time skip, unknown time~<br><br>Poke* Poke* Poke*<br><br>"Mrrrmmm."<br><br>Poke* Poke* Poke*<br><br>"Hrrrmmmmm."<br><br>Poke* Poke* Poke* Poke*<br><br>"Gaara, five more minutes."<br><br>Poke* Poke* Poke*<br><br>"Okay, okay I'm up." Hari woke up in the middle of somewhere where a kid was poking him.<br><br>"Urghhh, What hit me?, I feel like my whole body got hit by a large boulder, and my insides got rearranged." Hari said to no-one in particular.<br><br>"Your a funny kid, which island did you come from?." Asked the black spiky haired kid.<br><br>"Kid?, where?, who?." Asked Hari confused.<br><br>"You must've hit your head pretty hard kid, who else am I talking to, but you." The black spiky haired kid pointed out.<br><br>"Hmmm, last time I checked I was a 17 year old teen." Hari explained to kid.<br><br>"Hmm, that boulder must've caused you some serious brain injury if you forgot your own age, your a pretty normal kid that's younger than me, and I'm ten, I think you're about at the age of nine." The kid pointed out.<br><br>"Urggg, can you please point me out to the nearest lake, or a mirror?." Hari politely asked.<br><br>"Sure I'll take you to the neareast lake." said the kid cheerfully.<br><br>The kid led Hari to the nearby lake, it only took about thirty minutes of walking.<br><br>"You must be pretty strong if that little trip didn't tire you out." Hari pointed the fact to the kid.<br><br>"Nahh, I just go out alot, what about you?, you aren't even tired, and didn't even break a sweat." asked the curious kid.<br><br>"Hmm, I guess a train a little, do some excercises, stuff like. that."answered Hari.<br><br>"Well, we're here, This is whale islands largest lake, and home to the Master of the swamp, a super giant fish." explained the kid.<br><br>Hari looked through the clear surface of the water. What he saw shocked him. He was de-aged...again. This time he was certain that he was nine years old. Hari's mind worked in overdrive. If he was de-aged, WHAT about his skills, and stats.<br>"Stats."<br><br>Character Name: Hari no Sabaku<br><br>Alignment: Neutral<br><br>Level:1<br><br>Profession: Master of death<br><br>Title: Village Savior<br><br>Fame: 3000<br><br>Health:15550<br><br>Mana: 20300 ( +3000 )<br><br>Strength: 280<br><br>Agility:340<br><br>Vitality: 410<br><br>Wisdom: 270<br><br>Intellect: 1130<br><br>Stamina:390<br><br>Luck: 310<br><br>Attack: 560<br><br>Magic Attack: 2060<br><br>Magic defense: 540<br><br>Mana Regen speed: 54 (+1130 mana)<br><br>Defense:410<br><br>Speed: 680<br><br>Hit: 680<br><br>Crit: 620<br><br>"skills."<br><br>®Skills Learned:<br><br>©Sand Manipulation lvl (Master)<br><br>©Automatic Sand Defense (Master)<br><br>©-Chakra control Mastery lvl 60<br><br>© Fan Mastery lv 10<br><br>-Increases attack power Fan (+55 % Attack Damage)<br><br>-Increases Accuracy with Fan (+15 % Accuracy)<br><br>©Ruwach lvl 10<br><br>©Soul strike lvl 10<br><br>©Heal lvl 20<br><br>©Kagebunshin no Jutsu ( Shadow Clone ) ( Master )<br><br>©Sanctuary lvl 20<br><br>©Sabaku Fuyu (Desert Suspension)<br><br>©Sabaku Kyu (The Coffin of Crushing Sand)<br><br>©Sabaku Soso (Imploding Sand Funeral)<br><br>©Ryusa Bakuryu (Quicksand in the Style of a Waterfall)<br><br>©Sabaku Taiso (Desert Imperial Funeral)<br><br>©Sabakuro (Desert Prison)<br><br>©Name: Sabaku ro, literally "Desert Prison"<br><br>©Gokusamaiso (Prison Sand Burial)<br><br>©Daisan no Me (Third Eye)<br><br>©Futon: Mugen Sajin Daitoppa (Wind Release: Infinite Sand Cloud Great Breakthrough)<br><br>©Suna Bunshin (Sand Doppelganger)<br><br>©Suna no Yoroi (Armour of Sand)<br><br>©Suna Shigure (Sand Drizzle)<br><br>©Suna Shuriken (Sand Shuriken)<br><br>©Shunshin no Jutsu (Body Flicker Technique)<br><br>©Suna no Tate (Shield of Sand)<br><br>©Hi-Ougi: Indignation<br><br>Hari was relieved, his skills was still intact. Sadly his stats reverted to what they were when he finished his 3 year training at Suna. Hari didn't complain too much, his hard earned skills were still there.<br><br>"hey..."<br><br>"Heyy..."<br><br>"Oiiii, anybody there?."<br><br>"Whaaaat!, who? where?." responded the startled Hari<br><br>"I said, is anybody there?." asked the kid.<br><br>"Ahh sorry about that, I was checking on something." replied Hari.<br><br>"Geez, you must have gotten a bad case of amnesia this time around, spacing around like that, and spouting giberish. What's your name?." asked the kid.<br><br>"My name is Hari no Sabaku." answered Hari.<br><br>"What!, you really do have amnesia?, who in the right mind would name you something related to a desert. The Islands around here are tropical islands. I must take you to Aunt Mito, she'll know what to do to an amnesiac kid who bumped his head too hard and is now thinking his name is a desert. Quick we must hurry!, you are spacing alot, so it must have done some serious major brain damage." explained the black haired kid who quickly dragged Hari away.<br><br>The kid dragged Hari to his house that was built under a tree.<br><br>"Aunt Mito come quick!, I found a kid who needs your help, He has amnesia, and is delusional, he also who spaces out alot, and he also thinks his name is a desert." explained the kid as clear as he possibly could.<br><br>"Ahh, you poor, poor, kid, some bad people must've done something to you, HOW DARE THEY!, huff, huff, huff. There, there, everything is alright. I know!, we will adopt you, so that whoever did this to you will never touch you again!." Declared the woman who Hari assumed was this Aunt Mito person.<br><br>"So what's your name?." Asked Mito.<br><br>"His name is Hari no Sabaku." answered the kid for Hari.<br><br>"What!?, those fiends named this cute kid after a dessert?, HOW DARE THEY!, huff, huff. There, there, from now on your name is Hari Freecs." Declared Mito.<br><br>"Wohoo!, I get a new brother, it's nice to meet you Hari Freecs, My name is Gon, Gon Freecs." Introduced the black spiky haired kid.<br><br>Hari was flabbergasted, How!, just how did he get into this situation?, first he was at a major battle that would decide the fate of the world. Then he assumed he was thrown in another world by that madman Madara. Then He was de-aged again. Woken up by a strange kid, took him to a lake. He was looking at his stats, and skills, and spaced off a little. The kid misunderstood it as Hari having amnesia, and brain damage because of his name. Got dragged off to see his crazy Aunt. Said Aunt decided right then, and there to adopt him because of his name.<br><br>"My life must be a comedy." thought Hari wryly.<br><br>Hari then received a pop-up.<br><br>®System Notice<br><br>®Message received<br><br>Dear Harry Potter, or should I say Hari Freecs,<br><br>May you live in interesting times.<br><br>Sincerely,<br><br>Mistress Death<br><br>P.S<br><br>Mwahahahahaha, Ahahahahahahahaha, Hehehahahaha. God, I can't stop laughing. Keep up the good work Harry Potter, entertain me more.<br><br>Hari felt another blow to his ego, death was laughing at his predicament. He finally resigned himself to his fate.<br><br>"Oh well, A new world, A new name." thought Hari.<br><br>Authors Note:<br><br>In case some readers haven't figured it out, this is the world of Hunter X Hunter.<br><br>What are your thoughts?. </div>

Chapter 1 New X Adenture X Again Disclaimer: I own nothing , this is purely a fanfic for enjoyment. Cross-over from various games , books and anime. Author's Note: This is the sequel of Death's New Entertainment Chapter 7 Previously on Death's New Entertainment. Hari was fighting an army of Zetsu. "I understand of the full lights of the heavens." Harry's voice echoed to the large sorrounding area, his voice was filled with power, and the Zetsu army stood there frozen. A large scale complicated circle runic array formed around the army of Zetsus, the arrays were moving, and the runes were dancing gracefully. One would notice that an octagon shaped, pentagram carved beautifully along the runic arrays "Call upon me with the openings with ease, Call!." The eight sides of large scale glyph of the octagon was brimming with beam energy, and shot up in swirling formation that converged at the center of the runic array, and with their collective energy, It shot up, and rocketed to the sky leaving a hole in the clouds, and leaving the stratosphere very quickly. "Come forth divine lightning, this Ends Now!, Hi-Ougi!, Indignation! AOE Version!" As soon as these words left Harry's mouth, the large energy that exited the atmosphere came down like a pillar of lightning, only 40 times more thick, and stronger than a regular lightning bolt. A large blast of concentrated energy rained down, but as the blast was half-way in its destination, it exploded like a firecracker, and the small pieces of energy blasts was scattered, and the lightning energy that touched the ground resulted in countless explosions after explosions wiping out most of the Army of Zetsu. Both forces were stunned, and awe of the destructive power of the Jutsu that Hari performed. The shinobi side were celebrating their imminent success, until Madara Uchiha teleported at the scene. "You!, you have ruined my Red eye Moon Plan, but not all is lost, I still have the core members of the akatsuki, and an army of revived ninja's. I will nip the bud of my enemy this time around, so that No-one will be able to stop me!." Mascara declared. "Say goodbye to your pitiful life, KAMUI!." Madara performed Kamui on Hari. "Noo!, nii-san! don't leave me!." Gaara Shouted. "Its too late Boy!, I'll send your precious nii-san to another dimension, and let him be someone else's problem, MWAHAHAHAHAHAH!" Madara laughed as Hari was sucked inside the dimension tear. Then Hari no Sabaku was No more. Chapter Start: Monstrous Animals Rare Species Buried Riches Hidden Treasures Worlds of Demons Unexplored Lands The world "unknown" seems magic And some men are attracted by this force They are called "Hunters" Hari's POV: Hari never felt an agonizing pain before, this surely was it. Hari's body felt like it was being ripped to pieces. The last thing he remembered was Madara used some kind of technique to him. "I hope everyone is okay." were Hari's last thought before he passed out from the pain. ~Time skip, unknown time~ Poke* Poke* Poke* "Mrrrmmm." Poke* Poke* Poke* "Hrrrmmmmm." Poke* Poke* Poke* Poke* "Gaara, five more minutes." Poke* Poke* Poke* "Okay, okay I'm up." Hari woke up in the middle of somewhere where a kid was poking him. "Urghhh, What hit me?, I feel like my whole body got hit by a large boulder, and my insides got rearranged." Hari said to no-one in particular. "Your a funny kid, which island did you come from?." Asked the black spiky haired kid. "Kid?, where?, who?." Asked Hari confused. "You must've hit your head pretty hard kid, who else am I talking to, but you." The black spiky haired kid pointed out. "Hmmm, last time I checked I was a 17 year old teen." Hari explained to kid. "Hmm, that boulder must've caused you some serious brain injury if you forgot your own age, your a pretty normal kid that's younger than me, and I'm ten, I think you're about at the age of nine." The kid pointed out. "Urggg, can you please point me out to the nearest lake, or a mirror?." Hari politely asked. "Sure I'll take you to the neareast lake." said the kid cheerfully. The kid led Hari to the nearby lake, it only took about thirty minutes of walking. "You must be pretty strong if that little trip didn't tire you out." Hari pointed the fact to the kid. "Nahh, I just go out alot, what about you?, you aren't even tired, and didn't even break a sweat." asked the curious kid. "Hmm, I guess a train a little, do some excercises, stuff like. that."answered Hari. "Well, we're here, This is whale islands largest lake, and home to the Master of the swamp, a super giant fish." explained the kid. Hari looked through the clear surface of the water. What he saw shocked him. He was de-aged...again. This time he was certain that he was nine years old. Hari's mind worked in overdrive. If he was de-aged, WHAT about his skills, and stats. "Stats." Character Name: Hari no Sabaku Alignment: Neutral Level:1 Profession: Master of death Title: Village Savior Fame: 3000 Health:15550 Mana: 20300 ( +3000 ) Strength: 280 Agility:340 Vitality: 410 Wisdom: 270 Intellect: 1130 Stamina:390 Luck: 310 Attack: 560 Magic Attack: 2060 Magic defense: 540 Mana Regen speed: 54 (+1130 mana) Defense:410 Speed: 680 Hit: 680 Crit: 620 "skills." ®Skills Learned: ©Sand Manipulation lvl (Master) ©Automatic Sand Defense (Master) ©-Chakra control Mastery lvl 60 © Fan Mastery lv 10 -Increases attack power Fan (+55 % Attack Damage) -Increases Accuracy with Fan (+15 % Accuracy) ©Ruwach lvl 10 ©Soul strike lvl 10 ©Heal lvl 20 ©Kagebunshin no Jutsu ( Shadow Clone ) ( Master ) ©Sanctuary lvl 20 ©Sabaku Fuyu (Desert Suspension) ©Sabaku Kyu (The Coffin of Crushing Sand) ©Sabaku Soso (Imploding Sand Funeral) ©Ryusa Bakuryu (Quicksand in the Style of a Waterfall) ©Sabaku Taiso (Desert Imperial Funeral) ©Sabakuro (Desert Prison) ©Name: Sabaku ro, literally "Desert Prison" ©Gokusamaiso (Prison Sand Burial) ©Daisan no Me (Third Eye) ©Futon: Mugen Sajin Daitoppa (Wind Release: Infinite Sand Cloud Great Breakthrough) ©Suna Bunshin (Sand Doppelganger) ©Suna no Yoroi (Armour of Sand) ©Suna Shigure (Sand Drizzle) ©Suna Shuriken (Sand Shuriken) ©Shunshin no Jutsu (Body Flicker Technique) ©Suna no Tate (Shield of Sand) ©Hi-Ougi: Indignation Hari was relieved, his skills was still intact. Sadly his stats reverted to what they were when he finished his 3 year training at Suna. Hari didn't complain too much, his hard earned skills were still there. "hey..." "Heyy..." "Oiiii, anybody there?." "Whaaaat!, who? where?." responded the startled Hari "I said, is anybody there?." asked the kid. "Ahh sorry about that, I was checking on something." replied Hari. "Geez, you must have gotten a bad case of amnesia this time around, spacing around like that, and spouting giberish. What's your name?." asked the kid. "My name is Hari no Sabaku." answered Hari. "What!, you really do have amnesia?, who in the right mind would name you something related to a desert. The Islands around here are tropical islands. I must take you to Aunt Mito, she'll know what to do to an amnesiac kid who bumped his head too hard and is now thinking his name is a desert. Quick we must hurry!, you are spacing alot, so it must have done some serious major brain damage." explained the black haired kid who quickly dragged Hari away. The kid dragged Hari to his house that was built under a tree. "Aunt Mito come quick!, I found a kid who needs your help, He has amnesia, and is delusional, he also who spaces out alot, and he also thinks his name is a desert." explained the kid as clear as he possibly could. "Ahh, you poor, poor, kid, some bad people must've done something to you, HOW DARE THEY!, huff, huff, huff. There, there, everything is alright. I know!, we will adopt you, so that whoever did this to you will never touch you again!." Declared the woman who Hari assumed was this Aunt Mito person. "So what's your name?." Asked Mito. "His name is Hari no Sabaku." answered the kid for Hari. "What!?, those fiends named this cute kid after a dessert?, HOW DARE THEY!, huff, huff. There, there, from now on your name is Hari Freecs." Declared Mito. "Wohoo!, I get a new brother, it's nice to meet you Hari Freecs, My name is Gon, Gon Freecs." Introduced the black spiky haired kid. Hari was flabbergasted, How!, just how did he get into this situation?, first he was at a major battle that would decide the fate of the world. Then he assumed he was thrown in another world by that madman Madara. Then He was de-aged again. Woken up by a strange kid, took him to a lake. He was looking at his stats, and skills, and spaced off a little. The kid misunderstood it as Hari having amnesia, and brain damage because of his name. Got dragged off to see his crazy Aunt. Said Aunt decided right then, and there to adopt him because of his name. "My life must be a comedy." thought Hari wryly. Hari then received a pop-up. ®System Notice ®Message received Dear Harry Potter, or should I say Hari Freecs, May you live in interesting times. Sincerely, Mistress Death P.S Mwahahahahaha, Ahahahahahahahaha, Hehehahahaha. God, I can't stop laughing. Keep up the good work Harry Potter, entertain me more. Hari felt another blow to his ego, death was laughing at his predicament. He finally resigned himself to his fate. "Oh well, A new world, A new name." thought Hari. Authors Note: In case some readers haven't figured it out, this is the world of Hunter X Hunter. What are your thoughts?.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-style: italic;">*Thougts*</span><br><br>~Sound effects~<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">+++++</div><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chapter 22 Race</span><br><br><br><br>“Damn, I’m almost out of arrows, hey wait, what’s that?” Activating his Hawkeyes, he saw at the foot of the giant mountain before them who was nearly fully covered in snow and looked like the highest around, something, that he had missed, well he didn`t know that he missed it, till he saw it. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Wow, never thought that I would miss trees*</span><br><br>Actually wandering around in grassland without any trees makes you miss them.<br><br>“What did you see?”<br><br>“A forest”<br><br>“Great, I`d like to have some protection of this shitty wind that is blowing here since a while.”<br><br>As they neared this particular mountain that appeared to be the highest in their whole vicinity a strong cold wind blew, giving both of them a cold. So Neuron had to use his less than good tailor skill to make them some protection out of Troll fur. While wearing that they looked really hideous, but it served its purpose, although every city guard that performed their job well would have attacked them upon seeing.<br><br>But when they entered the forest, they were heavily disappointed; the forest was really thin, and thus not managing to stop the wind. <br><br>“Hey Neuron, I have an idea for your arrows!”<br><br>“Really?”<br><br>“Yeah, just give me some time, ah, and leave me alone, I want to surprise you”<br><br>“Ok” And while wandering away he thought while looking up at the mountain<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Hmmm, what can I do, while he is busy*</span><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">_______________________________________________________________</div><br><br>After two hours were long past, Neuron finally got the message that Kyle was done. So he hurried towards were Kyle was when he left him.<br><br>“Hey Kyle, what do you have for me?”<br><br>“Here” and with that he tossed him an arrow, after catching it Neuron observed it, it didn`t look that much different, only the tip was really thin and long, like a needle<br><br>“Identify”<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;"> Iron Bodkin </span><br>Durability 15/15<br>Damage 10-20 (Pierce)<br><br>Do you want to add this arrow to the skill list off arrow creation</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Hey Kyle, why this?”<br><br>“Well, I thought, that those would pierce armor more easily, well just try”<br><br>“Do you have something on which I can try this?”<br><br>“No”<br><br>“Ah, I may have, you remember my stealing from those aristocrats”<br><br>“Yeah, too clearly”<br><br>“Well, I pocketed also a armor which I wanted to give to you, when you met the requirements, but I totally forgot about it, after we received this new gear” While saying that he pulled out a really shiny armor<br><br>“Boah, and this armor is really weaker than that I`m wearing right now?”<br><br>“Yup” And with that he fastened the armor to a tree and after distancing himself from it he shot the Bodkin at it.<br><br>“See I told you it would work!”<br><br>“Yeah, seems like it”<br><br>The arrow penetrated the arrow completely, half of it sticking out the other side<br><br>“Now let’s test it again”<br><br>“Again?, you clearly saw the result”<br><br>“True, but I want you to use your mana coating on it”<br><br>“Nice idea”<br><br>“Would you tell me about the level of your mana Coating?”<br><br>“Of course, show skill mana coating to neuron”<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 Coating Beginner Lv6</span><br>Coats your weapon or armor with Mana making it endure stronger impacts<br>Durability +18 while the skill is active<br>Defense +18 while the skill is active<br>-60% Damage when blocking<br>Costs: 10 Mana per second</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Nice, skill I have to say*</span><br><br>“Hey, try not to hit me”<br><br>“Sure, just hold it steady”<br><br>The Bodkin he shot at the arrow again penetrated it, but the only difference was, that it didn’t penetrate all the way through.<br><br>“Good, Add Bodkin to Skill list”<br><br> <div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li>Iron Bodkin has been added to skill list </li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>Show Skill Arrow creation<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;"> Arrow Creation Beginner Lv1</span><br>Possible arrows 1<br>Current added arrows 1</li></ul><br></td></tr><tr><td width="25%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Arrow </span></td><td width="25%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Damage </span></td><td width="25%"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Material</span></td><td width="25%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mana cost </span></td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Bodkin</td><td width="25%">10-20 (Pierce)</td><td width="25%">Iron, Normal arrow</td><td width="25%">50</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Now I have to make one of them*</span><br><br>“Hey Kyle, do you have some iron for me?”<br><br>“Yeah, what do you need?”<br><br>“Just normal iron”<br><br>“Would a bar suffice?”<br><br>“Yeah, gimme”<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*I wonder what he is up to now*</span><br><br>After Neuron received the bar he took a normal arrow out of his inventory, the he put both materials in front of him.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Good, I hope it works*</span><br><br>“Arrow Creation Bodkin” he said, and then a yellow light appeared, when it disappeared before him laied a new Bodkin arrow. The arrow he put there was gone, and the iron bar had a hole inside equal to the arrow head of the bodkin<br><br>“Boah, so that’s how this skill works!”<br><br>Then Neuron tried it again, only this time he put more arrows on the ground and said<br><br>“Arrow creation Bodkin Times 5” But nothing happened<br><br>“hey, what`s happening before it worked just fine?”<br><br>“I guess it means that I have to make every arrow separately, damn what a pain in the ass”<br><br>“hey, maybe you can mass-produce them when the skill is at a sufficient level”<br><br>“I hope so, I hope so, ähm Kyle?”<br><br>“Yeah” he answered worriedly<br><br>“Do you want to go mountain climbing?”<br><br>“Why?”<br><br>“Just look at the mountain behind you, doesn`t it seem to be the highest around here?”<br><br>“Yeah, but I don`t think climbing it will be easy, look at all that snow, and would climbing it even profit us?”<br>“First I can see a mountain pass beneath it, and second, I believe behind it there will be undiscovered land, so we can get a good look before entering”<br><br>“Well mostly you mean you can, right?”<br><br>“Yup, but I also have a present for you when we are finally at its tip”<br><br>“Really, and what about monsters?”<br><br>“Don’t worry, I examined the whole mountain and I couldn`t see a living being”<br><br>“Good, so when are you suggesting going up there?”<br><br>“Well as soon as possible would be good, but I still have to prepare, mainly we need good clothes to protect us from the wind and snow.<br><br>“hmm, so what about in two days in game, I have to get some sleep”<br><br>“Sounds good, but be here at daybreak”<br><br>“Right, see you.”<br><br>And with that both of them logged of.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">_______________________________________________________________</div><br><br>“Hey Kyle ready to go mountain climbing?” Neuron asked as soon as kyle appeared, “Here I have something for you, this will protect you from the cold much better than my previous work, and also while going up remove your armor, don`t worry, i looked out for monsters, and i didn`t spot any”<br><br>“Hey thanks” And with that Kyle started his way up but he soon stopped “hey Neuron you`re not coming?”<br><br>“I have some more work to do, but don`t worry I will watch you from here and warn you if some monsters are around you.”<br><br>“I hope so, but I must say those Hawkeyes are really convenient”<br><br>“Hmmm, but I wanted them for another purpose”<br><br>“I think one time you will be able to use them for this purpose, so see ya I have a mountain to conquer!”<br><br>“Right and don`t worry, I will catch up with ya”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">_______________________________________________________________</div><br><br>Sometime later, Kyle just managed to get over the snowline, and soon felt climbing become harder because of the snow.<br><br>“Hey Kyle, I see you are over the Snowline”<br><br>“Boah, those Hawkeyes are truly accurate, do you see this?” And with that he made the piece sign with both his hand<br><br>“Jup, but why the Peace sign?”<br><br>“Nope, that was the victory sign, cause you will never be able to catch up to me, and boah, you can actually see it?”<br><br>“Nice, ain`t it? But why won`t I be able to catch up?”<br><br>“Without armor, climbing is really easy, I literally run up this mountain and I ain`t even out of breath”<br><br>“See, I told ya before to just take of that heavy armor, but anyways, wanna make a bet?”<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Wow, he really is sure about himself, so shall I, but the snow will constrict his movements more, cause he has less strength* </span><br><br>“What do you suggest we bet?”<br><br>“hmm, How about the looser has to dress like a girl and walk through a city full of Players?”<br><br>“Hey, were we are going there ain`t any Players!”<br><br>“Just see it as a long term bet”<br><br>“Alright I accept but so that you know the snow will be a much bigger obstacle for you, than it is for me, ”<br><br>“Why?”<br><br>“Cause you need strength to climb a mountain full of snow”<br><br>“Don`t worry, I`ll catch up with you”<br><br>“Not if I won`t let you”<br><br>“Wow, now you’re really sprinting up the mountain”<br><br>“Jup, I don`t want to dress as a girl”<br><br>“Me neither, so see ya soon”<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">_______________________________________________________________</div><br><br>Another hour passed, when Kyle heard neuron, but this time it wasn`t a whisper, he heard him clearly from behind.<br><br>“Hey there, I caught up to you”<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*How the fuck is that possible?* </span><br><br>When Kyle looked back he saw Neuron jumping from one stone to another quickly catching up to him.<br><br>“No, how the hell did you do that?”<br><br>“I`ll tell you at the tip, so yeah later” And while saying that he touched Kyle’s shoulder, while jumping away<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Boah, that damn Bastard, he had an ace upon his sleeve, maybe he cheated, yeah, he has to, no one can catch up so fast*</span><br><br>“Hey Neuron you cheater!” He whispered<br><br>“Hey I didn`t cheat”<br><br>“Yeah, and do you have proof?”<br><br>“Yes I have, but I´ll show it to you when we arrive at the top”<br><br>[/i]*damn it, I DON`T WANT TO DRESS AS A GIRL!* [/i]<br><br>Half an hour later<br><br>“Kyle, ähm sorry”<br><br>“What?”<br><br>“Ähm, I know you won`t like to hear this, but öhm, I caused an avalanche”<br><br>“What the fuck are you saying” Then Kyle looked up and saw a big wall of snow heading his way “Oh neuron, I’m so going to get revenge for that”<br><br>“Sorry, and ähm don`t worry I got you save”<br><br>“You got me save, I`m gonna be buried by a fucking avalanche, because of some idiot who didn`t watch where he placed his feet you bloody mur….” Kyle couldn`t finish his insults towards Neuron, because the avalanche cut of his words. <br><br>Everything was white, he was being jarred around so he couldn`t tell anymore were up and down was, he tried to scream, but his mouth only was filled with snow, and thus no sound escaped, but the worst, was the deafening sound of being buried alive. But as quickly as it began it ended. Now there was Kyle alone in a snow prison, he tried to move but couldn`t, because the snow prevented him from doing so.<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 suffocating -20HP every second </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Great, I`m so going to Kill Neuron*</span> but while he thought about cruel ways to do it he was pulled out of the snow by a tremendous force. Before he even could process what happened he flew way past Neuron and then he crashed.<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 have crashed into a rock -70% Hp </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Ouuuuuuuuuch!!!!!”<br><br>“Wow, you flew really nicely”<br><br>“Oh, neuron I`m so going to Kill you!” <br><br>While saying that he charged towards Neuron fury blinding him, but Neuron just jumped out of the way and towards the tip of the Mountain, which Kyle noticed was only 500m away<br><br>[/i]*No you won`t!* [/i]<br><br>And while thinking that he charged towards the tip, but one thing was odd, Neuron didn`t use his jump skill as frequently as he did before, and thus Kyle managed to close up to him, but all was in vain, because Neuron arrived at the tip only seconds before Kyle.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">End Chapter 22</div><br><br>Yeah, so that was the promised race between them ;) </div>

*Thougts* ~Sound effects~ +++++ Chapter 22 Race “Damn, I’m almost out of arrows, hey wait, what’s that?” Activating his Hawkeyes, he saw at the foot of the giant mountain before them who was nearly fully covered in snow and looked like the highest around, something, that he had missed, well he didn`t know that he missed it, till he saw it. *Wow, never thought that I would miss trees* Actually wandering around in grassland without any trees makes you miss them. “What did you see?” “A forest” “Great, I`d like to have some protection of this shitty wind that is blowing here since a while.” As they neared this particular mountain that appeared to be the highest in their whole vicinity a strong cold wind blew, giving both of them a cold. So Neuron had to use his less than good tailor skill to make them some protection out of Troll fur. While wearing that they looked really hideous, but it served its purpose, although every city guard that performed their job well would have attacked them upon seeing. But when they entered the forest, they were heavily disappointed; the forest was really thin, and thus not managing to stop the wind. “Hey Neuron, I have an idea for your arrows!” “Really?” “Yeah, just give me some time, ah, and leave me alone, I want to surprise you” “Ok” And while wandering away he thought while looking up at the mountain *Hmmm, what can I do, while he is busy* \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ After two hours were long past, Neuron finally got the message that Kyle was done. So he hurried towards were Kyle was when he left him. “Hey Kyle, what do you have for me?” “Here” and with that he tossed him an arrow, after catching it Neuron observed it, it didn`t look that much different, only the tip was really thin and long, like a needle “Identify” | * Iron Bodkin Durability 15/15Damage 10-20 (Pierce)Do you want to add this arrow to the skill list off arrow creation | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | “Hey Kyle, why this?” “Well, I thought, that those would pierce armor more easily, well just try” “Do you have something on which I can try this?” “No” “Ah, I may have, you remember my stealing from those aristocrats” “Yeah, too clearly” “Well, I pocketed also a armor which I wanted to give to you, when you met the requirements, but I totally forgot about it, after we received this new gear” While saying that he pulled out a really shiny armor “Boah, and this armor is really weaker than that I`m wearing right now?” “Yup” And with that he fastened the armor to a tree and after distancing himself from it he shot the Bodkin at it. “See I told you it would work!” “Yeah, seems like it” The arrow penetrated the arrow completely, half of it sticking out the other side “Now let’s test it again” “Again?, you clearly saw the result” “True, but I want you to use your mana coating on it” “Nice idea” “Would you tell me about the level of your mana Coating?” “Of course, show skill mana coating to neuron” | * Mana Coating Beginner Lv6Coats your weapon or armor with Mana making it endure stronger impactsDurability +18 while the skill is activeDefense +18 while the skill is active-60% Damage when blockingCosts: 10 Mana per second | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | *Nice, skill I have to say* “Hey, try not to hit me” “Sure, just hold it steady” The Bodkin he shot at the arrow again penetrated it, but the only difference was, that it didn’t penetrate all the way through. “Good, Add Bodkin to Skill list” | * Iron Bodkin has been added to skill list | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Show Skill Arrow creation | * Arrow Creation Beginner Lv1Possible arrows 1Current added arrows 1 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Arrow | Damage | Material | Mana cost | | Bodkin | 10-20 (Pierce) | Iron, Normal arrow | 50 | *Now I have to make one of them* “Hey Kyle, do you have some iron for me?” “Yeah, what do you need?” “Just normal iron” “Would a bar suffice?” “Yeah, gimme” *I wonder what he is up to now* After Neuron received the bar he took a normal arrow out of his inventory, the he put both materials in front of him. *Good, I hope it works* “Arrow Creation Bodkin” he said, and then a yellow light appeared, when it disappeared before him laied a new Bodkin arrow. The arrow he put there was gone, and the iron bar had a hole inside equal to the arrow head of the bodkin “Boah, so that’s how this skill works!” Then Neuron tried it again, only this time he put more arrows on the ground and said “Arrow creation Bodkin Times 5” But nothing happened “hey, what`s happening before it worked just fine?” “I guess it means that I have to make every arrow separately, damn what a pain in the ass” “hey, maybe you can mass-produce them when the skill is at a sufficient level” “I hope so, I hope so, ähm Kyle?” “Yeah” he answered worriedly “Do you want to go mountain climbing?” “Why?” “Just look at the mountain behind you, doesn`t it seem to be the highest around here?” “Yeah, but I don`t think climbing it will be easy, look at all that snow, and would climbing it even profit us?” “First I can see a mountain pass beneath it, and second, I believe behind it there will be undiscovered land, so we can get a good look before entering” “Well mostly you mean you can, right?” “Yup, but I also have a present for you when we are finally at its tip” “Really, and what about monsters?” “Don’t worry, I examined the whole mountain and I couldn`t see a living being” “Good, so when are you suggesting going up there?” “Well as soon as possible would be good, but I still have to prepare, mainly we need good clothes to protect us from the wind and snow. “hmm, so what about in two days in game, I have to get some sleep” “Sounds good, but be here at daybreak” “Right, see you.” And with that both of them logged of. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ “Hey Kyle ready to go mountain climbing?” Neuron asked as soon as kyle appeared, “Here I have something for you, this will protect you from the cold much better than my previous work, and also while going up remove your armor, don`t worry, i looked out for monsters, and i didn`t spot any” “Hey thanks” And with that Kyle started his way up but he soon stopped “hey Neuron you`re not coming?” “I have some more work to do, but don`t worry I will watch you from here and warn you if some monsters are around you.” “I hope so, but I must say those Hawkeyes are really convenient” “Hmmm, but I wanted them for another purpose” “I think one time you will be able to use them for this purpose, so see ya I have a mountain to conquer!” “Right and don`t worry, I will catch up with ya” \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Sometime later, Kyle just managed to get over the snowline, and soon felt climbing become harder because of the snow. “Hey Kyle, I see you are over the Snowline” “Boah, those Hawkeyes are truly accurate, do you see this?” And with that he made the piece sign with both his hand “Jup, but why the Peace sign?” “Nope, that was the victory sign, cause you will never be able to catch up to me, and boah, you can actually see it?” “Nice, ain`t it? But why won`t I be able to catch up?” “Without armor, climbing is really easy, I literally run up this mountain and I ain`t even out of breath” “See, I told ya before to just take of that heavy armor, but anyways, wanna make a bet?” *Wow, he really is sure about himself, so shall I, but the snow will constrict his movements more, cause he has less strength* “What do you suggest we bet?” “hmm, How about the looser has to dress like a girl and walk through a city full of Players?” “Hey, were we are going there ain`t any Players!” “Just see it as a long term bet” “Alright I accept but so that you know the snow will be a much bigger obstacle for you, than it is for me, ” “Why?” “Cause you need strength to climb a mountain full of snow” “Don`t worry, I`ll catch up with you” “Not if I won`t let you” “Wow, now you’re really sprinting up the mountain” “Jup, I don`t want to dress as a girl” “Me neither, so see ya soon” \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Another hour passed, when Kyle heard neuron, but this time it wasn`t a whisper, he heard him clearly from behind. “Hey there, I caught up to you” *How the fuck is that possible?* When Kyle looked back he saw Neuron jumping from one stone to another quickly catching up to him. “No, how the hell did you do that?” “I`ll tell you at the tip, so yeah later” And while saying that he touched Kyle’s shoulder, while jumping away *Boah, that damn Bastard, he had an ace upon his sleeve, maybe he cheated, yeah, he has to, no one can catch up so fast* “Hey Neuron you cheater!” He whispered “Hey I didn`t cheat” “Yeah, and do you have proof?” “Yes I have, but I´ll show it to you when we arrive at the top” [/i]*damn it, I DON`T WANT TO DRESS AS A GIRL!* [/i] Half an hour later “Kyle, ähm sorry” “What?” “Ähm, I know you won`t like to hear this, but öhm, I caused an avalanche” “What the fuck are you saying” Then Kyle looked up and saw a big wall of snow heading his way “Oh neuron, I’m so going to get revenge for that” “Sorry, and ähm don`t worry I got you save” “You got me save, I`m gonna be buried by a fucking avalanche, because of some idiot who didn`t watch where he placed his feet you bloody mur….” Kyle couldn`t finish his insults towards Neuron, because the avalanche cut of his words. Everything was white, he was being jarred around so he couldn`t tell anymore were up and down was, he tried to scream, but his mouth only was filled with snow, and thus no sound escaped, but the worst, was the deafening sound of being buried alive. But as quickly as it began it ended. Now there was Kyle alone in a snow prison, he tried to move but couldn`t, because the snow prevented him from doing so. | * You are suffocating -20HP every second | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | *Great, I`m so going to Kill Neuron* but while he thought about cruel ways to do it he was pulled out of the snow by a tremendous force. Before he even could process what happened he flew way past Neuron and then he crashed. | * You have crashed into a rock -70% Hp | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | “Ouuuuuuuuuch!!!!!” “Wow, you flew really nicely” “Oh, neuron I`m so going to Kill you!” While saying that he charged towards Neuron fury blinding him, but Neuron just jumped out of the way and towards the tip of the Mountain, which Kyle noticed was only 500m away [/i]*No you won`t!* [/i] And while thinking that he charged towards the tip, but one thing was odd, Neuron didn`t use his jump skill as frequently as he did before, and thus Kyle managed to close up to him, but all was in vain, because Neuron arrived at the tip only seconds before Kyle. End Chapter 22 Yeah, so that was the promised race between them ;)

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> There! That is what I said I would do for today. And I did it! I hope you like it. <br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Chapter 2.2:</span> Foot... meet Scarecrow</span><br><br>Today was the day! Foot was finally going to be able to leave the Fort. After four weeks of running, <span style="font-style: italic;">actually</span> running, around Fort Feranisbur he knew almost everyone by name. <br><br>He knew where all the shops were, where all the guilds were, where the rich lived, where the poor barely survived, he knew it all. He even knew most of the users who had started around the same time as he had. Being stuck in a city for four weeks does that. Forced to remain in the vicinity of each other – acquaintance were made. Especially if you were Foot.<br><br>Foot had run everywhere. Initially, this had depleted his stamina very quickly, but the more he ran the longer he could run. He had gained a new stat, Endurance because of it. It greatly affected his stamina and it had gone up considerably. Agility had also gone up, making him able to run even faster. He was already faster than any of the people who had tried to run against him. Some of the other users had even made a game of it. However much they tried, they couldn't catch him in a fair race.<br><br>Foot attributed it to his legs. <span style="font-style: italic;">His </span>legs didn't work – so he didn't have the subconscious limitations put on the <span style="font-style: italic;">avatar</span>’s body that others did. If he actually had been able to walk, he might have also experienced those limitations. But since he didn't <span style="font-style: italic;">actually</span> have legs that worked, his virtual legs had the power he wanted them to have – and he was <span style="font-style: italic;">fast</span>.<br><br>He tried willing his legs to move even faster to see if he could will them to move at a higher speed. Unfortunately that didn't work though. A foundation had been set at some point in the last couple of weeks. So he now had to rely on the acquisition of agility stat points – like every other user – to increase his speed. <br><br>He was momentarily quite grieved by this. He had imagined himself running faster than horses and racing the wind… Alas, it was not to be… <span style="font-style: italic;">yet</span>. <br><br>‘Who knows, if I get enough stat points it could work…’ <br><br>At first the city’s inhabitants thought him quite strange, until on his third day at the Fort Hog had said, “Son, why don't ye use all that running ye do for something useful. Don't seem to me like yer doin’ much other than what a dog does when it chasin’ its tail. Ye ain’t no dog. So take this message I’m givin’ ye here and take it to my wife. She runs the bakery on Mila’s Street. That’s right my wife’s bread is so good, she up and got a street named after her. I’m a lucky son of a gun, aren’t I?” <br><br>Hog had handed over the message with a chuckle and had then added, “My Mila’s a good woman. She’ll give you some grub for yer troubles. Get some meat on them bones of yers. Sad thing they call a body now’adays. Ain’t the path to becoming a man I tell ye. No it ain’t.” <br><br>Hog had sighed heavenward. <br><br>When he had looked back down at Foot again he had blinked and said, “Git! Git! What you still doin ere? Run around all day like some mongrel and when he finally get to do some work proper…” Hog had continued as he had watched Foot run around a bend.<br><br>Word had spread quickly and soon, Foot had been delivering this message or that item or that parcel. He would run from sunup to sundown and then from sundown to sunup. He ran through, literally <span style="font-style: italic;">ran</span> through, food quickly but that wasn't a problem. He had so many people asking him to make deliveries; he was even able to save some money – which suited him <span style="font-style: italic;">just </span>fine.<br><br>He was going to become the Emperor of Versailles. He had read the manual carefully. He knew about the money he could make if he succeeded. The money he needed to walk again – for <span style="font-style: italic;">real</span>. <br><br>He loved Royal Road, he didn't even mind the promotion videos that were made from footage of his game time. What he did mind though was the moment he logged off. Every time he would get a little shock, and then realization hit. He <span style="font-style: italic;">knew</span> he couldn't walk, and yet in Royal Road he <span style="font-style: italic;">could</span>. So every time he came back to real life, it hurt to see his legs. <br><br>Legs that wouldn't move no matter how much he willed them to. He used them as fuel for determination. He was going to be Emperor. And he was going to walk again – for <span style="font-style: italic;">real</span>. <br><br>And today, today was the first step. He ran up to the gate that Hog usually guarded. Unfortunately Hog wasn't there to witness his momentous event. <br><br>‘His loss.’ Foot ran out of the Fort. <br><br>The road was still cobbled for a couple hundred feet, but then quickly gave way to a haggard dirt road. <br><br>‘Well calling this a road is a stretch…’ Foot jumped over puddles the size of bathtubs and ran on, barely missing a step. <br><br>Sometimes he slipped and almost fell a couple of times, but he persevered. After a particularly exemplary display of dexterity at the mercy of giant-puddles a window popped up.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">New Stat: Flexibility</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">Flexibility: Reduces the loss of vitality and stamina. Stat points distribution is possible and depending on the character’s actions, it can be increased by itself.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>He was now at a level five due to his constant running of quests. He had assigned most of his stats to agility and stamina. All he cared about was running faster. <br><br>He had already been running for two hours and yet the forest in the distance did not seem any closer. He had initially planned on running there and back but now considered turning around and heading back. Perhaps he would be able to find a quest to hunt rabbits, he had already spotted a few.<br><br>He was about to turn back around when he encountered a fox. He had heard other users in the square talking about quests involving fox pelts. He figured it would be a good idea to gain experience from defeating a fox. One of the users in the square had boldly claimed that he had single-handedly beaten a fox at a level three. <br><br>Ignorantly using that knowledge as a basis, Foot attacked the fox. <br><br>‘Surely if I am at a level five I can handle something a level three did.’<br><br>He had a small dagger in his inventory. He had received it on one of his quests. He now gripped it in his right hand and ferociously lunged for the fox’s throat. The lunge itself was beautiful. Hours of running supplied him with an extensive knowledge of lunges… everything else was a disaster.<br><br>His grip on the dagger was too tight. He didn't account for the foxes movements. He didn't account for the pain as the fox fought back. With the tight grip on the dagger, his arm lost the flexibility to move out of the way as the fox bit down on his right arm. He saw it coming, he told his body to move – but he had set himself up for failure with that initial lunge. <br><br>Pain seared up his right arm and he instinctively dropped the dagger. He tried shaking the fox off, but it vehemently clung to his arm as its jaws dug deeper and deeper. As it was now firmly attached to his body, he saw no other alternative than punching with his left hand. It wouldn't loosen its hold and his health was sinking fast. <br><br>Running out of alternatives, Foot gripped the fox’s body as tight as he could and drove his knee into the side of its face. Momentarily stunned, its jaws loosened and Foot was able to escape.<br> <br>He turned around and oriented himself towards Fort Feranisburg. He ran as fast as he could and didn't look back. <br><br>His first day out and he was already running back. How <span style="font-style: italic;">pathetic</span>. This way he was never going to become Emperor. He had to become stronger... fast. <br><br>'First thing I do when I get back is learn how to use a sword.'<br><br>---------- <br><br>Halfway back he was still running on fear-injected speed, when he heard someone beside him. He hadn’t heard the stranger approach, but beside him was a tall man. He had a lean build and wore a rusty colored ponytail that seemed vaguely familiar. The man was running in long languid strides. It seemed fluid, almost effortless. Meanwhile, Foot was grasping for breath. Foot was surprised, he had beaten everyone in the Fort by a mile when it came to running... but he was now <span style="font-style: italic;">completely </span>outclassed.<br><br>Though the man’s eyes were covered in mirth, he could see the intelligence in them. He looked Foot up and down, slowly taking stock of the sorry sight he knew he was making. <br><br>The man broke into a grin that completely transformed his face. He didn’t look like a clown, but the effect was similar. Foot doubted anyone could take the man seriously when he was smiling like that. He almost looked juvenile, even though he was at <span style="font-style: italic;">least</span> 10 years if not 15 years older than Foot.<br><br>-“Name’s Ty. What’s yurs?”<br><br>Foot deliberated whether he should answer or not. He didn't see why not. They were almost at the Fort, anyone there would be able to tell this Ty person his name so he replied whilst gasping for air, “…Foo.. aahh…. it’s Foot.”<br><br>-“<span style="font-style: italic;">Good</span> name! Names are important you know! You should thank yur Ma for a name like that.”<br><br>And then it clicked. The same rust-colored hair! <br><br>“Are you… gasp… by any chance… gasp… cough… Hog’s son?”<br><br>If possible, Ty’s grin got even wider as he said, “Why yes indeed I am. What gave it away? The conically shaped… appendage?”<br><br>At that Foot took a closer look at Ty’s head. It was… completely normal. As he puzzled over this, Ty burst out laughing, slowing his gait a bit. For that Foot was thankful, he didn't even remember why he had been running so fast before.<br><br>Confused, Foot slowed down as he considered Ty’s reaction. Immediately he blushed. By instantly looking up at Ty’s head, he had inadvertently proven that he <span style="font-style: italic;">did</span> think of Hog’s head as rather cone shaped. <br><br>Ty continued to laugh.<br><br>And laugh.<br><br>And laugh.<br><br>Soon, tears were streaming down his face. <br><br>‘Come on man… it wasn't <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> funny. Get a grip. You're embarrassing yourself.’<br><br>-“Ahhhh… Get’s them, hah hah, every time, hah hah.. ahhh.” Ty said as he recovered from his somewhat unwarranted laughing episode. <br><br>By this point they had both come to a complete standstill. Ty brushed of the remnants of the tears and headed towards the Fort again at a walk. They were close about five minutes away when Ty became serious again and asked, “What profession did you end up choosing boy? Da rope you into the warrior class?”<br><br>“No, I actually still haven’t decided.”<br><br>-“Well good! I saw you run back there. You have potential, with the proper training you could be very good.”<br><br>“Very good at what? Running?”<br><br>-“Well, that is part of it. But I meant messaging. You could become a great messenger if you applied yourself.”<br><br>“Messenger? That sounds pretty boring…”<br><br>-“Hah! Boring you say?” Ty had gotten a competitive gleam in his eye as he lifted the sleeve to his right arm. It was covered in scars that criss-crossed each other. “You should see my back! Its not boring Foot, its dangerous.” Ty got serious again and continued. “I am a good messenger. One of the best actually… and I still get hurt this much. To me these scars are proof that I did deliver the message. Many don't.” Ty had a grim look about him as he said that last part.<br><br>‘I wonder who died – that meant so much to him. That is too much grief for just a friend.’<br><br>-“So think <span style="font-style: italic;">carefully</span> before you make a decision. Know that if you enter the messenger guild, it is not going to be easy. Unlike these warriors who can hide behind forts and numbers, being a messenger is often just lonely. You have to learn to trust in your <span style="font-style: italic;">own </span>strength and depend on yourself… for starters you have to learn how to fight a fox…” Ty said while poignantly looking at Foot’s damaged arm.<br>Foot instinctively pulled the arm closer to his body, as if he could somehow shield it from Ty’s view.<br><br>Ty broke into one of his big smiles and said, “Foot, where do you think I got my scars? Baking? My mother might be a fierce woman, but she would never hurt one of her sons on purpose!”<br><br>Foot smiled in response, Ty had a gift for building and relieving tension. He commanded the atmosphere around as if it were an extension of his body that he could manipulate at will. Few even noticed what was going on until after the fact – if at all. <br><br>-“Now go to Miranda. She’s a healer. Do you know her?” At Foot’s nod, Ty continued, “Go get your arm patched up and then we can talk if you want.” <br><br>They had by now reached the gates and Hog was back in his usual spot. As Ty turned to greet his father, Foot quickly added, “Ty I’ve decided. I want to be a messenger just like you.” <br><br>'I have to learn where he gets all his speed and stamina from. They are necessary for my road to becoming Emperor.'<br><br>Ty gave one of his grins and said, “Just like me you say? Well that I fear is impossible! I am one of a kind! But I’ll let you be a close second.”<br><br>Ty turned to clasp his father. They each firmly slapped each other on the back, a <span style="font-style: italic;">man</span>’s hug if you will. Meanwhile, a window popped up for Foot.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Class Change! You have converted to the Second Restless Messenger class. You can now learn exclusive skills for the class that are withheld from the primary classes. This class is unique and will only ever be granted once to the Restless Messenger’s Apprentice.</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">Skill: You learned Item Identification.</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">Skill. You learned Beast Awareness. Allows you to know the location of the enemies around you.</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">Skill: You learned Life Delivery. Allows you to regenerate your own health at the cost of your own mana. Messages cannot be delivered if you are dead.</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">Passive Skill: Handcraft is generated.</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">Skill: You have learned Survival Cooking: Allows you to prepare dishes from meager foraging supplied by your travels.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Ty got himself bandaged up by Miranda and promptly went to the Training Hall. He had been there before on many times before on various quests and was thus on familiar terms with the training master, Flavius. He approached him and asked for his instruction with the sword. After having learned a few of the basic moves, Foot moved on to practice on the scarecrows and let his mind wander.<br><br>‘Apparently he didn't get the memo on adequate names. Flavius. Hmm, Flav? Vius? Vi? Us? I wonder what Hog has to say about it. I’ll ask him next time.’<br><br>Foot swung the sword as the Sword Master had instructed him. He thought he was doing it right but it didn't feel right. The sword felt awkward, heavy and clumsy in his hand. He wondered if he would really be able to learn this skill – but continued diligently hitting the scarecrow.<br><br>‘Ty had a brother. He had definitely said that his mother would never harm any of her <span style="font-style: italic;">sons</span>. He hadn’t heard about any brothers. Granted he hadn’t heard much about Ty before meeting him either. Hog had sometimes vaguely referred to him as a son that might or might not come back at some time or other. No brother was ever mentioned….’ <br><br>Foot had been swinging at the scarecrow for at least five hours when the sword swung out of his hand. He had misplaced the blow, <span style="font-style: italic;">again</span>. Having lost his patience, he began viciously kicking the scarecrow.<br><br>In the last couple of hours he had built up a lot of frustration and anger against that stupid figure. He vented it all out in a never-ending stream of consecutive hits. His legs were hurting from the impact of the scarecrow but he kept kicking, stronger and stronger. <br><br>The scarecrow stood there impassively. Nothing seemed to faze it. He swore that if it <span style="font-style: italic;">had</span> a face it would be a patronizing one. Anger bubbled up in him enough for him to summon the last of his strength. He jumped up as high as he could and drop kicked the bastard right in the face.<br><br>There was an explosion of hay as the flower sack ripped. Foot felt immense gratification at this, even while his legs and feet were a ragged mess from his rampage against the immobile scarecrow. But he was content.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Skill: You have learned the Drop-Kick: Allows you to deal a great amount of damage in one blow. Has a stunning effect on opponents. Cost : 50 Mana.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>‘Drop-kick... <span style="font-style: italic;">Sweet</span>. I guess the game is telling me I should give up on swords then. All for the better, I like using my legs more anyway.’<br><br>Flavius was gapping at him when he strolled, or limped, out of the Training Hall. He was soon back at Miranda’s for the second time that day. <br><br>-“Tch. Tch. Child. What have you been up to?” She gently reprimanded.<br><br>“Training ma’m. Just training.”<br><br>-“Training for what? Your <span style="font-style: italic;">death</span>?”<br><br>“No I was…” Miranda wasn't listening. She was busy selecting the herbs she needed for the treatment of Foot’s legs. <br><br>She was a tiny old thing. She had wispy, but starkly white hair that seemed to float around her face. She had <span style="font-style: italic;">beautiful</span> hair, she was probably over 80 years old, but her hair hung down her back in a thick, neat braid that contradicted the wisps around her face. She had a kind face that was layered in paper-thin, translucent skin. She looked fragile, breakable. ‘The healer looks like she needs whatever she’s concocting more than I do.’<br><br>As Foot was waiting for Miranda he asked, “Did you know Ty’s brother?”<br><br>If Foot hadn’t been watching her for some sort of reaction, he wouldn't have noticed the moment Miranda froze for a fraction of a second. ‘There is something here.’<br><br>-“Ty doesn't have a brother.” Miranda replied.<br><br>‘What!? Is she lying? She is lying. Ty himself said he wasn't the only son… and she definitely reacted when I asked about Ty’s brother.’<br><br>“But he <span style="font-style: italic;">had</span> a brother. What happened to him?”<br><br>Miranda turned from her workbench and gave him an appraising look. She sighed in resignation. <br><br>-“No one knows child. No one knows. One day he was out hunting the forests and the next… he wasn't. He never came home so no one knows what really happened to him. He could still be alive, or he could not. Many search parties were sent after him – but none returned successfully. Tork, that was his name, was a great hunter, one of the best. No one dares go deeply into those woods. Strange things happen… things… people… go missing. If you stay on the road, everything is fine but if you veer of the path… well… there is no knowing what might happen. Tork knew that. He knew because he was the best… but he let his pride get in the way. He didn't believe that the forest would hurt <span style="font-style: italic;">him</span>. He went deeper than any of the others and one day he didn't come back. There is a fine line in determining whether pride is a virtue or a sin, remember <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> child. Remember.”<br><br>Miranda sighed dejectedly as she looked at a fixed spot on the wall. She seemed to shake herself awake – and returned to her preparations. Foot almost considered giving up, but then thought better of it. This was still a game, there must ultimately be a way to get Tork back. <br><br>'I just have to ask the right questions... If only it were so easy...'<br><br>“How long ago did that happen?”<br><br>-“Four months ago.”<br><br>“What!? But then he could still be alive! The way you talk made it seem like he has been gone forever!”<br><br>-“For all intents and purposes he has dear. Once you go into that forest you won’t come back unless it wants you to. Hog might believe his son is coming back. In fact – he believes it so strongly; he refuses to face the truth. If only there were something that could put that man’s worries to rest…”<br><br>“I’ll do it! I’ll go find proof that he’s still alive. I’ll even bring him back. And if he’s not alive, I’ll bring something back for Hog to remember him by!”<br><br>Miranda was momentarily taken aback. <br><br>-“Are you sure about this boy? I don’t agree with you going into the forest – but seeing Hog the way he is just pains me too much. All you have to do is grab a memento, and then you can come back here.” <br><br>She shuffled around underneath her workbench and came back up with an old compass made of brass. It was dented and was rusting in some areas. <br><br>-“Here take this. It is not as powerful as it once was, but it will suffice for one more trip – even if it breaks it for good.”<br><br>Miranda curled Foot’s fingers around the compass and explained, “I couldn't give it to anyone until now because they were all too big. The magic left isn’t powerful enough more that much mass anymore. It had to be someone small. I was going to do it myself. I know it would have been a suicide mission – I can barely walk at a constant pace. But you my boy – you have strong legs. You will be able to go there, get something for Hog and come back. Seeing that boy that way tears me to shreds. I know what it feels like to wait in vain, I don’t wish that on anyone. So take the compass. Break it when you have retrieved what you need. The compass will then teleport you back here.”<br><br>She was wringing her fingers worriedly. <br><br>-“Foot I can’t ask this of you. I don’t have much to give in return. My most valuable knowledge is my skill, but that will never be enough to cover for what I am asking. I shouldn't have…”<br><br>Foot interrupted her with, “Don’t worry. I’ll do it. I’ll be back before you can find out my actual name.” He gave her his best imitation of one of Ty’s smiles. He knew it wouldn't measure up so he left quickly with the compass clutched in his fingers.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Finding Tork<br>A young man loses himself in the deep forest of Siradin. The balance of life and death is unknown, but proof for his travails is asked for.<br><br>Difficulty: D<br><br>Requirements: Familiarity with Miranda. A stature of equal or smaller size than Miranda's. <br><br>Warning: You will not be able to complete this quest without basic training in your profession. If you try to do it anyways, you will most probably die.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>He had never received a level D quest before. All of the quests that he had done inside the Fort had been either E or F ranked. He was surprised and a little overwhelmed by all the recent events. He took a deep breath, tried to calm himself and reminded himself, 'One step at a time.'<br><br><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Step One</span>: Find the First Restless Messenger, the Second needs some training.<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=190&amp;t=1603" target="_blank">Chapter 3.1</a></div><br><br>-----------<br>Please let me know what parts of the story you liked/ didnt like. What part of my writing could use some improvement on? I really appreciate the feedback - helps me make goals. <br><br><br><br><br>*This is a pity party - enter at own discretion.*<br>I hate hate hate hate hate skill boxes and quest boxes and stat boxes. hate hate hate. i have a whole new appreciation for Heesung Nam. ---Anyone out there actually like those boxes? If so, contact me and we can work something out yeah??!!! :twisted: <br>party end. {[999bas}] </div>

There! That is what I said I would do for today. And I did it! I hope you like it. Chapter 2.2: Foot... meet Scarecrow Today was the day! Foot was finally going to be able to leave the Fort. After four weeks of running, actually running, around Fort Feranisbur he knew almost everyone by name. He knew where all the shops were, where all the guilds were, where the rich lived, where the poor barely survived, he knew it all. He even knew most of the users who had started around the same time as he had. Being stuck in a city for four weeks does that. Forced to remain in the vicinity of each other – acquaintance were made. Especially if you were Foot. Foot had run everywhere. Initially, this had depleted his stamina very quickly, but the more he ran the longer he could run. He had gained a new stat, Endurance because of it. It greatly affected his stamina and it had gone up considerably. Agility had also gone up, making him able to run even faster. He was already faster than any of the people who had tried to run against him. Some of the other users had even made a game of it. However much they tried, they couldn't catch him in a fair race. Foot attributed it to his legs. His legs didn't work – so he didn't have the subconscious limitations put on the avatar’s body that others did. If he actually had been able to walk, he might have also experienced those limitations. But since he didn't actually have legs that worked, his virtual legs had the power he wanted them to have – and he was fast. He tried willing his legs to move even faster to see if he could will them to move at a higher speed. Unfortunately that didn't work though. A foundation had been set at some point in the last couple of weeks. So he now had to rely on the acquisition of agility stat points – like every other user – to increase his speed. He was momentarily quite grieved by this. He had imagined himself running faster than horses and racing the wind… Alas, it was not to be… yet. ‘Who knows, if I get enough stat points it could work…’ At first the city’s inhabitants thought him quite strange, until on his third day at the Fort Hog had said, “Son, why don't ye use all that running ye do for something useful. Don't seem to me like yer doin’ much other than what a dog does when it chasin’ its tail. Ye ain’t no dog. So take this message I’m givin’ ye here and take it to my wife. She runs the bakery on Mila’s Street. That’s right my wife’s bread is so good, she up and got a street named after her. I’m a lucky son of a gun, aren’t I?” Hog had handed over the message with a chuckle and had then added, “My Mila’s a good woman. She’ll give you some grub for yer troubles. Get some meat on them bones of yers. Sad thing they call a body now’adays. Ain’t the path to becoming a man I tell ye. No it ain’t.” Hog had sighed heavenward. When he had looked back down at Foot again he had blinked and said, “Git! Git! What you still doin ere? Run around all day like some mongrel and when he finally get to do some work proper…” Hog had continued as he had watched Foot run around a bend. Word had spread quickly and soon, Foot had been delivering this message or that item or that parcel. He would run from sunup to sundown and then from sundown to sunup. He ran through, literally ran through, food quickly but that wasn't a problem. He had so many people asking him to make deliveries; he was even able to save some money – which suited him just fine. He was going to become the Emperor of Versailles. He had read the manual carefully. He knew about the money he could make if he succeeded. The money he needed to walk again – for real. He loved Royal Road, he didn't even mind the promotion videos that were made from footage of his game time. What he did mind though was the moment he logged off. Every time he would get a little shock, and then realization hit. He knew he couldn't walk, and yet in Royal Road he could. So every time he came back to real life, it hurt to see his legs. Legs that wouldn't move no matter how much he willed them to. He used them as fuel for determination. He was going to be Emperor. And he was going to walk again – for real. And today, today was the first step. He ran up to the gate that Hog usually guarded. Unfortunately Hog wasn't there to witness his momentous event. ‘His loss.’ Foot ran out of the Fort. The road was still cobbled for a couple hundred feet, but then quickly gave way to a haggard dirt road. ‘Well calling this a road is a stretch…’ Foot jumped over puddles the size of bathtubs and ran on, barely missing a step. Sometimes he slipped and almost fell a couple of times, but he persevered. After a particularly exemplary display of dexterity at the mercy of giant-puddles a window popped up. | New Stat: Flexibility | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Flexibility: Reduces the loss of vitality and stamina. Stat points distribution is possible and depending on the character’s actions, it can be increased by itself. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | He was now at a level five due to his constant running of quests. He had assigned most of his stats to agility and stamina. All he cared about was running faster. He had already been running for two hours and yet the forest in the distance did not seem any closer. He had initially planned on running there and back but now considered turning around and heading back. Perhaps he would be able to find a quest to hunt rabbits, he had already spotted a few. He was about to turn back around when he encountered a fox. He had heard other users in the square talking about quests involving fox pelts. He figured it would be a good idea to gain experience from defeating a fox. One of the users in the square had boldly claimed that he had single-handedly beaten a fox at a level three. Ignorantly using that knowledge as a basis, Foot attacked the fox. ‘Surely if I am at a level five I can handle something a level three did.’ He had a small dagger in his inventory. He had received it on one of his quests. He now gripped it in his right hand and ferociously lunged for the fox’s throat. The lunge itself was beautiful. Hours of running supplied him with an extensive knowledge of lunges… everything else was a disaster. His grip on the dagger was too tight. He didn't account for the foxes movements. He didn't account for the pain as the fox fought back. With the tight grip on the dagger, his arm lost the flexibility to move out of the way as the fox bit down on his right arm. He saw it coming, he told his body to move – but he had set himself up for failure with that initial lunge. Pain seared up his right arm and he instinctively dropped the dagger. He tried shaking the fox off, but it vehemently clung to his arm as its jaws dug deeper and deeper. As it was now firmly attached to his body, he saw no other alternative than punching with his left hand. It wouldn't loosen its hold and his health was sinking fast. Running out of alternatives, Foot gripped the fox’s body as tight as he could and drove his knee into the side of its face. Momentarily stunned, its jaws loosened and Foot was able to escape. He turned around and oriented himself towards Fort Feranisburg. He ran as fast as he could and didn't look back. His first day out and he was already running back. How pathetic. This way he was never going to become Emperor. He had to become stronger... fast. 'First thing I do when I get back is learn how to use a sword.' ---------- Halfway back he was still running on fear-injected speed, when he heard someone beside him. He hadn’t heard the stranger approach, but beside him was a tall man. He had a lean build and wore a rusty colored ponytail that seemed vaguely familiar. The man was running in long languid strides. It seemed fluid, almost effortless. Meanwhile, Foot was grasping for breath. Foot was surprised, he had beaten everyone in the Fort by a mile when it came to running... but he was now completely outclassed. Though the man’s eyes were covered in mirth, he could see the intelligence in them. He looked Foot up and down, slowly taking stock of the sorry sight he knew he was making. The man broke into a grin that completely transformed his face. He didn’t look like a clown, but the effect was similar. Foot doubted anyone could take the man seriously when he was smiling like that. He almost looked juvenile, even though he was at least 10 years if not 15 years older than Foot. -“Name’s Ty. What’s yurs?” Foot deliberated whether he should answer or not. He didn't see why not. They were almost at the Fort, anyone there would be able to tell this Ty person his name so he replied whilst gasping for air, “…Foo.. aahh…. it’s Foot.” -“Good name! Names are important you know! You should thank yur Ma for a name like that.” And then it clicked. The same rust-colored hair! “Are you… gasp… by any chance… gasp… cough… Hog’s son?” If possible, Ty’s grin got even wider as he said, “Why yes indeed I am. What gave it away? The conically shaped… appendage?” At that Foot took a closer look at Ty’s head. It was… completely normal. As he puzzled over this, Ty burst out laughing, slowing his gait a bit. For that Foot was thankful, he didn't even remember why he had been running so fast before. Confused, Foot slowed down as he considered Ty’s reaction. Immediately he blushed. By instantly looking up at Ty’s head, he had inadvertently proven that he did think of Hog’s head as rather cone shaped. Ty continued to laugh. And laugh. And laugh. Soon, tears were streaming down his face. ‘Come on man… it wasn't that funny. Get a grip. You're embarrassing yourself.’ -“Ahhhh… Get’s them, hah hah, every time, hah hah.. ahhh.” Ty said as he recovered from his somewhat unwarranted laughing episode. By this point they had both come to a complete standstill. Ty brushed of the remnants of the tears and headed towards the Fort again at a walk. They were close about five minutes away when Ty became serious again and asked, “What profession did you end up choosing boy? Da rope you into the warrior class?” “No, I actually still haven’t decided.” -“Well good! I saw you run back there. You have potential, with the proper training you could be very good.” “Very good at what? Running?” -“Well, that is part of it. But I meant messaging. You could become a great messenger if you applied yourself.” “Messenger? That sounds pretty boring…” -“Hah! Boring you say?” Ty had gotten a competitive gleam in his eye as he lifted the sleeve to his right arm. It was covered in scars that criss-crossed each other. “You should see my back! Its not boring Foot, its dangerous.” Ty got serious again and continued. “I am a good messenger. One of the best actually… and I still get hurt this much. To me these scars are proof that I did deliver the message. Many don't.” Ty had a grim look about him as he said that last part. ‘I wonder who died – that meant so much to him. That is too much grief for just a friend.’ -“So think carefully before you make a decision. Know that if you enter the messenger guild, it is not going to be easy. Unlike these warriors who can hide behind forts and numbers, being a messenger is often just lonely. You have to learn to trust in your own strength and depend on yourself… for starters you have to learn how to fight a fox…” Ty said while poignantly looking at Foot’s damaged arm. Foot instinctively pulled the arm closer to his body, as if he could somehow shield it from Ty’s view. Ty broke into one of his big smiles and said, “Foot, where do you think I got my scars? Baking? My mother might be a fierce woman, but she would never hurt one of her sons on purpose!” Foot smiled in response, Ty had a gift for building and relieving tension. He commanded the atmosphere around as if it were an extension of his body that he could manipulate at will. Few even noticed what was going on until after the fact – if at all. -“Now go to Miranda. She’s a healer. Do you know her?” At Foot’s nod, Ty continued, “Go get your arm patched up and then we can talk if you want.” They had by now reached the gates and Hog was back in his usual spot. As Ty turned to greet his father, Foot quickly added, “Ty I’ve decided. I want to be a messenger just like you.” 'I have to learn where he gets all his speed and stamina from. They are necessary for my road to becoming Emperor.' Ty gave one of his grins and said, “Just like me you say? Well that I fear is impossible! I am one of a kind! But I’ll let you be a close second.” Ty turned to clasp his father. They each firmly slapped each other on the back, a man’s hug if you will. Meanwhile, a window popped up for Foot. | Class Change! You have converted to the Second Restless Messenger class. You can now learn exclusive skills for the class that are withheld from the primary classes. This class is unique and will only ever be granted once to the Restless Messenger’s Apprentice. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Skill: You learned Item Identification. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Skill. You learned Beast Awareness. Allows you to know the location of the enemies around you. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Skill: You learned Life Delivery. Allows you to regenerate your own health at the cost of your own mana. Messages cannot be delivered if you are dead. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Passive Skill: Handcraft is generated. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Skill: You have learned Survival Cooking: Allows you to prepare dishes from meager foraging supplied by your travels. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Ty got himself bandaged up by Miranda and promptly went to the Training Hall. He had been there before on many times before on various quests and was thus on familiar terms with the training master, Flavius. He approached him and asked for his instruction with the sword. After having learned a few of the basic moves, Foot moved on to practice on the scarecrows and let his mind wander. ‘Apparently he didn't get the memo on adequate names. Flavius. Hmm, Flav? Vius? Vi? Us? I wonder what Hog has to say about it. I’ll ask him next time.’ Foot swung the sword as the Sword Master had instructed him. He thought he was doing it right but it didn't feel right. The sword felt awkward, heavy and clumsy in his hand. He wondered if he would really be able to learn this skill – but continued diligently hitting the scarecrow. ‘Ty had a brother. He had definitely said that his mother would never harm any of her sons. He hadn’t heard about any brothers. Granted he hadn’t heard much about Ty before meeting him either. Hog had sometimes vaguely referred to him as a son that might or might not come back at some time or other. No brother was ever mentioned….’ Foot had been swinging at the scarecrow for at least five hours when the sword swung out of his hand. He had misplaced the blow, again. Having lost his patience, he began viciously kicking the scarecrow. In the last couple of hours he had built up a lot of frustration and anger against that stupid figure. He vented it all out in a never-ending stream of consecutive hits. His legs were hurting from the impact of the scarecrow but he kept kicking, stronger and stronger. The scarecrow stood there impassively. Nothing seemed to faze it. He swore that if it had a face it would be a patronizing one. Anger bubbled up in him enough for him to summon the last of his strength. He jumped up as high as he could and drop kicked the bastard right in the face. There was an explosion of hay as the flower sack ripped. Foot felt immense gratification at this, even while his legs and feet were a ragged mess from his rampage against the immobile scarecrow. But he was content. | Skill: You have learned the Drop-Kick: Allows you to deal a great amount of damage in one blow. Has a stunning effect on opponents. Cost : 50 Mana. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | ‘Drop-kick... Sweet. I guess the game is telling me I should give up on swords then. All for the better, I like using my legs more anyway.’ Flavius was gapping at him when he strolled, or limped, out of the Training Hall. He was soon back at Miranda’s for the second time that day. -“Tch. Tch. Child. What have you been up to?” She gently reprimanded. “Training ma’m. Just training.” -“Training for what? Your death?” “No I was…” Miranda wasn't listening. She was busy selecting the herbs she needed for the treatment of Foot’s legs. She was a tiny old thing. She had wispy, but starkly white hair that seemed to float around her face. She had beautiful hair, she was probably over 80 years old, but her hair hung down her back in a thick, neat braid that contradicted the wisps around her face. She had a kind face that was layered in paper-thin, translucent skin. She looked fragile, breakable. ‘The healer looks like she needs whatever she’s concocting more than I do.’ As Foot was waiting for Miranda he asked, “Did you know Ty’s brother?” If Foot hadn’t been watching her for some sort of reaction, he wouldn't have noticed the moment Miranda froze for a fraction of a second. ‘There is something here.’ -“Ty doesn't have a brother.” Miranda replied. ‘What!? Is she lying? She is lying. Ty himself said he wasn't the only son… and she definitely reacted when I asked about Ty’s brother.’ “But he had a brother. What happened to him?” Miranda turned from her workbench and gave him an appraising look. She sighed in resignation. -“No one knows child. No one knows. One day he was out hunting the forests and the next… he wasn't. He never came home so no one knows what really happened to him. He could still be alive, or he could not. Many search parties were sent after him – but none returned successfully. Tork, that was his name, was a great hunter, one of the best. No one dares go deeply into those woods. Strange things happen… things… people… go missing. If you stay on the road, everything is fine but if you veer of the path… well… there is no knowing what might happen. Tork knew that. He knew because he was the best… but he let his pride get in the way. He didn't believe that the forest would hurt him. He went deeper than any of the others and one day he didn't come back. There is a fine line in determining whether pride is a virtue or a sin, remember that child. Remember.” Miranda sighed dejectedly as she looked at a fixed spot on the wall. She seemed to shake herself awake – and returned to her preparations. Foot almost considered giving up, but then thought better of it. This was still a game, there must ultimately be a way to get Tork back. 'I just have to ask the right questions... If only it were so easy...' “How long ago did that happen?” -“Four months ago.” “What!? But then he could still be alive! The way you talk made it seem like he has been gone forever!” -“For all intents and purposes he has dear. Once you go into that forest you won’t come back unless it wants you to. Hog might believe his son is coming back. In fact – he believes it so strongly; he refuses to face the truth. If only there were something that could put that man’s worries to rest…” “I’ll do it! I’ll go find proof that he’s still alive. I’ll even bring him back. And if he’s not alive, I’ll bring something back for Hog to remember him by!” Miranda was momentarily taken aback. -“Are you sure about this boy? I don’t agree with you going into the forest – but seeing Hog the way he is just pains me too much. All you have to do is grab a memento, and then you can come back here.” She shuffled around underneath her workbench and came back up with an old compass made of brass. It was dented and was rusting in some areas. -“Here take this. It is not as powerful as it once was, but it will suffice for one more trip – even if it breaks it for good.” Miranda curled Foot’s fingers around the compass and explained, “I couldn't give it to anyone until now because they were all too big. The magic left isn’t powerful enough more that much mass anymore. It had to be someone small. I was going to do it myself. I know it would have been a suicide mission – I can barely walk at a constant pace. But you my boy – you have strong legs. You will be able to go there, get something for Hog and come back. Seeing that boy that way tears me to shreds. I know what it feels like to wait in vain, I don’t wish that on anyone. So take the compass. Break it when you have retrieved what you need. The compass will then teleport you back here.” She was wringing her fingers worriedly. -“Foot I can’t ask this of you. I don’t have much to give in return. My most valuable knowledge is my skill, but that will never be enough to cover for what I am asking. I shouldn't have…” Foot interrupted her with, “Don’t worry. I’ll do it. I’ll be back before you can find out my actual name.” He gave her his best imitation of one of Ty’s smiles. He knew it wouldn't measure up so he left quickly with the compass clutched in his fingers. | Finding TorkA young man loses himself in the deep forest of Siradin. The balance of life and death is unknown, but proof for his travails is asked for.Difficulty: DRequirements: Familiarity with Miranda. A stature of equal or smaller size than Miranda's. Warning: You will not be able to complete this quest without basic training in your profession. If you try to do it anyways, you will most probably die. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | He had never received a level D quest before. All of the quests that he had done inside the Fort had been either E or F ranked. He was surprised and a little overwhelmed by all the recent events. He took a deep breath, tried to calm himself and reminded himself, 'One step at a time.' Step One: Find the First Restless Messenger, the Second needs some training. [Chapter 3.1](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=190&t=1603) ----------- Please let me know what parts of the story you liked/ didnt like. What part of my writing could use some improvement on? I really appreciate the feedback - helps me make goals. *This is a pity party - enter at own discretion.* I hate hate hate hate hate skill boxes and quest boxes and stat boxes. hate hate hate. i have a whole new appreciation for Heesung Nam. ---Anyone out there actually like those boxes? If so, contact me and we can work something out yeah??!!! :twisted: party end. {[999bas}]

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Chapter Seven – Black Robes and Whispered Words<br><br>Too many wolves died.<br>If he were stronger more could have been saved.<br>He didn't beat an eyelid at the hundreds of dead players but with the wolves he felt responsible. Not even bothering to tell Burka he wasn't coming, he entered the tall tower of the mages guild. It was the<br>third tallest building in the citadel. <br>The mages’ guild was the only guild that offered personal rooms to its members. Hundreds of mages stayed in it at any given moment.<br>Jon didn't have time for sightseeing and didn't bother sparing a glance to the magical contraptions displayed everywhere inside.<br>He headed straight to the man sitting behind a huge book, like the one the bookkeeper had. He slammed five gold coins on the desk, startling the old Npc and attracting the attention of players around him.<br>His demeanor was intimidating and the fact that he was the only person there who was wearing armor and not robes didn't help the image he was giving off.<br>"You need to know magic mastery to join…" said the Npc very slowly as if he was trying to remember each and every word he used.<br>Showing the skill menu to him, Jon waited for the Npc who seemed to do everything slowly.<br>"Welcome…" he said at last.<br><br>You Have Joined the Mages Guild<br>The guild is a place for forming friendship and gaining knowledge.<br>Some guilds have their own teachers and libraries, where guild members can learn the arcane arts.<br>The message board in each guild has many quests and jobs to choose from. <br>As a member of the guild you can get free food and lodging in every city that has a branch of it.<br>Notice: All mage guild related Npcs now like you.<br><br>"Would you like to register your name for the room list? Where are you going?"<br>Jon left in the middle of the sentence. He needed only one thing and he knew where he would find it.<br>He ran up the stairs and entered the arcane library.<br>"Healing magic," he demanded from the bookkeeper.<br>"I'm sorry sir, but all the books on the subject are currently in use."<br>Jon stared at the Npc.<br>"She took the last book I had. You can join her." He pointed at a girl sitting at one of the many tables. "She joined yesterday, so she shouldn't be too far ahead. She can help you if you don't understand something."<br>"…"<br>"It's better to study the arcane together. It's safer this way."<br>Looking at the library he could see it was true, everyone was sitting in groups. Even the girl was a part of a pair.<br>He walked up and stood behind her. Looking down he read the titles of the books on the table. They were what he was looking for.<br>"Can I help you?"<br>He lifted an empty seat and moved it closer to the girls’ table. Sitting down he picked up one of the books from the table.<br>"We're sharing," he stated.<br>"He's hot."<br>"I know," they whispered to each other.<br>"Hi. I'm Romune. Are you planning to become a cleric?"<br>"…" He ignored her and skimmed through the book.<br>"This is Irene. She's a little shy."<br>"No, I'm not!" She blurted out with her cheeks turning red fast.<br>"See." She laughed.<br>"Romune!"<br>"Relax, relax. Irene wants to become a priestess so, you guys, should work together. I'll go back to my book."<br>Everyone became silent.<br>"Go on," she kicked Irene in the leg, "explain to him the basics."<br>"Will you stop it already? I was just thinking how to better explain it…"<br>"Hi." She turned to Jon.<br>"Is this your first time learning spells?"<br>"Yes."<br>"Ok." She straightened her back. "Just so you know, I'm not shy or anything. Rumone is just too friendly sometimes." She glanced at her and Romune winked back.<br>Jon didn't care. He didn't come here to make friends. He needed to learn some healing spells and go back to the wolves.<br>"I'm just a beginner myself and I still don't know everything but I'll tell you what I know, okay?"<br>"…"<br>"Just explain it already…"<br>"Be quiet, you!"<br>"Anyways…" she was blushing again. ”A mages’ main attributes are wisdom and intelligence. Wisdom affects the power of your spells while intelligence affects the amount of mana you have and what spells you can use."<br>"To learn a spell all you need to do is have the affinity related to the spell."<br>"I'm gonna be a fire mage so I'm reading about fire affinity at the moment," Romune held up her book.<br>"Do you want to do it yourself?"<br>"No, no. I'm sorry, please, continue."<br>"Once you have the affinity, you can use every spell you want from that affinity. But if you try a spell that requires a high level magic mastery or more Mp than you have, the casting is likely to fail and explode in your face.<br>"That's what happened to the guy with the bandages." She pointed at an overweight player sitting near the window.<br>"He tried a levitation spell. And just when he thought it worked and he began to rise, all around him be…" Irene gave her a stare that was worth a thousand words. She stopped talking and went back to reading.<br>"All you need for casting a spell is the incantation. However, simply memorizing the words and repeating them will cast the weakest version of the spell possible." She relaxed a little and the tension in her voice started to disappear. "That's where the wisdom stat comes in."<br>"If you want the spell to be more powerful you need to understand what you are casting and how the spell works."<br>"For example, the book I'm reading now teaches me the healing spell. I can skip to the end and memorize the incantation, but that way, the spell will only heal twenty HP. If I want to make it more powerful, I need to read all these books about how the healing magic works and how it affects the human body. If I learn the human anatomy and learn about diagnosing wounds and how they need to be mended I can even heal a player completely, with one spell, no matter how much Hp he has." She sighed. "But that is impossible. If only I were a med student…"<br>Jon was listening attentively. Most of the things he was hearing were a surprise to him.<br>"Say, what level are you?" She interrupted again.<br>This time, Irene didn't get angry as she was interested in the answer as well.<br>"Thirteen." He answered a bit annoyed.<br>"Woah." Both of their levels were one as they haven't been playing the game for more than a couple of game days.<br>"What class do you play as? I like your armor."<br>"Assasin."<br>"Good one." The girls laughed. "Seriously though, what class are you?"<br>Jon said no more.<br>The girls stopped laughing and went silent. The mysterious aura Jon seemed to emanate no longer seemed attractive.<br>"Irene, let's go sit somewhere else." They were getting scared.<br>Jon's penetrating stare frightened them more and more.<br>"But what about the books?"<br>"Leave them and let’s go."<br>They left the library in a hurry.<br>-'Finally.'-<br>He took out the flask Unknownadd gave him and took a small sip.<br><br>You drank "Scholars’ Brew"<br>You feel reenergized.<br>Your reading speed is quadrupled.<br>Affect lasts for 12 hours.<br><br>The concentrated doze had a strong kick to it.<br>He didn't know if he was feeling pleasure or was in pain. The only certain thing was that he could no longer keep his eyes closed.<br>The book he had to start with was the one that taught him how to use holy power. He opened it and began reading.<br><br>You Have Completed the Book "Channeling the Holy Power"<br>Wisdom Rises By 1(+1Wis)<br><br>Holy affinity<br>You have learned to channel holy power through your body and to your spells.<br>Increasing your affinity with the element will raise the efficiency and power of holy spells.<br>Affinity: 1%<br><br>You Have Completed the Book: "Basic Healing Spells"<br>Wisdom Rises By 1 (+1 Wis)<br><br>You Have Completed the Book: "Healing Both Friend and Foe"<br>Wisdom Rises By 1 (+1 Wis)<br><br>You drank "Scholars Brew"<br>You feel reenergized.<br>Your reading speed is quadrupled.<br>Affect lasts for 12 hours.<br><br>You Have Completed the Book: "Closing Wounds and Vanishing Bruises"<br>Wisdom Rises By 1 (+1 Wis)<br><br>You Have Completed the Book: "Mana &amp; Animal Anatomy"<br>Wisdom Rises By 1 (+1 Wis)<br><br>He took out his knife and cut his arm open.<br>Chanting the words of the healing spell he weaved the magic through the wound. As he chanted, he concentrated on what he read and applied what he needed for that specific wound.<br>As his mana began to disappear, the blood stopped, after which the nerves and muscle fiber began to reattach themselves and in the end a new layer of skin grew over the closed wound. All that was left was an area on his arm that was hairless and red.<br>His Hp bar was healed completely.<br><br>Heal Spell Learned<br>By channeling the holy element through your magic you can apply your mana to heal yourself and others.<br>For the spell to take affect you must touch the target directly.<br><br>He cut himself again in the same spot, and used the healing spell again. This time he let the spell work on its own power and only twenty five HP out of the thirty he had lost, were healed back.<br>What Irene said was true. Simply knowing how to cast the spell was not the same as knowing how to use the spell.<br>He had enough time for one more book and as he couldn’t find an animal anatomy book, he decided to go with a small book, that explained how healing magic worked on the human body and taught the male and female anatomy.<br><br>You Have Completed the Book: "Healing the Human Machine"<br>Wisdom Rises By 1 (+1 Wis)<br><br>He came to work early that morning.<br>He knew he'd get yelled at, but not for the reason Burka screamed at him..<br>"What in Frey's name are you doing?" Spit flew out of Burka's open mouth.<br>"We have dragon meat coming in a couple of days and you’re busy running with wolves?"<br>Word of last night’s battle had already spread.<br>"Have you completely lost it?" He was waving his chef's knife around and it was getting dangerously close to Jon's face.<br>If Dragon hadn’t interfered, Burka would have gone on yelling forever, or at least until the vain on his neck exploded.<br><br>He came to get meat for the wolves but under the watchful eye of Burka, he couldn't find a good time to run away. Since Burka's mood worsened as the day progressed, Jon accepted the fact that the soonest he could see the wolves was nighttime.<br>The day wasn’t wasted though.<br>Time and time again he cut himself open and healed himself to full. By evening he didn't even feel the pain that came with every slice.<br><br>Heal Spell Levels Up<br>Level 2: Amount of health points healed becomes higher.<br><br>Vitality Rises By 1 (+1Vit)<br><br>Cerberus was waiting for him.<br>He was almost as big as Jon now. A truly fearsome sight.<br>The other wolves soon joined as well. There were nine of them, one must have died from its wounds during the night. The nine that were left, including Cerberus, looked like they were about to pass away from their wounds at any moment.<br>Jon put meat in front of them and backed away not a second too soon.<br>They were starved. Luckily he brought more than enough meat for all of them.<br>Not wasting another moment he began working on them.<br><br>He started from bigger wounds, making sure they closed properly and later switched his attention to broken bones and bruises. The wolves snarled at him at first soon but understood his actions and even tried to bring to his attention the places that hurt more.<br>-'They're not only becoming stronger but smarter as well.'-<br>It took hours to heal them all back from critical health. He hadn’t finished completely yet but he had to wait for his MP to recharge again.<br>The wolves were done eating long ago and were now cuddled around Jon. Each of them tried to get as close as possible to him, some even lay in a way that some part of their bodies was touching Jon. Only Cerberus boldly lay down behind Jon and growled until Jon rested his back against him.<br>Looking at the starry sky, he felt at peace for the first time in years.<br><br>The night sky was covered with countless stars. There was no place in real life that you could see so many stars. Nowadays, even in the most remote places, humanities artificial lights blocked the stars.<br>The air was pleasantly cold, the wolves were pleasantly warm and the night view would soon cause Jon to doze off.<br>It wasn't meant to last.<br>The grassland was empty of players, who were too afraid of the wolf pack. Except for the night noises of the forest everything was silent.<br>So when people began gathering near the citadel gates their voices carried all the way to Jon. He rose to see what it was and saw hurried movement of torches in the dark.<br>Watching for some time he didn't like what he was seeing.<br>A company of twenty guards were heading their way.<br>-'A hunting party.'- He didn't know for sure but he assumed the worst.<br>Burka mentioned that the losers of yesterday battle, cried to the city guards that hunting on the western side of the grassland was impossible. The guards told them they would take care of it.<br>He wanted to send the wolves to hide in the forest but stopped before the words had a chance to come out..<br>-'It’s pointless,'- he thought.<br>The guards will search the forest until they find and kill them.<br>He waited for too long. The guards’ smell, carried by the night breeze, reached the wolves and they began to rise and ready for battle.<br>He watched, speechless, as the wolves ran on a suicide attack at the guards.<br>These were no low level players. The average level of a city guard was fifteen and a captain could even be at twenty-five. The "Wolf's Blood Thirst" buff, Cerberus used last time hasn't even finished recharging.<br>The wolves were stronger than any other wolf in the vicinity of Seraborg citadel, but it wasn't enough to overcome the combat experience of the guards.<br>"STOPPP!" He shouted in desperation.<br>To his surprise the wolves slowed down and turned around to look at him.<br>"Come back!" He yelled.<br>The wolves did.<br><br>"Fight inside the forest." He talked and they appeared to listen.<br>"Separate into two groups. Cerb with the three weakest are one group and the other five are the second." He was facing Cerberus but his words were aimed at the whole pack.<br>"Wait for them to scatter in the dark and pick them off one by one. Each group takes a side while I attack from behind. Go! Hide!"<br>He took out his bow and equipped a quiver of arrows. Next to him Cerberus growled and barked out his commands to the other wolves as they disappeared in the darkness of the forest.<br>He took aim at the platoon of guards and fired, in a high arc, a volley of arrows.The wind died off and the arrows fell exactly where he aimed.<br>Falling from the sky the arrows broke over the guards’ metal armor.<br>He expected that would happen, and the purpose of the arrows was not to harm, but put the guards on the defensive.<br>A voice reached Jon and soon after the platoon spread out, distancing one from another to minimize the risk of being hit.<br>-'Just as planned.'-<br>He kept shooting, waiting for them to get closer. There must have been a captain with them as the guards didn't run at Jon like the foolish players did. Instead, all of them walked calmly forward, with their shields raised over their heads.<br>He started shooting at them when they were more than six-hundred meters away and when they reached the three hundred meter mark; he lowered his angle and aimed at vitals.<br>The multitude of stars in the sky gave more than enough light for his special bow to be able to hit a vital point even at such a distance.<br>Only a few of the arrows scored a critical hit, leaving their recipient to cripple after his mates. The rest of the arrows shattered on the armor. They didn't get a direct hit, but the constant strikes left the whole platoon bruised and hurting.<br>Once they got close enough, he fell back and hid inside a bush. His sneak mastery did the rest of the job and the guards passed by him without noticing anything.<br><br>The guards knew who he was. They saw him yesterday and they would hunt him down. He couldn't allow any of the guards to return alive. Two guards staggered behind the rest.<br>Injured by Jon's arrows they slowly crippled passed him.<br>He took out his sword and drew his knife. Silently, he closed the distance between them.<br>From left and right sounds of fighting could be heard. The wolves have begun their coordinated attack.<br>-'Silent Strike'-<br>The first guard fell as the knife sliced his throat wide open.<br>-'Speed Stab'-<br><br>Critical Hit<br><br>Two quick stabs went through the gaps in the second guard's armor, sinking deep into his armpits. The short sword he held fell from his hand as his hand went limp.<br>Fighting for his life the guard bashed his shield at Jon, who took the blow head on and slipped his knife behind the shield and cut off the fingers that held it in place.<br>A yell of pain slipped through his lips but was silenced by Jon's sword before it had the chance to reach full volume.<br>He moved deeper into the forest, following the sound of fighting. He stepped over three dead guards and lost his balance as he tripped on the fourth in the darkness.<br>"Demon!" a guard crashed his way through some bushes. He was hurt badly and was missing his shield and helm. His sword arm stood away from his body in a weird angle.<br>Even in the darkness Jon could see the fear that covered his face.<br>Jon ended his misery and followed his tracks through the bushes.<br>He stepped out into a small clearing in the trees. There was just enough starlight shining through gaps in the trees to differentiate the shadows before him.<br>Four guards stood back to back while the wolves circled them. Three were missing, but the surviving ones didn't seem hurt.<br>One of the guards must have been the captain as it managed to shield Cerberuses’ attacks time after time. The rest of the remaining guards focused on protecting him from the other wolves.<br>Jon equipped his bow and let lose an arrow at the captain.<br>-'Power Shot.'-<br>Critical Hit<br><br>Power Shot Levels Up<br><br>Archery Mastery Levels Up<br><br>Even with the skill, his attack power was weak and it hardly left its mark on the captain’s HP.<br>He continued fighting with the arrow protruding from his mouth.<br>The game system didn't count an arrow going in, through the mouth and exiting from the other side, as a kill. It all came down to attack power, and "Star Piercer" just didn't have enough attack power to fight high leveled opponents.<br>However frustrating it was it mattered little at the moment. The guards couldn't do anything to him as long as the wolves surrounded them and it left Jon free to turn them into pin cushions.<br>They didn't last long and once all of them fell, the wolves ran off to deal with the rest of the guards.<br><br>Five wolves survived the night. Four wolves lay around Jon waiting for their turn at the healing magic. Cerberus walked in circles around them.<br>He was enjoying the new sensation of walking on two legs.<br>Standing on his hind legs he was taller than Jon and he liked showing it. The sun was shining when he finally stopped.<br>"Listen." Jon stopped him and looked up into his eyes. "Please try to understand."<br>"They won't stop hunting you. And next time there will be more of them."<br>"And if you survive the next time they'll send even more the time after that. How many will you kill before they manage to kill you?" He looked back at the wolves.<br>They lay on the ground, their heads raised to look at Jon.<br>"A hundred? A thousand?"<br>"You need to leave!" He pointed at the mountains in the distance.<br>"Leave this forest and find another place to hunt. You're strong and smart, I know you'll survive."<br>The wolves whimpered and walked up to Jon and Cerberus. They touched their noses to him with their tails tucked between their legs.<br>"Go."<br>Cerberus straightened to his full height. It made Jon crane his neck even higher to see him shake his head in denial.<br>"Go, and never return." He walked away but was stopped by Cerberus who circled and stood before him.<br>He was surprised when the huge beast, turned werewolf, spread its arms and embraced him.<br>The wolves howled in a voice that sounded like crying and Cerberus tightened his hold.<br>Jon's face turned hard as stone. He didn't even return the wolf's hug. All he did was walk away, not even looking back. It was out of his hands now. He hoped they understood his words but there was nothing more he could do.<br>He stepped out into the grasslands when the howls reached him. They came from far away and although weak, they carried with them a goodbye to Jon.<br>"Goodbye."<br><br>The fields were empty. Players still refused to return to this hunting area. He walked slowly, pulling behind him a body of a guard.<br>Reaching the memorial for the wolves, he leaned the body on the sword stuck in the ground and walked away.<br>-'Good luck, Cerb.-<br>His face was facing the other way and he refused to turn around no matter what. So when the sword started giving off light he was already on his way back to the citadel.<br>He didn't see the ghostly apparitions of wolves materialize and devour the flesh off the corpse disappearing, when only a clean skeleton was left.<br>He also didn't see Cerberus and his pack reach the Boar Mountains after months of travel and wouldn't know Cerberus took the werewolves of the area under his control.<br>Only later would he hear rumors of a new area boss that appeared in those mountains. Alas, he would never associate this news with Cerberus and they would never see each other again.<br>However, they never forgot each other and it would be that memory that would eventually lead to Cerberus's death.<br>With a whole quest line surrounding him, Cerberus fought countless adventurers but was finally slain, when he dropped his guard and walked into an ambush only because one of the players smelled like Jon.<br>He will later be revived again, but that is a completely different story.<br><br><br>"Good to see you here on time for once!" Burka's angry voice washed over Jon.<br>His mood was spoiled ever since parting with the wolves. The few days that passed felt like a daydream and he would log in for work and log out when he was done.<br>A messenger arrived yesterday with word of the dragon meat nearing the citadel. It was supposed to arrive today.<br>Jon couldn't care less.<br><br>It came at noon. A huge caravan arrived, with dozens of people following it on horseback. Dragon went out to great them and embraced a man with a gigantic sword.<br>"That was his best student." Burka said. His voice was quiet and calm.<br>"He was the leader of the hunting party that took the dragon down."<br>"Burka!" the man shouted after he let go of Dragon.<br>Burka closed the distance and greeted him warmly.<br>"How went the hunt?"<br>"Come, I'll tell you all about it."<br>"We're done for today!" he shouted to the staff. "Tomorrow we'll distribute the meat."<br>"Jon, accompany us."<br>They walked through the street shouting and laughing. Jon trailed them from a couple of steps away, feeling bored.<br>They shared stories of adventures of previous dragon hunts. Each shared and commented on the other.<br>"So it turns out we've set camp on top of his head." They roared with laughter. "In the morning the thing wakens and raises its head, making me shit my pants and lose the breakfast I still didn't have! The blasted thing was as tall as a mountain!"<br><br>He wondered where they were going as the air was getting warmer and warmer.<br>"You brought it?"<br>"Could I ever forget?"<br>"Good, good. Hand it over to Burka." Dragon had a smile plastered on his face. "Orr, I'd like you to meat Jon, the only man alive that can learn under Burka."<br>"Watch it!"<br>"Relax, you old coot. Go get the fires blowing."<br>"Hi." Orr extended his hand to Jon. "You're lucky. I tried to have him teach me but we ended fighting more than cooking."<br>"Jon, you're going to learn the secret to cooking dragon meat, so it brings out its full potential."<br>Dragon put a hand over his shoulder and lowered his voice. "I don't know what has got you down lately but it's time to forget and move on."<br>"Go inside and help Burka, we'll join you after we buy some drinks in that tavern there."<br>Both of them walked away, the sound of them talking was heard even after they disappeared from sight.<br>He walked inside the building and saw it was a blacksmith workshop.<br>It was like a sauna inside and when he noticed Burka through the steam he was shirtless and was putting on a leather apron.<br>"Start pumping the bellows." Burka pointed at a contraption near the furnace.<br>Jon did as he was told and began blowing air into the fire. The temperature in the room began to rise quickly.<br>"Not many people know this except for dragon slayers, but to cook dragon meat you need to treat it more like metal than meat." He lifted a beautiful slice of meat and slapped it on a huge anvil.<br>"A dragon's body temperature is many times higher than human’s, and cooking it over a normal fire won't even singe it." He was picking a hammer from the set of tools on the wall.<br>"Keep pumping," he said to Jon. "There are as many ways of dealing with dragon meat as there are dragons but there is one way that works on them all. And for that, blacksmiths are needed."<br>"Cook the meat as if you're forging a sword and you'll bring out the best it has to offer."<br>He lifted the meat with tongs and put it in the fire. When it glowed completely red he took it out and dumped it into a tub of water, releasing a wave of steam.<br>He put it back on the anvil and began to hammer it with intense concentration.<br>"Just like with iron, the heating and cooling followed by the hammering purifies the meat and gets rid of toxins and unneeded extras."<br>He put it inside the fire turning the meat red and cooling it before hammering every inch of it, over and over again.<br>"A blacksmith can do what I'm doing now, but a cook is needed to make the finishing touches. Luckily I'm both." He smiled at Jon and kept on hammering.<br><br>Strength Rises by 1(+1Str)<br><br>Pumping the bellows was hard work, and in the intense heat, Jon was getting woozy.<br>"We've brought beers!"<br>In Royal Road players eighteen and older could get drunk and even though Jon didn't want to, he was so hot he would've drunk piss as long as it was cold.<br>The threesome became gradually louder as the wooden barrel got emptier.<br>Burka left the meat in the fire and yelled at Jon to come over.<br>"Look here, I'm going to teach you how to repair your equipment." He seemed pleasantly buzzed and in a good mood. It was weird seeing him this happy.<br>"Orr, give me some broken gear."<br>Orr stumbled to Burka and put a cracked breast plate in his hands.<br>"You take this!" he pushed the breast plate in Jon's face. "And this?" he held up his mug and looked at it intently.<br>"That’s not right…" he looked around, "Quick! Call the dogs! My hammer ran away." He slammed through the doors waving around the breast plate and his mug.<br>Dragon splashed him with a bucket of water and watched him come back to his senses with a hysterical laugh.<br>After an hour, Burka resumed his presentation of the repair skill.<br><br>"WRONG!" he bellowed.<br>"Damn you, Burka. You've made me spill my mug!"<br>"Silence, or I'll spill your brains next." He yelled at Dragon before continuing to scream at Jon. "There's no crack there! Mend this place here!"<br><br>Repair Skill Learned<br>Applying this skill on a piece of equipment will return it to its maximum durability.<br>Low level skill will need more than one time to restore all durability while a high level of this skill can increase the durability over the maximum amount, thus strengthening the equipment.<br>Notice: Can only be applied to metal.<br><br>"If you ever learn the blacksmith skill, I'll take you along on one of my hunting expeditions." Orr spoke to Jon. "I could use a good cook and a blacksmith on months long dragon hunts."<br>The prospect of fighting a dragon blew any thought of the wolves out of his mind. He looked at the hammer in his hand and took out a sword from his inventory. He repaired it and his knife as well, and then proceeded to break and repair the sword until Burka ordered him to man the bellows once again.<br><br>In the dead of the night they sent him back to the restaurant to get ingredients and spices from the kitchen. The meat was almost done and only the seasoning was left.<br>Jon hurried, almost running. The smell of the meat was stuck to his clothes and he could smell it with every breath.<br>"Help…" through the empty streets a voice reached him.<br>He stopped to listen and heard it again.<br>It was coming from the direction he was heading so he doubled his steps.<br>There it was again. This time he could tell it was a female voice. As he got closer he no longer heard the voice, but the sound of running footsteps echoed through the alleys.<br>A woman fell out into the main street. Following her were two figures dressed in black.<br>Whatever she was holding spilled and scattered all around her.<br>"Help me!" she shouted to Jon.<br>The hooded figures turned around to face him. </div>

Chapter Seven – Black Robes and Whispered Words Too many wolves died. If he were stronger more could have been saved. He didn't beat an eyelid at the hundreds of dead players but with the wolves he felt responsible. Not even bothering to tell Burka he wasn't coming, he entered the tall tower of the mages guild. It was the third tallest building in the citadel. The mages’ guild was the only guild that offered personal rooms to its members. Hundreds of mages stayed in it at any given moment. Jon didn't have time for sightseeing and didn't bother sparing a glance to the magical contraptions displayed everywhere inside. He headed straight to the man sitting behind a huge book, like the one the bookkeeper had. He slammed five gold coins on the desk, startling the old Npc and attracting the attention of players around him. His demeanor was intimidating and the fact that he was the only person there who was wearing armor and not robes didn't help the image he was giving off. "You need to know magic mastery to join…" said the Npc very slowly as if he was trying to remember each and every word he used. Showing the skill menu to him, Jon waited for the Npc who seemed to do everything slowly. "Welcome…" he said at last. You Have Joined the Mages Guild The guild is a place for forming friendship and gaining knowledge. Some guilds have their own teachers and libraries, where guild members can learn the arcane arts. The message board in each guild has many quests and jobs to choose from. As a member of the guild you can get free food and lodging in every city that has a branch of it. Notice: All mage guild related Npcs now like you. "Would you like to register your name for the room list? Where are you going?" Jon left in the middle of the sentence. He needed only one thing and he knew where he would find it. He ran up the stairs and entered the arcane library. "Healing magic," he demanded from the bookkeeper. "I'm sorry sir, but all the books on the subject are currently in use." Jon stared at the Npc. "She took the last book I had. You can join her." He pointed at a girl sitting at one of the many tables. "She joined yesterday, so she shouldn't be too far ahead. She can help you if you don't understand something." "…" "It's better to study the arcane together. It's safer this way." Looking at the library he could see it was true, everyone was sitting in groups. Even the girl was a part of a pair. He walked up and stood behind her. Looking down he read the titles of the books on the table. They were what he was looking for. "Can I help you?" He lifted an empty seat and moved it closer to the girls’ table. Sitting down he picked up one of the books from the table. "We're sharing," he stated. "He's hot." "I know," they whispered to each other. "Hi. I'm Romune. Are you planning to become a cleric?" "…" He ignored her and skimmed through the book. "This is Irene. She's a little shy." "No, I'm not!" She blurted out with her cheeks turning red fast. "See." She laughed. "Romune!" "Relax, relax. Irene wants to become a priestess so, you guys, should work together. I'll go back to my book." Everyone became silent. "Go on," she kicked Irene in the leg, "explain to him the basics." "Will you stop it already? I was just thinking how to better explain it…" "Hi." She turned to Jon. "Is this your first time learning spells?" "Yes." "Ok." She straightened her back. "Just so you know, I'm not shy or anything. Rumone is just too friendly sometimes." She glanced at her and Romune winked back. Jon didn't care. He didn't come here to make friends. He needed to learn some healing spells and go back to the wolves. "I'm just a beginner myself and I still don't know everything but I'll tell you what I know, okay?" "…" "Just explain it already…" "Be quiet, you!" "Anyways…" she was blushing again. ”A mages’ main attributes are wisdom and intelligence. Wisdom affects the power of your spells while intelligence affects the amount of mana you have and what spells you can use." "To learn a spell all you need to do is have the affinity related to the spell." "I'm gonna be a fire mage so I'm reading about fire affinity at the moment," Romune held up her book. "Do you want to do it yourself?" "No, no. I'm sorry, please, continue." "Once you have the affinity, you can use every spell you want from that affinity. But if you try a spell that requires a high level magic mastery or more Mp than you have, the casting is likely to fail and explode in your face. "That's what happened to the guy with the bandages." She pointed at an overweight player sitting near the window. "He tried a levitation spell. And just when he thought it worked and he began to rise, all around him be…" Irene gave her a stare that was worth a thousand words. She stopped talking and went back to reading. "All you need for casting a spell is the incantation. However, simply memorizing the words and repeating them will cast the weakest version of the spell possible." She relaxed a little and the tension in her voice started to disappear. "That's where the wisdom stat comes in." "If you want the spell to be more powerful you need to understand what you are casting and how the spell works." "For example, the book I'm reading now teaches me the healing spell. I can skip to the end and memorize the incantation, but that way, the spell will only heal twenty HP. If I want to make it more powerful, I need to read all these books about how the healing magic works and how it affects the human body. If I learn the human anatomy and learn about diagnosing wounds and how they need to be mended I can even heal a player completely, with one spell, no matter how much Hp he has." She sighed. "But that is impossible. If only I were a med student…" Jon was listening attentively. Most of the things he was hearing were a surprise to him. "Say, what level are you?" She interrupted again. This time, Irene didn't get angry as she was interested in the answer as well. "Thirteen." He answered a bit annoyed. "Woah." Both of their levels were one as they haven't been playing the game for more than a couple of game days. "What class do you play as? I like your armor." "Assasin." "Good one." The girls laughed. "Seriously though, what class are you?" Jon said no more. The girls stopped laughing and went silent. The mysterious aura Jon seemed to emanate no longer seemed attractive. "Irene, let's go sit somewhere else." They were getting scared. Jon's penetrating stare frightened them more and more. "But what about the books?" "Leave them and let’s go." They left the library in a hurry. -'Finally.'- He took out the flask Unknownadd gave him and took a small sip. You drank "Scholars’ Brew" You feel reenergized. Your reading speed is quadrupled. Affect lasts for 12 hours. The concentrated doze had a strong kick to it. He didn't know if he was feeling pleasure or was in pain. The only certain thing was that he could no longer keep his eyes closed. The book he had to start with was the one that taught him how to use holy power. He opened it and began reading. You Have Completed the Book "Channeling the Holy Power" Wisdom Rises By 1(+1Wis) Holy affinity You have learned to channel holy power through your body and to your spells. Increasing your affinity with the element will raise the efficiency and power of holy spells. Affinity: 1% You Have Completed the Book: "Basic Healing Spells" Wisdom Rises By 1 (+1 Wis) You Have Completed the Book: "Healing Both Friend and Foe" Wisdom Rises By 1 (+1 Wis) You drank "Scholars Brew" You feel reenergized. Your reading speed is quadrupled. Affect lasts for 12 hours. You Have Completed the Book: "Closing Wounds and Vanishing Bruises" Wisdom Rises By 1 (+1 Wis) You Have Completed the Book: "Mana & Animal Anatomy" Wisdom Rises By 1 (+1 Wis) He took out his knife and cut his arm open. Chanting the words of the healing spell he weaved the magic through the wound. As he chanted, he concentrated on what he read and applied what he needed for that specific wound. As his mana began to disappear, the blood stopped, after which the nerves and muscle fiber began to reattach themselves and in the end a new layer of skin grew over the closed wound. All that was left was an area on his arm that was hairless and red. His Hp bar was healed completely. Heal Spell Learned By channeling the holy element through your magic you can apply your mana to heal yourself and others. For the spell to take affect you must touch the target directly. He cut himself again in the same spot, and used the healing spell again. This time he let the spell work on its own power and only twenty five HP out of the thirty he had lost, were healed back. What Irene said was true. Simply knowing how to cast the spell was not the same as knowing how to use the spell. He had enough time for one more book and as he couldn’t find an animal anatomy book, he decided to go with a small book, that explained how healing magic worked on the human body and taught the male and female anatomy. You Have Completed the Book: "Healing the Human Machine" Wisdom Rises By 1 (+1 Wis) He came to work early that morning. He knew he'd get yelled at, but not for the reason Burka screamed at him.. "What in Frey's name are you doing?" Spit flew out of Burka's open mouth. "We have dragon meat coming in a couple of days and you’re busy running with wolves?" Word of last night’s battle had already spread. "Have you completely lost it?" He was waving his chef's knife around and it was getting dangerously close to Jon's face. If Dragon hadn’t interfered, Burka would have gone on yelling forever, or at least until the vain on his neck exploded. He came to get meat for the wolves but under the watchful eye of Burka, he couldn't find a good time to run away. Since Burka's mood worsened as the day progressed, Jon accepted the fact that the soonest he could see the wolves was nighttime. The day wasn’t wasted though. Time and time again he cut himself open and healed himself to full. By evening he didn't even feel the pain that came with every slice. Heal Spell Levels Up Level 2: Amount of health points healed becomes higher. Vitality Rises By 1 (+1Vit) Cerberus was waiting for him. He was almost as big as Jon now. A truly fearsome sight. The other wolves soon joined as well. There were nine of them, one must have died from its wounds during the night. The nine that were left, including Cerberus, looked like they were about to pass away from their wounds at any moment. Jon put meat in front of them and backed away not a second too soon. They were starved. Luckily he brought more than enough meat for all of them. Not wasting another moment he began working on them. He started from bigger wounds, making sure they closed properly and later switched his attention to broken bones and bruises. The wolves snarled at him at first soon but understood his actions and even tried to bring to his attention the places that hurt more. -'They're not only becoming stronger but smarter as well.'- It took hours to heal them all back from critical health. He hadn’t finished completely yet but he had to wait for his MP to recharge again. The wolves were done eating long ago and were now cuddled around Jon. Each of them tried to get as close as possible to him, some even lay in a way that some part of their bodies was touching Jon. Only Cerberus boldly lay down behind Jon and growled until Jon rested his back against him. Looking at the starry sky, he felt at peace for the first time in years. The night sky was covered with countless stars. There was no place in real life that you could see so many stars. Nowadays, even in the most remote places, humanities artificial lights blocked the stars. The air was pleasantly cold, the wolves were pleasantly warm and the night view would soon cause Jon to doze off. It wasn't meant to last. The grassland was empty of players, who were too afraid of the wolf pack. Except for the night noises of the forest everything was silent. So when people began gathering near the citadel gates their voices carried all the way to Jon. He rose to see what it was and saw hurried movement of torches in the dark. Watching for some time he didn't like what he was seeing. A company of twenty guards were heading their way. -'A hunting party.'- He didn't know for sure but he assumed the worst. Burka mentioned that the losers of yesterday battle, cried to the city guards that hunting on the western side of the grassland was impossible. The guards told them they would take care of it. He wanted to send the wolves to hide in the forest but stopped before the words had a chance to come out.. -'It’s pointless,'- he thought. The guards will search the forest until they find and kill them. He waited for too long. The guards’ smell, carried by the night breeze, reached the wolves and they began to rise and ready for battle. He watched, speechless, as the wolves ran on a suicide attack at the guards. These were no low level players. The average level of a city guard was fifteen and a captain could even be at twenty-five. The "Wolf's Blood Thirst" buff, Cerberus used last time hasn't even finished recharging. The wolves were stronger than any other wolf in the vicinity of Seraborg citadel, but it wasn't enough to overcome the combat experience of the guards. "STOPPP!" He shouted in desperation. To his surprise the wolves slowed down and turned around to look at him. "Come back!" He yelled. The wolves did. "Fight inside the forest." He talked and they appeared to listen. "Separate into two groups. Cerb with the three weakest are one group and the other five are the second." He was facing Cerberus but his words were aimed at the whole pack. "Wait for them to scatter in the dark and pick them off one by one. Each group takes a side while I attack from behind. Go! Hide!" He took out his bow and equipped a quiver of arrows. Next to him Cerberus growled and barked out his commands to the other wolves as they disappeared in the darkness of the forest. He took aim at the platoon of guards and fired, in a high arc, a volley of arrows.The wind died off and the arrows fell exactly where he aimed. Falling from the sky the arrows broke over the guards’ metal armor. He expected that would happen, and the purpose of the arrows was not to harm, but put the guards on the defensive. A voice reached Jon and soon after the platoon spread out, distancing one from another to minimize the risk of being hit. -'Just as planned.'- He kept shooting, waiting for them to get closer. There must have been a captain with them as the guards didn't run at Jon like the foolish players did. Instead, all of them walked calmly forward, with their shields raised over their heads. He started shooting at them when they were more than six-hundred meters away and when they reached the three hundred meter mark; he lowered his angle and aimed at vitals. The multitude of stars in the sky gave more than enough light for his special bow to be able to hit a vital point even at such a distance. Only a few of the arrows scored a critical hit, leaving their recipient to cripple after his mates. The rest of the arrows shattered on the armor. They didn't get a direct hit, but the constant strikes left the whole platoon bruised and hurting. Once they got close enough, he fell back and hid inside a bush. His sneak mastery did the rest of the job and the guards passed by him without noticing anything. The guards knew who he was. They saw him yesterday and they would hunt him down. He couldn't allow any of the guards to return alive. Two guards staggered behind the rest. Injured by Jon's arrows they slowly crippled passed him. He took out his sword and drew his knife. Silently, he closed the distance between them. From left and right sounds of fighting could be heard. The wolves have begun their coordinated attack. -'Silent Strike'- The first guard fell as the knife sliced his throat wide open. -'Speed Stab'- Critical Hit Two quick stabs went through the gaps in the second guard's armor, sinking deep into his armpits. The short sword he held fell from his hand as his hand went limp. Fighting for his life the guard bashed his shield at Jon, who took the blow head on and slipped his knife behind the shield and cut off the fingers that held it in place. A yell of pain slipped through his lips but was silenced by Jon's sword before it had the chance to reach full volume. He moved deeper into the forest, following the sound of fighting. He stepped over three dead guards and lost his balance as he tripped on the fourth in the darkness. "Demon!" a guard crashed his way through some bushes. He was hurt badly and was missing his shield and helm. His sword arm stood away from his body in a weird angle. Even in the darkness Jon could see the fear that covered his face. Jon ended his misery and followed his tracks through the bushes. He stepped out into a small clearing in the trees. There was just enough starlight shining through gaps in the trees to differentiate the shadows before him. Four guards stood back to back while the wolves circled them. Three were missing, but the surviving ones didn't seem hurt. One of the guards must have been the captain as it managed to shield Cerberuses’ attacks time after time. The rest of the remaining guards focused on protecting him from the other wolves. Jon equipped his bow and let lose an arrow at the captain. -'Power Shot.'- Critical Hit Power Shot Levels Up Archery Mastery Levels Up Even with the skill, his attack power was weak and it hardly left its mark on the captain’s HP. He continued fighting with the arrow protruding from his mouth. The game system didn't count an arrow going in, through the mouth and exiting from the other side, as a kill. It all came down to attack power, and "Star Piercer" just didn't have enough attack power to fight high leveled opponents. However frustrating it was it mattered little at the moment. The guards couldn't do anything to him as long as the wolves surrounded them and it left Jon free to turn them into pin cushions. They didn't last long and once all of them fell, the wolves ran off to deal with the rest of the guards. Five wolves survived the night. Four wolves lay around Jon waiting for their turn at the healing magic. Cerberus walked in circles around them. He was enjoying the new sensation of walking on two legs. Standing on his hind legs he was taller than Jon and he liked showing it. The sun was shining when he finally stopped. "Listen." Jon stopped him and looked up into his eyes. "Please try to understand." "They won't stop hunting you. And next time there will be more of them." "And if you survive the next time they'll send even more the time after that. How many will you kill before they manage to kill you?" He looked back at the wolves. They lay on the ground, their heads raised to look at Jon. "A hundred? A thousand?" "You need to leave!" He pointed at the mountains in the distance. "Leave this forest and find another place to hunt. You're strong and smart, I know you'll survive." The wolves whimpered and walked up to Jon and Cerberus. They touched their noses to him with their tails tucked between their legs. "Go." Cerberus straightened to his full height. It made Jon crane his neck even higher to see him shake his head in denial. "Go, and never return." He walked away but was stopped by Cerberus who circled and stood before him. He was surprised when the huge beast, turned werewolf, spread its arms and embraced him. The wolves howled in a voice that sounded like crying and Cerberus tightened his hold. Jon's face turned hard as stone. He didn't even return the wolf's hug. All he did was walk away, not even looking back. It was out of his hands now. He hoped they understood his words but there was nothing more he could do. He stepped out into the grasslands when the howls reached him. They came from far away and although weak, they carried with them a goodbye to Jon. "Goodbye." The fields were empty. Players still refused to return to this hunting area. He walked slowly, pulling behind him a body of a guard. Reaching the memorial for the wolves, he leaned the body on the sword stuck in the ground and walked away. -'Good luck, Cerb.- His face was facing the other way and he refused to turn around no matter what. So when the sword started giving off light he was already on his way back to the citadel. He didn't see the ghostly apparitions of wolves materialize and devour the flesh off the corpse disappearing, when only a clean skeleton was left. He also didn't see Cerberus and his pack reach the Boar Mountains after months of travel and wouldn't know Cerberus took the werewolves of the area under his control. Only later would he hear rumors of a new area boss that appeared in those mountains. Alas, he would never associate this news with Cerberus and they would never see each other again. However, they never forgot each other and it would be that memory that would eventually lead to Cerberus's death. With a whole quest line surrounding him, Cerberus fought countless adventurers but was finally slain, when he dropped his guard and walked into an ambush only because one of the players smelled like Jon. He will later be revived again, but that is a completely different story. "Good to see you here on time for once!" Burka's angry voice washed over Jon. His mood was spoiled ever since parting with the wolves. The few days that passed felt like a daydream and he would log in for work and log out when he was done. A messenger arrived yesterday with word of the dragon meat nearing the citadel. It was supposed to arrive today. Jon couldn't care less. It came at noon. A huge caravan arrived, with dozens of people following it on horseback. Dragon went out to great them and embraced a man with a gigantic sword. "That was his best student." Burka said. His voice was quiet and calm. "He was the leader of the hunting party that took the dragon down." "Burka!" the man shouted after he let go of Dragon. Burka closed the distance and greeted him warmly. "How went the hunt?" "Come, I'll tell you all about it." "We're done for today!" he shouted to the staff. "Tomorrow we'll distribute the meat." "Jon, accompany us." They walked through the street shouting and laughing. Jon trailed them from a couple of steps away, feeling bored. They shared stories of adventures of previous dragon hunts. Each shared and commented on the other. "So it turns out we've set camp on top of his head." They roared with laughter. "In the morning the thing wakens and raises its head, making me shit my pants and lose the breakfast I still didn't have! The blasted thing was as tall as a mountain!" He wondered where they were going as the air was getting warmer and warmer. "You brought it?" "Could I ever forget?" "Good, good. Hand it over to Burka." Dragon had a smile plastered on his face. "Orr, I'd like you to meat Jon, the only man alive that can learn under Burka." "Watch it!" "Relax, you old coot. Go get the fires blowing." "Hi." Orr extended his hand to Jon. "You're lucky. I tried to have him teach me but we ended fighting more than cooking." "Jon, you're going to learn the secret to cooking dragon meat, so it brings out its full potential." Dragon put a hand over his shoulder and lowered his voice. "I don't know what has got you down lately but it's time to forget and move on." "Go inside and help Burka, we'll join you after we buy some drinks in that tavern there." Both of them walked away, the sound of them talking was heard even after they disappeared from sight. He walked inside the building and saw it was a blacksmith workshop. It was like a sauna inside and when he noticed Burka through the steam he was shirtless and was putting on a leather apron. "Start pumping the bellows." Burka pointed at a contraption near the furnace. Jon did as he was told and began blowing air into the fire. The temperature in the room began to rise quickly. "Not many people know this except for dragon slayers, but to cook dragon meat you need to treat it more like metal than meat." He lifted a beautiful slice of meat and slapped it on a huge anvil. "A dragon's body temperature is many times higher than human’s, and cooking it over a normal fire won't even singe it." He was picking a hammer from the set of tools on the wall. "Keep pumping," he said to Jon. "There are as many ways of dealing with dragon meat as there are dragons but there is one way that works on them all. And for that, blacksmiths are needed." "Cook the meat as if you're forging a sword and you'll bring out the best it has to offer." He lifted the meat with tongs and put it in the fire. When it glowed completely red he took it out and dumped it into a tub of water, releasing a wave of steam. He put it back on the anvil and began to hammer it with intense concentration. "Just like with iron, the heating and cooling followed by the hammering purifies the meat and gets rid of toxins and unneeded extras." He put it inside the fire turning the meat red and cooling it before hammering every inch of it, over and over again. "A blacksmith can do what I'm doing now, but a cook is needed to make the finishing touches. Luckily I'm both." He smiled at Jon and kept on hammering. Strength Rises by 1(+1Str) Pumping the bellows was hard work, and in the intense heat, Jon was getting woozy. "We've brought beers!" In Royal Road players eighteen and older could get drunk and even though Jon didn't want to, he was so hot he would've drunk piss as long as it was cold. The threesome became gradually louder as the wooden barrel got emptier. Burka left the meat in the fire and yelled at Jon to come over. "Look here, I'm going to teach you how to repair your equipment." He seemed pleasantly buzzed and in a good mood. It was weird seeing him this happy. "Orr, give me some broken gear." Orr stumbled to Burka and put a cracked breast plate in his hands. "You take this!" he pushed the breast plate in Jon's face. "And this?" he held up his mug and looked at it intently. "That’s not right…" he looked around, "Quick! Call the dogs! My hammer ran away." He slammed through the doors waving around the breast plate and his mug. Dragon splashed him with a bucket of water and watched him come back to his senses with a hysterical laugh. After an hour, Burka resumed his presentation of the repair skill. "WRONG!" he bellowed. "Damn you, Burka. You've made me spill my mug!" "Silence, or I'll spill your brains next." He yelled at Dragon before continuing to scream at Jon. "There's no crack there! Mend this place here!" Repair Skill Learned Applying this skill on a piece of equipment will return it to its maximum durability. Low level skill will need more than one time to restore all durability while a high level of this skill can increase the durability over the maximum amount, thus strengthening the equipment. Notice: Can only be applied to metal. "If you ever learn the blacksmith skill, I'll take you along on one of my hunting expeditions." Orr spoke to Jon. "I could use a good cook and a blacksmith on months long dragon hunts." The prospect of fighting a dragon blew any thought of the wolves out of his mind. He looked at the hammer in his hand and took out a sword from his inventory. He repaired it and his knife as well, and then proceeded to break and repair the sword until Burka ordered him to man the bellows once again. In the dead of the night they sent him back to the restaurant to get ingredients and spices from the kitchen. The meat was almost done and only the seasoning was left. Jon hurried, almost running. The smell of the meat was stuck to his clothes and he could smell it with every breath. "Help…" through the empty streets a voice reached him. He stopped to listen and heard it again. It was coming from the direction he was heading so he doubled his steps. There it was again. This time he could tell it was a female voice. As he got closer he no longer heard the voice, but the sound of running footsteps echoed through the alleys. A woman fell out into the main street. Following her were two figures dressed in black. Whatever she was holding spilled and scattered all around her. "Help me!" she shouted to Jon. The hooded figures turned around to face him.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Chapter 3.1:</span> Who's your Daddy?</span><br><br>“…<span style="font-style: italic;">Alfin</span>! Hey… Alfin <span style="font-style: italic;">psst</span>!!!” Mist hissed into the clear water surface of the puddle she had created. She had found a natural crevice in the roots of a sequoia tree and had used it as a receptacle for the water. <br><br>It was a clear and crisp night; so moonlight was filtering through the foliage allowing her to vaguely make out her own features in the water. No Aflin though – the puddle that he had used to communicate with her from Amirav was empty, the water had been drained by the sequoia and so, she was left to face the objective of her quest alone. ‘Why that <span style="font-style: italic;">little</span>… When I… Oh he’s… <span style="font-style: italic;">Agh</span>… Alfin!!!!’<br><br>She muttered a string of curses directed at him and tried to calm down and take stock of her surroundings. She was deep in the woods and further away from Amirav than she had ever been this far in Royal Road. That wasn't a hard thing to do. Until one week ago she hadn’t even <span style="font-style: italic;">left</span> Amirav.<br><br>----------<br><br>Mist had spent the last nine months happily and diligently reading the books in Amirav’s library. She had taken preciously few breaks and as a result her intelligence and wisdom had elevated to staggering proportions. When the restrictions imposed on new users for leaving the village were lifted, she didn't notice - or care. She had kept reading. <br><br>When the last users who had started out in Amirav, the limit of 50 users had been quickly filled, left – she didn't notice - or care. She barely knew any of the other users and aside from passing a few in the market as she bought some food she hadn’t interacted with them at all. She had shunned the idea of dealing with people that existed beyond Royal Road.<br><br>Although Mist had incredible wisdom and intelligence stats, all of her other stats were abysmal. She hadn’t leveled up much in the past nine months. The cumulative EXP points she had gained from the quests given to her, mostly by Alfin, had eventually added up and allowed her to rise to a paltry level 13. She had used all of the 60 stat points she had gained from those levels towards agility. By reading she was greatly increasing her wisdom and intellect. She didn't see any reason to raise her strength. She didn't think luck would do her any good. So she invested them all in agility - in the hope that she could finish the quests Alfin gave her quickly and get back to her books. <br><br>Through all of her reading she had also gained the concentration stat. It improved sporadically as she read along with her wisdom and intelligence stats. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Concentration: Ability to keep focused when performing a task. Allows skill to be performed with a greater chance of success. Stats cannot be assigned and will go up depending to your actions.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>She had gone through an incredible amount of information. By reading non-stop she was able to gain a vast knowledge of Royal Road and its complex machinations. The reading had often led her to daydreams of adventure. These she had quickly clamped down though. She couldn't actually be part of an adventure could she? All she could do was read about them. <br><br>She had been happily reading about the conquests of a human bard in the High Elf’s Court when a girl had walked into the library one week ago. This was slightly shocking to Mist who had never seen anyone other than Moark or Alfin in the library. Secretly she thought of them, her included, as the three musketeers. Most of her time she spent with Alfin as he was usually busy reading or doing whatever it was that Alfin did when he wasn't reading in the library. <br><br>Sometimes Alfin left and she would be left alone for hours. She didn't take much notice of the solitude. The books were her companions, and even when chatty Alfin <span style="font-style: italic;">was </span>there – he respected her space when she was reading, which she greatly appreciated. So it wasn't that much of a difference when he wasn't present. Unbeknownst to her though, Alfin’s talkative, easygoing and optimistic attitude had rubbed off on her a bit over the months and she was beginning to enjoy his company. It was the first time she had enjoyed another’s company in… well… forever. <br><br>And so it happened that Mist had found herself alone in the library when the girl had walked in. Still reeling from the shock of seeing an elf, other than Moark or Alfin in the library, Mist sat gaping as the girl readily approached Mist. She was a slender thing, all legs and arms, the thing that set her apart from all other Midnight elves she had met though was her hair. Unlike the other elves of Amirav who were all indisputably Midnight elves with their pale skin and stark black hair, this girl seemed paler, translucent even. Her hair was a fine yellow so bright that it could almost pass as white in right light. Her most striking feature though was her eyes, the lightest shade of blue imaginable that contrasted to the thin dark blue border of her iris. <br><br>The girl had a regal air about her as she walked up and quietly asked, “Are you Mist?”<br><br>Mist wasn't actually surprised that the girl knew her name, everyone in town did. She was however surprised that she had never seen the girl before. She thought she knew all of the villagers, there weren’t that many and Alfin had had her write biographies for all of them in the first couple of months. Alfin was adamantly trying to mold her into a proper scribe, even as she – the subject – was adamantly trying to refuse. <br><br>As a result of the copious research she had to put into the biographies she wrote, she knew the villagers’ stories well. None of them included this girl. <br><br>‘Who is she…’<br><br>“Yes, I am… And who do I have the pleasure of speaking to?” Mist enquired. The last nine months had done a great deal to improve her speaking skills. ‘Don’t rush… People say less when the questions are too specific…’<br><br>“My name is Delianis, but my friends call me Delia…” She looked at Mist shyly. Though not completely breaking the regal air that surrounded the girl, that look reassured Mist that the girl was just that… just a girl.<br><br>Mist returned her smile. <br><br>-“Do you… can you… can we… can I be your friend?”<br><br>“Of course! … Delia.”<br><br>Delia broke into an ecstatic smile. “Oh that’s just grand! Papa said you know lots and lots of stories. Will you tell me one?”<br><br>‘Papa? Who is her father and how does he know her… It was obviously someone from the village… but who?’<br><br>“Of course I will tell you one. Will you tell me who told you about me in turn?” Mist asked.<br><br>-“Ummm… I am not supposed to. Actually I am not supposed to even be here. But I wanted a friend and there are no children my age for me to play with so I had to come find you. I know you are a little older, I am eight, but we can still be friends right?”<br><br>‘Now that I think about it… There aren’t any children in Amirav. How strange… I wonder why that is…’ The youngest person she knew was Heron, the grocer, and Hora, the baker’s, daughter Aklavi – and she had just turned 20 a couple of days ago. <br><br>Returning her focus to the girl Mist responded gently, “Of course Delia…” Seeing as how Delia seemed distressed about being found out, Mist decided to soothe her with a story. She briefly considered telling her about the bard she had just been reading about. She quickly discarded that and decided to tell her stories about her childhood’s favorite… Harry Potter. ‘You haven’t had a childhood until you’ve met Harry Potter. Even though… when you think about it… he’s a bit of a selfish, self-centered prick.’<br><br>That day she had spent hours telling Delia about Ron, Hermione and Harry. Delia loved them all. Alfin had been absent the whole time, which wasn't unusual. At some point though, Delia got up from the chair she had been sitting on, brushed down her dress and announced that she must leave. She had a sad look in her eyes that almost broke Mist’s heart.<br><br>Remembering her calligraphy skills, she took out one of the blank books that Alfin had taught her how to make and bind. She had learned a lot in the last months, she hadn't really noticed as the skills had been very slowly piling up. But she was quite accomplished at leather binding and thus tailoring, since tailoring was a pre-requisite for dealing with book-binds. She had learned how to make quills, though hers were more than lacking compared to Alfin’s masterpieces. The one thing she had, surprisingly, turned out to be good at was making ink. She liked making them with different colors and even scents.<br><br>In order to take the grim look off of Delia’s face, Mist used the objects and tools she had created to transcribe some of Harry Potter into the book. She wrote in quick and neat strokes that she had mastered through her ordeals with the village biographies. She took very few artistic liberties – she had never been good at coming up with her own stories. The only thing she <span style="font-style: italic;">did</span> change was Dumbledore’s appearance. She didn't know if Moark was, as Mist suspected, Delia’s father so she changed him a little.<br><br>Her Dumbledore became small and slightly pudgy. He was still old and he still had his half-moon spectacles, but he was bald on the top of his head with little sprouts of hair still covering the sides and back of his head. She was very detailed with the description of the wizard. Giving him a large nose, a crooked posture and a large wooden staff that towered over his diminutive features. Pleased that this Dumbledore was nothing like Moark, she continued writing out the rest of the story. <br><br>As she was writing she imagined what it would be like to attend Hogwarts as a student…<br><br>Suddenly the scene that she had been depicting on paper appeared before her eyes and she was in Hogwart’s dining hall. There were four tables lining the rooms, banners for the different houses… just like in the books, just like she had pictured it… the image lasted for about five minutes and then immediately vanished.<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Skill: You have learned Book Immersion: Allows you to place an illusion around your opponents. Duration ranges from 1-5 minutes depending on circumstances and quality of work. This skill is limited to your profession. Mana Cost: 100.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Delia, who had been standing next to her smiling the whole time like it was the most natural occurrence in the world to be in Hogwarts said, “I liked that place. That’s where Ron and Hermione are right?”<br><br>‘So she’s seen this skill before… The only person he knew who shared his profession was… Perhaps Delia’s father wasn’t Moark, seeing as she hadn’t been fazed by what just happened it seems quite likely that Alfin is her father… That seems hard to believe though… I mean that man is here most of the time… Well… he isn’t <span style="font-style: italic;">now</span>… So maybe… Ahhh!! So many questions…’<br><br>Delia was looking at her expectantly… ‘What did she say again… Oh, right: Ron. Hermione.”<br><br>“Yeah, that’s right…” <br><br>Mist was still reeling when Delia urgently pressed, “You have to finish it quickly. I have to go now. I won’t be able to come back for some time I don't think. It’s hard to get away. So please write it quickly… I want to know what happens to Ron and Hermione…”<br><br>Mist forced herself to sit down and quickly finish writing the story out. Before the ink had even dried on the last sentence ‘<span style="font-style: italic;">All credit for this work goes to J.K. Rowling as she is the mastermind behind this work of art. I am merely serving my duties as a scribe</span>’, Delia was picking up the book and rushing out the door.<br><br>She seemed to catch herself and turned around with a big smile plastered across her face. ‘This kid is really strange. From regal to girly in two seconds flat – this dual personality… it’s <span style="font-style: italic;">got</span> to be Alfin. But <span style="font-style: italic;">Alfin</span>… I just don't see how…’<br><br>Delia waved from the doorway and half-shouted across the room, “I’ll come back as soon as I can! I promise!” And then she was gone. <br><br>Soon thereafter, when Mist had barely recovered from Delia’s whirlwind visit, Alfin came back. Mist eyed him speculatively trying to find similarities between him and Delia. She couldn't find any. Although Alfin’s hair was already speckled with gray, he still had that shock of black hair that was attributed to the Midnight race. <br><br>She was about to ask him about Delia when Alfin beat her to it saying, “I heard you have made an interesting acquaintance today. Moark says she greatly appreciated the gift you made her.”<br><br>‘<span style="font-style: italic;">Moark</span>?… does that mean? And why do they all know each other and talk behind my back… Not cool. So not cool. This detective stuff is getting on my nerves why can’t they just come out and say it!?’<br><br>“Who is Delia?” Mist asked.<br><br>-“She is Miranis’ daughter.”<br><br>‘Miranis… Miranis… Where have I heard that before. I am sure… <span style="font-style: italic;">Oh</span>!”<br><br>“You mean she is the High Elf’s Queen’s <span style="font-style: italic;">daughter</span>!? But the records say she didn't have a daughter! She ran off with that bard… wait did they? Is Delia half human then?”<br><br>-“She is.”<br><br>“Why is she <span style="font-style: italic;">here</span> then? Where is her father? Where is <span style="font-style: italic;">Miranis</span>?”<br><br>-“They are not available. Moark and I are.”<br><br>‘I guess that explains the<span style="font-style: italic;"> Papa</span>… but… you <span style="font-style: italic;">little</span> piece of… You talk and you talk and you <span style="font-style: italic;">talk</span>… and you don't shut up. And when for once, I <span style="font-style: italic;">do</span> need you to talk you’re as close-lipped as a mouse…’<br><br>“Well what does that mean then? Shouldn't she take over? I mean the High Elf’s Court is about to break into mayhem. They don’t have an heir with a proper claim to the throne. All the races are battling for higher representation…”<br><br>‘Just thinking about the possible ramifications is making me dizzy. And she’s half <span style="font-style: italic;">human</span>… Oh this is going to be trouble... The elves are not happy about the recent influx of humans into the continent... It's just natural that most users choose a human avatar... but still... <span style="font-style: italic;">trouble</span>...’<br><br>While all of this was going through her head, Alfin seized her up and said, “It seems you have acquired a new skill. It is finally time for us to begin your real training. You must keep reading of course, but the knowledge you have gained so far will prove more than sufficient. Weren’t they lovely? The books I chose for you? They were carefully selected you know? From thousands and thousand and thousands… millions even. Yes millions! I went and chose the most appropriate books for the foundation of knowledge I wanted my one and only beloved pupil to have…”<br><br>‘<span style="font-style: italic;">Aaaaaand </span>he’s back!”<br><br>- “… so now it is time for the real training to being. With book immersion you will be able to escape any foe. You see our class was never meant to get its hands dirty… with anything other than ink that is… we work best as puppeteers. Masterminds. Sideline commentators. Stage directors. By seeing the whole picture, we are able to guide those around us and take advantage of their skills to the best of our potential. No one person can master all trades… but if each person masters one, and you are the master of those masters… do you understand what I am saying?”<br><br>“I am useless in combat. Run away with the illusion thingy. Find strong people to hide behind. Got it.” Mist replied.<br><br>Alfin looked vaguely amused as he said, “Well yes, that is certainly one way of looking at it. But before any of this can happen you must test yourself. You must be able to avoid any type of danger. You must <span style="font-style: italic;">escape</span> at all costs. You are never to engage in battle directly as that would most certainly result in your death. So, I have prepared a mission for you. All of us must go on our first missions and you have been cooped up in this mossy old nest for far too long. It is time for you to soar little birdy…”<br><br>‘… <span style="font-style: italic;">birdy</span>!?’<br><br>“… and you know how it is with those humans from Kallamore. They share our border and instantly think they have the right to enter Siradin. Preposterous I tell you! <span style="font-style: italic;">Preposterous</span>. Usually we just lead them back to where they came from and they stay, but this particular human has invaded our borders again and again and again. How many times does a person have to get turned away for them to understand they are unwelcome? And well… I don’t understand why but the forest has decided to grant him an audience. It is a shame, but the forest knows more and sees more than I ever will so I will of course reserve my judgment. You are to go and fetch the human and bring him back here. I know you like spending time with me...<br><br>'I do?'<br><br>"...and I like spending time with you too Mist but it is not right for a beautiful..."<br><br>'<span style="font-style: italic;">Riiiight</span>. And pigs fly... Haha! They probably <span style="font-style: italic;">do</span> in Royal Road!'<br><br>"...young woman like you to coop herself up in this old mess. I will miss you when you are gone. But I know you will be back soon. Use this water from the Spirit Tree’s spring to contact me when you reach the human. I will confirm that he is indeed the right human. Usually there aren’t many humans who wander far into the forest, they are the smarter ones… this one however has been repeatedly invading the depths of the forest… he should not be hard to find. The trees react to a foreign presence in the woods, if you listen to them, they will lead you to the humans. At least the trees understand that the humans are unwanted… now if the forest would just…”<br><br>Mist stopped listening as the quest window popped up. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Finding Perpetrator<br>A young man has invaded the deep forest of Siradin. You must leave immediately and track him down. The forest requires his presence. Contact Alfin when you have located the perpetrator. Further instructions will be provided.<br><br>Difficulty: D<br><br>Requirements: Spirit Tree Water. Illusion-type skill. <br><br>Warning: The forest of Siradin is a dangerous place and you are no match to the beasts that roam within it. Do not engage unless you have a death wish.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=190&amp;t=1605" target="_blank">Chapter 3.2</a></div><br><br>------<br><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br>For those of you that do not want to do the math:</span> this part takes place 3 months (Royal Road time) before Foot logs on to Royal Road. <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;">The time frame in which Tork got lost... obviously. I mean... I never said it was Tork - but it should be pretty obvious...</div></div></div><br><br>Thanks for reading ppl!<br><br>Also: I do not like Harry Potter and I have only read two of the books. But I thought it was something most people would know. </div>

Chapter 3.1: Who's your Daddy? “…Alfin! Hey… Alfin psst!!!” Mist hissed into the clear water surface of the puddle she had created. She had found a natural crevice in the roots of a sequoia tree and had used it as a receptacle for the water. It was a clear and crisp night; so moonlight was filtering through the foliage allowing her to vaguely make out her own features in the water. No Aflin though – the puddle that he had used to communicate with her from Amirav was empty, the water had been drained by the sequoia and so, she was left to face the objective of her quest alone. ‘Why that little… When I… Oh he’s… Agh… Alfin!!!!’ She muttered a string of curses directed at him and tried to calm down and take stock of her surroundings. She was deep in the woods and further away from Amirav than she had ever been this far in Royal Road. That wasn't a hard thing to do. Until one week ago she hadn’t even left Amirav. ---------- Mist had spent the last nine months happily and diligently reading the books in Amirav’s library. She had taken preciously few breaks and as a result her intelligence and wisdom had elevated to staggering proportions. When the restrictions imposed on new users for leaving the village were lifted, she didn't notice - or care. She had kept reading. When the last users who had started out in Amirav, the limit of 50 users had been quickly filled, left – she didn't notice - or care. She barely knew any of the other users and aside from passing a few in the market as she bought some food she hadn’t interacted with them at all. She had shunned the idea of dealing with people that existed beyond Royal Road. Although Mist had incredible wisdom and intelligence stats, all of her other stats were abysmal. She hadn’t leveled up much in the past nine months. The cumulative EXP points she had gained from the quests given to her, mostly by Alfin, had eventually added up and allowed her to rise to a paltry level 13. She had used all of the 60 stat points she had gained from those levels towards agility. By reading she was greatly increasing her wisdom and intellect. She didn't see any reason to raise her strength. She didn't think luck would do her any good. So she invested them all in agility - in the hope that she could finish the quests Alfin gave her quickly and get back to her books. Through all of her reading she had also gained the concentration stat. It improved sporadically as she read along with her wisdom and intelligence stats. | Concentration: Ability to keep focused when performing a task. Allows skill to be performed with a greater chance of success. Stats cannot be assigned and will go up depending to your actions. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | She had gone through an incredible amount of information. By reading non-stop she was able to gain a vast knowledge of Royal Road and its complex machinations. The reading had often led her to daydreams of adventure. These she had quickly clamped down though. She couldn't actually be part of an adventure could she? All she could do was read about them. She had been happily reading about the conquests of a human bard in the High Elf’s Court when a girl had walked into the library one week ago. This was slightly shocking to Mist who had never seen anyone other than Moark or Alfin in the library. Secretly she thought of them, her included, as the three musketeers. Most of her time she spent with Alfin as he was usually busy reading or doing whatever it was that Alfin did when he wasn't reading in the library. Sometimes Alfin left and she would be left alone for hours. She didn't take much notice of the solitude. The books were her companions, and even when chatty Alfin was there – he respected her space when she was reading, which she greatly appreciated. So it wasn't that much of a difference when he wasn't present. Unbeknownst to her though, Alfin’s talkative, easygoing and optimistic attitude had rubbed off on her a bit over the months and she was beginning to enjoy his company. It was the first time she had enjoyed another’s company in… well… forever. And so it happened that Mist had found herself alone in the library when the girl had walked in. Still reeling from the shock of seeing an elf, other than Moark or Alfin in the library, Mist sat gaping as the girl readily approached Mist. She was a slender thing, all legs and arms, the thing that set her apart from all other Midnight elves she had met though was her hair. Unlike the other elves of Amirav who were all indisputably Midnight elves with their pale skin and stark black hair, this girl seemed paler, translucent even. Her hair was a fine yellow so bright that it could almost pass as white in right light. Her most striking feature though was her eyes, the lightest shade of blue imaginable that contrasted to the thin dark blue border of her iris. The girl had a regal air about her as she walked up and quietly asked, “Are you Mist?” Mist wasn't actually surprised that the girl knew her name, everyone in town did. She was however surprised that she had never seen the girl before. She thought she knew all of the villagers, there weren’t that many and Alfin had had her write biographies for all of them in the first couple of months. Alfin was adamantly trying to mold her into a proper scribe, even as she – the subject – was adamantly trying to refuse. As a result of the copious research she had to put into the biographies she wrote, she knew the villagers’ stories well. None of them included this girl. ‘Who is she…’ “Yes, I am… And who do I have the pleasure of speaking to?” Mist enquired. The last nine months had done a great deal to improve her speaking skills. ‘Don’t rush… People say less when the questions are too specific…’ “My name is Delianis, but my friends call me Delia…” She looked at Mist shyly. Though not completely breaking the regal air that surrounded the girl, that look reassured Mist that the girl was just that… just a girl. Mist returned her smile. -“Do you… can you… can we… can I be your friend?” “Of course! … Delia.” Delia broke into an ecstatic smile. “Oh that’s just grand! Papa said you know lots and lots of stories. Will you tell me one?” ‘Papa? Who is her father and how does he know her… It was obviously someone from the village… but who?’ “Of course I will tell you one. Will you tell me who told you about me in turn?” Mist asked. -“Ummm… I am not supposed to. Actually I am not supposed to even be here. But I wanted a friend and there are no children my age for me to play with so I had to come find you. I know you are a little older, I am eight, but we can still be friends right?” ‘Now that I think about it… There aren’t any children in Amirav. How strange… I wonder why that is…’ The youngest person she knew was Heron, the grocer, and Hora, the baker’s, daughter Aklavi – and she had just turned 20 a couple of days ago. Returning her focus to the girl Mist responded gently, “Of course Delia…” Seeing as how Delia seemed distressed about being found out, Mist decided to soothe her with a story. She briefly considered telling her about the bard she had just been reading about. She quickly discarded that and decided to tell her stories about her childhood’s favorite… Harry Potter. ‘You haven’t had a childhood until you’ve met Harry Potter. Even though… when you think about it… he’s a bit of a selfish, self-centered prick.’ That day she had spent hours telling Delia about Ron, Hermione and Harry. Delia loved them all. Alfin had been absent the whole time, which wasn't unusual. At some point though, Delia got up from the chair she had been sitting on, brushed down her dress and announced that she must leave. She had a sad look in her eyes that almost broke Mist’s heart. Remembering her calligraphy skills, she took out one of the blank books that Alfin had taught her how to make and bind. She had learned a lot in the last months, she hadn't really noticed as the skills had been very slowly piling up. But she was quite accomplished at leather binding and thus tailoring, since tailoring was a pre-requisite for dealing with book-binds. She had learned how to make quills, though hers were more than lacking compared to Alfin’s masterpieces. The one thing she had, surprisingly, turned out to be good at was making ink. She liked making them with different colors and even scents. In order to take the grim look off of Delia’s face, Mist used the objects and tools she had created to transcribe some of Harry Potter into the book. She wrote in quick and neat strokes that she had mastered through her ordeals with the village biographies. She took very few artistic liberties – she had never been good at coming up with her own stories. The only thing she did change was Dumbledore’s appearance. She didn't know if Moark was, as Mist suspected, Delia’s father so she changed him a little. Her Dumbledore became small and slightly pudgy. He was still old and he still had his half-moon spectacles, but he was bald on the top of his head with little sprouts of hair still covering the sides and back of his head. She was very detailed with the description of the wizard. Giving him a large nose, a crooked posture and a large wooden staff that towered over his diminutive features. Pleased that this Dumbledore was nothing like Moark, she continued writing out the rest of the story. As she was writing she imagined what it would be like to attend Hogwarts as a student… Suddenly the scene that she had been depicting on paper appeared before her eyes and she was in Hogwart’s dining hall. There were four tables lining the rooms, banners for the different houses… just like in the books, just like she had pictured it… the image lasted for about five minutes and then immediately vanished. | Skill: You have learned Book Immersion: Allows you to place an illusion around your opponents. Duration ranges from 1-5 minutes depending on circumstances and quality of work. This skill is limited to your profession. Mana Cost: 100. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Delia, who had been standing next to her smiling the whole time like it was the most natural occurrence in the world to be in Hogwarts said, “I liked that place. That’s where Ron and Hermione are right?” ‘So she’s seen this skill before… The only person he knew who shared his profession was… Perhaps Delia’s father wasn’t Moark, seeing as she hadn’t been fazed by what just happened it seems quite likely that Alfin is her father… That seems hard to believe though… I mean that man is here most of the time… Well… he isn’t now… So maybe… Ahhh!! So many questions…’ Delia was looking at her expectantly… ‘What did she say again… Oh, right: Ron. Hermione.” “Yeah, that’s right…” Mist was still reeling when Delia urgently pressed, “You have to finish it quickly. I have to go now. I won’t be able to come back for some time I don't think. It’s hard to get away. So please write it quickly… I want to know what happens to Ron and Hermione…” Mist forced herself to sit down and quickly finish writing the story out. Before the ink had even dried on the last sentence ‘All credit for this work goes to J.K. Rowling as she is the mastermind behind this work of art. I am merely serving my duties as a scribe’, Delia was picking up the book and rushing out the door. She seemed to catch herself and turned around with a big smile plastered across her face. ‘This kid is really strange. From regal to girly in two seconds flat – this dual personality… it’s got to be Alfin. But Alfin… I just don't see how…’ Delia waved from the doorway and half-shouted across the room, “I’ll come back as soon as I can! I promise!” And then she was gone. Soon thereafter, when Mist had barely recovered from Delia’s whirlwind visit, Alfin came back. Mist eyed him speculatively trying to find similarities between him and Delia. She couldn't find any. Although Alfin’s hair was already speckled with gray, he still had that shock of black hair that was attributed to the Midnight race. She was about to ask him about Delia when Alfin beat her to it saying, “I heard you have made an interesting acquaintance today. Moark says she greatly appreciated the gift you made her.” ‘Moark?… does that mean? And why do they all know each other and talk behind my back… Not cool. So not cool. This detective stuff is getting on my nerves why can’t they just come out and say it!?’ “Who is Delia?” Mist asked. -“She is Miranis’ daughter.” ‘Miranis… Miranis… Where have I heard that before. I am sure… Oh!” “You mean she is the High Elf’s Queen’s daughter!? But the records say she didn't have a daughter! She ran off with that bard… wait did they? Is Delia half human then?” -“She is.” “Why is she here then? Where is her father? Where is Miranis?” -“They are not available. Moark and I are.” ‘I guess that explains the Papa… but… you little piece of… You talk and you talk and you talk… and you don't shut up. And when for once, I do need you to talk you’re as close-lipped as a mouse…’ “Well what does that mean then? Shouldn't she take over? I mean the High Elf’s Court is about to break into mayhem. They don’t have an heir with a proper claim to the throne. All the races are battling for higher representation…” ‘Just thinking about the possible ramifications is making me dizzy. And she’s half human… Oh this is going to be trouble... The elves are not happy about the recent influx of humans into the continent... It's just natural that most users choose a human avatar... but still... trouble...’ While all of this was going through her head, Alfin seized her up and said, “It seems you have acquired a new skill. It is finally time for us to begin your real training. You must keep reading of course, but the knowledge you have gained so far will prove more than sufficient. Weren’t they lovely? The books I chose for you? They were carefully selected you know? From thousands and thousand and thousands… millions even. Yes millions! I went and chose the most appropriate books for the foundation of knowledge I wanted my one and only beloved pupil to have…” ‘Aaaaaand he’s back!” - “… so now it is time for the real training to being. With book immersion you will be able to escape any foe. You see our class was never meant to get its hands dirty… with anything other than ink that is… we work best as puppeteers. Masterminds. Sideline commentators. Stage directors. By seeing the whole picture, we are able to guide those around us and take advantage of their skills to the best of our potential. No one person can master all trades… but if each person masters one, and you are the master of those masters… do you understand what I am saying?” “I am useless in combat. Run away with the illusion thingy. Find strong people to hide behind. Got it.” Mist replied. Alfin looked vaguely amused as he said, “Well yes, that is certainly one way of looking at it. But before any of this can happen you must test yourself. You must be able to avoid any type of danger. You must escape at all costs. You are never to engage in battle directly as that would most certainly result in your death. So, I have prepared a mission for you. All of us must go on our first missions and you have been cooped up in this mossy old nest for far too long. It is time for you to soar little birdy…” ‘… birdy!?’ “… and you know how it is with those humans from Kallamore. They share our border and instantly think they have the right to enter Siradin. Preposterous I tell you! Preposterous. Usually we just lead them back to where they came from and they stay, but this particular human has invaded our borders again and again and again. How many times does a person have to get turned away for them to understand they are unwelcome? And well… I don’t understand why but the forest has decided to grant him an audience. It is a shame, but the forest knows more and sees more than I ever will so I will of course reserve my judgment. You are to go and fetch the human and bring him back here. I know you like spending time with me... 'I do?' "...and I like spending time with you too Mist but it is not right for a beautiful..." 'Riiiight. And pigs fly... Haha! They probably do in Royal Road!' "...young woman like you to coop herself up in this old mess. I will miss you when you are gone. But I know you will be back soon. Use this water from the Spirit Tree’s spring to contact me when you reach the human. I will confirm that he is indeed the right human. Usually there aren’t many humans who wander far into the forest, they are the smarter ones… this one however has been repeatedly invading the depths of the forest… he should not be hard to find. The trees react to a foreign presence in the woods, if you listen to them, they will lead you to the humans. At least the trees understand that the humans are unwanted… now if the forest would just…” Mist stopped listening as the quest window popped up. | Finding PerpetratorA young man has invaded the deep forest of Siradin. You must leave immediately and track him down. The forest requires his presence. Contact Alfin when you have located the perpetrator. Further instructions will be provided.Difficulty: DRequirements: Spirit Tree Water. Illusion-type skill. Warning: The forest of Siradin is a dangerous place and you are no match to the beasts that roam within it. Do not engage unless you have a death wish. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | [Chapter 3.2](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=190&t=1605) ------ For those of you that do not want to do the math: this part takes place 3 months (Royal Road time) before Foot logs on to Royal Road. **Spoiler** : The time frame in which Tork got lost... obviously. I mean... I never said it was Tork - but it should be pretty obvious... Thanks for reading ppl! Also: I do not like Harry Potter and I have only read two of the books. But I thought it was something most people would know.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Prologue Part 2<br><br><br>Time Line of Events so far:<br>2055: Virtual Reality is perfected<br>2056: Jay Silversmith is born<br>2061: Jay Silversmith (age 5) starts playing Flow<br>2068: Jay (age 12) is attacked by bullies and sent to the hospital for 10 months<br>2069: Jay (age 13) is released from the hospital<br>2070: Jay (age 14) reaches the max lv on Flow and starts his preparations for Royal Road (2 years from completion)<br>P.S. Please ignore all dates stated previously as these are the final dates<br><br><br><br><br>The First Day at the Dojo<br> ‘Maybe this wasn’t the best idea’ Jay thought. He had signed up for a kendo dojo who’s philosophy was “Padding will only slow you down!” so all around the place were practitioners covered in massive welts, bruises, and no small number of black eyes.<br> “Hello! You must be the new trainee, Jay Silversmith, I presume?” bellowed a tall man who looked like he was raised on steroids from birth.<br> “Ah…” Jay couldn’t speak! He was horrified by the aura of sheer terror from which the other trainees were the source of!<br> “Speechless from excitement I see! Well come on then, I’ll get you started on your very own training dummy. By the way, the name’s Mitch, I’m the head of the assistant instructors, and you can ask me about anything you need to know. For now though, just watch what everyone else is doing and repeat it on Mr. Oak here, and I’ll come back and check on you in about thirty minutes.” Mitch roared as he introduced me to Mr. Oak, a life size statue made entirely out of oak, handed me a wooden training sword, and briskly walked away. I stood there for a moment speechless and then turned to watch what the guy next to me was doing.<br> I memorized his movements as he dashed to his left side then quickly changed direction to the right, sword pointed at the statue in front of him when he suddenly tripped, falling straight into the statue, knocking it and himself down. I made some quick mathematical calculations (I read a few physics books online and remembered them perfectly) and made the necessary corrections creating my own personal step by step instruction manual for the technique.<br> So, of course I then tried it on the wooden statue in front of me. I was a little off balance, but most of my weight got focused into the tip of the blade as it stabbed into the statue’s abdomen. However the second that the blade made contact massive recoil ran up the blade into my arm. I could literally feel my bones straining not to crack and shatter. It was then that I realized that I couldn’t make contact with the statue or else I could receive some serious injuries. From then on I repeated the technique over and over again as I made small adjustments to increase my balance and damage output, never once connecting with the statue, simply using it as a target to perfect my accuracy. About thirty minutes passed as I revised my technique, gaining speed gradually and flawlessly adding all of my weight to the attack. On top of that my blade never faltered, always stopping on centimeter away from my predicted point of impact. I flinched as I heard clapping behind me, spinning on my heel the mountain of muscle that is Mitch was revealed to have been standing behind me.<br> “Well done! Well done indeed! From what I just saw, I would have never expected that you were a beginner! That was one seriously top notch move you just pulled! If I may, why didn’t you strike Mr. Oak here, he likes it, I swear!” Mitch laughed hysterically.<br> “Ah… you see, I have this bone condition, so if I hit Mr. ah… Oak then the recoil bouncing off my arm could make it very likely to snap.” I explained in a shaky voice, not quite used to the instructor’s loud voice.<br> “Huh, that’s a pity, you sure as hell do have potential, but for now just keep doing what you’re doing and you might be able to build up enough muscle to absorb the impact.” Mitch smiled hopefully, patted my shoulder and walked off. Then an old man whose muscle mass made him look suspiciously like Sylvester Stallone grabbed my arm pulling me towards a square box marked in tape in the middle of the dojo that was about sixteen by sixteen feet.<br> “Your new here right? M’name’s Luke and I’m the master of this here dojo. Since your new here ya’ll be fightin Danny, one of our middle ranked members to test ya skill with blade. Don’t get all frightened and spar to ya heart’s content.” Ordered the old man in a raspy voice with a heavy western accent.<br> “Wait, what?” I asked full of confusion. All the disciples of the dojo gathered around the square, forming an inescapable chamber of hell, muttering to themselves “Poor guy, never stood a chance… He may never walk again… So young…” one guy even offered to call 911! It was as if they were at the funeral of a brutally murdered child, as if they assumed I had already lost! Why the nerve… I had half a mind to walk up to the crowd and start beating them at random. No one and I mean NOONE calls me weak to my face if they know what’s good for them. The last time that happened, seven football players ended up in wheelchairs until their broken legs could mend. I was remember what I had done on that day, when the exact stereotypical marine corps soldier walked into the ring from the other side, his dirty blonde hair up in a military crew cut, he glared at me disapprovingly with his dull blue eyes. Well, of course, who could blame him? He was about to spar against a five foot seven scrawny fourteen year old, that looked as if he could barely hold a wooden sword! I smiled back at him from behind my dark brown hair that was hanging low below my eyes, as if I was simply here to have fun, and had assumed he was going to go easy on me. If only he had seen the sinister aura exuding from my violent hazel eyes he would have ran home to mommy like everyone else did back in preschool and kindergarten.<br> As I finished the thought, I suddenly heard massive bellows from the master’s direction as he yelled “START!” at the top of his lungs.<br> Springing into action like a rocket, Danny lunged at me, his sword taking the form of an executioner’s axe as it swooped down from above. My brain unconsciously went into overdrive as it calculated the exact minimum amount of movement required while I calmly observed the descent of the blade as it came down in slow motion. For some reason, whenever I’m in danger, everything seems to slow down, like time itself seems to bend at my will. Of course I knew this wasn’t true, it was just a side effect of adrenalin flowing to my brain, thereby activating my innate ocular ability.<br> As the blade swung down I sidestepped at the last possible moment, dodging the attack by no more than a millimeter while turning to face the blade. My opponent, having not understood, nor seen what I had done, glanced to his right where I was standing with an agitated expression on his face. He seemed to be thinking, ‘Why aren’t you unconscious?’ maintaining my facial expression I grinned at him, as if I still believed this was a game, and asked seriously, “Done with the warm up, cause I’m ready to play.” After ending the sentence with a smile, I swiftly ducked to avoid the wildly swung diagonal uppercut originating from my lower right. Danny snarled, enraged at my impudence he proceeded to unleash a barrage of slashes coming at me from all directions, hell-bent on tearing me apart. I once again easily calculated the trajectory of the slashes, dodging them all while gradually wearing my attacker down, his attacks slowly becoming less organized, less powerful. His technique began to slip, and I began to notice small holes in his defense, completely unguarded. He swung his blade at me horizontally from his right; overshooting it his entire left flank became open. Stepping to in to my left, I suddenly changed directions as I pivoted on my toe, as my right foot came down in front of me, I bent down low on both feet, preparing the attack that I had nearly perfected over the past half hour. My body lunged forward, focusing all of my weight into the tip of the blade, as it stabbed flawlessly into the center gap of my opponent’s abdominal muscles. Danny fell back due to the force of the blow as my arms fell down to my sides in the form of useless lumps of flesh. After the recoil had run up my blade, I completely lost feeling in both of my arms as they fell numb from the pain. Turning to face the master, sweat pouring down my entire body I managed to pant out, “So, how did I do?”Six Months Later<br> The master had had me under his personal supervision, teaching me all kinds of different sword techniques, and after six months of intense non-stop training my body had been transformed into a harbinger of death and violence. Any stray scrap of fat that had been left on my body before entering the dojo had been completely vaporized, and as I increased my protein intake, eating three chicken breasts for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, my muscles developed into pure steel. With my clothes on, however, one could never tell the difference from my original body. I had decided to focus all of my training on speed and technique, leaving me with a deceptively slender physique, while in actuality I now weighed one hundred and eighty six pounds, an iron fortress of flawless muscle. I had memorized over seven hundred advanced sword techniques, and had defeated four of the top level practitioners. My goal of learning the sword had finally been completed.<br>The Range<br> “Hey mom, my friend George from the dojo decided to take up archery, so can I come with him to the range?” I asked.<br> “Hmm… you have your cell phone on you right? And it’s fully charged?” my mom quizzed. She had gotten a ton better about letting me out of the house after I had introduced her to my friends and realized that I’m not entirely socially inept.<br> “Of course.” I answered quickly, not wanting to give her time to think it over.<br> “Then I see no reason why you shouldn’t go, now, have a nice time with your friends and don’t forget to call me when you’re ready to get picked up ok?” my mom replied, not wanting to rob me of spending time with my friend, mostly because neither of us could remember the last time that I had one.<br> “Thanks!” I faked a large smile and ran off to my buddy George’s car. ‘Sword, check, next up, the bow,’ I thought as I climbed into the blue Honda minivan. Sitting next to George in the front seat, I remembered how all the disciples loved me, because now Luke was solely focused on me instead of torturing them, thereby making it easy to befriend the others.<br> Once we got to the range we received a quick thirty minute lesson in which we learned the proper way to hold a bow, and fire an arrow using our right index and middle fingers, we also put on arm protectors to prevent the string of the bow from slapping against our bare forearms. After that we proceeded to the bow rack where I picked up a long bow from the shelf with a pull weight (the amount of force required to pull back the string) of eighty pounds and that was about five feet long, a little more than half a foot shorter than me. George chose a re-curve bow (where the ends curve against the grain to increase the pull weight) that was three feet long. From there we traveled to the beginner’s firing area, where we each stood about twenty five meters away from a target on the wall.<br> I shot my first arrow thoughtlessly, and watched as it hit the ground to the far left of the target. ‘Crap, can’t do that in game or I’ll get my head impaled with an arrow, or set my hair aflame from a mage’s fire bolt,” concluding my gruesome and considerably disturbed mental images, I held the bow at full draw, arrow notched on the middle of the bow string, I calculated the pull weight in relation to the current angle and direction, factoring my height at the end. Carefully aiming my bow to equal my mathematic equation, I let the arrow loose and watched intently as the tip stuck about two inches from the bull’s eye. Wondering why the shot wasn’t perfect, I realized that my hands were shaking slightly. Annoyed at this fact, I held my breath and willed my hands to still, as I listened to my heart beat, my arms solidified, attaining inner peace as I fired my third arrow, this one landing in the direct center of the bull’s eye that had previously seemed to be taunting me from its perch twenty five meters away. So I kept shooting, memorizing and perfecting the physical motion behind my math, and after about a minute I had managed to gather exactly seven arrows directly on the bull’s eye mark.<br> I took the arrows out of the target after the allotted shooting time was over, placed them back into the tray to the right of the shooting range, walked over to one of the personal trainers and asked them where the fifty meter range was. I repeated this process two more times during the next three months, gradually mastering all four shooting ranges that were offered by the place, the twenty five meter, fifty meter, one hundred meter, and finally the most difficult, the two hundred and fifty meter range. After I could shoot accurately at all of them, I began to practice on speed. And after another three months had passed, I could shoot seven arrows directly into the bull’s eye mark at each and every range in exactly seven seconds flat, well, of course that isn’t including the time that it takes for the arrows to actually hit the target, but still, the arrows left my bow in seven seconds, which was an incredible feat that all archers dreamed of being able to do.<br>One Year until Royal Road’s Release<br> For the remaining year before the release day, my daily schedule was something like this.<br><br><br>6:00AM – 7:00AM completing online homework, tests, quizzes, and projects<br>7:01AM – 7:30AM breakfast<br>7:45AM – 2:00PM sword training to keep up fitness and not forget the skills that I had learned<br>2:01PM - 2:30PM lunch<br>2:45PM – 5:00PM archery to not let my shooting dull<br>5:10PM – 5:45PM Dinner<br>5:55PM – 10:00 library, reading and memorizing everything from sword forging manuals to survival skills how to books, to cookbooks </div>

Prologue Part 2 Time Line of Events so far: 2055: Virtual Reality is perfected 2056: Jay Silversmith is born 2061: Jay Silversmith (age 5) starts playing Flow 2068: Jay (age 12) is attacked by bullies and sent to the hospital for 10 months 2069: Jay (age 13) is released from the hospital 2070: Jay (age 14) reaches the max lv on Flow and starts his preparations for Royal Road (2 years from completion) P.S. Please ignore all dates stated previously as these are the final dates The First Day at the Dojo ‘Maybe this wasn’t the best idea’ Jay thought. He had signed up for a kendo dojo who’s philosophy was “Padding will only slow you down!” so all around the place were practitioners covered in massive welts, bruises, and no small number of black eyes. “Hello! You must be the new trainee, Jay Silversmith, I presume?” bellowed a tall man who looked like he was raised on steroids from birth. “Ah…” Jay couldn’t speak! He was horrified by the aura of sheer terror from which the other trainees were the source of! “Speechless from excitement I see! Well come on then, I’ll get you started on your very own training dummy. By the way, the name’s Mitch, I’m the head of the assistant instructors, and you can ask me about anything you need to know. For now though, just watch what everyone else is doing and repeat it on Mr. Oak here, and I’ll come back and check on you in about thirty minutes.” Mitch roared as he introduced me to Mr. Oak, a life size statue made entirely out of oak, handed me a wooden training sword, and briskly walked away. I stood there for a moment speechless and then turned to watch what the guy next to me was doing. I memorized his movements as he dashed to his left side then quickly changed direction to the right, sword pointed at the statue in front of him when he suddenly tripped, falling straight into the statue, knocking it and himself down. I made some quick mathematical calculations (I read a few physics books online and remembered them perfectly) and made the necessary corrections creating my own personal step by step instruction manual for the technique. So, of course I then tried it on the wooden statue in front of me. I was a little off balance, but most of my weight got focused into the tip of the blade as it stabbed into the statue’s abdomen. However the second that the blade made contact massive recoil ran up the blade into my arm. I could literally feel my bones straining not to crack and shatter. It was then that I realized that I couldn’t make contact with the statue or else I could receive some serious injuries. From then on I repeated the technique over and over again as I made small adjustments to increase my balance and damage output, never once connecting with the statue, simply using it as a target to perfect my accuracy. About thirty minutes passed as I revised my technique, gaining speed gradually and flawlessly adding all of my weight to the attack. On top of that my blade never faltered, always stopping on centimeter away from my predicted point of impact. I flinched as I heard clapping behind me, spinning on my heel the mountain of muscle that is Mitch was revealed to have been standing behind me. “Well done! Well done indeed! From what I just saw, I would have never expected that you were a beginner! That was one seriously top notch move you just pulled! If I may, why didn’t you strike Mr. Oak here, he likes it, I swear!” Mitch laughed hysterically. “Ah… you see, I have this bone condition, so if I hit Mr. ah… Oak then the recoil bouncing off my arm could make it very likely to snap.” I explained in a shaky voice, not quite used to the instructor’s loud voice. “Huh, that’s a pity, you sure as hell do have potential, but for now just keep doing what you’re doing and you might be able to build up enough muscle to absorb the impact.” Mitch smiled hopefully, patted my shoulder and walked off. Then an old man whose muscle mass made him look suspiciously like Sylvester Stallone grabbed my arm pulling me towards a square box marked in tape in the middle of the dojo that was about sixteen by sixteen feet. “Your new here right? M’name’s Luke and I’m the master of this here dojo. Since your new here ya’ll be fightin Danny, one of our middle ranked members to test ya skill with blade. Don’t get all frightened and spar to ya heart’s content.” Ordered the old man in a raspy voice with a heavy western accent. “Wait, what?” I asked full of confusion. All the disciples of the dojo gathered around the square, forming an inescapable chamber of hell, muttering to themselves “Poor guy, never stood a chance… He may never walk again… So young…” one guy even offered to call 911! It was as if they were at the funeral of a brutally murdered child, as if they assumed I had already lost! Why the nerve… I had half a mind to walk up to the crowd and start beating them at random. No one and I mean NOONE calls me weak to my face if they know what’s good for them. The last time that happened, seven football players ended up in wheelchairs until their broken legs could mend. I was remember what I had done on that day, when the exact stereotypical marine corps soldier walked into the ring from the other side, his dirty blonde hair up in a military crew cut, he glared at me disapprovingly with his dull blue eyes. Well, of course, who could blame him? He was about to spar against a five foot seven scrawny fourteen year old, that looked as if he could barely hold a wooden sword! I smiled back at him from behind my dark brown hair that was hanging low below my eyes, as if I was simply here to have fun, and had assumed he was going to go easy on me. If only he had seen the sinister aura exuding from my violent hazel eyes he would have ran home to mommy like everyone else did back in preschool and kindergarten. As I finished the thought, I suddenly heard massive bellows from the master’s direction as he yelled “START!” at the top of his lungs. Springing into action like a rocket, Danny lunged at me, his sword taking the form of an executioner’s axe as it swooped down from above. My brain unconsciously went into overdrive as it calculated the exact minimum amount of movement required while I calmly observed the descent of the blade as it came down in slow motion. For some reason, whenever I’m in danger, everything seems to slow down, like time itself seems to bend at my will. Of course I knew this wasn’t true, it was just a side effect of adrenalin flowing to my brain, thereby activating my innate ocular ability. As the blade swung down I sidestepped at the last possible moment, dodging the attack by no more than a millimeter while turning to face the blade. My opponent, having not understood, nor seen what I had done, glanced to his right where I was standing with an agitated expression on his face. He seemed to be thinking, ‘Why aren’t you unconscious?’ maintaining my facial expression I grinned at him, as if I still believed this was a game, and asked seriously, “Done with the warm up, cause I’m ready to play.” After ending the sentence with a smile, I swiftly ducked to avoid the wildly swung diagonal uppercut originating from my lower right. Danny snarled, enraged at my impudence he proceeded to unleash a barrage of slashes coming at me from all directions, hell-bent on tearing me apart. I once again easily calculated the trajectory of the slashes, dodging them all while gradually wearing my attacker down, his attacks slowly becoming less organized, less powerful. His technique began to slip, and I began to notice small holes in his defense, completely unguarded. He swung his blade at me horizontally from his right; overshooting it his entire left flank became open. Stepping to in to my left, I suddenly changed directions as I pivoted on my toe, as my right foot came down in front of me, I bent down low on both feet, preparing the attack that I had nearly perfected over the past half hour. My body lunged forward, focusing all of my weight into the tip of the blade, as it stabbed flawlessly into the center gap of my opponent’s abdominal muscles. Danny fell back due to the force of the blow as my arms fell down to my sides in the form of useless lumps of flesh. After the recoil had run up my blade, I completely lost feeling in both of my arms as they fell numb from the pain. Turning to face the master, sweat pouring down my entire body I managed to pant out, “So, how did I do?”Six Months Later The master had had me under his personal supervision, teaching me all kinds of different sword techniques, and after six months of intense non-stop training my body had been transformed into a harbinger of death and violence. Any stray scrap of fat that had been left on my body before entering the dojo had been completely vaporized, and as I increased my protein intake, eating three chicken breasts for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, my muscles developed into pure steel. With my clothes on, however, one could never tell the difference from my original body. I had decided to focus all of my training on speed and technique, leaving me with a deceptively slender physique, while in actuality I now weighed one hundred and eighty six pounds, an iron fortress of flawless muscle. I had memorized over seven hundred advanced sword techniques, and had defeated four of the top level practitioners. My goal of learning the sword had finally been completed. The Range “Hey mom, my friend George from the dojo decided to take up archery, so can I come with him to the range?” I asked. “Hmm… you have your cell phone on you right? And it’s fully charged?” my mom quizzed. She had gotten a ton better about letting me out of the house after I had introduced her to my friends and realized that I’m not entirely socially inept. “Of course.” I answered quickly, not wanting to give her time to think it over. “Then I see no reason why you shouldn’t go, now, have a nice time with your friends and don’t forget to call me when you’re ready to get picked up ok?” my mom replied, not wanting to rob me of spending time with my friend, mostly because neither of us could remember the last time that I had one. “Thanks!” I faked a large smile and ran off to my buddy George’s car. ‘Sword, check, next up, the bow,’ I thought as I climbed into the blue Honda minivan. Sitting next to George in the front seat, I remembered how all the disciples loved me, because now Luke was solely focused on me instead of torturing them, thereby making it easy to befriend the others. Once we got to the range we received a quick thirty minute lesson in which we learned the proper way to hold a bow, and fire an arrow using our right index and middle fingers, we also put on arm protectors to prevent the string of the bow from slapping against our bare forearms. After that we proceeded to the bow rack where I picked up a long bow from the shelf with a pull weight (the amount of force required to pull back the string) of eighty pounds and that was about five feet long, a little more than half a foot shorter than me. George chose a re-curve bow (where the ends curve against the grain to increase the pull weight) that was three feet long. From there we traveled to the beginner’s firing area, where we each stood about twenty five meters away from a target on the wall. I shot my first arrow thoughtlessly, and watched as it hit the ground to the far left of the target. ‘Crap, can’t do that in game or I’ll get my head impaled with an arrow, or set my hair aflame from a mage’s fire bolt,” concluding my gruesome and considerably disturbed mental images, I held the bow at full draw, arrow notched on the middle of the bow string, I calculated the pull weight in relation to the current angle and direction, factoring my height at the end. Carefully aiming my bow to equal my mathematic equation, I let the arrow loose and watched intently as the tip stuck about two inches from the bull’s eye. Wondering why the shot wasn’t perfect, I realized that my hands were shaking slightly. Annoyed at this fact, I held my breath and willed my hands to still, as I listened to my heart beat, my arms solidified, attaining inner peace as I fired my third arrow, this one landing in the direct center of the bull’s eye that had previously seemed to be taunting me from its perch twenty five meters away. So I kept shooting, memorizing and perfecting the physical motion behind my math, and after about a minute I had managed to gather exactly seven arrows directly on the bull’s eye mark. I took the arrows out of the target after the allotted shooting time was over, placed them back into the tray to the right of the shooting range, walked over to one of the personal trainers and asked them where the fifty meter range was. I repeated this process two more times during the next three months, gradually mastering all four shooting ranges that were offered by the place, the twenty five meter, fifty meter, one hundred meter, and finally the most difficult, the two hundred and fifty meter range. After I could shoot accurately at all of them, I began to practice on speed. And after another three months had passed, I could shoot seven arrows directly into the bull’s eye mark at each and every range in exactly seven seconds flat, well, of course that isn’t including the time that it takes for the arrows to actually hit the target, but still, the arrows left my bow in seven seconds, which was an incredible feat that all archers dreamed of being able to do. One Year until Royal Road’s Release For the remaining year before the release day, my daily schedule was something like this. 6:00AM – 7:00AM completing online homework, tests, quizzes, and projects 7:01AM – 7:30AM breakfast 7:45AM – 2:00PM sword training to keep up fitness and not forget the skills that I had learned 2:01PM - 2:30PM lunch 2:45PM – 5:00PM archery to not let my shooting dull 5:10PM – 5:45PM Dinner 5:55PM – 10:00 library, reading and memorizing everything from sword forging manuals to survival skills how to books, to cookbooks

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> As the name says.<br>Ask,hate,flame,laugh away. </div>

As the name says. Ask,hate,flame,laugh away.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Chapter 2.1:</span> Foot... meet Hog</span><br><br>Marvin was a normal 9-year old. He was lively. Tried to do what his parents wanted him to – but ended up not doing it. He had blond hair, blue eyes and rosy round cheeks. He was one of those people who seemed agitated all the time, even when they were doing nothing. He was mostly happy. He had 4 older brothers. Blue was his absolute favorite color. He would paint the world blue if he could. He liked building toy airplanes. He didn't have any special skills, nothing to <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> set him apart – except for the fact that he couldn't walk.<br><br>When Marvin was 7 he had fallen off a horse. At that time he broke his back. His family tried and tried to find a cure for him, but it couldn't be afforded on the insurance. Technology nowadays would permit the regeneration of his spinal cord but it was expensive. They weren’t poor, but they did not have millions laying around for spine regeneration. So Marvin lived day by day, confined to his wheelchair, doing things that could be done comfortably while sitting.<br><br>Marvin was homeschooled. He had tried going to school after the surgeries stopped, but he couldn't put up with the pitying looks he got from the other people. The kind acts they would all offer. One teacher even wiped his mouth when he was eating once. Just because he was confined to a chair did not make him an invalid. <br><br>He tried to be optimistic about life. He tried to be happy as most as he could. And he mostly succeeded. He was a cheerful kid – with a lighthearted demeanor. For him, it wasn't that hard to ignore the hard parts of life. Except for when he saw the puffy eyes of his mother. Except for when he saw the haggard expression his father would give him sometimes. Marvin thought his father blamed himself for the accident. His father had suggested riding that day. Marvin sometimes blamed him too, but he knew it was no one’s fault. Assigning blame was just a coping mechanism he had to constantly remind himself.<br><br>He knew that his handicap caused friction in the family. The relationship between his parents was strained – even if they tried to hide it - he knew. His brothers got less attention as a result of his parents constantly babying him. He would sometimes see their annoyed looks when they got overlooked. These were soon followed by a look of guilt… and then a look of pity. Always the pity. <br><br>So Marvin tried to fill his time with things he <span style="font-style: italic;">could</span> do. That way he could forget the harsh realities of life. <br><br>Sometimes his best friend Alfred, Al for short, would come visit. They had been neighbors for forever and Al could usually ignore the fact that Marvin war paraplegic. <span style="font-style: italic;">Usually</span>. <br><br>So they played soldier. They built train sets and puzzles. Enacted pretend battles, all the usual things that nine year olds did. But Marvin could tell when Al would get riled up. It was hard to contain the energy of a 9 year old. Marvin knew this best – he himself felt like that all the time. Like you wanted to move and let it all out! But he couldn't… so, he would tell Al that he was tired, and that they better meet up at some other time.<br><br>It wasn’t so bad. His parents loved him. His brothers used to tease him all the time… now they were nice. Greg, the oldest (he was 18) still treated him the same. Smacking him on the head and taking his things and calling him the ‘little cripple’. All of this hurt a little, but he appreciated it so much more because Greg was also one of the only people that treated him normal. Like he was someone. Just because he was confined to a chair did <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> make him an invalid!<br><br>But sometimes… it felt like it did. Sometimes at night, right before he fell asleep and he didn't have to put on a brave front for all of those around him – he was crushed with the despair of all the things he would never be able to do again.<br><br>----------<br><br>One day Marvin heard his parents arguing about something before he strolled into the kitchen. He stayed at the door to listen to what it was about.<br><br>“… can’t use him like that! He’s your own son!” His father shouted.<br><br>-“I’m not using him. I’m providing him an opportunity. You see how he is. How he tries to hide how miserable he is! I want to give him a chance to experience life again! On his own two feet!” His mother responded.<br><br>“It’s not right to use him as a promotion device. He’s a person! Not a brand or a logo that you can brandish about to get ahead in your career!”<br><br>-“How <span style="font-style: italic;">dare</span> you! I would never use him for something so selfish! I am doing this for him!”<br><br>“This is ridiculous, I won’t listen to another word of this! This conversation is over!” <br><br>As his father continued shouting his reply, Marvin heard his hurried steps toward the door behind which he now was. His father yanked the door open to find Marvin sitting innocently in his chair.<br><br>“Breakfast ready yet?” Marvin asked with a tentative smile.<br><br>His father showed a momentarily shocked expression that soon morphed into a forced bright smile, a smile Marvin knew too well. He wondered about what his parents were fighting about but chose to wait for a private moment with his mother to ask about it. From what he had heard, that seemed the most promising way of getting an answer. <br><br>Breakfast progressed somewhat strangely. His parents knew he had heard some of their fight, but they could not guess how much. He chose to let them guess. His father left a while later sending his mother a look with some hidden message Marvin couldn't decipher. No matter. She’ll talk.<br><br>As soon as the door closed on his father, Marvin turned to his mother - with what he hoped was an endearing puppy-dog, bleary eyed and bushy tailed look - and asked, “<span style="font-style: italic;">Sooo</span>, what was that about?”<br><br>His mother looked at him and gave him a half-hearted laugh and said, “Baby, I want you to make a decision now. Don’t do it for me or for your father. Think about what you want to do and then decide okay? We will support you with any choice you make. You got that?”<br><br>The serious talk scared Marvin a little, but he replied, “Okay. What is it?”<br><br>His mother: Sigh.<br><br>Sigh again.<br><br>Pause.<br><br>‘Oh <span style="font-style: italic;">God</span>. What is she going to say? What is the worse that could happen?’ <br><br>The sighing and the pausing was getting to Marvin, he wanted her to just get it out already. He was going to have a heart-attack. A perfectly healthy, well – other than the obvious, 9-year old kid was going to…<br><br>“My boss pitched a promotion idea yesterday.” His mother started. <br><br>‘Her <span style="font-style: italic;">boss</span>???’ Marvin relaxed. What did her work have to do with him? She worked for one of the biggest advertising companies on the east-coast, but she was in one of the subdivision of the subdivisions. While her company might be glamorous, her job wasn’t. <br><br>“He came specifically to me for this idea.” She continued. “Because he knew <span style="font-style: italic;">you</span> were my son.” <br><br>That part made Marvin refocus. <br><br>‘What do <span style="font-style: italic;">I </span>have to do with anything?’<br><br>“Three months ago, the first ever virtual reality game, they call it Royal Road, was released in Korea. It has become increasingly popular. So popular in fact that Unicorn Corp., that’s the company that created the game, wants to launch a marketing campaign in the United States which my company is leading.” <br><br>Marvin was lost as to how any of this could relate to him, but continued to pay attention. The <span style="font-style: italic;">‘ding’</span> would come at any moment. <br><br>“The idea for the campaign concentrates on the possibilities of the future, particularly concerning virtual reality.” Here she paused again, but then continued. <br><br>“They want to show how a handicapped person could live inside the virtual reality…<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘Ding.’</span><br><br>…Where all their disabilities didn't matter – where the interior becomes more important than the exterior. Where the impossible is possible…”<br><br>“Okay Mom, I get it.” Marvin interrupted. <br><br>“So this virtual reality game. You think it could let me walk again? Will it actually feel like I am walking though? I don’t see how that can work. It’s just a game.” <br><br>Marvin was a little annoyed. He wanted to be really happy about the walking part, but he was afraid of getting his hopes up… <span style="font-style: italic;">again</span>. <br><br>After going to so many doctors that said they could do it, that they could make him walk agin - in the end they couldn't. The only possible way for him to ever walk again was the experimental surgery that their insurance wouldn't cover and they couldn't afford. He was afraid of letting hope rise again only to be crushed…<span style="font-style: italic;">again</span>.<br><br>“But that’s just it Marvin!” His mother fervently answered with a gleam in her eye. <br><br>“They made me test out the game. At first I didn't believe it either. I didn't want to get your hopes up – in case it didn't pan out in the end. But they assured me it was to real that it <span style="font-style: italic;">felt</span> real. And it did. It felt so real, I could barely tell it was a game. The only reason I knew was… well… because I knew!” She continued emphatically. <br>“They want to show your reaction to the game and show your first days in it. It’s actually a really expensive game but they said they would give you a free capsule – it’s sort of like the joystick – and a life-time subscription. So you could play as much as you want.” His mother said.<br><br>When Marvin didn't immediately reply, she added, “But you don’t have to do anything you don’t want honey. If you would rather not play, we don’t have to ever talk about it again. If you want to try it out and see if you like it, we can do that too. Whatever you want.” She said in an appeasing tone. <br><br>After seeing how committed his mother was to this game, how much she believed in it. He was convinced. If his mother thought this much of it, it must be amazing. It had been a while since he had seen his mother so excited about something so he said, “I want to play.”<br><br>----------<br><br>Three days later there was a blue, custom color that caused the three-day delay, capsule installed in the Montgomery household. After the crew that had installed it left Marvin rolled up to it. In the last three days he had read most of the instruction manual so he thought he knew what to expect. <br><br>He took a deep breath and got ready to get into the capsule. As he began lifting himself out of his chair his mother and father, who had been silently fretting beside him, moved to help. <br><br>“I can do it! I get into bed every day on my own, what's the matter with you guys!?” He snapped, he didn't mean to but he was a little high-strung. <br><br>Hope kept swelling up and he kept stomping it down, it was making his stomach clench in anxiety, his feuding and overbearing parents weren’t helping the situation much.<br><br>His father had been very upset when he had found Marvin reading the Royal Road manual the day before. His mother and him were able to keep the game out of conversation, especially since his father had termed the discussion as ‘over’. But Marvin had been so caught up in the intricacies of the game that he hadn’t noticed his father walk up to him from behind as he held the manual in his hand.<br><br>It was bound to come out that day anyway. Quite surprising that they were able to hide… <span style="font-style: italic;">omit</span> the topic for even the two days that they had really. The only problem was the previous night had given his parents the opportunity to voice their views to each other over and over again. The tension in the air was palpable, Marvin tried to ignore it as he dealt with his own type of tension.<br><br>As his parents backed off but still stayed close, he said, “Could you guys please leave? I can really do this on my own.” <br><br>As his parents still looked on worriedly, he added, “I <span style="font-style: italic;">want</span> to do this on my own. Please.” <br><br>That did it. They left. <br><br>Marvin took another deep breath. Tried to calm himself and lifted himself up into the capsule.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Connect to Royal Road?<br>Yes | No</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>----------<br><br>*Flash*<br><br>He was standing in a village square in front of a fountain. They were people mingling about doing business and talking to each other. It was a very busy place, he barely registered any of this. He was <span style="font-style: italic;">standing</span> in a village square. As in <span style="font-style: italic;">to </span>stand. Actively. To be on your feet, without any handholds. Tears burned in his eyes and he jumped, just because he <span style="font-style: italic;">could</span> jump. <br><br>He jumped and he ran. And then he jumped and ran some more. He wasn't going to stop. If he could walk, he was going to enjoy every last second of it. He ran circles around the fountain and laughed in delight.<br><br>-“What’s that kid doing? He got a screw loose or somethin’?”<br><br>-“I don't know man. Maybe he’s a noob. I mean I’m a noob, I just started a week ago. But I don't think I went that crazy when I first logged on.”<br><br>-“Yep, definitely bonkers…”<br><br>Footloose, that’s the name Marvin had given his avatar, continued to run circles around the fountain. After he got tired of running circles he ran through the cobbled streets of Fort Feranisburg in the Kingdom of Kallamore. He had chosen to be human, he had also kept his original appearance, minus wheelchair. It was heaven, no it was Royal Road! <br><br>‘Haha, this game rocks!’<br><br>He ran all the way to the city’s gates, it was a big city and it took him upwards of two hours to get there. He hadn’t planned on it, he had just let his legs run and run and run. He went up some crooked allies and back again after encountering dead ends. He wasn't worried though; all he wanted to do was run.<br><br>As he was about to run out of the city gates one of the guards standing there stopped him. He was a tall man in metal armor with beady eyes. He was bald but had bushy red-brown eyebrows as well as a moustache that more than made up for his lack of hair on the top part of his head. <br><br>‘For a man with no hair, he has a lot of it.’ <br><br>His head was slightly pointy at the top. <br><br>‘I wonder if he has trouble wearing helmets with a head like that.’ Footloose vaguely mused.<br><br>The man laughed in a low baritone and commented, “Sorry, but ye can’t leave yet boy. Why ye in such a hurry anyway? Ye make trouble?” He asked jokingly. <br><br>Hog, for that was the name the man went by, didn't see how this little imp of a boy could have done anything wrong. Footloose looked just like Marvin and Marvin had one of those angelic faces that can’t be blamed for anything.<br><br>“No sir. I’m just getting some exercise is all. Been a while.” Footloose was out of breath, running around that much had tired him without him realizing. <br><br>-“…Been a while? Boy ye haven’t <span style="font-style: italic;">lived</span> a while. Come back in ten years and we’ll talk about what a <span style="font-style: italic;">while </span>means.”<br><br> Hog looked the boy up and down in an appraising manner. Having come to some sort of conclusion he asked, “Son, what’s yer name?”<br><br>“Name’s Footloose sir.” He answered.<br><br>-“Son… that's a shitty name. Whatever made yer Ma come up with that? Well..." He looked a little chagrined. <br><br>"I am sorry for insulting yer Ma seeing as I don't know her and she might as well be a fine lady. But that ain'ta good name my boy. Take my name would ye? <span style="font-style: italic;">Hog</span>. Now that ye see… <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> is a strong name.” Hog paused and looked at Footloose for some sort of validation. Footloose quickly nodded his assent. <br><br>-“Son, what ye need is a strong name.” Hog paused and seemed to be considering something. He mumbled to himself and then broke into a grin. “Foot! That's a strong name! Simple and right to the point! No point for all that flowery crap. Yer going to be a <span style="font-style: italic;">man</span> someday. For that, ye need a man’s name.”<br><br>“Foot?” Footloose thought Hog to be quite strange but didn't add anything.<br><br>-“Now shoo – go, go… Off with ya. Come back in four weeks and then we’ll talk. Until then, I’m afraid ye gotta stay inside boy.”<br><br>Footloose shrugged and walked away. He had read the manual so he knew about the rules, he hadn’t intentionally tried to leave the city. As he was walking he heard Hog shout his name, he turned back towards Hog giving him a questioning look.<br><br>Hog just smiled and said, “Atta boy.”<br><br>Hog had called out, “Foot!” - and <span style="font-style: italic;">Foot</span> had unconsciously responded. Foot sighed to himself and kept walking. <br><br>‘In hindsight Footloose might have been a bit much.’<br><br> Foot cringed at the memory of Hog referring to his name as <span style="font-style: italic;">flowery</span>. Foot it is. <br><br>‘I should have introduced myself as Toe… I bet <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> would fall under Hog’s category of manly names.’ <br><br>Foot started running again as he thought of other three letter words. ‘air, aim, cup, log, lap, lip…’<br><br>Hog watched as the young boy swiftly disappear around a corner. He was reminiscing about his son. Foot and him had a certain resemblance that went beyond appearance. They had this energy about them, this vitality that seemed to ignore the impossible. That same energy had gotten Hog’s son into a lot of trouble in his younger days… in fact it<span style="font-style: italic;"> still</span> did. <br><br>‘Wonder what that good for nothing is up to now? Should be coming back from one of his missions any day now…’ <br><br>A satisfied smile crept into Hog’s face as he looked out beyond the gates. In the far distance he could see the forest that delineated the border between the kingdoms of Kallamore and Siradin.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=190&amp;t=1599" target="_blank">Chapter 2.2</a></div><br><br><br>AND <span style="font-style: italic;">yes</span>... I changed his name to Foot because I didnt want to type Footloose every time. </div>

Chapter 2.1: Foot... meet Hog Marvin was a normal 9-year old. He was lively. Tried to do what his parents wanted him to – but ended up not doing it. He had blond hair, blue eyes and rosy round cheeks. He was one of those people who seemed agitated all the time, even when they were doing nothing. He was mostly happy. He had 4 older brothers. Blue was his absolute favorite color. He would paint the world blue if he could. He liked building toy airplanes. He didn't have any special skills, nothing to really set him apart – except for the fact that he couldn't walk. When Marvin was 7 he had fallen off a horse. At that time he broke his back. His family tried and tried to find a cure for him, but it couldn't be afforded on the insurance. Technology nowadays would permit the regeneration of his spinal cord but it was expensive. They weren’t poor, but they did not have millions laying around for spine regeneration. So Marvin lived day by day, confined to his wheelchair, doing things that could be done comfortably while sitting. Marvin was homeschooled. He had tried going to school after the surgeries stopped, but he couldn't put up with the pitying looks he got from the other people. The kind acts they would all offer. One teacher even wiped his mouth when he was eating once. Just because he was confined to a chair did not make him an invalid. He tried to be optimistic about life. He tried to be happy as most as he could. And he mostly succeeded. He was a cheerful kid – with a lighthearted demeanor. For him, it wasn't that hard to ignore the hard parts of life. Except for when he saw the puffy eyes of his mother. Except for when he saw the haggard expression his father would give him sometimes. Marvin thought his father blamed himself for the accident. His father had suggested riding that day. Marvin sometimes blamed him too, but he knew it was no one’s fault. Assigning blame was just a coping mechanism he had to constantly remind himself. He knew that his handicap caused friction in the family. The relationship between his parents was strained – even if they tried to hide it - he knew. His brothers got less attention as a result of his parents constantly babying him. He would sometimes see their annoyed looks when they got overlooked. These were soon followed by a look of guilt… and then a look of pity. Always the pity. So Marvin tried to fill his time with things he could do. That way he could forget the harsh realities of life. Sometimes his best friend Alfred, Al for short, would come visit. They had been neighbors for forever and Al could usually ignore the fact that Marvin war paraplegic. Usually. So they played soldier. They built train sets and puzzles. Enacted pretend battles, all the usual things that nine year olds did. But Marvin could tell when Al would get riled up. It was hard to contain the energy of a 9 year old. Marvin knew this best – he himself felt like that all the time. Like you wanted to move and let it all out! But he couldn't… so, he would tell Al that he was tired, and that they better meet up at some other time. It wasn’t so bad. His parents loved him. His brothers used to tease him all the time… now they were nice. Greg, the oldest (he was 18) still treated him the same. Smacking him on the head and taking his things and calling him the ‘little cripple’. All of this hurt a little, but he appreciated it so much more because Greg was also one of the only people that treated him normal. Like he was someone. Just because he was confined to a chair did not make him an invalid! But sometimes… it felt like it did. Sometimes at night, right before he fell asleep and he didn't have to put on a brave front for all of those around him – he was crushed with the despair of all the things he would never be able to do again. ---------- One day Marvin heard his parents arguing about something before he strolled into the kitchen. He stayed at the door to listen to what it was about. “… can’t use him like that! He’s your own son!” His father shouted. -“I’m not using him. I’m providing him an opportunity. You see how he is. How he tries to hide how miserable he is! I want to give him a chance to experience life again! On his own two feet!” His mother responded. “It’s not right to use him as a promotion device. He’s a person! Not a brand or a logo that you can brandish about to get ahead in your career!” -“How dare you! I would never use him for something so selfish! I am doing this for him!” “This is ridiculous, I won’t listen to another word of this! This conversation is over!” As his father continued shouting his reply, Marvin heard his hurried steps toward the door behind which he now was. His father yanked the door open to find Marvin sitting innocently in his chair. “Breakfast ready yet?” Marvin asked with a tentative smile. His father showed a momentarily shocked expression that soon morphed into a forced bright smile, a smile Marvin knew too well. He wondered about what his parents were fighting about but chose to wait for a private moment with his mother to ask about it. From what he had heard, that seemed the most promising way of getting an answer. Breakfast progressed somewhat strangely. His parents knew he had heard some of their fight, but they could not guess how much. He chose to let them guess. His father left a while later sending his mother a look with some hidden message Marvin couldn't decipher. No matter. She’ll talk. As soon as the door closed on his father, Marvin turned to his mother - with what he hoped was an endearing puppy-dog, bleary eyed and bushy tailed look - and asked, “Sooo, what was that about?” His mother looked at him and gave him a half-hearted laugh and said, “Baby, I want you to make a decision now. Don’t do it for me or for your father. Think about what you want to do and then decide okay? We will support you with any choice you make. You got that?” The serious talk scared Marvin a little, but he replied, “Okay. What is it?” His mother: Sigh. Sigh again. Pause. ‘Oh God. What is she going to say? What is the worse that could happen?’ The sighing and the pausing was getting to Marvin, he wanted her to just get it out already. He was going to have a heart-attack. A perfectly healthy, well – other than the obvious, 9-year old kid was going to… “My boss pitched a promotion idea yesterday.” His mother started. ‘Her boss???’ Marvin relaxed. What did her work have to do with him? She worked for one of the biggest advertising companies on the east-coast, but she was in one of the subdivision of the subdivisions. While her company might be glamorous, her job wasn’t. “He came specifically to me for this idea.” She continued. “Because he knew you were my son.” That part made Marvin refocus. ‘What do I have to do with anything?’ “Three months ago, the first ever virtual reality game, they call it Royal Road, was released in Korea. It has become increasingly popular. So popular in fact that Unicorn Corp., that’s the company that created the game, wants to launch a marketing campaign in the United States which my company is leading.” Marvin was lost as to how any of this could relate to him, but continued to pay attention. The ‘ding’ would come at any moment. “The idea for the campaign concentrates on the possibilities of the future, particularly concerning virtual reality.” Here she paused again, but then continued. “They want to show how a handicapped person could live inside the virtual reality… ‘Ding.’ …Where all their disabilities didn't matter – where the interior becomes more important than the exterior. Where the impossible is possible…” “Okay Mom, I get it.” Marvin interrupted. “So this virtual reality game. You think it could let me walk again? Will it actually feel like I am walking though? I don’t see how that can work. It’s just a game.” Marvin was a little annoyed. He wanted to be really happy about the walking part, but he was afraid of getting his hopes up… again. After going to so many doctors that said they could do it, that they could make him walk agin - in the end they couldn't. The only possible way for him to ever walk again was the experimental surgery that their insurance wouldn't cover and they couldn't afford. He was afraid of letting hope rise again only to be crushed…again. “But that’s just it Marvin!” His mother fervently answered with a gleam in her eye. “They made me test out the game. At first I didn't believe it either. I didn't want to get your hopes up – in case it didn't pan out in the end. But they assured me it was to real that it felt real. And it did. It felt so real, I could barely tell it was a game. The only reason I knew was… well… because I knew!” She continued emphatically. “They want to show your reaction to the game and show your first days in it. It’s actually a really expensive game but they said they would give you a free capsule – it’s sort of like the joystick – and a life-time subscription. So you could play as much as you want.” His mother said. When Marvin didn't immediately reply, she added, “But you don’t have to do anything you don’t want honey. If you would rather not play, we don’t have to ever talk about it again. If you want to try it out and see if you like it, we can do that too. Whatever you want.” She said in an appeasing tone. After seeing how committed his mother was to this game, how much she believed in it. He was convinced. If his mother thought this much of it, it must be amazing. It had been a while since he had seen his mother so excited about something so he said, “I want to play.” ---------- Three days later there was a blue, custom color that caused the three-day delay, capsule installed in the Montgomery household. After the crew that had installed it left Marvin rolled up to it. In the last three days he had read most of the instruction manual so he thought he knew what to expect. He took a deep breath and got ready to get into the capsule. As he began lifting himself out of his chair his mother and father, who had been silently fretting beside him, moved to help. “I can do it! I get into bed every day on my own, what's the matter with you guys!?” He snapped, he didn't mean to but he was a little high-strung. Hope kept swelling up and he kept stomping it down, it was making his stomach clench in anxiety, his feuding and overbearing parents weren’t helping the situation much. His father had been very upset when he had found Marvin reading the Royal Road manual the day before. His mother and him were able to keep the game out of conversation, especially since his father had termed the discussion as ‘over’. But Marvin had been so caught up in the intricacies of the game that he hadn’t noticed his father walk up to him from behind as he held the manual in his hand. It was bound to come out that day anyway. Quite surprising that they were able to hide… omit the topic for even the two days that they had really. The only problem was the previous night had given his parents the opportunity to voice their views to each other over and over again. The tension in the air was palpable, Marvin tried to ignore it as he dealt with his own type of tension. As his parents backed off but still stayed close, he said, “Could you guys please leave? I can really do this on my own.” As his parents still looked on worriedly, he added, “I want to do this on my own. Please.” That did it. They left. Marvin took another deep breath. Tried to calm himself and lifted himself up into the capsule. | Connect to Royal Road?Yes | No | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---------- *Flash* He was standing in a village square in front of a fountain. They were people mingling about doing business and talking to each other. It was a very busy place, he barely registered any of this. He was standing in a village square. As in to stand. Actively. To be on your feet, without any handholds. Tears burned in his eyes and he jumped, just because he could jump. He jumped and he ran. And then he jumped and ran some more. He wasn't going to stop. If he could walk, he was going to enjoy every last second of it. He ran circles around the fountain and laughed in delight. -“What’s that kid doing? He got a screw loose or somethin’?” -“I don't know man. Maybe he’s a noob. I mean I’m a noob, I just started a week ago. But I don't think I went that crazy when I first logged on.” -“Yep, definitely bonkers…” Footloose, that’s the name Marvin had given his avatar, continued to run circles around the fountain. After he got tired of running circles he ran through the cobbled streets of Fort Feranisburg in the Kingdom of Kallamore. He had chosen to be human, he had also kept his original appearance, minus wheelchair. It was heaven, no it was Royal Road! ‘Haha, this game rocks!’ He ran all the way to the city’s gates, it was a big city and it took him upwards of two hours to get there. He hadn’t planned on it, he had just let his legs run and run and run. He went up some crooked allies and back again after encountering dead ends. He wasn't worried though; all he wanted to do was run. As he was about to run out of the city gates one of the guards standing there stopped him. He was a tall man in metal armor with beady eyes. He was bald but had bushy red-brown eyebrows as well as a moustache that more than made up for his lack of hair on the top part of his head. ‘For a man with no hair, he has a lot of it.’ His head was slightly pointy at the top. ‘I wonder if he has trouble wearing helmets with a head like that.’ Footloose vaguely mused. The man laughed in a low baritone and commented, “Sorry, but ye can’t leave yet boy. Why ye in such a hurry anyway? Ye make trouble?” He asked jokingly. Hog, for that was the name the man went by, didn't see how this little imp of a boy could have done anything wrong. Footloose looked just like Marvin and Marvin had one of those angelic faces that can’t be blamed for anything. “No sir. I’m just getting some exercise is all. Been a while.” Footloose was out of breath, running around that much had tired him without him realizing. -“…Been a while? Boy ye haven’t lived a while. Come back in ten years and we’ll talk about what a while means.” Hog looked the boy up and down in an appraising manner. Having come to some sort of conclusion he asked, “Son, what’s yer name?” “Name’s Footloose sir.” He answered. -“Son… that's a shitty name. Whatever made yer Ma come up with that? Well..." He looked a little chagrined. "I am sorry for insulting yer Ma seeing as I don't know her and she might as well be a fine lady. But that ain'ta good name my boy. Take my name would ye? Hog. Now that ye see… that is a strong name.” Hog paused and looked at Footloose for some sort of validation. Footloose quickly nodded his assent. -“Son, what ye need is a strong name.” Hog paused and seemed to be considering something. He mumbled to himself and then broke into a grin. “Foot! That's a strong name! Simple and right to the point! No point for all that flowery crap. Yer going to be a man someday. For that, ye need a man’s name.” “Foot?” Footloose thought Hog to be quite strange but didn't add anything. -“Now shoo – go, go… Off with ya. Come back in four weeks and then we’ll talk. Until then, I’m afraid ye gotta stay inside boy.” Footloose shrugged and walked away. He had read the manual so he knew about the rules, he hadn’t intentionally tried to leave the city. As he was walking he heard Hog shout his name, he turned back towards Hog giving him a questioning look. Hog just smiled and said, “Atta boy.” Hog had called out, “Foot!” - and Foot had unconsciously responded. Foot sighed to himself and kept walking. ‘In hindsight Footloose might have been a bit much.’ Foot cringed at the memory of Hog referring to his name as flowery. Foot it is. ‘I should have introduced myself as Toe… I bet that would fall under Hog’s category of manly names.’ Foot started running again as he thought of other three letter words. ‘air, aim, cup, log, lap, lip…’ Hog watched as the young boy swiftly disappear around a corner. He was reminiscing about his son. Foot and him had a certain resemblance that went beyond appearance. They had this energy about them, this vitality that seemed to ignore the impossible. That same energy had gotten Hog’s son into a lot of trouble in his younger days… in fact it still did. ‘Wonder what that good for nothing is up to now? Should be coming back from one of his missions any day now…’ A satisfied smile crept into Hog’s face as he looked out beyond the gates. In the far distance he could see the forest that delineated the border between the kingdoms of Kallamore and Siradin. [Chapter 2.2](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=190&t=1599) AND yes... I changed his name to Foot because I didnt want to type Footloose every time.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Lee Jun opened his eyes to find himself shrouded in complete darkness. <br><br>‘Where am I?’ He wondered as he looked around in his lucid dream. As far as he could see it was completely black, it made him wonder whether his eyes were really open or not at all. He didn’t know where he was or how he got here yet it felt like déjà vu to him. He instinctively knew this was something to fear and yet he wasn’t afraid of this lonely darkness. There was a certain apathy to this feeling of his fear. It was like he no longer cared about the fear. <br><span style="font-style: italic;"> What is there to fear? </span> He knew he was forgetting but his desolate eyes would reveal he no longer cared about anything. He was completely content with just standing here in the darkness. As he stood and quietly stared into the darkness, the world around him began swirling, the black curtains of darkness twisted around him with hues of whites and greys. <br><br>He would tell something was happening. His former self might have panicked, but his present self appeared calm on the exterior however the truth being closer to he didn’t care.<br><br>As if reacting to the display of Lee Jun’s lack of any fear, the environment around him began to swirl even more violently. The shades of whites and greys broke loose into smaller shards as they began swirling closer and closer around. Their colors began changing, everything was moving so fast…yet Lee Jun stood absolutely still without a care in the world. He was slightly fascinated by what was going around him but he did not possess the curiousity he once had to question what he saw.<br><br>Just like that everything around him stopped moving; Lee Jun found himself aboard “The Arc”, his battleship in the VR game Athenos. It wasn’t the Arc he was used to. This Arc was different; the deck was deserted and the emergency lights were flashing red. Cabling from the ceiling dangled loosely below as wires sparked each time they touched each other. There were nuts, bolts and litter floating through the air. Lee Jun pushed aside a floating disposable cup that was on a collision course with him. He could see into the distance, they were in space. Outside the windows, space was like a black blanket studded with white diamonds. There was a certain calmness when he stared out the big viewing window. Even though everything around him cried of warning and danger, he was completely calm.<br><br>He took a cross legged seating posture as he stared blankly out the window. He had no thoughts about why he was here, where did everyone disappear off too or why was the Arc in such a dilapidated condition. His mind was completely blank as he silent stared of into space.<br><br>The deck of the Arc began to implode as if it were being crushed from the outside. The ceiling collapsed and the floor began creaking like metal being twisted forcefully till it jutted outwards. Lee Jun continued staring out, he felt so exhausted, he had no energy to panic or bother asking what was happening….just like that Lee Jun was soon being crushed between two metal plates and the lights switched off.<br><br>Lee Jun opened his eyes and found himself in an empty court room. Again a nostalgic feeling overwhelmed him and just as the feeling reached its peak, it dissappated away suddenly. Lee Jun’s hands slightly trembled. He knew he was scared to be here, he couldn’t recollect where this was or what it meant…but he knew he was scared; behind that armour of apathy still lay a seed of fear. Lee Jun could hear the gavel pounding the block. At first his skin tingled slightly in fear as he recoiled back but as the pounding became louder and louder, he found his apathy taking over. The feeling of shame and betrayal that he associated with this room were being dissolved…<br><br>‘What is there to fear?’ He wondered. He had no memory of why he had been so intimated of this room or this noise. He could not recollect any significance that it may have had on his life. Lee Jun knew that he had felt something far more shameful and fearsome than this before…<br><br>The pounding faded away just as it had began, it were as if the dream realized that it could no longer coerce Lee Jun using the court room…tiny green buds sprouting through the ground of the floor, branches rushed through and covered the court’s ceiling and brambles came forth everywhere.<br>Another déjà vu feeling swept through Lee Jun, he could feel his adrenaline pumping. The setting reminded him of something dangerous, something that made his heart leap…something adventurous. Lee Jun found himself yearning to return to this place. He knew there was something he must do here, yet he could not recollect what it was. Nonetheless, it was something of utmost importance he knew as it bothered him so much for not being able to remember what it was.<br>*Crackle*<br><br>Lee Jun turned around to the sound of something crackling behind him. <span style="font-style: italic;"> As Lee Jun looked up, 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. </span> As the gaseous like edges of the being swirled around the being there was a faint crackling sound accompanied with it.<br><br>Lee Jun and the creature stared at each other for what would seem like an eternity. Neither one moved during this time. There was no hatred being emitted, no knighting aura, it was just a simple long stare at each other with no meaning behind it. <br><br>The creature grew frustrated; if its job was to stir fear in the heart and mind of Lee Jun it had clearly failed. It let out a loud high pitched screeching sound enough to deafen everyone who stood around it. Even Lee Jun who was brimming with indifference and apathy in life, winced in pain as he clutched his hands against he ears in pain.<br><br>The creature smiled seeing Lee Jun in pain. A ting spike grew and grew out of its palm till it was long enough to be a sword. It then rushed towards Lee Jun and pierced him through the chest.<br><br>“REMEMBER!” The creatures hissed into Lee Jun’s ear.<br><br>Hundreds of thousands of images flashed before Lee Jun’s eye’s as he recollected each and every moment of his existence in an instant. A single tear rolled down his eye as he remembered the happiness, the sorrow, the fears and the loneliness…Lee Jun looked at the creature, he was finally scared of the creature…but beneath the fear was a sprout of courage that was taking root. Lee Jun remembered the last few days.. <span style="font-style: italic;">soft lips</span>…there was something yet to live on for…<br><br>He stretched his hands and touched the creature’s face who was still clutching on to the black sword as it stayed logged through Lee Jun’s chest. It could not pull itself back as it did not expect Lee Jun to find courage to do anything like this…<br><br>Lee Jun touched the creatures and the darkness evaporated; what was left behind was a spitting image of Lee Jun albeit with a slightly more sinister look. The “evil” Lee Jun gave of an evil grin before moving back and pulling out his sword. <br><br>“What are you?” Lee Jun asked in shock; he was barely able to find the words to ask the question.<br><br>The other Lee Jun just continued smiling before fading into the background.<br><br>-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-xx-x-x-<br><br>Lee Jun opened his eyes, he was on his bed. His arms were slightly bandaged and his back hurt but other than that he was perfectly alright. <br><br>“I can do this.” Lee Jun said with a twinkle in his eyes. He knew he had overcome his fear of virtual reality. He quickly grabbed his VR gear and wiped the dust which had gathered on it given its lack of use. He placed it on his head and paused for a moment, “MOM I AM GOING TO ONLINE!”<br><br>“WHAAT?” Lee Jun’s mom shouted back. She raced to up the stairs to see her son who had been unconscious all this while…however when she reached Lee Jun was already logged on to VR.<br><br>A screen flashed in front of Lee Jun;<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?</td></tr><tr><td width="25%"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&amp;t=1618" target="_blank">Yes</a></td><td width="25%">No</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>He smiled and shouted, “YES!”<br><br><br>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>Authors Note:<br><br>1. Well, I know most of you wanted flash backs and some of you wanted what he goes through. Independently of reader opinion (which was very insghtful), I wanted him to conquer with his inner fears before logging on first. <br>2. FYI, the next chapter is still not about him logging back on to RREV....(that will be V8C10)<br>3. A small chapter, however I am very satisfied with the end product. Its been a while since I have been happy with what I have written.<br><br><br>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </div>

Lee Jun opened his eyes to find himself shrouded in complete darkness. ‘Where am I?’ He wondered as he looked around in his lucid dream. As far as he could see it was completely black, it made him wonder whether his eyes were really open or not at all. He didn’t know where he was or how he got here yet it felt like déjà vu to him. He instinctively knew this was something to fear and yet he wasn’t afraid of this lonely darkness. There was a certain apathy to this feeling of his fear. It was like he no longer cared about the fear. What is there to fear? He knew he was forgetting but his desolate eyes would reveal he no longer cared about anything. He was completely content with just standing here in the darkness. As he stood and quietly stared into the darkness, the world around him began swirling, the black curtains of darkness twisted around him with hues of whites and greys. He would tell something was happening. His former self might have panicked, but his present self appeared calm on the exterior however the truth being closer to he didn’t care. As if reacting to the display of Lee Jun’s lack of any fear, the environment around him began to swirl even more violently. The shades of whites and greys broke loose into smaller shards as they began swirling closer and closer around. Their colors began changing, everything was moving so fast…yet Lee Jun stood absolutely still without a care in the world. He was slightly fascinated by what was going around him but he did not possess the curiousity he once had to question what he saw. Just like that everything around him stopped moving; Lee Jun found himself aboard “The Arc”, his battleship in the VR game Athenos. It wasn’t the Arc he was used to. This Arc was different; the deck was deserted and the emergency lights were flashing red. Cabling from the ceiling dangled loosely below as wires sparked each time they touched each other. There were nuts, bolts and litter floating through the air. Lee Jun pushed aside a floating disposable cup that was on a collision course with him. He could see into the distance, they were in space. Outside the windows, space was like a black blanket studded with white diamonds. There was a certain calmness when he stared out the big viewing window. Even though everything around him cried of warning and danger, he was completely calm. He took a cross legged seating posture as he stared blankly out the window. He had no thoughts about why he was here, where did everyone disappear off too or why was the Arc in such a dilapidated condition. His mind was completely blank as he silent stared of into space. The deck of the Arc began to implode as if it were being crushed from the outside. The ceiling collapsed and the floor began creaking like metal being twisted forcefully till it jutted outwards. Lee Jun continued staring out, he felt so exhausted, he had no energy to panic or bother asking what was happening….just like that Lee Jun was soon being crushed between two metal plates and the lights switched off. Lee Jun opened his eyes and found himself in an empty court room. Again a nostalgic feeling overwhelmed him and just as the feeling reached its peak, it dissappated away suddenly. Lee Jun’s hands slightly trembled. He knew he was scared to be here, he couldn’t recollect where this was or what it meant…but he knew he was scared; behind that armour of apathy still lay a seed of fear. Lee Jun could hear the gavel pounding the block. At first his skin tingled slightly in fear as he recoiled back but as the pounding became louder and louder, he found his apathy taking over. The feeling of shame and betrayal that he associated with this room were being dissolved… ‘What is there to fear?’ He wondered. He had no memory of why he had been so intimated of this room or this noise. He could not recollect any significance that it may have had on his life. Lee Jun knew that he had felt something far more shameful and fearsome than this before… The pounding faded away just as it had began, it were as if the dream realized that it could no longer coerce Lee Jun using the court room…tiny green buds sprouting through the ground of the floor, branches rushed through and covered the court’s ceiling and brambles came forth everywhere. Another déjà vu feeling swept through Lee Jun, he could feel his adrenaline pumping. The setting reminded him of something dangerous, something that made his heart leap…something adventurous. Lee Jun found himself yearning to return to this place. He knew there was something he must do here, yet he could not recollect what it was. Nonetheless, it was something of utmost importance he knew as it bothered him so much for not being able to remember what it was. *Crackle* Lee Jun turned around to the sound of something crackling behind him. As Lee Jun looked up, 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. As the gaseous like edges of the being swirled around the being there was a faint crackling sound accompanied with it. Lee Jun and the creature stared at each other for what would seem like an eternity. Neither one moved during this time. There was no hatred being emitted, no knighting aura, it was just a simple long stare at each other with no meaning behind it. The creature grew frustrated; if its job was to stir fear in the heart and mind of Lee Jun it had clearly failed. It let out a loud high pitched screeching sound enough to deafen everyone who stood around it. Even Lee Jun who was brimming with indifference and apathy in life, winced in pain as he clutched his hands against he ears in pain. The creature smiled seeing Lee Jun in pain. A ting spike grew and grew out of its palm till it was long enough to be a sword. It then rushed towards Lee Jun and pierced him through the chest. “REMEMBER!” The creatures hissed into Lee Jun’s ear. Hundreds of thousands of images flashed before Lee Jun’s eye’s as he recollected each and every moment of his existence in an instant. A single tear rolled down his eye as he remembered the happiness, the sorrow, the fears and the loneliness…Lee Jun looked at the creature, he was finally scared of the creature…but beneath the fear was a sprout of courage that was taking root. Lee Jun remembered the last few days.. soft lips…there was something yet to live on for… He stretched his hands and touched the creature’s face who was still clutching on to the black sword as it stayed logged through Lee Jun’s chest. It could not pull itself back as it did not expect Lee Jun to find courage to do anything like this… Lee Jun touched the creatures and the darkness evaporated; what was left behind was a spitting image of Lee Jun albeit with a slightly more sinister look. The “evil” Lee Jun gave of an evil grin before moving back and pulling out his sword. “What are you?” Lee Jun asked in shock; he was barely able to find the words to ask the question. The other Lee Jun just continued smiling before fading into the background. -x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-xx-x-x- Lee Jun opened his eyes, he was on his bed. His arms were slightly bandaged and his back hurt but other than that he was perfectly alright. “I can do this.” Lee Jun said with a twinkle in his eyes. He knew he had overcome his fear of virtual reality. He quickly grabbed his VR gear and wiped the dust which had gathered on it given its lack of use. He placed it on his head and paused for a moment, “MOM I AM GOING TO ONLINE!” “WHAAT?” Lee Jun’s mom shouted back. She raced to up the stairs to see her son who had been unconscious all this while…however when she reached Lee Jun was already logged on to VR. A screen flashed in front of Lee Jun; | Connect to Royal Road – Elementarem Vim? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Yes](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=1618) | No | He smiled and shouted, “YES!” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authors Note: 1. Well, I know most of you wanted flash backs and some of you wanted what he goes through. Independently of reader opinion (which was very insghtful), I wanted him to conquer with his inner fears before logging on first. 2. FYI, the next chapter is still not about him logging back on to RREV....(that will be V8C10) 3. A small chapter, however I am very satisfied with the end product. Its been a while since I have been happy with what I have written. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Approximately three hours have passed since Loor started his training and he is beginning to get ferociously bored. <br><span style="font-style: italic;">Ugh, when is this going to end? I’ve got to be an expert at this staff fighting stuff by now.</span><br>Trying to think of actions he could take to pass the time, Loor remembers that he hasn’t actually checked out the campfire or handicraft skill.<br>“Information Campfire, Information Handicraft.”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Campfire Beginner 1 20.00%<br><br>A warm, crackling campfire lifts the spirit on a dark, cold night. It can also be used to cook basic recipes. Magnitude and radius of the effect increases at higher skill levels.<br><br>Effect: Increase stamina recovery by 50% and cold resistance by 50% while around a campfire.<br>Effect Radius: 2m</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">Handicraft [Passive] Beginner 1 0.00%<br><br>The ability to move your hand dexterously and intricately. Assists all skills that use your hands.<br><br>Effect: Amplifies effects of various craft skills. Amplifies effect of weapon mastery.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><span style="font-style: italic;">ugh, that only took like, two minutes…</span><br>Loor’s face lights up as he remembers his infravision skill.<br>“Infravision.”<br><br>Instantly, everything becomes varying shades of gray. Rari is an extremely bright gray, almost white. The stone of the walls, however, are a much darker color. By this, Loor decides that the hotter the object, the closer the color is to white.<br><span style="font-style: italic;">Ooh, so that’s why it’s called ‘white hot.’</span><br><br>Totally <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> why it’s called white hot, but whatever.<br><br>Rari walks over to check on the quality of Loor’s exercises.<br>“Well, I’d say that’s about as good as it will get without further instruction. I am impressed that you stayed focused for four hours.”<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">What? Four hours? I thought it was only three.</span><br>The blue bar in the corner of Loor’s view finally empties completely, and his vision suddenly snaps back to normal. Disoriented, Loor blinks a few times.<br>“That must be my mana.”<br><br>“What?”<br><br>“Oh, sorry, did I actually say that?” Loor blushes “Just ignore it.”<br><br>“Alright…Are you ready for the next step of your training?”<br><br>Suspicious, Loor asks “How long will this step take?”<br><br>“Oh, not long, only about six hours.”<br><br>“See ya later.”<br>Loor escap-uh, leaves the training hall with all haste. Most of the large group of females left at some point in the last four hours, so only a few of the determined ones are still around.<br><br>“YOU! How did you get the instructor to talk to you!?”<br>An intense red-haired woman stalks up to Loor and pokes her finger into his chest.<br><br>Flustered and having no clue how to handle the situation, Loor stands there with a slightly frightened look on his face.<br><br>Punctuating each word with another poke, she continues her tirade “He hates all fem-“<br>She stops, confused, looks at her finger, then gropes Loor’s chest.<br>“Oh! You’re a guy…Sorry about that.”<br>She blushes in embarrassment and quickly backs away out of Loor’s personal space.<br>“Um, my name is Olivacea. What is yours?”<br><br>Loor grins <span style="font-style: italic;">Another friend!</span> and responds.<br>“My name is J- I mean, Loor.”<br><br>“You’re new, aren’t you?”<br><br>“Yeah. How did you know?”<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Is he stupid?</span><br>“You almost just told me your real name.” Olivacea said, in tone which showed that she thought him stupid.<br><br>“Oh, right…” Loor says sheepishly<br>“How long have you been playing?”<br><br>“About four months RR time.”<br><br>“Wow! You must be really strong.”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Innocence +1</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Do you have any recommendations on what I should do aside from the training hall?”<br><br>“Hmm, you could always go to the library to read, or you could find some work somewhere to get money and skills.”<br><br>“Oh yeah! Ms. Gaea said something about the library, thanks for reminding me!” Loor says, smiling. “Do you know where the library is?”<br><br>Olivacea looks at Loor with a look on her face that absolutely broadcasts ‘are you sure you’re not stupid?’ and points across the street at the huge wooden building with a gigantic sign that says ‘library.’<br><br>“Haha, I’ll just be going now.” Loor quickly walks away, embarrassed, finally noticing that he was acting quite stupid.<br><br> Walking into the library Loor enters an oddly small, low-roofed room when compared to the size of the building itself. The ceiling is only about two feet above her head. Standing in the center of the room she is able to stretch out her arms and touch, at the same time, the desk taking up most of the space to the right and the wall on the left, but only just (I totally don’t know that because she just did or anything).<br><br>“What are you doing?” A nasally, masculine voice asks, contempt evident in the tone.<br><br>Okay, so I lied.<br><br>Loor, face burning (seems to be happening quite a lot recently) quickly drops her hands and turns toward the desk. Sitting behind the desk is a very short, thin, and pale elf. He has slick, oiled brown hair pulled back tight to the scalp; revealing a sharp widow’s peak. Brown eyes magnified to quite unusual proportions by thick round glasses stare back at Loor with barely concealed annoyance.<br>“Ah, s-sorry.”<br><br>“Can I help you?” the librarian asks in tone that shows he clearly hopes the answer is no.<br><br>“Am I a-allowed to read the b-books here?”<br><br>*sigh* “Of course you are allowed to read the books here. If you want to bring any out, you must first purchase a library card.” The librarian looks at her expectantly, hoping she would leave.<br><br>“A-are the books through th-there?” Loor asks, pointing at the door directly across from the entrance.<br><br>“Yes they are through there. Did you <span style="font-style: italic;">see</span> any outside when you came in?”<br><br>Loor quickly scampers away through the indicated doorway, eager to escape from beneath the librarian’s contemptuous gaze.<br><br>Shelves of books are everywhere. All different kinds of shelves too. Towering shelves, squat shelves, circular shelves, wall shelves, floating shelves, and even more. This is what Loor sees as she enters the library proper. Overwhelmed, Loor walks over to sturdy, circular table to collect herself. After she calms down a bit, she walks up to a shelf and picks up a book at random.<br>“Hairstyles across the ages. Hmm…not really my cup of tea.”<br>After reshelving that book, she goes to another bookshelf and picks one at random again.<br><br>And again…<br><br>And again…….<br><br>Finally, Loor gets fed up with trying to find something useful that way and actually thinks about how to find a good book. Eventually, she decides to find a floating bookshelf and browse.<br><span style="font-style: italic;">At least it’s better than choosing any old shelf.</span><br>She actually decides to read the titles <span style="font-style: italic;">before</span> choosing a book (imagine that).<br><br>“Advanced Magical Theory…You, Me, and Dark Magic…1001 Ways to Cast a Fungus Fixing Spell... (What kind of weirdo comes up with these? Oh…right) The Colors of the Wind…” <span style="font-style: italic;">Isn’t that a song?</span> “Aha! Magic for Dummies! That’ll be perfect for me!”<br><br>Ba-dum-ch<br><br>Sorry, it had to be done.<br><br>Loor reaches over and grabs the Magic for Dummies book. She brings it over to the table and inspects it further. <br>The cover of the book is bright yellow with quite the familiar format and had a cartoon illustration of a wacky wizard and a magic circle. The book itself was about an inch or so thick. Fortunately Loor loves reading. She opens the book to the first real page, and begins.<br><br>(I recommend reading the book. I actually put quite a bit of effort into it.)<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Magic for Dummies~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br><br>The first thing that must be understood about magic is mana. Not much is actually known about mana. Is it a substance? Is it a form of energy? What is known, however, is that mana can be manipulated using the mind. Mana in its purest form is colorless. All living things leak out a very small amount of mana at all times, though the amount that leaks is directly proportional to the total amount of mana within. This mana is normally invisible, but can be seen by those with either the talent or the training to see it. The mana then takes on a color according to the being that emits it and the being that views it. This semi-visible mana is called an aura.<br><br>No two base auras are exactly the same and are affected by the mental and physical status of the emitter. When a being emits mana without giving it any commands, the aura strengthens and becomes visible to all. This visible aura is often mistaken for Fighting Spirit. All living things have a finite amount of mana and a limited capacity for storing it. However, mana acts similar to a gas in that it will diffuse to the lower percentage. For example, if a being has less than their maximum capacity of mana, the natural mana that exists all around them will move into their body to fill the void. For some reason unknown, meditation increases your body or mind’s ability to absorb mana. This phenomenon also explains the invisible aura. If you think of it as a chemical equation at theoretical equilibrium, the amount going in and out is exactly equal. Research is being done in an attempt to discover where the mana is actually stored in the body. The data that we already have points to it being stored somewhere in the brain, as the capacity increases as cognitive abilities increase.<br><br>Along with the ubiquitous pure mana exists six other different kinds. These are fire, water, earth, air, light, and dark. Light, in this case has a greater affinity to the moral concepts of good than it does with actual light. The same goes for dark in reverse. Though small amounts of these different kinds of mana can be found everywhere, higher concentrations are located according to certain natural focal points. <br><br>Earth mana is the easiest, as it can be found in abundance anywhere underground. <br>Air mana is located, the opposite of earth, in high altitudes as well as certain areas in which the wind blows quite strongly. <br>Fire mana is primarily found near volcanoes, but can also be found in extremely hot, arid places like the desert. Water mana is found in all water; higher concentrations, of course, at larger bodies of water. <br>We do not actually know whether the mana creates the terrain, or the terrain produces the mana.<br>Light and dark mana are slightly different. They are actually produced by sentient beings according to their moral standing. Even a person with the highest morals produces miniscule amounts of dark mana and vice versa. <br><br>Magic is used by manipulating natural mana with internal mana to create a desired effect. Let’s use the simplest of spells as an example. The mana bolt is created by merging internal mana with a fairly large amount of ambient pure mana, forcing it to clump together, and shooting towards your target. This magic is, effectively, the equivalent of throwing a small rock at your target. However, it does perform a few important functions. It is a very good measure of one’s affinity to magic, and a very good way to train in efficiently using mana. As mana efficiency increases, your ability to manipulate ambient mana with internal mana increases. Thus, you get a greater magnitude for an equal price. Furthermore, Incantations are used in order to increase concentration on the desired affects thereby decreasing chance of failure. Failure results in a phenomenon known as feedback.<br><br>During feedback, all of the mana you sent out is returned into your body along with the mana it was manipulating. Unfortunately, for some reason, the pure mana sent out becomes the type of mana manipulated. All ‘wild’ magic when entering the body causes damage. I encourage you to attempt to use mana bolt as a test to see if magic is right for you. <br><br>The magic created using pure mana is called arcane, and the magic created using the other types is named the same as the type used. Certain schools of magic rely entirely on an individual mana type whereas others use a combination of multiple. The difficulty of manipulating the mana increases the further away from pure that the manipulated type becomes. For example, manipulating pure mana is much easier than manipulating fire mana which in turn, is much easier than manipulating lightning. However, the quantity of mana being manipulated does make a difference. As such, sometimes manipulating fire <span style="font-style: italic;">is</span> more difficult than manipulating lightning. <br><br>It is possible to imbue a living being with mana. The results differ depending on the type. Imbuing pure mana merely increases that being’s stores, though not beyond capacity. This, by the way, is the principle upon which mana potions operate. Alternatively, by imbuing a mana such as fire or light into a person becomes what is known as a ‘buff.’ Buffs increase or decrease one or more properties for the duration of the effect. The effect does not last forever due to the beings inherent mana attempting to return to its natural state. Finally, objects can also be imbued with mana. Again, the results of this depend on the type being used as well as the material of the object being used. <br><br>Metals are particularly weak storage units for mana but highly absorbent. They reach capacity very quickly. Past capacity, Metal becomes a near perfect conductor for mana. <br>Gems are nearly as conductive as metal-just needing a slight stimulus to release the mana, but they can hold the greatest amount of mana of any known substance. <br>Animal hide is highly absorbent of mana and quite greedy as well. It can hold and actually discharge as pure mana a fair amount. This is likely reminiscent of it being living creature. <br>Wood is nearly a perfect conductor-even better than metal-but only a mediocre amplifier, storage, and absorbent for mana; which is why it is used in all the best magical staves. It is rumored that a certain type of wood exists that is an absolute conductor as well as greatly absorbent, not even needing part of a magical creature to assist in amplification. <br><br>Now you know what mana is, how to use magic, and the properties of various substances often associated with magic. Recommend us to all your friends!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>-bong- <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Intelligence +1</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Skill Learned: Meditation</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Ooh, I wanna try out magic now.”<br>Loor closes her eyes and begins concentrating. She visualizes a bright white light inside of her head. She moves the light down towards her hand and imagines it combining with a similar light all around her. She then kneads the lights together and rolls them into a small ball. Opening her eyes, she sees a small white ball floating above her outstretched hand.<br> <br>The moment Loor sees it, it winks out. She forgot to continue concentrating. Excited with her success, Loor tries again. This time, she finishes much faster and is able to keep her concentration while looking at the ball for about thirty seconds. She continues trying a couple more times and improves each time. At this point, her mana bar is pretty much empty, so she decides to look for more interesting books to read. Returning to the previously visited floating shelf, Loor returns Magic for Dummies to its proper place and picks out a few others. <br><br>The books she chooses are How to see Auras: A Learners Guide; Advanced Magical Theory; and-for entertainment purposes-Magical Misadventures: The Rivetingly Random Roaming of Rhonda Rim. She also got the sequel; Magical Misadventures: The Wondrously Whimsical Wayfaring of William Welt.<br><br>Loor finishes the last book and looks around. Seeing how much the quality of the light changed, she realizes that she must have been reading for quite a bit longer than it seemed. Checking the clock, Loor finds out that 18 hours have passed. She also notices that she has a bit of a backlog of system messages.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Intelligence +1</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Intelligence +1</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Wisdom +1</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Wisdom +1</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Magical Misadventures<br><br>You have read one of the books in the Magical Misadventures series. Read every book in the series and complete a short quiz to win a prize.<br><br>Books Read <br>The Rivetingly Random Roaming of Rhonda Rim<br><br>Books Unread<br>9</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Read a Magical Misadventures book<br><br>Books Read<br>The Rivetingly Random Roaming of Rhonda Rim<br>The Wondrously Whimsical Wayfaring of William Welt<br><br>Books Unread<br>8</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">I can get a prize for reading!!</span><br>Without even looking around to make sure of her privacy, Loor does an extremely embarrassing ‘happy dance.’ Fortunately, no one is around to see her. Loor looks at the shelf she has been using thus far and cannot find any more Magical Misadventures books. She goes off to find more floating shelves and manages to find two more of the aforementioned books. Dejected, Loor does another sweep to see if she missed anything. <br><br>Off in a corner of the room, Loor notices a stairway that he didn’t see last time. In front of the stairway stands a female elf in long robes. Loor walks up to the elf and asks “What’s up there?”<br><br>“Up there is a roughly equal sized room with some of our relatively more valuable books.” The elf replies.<br><br>“Ooh, can I go up?”<br><br>“May I see your library card?”<br><br>“I don’t have one.”<br><br>“Then I’m sorry, you are not allowed up there. Only library card holders are allowed past this point.”<br><br>“How do I get a library card?”<br><br>“You can buy one at the front desk for one silver coin.”<br><br>“Okey doke, Thanks!”<br><br>“You’re welcome.”<br><br>Knowing that he does not have enough money for a library card—and not wanting to have to talk to that scary librarian again—Loor exits the building to find a way to make some money. <br><br>“Character Window”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Name</td><td width="25%">Loor</td><td width="25%">Race</td><td width="25%">Hybrid Elf</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">80/80</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">140/140</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Level</td><td width="25%">1</td><td width="25%">Experience</td><td width="25%">0.00%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">8</td><td width="25%">Agility</td><td width="25%">10</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">14</td><td width="25%">Intelligence</td><td width="25%">14</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Dexterity</td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Vitality</td><td width="25%">8</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Innocence</td><td width="25%">14</td><td width="25%">Stamina</td><td width="25%">80/80</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Characteristics</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">—Androgynous—<br>—Elemental Connection—<br>—Animal Magnetism—<br>—Natural Camouflage—<br>—Infravision—<br>—Maker’s Skill—</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Skills</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">—Campfire—<br>—Handicraft—<br>—Meditation—</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>Sorry about how short my chapters are, I try to end at a logical transition.<br><br>Should I allow the narrators thoughts to interject into the story or continue as i did for the prologue and chapter 1?<br><br>Did you actually read the book?<br><br>As always, comments, recommendations, and constructive criticism are greatly encouraged.<br><br>Edit: Tried formatting the book a bit per request. Is this better?<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=182&amp;t=1519" target="_blank">Previous Chapter</a>|<a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=182" target="_blank">Home</a>|<a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=182&amp;t=1659" target="_blank">Next Chapter</a></div> </div>

Approximately three hours have passed since Loor started his training and he is beginning to get ferociously bored. Ugh, when is this going to end? I’ve got to be an expert at this staff fighting stuff by now. Trying to think of actions he could take to pass the time, Loor remembers that he hasn’t actually checked out the campfire or handicraft skill. “Information Campfire, Information Handicraft.” | Campfire Beginner 1 20.00%A warm, crackling campfire lifts the spirit on a dark, cold night. It can also be used to cook basic recipes. Magnitude and radius of the effect increases at higher skill levels.Effect: Increase stamina recovery by 50% and cold resistance by 50% while around a campfire.Effect Radius: 2m | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Handicraft [Passive] Beginner 1 0.00%The ability to move your hand dexterously and intricately. Assists all skills that use your hands.Effect: Amplifies effects of various craft skills. Amplifies effect of weapon mastery. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | ugh, that only took like, two minutes… Loor’s face lights up as he remembers his infravision skill. “Infravision.” Instantly, everything becomes varying shades of gray. Rari is an extremely bright gray, almost white. The stone of the walls, however, are a much darker color. By this, Loor decides that the hotter the object, the closer the color is to white. Ooh, so that’s why it’s called ‘white hot.’ Totally not why it’s called white hot, but whatever. Rari walks over to check on the quality of Loor’s exercises. “Well, I’d say that’s about as good as it will get without further instruction. I am impressed that you stayed focused for four hours.” What? Four hours? I thought it was only three. The blue bar in the corner of Loor’s view finally empties completely, and his vision suddenly snaps back to normal. Disoriented, Loor blinks a few times. “That must be my mana.” “What?” “Oh, sorry, did I actually say that?” Loor blushes “Just ignore it.” “Alright…Are you ready for the next step of your training?” Suspicious, Loor asks “How long will this step take?” “Oh, not long, only about six hours.” “See ya later.” Loor escap-uh, leaves the training hall with all haste. Most of the large group of females left at some point in the last four hours, so only a few of the determined ones are still around. “YOU! How did you get the instructor to talk to you!?” An intense red-haired woman stalks up to Loor and pokes her finger into his chest. Flustered and having no clue how to handle the situation, Loor stands there with a slightly frightened look on his face. Punctuating each word with another poke, she continues her tirade “He hates all fem-“ She stops, confused, looks at her finger, then gropes Loor’s chest. “Oh! You’re a guy…Sorry about that.” She blushes in embarrassment and quickly backs away out of Loor’s personal space. “Um, my name is Olivacea. What is yours?” Loor grins Another friend! and responds. “My name is J- I mean, Loor.” “You’re new, aren’t you?” “Yeah. How did you know?” Is he stupid? “You almost just told me your real name.” Olivacea said, in tone which showed that she thought him stupid. “Oh, right…” Loor says sheepishly “How long have you been playing?” “About four months RR time.” “Wow! You must be really strong.” | Innocence +1 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | “Do you have any recommendations on what I should do aside from the training hall?” “Hmm, you could always go to the library to read, or you could find some work somewhere to get money and skills.” “Oh yeah! Ms. Gaea said something about the library, thanks for reminding me!” Loor says, smiling. “Do you know where the library is?” Olivacea looks at Loor with a look on her face that absolutely broadcasts ‘are you sure you’re not stupid?’ and points across the street at the huge wooden building with a gigantic sign that says ‘library.’ “Haha, I’ll just be going now.” Loor quickly walks away, embarrassed, finally noticing that he was acting quite stupid. Walking into the library Loor enters an oddly small, low-roofed room when compared to the size of the building itself. The ceiling is only about two feet above her head. Standing in the center of the room she is able to stretch out her arms and touch, at the same time, the desk taking up most of the space to the right and the wall on the left, but only just (I totally don’t know that because she just did or anything). “What are you doing?” A nasally, masculine voice asks, contempt evident in the tone. Okay, so I lied. Loor, face burning (seems to be happening quite a lot recently) quickly drops her hands and turns toward the desk. Sitting behind the desk is a very short, thin, and pale elf. He has slick, oiled brown hair pulled back tight to the scalp; revealing a sharp widow’s peak. Brown eyes magnified to quite unusual proportions by thick round glasses stare back at Loor with barely concealed annoyance. “Ah, s-sorry.” “Can I help you?” the librarian asks in tone that shows he clearly hopes the answer is no. “Am I a-allowed to read the b-books here?” *sigh* “Of course you are allowed to read the books here. If you want to bring any out, you must first purchase a library card.” The librarian looks at her expectantly, hoping she would leave. “A-are the books through th-there?” Loor asks, pointing at the door directly across from the entrance. “Yes they are through there. Did you see any outside when you came in?” Loor quickly scampers away through the indicated doorway, eager to escape from beneath the librarian’s contemptuous gaze. Shelves of books are everywhere. All different kinds of shelves too. Towering shelves, squat shelves, circular shelves, wall shelves, floating shelves, and even more. This is what Loor sees as she enters the library proper. Overwhelmed, Loor walks over to sturdy, circular table to collect herself. After she calms down a bit, she walks up to a shelf and picks up a book at random. “Hairstyles across the ages. Hmm…not really my cup of tea.” After reshelving that book, she goes to another bookshelf and picks one at random again. And again… And again……. Finally, Loor gets fed up with trying to find something useful that way and actually thinks about how to find a good book. Eventually, she decides to find a floating bookshelf and browse. At least it’s better than choosing any old shelf. She actually decides to read the titles before choosing a book (imagine that). “Advanced Magical Theory…You, Me, and Dark Magic…1001 Ways to Cast a Fungus Fixing Spell... (What kind of weirdo comes up with these? Oh…right) The Colors of the Wind…” Isn’t that a song? “Aha! Magic for Dummies! That’ll be perfect for me!” Ba-dum-ch Sorry, it had to be done. Loor reaches over and grabs the Magic for Dummies book. She brings it over to the table and inspects it further. The cover of the book is bright yellow with quite the familiar format and had a cartoon illustration of a wacky wizard and a magic circle. The book itself was about an inch or so thick. Fortunately Loor loves reading. She opens the book to the first real page, and begins. (I recommend reading the book. I actually put quite a bit of effort into it.) | ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Magic for Dummies~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The first thing that must be understood about magic is mana. Not much is actually known about mana. Is it a substance? Is it a form of energy? What is known, however, is that mana can be manipulated using the mind. Mana in its purest form is colorless. All living things leak out a very small amount of mana at all times, though the amount that leaks is directly proportional to the total amount of mana within. This mana is normally invisible, but can be seen by those with either the talent or the training to see it. The mana then takes on a color according to the being that emits it and the being that views it. This semi-visible mana is called an aura.No two base auras are exactly the same and are affected by the mental and physical status of the emitter. When a being emits mana without giving it any commands, the aura strengthens and becomes visible to all. This visible aura is often mistaken for Fighting Spirit. All living things have a finite amount of mana and a limited capacity for storing it. However, mana acts similar to a gas in that it will diffuse to the lower percentage. For example, if a being has less than their maximum capacity of mana, the natural mana that exists all around them will move into their body to fill the void. For some reason unknown, meditation increases your body or mind’s ability to absorb mana. This phenomenon also explains the invisible aura. If you think of it as a chemical equation at theoretical equilibrium, the amount going in and out is exactly equal. Research is being done in an attempt to discover where the mana is actually stored in the body. The data that we already have points to it being stored somewhere in the brain, as the capacity increases as cognitive abilities increase.Along with the ubiquitous pure mana exists six other different kinds. These are fire, water, earth, air, light, and dark. Light, in this case has a greater affinity to the moral concepts of good than it does with actual light. The same goes for dark in reverse. Though small amounts of these different kinds of mana can be found everywhere, higher concentrations are located according to certain natural focal points. Earth mana is the easiest, as it can be found in abundance anywhere underground. Air mana is located, the opposite of earth, in high altitudes as well as certain areas in which the wind blows quite strongly. Fire mana is primarily found near volcanoes, but can also be found in extremely hot, arid places like the desert. Water mana is found in all water; higher concentrations, of course, at larger bodies of water. We do not actually know whether the mana creates the terrain, or the terrain produces the mana.Light and dark mana are slightly different. They are actually produced by sentient beings according to their moral standing. Even a person with the highest morals produces miniscule amounts of dark mana and vice versa. Magic is used by manipulating natural mana with internal mana to create a desired effect. Let’s use the simplest of spells as an example. The mana bolt is created by merging internal mana with a fairly large amount of ambient pure mana, forcing it to clump together, and shooting towards your target. This magic is, effectively, the equivalent of throwing a small rock at your target. However, it does perform a few important functions. It is a very good measure of one’s affinity to magic, and a very good way to train in efficiently using mana. As mana efficiency increases, your ability to manipulate ambient mana with internal mana increases. Thus, you get a greater magnitude for an equal price. Furthermore, Incantations are used in order to increase concentration on the desired affects thereby decreasing chance of failure. Failure results in a phenomenon known as feedback.During feedback, all of the mana you sent out is returned into your body along with the mana it was manipulating. Unfortunately, for some reason, the pure mana sent out becomes the type of mana manipulated. All ‘wild’ magic when entering the body causes damage. I encourage you to attempt to use mana bolt as a test to see if magic is right for you. The magic created using pure mana is called arcane, and the magic created using the other types is named the same as the type used. Certain schools of magic rely entirely on an individual mana type whereas others use a combination of multiple. The difficulty of manipulating the mana increases the further away from pure that the manipulated type becomes. For example, manipulating pure mana is much easier than manipulating fire mana which in turn, is much easier than manipulating lightning. However, the quantity of mana being manipulated does make a difference. As such, sometimes manipulating fire is more difficult than manipulating lightning. It is possible to imbue a living being with mana. The results differ depending on the type. Imbuing pure mana merely increases that being’s stores, though not beyond capacity. This, by the way, is the principle upon which mana potions operate. Alternatively, by imbuing a mana such as fire or light into a person becomes what is known as a ‘buff.’ Buffs increase or decrease one or more properties for the duration of the effect. The effect does not last forever due to the beings inherent mana attempting to return to its natural state. Finally, objects can also be imbued with mana. Again, the results of this depend on the type being used as well as the material of the object being used. Metals are particularly weak storage units for mana but highly absorbent. They reach capacity very quickly. Past capacity, Metal becomes a near perfect conductor for mana. Gems are nearly as conductive as metal-just needing a slight stimulus to release the mana, but they can hold the greatest amount of mana of any known substance. Animal hide is highly absorbent of mana and quite greedy as well. It can hold and actually discharge as pure mana a fair amount. This is likely reminiscent of it being living creature. Wood is nearly a perfect conductor-even better than metal-but only a mediocre amplifier, storage, and absorbent for mana; which is why it is used in all the best magical staves. It is rumored that a certain type of wood exists that is an absolute conductor as well as greatly absorbent, not even needing part of a magical creature to assist in amplification. Now you know what mana is, how to use magic, and the properties of various substances often associated with magic. Recommend us to all your friends! | | --- | -bong- | Intelligence +1 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Skill Learned: Meditation | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | “Ooh, I wanna try out magic now.” Loor closes her eyes and begins concentrating. She visualizes a bright white light inside of her head. She moves the light down towards her hand and imagines it combining with a similar light all around her. She then kneads the lights together and rolls them into a small ball. Opening her eyes, she sees a small white ball floating above her outstretched hand. The moment Loor sees it, it winks out. She forgot to continue concentrating. Excited with her success, Loor tries again. This time, she finishes much faster and is able to keep her concentration while looking at the ball for about thirty seconds. She continues trying a couple more times and improves each time. At this point, her mana bar is pretty much empty, so she decides to look for more interesting books to read. Returning to the previously visited floating shelf, Loor returns Magic for Dummies to its proper place and picks out a few others. The books she chooses are How to see Auras: A Learners Guide; Advanced Magical Theory; and-for entertainment purposes-Magical Misadventures: The Rivetingly Random Roaming of Rhonda Rim. She also got the sequel; Magical Misadventures: The Wondrously Whimsical Wayfaring of William Welt. Loor finishes the last book and looks around. Seeing how much the quality of the light changed, she realizes that she must have been reading for quite a bit longer than it seemed. Checking the clock, Loor finds out that 18 hours have passed. She also notices that she has a bit of a backlog of system messages. | Intelligence +1 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Intelligence +1 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Wisdom +1 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Wisdom +1 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Magical MisadventuresYou have read one of the books in the Magical Misadventures series. Read every book in the series and complete a short quiz to win a prize.Books Read The Rivetingly Random Roaming of Rhonda RimBooks Unread9 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Read a Magical Misadventures bookBooks ReadThe Rivetingly Random Roaming of Rhonda RimThe Wondrously Whimsical Wayfaring of William WeltBooks Unread8 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | I can get a prize for reading!! Without even looking around to make sure of her privacy, Loor does an extremely embarrassing ‘happy dance.’ Fortunately, no one is around to see her. Loor looks at the shelf she has been using thus far and cannot find any more Magical Misadventures books. She goes off to find more floating shelves and manages to find two more of the aforementioned books. Dejected, Loor does another sweep to see if she missed anything. Off in a corner of the room, Loor notices a stairway that he didn’t see last time. In front of the stairway stands a female elf in long robes. Loor walks up to the elf and asks “What’s up there?” “Up there is a roughly equal sized room with some of our relatively more valuable books.” The elf replies. “Ooh, can I go up?” “May I see your library card?” “I don’t have one.” “Then I’m sorry, you are not allowed up there. Only library card holders are allowed past this point.” “How do I get a library card?” “You can buy one at the front desk for one silver coin.” “Okey doke, Thanks!” “You’re welcome.” Knowing that he does not have enough money for a library card—and not wanting to have to talk to that scary librarian again—Loor exits the building to find a way to make some money. “Character Window” | Name | Loor | Race | Hybrid Elf | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Health | 80/80 | Mana | 140/140 | | Level | 1 | Experience | 0.00% | | Strength | 8 | Agility | 10 | | Wisdom | 14 | Intelligence | 14 | | Dexterity | 10 | Vitality | 8 | | Innocence | 14 | Stamina | 80/80 | | Characteristics | | | | | —Androgynous——Elemental Connection——Animal Magnetism——Natural Camouflage——Infravision——Maker’s Skill— | | | | | Skills | | | | | —Campfire——Handicraft——Meditation— | | | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sorry about how short my chapters are, I try to end at a logical transition. Should I allow the narrators thoughts to interject into the story or continue as i did for the prologue and chapter 1? Did you actually read the book? As always, comments, recommendations, and constructive criticism are greatly encouraged. Edit: Tried formatting the book a bit per request. Is this better? [Previous Chapter](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=182&t=1519)|[Home](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=182)|[Next Chapter](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=182&t=1659)

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Dodging Is a Good Thing<br><br><br>Alan re-entered Royal Road for the second time that day, after having had his brain filled with useful facts by his very annoyed sister.<br><br>He ended up back in the empty plaza that he had left before diner.<br>“Right, according to Sarah if I use different jumps, roles and over all basic moves I should be able to raise my Gymnastics skill, hmm oh well I was planning on training let’s give it a try.”<br><br>-T-Ting-<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">LEVEL UP: Gymnastics Skill [2]<br><br>Increases Stamina by 100<br>Increases Health by 100<br>Increases Agility by 5<br>Increases Endurance by 5</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>It took eight hours of spins, back-flips, rolls and running to unlock level 2 of the Gymnastics Skill “not bad I, guess I’ll try some more. Hmm this bar has been getting smaller? Ha food bar I think that’s what Sarah said.”<br><br>“Remember to eat.”<br>“We just had dinner I’m full.”<br>“I meant in game, it would be too embarrassing if you died of hunger in game.”<br>“Does that happen.”<br>“Not often but i bet some people have died from not eating.”<br>“Ow”<br>“Also try not to die, you lose levels, stats and you get locked out of the game for a day.”<br>“Eh? No one mentioned anything like that.”<br>“That’s because everyone knows except for you, now you do too.” Sarah said smiling.<br><br>Luckily his father had gone through the various system windows with him immediately after dinner, explaining which was which, the stats and skills window, the item window, and the systems support window and how to use them.<br>****<br>“System, items window,” Allwind called softly. A huge window opened in front of him, revealing the items he had, ten rye bread and one canteen, the rest of the window was empty space.<br><br>He took out one of the rye breads and began eating, slowly the empty bar filled up the other bars were all full as well.<br><br>“So, the red one is health, the blue one is Mana, the yellow one is stamina, with the food bar being a pale pink, the only one’s that had been moving so far was the stamina and food bars.” He mused.<br><br>It was while he was eating that he noticed a little girl who sat in the corner of the plaza, she seemed to have been there for some time, and all she was doing was just sitting there.<br><br>“None of my business. Need to do more training.”<br><br>“Ha ha, it only took me, eight hours to level it up to two I wonder when I’ll get to level three?”<br><br>“I’ll get some sleep now I think,” Allwind muttered giving up, he logged off for the night. The girl sat in the corner of the plaza, lifted her head, and smiled as she watched him log off, before standing up and moving to the centre of the plaza.<br>****<br><br>It was Sunday morning when Alan logged back into Royal Road; he had slept for nearly nine hours, had eaten breakfast with his sister Sarah, who again bombarded him with lots of questions and tips.<br><br>Allwind appeared at the edge of the plaza, there was still five days left in real time until he could leave the city, his sister had been adamant that he try out a few quests, and to find out where he was in Royal Road.<br><br>To Allwind’s surprise he noticed a little girl in the plaza. It appeared she was trying to do cartwheels like he had done yesterday. Slowly Allwind approached the girl as she collapsed from mid way through an attempt.<br><br>“Are you ok?” He asked, “you nearly did it, want some help?” The young girl looked at him. She had dull red hair, green eyes, and fair skin. She just nodded her head slowly, not saying a word.<br><br>It took a lot of practice and failed attempts, before the young girl was able to do a full cartwheel on her own. Allwind had to catch her a number of times to prevent her from hurting herself.<br><br>“Thank you, that was fun,” the girl said.<br><br>“That’s ok, I had fun teaching you, what’s your name”<br>“My name is Lillian; I live here what about you?”<br>“I’m Ala—Allwind,” Sarah would scream at him if she found out he; had nearly used his real name in game.<br><br>“Ala-Allwind. That’s a weird name. My granddad says, ‘all foreigners have weird names.’”<br>“You can call me Allwind, if you want.”<br>“Ok Allwind,” Lillian said smiling up at him.<br>“How come you’re here, Lillian? Why are you not playing with the other kids?”<br>“I don’t like the others. They’re nasty to me, because I don’t have any feathers.”<br>“Feathers?”<br>“They all have chicken feathers, but I don’t have any, so they don’t let me play.”<br>“Where do you get them from, maybe I can get you one?”<br>“Really? you would?”<br>“I don’t see why not.”<br><br>-T-Ting-<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Playing with friends<br><br>Lillian wants to play with her friends, help her collect 10 chicken feathers,<br>so that she can play with all her friends.<br><br>Quest Difficulty E<br><br>Quest fails if any of the chickens are killed.<br><br>Quest rewards ???</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Ha, a quest yes, finally! I was wondering where you could get one from.<br><br>“Come on, I’ll show you where the chicken’s are.” Lillian said pulling Allwind after her.<br>****<br><br>Lillian eventually stopped pulling Allwind, when they reached their destination: a large worn down shack that was standing next to a grocery store, there were ominous noises coming from inside the shed, luckily there was a window to see through. Inside were five peace full chickens.<br><br>“All you have to do is pluck the feathers from their tails” Lillian said smiling as she opened the gate to let Allwind inside.<br>“I think I have to do this carefully,” Allwind thought. As he approached a chicken from behind he quickly grabbed its tail were the biggest feathers were.<br>Acquired chicken feather<br><br>Suddenly, the chicken screeched at the top of its voice, sending the entire shed into disarray as the chickens ran about in a sudden frenzy. Sighing at the new development Allwind tried to grab another feather from a passing chicken, but missed.<br>It took two hours of running around the shed and allot of missed chances, before Allwind had three feathers he eventualy managed to come up with a plan for getting them, he would force a chicken into a corner of the shed and then pick its feather as it tried to escape past him.<br><br>On the fifth feather he had cornered a chicken, which he had already acquired two feathers from. As it ran past him, he successfully managed to pick a third feather. The chicken didn’t take too kindly to having another feather removed, and then proceeded to attack Allwind.<br>You have received damage -10 health<br><br>The chicken had scratched Allwind’s leg resulting in a loss of 10 health. Allwind was furious he was going to kill that chicken, only the fact that the quest stated, “no chickens must die,” kept the chicken alive.<br><br>From there on the quest got harder, as the chickens, that had more than two feathers removed, would not only attack Allwind but they would try chasing him around as well, making him more and more angry with the loss of yet more health. Unable to reach any other part of him except his legs, there were plenty of scratch marks, when he finally obtained the last feather.<br><br>Allwind left quickly, before the mad chickens could attack again. Death by chicken was probably the worst way to die in the game, he thought to himself.<br>You scratched my legs damn chicken I’ll get you later!! Sighing angrily he went to find Lillian.<br><br>“Lillian, here you are. I have got the feathers you asked for,” he said opening the item window and taking the feathers out.<br><br>-T-Ting-<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Quest complete!<br><br>Playing with friends<br><br>Thanks to you, Lillian can now play with all her friends.<br><br>You have levelled up</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Yeay! Thank you, Allwind! I have to go home now bye, bye!” She said waving to him as she left.<br><br>“That was fun in a way, now what do I do? I still have a couple of hours left till dinner”, Allwind thought before turning around to face the shed again, an evil smile spreading across his lips.<br><br>Shortly after Allwind exited the shed, he managed to find a player that looked like he wasn’t doing anything, and politely inquired as to where he was, so his sister wouldn’t have a reason to kill him in real life. It turned out he was in Somuren Liberty City on the border between the main and northern continents, he logged off with the feeling of having achieved something.<br><br>That day a strange rumour went around the local NCP population regarding the shed and how all the chicken’s inside had become completely bald with not a feather remaining.<br><br>****<br>Logging off Alan met Sarah in the front room. They had to go shopping for dinner, a chore that Alan now hated with a passion. It wasn’t the people who took pity on him, they were irritating that was true, but it was rather the journey, which Alan hated. A twenty five minute walk had now turned into an agonising forty minute ride with Sarah pushing the wheelchair.<br><br>Sarah knew this, and so tried to distract him with how her day went at school. She was a first year attending the same school Alan was, so they had a lot in common from subjects to teachers, before she switched the convocation over to Royal Road extremely quick as she realised most of his lessons were now painful for him.<br><br>She was extremely happy when Alan reluctantly told her, what he had been up to. She laughed like mad at the strange quest, he had received, but was disappointed that she couldn’t help him as she, and their parents, were adventuring in the southern continent along with some of her classmates.<br><br>“I’ll be fine,” her brother said smiling. It had been a long time since she had seen him smile.<br>After the shopping trip he complained that he was being used as a shopping basket, having the groceries dumped on his lap, “well, I’m pushing, so you’re not working alone.” Sarah said sweetly. “Great. I levelled up to a shopping trolley,” Alan complained sending them both laughing.<br><br>Dinner went smoothly with comparisons being made between the family members, about how they had started out. His dad had spent time in the training hall between doing small quests and had gained some skills as a result, whilst his mum had spent time learning to trade.<br><br>His sister, Sarah, had frantically being doing quest in order to earn enough silver for a spell book. They had laughed quite hard, when his mother had explained to him that Sarah was so absorbed in doing the quest’s, she hadn’t realised, that she had actually managed to steal one off her dad. “It was,” his mother said, “quite amusing when they were both sat at the dinner table one night, complaining about each other in the game, before they came to realise their true identities.” This happened while he was at a completion, so he had missed the fun.<br><br>“So, what you suggest is, that I try to raise my stats, skills and do quests?” Alan asked before leaving the dining room, “just do what you can,” his mother replied. It’s a shame that you are on the other side of the continent than us, or we would help you out.”<br><br>“No thanks, I’ll manage. Don’t want any quest’s to get stolen.” He said throwing his sister a mean look, which she ignored, as Alan pushed himself back to his room and then logged back into Royal Road.<br><br>--------------------------------------------------------------End--------------------------------------------<br><br>Authors notes<br><br>many thanks to Vindrueelsker for checking the spelling and grammar I’ll send you some grapes :)<br>Vin note: I take no responsibility if I missed anything, or made mistakes! I blame it on the cat who stole my grapes... </div>

Dodging Is a Good Thing Alan re-entered Royal Road for the second time that day, after having had his brain filled with useful facts by his very annoyed sister. He ended up back in the empty plaza that he had left before diner. “Right, according to Sarah if I use different jumps, roles and over all basic moves I should be able to raise my Gymnastics skill, hmm oh well I was planning on training let’s give it a try.” -T-Ting- | LEVEL UP: Gymnastics Skill [2]Increases Stamina by 100Increases Health by 100Increases Agility by 5Increases Endurance by 5 | | --- | It took eight hours of spins, back-flips, rolls and running to unlock level 2 of the Gymnastics Skill “not bad I, guess I’ll try some more. Hmm this bar has been getting smaller? Ha food bar I think that’s what Sarah said.” “Remember to eat.” “We just had dinner I’m full.” “I meant in game, it would be too embarrassing if you died of hunger in game.” “Does that happen.” “Not often but i bet some people have died from not eating.” “Ow” “Also try not to die, you lose levels, stats and you get locked out of the game for a day.” “Eh? No one mentioned anything like that.” “That’s because everyone knows except for you, now you do too.” Sarah said smiling. Luckily his father had gone through the various system windows with him immediately after dinner, explaining which was which, the stats and skills window, the item window, and the systems support window and how to use them. **** “System, items window,” Allwind called softly. A huge window opened in front of him, revealing the items he had, ten rye bread and one canteen, the rest of the window was empty space. He took out one of the rye breads and began eating, slowly the empty bar filled up the other bars were all full as well. “So, the red one is health, the blue one is Mana, the yellow one is stamina, with the food bar being a pale pink, the only one’s that had been moving so far was the stamina and food bars.” He mused. It was while he was eating that he noticed a little girl who sat in the corner of the plaza, she seemed to have been there for some time, and all she was doing was just sitting there. “None of my business. Need to do more training.” “Ha ha, it only took me, eight hours to level it up to two I wonder when I’ll get to level three?” “I’ll get some sleep now I think,” Allwind muttered giving up, he logged off for the night. The girl sat in the corner of the plaza, lifted her head, and smiled as she watched him log off, before standing up and moving to the centre of the plaza. **** It was Sunday morning when Alan logged back into Royal Road; he had slept for nearly nine hours, had eaten breakfast with his sister Sarah, who again bombarded him with lots of questions and tips. Allwind appeared at the edge of the plaza, there was still five days left in real time until he could leave the city, his sister had been adamant that he try out a few quests, and to find out where he was in Royal Road. To Allwind’s surprise he noticed a little girl in the plaza. It appeared she was trying to do cartwheels like he had done yesterday. Slowly Allwind approached the girl as she collapsed from mid way through an attempt. “Are you ok?” He asked, “you nearly did it, want some help?” The young girl looked at him. She had dull red hair, green eyes, and fair skin. She just nodded her head slowly, not saying a word. It took a lot of practice and failed attempts, before the young girl was able to do a full cartwheel on her own. Allwind had to catch her a number of times to prevent her from hurting herself. “Thank you, that was fun,” the girl said. “That’s ok, I had fun teaching you, what’s your name” “My name is Lillian; I live here what about you?” “I’m Ala—Allwind,” Sarah would scream at him if she found out he; had nearly used his real name in game. “Ala-Allwind. That’s a weird name. My granddad says, ‘all foreigners have weird names.’” “You can call me Allwind, if you want.” “Ok Allwind,” Lillian said smiling up at him. “How come you’re here, Lillian? Why are you not playing with the other kids?” “I don’t like the others. They’re nasty to me, because I don’t have any feathers.” “Feathers?” “They all have chicken feathers, but I don’t have any, so they don’t let me play.” “Where do you get them from, maybe I can get you one?” “Really? you would?” “I don’t see why not.” -T-Ting- | Playing with friendsLillian wants to play with her friends, help her collect 10 chicken feathers,so that she can play with all her friends.Quest Difficulty EQuest fails if any of the chickens are killed.Quest rewards ??? | | --- | Ha, a quest yes, finally! I was wondering where you could get one from. “Come on, I’ll show you where the chicken’s are.” Lillian said pulling Allwind after her. **** Lillian eventually stopped pulling Allwind, when they reached their destination: a large worn down shack that was standing next to a grocery store, there were ominous noises coming from inside the shed, luckily there was a window to see through. Inside were five peace full chickens. “All you have to do is pluck the feathers from their tails” Lillian said smiling as she opened the gate to let Allwind inside. “I think I have to do this carefully,” Allwind thought. As he approached a chicken from behind he quickly grabbed its tail were the biggest feathers were. Acquired chicken feather Suddenly, the chicken screeched at the top of its voice, sending the entire shed into disarray as the chickens ran about in a sudden frenzy. Sighing at the new development Allwind tried to grab another feather from a passing chicken, but missed. It took two hours of running around the shed and allot of missed chances, before Allwind had three feathers he eventualy managed to come up with a plan for getting them, he would force a chicken into a corner of the shed and then pick its feather as it tried to escape past him. On the fifth feather he had cornered a chicken, which he had already acquired two feathers from. As it ran past him, he successfully managed to pick a third feather. The chicken didn’t take too kindly to having another feather removed, and then proceeded to attack Allwind. You have received damage -10 health The chicken had scratched Allwind’s leg resulting in a loss of 10 health. Allwind was furious he was going to kill that chicken, only the fact that the quest stated, “no chickens must die,” kept the chicken alive. From there on the quest got harder, as the chickens, that had more than two feathers removed, would not only attack Allwind but they would try chasing him around as well, making him more and more angry with the loss of yet more health. Unable to reach any other part of him except his legs, there were plenty of scratch marks, when he finally obtained the last feather. Allwind left quickly, before the mad chickens could attack again. Death by chicken was probably the worst way to die in the game, he thought to himself. You scratched my legs damn chicken I’ll get you later!! Sighing angrily he went to find Lillian. “Lillian, here you are. I have got the feathers you asked for,” he said opening the item window and taking the feathers out. -T-Ting- | Quest complete!Playing with friendsThanks to you, Lillian can now play with all her friends.You have levelled up | | --- | “Yeay! Thank you, Allwind! I have to go home now bye, bye!” She said waving to him as she left. “That was fun in a way, now what do I do? I still have a couple of hours left till dinner”, Allwind thought before turning around to face the shed again, an evil smile spreading across his lips. Shortly after Allwind exited the shed, he managed to find a player that looked like he wasn’t doing anything, and politely inquired as to where he was, so his sister wouldn’t have a reason to kill him in real life. It turned out he was in Somuren Liberty City on the border between the main and northern continents, he logged off with the feeling of having achieved something. That day a strange rumour went around the local NCP population regarding the shed and how all the chicken’s inside had become completely bald with not a feather remaining. **** Logging off Alan met Sarah in the front room. They had to go shopping for dinner, a chore that Alan now hated with a passion. It wasn’t the people who took pity on him, they were irritating that was true, but it was rather the journey, which Alan hated. A twenty five minute walk had now turned into an agonising forty minute ride with Sarah pushing the wheelchair. Sarah knew this, and so tried to distract him with how her day went at school. She was a first year attending the same school Alan was, so they had a lot in common from subjects to teachers, before she switched the convocation over to Royal Road extremely quick as she realised most of his lessons were now painful for him. She was extremely happy when Alan reluctantly told her, what he had been up to. She laughed like mad at the strange quest, he had received, but was disappointed that she couldn’t help him as she, and their parents, were adventuring in the southern continent along with some of her classmates. “I’ll be fine,” her brother said smiling. It had been a long time since she had seen him smile. After the shopping trip he complained that he was being used as a shopping basket, having the groceries dumped on his lap, “well, I’m pushing, so you’re not working alone.” Sarah said sweetly. “Great. I levelled up to a shopping trolley,” Alan complained sending them both laughing. Dinner went smoothly with comparisons being made between the family members, about how they had started out. His dad had spent time in the training hall between doing small quests and had gained some skills as a result, whilst his mum had spent time learning to trade. His sister, Sarah, had frantically being doing quest in order to earn enough silver for a spell book. They had laughed quite hard, when his mother had explained to him that Sarah was so absorbed in doing the quest’s, she hadn’t realised, that she had actually managed to steal one off her dad. “It was,” his mother said, “quite amusing when they were both sat at the dinner table one night, complaining about each other in the game, before they came to realise their true identities.” This happened while he was at a completion, so he had missed the fun. “So, what you suggest is, that I try to raise my stats, skills and do quests?” Alan asked before leaving the dining room, “just do what you can,” his mother replied. It’s a shame that you are on the other side of the continent than us, or we would help you out.” “No thanks, I’ll manage. Don’t want any quest’s to get stolen.” He said throwing his sister a mean look, which she ignored, as Alan pushed himself back to his room and then logged back into Royal Road. --------------------------------------------------------------End-------------------------------------------- Authors notes many thanks to Vindrueelsker for checking the spelling and grammar I’ll send you some grapes :) Vin note: I take no responsibility if I missed anything, or made mistakes! I blame it on the cat who stole my grapes...

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <img src="http://i58.tinypic.com/1zl6iwx.jpg" border="0" alt="http%3a%2f%2fi58.tinypic.com%2f1zl6iwx.jpg"><br><br>Vol1 Chapter5<br>Deal with a Tinker.<br><br>Don would never admit it but he was enjoying himself while dancing. Though it wasn’t so much the dancing itself as what he was doing while dancing. Six goblin raiders attempted to ambush him on a remote road to the south. Goblin raiders averaged level 70 and with Don’s heightened stats they were no match for his damage. He knew as much and took the time to practice the battle dances he learned. Dance of the Brave and Dance of the fighter were pointless when not in a party so he was trying out the Dance of Death. He tried to fill himself with the impression he was the god of death come to end the lives of those before him. He tried to match his movements to the feeling, his hard movements became smoother, his strikes slower, moving in small circles. Don wasn’t sure if he was doing it right but he felt intimidating.<br><br>After cleaving the head off the last one in a horrific display Don noticed he was no longer alone on the road.<br><br>An old gnome sitting on a large horse drawn cart was enjoying the show. When Don approached the road, the gnome said, "Wonderful, that was a most impressive display." The gnome was short, just over three and a half feet tall, with a red beard and pointed ears beneath an over sized straw hat. <br><br>Don decided he might as well start a conversation. "What do you have in there? That's a strange looking cart."<br><br>The gnome said, "Ahh, these are my wares. I'm something of a traveling peddler. I go to isolated towns that have no good stores and sell and trade and repair."<br><br>"Repair? Are you a blacksmith or a merchant?"<br><br>The gnome chuckled, "A little of both I'd say. And a little more."<br><br>Don looked at the sides of the cart, now that he could see it clearly he noticed that it had various drawers that were likely compartments. Don guessed the whole thing was like a giant Swiss army knife. He said, "Can I see?"<br><br>The gnome looked closely at Don and said, "Where are you heading? You don't look like a thief but I'd prefer to know before showing my stock to someone who won't buy anything."<br><br>Don didn't want to say why he was going to Mt. Ketsdale, so he said, "I'm heading for the Veneir mountain range."<br><br>The gnome looked slightly surprised and said, "Truly? I have business there as well."<br><br>Now it was Don's turn to be surprised. Mt. Ketsdale was the highest peak of the Veneir mountains but it was also several months distance away. To be so far and meet someone with the same destination was beyond coincidence. <br><br>The gnome spoke, "I have a proposition for you. If you escort me there, I'll give you something from my cart, and maybe a skill or two for your troubles."<br><br>Don waited a moment for a quest chart to pop up, but it never did. This person wasn't an NPC.<br>"Aren't you a User? I thought only NPCs could teach skills."<br><br>The gnome shook his head. "Well that depends on two things, the difficulty of the skill and the mastery of the teacher. Simple skills like drawing can be taught or learned easily. Difficult skills can only be taught if the teacher has a the required level of mastery for the skill. And of course the student cannot learn the skill themselves if they don't meet the stat requirement."<br><br>Don said to this, "If you have even one skill at a high enough mastery to teach it then you must be a much higher level than I am. Why would you need me as an escort?"<br><br>The gnome looked happy that Don's reasoning skills were high. He said, "It is true I am a higher level than you. My level is a little over 250. But I cannot fight. Gnomes do not fight, we run and hide. I am skilled in arcane magic but my only combat spells are illusion. I noticed how those goblins could not turn their heads away from you during the fight. Such a skill combined with my illusion magic would almost guarantee the safety of my cart along the journey."<br><br>Don thought for a moment, but the answer was simple. The gnome had asked for help, and a real man wouldn't refuse. "Alright. My name is Don, its a pleasure to meet you."<br><br>"Hello Don, my name is Bob."<br><br>Bob stood up on his wagon seat and pulled a secret lever on the cart. Suddenly all the slots fell open revealing dozens of compartments and at least a hundred objects. Each side was like a different section of a department store. Cloth and sewing implements in one part, rope and survival gear in another. There were swords, shields, armors of various types, leathers, and whetstones. Simple but necessary things that were scarce in some parts.<br><br>The only thing that caught Don's eye was some leather with a unique pattern. After thinking for a moment Don said, "Can you teach me the tailoring skill?" Don didn't consider sewing a manly skill, but it was a step to independence, and that was the manly path. Since he could wear only leather or cloth armor it would benefit him to be able to sew his own in the long run.<br><br>Bob blinked for a moment then said, "Well, that's a tricky one. Yes, I can teach tailoring, but you need to meet one of the requirements. Do you have the handicraft skill? If you reach level 3 of handicraft you can learn tailoring."<br><br>"No, how do I learn the handicraft skill?"<br><br>Bob grimaced, "Well, I can't teach that one.. One of the ways to get it is to reach level 8 of tailoring though..."<br><br>"So you need handicraft to learn tailoring but you need tailoring to learn handicraft?"<br><br>"Technically. But there are other ways to learn both. If you meet any one of the requirement you will be able to learn the skill, after that I can teach you."<br><br>Don sighed, "So I can't learn it then?"<br><br>"You can, the simplest requirement to meet is to simply learn to sew. When you can make something decent I can teach you the skill." Bob went to cloth section and opened up an bottom cabinet revealing a large pile of folded cloth. He took it out as well as some thread, scissors and needles and gave them to Don. "Practice sewing for now. It will take a month in the real world to get their so you have some time."<br><br>"Wow, thankyou."<br><br>"Don't mention it." Bob closed the drawers and pulled another lever causing all the shelves to fold and lock back into the place making it look like a normal wagon again. He walked up the small step ladder back the seat of the driver's seat of the wagon and said, "Well hop on next to me. You can begin with learning how to cut the right size."<br><br>Don spent the next four hours pricking his fingers and wasting cloth. The game system didn't recognize anything he made as clothing, when he used identify on a shirt the system referred to is as 'sewn cloth.' Bob helped with instructions on some of the finer points of sewing. He showed Don several different types of stitching which Don spent an hour a piece practicing. <br><br>Long before he made anything close to progress the wagon had arrived at a small village. Bob pulled out a strange flute with two pipes split at the mouth piece. As the wagon slowly trotted through the town Bob started playing it. The sound was quiet but somehow it traveled throughout the village, alerting everyone of Bob's presence.<br><br>Don looked at as he played it and said, "You're a bard too?"<br><br>Bob smiled and said, "No, this is more of a hobby. This music won't give any buffs, though I did make a modification to this that lets the sound travel. If it's good enough for ice cream trucks its good enough for me."<br><br>Don thought Bob's comparing this music to the annoyance of the ice cream truck was a dis-service to himself. Bob's playing was superb, his fingers were moving so fast Don swore he heard three distinct patterns in the song that changed and flowed into each other at once. Now Don had never considered playing music manly but he did appreciate the abilities of others to create something beautiful.<br><br>Bob played his double flute for about ten minutes. When he finished the people who had gathered applauded him. Bob pulled the lever opening his cart's contents. He then calmly said, "Wine and cheese, cloth and iron, sword and staff. I have many wares to sell. Should anyone have something they need repaired just ask. If you have things you wish to sell I can pay." <br><br>Bob got up on top of his wagon and watched the people look through his wares. Don got off as well and looked around. A woman suddenly came up to Don and said, "How much for a bottle of the Belkey Wine?" Don looked uncertain, then he turned to see Bob on the roof smirking at him. Bob let the moment of akwardness hang for two seconds before saying, "For you mam, that will be 12 silver a bottle. If you take four of them I can lower it to 40 silver total."<br><br>The woman seemed thrilled, "Oh, yes please. I'll take four." She took out a coin purse and handed it to Don who in turn handed it to Bob. Without even counting it he said, "pleasure doing business mam."<br><br>Six more times a woman walked up to Don asking questions about the wares. usually simple questions about cheap wares. Don got the distinct impression the women didn't care about what they were buying, as long as they were buying it from Don.<br><br>Don noticed that Bob wasn't just selling. He was also trading and buying from others. Several people brought out stores of materials they had collected over the years and Bob bought all the best of it he could fit in his wagon. When people had stopped buying and selling Don figured the wagon was just as heavy now as when they arrived, though Bob still received more money than he spent.<br>After people were done purchasing came a line of people who were there with broken goods. Bob fixed each item to brand new. After which he told Don that they would stay there for a day while he fixed other things that couldn't be brought to him. Don used the time to practice sewing until he was ready to log out.<br><br>----------------------<br><br>After coming home the next day from work, Don looked through the internet on various sewing techniques and how sewing machines worked. He was trying to familiarize himself with each aspect of sewing, which stitches were best for what materials, where the stitches need to strongest, and the proper way to tie the thread after finishing the piece.<br><br>Don logged back in to see that Bob was waiting at the edge of town playing his double flute. Don hopped on and the wagon was off. Don was about to take out the sewing materials when Bob said, "Leave practicing till after these hills. If there's an ambush it'll be there."<br><br>Don waited in tense silence as they rode over the hill outside of town. When the hills were behind them Bob took a sigh of relief and Don got out the needle to try what he learned on the internet. As he was practicing Bob said, "If you have troubles with girls, why did you choose that appearance?"<br><br>Don slipped and pricked the skin between his fingers. "Well, it was kind of an accident."<br><br>Don explained the details behind the Lunar elf and his rushed meeting with his sister. As well as the charm and charisma factor behind being a Blade dancer.<br><br>Bob laughed his little butt off. "So you wanted a manly class? I guess you don't want to learn magic then."<br><br>"Not really. I got enough on my plate. Gonna focus on strength and agility."<br><br>Bob nodded, "Yea, I learned the skill Arcane magic mastery at the mage guild when my intellect reached 300. I was thinking of teaching it but you obviously won't meet the requirements before we part."<br><br>Don was surprised Bob was already thinking of what other skill he could teach him. Don said, "Tailoring is enough. You've already allowed me to use your materials which I know isn't cheap."<br><br>Bob said, "Don't think this is one sided. You given me someone to talk to on this trip into the wilderness. And don't worry about the cost of the cloth. I'm not doing this to become rich."<br><br>Don said, "Yea, I hope you weren't expecting me to make you a lot of money."<br><br>Bob looked confused for a second before he realized what Don meant. Then he said, "No, not teaching you sewing, I mean I didn't become a traveling merchant to become rich."<br><br>"Then why do it?"<br><br>"Curiosity about the world and all the things in it. I enjoy figuring out how things work. But before figuring out how something works you have to find it. That is why I travel. I'm looking for unique items so I can figure out how they work."<br><br>Don wasn't sure what Bob meant. If you ask how a spell works, magic is usually the acceptable answer, what more could their be? Don asked, "What kind of items are you talking about?"<br><br>"Hmm, it's difficult to explain." Bob smacked the wooden wall behind where he sat and the spot opened up revealing a secret compartment. Without even looking Bob put his hand in there and took out a metal ball the size of an orange that seemed to be made up of layers of over lapping metal, like a flower before opening. He handed it to Don and said, "What do you think this is?"<br><br>Don inspected it for a moment before saying, "identify."<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Failed to Identify Object.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>"I can't identify it."<br><br>Bob smiled and pointed at a large rock they were passing. He moved his hands in a strange way and muttered, "Orstros Ber Totalidos Septim Rok."<br><br>A magic circle appeared in front of his hand and a second later the rock split in half down the middle. Bob said, "A useful spell for getting debris out of the way if it is blocking the road. Now see that rock over there? Squeeze the sphere lightly and point the tip at that rock."<br><br>Don did so, the sphere opened up like a blossom's petals revealing a clear crystal in the center that started glowing. Don pointed it at the rock just as a magic circle appeared in front of it and a second later the rock split in half.<br><br>The sphere closed up and Bob said, "You can only use it once every few hours I'm afraid. But it's not bad considering I made it myself."<br><br>Don realized what had happened. He turned to Bob and said, "You're an Artificer?" An artificer is basically a magic scientist. Someone who replicates magic using technology. Although it is known that almost all artificers are gnomes, Don never thought he would meet one.<br><br>Bob said, "I am a sub-class of artificer, specifically a Tinker. I learn how things work and use that understanding to fix or replicate it. Artificers specialize in magic replication. Tinkers can replicate magic, but specialize in machinations. I built this cart myself, every compartment and secret in it is mine."<br><br>Just as he finished explaining the horses started getting restless. Bob said, “Something’s coming.” <br><br>Don jumped off and took out his swords. Behind the trees came a group of twenty goblin raiders. This valley had a goblin town a few miles away and their raiders were a plenty. The sun was out but it was near setting, there was no point using Light of the Heaven when the strongest light source was weak. <br><br>Bob started moving his hands around like he was grasping the air and shaping it. Then he mumbled something and the air around the wagon shimmered and moved. The wagon vanished behind a curtain of air. Don could hear the horse moving the cart and the see the shimmer move over the road, Don’s job was to distract them long enough for the cart to get away. Of course he would do his best to kill them all.<br><br>Don already had the attention of the goblins. First he would draw their attention, then limit their attack, then slowly kill them. The goblins slowly approached and surrounded Don, five of the charged at his back, then four to his front. In a span of four seconds Don killed three of them while the other six passed through with a cut a piece.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Skill level up: Cross Body Counter<br>Chance of successful parry increased by 3%<br>Damage from countering increased by 5%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Since leaving the city Don had practiced that skill relentlessly and it had just reached level 5. The goblins were in confusion about what happened, Don used it to duck down and slice a few knee-caps before moving away. The second wave approached. “Fiery Dance!”<br><br>Fifteen minutes later Don caught up to Bob’s wagon. And without a word hopped onto the seat.<br>Bob said, “That worked out pretty well.”<br><br>Don said, “So you’re just going to leave me each time?”<br><br>“Not so much leave you as get away from the danger. If you die I will wait at whatever town is the closest. For example if you died there I would have to turn around and wait at the last town.”<br><br>Don didn’t hold leaving him behind against the gnome, it was practical to prioritize the safety of his cart over Don’s well being. However, “How did you manage up till now without fighting?”<br><br>Bob nodded that it was a good point, he said, “When my illusion magic isn’t enough to get away on my own, I have to use one of my home made artifacts. Throw something loud and distracting away then run off in the cover of my spell. But doing so is so wasteful. I can’t go back to retrieve it. That’s the difference you’ll be making. You distract, then come back on your own.”<br><br>Bob seemed quite please with the deal. Don realized that between giving up one item and some cloth, Bob was still probably doing better than he was when he threw away various artifacts he probably could sell for quite a sum. Don felt a little better about the nature of the deal.<br><br>Bob said, “Now, before we were interrupted there was something I wanted to ask. Would you like to help me sell my merchandise?”<br><br>Don froze up for a moment before saying, “What?”<br><br>Bob chuckled, then continued, “Well, as long as you continue to attract the ladies, why not make use of it? I'll show you the prices of all my wares and teach you how to haggle."<br><br>It was a good deal for Don, besides getting use to talk to women it would also give him valuable insight into bartering for goods, an excellent skill for any would-be adventurer. Besides, he needed some way to pay for the cloth he would be wasting.<br><br>"Ok, Deal." Don and Bob shook hands and rode off over the horizon.<br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Next Chapter &lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=185&amp;t=1624"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=185&amp;t=1624&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt;<br>Previous Chapter &lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=185&amp;t=1547"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=185&amp;t=1547&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt;</td></tr></tbody></table></div> </div>

 Vol1 Chapter5 Deal with a Tinker. Don would never admit it but he was enjoying himself while dancing. Though it wasn’t so much the dancing itself as what he was doing while dancing. Six goblin raiders attempted to ambush him on a remote road to the south. Goblin raiders averaged level 70 and with Don’s heightened stats they were no match for his damage. He knew as much and took the time to practice the battle dances he learned. Dance of the Brave and Dance of the fighter were pointless when not in a party so he was trying out the Dance of Death. He tried to fill himself with the impression he was the god of death come to end the lives of those before him. He tried to match his movements to the feeling, his hard movements became smoother, his strikes slower, moving in small circles. Don wasn’t sure if he was doing it right but he felt intimidating. After cleaving the head off the last one in a horrific display Don noticed he was no longer alone on the road. An old gnome sitting on a large horse drawn cart was enjoying the show. When Don approached the road, the gnome said, "Wonderful, that was a most impressive display." The gnome was short, just over three and a half feet tall, with a red beard and pointed ears beneath an over sized straw hat. Don decided he might as well start a conversation. "What do you have in there? That's a strange looking cart." The gnome said, "Ahh, these are my wares. I'm something of a traveling peddler. I go to isolated towns that have no good stores and sell and trade and repair." "Repair? Are you a blacksmith or a merchant?" The gnome chuckled, "A little of both I'd say. And a little more." Don looked at the sides of the cart, now that he could see it clearly he noticed that it had various drawers that were likely compartments. Don guessed the whole thing was like a giant Swiss army knife. He said, "Can I see?" The gnome looked closely at Don and said, "Where are you heading? You don't look like a thief but I'd prefer to know before showing my stock to someone who won't buy anything." Don didn't want to say why he was going to Mt. Ketsdale, so he said, "I'm heading for the Veneir mountain range." The gnome looked slightly surprised and said, "Truly? I have business there as well." Now it was Don's turn to be surprised. Mt. Ketsdale was the highest peak of the Veneir mountains but it was also several months distance away. To be so far and meet someone with the same destination was beyond coincidence. The gnome spoke, "I have a proposition for you. If you escort me there, I'll give you something from my cart, and maybe a skill or two for your troubles." Don waited a moment for a quest chart to pop up, but it never did. This person wasn't an NPC. "Aren't you a User? I thought only NPCs could teach skills." The gnome shook his head. "Well that depends on two things, the difficulty of the skill and the mastery of the teacher. Simple skills like drawing can be taught or learned easily. Difficult skills can only be taught if the teacher has a the required level of mastery for the skill. And of course the student cannot learn the skill themselves if they don't meet the stat requirement." Don said to this, "If you have even one skill at a high enough mastery to teach it then you must be a much higher level than I am. Why would you need me as an escort?" The gnome looked happy that Don's reasoning skills were high. He said, "It is true I am a higher level than you. My level is a little over 250. But I cannot fight. Gnomes do not fight, we run and hide. I am skilled in arcane magic but my only combat spells are illusion. I noticed how those goblins could not turn their heads away from you during the fight. Such a skill combined with my illusion magic would almost guarantee the safety of my cart along the journey." Don thought for a moment, but the answer was simple. The gnome had asked for help, and a real man wouldn't refuse. "Alright. My name is Don, its a pleasure to meet you." "Hello Don, my name is Bob." Bob stood up on his wagon seat and pulled a secret lever on the cart. Suddenly all the slots fell open revealing dozens of compartments and at least a hundred objects. Each side was like a different section of a department store. Cloth and sewing implements in one part, rope and survival gear in another. There were swords, shields, armors of various types, leathers, and whetstones. Simple but necessary things that were scarce in some parts. The only thing that caught Don's eye was some leather with a unique pattern. After thinking for a moment Don said, "Can you teach me the tailoring skill?" Don didn't consider sewing a manly skill, but it was a step to independence, and that was the manly path. Since he could wear only leather or cloth armor it would benefit him to be able to sew his own in the long run. Bob blinked for a moment then said, "Well, that's a tricky one. Yes, I can teach tailoring, but you need to meet one of the requirements. Do you have the handicraft skill? If you reach level 3 of handicraft you can learn tailoring." "No, how do I learn the handicraft skill?" Bob grimaced, "Well, I can't teach that one.. One of the ways to get it is to reach level 8 of tailoring though..." "So you need handicraft to learn tailoring but you need tailoring to learn handicraft?" "Technically. But there are other ways to learn both. If you meet any one of the requirement you will be able to learn the skill, after that I can teach you." Don sighed, "So I can't learn it then?" "You can, the simplest requirement to meet is to simply learn to sew. When you can make something decent I can teach you the skill." Bob went to cloth section and opened up an bottom cabinet revealing a large pile of folded cloth. He took it out as well as some thread, scissors and needles and gave them to Don. "Practice sewing for now. It will take a month in the real world to get their so you have some time." "Wow, thankyou." "Don't mention it." Bob closed the drawers and pulled another lever causing all the shelves to fold and lock back into the place making it look like a normal wagon again. He walked up the small step ladder back the seat of the driver's seat of the wagon and said, "Well hop on next to me. You can begin with learning how to cut the right size." Don spent the next four hours pricking his fingers and wasting cloth. The game system didn't recognize anything he made as clothing, when he used identify on a shirt the system referred to is as 'sewn cloth.' Bob helped with instructions on some of the finer points of sewing. He showed Don several different types of stitching which Don spent an hour a piece practicing. Long before he made anything close to progress the wagon had arrived at a small village. Bob pulled out a strange flute with two pipes split at the mouth piece. As the wagon slowly trotted through the town Bob started playing it. The sound was quiet but somehow it traveled throughout the village, alerting everyone of Bob's presence. Don looked at as he played it and said, "You're a bard too?" Bob smiled and said, "No, this is more of a hobby. This music won't give any buffs, though I did make a modification to this that lets the sound travel. If it's good enough for ice cream trucks its good enough for me." Don thought Bob's comparing this music to the annoyance of the ice cream truck was a dis-service to himself. Bob's playing was superb, his fingers were moving so fast Don swore he heard three distinct patterns in the song that changed and flowed into each other at once. Now Don had never considered playing music manly but he did appreciate the abilities of others to create something beautiful. Bob played his double flute for about ten minutes. When he finished the people who had gathered applauded him. Bob pulled the lever opening his cart's contents. He then calmly said, "Wine and cheese, cloth and iron, sword and staff. I have many wares to sell. Should anyone have something they need repaired just ask. If you have things you wish to sell I can pay." Bob got up on top of his wagon and watched the people look through his wares. Don got off as well and looked around. A woman suddenly came up to Don and said, "How much for a bottle of the Belkey Wine?" Don looked uncertain, then he turned to see Bob on the roof smirking at him. Bob let the moment of akwardness hang for two seconds before saying, "For you mam, that will be 12 silver a bottle. If you take four of them I can lower it to 40 silver total." The woman seemed thrilled, "Oh, yes please. I'll take four." She took out a coin purse and handed it to Don who in turn handed it to Bob. Without even counting it he said, "pleasure doing business mam." Six more times a woman walked up to Don asking questions about the wares. usually simple questions about cheap wares. Don got the distinct impression the women didn't care about what they were buying, as long as they were buying it from Don. Don noticed that Bob wasn't just selling. He was also trading and buying from others. Several people brought out stores of materials they had collected over the years and Bob bought all the best of it he could fit in his wagon. When people had stopped buying and selling Don figured the wagon was just as heavy now as when they arrived, though Bob still received more money than he spent. After people were done purchasing came a line of people who were there with broken goods. Bob fixed each item to brand new. After which he told Don that they would stay there for a day while he fixed other things that couldn't be brought to him. Don used the time to practice sewing until he was ready to log out. ---------------------- After coming home the next day from work, Don looked through the internet on various sewing techniques and how sewing machines worked. He was trying to familiarize himself with each aspect of sewing, which stitches were best for what materials, where the stitches need to strongest, and the proper way to tie the thread after finishing the piece. Don logged back in to see that Bob was waiting at the edge of town playing his double flute. Don hopped on and the wagon was off. Don was about to take out the sewing materials when Bob said, "Leave practicing till after these hills. If there's an ambush it'll be there." Don waited in tense silence as they rode over the hill outside of town. When the hills were behind them Bob took a sigh of relief and Don got out the needle to try what he learned on the internet. As he was practicing Bob said, "If you have troubles with girls, why did you choose that appearance?" Don slipped and pricked the skin between his fingers. "Well, it was kind of an accident." Don explained the details behind the Lunar elf and his rushed meeting with his sister. As well as the charm and charisma factor behind being a Blade dancer. Bob laughed his little butt off. "So you wanted a manly class? I guess you don't want to learn magic then." "Not really. I got enough on my plate. Gonna focus on strength and agility." Bob nodded, "Yea, I learned the skill Arcane magic mastery at the mage guild when my intellect reached 300. I was thinking of teaching it but you obviously won't meet the requirements before we part." Don was surprised Bob was already thinking of what other skill he could teach him. Don said, "Tailoring is enough. You've already allowed me to use your materials which I know isn't cheap." Bob said, "Don't think this is one sided. You given me someone to talk to on this trip into the wilderness. And don't worry about the cost of the cloth. I'm not doing this to become rich." Don said, "Yea, I hope you weren't expecting me to make you a lot of money." Bob looked confused for a second before he realized what Don meant. Then he said, "No, not teaching you sewing, I mean I didn't become a traveling merchant to become rich." "Then why do it?" "Curiosity about the world and all the things in it. I enjoy figuring out how things work. But before figuring out how something works you have to find it. That is why I travel. I'm looking for unique items so I can figure out how they work." Don wasn't sure what Bob meant. If you ask how a spell works, magic is usually the acceptable answer, what more could their be? Don asked, "What kind of items are you talking about?" "Hmm, it's difficult to explain." Bob smacked the wooden wall behind where he sat and the spot opened up revealing a secret compartment. Without even looking Bob put his hand in there and took out a metal ball the size of an orange that seemed to be made up of layers of over lapping metal, like a flower before opening. He handed it to Don and said, "What do you think this is?" Don inspected it for a moment before saying, "identify." | Failed to Identify Object. | | --- | "I can't identify it." Bob smiled and pointed at a large rock they were passing. He moved his hands in a strange way and muttered, "Orstros Ber Totalidos Septim Rok." A magic circle appeared in front of his hand and a second later the rock split in half down the middle. Bob said, "A useful spell for getting debris out of the way if it is blocking the road. Now see that rock over there? Squeeze the sphere lightly and point the tip at that rock." Don did so, the sphere opened up like a blossom's petals revealing a clear crystal in the center that started glowing. Don pointed it at the rock just as a magic circle appeared in front of it and a second later the rock split in half. The sphere closed up and Bob said, "You can only use it once every few hours I'm afraid. But it's not bad considering I made it myself." Don realized what had happened. He turned to Bob and said, "You're an Artificer?" An artificer is basically a magic scientist. Someone who replicates magic using technology. Although it is known that almost all artificers are gnomes, Don never thought he would meet one. Bob said, "I am a sub-class of artificer, specifically a Tinker. I learn how things work and use that understanding to fix or replicate it. Artificers specialize in magic replication. Tinkers can replicate magic, but specialize in machinations. I built this cart myself, every compartment and secret in it is mine." Just as he finished explaining the horses started getting restless. Bob said, “Something’s coming.” Don jumped off and took out his swords. Behind the trees came a group of twenty goblin raiders. This valley had a goblin town a few miles away and their raiders were a plenty. The sun was out but it was near setting, there was no point using Light of the Heaven when the strongest light source was weak. Bob started moving his hands around like he was grasping the air and shaping it. Then he mumbled something and the air around the wagon shimmered and moved. The wagon vanished behind a curtain of air. Don could hear the horse moving the cart and the see the shimmer move over the road, Don’s job was to distract them long enough for the cart to get away. Of course he would do his best to kill them all. Don already had the attention of the goblins. First he would draw their attention, then limit their attack, then slowly kill them. The goblins slowly approached and surrounded Don, five of the charged at his back, then four to his front. In a span of four seconds Don killed three of them while the other six passed through with a cut a piece. | Skill level up: Cross Body CounterChance of successful parry increased by 3%Damage from countering increased by 5% | | --- | Since leaving the city Don had practiced that skill relentlessly and it had just reached level 5. The goblins were in confusion about what happened, Don used it to duck down and slice a few knee-caps before moving away. The second wave approached. “Fiery Dance!” Fifteen minutes later Don caught up to Bob’s wagon. And without a word hopped onto the seat. Bob said, “That worked out pretty well.” Don said, “So you’re just going to leave me each time?” “Not so much leave you as get away from the danger. If you die I will wait at whatever town is the closest. For example if you died there I would have to turn around and wait at the last town.” Don didn’t hold leaving him behind against the gnome, it was practical to prioritize the safety of his cart over Don’s well being. However, “How did you manage up till now without fighting?” Bob nodded that it was a good point, he said, “When my illusion magic isn’t enough to get away on my own, I have to use one of my home made artifacts. Throw something loud and distracting away then run off in the cover of my spell. But doing so is so wasteful. I can’t go back to retrieve it. That’s the difference you’ll be making. You distract, then come back on your own.” Bob seemed quite please with the deal. Don realized that between giving up one item and some cloth, Bob was still probably doing better than he was when he threw away various artifacts he probably could sell for quite a sum. Don felt a little better about the nature of the deal. Bob said, “Now, before we were interrupted there was something I wanted to ask. Would you like to help me sell my merchandise?” Don froze up for a moment before saying, “What?” Bob chuckled, then continued, “Well, as long as you continue to attract the ladies, why not make use of it? I'll show you the prices of all my wares and teach you how to haggle." It was a good deal for Don, besides getting use to talk to women it would also give him valuable insight into bartering for goods, an excellent skill for any would-be adventurer. Besides, he needed some way to pay for the cloth he would be wasting. "Ok, Deal." Don and Bob shook hands and rode off over the horizon. | Next Chapter <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=185&t=1624">viewtopic.php?f=185&t=1624</a><!-- l -->Previous Chapter <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=185&t=1547">viewtopic.php?f=185&t=1547</a><!-- l --> | | --- |

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Geomchi2 was about to reach out to the woman who was acting very weird, when his disciples stepped in. “Master, are you hungry? We can buy some kimbap rolls pooling our money together?”<br><br>His disciples treasured him and seeing their master drool over the kimbap rolls the disciples new right away that their master wanted some…but being absolute beginner they did not have enough money to buy them<br><br>“Maybe if we do some easy quest and raise money?” A disciple whispered to the instructor.<br><br>Geomchi2 however gave a warm smile and looked inside his pockets.<br><br> “I have 10 pieces of bread in my pocket that should be more than sufficient. Kimbap rolls can wait till we have more money.” Geomchi2 said after seeing his pockets. “Then let us break some bread before we journey on??”<br><br>The disciples took out breads from their pockets and took a bite. Geomchi2 knew this flavor all too well from Royal Road. It tasted exactly as it did in Royal Road…maybe it was more stale than before or, maybe he had grown used to his wife’s good cooking. The bread was very stale and hard to chew, like a stone. Geomchi 2 had a very similar reaction to what his master. He choked on the bread and spat it out and then said, “We need to do quests quickly and gather money to eat delicious food as soon as we can. This is terrible. They eat this when they go out to hunt?”<br><br>His disciples nodded. <br><br>“I did a little research on the internet; it is the same as Royal Road. There are large numbers of different types of food. Advanced level meals are so delicious that it melts in your mouth. It’s supposed to be the most heavenly experience and unlike Royal Road the cuisine includes new flavours that never existed before…but all this costs a lot. If we only focus on gather money, then we will not have time to train…and become stronger.” Said an instructor.<br><br>“As expected of one that I named ‘Earthen Geomchi 3’! You’re a very bright kid.” Geomchi 2 praised him a lot. <br><br>“We can also learn cooking?” A disciple suggested hoping to get the same praise.<br>“No…that skill is for women…” one of the three instructors in the group said.<br><br>“Women today also don’t cook.” The seven disciples replied back simultaneously in a choir.<br><br>“Hehe, I get that a lot.” Geomchi 2 said. With changing times, the cultures also changed. Men and women both had to know cooking and both had to do household chores. It could no longer be left on to women to do everything. Geomchi 2 had personally experienced this after his marriage.<br><br>The disciples laughed, pleased because of his teacher’s joke. Back in the dojo, he was well liked by the other practitioners for being understanding and perceptive. He was so old and wise, his advise was always right. The practioners could only appreciate the depths of their wise masters compassion.<br><br>Even though the Geomchi’s stopped playing Royal Road under mysterious circumstances they did not lose touch of playing VR games. They had nothing more than 50 rye bread in total which tasted terrible and they had yet to find the beginner training hall…yet the mood of the Geomchis was unusually pleasant and lighthearted, they often smiled. Geomchi2 was a role model for many VR players and students were dying to see him in action. Usually Geomchi2 had to restrain himself in the real world as it did not have monsters to attack so the practioners wanted to see the full extent of their masters power. They all were proud to be their disciples and knew that the summit of power they wanted to cross was their master, so that their master can be proud to call them his disciples.<br><br>“So to eat it, we just have to keep chewing it? Even though it’s hard, it’s like eating those tin biscuit when I was a young boy.” Geomchi2 said. “We can think about learning cooking and getting money latter. For now we satisfy our hunger and continue our search.”<br><br>After they finished eating half of rye bread and satisfying their hunger. Geomchi2 looked at them and said, “So, let’s get started?”<br><br>“Master…we have to tell you something….there is no training center.” Earthen Geomchi 3 said mustering all his courage.<br><br>“What do you mean? There is no training center. There must be a training center, otherwise where will all the players practice the way of the sword?” Geomchi2 asked unperturbed by the relevantion there was no training hall. He had the absolute belief that Royal Road must have a Training Center. “We have to go to the training center.”<br><br>“Master there is no training center in the way you describe it rather…it exists as a temple…” Earthen Geomchi 4 explained noticing how is beloved master was is in denial.<br><br>“Since we are earth element it maybe a good idea to visit the Earth Shrine?” A disciple suggested meekly.<br><br>After a few moments of silence, Geomchi 2 spoke up, “Well, let’s go see whether or not the earth shrine is any good!”<br><br>The Geomchis found the earth shrine fairly easily. It was the tallest and largest building in the middle earth city. There were an incredible number of people swarming around the shrine of Serabourg so they had to to stick together to avoid being separated. However they had no need for that. Seeing the bulky muscular delquient looking men heading towards the temple, many people would step aside in fear. Nobody knew that these men were absolute beginners.<br><br>If outside the shrine was crowded, then the inside was could not be explained in words! It was teeming with hundreds or maybe thousands of players. Thankfully the shrine was big enough to accommodate so many players but it was absolutely stretched to its limit. With great difficulty the Geomchis reached the information desk where they were guided to one of the outer grounds of the shrine. Here there were a small number of people were using activating their skills.<br><br>“Oh! So this is the way they do it.” Said a player as he raised a platform of earth from the ground. Earth was one of the easier elements to master and manipulate. <br><br>Geomchi2 was not in the slightest bit interested; he only wanted to use his sword fiercely. “All I see is earth here, are there no swords and scarecrows?” He asked impatiently.<br><br>“No master…” <br><br>“…”<br><br>“All this magic hocus pocus is not of any user. The true strength of a man is in the way of a sword. No matter how much earth you raise you can never do anything with raising ground. Man walks on the ground, raising it will make no difference to humans.” Geomchi2 scorned. He was angry that Lee Hyun removed the beginner training hall!<br><br>A NPC instructor near by heard Geomchi 2’s comments and took offense. ‘I’ll teach him the way of the earth. How dare he compare a pitiful sword to the mighty earth element!’<br><br>“Excuse me, I couldn’t help over hear what you had to say about the earth element. I am an earth element my self and would be more than glad to show you that Earth element is not all wishy washy as you describe.” The NPC said politely but was boiling with rage inside.<br><br>“Yes please do show me…” Geomchi spoke sarcastically. <br><br>The NPC raised his hand straight forward, “Ten Earthen Needles!”<br><br>The earth trembled slightly and ten spikes over 8 feet in length made of earth shot out from the ground. <br><br>‘That must have left them shocked.’ The NPC chuckled, “Well have I changed your opion of the earth affinity?”<br><br>Geomchi2 looked unfazed if anything he was rather disappointed. He was hoping for something more dramatic. Even his disciples and intructors weren’t too impressed. The NPC stood in shock seeing their disappointment…most people by now would have been converted to believers….they were the first to show disappointment…<br><br>“Is that really all earth affinity can do?” Geomchi2 finally spoke.<br><br>“Of course not!” The NPC said getting all edgy. “This was the most basic attack….”<br><br>“Yawns,” Geomchi2 let out a massive yawn. <br><br>Infuriated the NPC aimed at a near by tree, “Thousand Needles!” <br><br>This time, a thousand, thinner and longer than before, earth spikes jutted out from the ground and ripped through the fig tree. The NPC was breathing slightly harder than before… ‘There…I have shown them the true terrifying power of the Earth…’<br>“Yes this indeed more spectular if I were a turtle…Hitting a tree is certainly more difficult than hitting a moving target…” Geomchi2 spoke sarcastically. He was completely uninterested magic…<br><br>“Fine then…why don’t we test which is stronger, the sword or the earth?” The NPC asked out complete frustration.<br><br>“No it will be too unfair.” Geomchi2 said.<br><br>“Too unfair? You are right you must be a beginner…fine I won’t use any attack that require more than 5% mana.” The NPC said haughtily.<br><br>“No no…please go all out…I meant it might be too unfair for you. I must give you a handicap…” Geomchi2 spoke confidently.<br><br>The NPC stood stunned for a second. ‘Maybe I was wrong about this ones level…what if he is a really strong?’<br><br>The instructors and disciples were shocked too! They knew they couldn’t defeat the NPC instructor teaching the Earthen element. The NPC’s level must be very high as well…They were wondering what their master was upto…<br><br>“To make it an equal contest, I suggest…I will close my eyes…” Geomchi2 continued.<br><br>“Fine!” The NPC said speaking with great offense. ‘I’ll teach him a lesson.’<br><br>“But we cannot battle here, others may get involved…” The NPC said.<br><br>The NPC quickly arranged for a sword for Geomchi2 and a witness. Then they all walked to a more secluded and open area. The practioners were excited. Their old masters usually avoided matches due to their age…but in VR age did not matter, they could easily overcome the limits of their aging bodies here! ‘At last we get to see a match where our master goes all out!’<br><br>“These are our dueling grounds.” The NPC said.<br><br>“Yes, this is splendid area to hold a festival…” Geomchi2 said.<br><br>The NPC’s face went red in anger… ‘How dare he…our most splendid dueling grounds…’<br><br>The other practioners agreed with their master. This open ground only stood to favour the earth users. In a real life battle, there were would shrubs and trees…not a clean ground like this where one takes cover. An open ground like this was best used to hold a festival.<br>“What is wrong with this?” The NPC asked angrily.<br><br>“Everything….” Geomchi2 said with a bored expression.<br><br>“Then you choose where you want to fight!”<br><br>“How about there…” Geomchi2 said while pointing to the forest.<br><br>“Yes that also suits me.” The NPC said with a bit of uncertainty. He was feeling uneasy battling in a terrain unknown to him…however his pride was on the line and the pride of the earthen affinity. If he were to chicken out now he would bring shame to himself, family and his kingdom…<br><br>The NPC and Geomchi2 stood nearly twenty five feet apart facing each other. The other practioners and witness NPC stood on the sidelines to watch.<br><br>“My name is Geomchi2.”<br><br>“My name is Krug.”<br><br>After exchanging pleasantaries, the witness NPC (a human man), stepped up and spoke, “Begin!”<br><br>Krug aimed his hand facing Geomchi2 and whispered, “Grasp!”<br><br>However, as if Geomchi2 already knew what Krug aimed for stepped aside. The earth where Geomchi2 stood began curling, if Geomchi2 had not moved from there his feet would have been caught.<br><br>Krug wasn’t too worried…though he ought to have been. Before he could raise his hand at Geomchi2 again…Geomchi2 was no where to be see…<br><br>“Bafu (native language of one of the many languages in Versailles for f*ck)” The NPC said under his breath. He now understood why Geomchi2 wanted to fight here…he could take cover. If the earth user didn’t know where he was then his attacks were meaningless…<br><br>“Match over!” The witness said.<br><br>“What?” Krug asked in shock. As he turned to the witness and other practioners; The witness looked completely disappointed and the practioners wore a big smile. “But why? We just began…”<br><br>Krug turned around, there behind him, stood Geomchi2 with his eyes closed and sword pointed at where Krug’s nape was.<br><br>“…” Krug was at a loss of words. He didn’t even hear Geomchi2 creep up on him. His brain could no longer make sense of what just happened…everything happened so quickly.<br><br>Geomchi2 opened his eyes and smiled. His student’s were left with nothing but overwhelming appreciation for their master’s skills. <br><br>“How did…” Krug wanted to know more. He had never seen a man this strong. “PLEASE LET ME BECOME YOUR STUDENT!” Krug finally blurted out. He knew in his heart that this must have been a sign from the Gods above. It was a sign that he was unworthy of using the earthen element till he mastered his own weaknesses!<br><br>Geomchi2 smiled. He did not know whether Krug was a NPC or a player, but in eyes Krug was the most honest man. He immediately realized that he was weak and did not hold on to any pride or hesitate to ask if he could become a disciple. Those who were willing to learn from anyone were sure to grow stronger. “I will never say no to those who realize they can become much stronger.”<br><br>Krug had tears in his eyes...Geomchi2 was a great man in his eyes. He so easily accepted him.<br><br>The other practioners welcomed the new student into their group. As they began exiting the dueling grounds, the disciples quickly began telling Krug of their master’s greatness. Krug was most impressed to know that Geomchi2 and others had defeated dragons, golems and all sorts of monsters before…<br><br>“Master, where do we head now?” Krug asked shyly.<br><br>“We need a place to practice the way of the sword.” Geomchi2 said while staring into the crowds and crowds of people in front of him.<br><br>“We can use those open grounds?” Krug suggested.<br><br>“The dueling grounds?” Geomchi2 asked curiously. “Won’t there be objections?”<br><br>“I will take care of the paper work. It is as you said, those grounds are better used for festivals than dueling. No one ever uses those grounds anyways, so there won’t be any problems.” Krug said reassuringly.<br><br>“We will also need wooden swords and scarecrows…” Geomchi2 added.<br><br>“I can arrange the wooden swords…” Krug replied, however he was unsure how to phrase the next bit… “This thing you call scarecrow? Is it some monster?”<br><br>The practioners looked at each other and began laughing. However, Geomchi2 did not laugh. “It is a dummy…something to practice strikes on…and it looks like a human.” Geomchi2 tried to explain.<br><br>Krug looked a bit concerned, he had never seen a scarecrow before nor had he heard about anything like this…<br><br>“Basically we need something soft so that it can absorb the impact of our strikes when we practice.” Geomchi2 said seeing Krug’s confused expressions.<br><br>“I understand…but wouldn’t it be better to kill monsters then? They are also much like how you described.”<br><br>“We can’t step outside the city as yet.” Geomchi2 said. “We have only just arrived here.”<br><br>“Master what is your level?” Krug asked suspiciously.<br><br>“Level 0.”<br><br>“…” Krug was left in awe…he was just defeated by a level 0. Either his master was lying or it implied he was woefully weak…either way it spoke of Geomchi2’s greatness.<br><br><br><br>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>Authors Note:<br><br>1. Thank you jomke86, for your suggestion.<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=1436" 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>

Geomchi2 was about to reach out to the woman who was acting very weird, when his disciples stepped in. “Master, are you hungry? We can buy some kimbap rolls pooling our money together?” His disciples treasured him and seeing their master drool over the kimbap rolls the disciples new right away that their master wanted some…but being absolute beginner they did not have enough money to buy them “Maybe if we do some easy quest and raise money?” A disciple whispered to the instructor. Geomchi2 however gave a warm smile and looked inside his pockets. “I have 10 pieces of bread in my pocket that should be more than sufficient. Kimbap rolls can wait till we have more money.” Geomchi2 said after seeing his pockets. “Then let us break some bread before we journey on??” The disciples took out breads from their pockets and took a bite. Geomchi2 knew this flavor all too well from Royal Road. It tasted exactly as it did in Royal Road…maybe it was more stale than before or, maybe he had grown used to his wife’s good cooking. The bread was very stale and hard to chew, like a stone. Geomchi 2 had a very similar reaction to what his master. He choked on the bread and spat it out and then said, “We need to do quests quickly and gather money to eat delicious food as soon as we can. This is terrible. They eat this when they go out to hunt?” His disciples nodded. “I did a little research on the internet; it is the same as Royal Road. There are large numbers of different types of food. Advanced level meals are so delicious that it melts in your mouth. It’s supposed to be the most heavenly experience and unlike Royal Road the cuisine includes new flavours that never existed before…but all this costs a lot. If we only focus on gather money, then we will not have time to train…and become stronger.” Said an instructor. “As expected of one that I named ‘Earthen Geomchi 3’! You’re a very bright kid.” Geomchi 2 praised him a lot. “We can also learn cooking?” A disciple suggested hoping to get the same praise. “No…that skill is for women…” one of the three instructors in the group said. “Women today also don’t cook.” The seven disciples replied back simultaneously in a choir. “Hehe, I get that a lot.” Geomchi 2 said. With changing times, the cultures also changed. Men and women both had to know cooking and both had to do household chores. It could no longer be left on to women to do everything. Geomchi 2 had personally experienced this after his marriage. The disciples laughed, pleased because of his teacher’s joke. Back in the dojo, he was well liked by the other practitioners for being understanding and perceptive. He was so old and wise, his advise was always right. The practioners could only appreciate the depths of their wise masters compassion. Even though the Geomchi’s stopped playing Royal Road under mysterious circumstances they did not lose touch of playing VR games. They had nothing more than 50 rye bread in total which tasted terrible and they had yet to find the beginner training hall…yet the mood of the Geomchis was unusually pleasant and lighthearted, they often smiled. Geomchi2 was a role model for many VR players and students were dying to see him in action. Usually Geomchi2 had to restrain himself in the real world as it did not have monsters to attack so the practioners wanted to see the full extent of their masters power. They all were proud to be their disciples and knew that the summit of power they wanted to cross was their master, so that their master can be proud to call them his disciples. “So to eat it, we just have to keep chewing it? Even though it’s hard, it’s like eating those tin biscuit when I was a young boy.” Geomchi2 said. “We can think about learning cooking and getting money latter. For now we satisfy our hunger and continue our search.” After they finished eating half of rye bread and satisfying their hunger. Geomchi2 looked at them and said, “So, let’s get started?” “Master…we have to tell you something….there is no training center.” Earthen Geomchi 3 said mustering all his courage. “What do you mean? There is no training center. There must be a training center, otherwise where will all the players practice the way of the sword?” Geomchi2 asked unperturbed by the relevantion there was no training hall. He had the absolute belief that Royal Road must have a Training Center. “We have to go to the training center.” “Master there is no training center in the way you describe it rather…it exists as a temple…” Earthen Geomchi 4 explained noticing how is beloved master was is in denial. “Since we are earth element it maybe a good idea to visit the Earth Shrine?” A disciple suggested meekly. After a few moments of silence, Geomchi 2 spoke up, “Well, let’s go see whether or not the earth shrine is any good!” The Geomchis found the earth shrine fairly easily. It was the tallest and largest building in the middle earth city. There were an incredible number of people swarming around the shrine of Serabourg so they had to to stick together to avoid being separated. However they had no need for that. Seeing the bulky muscular delquient looking men heading towards the temple, many people would step aside in fear. Nobody knew that these men were absolute beginners. If outside the shrine was crowded, then the inside was could not be explained in words! It was teeming with hundreds or maybe thousands of players. Thankfully the shrine was big enough to accommodate so many players but it was absolutely stretched to its limit. With great difficulty the Geomchis reached the information desk where they were guided to one of the outer grounds of the shrine. Here there were a small number of people were using activating their skills. “Oh! So this is the way they do it.” Said a player as he raised a platform of earth from the ground. Earth was one of the easier elements to master and manipulate. Geomchi2 was not in the slightest bit interested; he only wanted to use his sword fiercely. “All I see is earth here, are there no swords and scarecrows?” He asked impatiently. “No master…” “…” “All this magic hocus pocus is not of any user. The true strength of a man is in the way of a sword. No matter how much earth you raise you can never do anything with raising ground. Man walks on the ground, raising it will make no difference to humans.” Geomchi2 scorned. He was angry that Lee Hyun removed the beginner training hall! A NPC instructor near by heard Geomchi 2’s comments and took offense. ‘I’ll teach him the way of the earth. How dare he compare a pitiful sword to the mighty earth element!’ “Excuse me, I couldn’t help over hear what you had to say about the earth element. I am an earth element my self and would be more than glad to show you that Earth element is not all wishy washy as you describe.” The NPC said politely but was boiling with rage inside. “Yes please do show me…” Geomchi spoke sarcastically. The NPC raised his hand straight forward, “Ten Earthen Needles!” The earth trembled slightly and ten spikes over 8 feet in length made of earth shot out from the ground. ‘That must have left them shocked.’ The NPC chuckled, “Well have I changed your opion of the earth affinity?” Geomchi2 looked unfazed if anything he was rather disappointed. He was hoping for something more dramatic. Even his disciples and intructors weren’t too impressed. The NPC stood in shock seeing their disappointment…most people by now would have been converted to believers….they were the first to show disappointment… “Is that really all earth affinity can do?” Geomchi2 finally spoke. “Of course not!” The NPC said getting all edgy. “This was the most basic attack….” “Yawns,” Geomchi2 let out a massive yawn. Infuriated the NPC aimed at a near by tree, “Thousand Needles!” This time, a thousand, thinner and longer than before, earth spikes jutted out from the ground and ripped through the fig tree. The NPC was breathing slightly harder than before… ‘There…I have shown them the true terrifying power of the Earth…’ “Yes this indeed more spectular if I were a turtle…Hitting a tree is certainly more difficult than hitting a moving target…” Geomchi2 spoke sarcastically. He was completely uninterested magic… “Fine then…why don’t we test which is stronger, the sword or the earth?” The NPC asked out complete frustration. “No it will be too unfair.” Geomchi2 said. “Too unfair? You are right you must be a beginner…fine I won’t use any attack that require more than 5% mana.” The NPC said haughtily. “No no…please go all out…I meant it might be too unfair for you. I must give you a handicap…” Geomchi2 spoke confidently. The NPC stood stunned for a second. ‘Maybe I was wrong about this ones level…what if he is a really strong?’ The instructors and disciples were shocked too! They knew they couldn’t defeat the NPC instructor teaching the Earthen element. The NPC’s level must be very high as well…They were wondering what their master was upto… “To make it an equal contest, I suggest…I will close my eyes…” Geomchi2 continued. “Fine!” The NPC said speaking with great offense. ‘I’ll teach him a lesson.’ “But we cannot battle here, others may get involved…” The NPC said. The NPC quickly arranged for a sword for Geomchi2 and a witness. Then they all walked to a more secluded and open area. The practioners were excited. Their old masters usually avoided matches due to their age…but in VR age did not matter, they could easily overcome the limits of their aging bodies here! ‘At last we get to see a match where our master goes all out!’ “These are our dueling grounds.” The NPC said. “Yes, this is splendid area to hold a festival…” Geomchi2 said. The NPC’s face went red in anger… ‘How dare he…our most splendid dueling grounds…’ The other practioners agreed with their master. This open ground only stood to favour the earth users. In a real life battle, there were would shrubs and trees…not a clean ground like this where one takes cover. An open ground like this was best used to hold a festival. “What is wrong with this?” The NPC asked angrily. “Everything….” Geomchi2 said with a bored expression. “Then you choose where you want to fight!” “How about there…” Geomchi2 said while pointing to the forest. “Yes that also suits me.” The NPC said with a bit of uncertainty. He was feeling uneasy battling in a terrain unknown to him…however his pride was on the line and the pride of the earthen affinity. If he were to chicken out now he would bring shame to himself, family and his kingdom… The NPC and Geomchi2 stood nearly twenty five feet apart facing each other. The other practioners and witness NPC stood on the sidelines to watch. “My name is Geomchi2.” “My name is Krug.” After exchanging pleasantaries, the witness NPC (a human man), stepped up and spoke, “Begin!” Krug aimed his hand facing Geomchi2 and whispered, “Grasp!” However, as if Geomchi2 already knew what Krug aimed for stepped aside. The earth where Geomchi2 stood began curling, if Geomchi2 had not moved from there his feet would have been caught. Krug wasn’t too worried…though he ought to have been. Before he could raise his hand at Geomchi2 again…Geomchi2 was no where to be see… “Bafu (native language of one of the many languages in Versailles for f*ck)” The NPC said under his breath. He now understood why Geomchi2 wanted to fight here…he could take cover. If the earth user didn’t know where he was then his attacks were meaningless… “Match over!” The witness said. “What?” Krug asked in shock. As he turned to the witness and other practioners; The witness looked completely disappointed and the practioners wore a big smile. “But why? We just began…” Krug turned around, there behind him, stood Geomchi2 with his eyes closed and sword pointed at where Krug’s nape was. “…” Krug was at a loss of words. He didn’t even hear Geomchi2 creep up on him. His brain could no longer make sense of what just happened…everything happened so quickly. Geomchi2 opened his eyes and smiled. His student’s were left with nothing but overwhelming appreciation for their master’s skills. “How did…” Krug wanted to know more. He had never seen a man this strong. “PLEASE LET ME BECOME YOUR STUDENT!” Krug finally blurted out. He knew in his heart that this must have been a sign from the Gods above. It was a sign that he was unworthy of using the earthen element till he mastered his own weaknesses! Geomchi2 smiled. He did not know whether Krug was a NPC or a player, but in eyes Krug was the most honest man. He immediately realized that he was weak and did not hold on to any pride or hesitate to ask if he could become a disciple. Those who were willing to learn from anyone were sure to grow stronger. “I will never say no to those who realize they can become much stronger.” Krug had tears in his eyes...Geomchi2 was a great man in his eyes. He so easily accepted him. The other practioners welcomed the new student into their group. As they began exiting the dueling grounds, the disciples quickly began telling Krug of their master’s greatness. Krug was most impressed to know that Geomchi2 and others had defeated dragons, golems and all sorts of monsters before… “Master, where do we head now?” Krug asked shyly. “We need a place to practice the way of the sword.” Geomchi2 said while staring into the crowds and crowds of people in front of him. “We can use those open grounds?” Krug suggested. “The dueling grounds?” Geomchi2 asked curiously. “Won’t there be objections?” “I will take care of the paper work. It is as you said, those grounds are better used for festivals than dueling. No one ever uses those grounds anyways, so there won’t be any problems.” Krug said reassuringly. “We will also need wooden swords and scarecrows…” Geomchi2 added. “I can arrange the wooden swords…” Krug replied, however he was unsure how to phrase the next bit… “This thing you call scarecrow? Is it some monster?” The practioners looked at each other and began laughing. However, Geomchi2 did not laugh. “It is a dummy…something to practice strikes on…and it looks like a human.” Geomchi2 tried to explain. Krug looked a bit concerned, he had never seen a scarecrow before nor had he heard about anything like this… “Basically we need something soft so that it can absorb the impact of our strikes when we practice.” Geomchi2 said seeing Krug’s confused expressions. “I understand…but wouldn’t it be better to kill monsters then? They are also much like how you described.” “We can’t step outside the city as yet.” Geomchi2 said. “We have only just arrived here.” “Master what is your level?” Krug asked suspiciously. “Level 0.” “…” Krug was left in awe…he was just defeated by a level 0. Either his master was lying or it implied he was woefully weak…either way it spoke of Geomchi2’s greatness. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authors Note: 1. Thank you jomke86, for your suggestion. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Connect to Royal Road – Elementarem Vim next Chapter? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Yes](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=1436) | [No](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=348) | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Weed scaled the mountain’s eastern side from one end to another and then back. From the very top there were lush green trees everywhere. The night had painted them black yet they frightfully beautiful. If Weed had more interest in the scenic beauty he might have sat and watched over the dark forest. He would slowly descend and scan each step. He was sure the moonstone had to be somewhere here. Snappy watched the Squirrel move back and forth on his fours, scanning the earth carefully. At first he thought it was a game where they might be a bone or so hidden but soon tired out and slept. <br><br>Weed was tired and took a break. Without light it was very difficult to see anything. As he sat down next to Snappy, he spotted something moving at the foot of the hill. He got up and walked closer…a raccoon; time to increase stats. It took a while but Weed finally managed to corner the frightened creature. He took out his sword and slowly circled the raccoon who was snarling.<br><br>The raccoon summoned wind affinity to sharpen its claw attack however before the raccoon could get close enough to attack, it dissipated into grey mist. Weed stabbed it straight in the body before the raccoon even noticed. The high AGI, STR and ATK began paying off. Quick movements and strong attacks; typically an elvish built up.<br><br>After moving through the forest a for a while, Weed spotted more raccoons, and after killing several more of them he got a message he was waiting for.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">- You have leveled up!-</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Weed sighed, raccoons were too weak and gave too little exp. He went deeper into the forest in search for new prey. He killed anything that came his way, squirrels, rabbits and raccoons. However none of them were a match for him. The monsters were strong, but they were no match for players with bonus SP. Weed finally found a fox who was chasing a rabbit. Weed hid behind a thicket and watched as the rabbit was caught and lay helpless before it was killed. Killing other monsters leveled the fox as well. Weed was happy, it was essentially killing a higher level fox which meant better drops and more EXP. He jumped out from his hiding spot and landed a fatal full swing blow to the fox.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Critical Hit!-</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">- You have leveled up!-</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>The fox had no time to react and disappeared into thin air. Weed was still not satisfied, he needed more of a challenge. He decided to put his search for the moonstone on a temporary halt and kill a few monsters. He liked the feel of swinging a sword. Weed found it considerably more difficult to chase foxes and kill them, as it required him to tired out the fox and then corner it. But he soon got a general idea of the surrounding area and would drive the fox to his favorite massacre spot and kill it. The loot wasn’t much but fox meat and fox fur. He really wanted to collect it but he was already finding the healing potions and other items too much of a burden. The elves weight restrictions would slow him down significantly. He instead stored the loot in a bag and concealed it between two rocks. He would then resume his hunt. <br><br>Weed killed enough foxes and began looking for bigger game, Wolves hunted in packs and it would be too risky to attack them while they were in a group. To avoid the risk of fighting them all at once, Weed began to lure them, he would pick up an ordinary stone and throw it at a wolf. The wolf was more intelligent than a fox but sadly not as gifted as Snappy. They had a difficulty understanding it was a trap. Maybe even Snappy would have fallen for the trap. However, they would not chase the common foe together since only one was hurt, the angered wolf would chase into the forest from the direction of the stone throw, only to receive a massive surprise blow. The surprise element would often mean Weed would choose spots where the vulnerable parts of the Wolf were easier to hit, furthermore it increased the likelihood of a critical hit. Most wolves would lose half their HP immediately and become stunned instantly. They never even got to cry for help. Silently as the night they were slaughtered one by one. The EXP and loot from wolves was better; wolf claws, wolf fur, wolf bones, wolf meat. All of it was far more prized than the fox and rabbit items Weed had collected so far. As beginner it did not amount to much, maybe no more than a few copper per hide but Weed decided not to squander away the money given by Rodriguez.<br><br>It wasn’t long before Weed gained proficiency in Sword Mastery, the stat had been activated with his first sword skill and was already at level 3. Weed smiled, he was no longer the toothless kitten, he was slowly making progress, progress that was well overdue. After killing a few more wolves and venting out his remaining frustration, Weed returned to where he left Snappy. Snappy’s ears perked up, he sensed something unfamiliar approaching; it was a creature he had not felt before. When he opened his eyes, Snappy could not believe that Weed the squirrel no longer felt like a squirrel but more like a starving wolf.<br><br>In the morning, Weed returned Snappy back to Theodore who was happy not to have the dog keep him up all night or wake him up early next morning. Weed then went back to the central town and sold whatever loot he could carry and bought more meaty treat. He then went and bought a lantern, shovel and more carrying bags though it increased his weight burden, Weed started investing all his points in strength and stamina. He wasn’t going to be unprepared next time.<br><br>Weed decided to go back to hunt in the morning, though less rewarding, he decided to look for the moonstone at night. With Weed coming every morning to hunt the smaller preys. They noticed the trend of the vicious predator and migrated elsewhere, this drove Weed deeper into the forest. Truly there was no escape from Weed. At night Weed would pull out the lantern and place it on the ground and dig very carefully and slowly as if he were unearthing a dinosaur fossil. Progress was slow. The lantern and the shovel helped, but the mountain was huge. In only one week the mountain had hundreds of pits dug into it, some were more than 4 feet deep, others no more than a small depression in the ground.<br><br>Weed realized that the northern mountain pass wasn’t the most attractive hunting ground for players. Thus, he bought more lanterns and lantern refills with the money he got from the loot. As Weed bought so many lanterns that the storekeeper told him how different lanterns had different uses. When he heard weeds explanation for looking for dragon fossils (Deceit Beginner level 4), he provided lanterns which were saucer shaped. They would illuminate the ground rather than the surrounding. That night the entire eastern face of the fountain was lit up with a lantern every 10 meters. Weed began digging deeper and deeper. Most players might have abandoned the quest at this point, others would have even started digging elsewhere but Weed was different. He was more than certain that the treasure he was searching for was somewhere around here. Where did that confidence and faith stem from? Even Weed did not know, instinct were reckless things to go by. If Weed had been a dwarf, it would not appear so peculiar to see him digging but if one were to see an elf doing the same, the elf would surely stand out. <br>The day hunts were more boring than night, all though at night monsters were stronger during the day Weed stood out more. His cloak was most effective during the night however during the day hiding served no purpose, thus Weed was restricted to hunting easy prey during the day. Weed considered going to a professional school to learn a melee profession like sword attack to help him hunt a group of foxes but then read how it would take an entire week to learn, even if you knew all the movements of the sword you could not graduate in a profession unless you completed the requisite time period. In the end Weed decided to stick to hunting foxes and anything smaller than a fox. <br><br>At times Weed wished he could return to Rodriguez to recheck if he was digging in the right places. However, he avoided going to meet Rodriguez as Rodriguez lived too far away. Time was precious to Weed, even more so as he had to manage RL and avoid being grounded. Instead of Rodriguez, Weed tried reaching out to the fairy. However the fairy refused to help Weed till he began searching for the fairy pond. Weed could only grow angrier as the fairy continuously leeched stamina from him and gave nothing in return. Furthermore, if he ordered it to appear, he would be treated with sarcastic comments and insults (and not that Alak actually appeared). It was the worst kind of parasite in the truest sense.<br><br>He even asked Theodore about the moonstone, who told him that there was only one such piece found and no other. When Weed told him that he was looking for the moonstone, Theodore didn’t even bat an eyelash. Weed was hoping to get some reaction from him in the form of a praise for solving the riddle or anger as if he solved the impossible riddle. But in the end Weed only got a “Good luck.” Weed asked Theodore all sorts of questions about the moonstone, but Theodore only told him what Rodriguez had already mentioned. If he asked Theodore what it looked like, Theodore simply replied like a fragment of the moon. This description did not help Weed at all as nothing he came across resembled the moon.<br><br>At the end of two weeks, the eastern face of the mountain pass looked nothing like it used to. There were holes everywhere, Snappy thought there was buried bone treasure and would join Weed in digging holes, his pace was a lot faster than Weeds and he would dig a lot deeper. If a soldier from the World War was to see the mountain side, he would think that there has been recent shelling or these were trenches. Weed finally threw out his shovel and climbed out of a hole; nothing, not even an ore of any kind, just stones, rocks and dirt. The only reward for digging so many holes was that he gained mining and digging skills. Weed hoped that he would never have to use it much, digging holes was boring as heck. He lamented that digging holes in a mineral depleted area did not increase its skill level as much as a mineral rich area would, otherwise he would have reached intermediate level already.<br><br>Weed sighed, he knew there only one thing left, he needed the help of a expert.<br><br>“Ok Snappy, if you find me the moonstone, I’ll give you a big bone and 100’s of meaty treats.”<br><br>“Woof” Barked Snappy and continued to stare at Weed. ‘I have no idea what a moonstone is, show me one first.’<br><br>Maybe it was the time they shared together but Weed felt he knew what Snappy was saying. He then pointed out to the moon and picked up a stone, “Moonstone.” He repeated these actions again and again till Snappy barked. With that Snappy began sniffing ferociously and then suddenly began digging away. <br><br>‘No way!’ Weed thought, ‘He had just spent two weeks and did Snappy find it in two minutes?’<br><br>Snappy then came trotting happily back with what appeared to be an ordinary stone.<br><br>“Snappy is this the moonstone?” Weed asked suspiciously, he didn’t have the identify skill that he could check its properties nor was the stone giving of a vibe that indicated it was the moonstone. Weed hurried back to Theodore cabin and woke up Theodore in the middle of the night. <br><br>“Theodore I found it!” Weed screamed into the dwarves ear.<br><br>“ARGGHH!! ELF I AM GOING TO KILL YOU!”<br><br>“Theodore see moonstone!” Weed presented the rock Snappy found.<br><br>The dwarf took the stone and threw it at Weed who had no chance to dodge (-5HP). <br><br>“You stupid elf. Does that look to you like a moonstone? Where the f**k is it glowing like the moon?” I told you the only moonstone ever found is now a jewel in the dwarven city. Disturb me again and it is going to be hammer that will hit your head next.” Saying that Theodore went back to sleep. He hated being disturbed in his sleep, he hated Weed so he was happy to vent out his anger at Weed. To Theodore nothing would please him more than to humiliate Weed, he had a feeling tonight he would get a great sleep.<br><br>Weed gave Snappy an angry glare. The dogs tail was between his legs and ears drooped. Weed picked up the stone which Theodore threw at him, “Snappy, I got a treat for you.” Weed whispered into Snappy's ear.<br><br>Snappy was a gifted dog, he understood most of human emotion and speech, he might not have understood what a moonstone is but he understood that the hungry wolf was going to do something very bad to him. Snappy ran out of the cabin. Weed chased after Snappy with the stone. He was reaching his limits of patience. However, Snappy was long gone into the wilderness before Weed could even step out of the forest clearing.<br><br>Weed knew the time had come for him to resort to his last option; Alak Okaine, the most annoying creature in all of Versailles. Whether he had to twist or break the fairy’s wings, Weed was determined to get the help he needed. He didn't like being mooched off, and he was going to get his stamina's worth of assistance.<br><br><br><br><br>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>Authors Note:<br><br>1. Edited by Knaivvs <br>2. Released early as part of celebration releases.<br>3. Not exactly, the most awesome ending to a volume, but I was willing to risk stretching the limits of action a little longer.<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=330" 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>

Weed scaled the mountain’s eastern side from one end to another and then back. From the very top there were lush green trees everywhere. The night had painted them black yet they frightfully beautiful. If Weed had more interest in the scenic beauty he might have sat and watched over the dark forest. He would slowly descend and scan each step. He was sure the moonstone had to be somewhere here. Snappy watched the Squirrel move back and forth on his fours, scanning the earth carefully. At first he thought it was a game where they might be a bone or so hidden but soon tired out and slept. Weed was tired and took a break. Without light it was very difficult to see anything. As he sat down next to Snappy, he spotted something moving at the foot of the hill. He got up and walked closer…a raccoon; time to increase stats. It took a while but Weed finally managed to corner the frightened creature. He took out his sword and slowly circled the raccoon who was snarling. The raccoon summoned wind affinity to sharpen its claw attack however before the raccoon could get close enough to attack, it dissipated into grey mist. Weed stabbed it straight in the body before the raccoon even noticed. The high AGI, STR and ATK began paying off. Quick movements and strong attacks; typically an elvish built up. After moving through the forest a for a while, Weed spotted more raccoons, and after killing several more of them he got a message he was waiting for. | - You have leveled up!- | | --- | Weed sighed, raccoons were too weak and gave too little exp. He went deeper into the forest in search for new prey. He killed anything that came his way, squirrels, rabbits and raccoons. However none of them were a match for him. The monsters were strong, but they were no match for players with bonus SP. Weed finally found a fox who was chasing a rabbit. Weed hid behind a thicket and watched as the rabbit was caught and lay helpless before it was killed. Killing other monsters leveled the fox as well. Weed was happy, it was essentially killing a higher level fox which meant better drops and more EXP. He jumped out from his hiding spot and landed a fatal full swing blow to the fox. | -Critical Hit!- | | --- | | - You have leveled up!- | | --- | The fox had no time to react and disappeared into thin air. Weed was still not satisfied, he needed more of a challenge. He decided to put his search for the moonstone on a temporary halt and kill a few monsters. He liked the feel of swinging a sword. Weed found it considerably more difficult to chase foxes and kill them, as it required him to tired out the fox and then corner it. But he soon got a general idea of the surrounding area and would drive the fox to his favorite massacre spot and kill it. The loot wasn’t much but fox meat and fox fur. He really wanted to collect it but he was already finding the healing potions and other items too much of a burden. The elves weight restrictions would slow him down significantly. He instead stored the loot in a bag and concealed it between two rocks. He would then resume his hunt. Weed killed enough foxes and began looking for bigger game, Wolves hunted in packs and it would be too risky to attack them while they were in a group. To avoid the risk of fighting them all at once, Weed began to lure them, he would pick up an ordinary stone and throw it at a wolf. The wolf was more intelligent than a fox but sadly not as gifted as Snappy. They had a difficulty understanding it was a trap. Maybe even Snappy would have fallen for the trap. However, they would not chase the common foe together since only one was hurt, the angered wolf would chase into the forest from the direction of the stone throw, only to receive a massive surprise blow. The surprise element would often mean Weed would choose spots where the vulnerable parts of the Wolf were easier to hit, furthermore it increased the likelihood of a critical hit. Most wolves would lose half their HP immediately and become stunned instantly. They never even got to cry for help. Silently as the night they were slaughtered one by one. The EXP and loot from wolves was better; wolf claws, wolf fur, wolf bones, wolf meat. All of it was far more prized than the fox and rabbit items Weed had collected so far. As beginner it did not amount to much, maybe no more than a few copper per hide but Weed decided not to squander away the money given by Rodriguez. It wasn’t long before Weed gained proficiency in Sword Mastery, the stat had been activated with his first sword skill and was already at level 3. Weed smiled, he was no longer the toothless kitten, he was slowly making progress, progress that was well overdue. After killing a few more wolves and venting out his remaining frustration, Weed returned to where he left Snappy. Snappy’s ears perked up, he sensed something unfamiliar approaching; it was a creature he had not felt before. When he opened his eyes, Snappy could not believe that Weed the squirrel no longer felt like a squirrel but more like a starving wolf. In the morning, Weed returned Snappy back to Theodore who was happy not to have the dog keep him up all night or wake him up early next morning. Weed then went back to the central town and sold whatever loot he could carry and bought more meaty treat. He then went and bought a lantern, shovel and more carrying bags though it increased his weight burden, Weed started investing all his points in strength and stamina. He wasn’t going to be unprepared next time. Weed decided to go back to hunt in the morning, though less rewarding, he decided to look for the moonstone at night. With Weed coming every morning to hunt the smaller preys. They noticed the trend of the vicious predator and migrated elsewhere, this drove Weed deeper into the forest. Truly there was no escape from Weed. At night Weed would pull out the lantern and place it on the ground and dig very carefully and slowly as if he were unearthing a dinosaur fossil. Progress was slow. The lantern and the shovel helped, but the mountain was huge. In only one week the mountain had hundreds of pits dug into it, some were more than 4 feet deep, others no more than a small depression in the ground. Weed realized that the northern mountain pass wasn’t the most attractive hunting ground for players. Thus, he bought more lanterns and lantern refills with the money he got from the loot. As Weed bought so many lanterns that the storekeeper told him how different lanterns had different uses. When he heard weeds explanation for looking for dragon fossils (Deceit Beginner level 4), he provided lanterns which were saucer shaped. They would illuminate the ground rather than the surrounding. That night the entire eastern face of the fountain was lit up with a lantern every 10 meters. Weed began digging deeper and deeper. Most players might have abandoned the quest at this point, others would have even started digging elsewhere but Weed was different. He was more than certain that the treasure he was searching for was somewhere around here. Where did that confidence and faith stem from? Even Weed did not know, instinct were reckless things to go by. If Weed had been a dwarf, it would not appear so peculiar to see him digging but if one were to see an elf doing the same, the elf would surely stand out. The day hunts were more boring than night, all though at night monsters were stronger during the day Weed stood out more. His cloak was most effective during the night however during the day hiding served no purpose, thus Weed was restricted to hunting easy prey during the day. Weed considered going to a professional school to learn a melee profession like sword attack to help him hunt a group of foxes but then read how it would take an entire week to learn, even if you knew all the movements of the sword you could not graduate in a profession unless you completed the requisite time period. In the end Weed decided to stick to hunting foxes and anything smaller than a fox. At times Weed wished he could return to Rodriguez to recheck if he was digging in the right places. However, he avoided going to meet Rodriguez as Rodriguez lived too far away. Time was precious to Weed, even more so as he had to manage RL and avoid being grounded. Instead of Rodriguez, Weed tried reaching out to the fairy. However the fairy refused to help Weed till he began searching for the fairy pond. Weed could only grow angrier as the fairy continuously leeched stamina from him and gave nothing in return. Furthermore, if he ordered it to appear, he would be treated with sarcastic comments and insults (and not that Alak actually appeared). It was the worst kind of parasite in the truest sense. He even asked Theodore about the moonstone, who told him that there was only one such piece found and no other. When Weed told him that he was looking for the moonstone, Theodore didn’t even bat an eyelash. Weed was hoping to get some reaction from him in the form of a praise for solving the riddle or anger as if he solved the impossible riddle. But in the end Weed only got a “Good luck.” Weed asked Theodore all sorts of questions about the moonstone, but Theodore only told him what Rodriguez had already mentioned. If he asked Theodore what it looked like, Theodore simply replied like a fragment of the moon. This description did not help Weed at all as nothing he came across resembled the moon. At the end of two weeks, the eastern face of the mountain pass looked nothing like it used to. There were holes everywhere, Snappy thought there was buried bone treasure and would join Weed in digging holes, his pace was a lot faster than Weeds and he would dig a lot deeper. If a soldier from the World War was to see the mountain side, he would think that there has been recent shelling or these were trenches. Weed finally threw out his shovel and climbed out of a hole; nothing, not even an ore of any kind, just stones, rocks and dirt. The only reward for digging so many holes was that he gained mining and digging skills. Weed hoped that he would never have to use it much, digging holes was boring as heck. He lamented that digging holes in a mineral depleted area did not increase its skill level as much as a mineral rich area would, otherwise he would have reached intermediate level already. Weed sighed, he knew there only one thing left, he needed the help of a expert. “Ok Snappy, if you find me the moonstone, I’ll give you a big bone and 100’s of meaty treats.” “Woof” Barked Snappy and continued to stare at Weed. ‘I have no idea what a moonstone is, show me one first.’ Maybe it was the time they shared together but Weed felt he knew what Snappy was saying. He then pointed out to the moon and picked up a stone, “Moonstone.” He repeated these actions again and again till Snappy barked. With that Snappy began sniffing ferociously and then suddenly began digging away. ‘No way!’ Weed thought, ‘He had just spent two weeks and did Snappy find it in two minutes?’ Snappy then came trotting happily back with what appeared to be an ordinary stone. “Snappy is this the moonstone?” Weed asked suspiciously, he didn’t have the identify skill that he could check its properties nor was the stone giving of a vibe that indicated it was the moonstone. Weed hurried back to Theodore cabin and woke up Theodore in the middle of the night. “Theodore I found it!” Weed screamed into the dwarves ear. “ARGGHH!! ELF I AM GOING TO KILL YOU!” “Theodore see moonstone!” Weed presented the rock Snappy found. The dwarf took the stone and threw it at Weed who had no chance to dodge (-5HP). “You stupid elf. Does that look to you like a moonstone? Where the f**k is it glowing like the moon?” I told you the only moonstone ever found is now a jewel in the dwarven city. Disturb me again and it is going to be hammer that will hit your head next.” Saying that Theodore went back to sleep. He hated being disturbed in his sleep, he hated Weed so he was happy to vent out his anger at Weed. To Theodore nothing would please him more than to humiliate Weed, he had a feeling tonight he would get a great sleep. Weed gave Snappy an angry glare. The dogs tail was between his legs and ears drooped. Weed picked up the stone which Theodore threw at him, “Snappy, I got a treat for you.” Weed whispered into Snappy's ear. Snappy was a gifted dog, he understood most of human emotion and speech, he might not have understood what a moonstone is but he understood that the hungry wolf was going to do something very bad to him. Snappy ran out of the cabin. Weed chased after Snappy with the stone. He was reaching his limits of patience. However, Snappy was long gone into the wilderness before Weed could even step out of the forest clearing. Weed knew the time had come for him to resort to his last option; Alak Okaine, the most annoying creature in all of Versailles. Whether he had to twist or break the fairy’s wings, Weed was determined to get the help he needed. He didn't like being mooched off, and he was going to get his stamina's worth of assistance. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authors Note: 1. Edited by Knaivvs 2. Released early as part of celebration releases. 3. Not exactly, the most awesome ending to a volume, but I was willing to risk stretching the limits of action a little longer. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Connect to Royal Road – Elementarem Vim next Chapter? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Yes](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=330) | | [No](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=348) | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-style: italic;">Sakura</span> &lt;Cherry blossom&gt; petals danced through the air as the two girls stood facing opposite one another, tiny hands clenched into fists in preparation for their apocalyptic battle to come. They gazed steadily at one another, all bonds of sisterhood and their unique connections as twins were severed, cast out as they raised their hands above their heads, each determined to strike down the other with all the murderous intent that comes from being raised in a Samurai family. <br> <br>As the wind settled down, only a lone <span style="font-style: italic;">sakura</span> &lt;cherry blossom&gt; petal drifted in between the two half-sized warriors, an unspoken signal to begin their duel. <br> <br>"<span style="font-style: italic;">EEEEEII</span>!", with a wild girlish shout, the twins began their attack sequence, tiny fists pumping down four times like the sword strokes of a skilled <span style="font-style: italic;">kendoka</span> &lt;Practitioner of the blade&gt;, to the words of an ancient Japanese battle cry. <br> <br>"<span style="font-style: italic;">Saisho wa Guu</span> &lt;First comes rock&gt;!", They chanted together. <br> <br>"<span style="font-style: italic;">Jan Ken PON</span>", the twins both revealing their hands on the final syllable; Scissors. <br> <br>However they continued with, "<span style="font-style: italic;">Aiko deSHO</span> &lt;It’s a TIE&gt;!", &nbsp;to restart the combat cycle, unveiling their hands with Masumi scoring the first critical strike; Paper conquered Rock. <br> <br>"<span style="font-style: italic;">Acchi muite HOI</span> &lt;Look over THERE&gt;!", Masumi commanded like a <span style="font-style: italic;">Daimyo</span> &lt;Feudal Lord&gt;, pointing in one direction, but nevertheless, Mayumi defied her by facing the opposite. <br> <br>This initiated a new sequence, "<span style="font-style: italic;">Jan Ken PON! </span>", With Masumi thrusting forward; Scissors slashing Paper. <br> <br>"<span style="font-style: italic;">Acchi muite HOI</span> &lt;Look over THERE&gt;!" Masumi repeated, but once again, Mayumi proved to be sharp, her eyes registering the direction her sister was about to point to by the minute twitching of Masumi's finger. Again Mayumi refused to bow down, tilting her head upwards in contrast to her sister's commands. <br> <br>"<span style="font-style: italic;">Jan Ken PON</span>! ", This time both forced into a stalemate by their hammer blows; Rock futilely smashing against Rock. <br> <br>"<span style="font-style: italic;">Aiko deSHO</span> &lt;It’s a TIE&gt;!", But nevertheless Masumi once again had the upper hand; Rock breaking Scissors. <br> <br>"<span style="font-style: italic;">Acchi muite HOI</span> &lt;Look over THERE&gt;!", Mayumi continuing to show resistance… But it was all part of her plan. <br> <br>"<span style="font-style: italic;">Jan Ken PON</span>!", Realising now was the time to strike, Mayumi began her counterattack with a brilliant repeat of Masumi's first victory; Paper conquering Rock. <br> <br>"<span style="font-style: italic;">Acchi muite HOI</span> &lt;Look over THERE&gt;!", It was Mayumi's turn to cry out her command and pointing to Masumi's right…her twin did as was told, caught in the fatal rhythm that she herself had fallen into by repeatedly facing in the direction her finger bided Mayumi to. <br> <br>"<span style="font-style: italic;">YATTA</span>!" Mayumi cried out in victory. <br> <br>"Ehhhhh", her sister complained, "You always do that to me!" <br> <br>"Hohoho!" Mayumi placed her hands on the side of her hips, "then you should learn from your mistakes by now" <br> <br>"Buuuu, <span style="font-style: italic;">nee-san hidoi</span> &lt;sister you're mean&gt;!" <br> <br>"<span style="font-style: italic;">Maa maa</span>", trying to placate her twin, "I will let you have a wish since you will become a <span style="font-style: italic;">nii-chan</span> &lt;brother&gt; from now on" <br> <br>"…<span style="font-style: italic;">honto</span> &lt;Really&gt;?" <br> <br>"<span style="font-style: italic;">Un</span>", Mayumi replied in confirmation. <br> <br>"…Then I will be a boy… But you must always be by my side, <span style="font-style: italic;">nee-san</span> &lt;sister&gt;…" <br> <br>"<span style="font-style: italic;">…MOOOU…!</span>", Mayumi squealed, "You are sooooo cuuute. Masumi, <span style="font-style: italic;">Daisuki</span> &lt;I love you&gt;!", hugging her twin tightly. <br> <br>"<span style="font-style: italic;">Ya-yameteeee</span> &lt;S-stoooop&gt;!", Masumi cried as they both tumbled into the grass, the two girls laughing as they looked up into the branches of the family tree, <span style="font-style: italic;">sakura</span>&lt;cherry blossom&gt; petals floating down to land upon their disheveled kimonos. <br> <br>When they had quietened down, Mayumi continued to gaze silently at the drifting petals before she sat up suddenly and turned to look down at her sister. Untying one of the red ribbons from her hair, Mayumi signalled to Masumi and they slowly stood up together, solemnly tying the ribbon around their pinkies. Looking into each other's eyes as they understood what was required of each of them, the twins began reciting a ritual hundreds of years old, in a singsong voice. <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;">"<span style="font-style: italic;">Yubi kiri genman</span> &lt;Pinky Promise&gt; <br><span style="font-style: italic;">Uso tsuitara</span> &lt;If I lie&gt; <br><span style="font-style: italic;">Hari sen bon nomasu</span> &lt;I will drink 1000 needles&gt; <br><span style="font-style: italic;">Yubi kitta</span> &lt;And cut my pinky&gt;!" <br> <br><img src="http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk285/black_ferrus/Blut%20und%20Eisen/Promise_zpsb9944c28.jpg" border="0" alt="http%3a%2f%2fi283.photobucket.com%2falbums%2fkk285...944c28.jpg"></div> <br> <br>The girls smiled to one another happily. <br> <br>"I will always be by your side, Masumi" <br> <br>"<span style="font-style: italic;">Un</span>… I know, <span style="font-style: italic;">nee-san</span> &lt;sister&gt;" <br> <br>Only the rustling of the branches, the <span style="font-style: italic;">sakura</span> &lt;cherry blossom&gt; tree beared witness to this sacred oath. <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;">*********************************************************************************************</div> <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picosong.com/FmEb/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 1.7em;">INTRO SONG: Trust Me</span></a></div> <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk285/black_ferrus/Blut%20und%20Eisen/Intro22_zps150173b8.jpg" border="0" alt="http%3a%2f%2fi283.photobucket.com%2falbums%2fkk285...0173b8.jpg"></div> <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;">*********************************************************************************************</div> <br> <br>Mayumi’s party of unwilling retainers… *cough* ‘friends’, were on the other side of the marketplace, wandering from stall to stall as the girls looked out for bargains or anything that catches their eye. Whether this will translate into an actual purchase… Max just shrugged as he thought to himself, ‘<span style="font-style: italic;">This is almost like shopping with mum</span>’, while giving an internal sigh. ‘<span style="font-style: italic;">Actually, this is EXACTLY like shopping with mum</span>’, correcting himself. <br> <br>“<span style="font-style: italic;">Max</span>”, Lorelei asked in curiosity, “<span style="font-style: italic;">What are they doing</span>?” <br> <br>Eyeing the girls with boredom and DEFINITELY standing out of earshot, he replied, “What the women species have been doing for centuries, Lori”, stretching his arms over his head and yawning widely, “window shopping” <br> <br>“<span style="font-style: italic;">… But, I don’t see any windows…</span>?” <br> <br>“It’s metaphorically speaking, Lori” <br> <br>“<span style="font-style: italic;">Ohhh</span>”, Lorelei said as though in understanding, for some reason Max was able to imagine her nodding her cute head, “<span style="font-style: italic;">….what’s metaphorically…?</span>” <br> <br>“… I think I need to take a course in university to teach…”, He felt a drop of sweat slid down the side of his head, “Lori… do you want to go to school?” <br> <br>“<span style="font-style: italic;">School</span>?” <br> <br>“Yup”, Max thought quickly, “It’s what all normal people do to learn about the ‘world’ before they are thrown out to fend for themselves” <br> <br>“<span style="font-style: italic;">…uuuu… I don’t want to get thrown out</span>!” <br> <br>“Nonono”, Max tried to calm Lorelei down, “You can join my ‘Max’s School for Lori Association’ or MSLA for short. I will never throw you out”, he assured her. <br> <br>“Max, who are you talking to?”, Mayumi asked from the front… while squatting down and gazing up mischievously at him. <br> <br>“…Y-you… How long have you been there?”, <span style="font-style: italic;">Danger bells instantly waking, going into full alert and ringing in his head. The battleship, Max Unsinkable, began doing evasive manoeuvres with Helmsman Max struggling with the wheel. </span> <br> <br>Mayumi smiled sweetly, “Since”, batting her eyelids prettily, “’Lori… do you want to go to school?’” <br> <br>“…” <br> <br>“…” <br> <br><span style="font-style: italic;">Helmsman Max shouted out to Ship Captain Max, “She can’t make it captain! The ship is labouring in the water!”. “Try damn it!”, Ship Captain Max roared, “We got to evade or we are sunk!”</span> <br> <br>Max gave a little cough as he said, “Eh-Ehhh? I was merely rehearsing for a play my drama club is performing soon for university orientation”. <span style="font-style: italic;">The Max Unsinkable did a full 90 degree turn, and the crew watched the torpedoes painted with Mayumi’s terrifyingly happy face come perilously close…</span> <br> <br>“Ooooh. Now that makes sense”, Mayumi nodded. <br> <br><span style="font-style: italic;">The crew of the Max Unsinkable did a wild cheer as the torpedoes missed their mark, sailing harmlessly past them. “Good work, Helmsman”, Ship Captain Max patted the back of Helmsman Max, “You have saved us all”.</span> <br> <br>“Y-yeah!”, Max laughed unnaturally, “See, I am being a normal human being” <br> <br>“Ahh”, Mayumi smiled, “Then is the play called, ‘Max’s School for Lori Association’ or MSLA for short?” <br> <br>“Guuuh!”, Max clutched his heart from the critical strike. <span style="font-style: italic;">Unnoticed to the crew of the Max Unsinkable… the torpedoes were homing underwater missiles! The ship rocked as multiple impacts were felt along the hull, water flooding in along the compartments and violently drowning the ship’s despairing crew.</span> <br> <br>“And I thought you told me you were in the Historical Blacksmithing Club?”, Mayumi continuing her merciless assault. <br> <br><span style="font-style: italic;">“Captain!”, Helmsman Max cried, “We have got to abandon ship!”. <br>“Nay”, Ship Captain Max sadly shook his head, “A captain always goes down with his ship”. <br>“... then I will remain with you captain”. <br>“N-no! Save yourself!”. <br>“I can’t leave without you sir… It has been a pleasure serving with you”. <br>“… And I you, Helmsman”. <br>“Sir… I have always lo-..”. The ship exploded, shearing into two halves right in the middle as the ammunition magazine finally ignited, before the craft disappeared beneath the waves. The Max Unsinkable… had sunk with all hands.</span> <br> <br>“… uuuuu…”, Max wept, “I am sorry for not being normal”, realising it was futile to pretend that what he was doing wasn’t strange. <br> <br>“<span style="font-style: italic;">Maa maa</span>”, Mayumi stood gracefully back up before rising on her tiptoes to peck him on the cheek, “Normal is overrated”, she stuck her tongue out cutely at him. <br> <br>“… I don’t know whether to be cheered up or depressed…”, Max said as he lightly touched the spot where her lips were. ‘<span style="font-style: italic;">They felt nice and warm</span>’, he thought dreamily. <br> <br>“Anyway”, Mayumi grabbed his hand and dragged him forcefully behind her, “since Masumi is not here, you can help me pick my clothes” <br> <br>“Clothes?”, Max eyed the stalls incredulously, “But all they sell are furs” <br> <br>“Fufu”, Mayumi chuckled evilly, “That’s where you are wrong, oh virgin-kun” <br> <br>“WHO ARE YOU CALLING A VIRGIN!”, before he slammed his mouth shut… but it was too late… all the onlookers were staring at him, the expressions on their faces were one of acute pity. One of the Elves even walked up to him and gave Max two pieces of fruit, “To share”, the Elf man said, and another came to give him a piece of jewellery saying, “Hope this brings you luck tonight”, patting Max on the back. <br> <br>“See”, Mayumi smiled, “There is nothing wrong with being a virgin, VIRGIN-kun” <br> <br>“… Can I be downgraded back to gopher?” Max asked tearfully. <br> <br>“Only if I like what you help me to choose”, she promised. <br> <br>“O-ok!”, Max patted his chest, “My heart is ready!”, as Mayumi disappeared into a booth with a waiting Lydia, closing the curtains behind them. <br> <br>A minute later, after excessive giggling from within the curtains by the two girls, the long dark pieces of clothe parted to reveal first Lydia… and Max’s jaw dropped. <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br>“Y-y-y-you!”, Max yelled, “What are you wearing?!” <br> <br>Lydia came out in a two piece fur bikini, the white fur bra struggling against her ample chest, which was emphasized as she tucked her arms under them. <br> <br>“Hmm, this seems kind of tight”, Lydia complained, picking at the edges of her bra, to which a few Elven women eyed her in envy. <br> <br>“… Thank god I was born… I-I mean”, Max recovered his floating soul rising over his head to plump it back firmly within himself, “Why are you wearing something like that?!” <br> <br>“Oh this”, Lydia shrugged, “I don’t have any Royal Road underwear items”. <br> <br>“…TOO MUCH INFO!!” <br> <br>“Wow… I cannot imagine you as being Gerhard’s grandchild. Too easily ruffled”. <br> <br>“Wait…”, Max had a weird premonition, “Does this mean that…” <br> <br>Before he could finish his sentence, Mayumi strode out… and struck Max speechless. Contrary to what he was imagining, she was wearing a white fur sarong wrapped around her petite chest that reached just above her knees, her white shoulders bared which contrasted the red flower patterns that were stained unto the cloth. There was a notable increase in his heart rate. <br> <br>“Well what do you think?”, Mayumi spun around, “Does it suit me?” <br> <br>“…” <br> <br>“Heeellooo”, she flicked his nose with a fingertip in annoyance, “Virgin-kuuuun?” <br> <br>“…Beautiful”, he uttered subconsciously, “Really beautiful…” <br> <br>“…H-hmph!!”, Mayumi turned away from him, “That doesn’t make me happy to hear it from a gopher. <span style="font-style: italic;">Baaaaka</span> &lt;Stuuuupid&gt;!”. <br> <br>“Well you asked for my-..”, he was replying when Max noticed something strange. The market had gone quiet. <br> <br>The party became alert instantly, however, it was too late. Two scores of Elven archers appeared from the rooftops, with bows drawn and ready to fire, while on the ground level a large warband of Elves with hands resting on slung ornate hand axes and the pommels of sheathed long knives, skilfully surrounded them in total silence, like a pack of wolves. Mayumi's weapons were left in the booth… Which was now behind the wall of warriors ,however, Lydia had already meekly raised her hands in surrender. Nevertheless, Mayumi didn't looked like she was going anywhere without a fight, raising her hands instinctively in the fighting forms of unarmed combat, similar to Aikido. But to her surprise, Max stood in front of her, pickaxe in hand, although his body visibly shook in fright at the odds arrayed against them. <br>But his hands were steady… Like those of a warrior. <br> <br>Mayumi smiled behind his back, for a moment touched… Before she grabbed the back of his shirt and flung him carelessly into the fruit stand behind her, his yelp of surprise changing into a groan of pain on impact. <br> <br>"No… You shouldn't worry, <span style="font-style: italic;">anata</span> &lt;darling&gt;~", Mayumi smiled sweetly, "I will protect you instead". <br> <br>"Errr", Lydia scratched the side of her temple, "I think you kind of almost instant killed him…" <br> <br>One of the tall Elven warriors broke ranks to stand before them, dressed in rich wolf furs and an intricate gold torc around his neck, clearly a war leader of some sort, Lydia analysed… Due to all the potential loot that could be gained, if he was to be slain… This girl really should have chosen a character class that suited her personality… Like 'Mugger,' for example. <br> <br>"I trust you have enjoyed your tour of our village?" He spoke politely. <br> <br>"L-look", Lydia spoke hurriedly, "We were really intending to pay for these clothes, you know. I wasn't EVEN contemplating sneaking a few bits and pieces here in my bag…" <br> <br>"I… Er… What?", the Elf replied confused. <br> <br>Mayumi and Max, who managed to shift himself in an upright position from under a pile of crushed fruit, a pulped orange leaking juice down his face from atop his head, both looked at Lydia, like she was some sort of criminal. <br> <br>"Eh?" Lydia asked in astonishment, "We are not being arrested for theft?" <br> <br>"Well… No", The Elf looked baffled, "I was just told to escort you to the Elven Council" <br> <br>"Ohhhh…", Lydia laughed in relief, "Hahaha, you should say so in the first place" <br> <br>"But, about those items you mentioned…" <br> <br>"Hmm?" She looked innocently back at him, "I have no idea what you are talking about" <br> <br>"… Just come with us", he sighed. <br> <br>When Mayumi and Lydia came out of the booths after changing back to their normal attire, the short samurai went up to Max, who was gingerly picking off bits of fruits from his clothing, standing in front of him… And looked silently at him. <br> <br>Max, noticing the oddness of her behaviour, said, "W-what is it?" <br> <br>"…" Not saying a word, she removed the pulped orange from his head, coming so close that Max could smell her flowery scent flooding and overpowering his overexcited senses, before she whispered in his ear, "You… Are really hopeless". <br> <br>"Eh?" Was all he said, before he felt a kiss on his cheek. Somehow, it felt different from all the other times she had done it… Nah, must be his imagination, as she spun away to skip along beside Lydia, acting totally indifferent. <br> <br>'Yeah', Max rubbing his cheek faintly, 'Definitely my imagination'. <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;">*********************************************************************************************</div> <br> <br>The party was reunited again, Gerhard, Masumi and William, all escorted by a large amount of warriors, Masumi disgruntled and annoyed that their 'date' was interrupted by pointless politics but who, upon seeing her twin, smiled and joining hand in hand, began telling each other their day. Even under such inauspicious circumstances, the mood was generally light hearted, if one was to ignore the fact that they were surrounded by over a hundred armed warriors that brought them to a squat unassuming white building. And to everyone’s astonishment as they entered, it turned out that this barely one storey tall modest structure was the center of government for the Shadow Clan, where the Elders stood gathered to greet them. <br> <br>"So", Gerhard initiated politely, noting the tension in the air, "to what do we owe the pleasure of being escorted by armed guards on such a lovely day?” <br> <br>"I…", Mist looked to her feet guiltily before raising her head to face him, "I am sorry, <span style="font-style: italic;">Sainür </span>&lt;Tree Friend&gt;, it is my fault that-…" <br> <br>"Silence, daughter", one of the Elder's spoke up, "I am Taisei, which in your tongue would mean ‘Great Sage’. However, it would be unwise of me to not inform you right now, that you shouldn’t be here” <br> <br>“… meaning?”, Max asked before his grandfather could. <br> <br>“That unless my daughter is proven right”, Taisei continued gravely, “we may need to slay all of you. My apologies for that” <br> <br>“… none takEN! YOU THINK WE WOULD SAY THAT?!”, Max voice rose, before Gerhard swatted him in the back of the head. <br> <br>“Please, forgive my grandson”, Gerhard apologized, “the young tend to get over excited over minor matters”. <br> <br>“Y-you… look a bit young to have a grandson”, Taisei rubbed the bridge of his nose in confusion, “Well then again, all you humans look the same to me”. <br> <br>“Haha”, Gerhard laughed it off, “I married quite young”. <br> <br>There was a collective, “Oi, oi, I think that is beside the point here”, Mayumi and Lydia exclaimed out loud, startling each other at their exact response… While Masumi was playing with William all this time, not even paying attention to the seriousness of the atmosphere. <br> <br>“I see…”, Taisei nodded in understanding, “I will need to revise my knowledge of human physiology then…” <br> <br>“N-no”, Max tried to correct him, “I really think your knowledge is fine” <br> <br>“Human”, Tasei tsked, “We Elves are also a scientific race, and right now before my eyes I have discovered that an <span style="font-style: italic;">Amin</span> &lt;Human&gt; can be aged 20-30 and have grandchildren. Clearly, your intellect can’t possibly compare to our centuries of wisdom and applied science” <br> <br>“…Yup”, Max grinned evilly, “This is my GRANDfather all right”, placing an arm across the shoulders of Gerhard, “ONLY 20 years old. We humans mature quite fast, yeah <span style="font-style: italic;">Opi</span> &lt;grandpa&gt;?” <br> <br>“Well, of course”, Gerhard innocently answered, using the knowledge he had gained from Tolkien’s books, “In comparison to the Elves, we are a very prolific species and that is due to our ability to mature rapidly into adulthood”. <br> <br>“Ah, I see…”, Taisei noting this down in a tome that he had taken out from under his robe. <br> <br>“Ahem”, interrupted one of the Elders, “I think we have gotten off track”. <br> <br>“Oh? Oooooh”, Taisei finally remembered what he was supposed to do, “Well, my daughter here has made some… claims regarding what she saw you doing in one of our sacred sites" <br> <br>"… And I am assuming that somehow this has been brought into discontent by your council?" Gerhard intuited. <br> <br>"… my daughter was right. You are sharp for an <span style="font-style: italic;">Amin</span> &lt;Human&gt;". <br> <br>Gerhard just shrugged, "Former detective with the Vienna Police Force. If I can't join the few clues before me, then how would I catch criminals?" <br> <br>"Excellent, well", Taisei coughed into his hand, "this will speed things right along", eyeing his daughter in particular, "It has been a long time since anyone was able to commune with our Lady. And when I mean long, we are talking about a few centuries, give or take a decade or two" <br> <br>"What does this have to do with-..", Max interrupted, however, Gerhard lifted a hand to silence him. <br> <br>"It means…" Gerhard looking at Taisei steadily, "That for a human to speak to an ELF goddess before any of her own creation… Has ruffled some religious feathers", raising an eyebrow in question, "hasn't it, Taisei?" <br> <br>"… If you weren't human, I would offer you an apprenticeship as one of the scholars amongst the Clan", which caused a squawk of protest from the other elders, "I said IF", Taisei continued in annoyance, "By the World Tree, you would think with superior Elven hearing, there would be less misunderstandings!" <br> <br>"I take it there is some way to prevent us all from being executed", Gerhard gently nudged Taisei back on topic. <br> <br>"Oh? Ah yes", Taisei nodded, "There is one way" <br> <br>"And that is…?" <br> <br>Taisei announced solemnly, "To unveil and prove that your powers are from Selvaria herself… In the Shadow Clan's rite of initiation into adulthood", the Elf smiled grimly, "where you must not only survived, but be judged by my entire Clan". <br> <br>********************************************************************************************* <br> <br>"This", Max grumbled, "is unfair". <br> <br>Their party bar Gerhard, was sitting high up in the canopies of the trees, vast platforms hanging from the branches and connected to one another by elegant bridges, allowing a bird's eye view of the entire field below them. There was a constant influx of Elves unto these structures, as word had gone around the village of what was transpiring, those patrols that are close by returning early while those further out will no doubt be unable to attend. However, there was no hiding the undercurrent of excitement as all gathered at the crystal wooded railings, leaning down to look at the lone human standing near the entryway of the Clan's proving grounds. <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk285/black_ferrus/Blut%20und%20Eisen/Trial_zps8d49c03d.jpg" border="0" alt="http%3a%2f%2fi283.photobucket.com%2falbums%2fkk285...49c03d.jpg"></div> <br> <br> <br>"Well", Lydia shrugged, "Gerhard always loves walking into trouble. A simple, 'No, I am sorry, I don’t like following random strangers who appear out of the woods', would have saved us a lot of headaches", she smacked her forehead tiredly. <br> <br>Max and the twins both gazed steadily at Lydia until she finally uttered, "W-what?" <br> <br>"Weren't you the one who was forced to 'return' all those goods that had mysteriously fallen in your bag?" Max pointed out. <br> <br>"B-but it was an accident!", Lydia cried, "Honestly!" <br> <br>"And the Elven necklace around your neck. Was that an accident too?", Mayumi rubbed the side of her forehead with her fingers, head in hand. <br> <br>"T-that!", Lydia explained hurriedly, "I already told the shop owner that it was his fault for not charging me with all the other goods I bought!" <br> <br>"… You only bought a cheap two copper trinket from him", Masumi stated in a monotone voice, "and almost made off with a necklace valued at five hundred gold…" <br> <br>To this, Lydia just looked to the ceiling, gazing in fake wonderment at the leaves as she whistled tunelessly. The essence of innocence… She was not. <br> <br>"… I am never shopping with you again", Mayumi declared in embarrassment. <br> <br>"But nonetheless", Masumi bringing them back to the topic at hand, "I too agree. They are forcing Ange-… Gerhard-sama", blushing as she mentioned his name, "to fight on a battlefield without any knowledge of its peculiarities or of his own choosing". <br> <br>"And anyway", Mayumi piped in, "why do we really need to prove that he is a <span style="font-style: italic;">Sainür</span> &lt;Tree Friend&gt; anyway? Can't he just perform the Tree Song?" <br> <br>Max shrugged his shoulders, "The test is probably to see how he utilizes the power and to determine whether he is worthy of it. Well that is my guess". <br> <br>"Hmph", Mayumi complained, "Can't we just annihilate the village?", uttering genocide easily in a bored tone of voice... Can someone please complain to her parents about their poor teaching in ethics... <br> <br>Max, his elbow on the railing and resting chin on the palm of his hand, gazed out and rested his eyes on the form of his grandfather who was performing some stretches, thinking for a long moment before replying, "It's because, if there is a way to avoid violence… My grandfather would set upon that path without regret of the hardship" <br> <br>"Ehhh?", Mayumi exclaimed in surprise, "He sounds almost like a pacifist… But we all know that he is a ferocious fighter" <br> <br>"That's, well… But when he must act… I guess, the warrior in him will always return to the fore", Max thought with a mixture of pride and uneasiness, "and now I know where he has gotten this… 'Instinct'… On a real battlefield… I feel that he has become someone different to me". <br> <br>Masumi moved to stand next to Max, speaking after collecting her thoughts, "Your grandfather has not changed, Max. He has always been who he is. It's just that your view of him has changed", turning her head to the side to face him, "Your eyes have been opened, Max, because you now know more about your grandfather than you did before. Does knowing this make you love him less?" <br> <br>"… No… Whatever he was or did… He is still my <span style="font-style: italic;">Opi </span>&lt;grandpa&gt;". <br> <br>"See", Masumi showed a rare brilliant smile, so unlike her usual deadpan expressions… Well, in front of Max anyway, "You have always known the answer" <br> <br>"… Thanks, Masumi. I think this is the first time you spoke this much to me", he grinned, "I feel much better now." <br> <br>"It's no problem, Max", Masumi replied, "It's my duty to know and comfort my future grandson after all" <br> <br>"… I take back what I said… I think it will be torture to have a fourteen year old grandmother…" <br> <br>"Oh? But I am seventeen though. Me and Mayumi just choose a younger avatar" <br> <br>"THAT DOESN’T MAKE IT ANY BETTER YOU KNOW?!" Max yelled in exasperation. <br> <br>"Ooooh!", William called out excitedly, "Angel is waving at us!" <br> <br>"Gosh, you are so uncute", Mayumi tutted at Max while standing behind William, "you should act more like William here" <br> <br>"Like twelve?" He retorted. <br> <br>"Didn't someone say that he was that age a few hours ago?" She prodded his chest painfully. <br> <br>"I, errrr… Oh look! He is waving at us!" trying to forcefully change the subject. <br> <br>And so Gerhard was, after having been told that he will need to begin within the next five minutes, had already prepared himself as much as possible… Which is not considerable due to the lack of information he was given. However, Gerhard just grinned to himself, reminded of all the times he was ordered to do insane things in the army with even less information at hand, and with no other choice but to succeed… As failure would have ended in death. <br> <br>At a nod from one of his ‘caretakers’, Gerhard made sure his sword was secured in his sheathe before looking up to gaze determinedly ahead… And began walking into the maze. <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;">*********************************************************************************************</div> <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picosong.com/Fmis/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 1.7em;">Ending Song: Kore wa Koi</span></a></div> <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk285/black_ferrus/Blut%20und%20Eisen/YoungMayumiampMasumi_zps00ad111c.jpg" border="0" alt="http%3a%2f%2fi283.photobucket.com%2falbums%2fkk285...ad111c.jpg"></div> </div>

Sakura <Cherry blossom> petals danced through the air as the two girls stood facing opposite one another, tiny hands clenched into fists in preparation for their apocalyptic battle to come. They gazed steadily at one another, all bonds of sisterhood and their unique connections as twins were severed, cast out as they raised their hands above their heads, each determined to strike down the other with all the murderous intent that comes from being raised in a Samurai family. As the wind settled down, only a lone sakura <cherry blossom> petal drifted in between the two half-sized warriors, an unspoken signal to begin their duel. "EEEEEII!", with a wild girlish shout, the twins began their attack sequence, tiny fists pumping down four times like the sword strokes of a skilled kendoka <Practitioner of the blade>, to the words of an ancient Japanese battle cry. "Saisho wa Guu <First comes rock>!", They chanted together. "Jan Ken PON", the twins both revealing their hands on the final syllable; Scissors. However they continued with, "Aiko deSHO <It’s a TIE>!",  to restart the combat cycle, unveiling their hands with Masumi scoring the first critical strike; Paper conquered Rock. "Acchi muite HOI <Look over THERE>!", Masumi commanded like a Daimyo <Feudal Lord>, pointing in one direction, but nevertheless, Mayumi defied her by facing the opposite. This initiated a new sequence, "Jan Ken PON! ", With Masumi thrusting forward; Scissors slashing Paper. "Acchi muite HOI <Look over THERE>!" Masumi repeated, but once again, Mayumi proved to be sharp, her eyes registering the direction her sister was about to point to by the minute twitching of Masumi's finger. Again Mayumi refused to bow down, tilting her head upwards in contrast to her sister's commands. "Jan Ken PON! ", This time both forced into a stalemate by their hammer blows; Rock futilely smashing against Rock. "Aiko deSHO <It’s a TIE>!", But nevertheless Masumi once again had the upper hand; Rock breaking Scissors. "Acchi muite HOI <Look over THERE>!", Mayumi continuing to show resistance… But it was all part of her plan. "Jan Ken PON!", Realising now was the time to strike, Mayumi began her counterattack with a brilliant repeat of Masumi's first victory; Paper conquering Rock. "Acchi muite HOI <Look over THERE>!", It was Mayumi's turn to cry out her command and pointing to Masumi's right…her twin did as was told, caught in the fatal rhythm that she herself had fallen into by repeatedly facing in the direction her finger bided Mayumi to. "YATTA!" Mayumi cried out in victory. "Ehhhhh", her sister complained, "You always do that to me!" "Hohoho!" Mayumi placed her hands on the side of her hips, "then you should learn from your mistakes by now" "Buuuu, nee-san hidoi <sister you're mean>!" "Maa maa", trying to placate her twin, "I will let you have a wish since you will become a nii-chan <brother> from now on" "…honto <Really>?" "Un", Mayumi replied in confirmation. "…Then I will be a boy… But you must always be by my side, nee-san <sister>…" "…MOOOU…!", Mayumi squealed, "You are sooooo cuuute. Masumi, Daisuki <I love you>!", hugging her twin tightly. "Ya-yameteeee <S-stoooop>!", Masumi cried as they both tumbled into the grass, the two girls laughing as they looked up into the branches of the family tree, sakura<cherry blossom> petals floating down to land upon their disheveled kimonos. When they had quietened down, Mayumi continued to gaze silently at the drifting petals before she sat up suddenly and turned to look down at her sister. Untying one of the red ribbons from her hair, Mayumi signalled to Masumi and they slowly stood up together, solemnly tying the ribbon around their pinkies. Looking into each other's eyes as they understood what was required of each of them, the twins began reciting a ritual hundreds of years old, in a singsong voice. "Yubi kiri genman <Pinky Promise> Uso tsuitara <If I lie> Hari sen bon nomasu <I will drink 1000 needles> Yubi kitta <And cut my pinky>!"  The girls smiled to one another happily. "I will always be by your side, Masumi" "Un… I know, nee-san <sister>" Only the rustling of the branches, the sakura <cherry blossom> tree beared witness to this sacred oath. ********************************************************************************************* [INTRO SONG: Trust Me](http://picosong.com/FmEb/)  ********************************************************************************************* Mayumi’s party of unwilling retainers… *cough* ‘friends’, were on the other side of the marketplace, wandering from stall to stall as the girls looked out for bargains or anything that catches their eye. Whether this will translate into an actual purchase… Max just shrugged as he thought to himself, ‘This is almost like shopping with mum’, while giving an internal sigh. ‘Actually, this is EXACTLY like shopping with mum’, correcting himself. “Max”, Lorelei asked in curiosity, “What are they doing?” Eyeing the girls with boredom and DEFINITELY standing out of earshot, he replied, “What the women species have been doing for centuries, Lori”, stretching his arms over his head and yawning widely, “window shopping” “… But, I don’t see any windows…?” “It’s metaphorically speaking, Lori” “Ohhh”, Lorelei said as though in understanding, for some reason Max was able to imagine her nodding her cute head, “….what’s metaphorically…?” “… I think I need to take a course in university to teach…”, He felt a drop of sweat slid down the side of his head, “Lori… do you want to go to school?” “School?” “Yup”, Max thought quickly, “It’s what all normal people do to learn about the ‘world’ before they are thrown out to fend for themselves” “…uuuu… I don’t want to get thrown out!” “Nonono”, Max tried to calm Lorelei down, “You can join my ‘Max’s School for Lori Association’ or MSLA for short. I will never throw you out”, he assured her. “Max, who are you talking to?”, Mayumi asked from the front… while squatting down and gazing up mischievously at him. “…Y-you… How long have you been there?”, Danger bells instantly waking, going into full alert and ringing in his head. The battleship, Max Unsinkable, began doing evasive manoeuvres with Helmsman Max struggling with the wheel. Mayumi smiled sweetly, “Since”, batting her eyelids prettily, “’Lori… do you want to go to school?’” “…” “…” Helmsman Max shouted out to Ship Captain Max, “She can’t make it captain! The ship is labouring in the water!”. “Try damn it!”, Ship Captain Max roared, “We got to evade or we are sunk!” Max gave a little cough as he said, “Eh-Ehhh? I was merely rehearsing for a play my drama club is performing soon for university orientation”. The Max Unsinkable did a full 90 degree turn, and the crew watched the torpedoes painted with Mayumi’s terrifyingly happy face come perilously close… “Ooooh. Now that makes sense”, Mayumi nodded. The crew of the Max Unsinkable did a wild cheer as the torpedoes missed their mark, sailing harmlessly past them. “Good work, Helmsman”, Ship Captain Max patted the back of Helmsman Max, “You have saved us all”. “Y-yeah!”, Max laughed unnaturally, “See, I am being a normal human being” “Ahh”, Mayumi smiled, “Then is the play called, ‘Max’s School for Lori Association’ or MSLA for short?” “Guuuh!”, Max clutched his heart from the critical strike. Unnoticed to the crew of the Max Unsinkable… the torpedoes were homing underwater missiles! The ship rocked as multiple impacts were felt along the hull, water flooding in along the compartments and violently drowning the ship’s despairing crew. “And I thought you told me you were in the Historical Blacksmithing Club?”, Mayumi continuing her merciless assault. “Captain!”, Helmsman Max cried, “We have got to abandon ship!”. “Nay”, Ship Captain Max sadly shook his head, “A captain always goes down with his ship”. “... then I will remain with you captain”. “N-no! Save yourself!”. “I can’t leave without you sir… It has been a pleasure serving with you”. “… And I you, Helmsman”. “Sir… I have always lo-..”. The ship exploded, shearing into two halves right in the middle as the ammunition magazine finally ignited, before the craft disappeared beneath the waves. The Max Unsinkable… had sunk with all hands. “… uuuuu…”, Max wept, “I am sorry for not being normal”, realising it was futile to pretend that what he was doing wasn’t strange. “Maa maa”, Mayumi stood gracefully back up before rising on her tiptoes to peck him on the cheek, “Normal is overrated”, she stuck her tongue out cutely at him. “… I don’t know whether to be cheered up or depressed…”, Max said as he lightly touched the spot where her lips were. ‘They felt nice and warm’, he thought dreamily. “Anyway”, Mayumi grabbed his hand and dragged him forcefully behind her, “since Masumi is not here, you can help me pick my clothes” “Clothes?”, Max eyed the stalls incredulously, “But all they sell are furs” “Fufu”, Mayumi chuckled evilly, “That’s where you are wrong, oh virgin-kun” “WHO ARE YOU CALLING A VIRGIN!”, before he slammed his mouth shut… but it was too late… all the onlookers were staring at him, the expressions on their faces were one of acute pity. One of the Elves even walked up to him and gave Max two pieces of fruit, “To share”, the Elf man said, and another came to give him a piece of jewellery saying, “Hope this brings you luck tonight”, patting Max on the back. “See”, Mayumi smiled, “There is nothing wrong with being a virgin, VIRGIN-kun” “… Can I be downgraded back to gopher?” Max asked tearfully. “Only if I like what you help me to choose”, she promised. “O-ok!”, Max patted his chest, “My heart is ready!”, as Mayumi disappeared into a booth with a waiting Lydia, closing the curtains behind them. A minute later, after excessive giggling from within the curtains by the two girls, the long dark pieces of clothe parted to reveal first Lydia… and Max’s jaw dropped.                                                                                     “Y-y-y-you!”, Max yelled, “What are you wearing?!” Lydia came out in a two piece fur bikini, the white fur bra struggling against her ample chest, which was emphasized as she tucked her arms under them. “Hmm, this seems kind of tight”, Lydia complained, picking at the edges of her bra, to which a few Elven women eyed her in envy. “… Thank god I was born… I-I mean”, Max recovered his floating soul rising over his head to plump it back firmly within himself, “Why are you wearing something like that?!” “Oh this”, Lydia shrugged, “I don’t have any Royal Road underwear items”. “…TOO MUCH INFO!!” “Wow… I cannot imagine you as being Gerhard’s grandchild. Too easily ruffled”. “Wait…”, Max had a weird premonition, “Does this mean that…” Before he could finish his sentence, Mayumi strode out… and struck Max speechless. Contrary to what he was imagining, she was wearing a white fur sarong wrapped around her petite chest that reached just above her knees, her white shoulders bared which contrasted the red flower patterns that were stained unto the cloth. There was a notable increase in his heart rate. “Well what do you think?”, Mayumi spun around, “Does it suit me?” “…” “Heeellooo”, she flicked his nose with a fingertip in annoyance, “Virgin-kuuuun?” “…Beautiful”, he uttered subconsciously, “Really beautiful…” “…H-hmph!!”, Mayumi turned away from him, “That doesn’t make me happy to hear it from a gopher. Baaaaka <Stuuuupid>!”. “Well you asked for my-..”, he was replying when Max noticed something strange. The market had gone quiet. The party became alert instantly, however, it was too late. Two scores of Elven archers appeared from the rooftops, with bows drawn and ready to fire, while on the ground level a large warband of Elves with hands resting on slung ornate hand axes and the pommels of sheathed long knives, skilfully surrounded them in total silence, like a pack of wolves. Mayumi's weapons were left in the booth… Which was now behind the wall of warriors ,however, Lydia had already meekly raised her hands in surrender. Nevertheless, Mayumi didn't looked like she was going anywhere without a fight, raising her hands instinctively in the fighting forms of unarmed combat, similar to Aikido. But to her surprise, Max stood in front of her, pickaxe in hand, although his body visibly shook in fright at the odds arrayed against them. But his hands were steady… Like those of a warrior. Mayumi smiled behind his back, for a moment touched… Before she grabbed the back of his shirt and flung him carelessly into the fruit stand behind her, his yelp of surprise changing into a groan of pain on impact. "No… You shouldn't worry, anata <darling>~", Mayumi smiled sweetly, "I will protect you instead". "Errr", Lydia scratched the side of her temple, "I think you kind of almost instant killed him…" One of the tall Elven warriors broke ranks to stand before them, dressed in rich wolf furs and an intricate gold torc around his neck, clearly a war leader of some sort, Lydia analysed… Due to all the potential loot that could be gained, if he was to be slain… This girl really should have chosen a character class that suited her personality… Like 'Mugger,' for example. "I trust you have enjoyed your tour of our village?" He spoke politely. "L-look", Lydia spoke hurriedly, "We were really intending to pay for these clothes, you know. I wasn't EVEN contemplating sneaking a few bits and pieces here in my bag…" "I… Er… What?", the Elf replied confused. Mayumi and Max, who managed to shift himself in an upright position from under a pile of crushed fruit, a pulped orange leaking juice down his face from atop his head, both looked at Lydia, like she was some sort of criminal. "Eh?" Lydia asked in astonishment, "We are not being arrested for theft?" "Well… No", The Elf looked baffled, "I was just told to escort you to the Elven Council" "Ohhhh…", Lydia laughed in relief, "Hahaha, you should say so in the first place" "But, about those items you mentioned…" "Hmm?" She looked innocently back at him, "I have no idea what you are talking about" "… Just come with us", he sighed. When Mayumi and Lydia came out of the booths after changing back to their normal attire, the short samurai went up to Max, who was gingerly picking off bits of fruits from his clothing, standing in front of him… And looked silently at him. Max, noticing the oddness of her behaviour, said, "W-what is it?" "…" Not saying a word, she removed the pulped orange from his head, coming so close that Max could smell her flowery scent flooding and overpowering his overexcited senses, before she whispered in his ear, "You… Are really hopeless". "Eh?" Was all he said, before he felt a kiss on his cheek. Somehow, it felt different from all the other times she had done it… Nah, must be his imagination, as she spun away to skip along beside Lydia, acting totally indifferent. 'Yeah', Max rubbing his cheek faintly, 'Definitely my imagination'. ********************************************************************************************* The party was reunited again, Gerhard, Masumi and William, all escorted by a large amount of warriors, Masumi disgruntled and annoyed that their 'date' was interrupted by pointless politics but who, upon seeing her twin, smiled and joining hand in hand, began telling each other their day. Even under such inauspicious circumstances, the mood was generally light hearted, if one was to ignore the fact that they were surrounded by over a hundred armed warriors that brought them to a squat unassuming white building. And to everyone’s astonishment as they entered, it turned out that this barely one storey tall modest structure was the center of government for the Shadow Clan, where the Elders stood gathered to greet them. "So", Gerhard initiated politely, noting the tension in the air, "to what do we owe the pleasure of being escorted by armed guards on such a lovely day?” "I…", Mist looked to her feet guiltily before raising her head to face him, "I am sorry, Sainür <Tree Friend>, it is my fault that-…" "Silence, daughter", one of the Elder's spoke up, "I am Taisei, which in your tongue would mean ‘Great Sage’. However, it would be unwise of me to not inform you right now, that you shouldn’t be here” “… meaning?”, Max asked before his grandfather could. “That unless my daughter is proven right”, Taisei continued gravely, “we may need to slay all of you. My apologies for that” “… none takEN! YOU THINK WE WOULD SAY THAT?!”, Max voice rose, before Gerhard swatted him in the back of the head. “Please, forgive my grandson”, Gerhard apologized, “the young tend to get over excited over minor matters”. “Y-you… look a bit young to have a grandson”, Taisei rubbed the bridge of his nose in confusion, “Well then again, all you humans look the same to me”. “Haha”, Gerhard laughed it off, “I married quite young”. There was a collective, “Oi, oi, I think that is beside the point here”, Mayumi and Lydia exclaimed out loud, startling each other at their exact response… While Masumi was playing with William all this time, not even paying attention to the seriousness of the atmosphere. “I see…”, Taisei nodded in understanding, “I will need to revise my knowledge of human physiology then…” “N-no”, Max tried to correct him, “I really think your knowledge is fine” “Human”, Tasei tsked, “We Elves are also a scientific race, and right now before my eyes I have discovered that an Amin <Human> can be aged 20-30 and have grandchildren. Clearly, your intellect can’t possibly compare to our centuries of wisdom and applied science” “…Yup”, Max grinned evilly, “This is my GRANDfather all right”, placing an arm across the shoulders of Gerhard, “ONLY 20 years old. We humans mature quite fast, yeah Opi <grandpa>?” “Well, of course”, Gerhard innocently answered, using the knowledge he had gained from Tolkien’s books, “In comparison to the Elves, we are a very prolific species and that is due to our ability to mature rapidly into adulthood”. “Ah, I see…”, Taisei noting this down in a tome that he had taken out from under his robe. “Ahem”, interrupted one of the Elders, “I think we have gotten off track”. “Oh? Oooooh”, Taisei finally remembered what he was supposed to do, “Well, my daughter here has made some… claims regarding what she saw you doing in one of our sacred sites" "… And I am assuming that somehow this has been brought into discontent by your council?" Gerhard intuited. "… my daughter was right. You are sharp for an Amin <Human>". Gerhard just shrugged, "Former detective with the Vienna Police Force. If I can't join the few clues before me, then how would I catch criminals?" "Excellent, well", Taisei coughed into his hand, "this will speed things right along", eyeing his daughter in particular, "It has been a long time since anyone was able to commune with our Lady. And when I mean long, we are talking about a few centuries, give or take a decade or two" "What does this have to do with-..", Max interrupted, however, Gerhard lifted a hand to silence him. "It means…" Gerhard looking at Taisei steadily, "That for a human to speak to an ELF goddess before any of her own creation… Has ruffled some religious feathers", raising an eyebrow in question, "hasn't it, Taisei?" "… If you weren't human, I would offer you an apprenticeship as one of the scholars amongst the Clan", which caused a squawk of protest from the other elders, "I said IF", Taisei continued in annoyance, "By the World Tree, you would think with superior Elven hearing, there would be less misunderstandings!" "I take it there is some way to prevent us all from being executed", Gerhard gently nudged Taisei back on topic. "Oh? Ah yes", Taisei nodded, "There is one way" "And that is…?" Taisei announced solemnly, "To unveil and prove that your powers are from Selvaria herself… In the Shadow Clan's rite of initiation into adulthood", the Elf smiled grimly, "where you must not only survived, but be judged by my entire Clan". ********************************************************************************************* "This", Max grumbled, "is unfair". Their party bar Gerhard, was sitting high up in the canopies of the trees, vast platforms hanging from the branches and connected to one another by elegant bridges, allowing a bird's eye view of the entire field below them. There was a constant influx of Elves unto these structures, as word had gone around the village of what was transpiring, those patrols that are close by returning early while those further out will no doubt be unable to attend. However, there was no hiding the undercurrent of excitement as all gathered at the crystal wooded railings, leaning down to look at the lone human standing near the entryway of the Clan's proving grounds.  "Well", Lydia shrugged, "Gerhard always loves walking into trouble. A simple, 'No, I am sorry, I don’t like following random strangers who appear out of the woods', would have saved us a lot of headaches", she smacked her forehead tiredly. Max and the twins both gazed steadily at Lydia until she finally uttered, "W-what?" "Weren't you the one who was forced to 'return' all those goods that had mysteriously fallen in your bag?" Max pointed out. "B-but it was an accident!", Lydia cried, "Honestly!" "And the Elven necklace around your neck. Was that an accident too?", Mayumi rubbed the side of her forehead with her fingers, head in hand. "T-that!", Lydia explained hurriedly, "I already told the shop owner that it was his fault for not charging me with all the other goods I bought!" "… You only bought a cheap two copper trinket from him", Masumi stated in a monotone voice, "and almost made off with a necklace valued at five hundred gold…" To this, Lydia just looked to the ceiling, gazing in fake wonderment at the leaves as she whistled tunelessly. The essence of innocence… She was not. "… I am never shopping with you again", Mayumi declared in embarrassment. "But nonetheless", Masumi bringing them back to the topic at hand, "I too agree. They are forcing Ange-… Gerhard-sama", blushing as she mentioned his name, "to fight on a battlefield without any knowledge of its peculiarities or of his own choosing". "And anyway", Mayumi piped in, "why do we really need to prove that he is a Sainür <Tree Friend> anyway? Can't he just perform the Tree Song?" Max shrugged his shoulders, "The test is probably to see how he utilizes the power and to determine whether he is worthy of it. Well that is my guess". "Hmph", Mayumi complained, "Can't we just annihilate the village?", uttering genocide easily in a bored tone of voice... Can someone please complain to her parents about their poor teaching in ethics... Max, his elbow on the railing and resting chin on the palm of his hand, gazed out and rested his eyes on the form of his grandfather who was performing some stretches, thinking for a long moment before replying, "It's because, if there is a way to avoid violence… My grandfather would set upon that path without regret of the hardship" "Ehhh?", Mayumi exclaimed in surprise, "He sounds almost like a pacifist… But we all know that he is a ferocious fighter" "That's, well… But when he must act… I guess, the warrior in him will always return to the fore", Max thought with a mixture of pride and uneasiness, "and now I know where he has gotten this… 'Instinct'… On a real battlefield… I feel that he has become someone different to me". Masumi moved to stand next to Max, speaking after collecting her thoughts, "Your grandfather has not changed, Max. He has always been who he is. It's just that your view of him has changed", turning her head to the side to face him, "Your eyes have been opened, Max, because you now know more about your grandfather than you did before. Does knowing this make you love him less?" "… No… Whatever he was or did… He is still my Opi <grandpa>". "See", Masumi showed a rare brilliant smile, so unlike her usual deadpan expressions… Well, in front of Max anyway, "You have always known the answer" "… Thanks, Masumi. I think this is the first time you spoke this much to me", he grinned, "I feel much better now." "It's no problem, Max", Masumi replied, "It's my duty to know and comfort my future grandson after all" "… I take back what I said… I think it will be torture to have a fourteen year old grandmother…" "Oh? But I am seventeen though. Me and Mayumi just choose a younger avatar" "THAT DOESN’T MAKE IT ANY BETTER YOU KNOW?!" Max yelled in exasperation. "Ooooh!", William called out excitedly, "Angel is waving at us!" "Gosh, you are so uncute", Mayumi tutted at Max while standing behind William, "you should act more like William here" "Like twelve?" He retorted. "Didn't someone say that he was that age a few hours ago?" She prodded his chest painfully. "I, errrr… Oh look! He is waving at us!" trying to forcefully change the subject. And so Gerhard was, after having been told that he will need to begin within the next five minutes, had already prepared himself as much as possible… Which is not considerable due to the lack of information he was given. However, Gerhard just grinned to himself, reminded of all the times he was ordered to do insane things in the army with even less information at hand, and with no other choice but to succeed… As failure would have ended in death. At a nod from one of his ‘caretakers’, Gerhard made sure his sword was secured in his sheathe before looking up to gaze determinedly ahead… And began walking into the maze. ********************************************************************************************* [Ending Song: Kore wa Koi](http://picosong.com/Fmis/) 

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>- Welcome back to Royal Road Elementarem Vim!<br><br>- You were last logged on 18 July 20XX (8 months ago).<br><br>- Your account has been marked as inactive as you have not accessed it for more than 6 months. Would you like to reactivate your account?</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Yes” Lee Jun impatiently answered, the dive had been a success and he connected to virtual reality quite smoothly. It seemed as if he were completely cured of his fear…<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>- As you have been inactive, you will be unable to load your last exit location.<br><br>- Locating nearest available starter city…<br><br>- Lavias is nearest available starter city. Would you like to load Lavias City?</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Yes.” He impatiently answered, wondering how much more time would it take.<br><br>A bright flash blinded his eyes and when his vision returned, he was standing on a sidewalk of a busy street. Before Weed had a chance to look around two dozen or so messages began popping up in front of him one after another. They nearly completely blocked out his vision field.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Cold blooded Cruelty is now beginner level 7!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>‘Not this again!’ Groaned Weed as he saw the first message. He really wasn’t interested in levelling such a useless skill.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Your Infamy will now rise with increasing levels of Cold Blooded Cruelty!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>‘What the heck!’ Weed swore. That was the last thing he needed. As infamy increases, he would find himself being chased out of towns and villages by the local guards. This was the absolute worst thing to happen!<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have gained bonus 50 Infamy points!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Nooo!” Weed cried out aloud. A few passing NPC’s stared at Weed as he cried out aloud. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Several hundred lives have been lost from the ripple effect you created!<br><br>Cold blooded Cruelty is now beginner level 8!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>‘Why is this stupid thing increasing?’ Weed wondered as he felt he could almost cry. Most players would have been happy if part of their unique quest was being fulfilled without them requiring doing anything. However, Weed had mixed feelings about his unique quest. He was suspicious whether fulfilling his unique quest was actually the right path to undertake to beating the game. Mostly, he was wary of Lee Hyun. It wouldn’t be surprising if this was a trap to lure players into doing things while pulling them away further from beating the game.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have gained bonus 50 Infamy points!<br><br>Lower level monsters will feel uneasy around you!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>‘That’s not too bad.’ Weed thought, he might have gained an edge over monsters here. ‘This could certainly help me kill monsters!’ He thought excitedly. He moved on to the next message.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>The death toll from the Uprising of the Kobolds stands at 10,000!<br><br>Cold blooded Cruelty is now beginner level 9!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>‘Is that what is causing the cold blooded cruelty to increase?’ Weed wondered. By offering a mission to the Kobolds and deviating away from the original quest offered by the Count, he had triggered a chain of events. <br><br>This was building up rapidly in Weed’s mind. ‘Would this mean…to trigger ripple effects I need to digress from the quest at hand?’ Weed had tons of questions and theories he wanted to verify but there still more messages to read.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have gained bonus 50 Infamy points!<br> <br>All monsters below your level will avoid you!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Weed groaned out aloud as if he were in fatal pain. This was too much; this was the last thing he wanted. He wasn’t of high enough level, his profession restricted him from taking melee professions and he played alone. Hunting monsters lower than his level was the only way for him to gain experience and level up. Now if these very monsters started avoiding him how would he level up?<br><br>Weed knew it, there was no good from increasing infamy. What looked pretty on the outside was actually quite nasty from within.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have hit the experience cap limit of the ripple effect! <br><br>Cold Blooded Cruelty will not gain any more experience from the Uprising of the Kobold’s incident!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“YES!” Weed shout out aloud. By this time seeing his antics, most NPC’s and players began considering Weed has some deranged lunatic. <br><br>Weed began dancing on the spot; with an experience cap limit it meant his cold blooded cruelty skill would no longer increase! Weed made a mental note that ripple effect from a single event usually had a cap limit. In this case it turned out to be the amount of experience he could gain from triggering an event.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have been inactive for 3 months (1 month in RL)!<br><br>As you have not practiced any skills during this period, all skills decrease by 10%!<br><br>Polish your skills to gain back mastery! Polishing skills will take 50% less time!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>‘Huh?’ Weed looked at the message in disbelief. He had never read about anyone posting anything like this in the VR community before. That or he had never bothered reading topics on inactivity. Most games had no penalities for inactivity, however Elementarem Vim was different. It was built on the premise, that if you don’t practice regularly you lose touch and mastery of the skill. It was another ploy of Lee Hyun to get players to regularly play Elementarem Vim.<br><br>Initially the developers of Unicorn Corp were against this idea however they agreed once Lee Hyun comprised and agreed to move the Unique Skills out of the penalty scope. So all other skills etc were penalized for inactivity except for those relating to unique quests and A level above quests.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>The following skills have dropped a level!! Polish your skills to gain back mastery!<br><br>Digging Skills has fallen to Beginner level 10!<br><br>Kolboldian Alchemy has fallen to Beginner level 1! <br><br>Sleeplessness has fallen to Beginner level 3!<br><br>Slow Time has fallen to Beginner level 1!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Tears of regret dropping from Weed’s eyes. This was too cruel!!<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have been inactive for 6 months (2 month in RL)!<br><br>As you have not practiced any skills during this period, all skills decrease by 10%!<br><br>Polish your skills to gain back mastery! Polishing skills will take 50% less time!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>The following skills have dropped a level!! Polish your skills to gain back mastery!<br><br>Eavesdrop has fallen to Beginner level 1!<br><br>Mining Skills have fallen to Beginner Level 2!<br><br>Running Skills have fallen to Beginner level 2!</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 been inactive for 9 months (3 month in RL)!<br><br>As you have not practiced any skills during this period, all skills decrease by 10%!<br><br>Polish your skills to gain back mastery! Polishing skills will take 50% less time!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>The following skills have dropped a level!! Polish your skills to gain back mastery!<br><br>Alchemy has fallen to Beginner level 2!<br><br>Ripple Effect has fallen to Beginner Level 2!</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 been inactive for 12 months (4 month in RL)!<br><br>As you have not practiced any skills during this period, all skills decrease by 10%!<br><br>Polish your skills to gain back mastery! Polishing skills will take 50% less time!</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 been inactive for 15 months (5 month in RL)!<br><br>As you have not practiced any skills during this period, all skills decrease by 10%!<br><br>Polish your skills to gain back mastery! Polishing skills will take 50% less time!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>The following skill has dropped a level!! Polish your skills to gain back mastery!<br>Sleeping skill has fallen to Beginner level 2!</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>You have been inactive for 18 months (6 month in RL)!<br><br>As you have not practiced any skills during this period, all skills decrease by 10%!<br><br>Polish your skills to gain back mastery! Polishing skills will take 50% less time!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>The following skill has dropped a level!! Polish your skills to gain back mastery!<br><br>Stealth has fallen to Beginner level 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>Your account has been flagged as inactive by the system!<br><br>No effects will come into play during this period!<br><br>Hope to see you again soon!!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>At last he was able to close all the message boxes. Weed was shattered, he had no idea that being inactive was going to be so expensive on him.<br><br>Weed quickly opened his skills set window to get a better a picture of where his skills stood;<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">S No.</td><td width="25%">Skill</td><td width="25%">Stage</td><td width="25%">Level</td><td width="25%">Progress</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">1</td><td width="25%">Alchemy</td><td width="25%">Beginner</td><td width="25%">2</td><td width="25%">61%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">2</td><td width="25%">Digging Skills</td><td width="25%">Beginner</td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">92%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">3</td><td width="25%">Eavesdrop</td><td width="25%">Beginner</td><td width="25%">1</td><td width="25%">56%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">4</td><td width="25%">Elemental Spirits Fusion</td><td width="25%">Beginner</td><td width="25%">1</td><td width="25%">0%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">5</td><td width="25%">Fists of Fury</td><td width="25%">Beginner</td><td width="25%">2</td><td width="25%">38%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">6</td><td width="25%">Item Identification</td><td width="25%">Beginner</td><td width="25%">1</td><td width="25%">3%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">7</td><td width="25%">Koboldian Alchemy</td><td width="25%">Beginner</td><td width="25%">1</td><td width="25%">48%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">8</td><td width="25%">Lion Roar</td><td width="25%">Beginner</td><td width="25%">1</td><td width="25%">1%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">9</td><td width="25%">Mining Skills</td><td width="25%">Beginner</td><td width="25%">2</td><td width="25%">57%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Repair</td><td width="25%">Beginner</td><td width="25%">1</td><td width="25%">31%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">11</td><td width="25%">Ripple Effect</td><td width="25%">Beginner</td><td width="25%">2</td><td width="25%">63%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">12</td><td width="25%">Running</td><td width="25%">Beginner</td><td width="25%">2</td><td width="25%">56%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">13</td><td width="25%">Sleeplessness</td><td width="25%">Beginner</td><td width="25%">3</td><td width="25%">49%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">14</td><td width="25%">Sleeping</td><td width="25%">Beginner</td><td width="25%">2</td><td width="25%">83%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">15</td><td width="25%">Slow Time</td><td width="25%">Beginner</td><td width="25%">2</td><td width="25%">0%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">16</td><td width="25%">Spelunking</td><td width="25%">Beginner</td><td width="25%">1</td><td width="25%">31%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">17</td><td width="25%">Stealth</td><td width="25%">Beginner</td><td width="25%">4</td><td width="25%">3%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">18</td><td width="25%">Sword Mastery</td><td width="25%">Beginner</td><td width="25%">8</td><td width="25%">16%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Unique Quest Skills</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">1</td><td width="25%">Deceit</td><td width="25%">Beginner</td><td width="25%">8</td><td width="25%">55%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">2</td><td width="25%">Cold Blooded Cruelty</td><td width="25%">Beginner</td><td width="25%">9</td><td width="25%">22%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">3</td><td width="25%">Betrayal</td><td width="25%">Beginner</td><td width="25%">7</td><td width="25%">12%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>As Weed analyzed his skill sets, he realized he only had five attack or attack related skills or skills that can be used in a combat situation; Eavesdropping, Lion’s Roar, Stealth, Fists of Fury, and Sword Mastery. Everything else was either crafting related or miscellaneous. Weed grumbled looking at his skills. He was one of the first players on Elementarem Vim however he was most likely the slowest progressing players as well. Royal Road Elementarem Vim was had completed its first anniversary two months ago and here he was with maybe five or six combat skills and a level of…Weed strained his memory wondering what his level was; realizing he couldn’t remember he quickly opened the stats window to check,<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Physical Status Window</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Name</td><td width="25%">Weed</td><td width="25%">Class / Level</td><td width="25%">FF/020</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Active Profession</td><td colspan="3">Basic Elemental Blacksmith</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Number of Active Profession</td><td width="25%">1</td><td width="25%">Number of Inactive Professions</td><td width="25%">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">355</td><td width="25%">Mana Conversion/Sec</td><td width="25%">0.01</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health Regen/Sec</td><td width="25%">0</td><td width="25%">Stamina Regen/Sec</td><td width="25%">0.08</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">125</td><td width="25%">Agility</td><td width="25%">140</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">86</td><td width="25%">Intelligence</td><td width="25%">76</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Stamina</td><td width="25%">315</td><td width="25%">Defense</td><td width="25%">75</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Dexterity</td><td width="25%">285</td><td width="25%">Luck</td><td width="25%">205</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Creativity</td><td width="25%">285</td><td width="25%">Perseverance</td><td width="25%">285</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Charm</td><td width="25%">23</td><td width="25%"></td><td width="25%"></td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Reputation</td><td width="25%">5</td><td width="25%">Fame / Infamy</td><td width="25%">337 / 150</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Unconditional Passive effects<br><br>+ Can learn secret skills based on player's level in Elemental Blacksmith Mastery<br>+ Can advance to previously restricted professions.<br>+ Gains increased Reputation by forging items of extraordinary value.<br>+ Can only learn new type of professions by choosing to forget Elemental Blacksmith.<br>+ Can read basic dwarvf script (Advance level) <br>+ Can equip certain items specialized for the profession.<br>+ Can learn all craft skills to the stage of a master.<br>+ Granted extra options to items that are produced or refined.<br>+ Increased Defensive Power for all dwarvish melee skills by 5%<br>+ Increased Attack Power for all elvish melee skills by 2%<br>+ Decreased Stamina consumption for Elemental Blacksmithing Skill<br>+ Monsters of level lower than you, will avoid you!<br>- Maximum weight carry: 42 Kgs<br>- Can only wear light amour<br>- Can no longer enjoy benefits of other taught/learnt professions.<br><br>+ Relationship with dwarves: 5 (started with -5)<br>+ Relationship with Librarians, Scholars, Elders: 25<br>+ Relationship with Alakokaine: 29<br>+ Relationship with Snappy: 6<br>--&gt; Click here to view all relationship status.<br><br>Circumstantial Passive Effects: <br><br>+ Skin glows white at night<br>+ All stats increase by 5% at night.<br>+ Better vision during the night.<br>+ When engaged in combat at night, reflexes will be faster.<br>+ In dwarven lands, all stats will be increased by 5%<br>+ In Elvish lands, all stats will be increased by 2%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>‘Level 20…’ Weed gloomily though to himself. The more he read about his passive stats, the more depressed he became. Glow in the dark was not a cool skill to have. However things weren’t as bad as he imagined them to be. <br><br>‘I have a long long way to go…’ he thought to himself with a sigh. <br><br>‘The journey has only begun! Even the original Weed began playing Royal Road one year after its release!’ Weed thought picking himself up.<br><br><br>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>Authors Note:<br><br>1. Not much writing, as I emphasized that I don't have much time. So I hope you are happy with just the tables :)<br><br><br>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<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=1781" target="_blank">Yes</a></td><td width="25%">No</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> </div>

| - Welcome back to Royal Road Elementarem Vim!- You were last logged on 18 July 20XX (8 months ago).- Your account has been marked as inactive as you have not accessed it for more than 6 months. Would you like to reactivate your account? | | --- | “Yes” Lee Jun impatiently answered, the dive had been a success and he connected to virtual reality quite smoothly. It seemed as if he were completely cured of his fear… | - As you have been inactive, you will be unable to load your last exit location.- Locating nearest available starter city…- Lavias is nearest available starter city. Would you like to load Lavias City? | | --- | “Yes.” He impatiently answered, wondering how much more time would it take. A bright flash blinded his eyes and when his vision returned, he was standing on a sidewalk of a busy street. Before Weed had a chance to look around two dozen or so messages began popping up in front of him one after another. They nearly completely blocked out his vision field. | Cold blooded Cruelty is now beginner level 7! | | --- | ‘Not this again!’ Groaned Weed as he saw the first message. He really wasn’t interested in levelling such a useless skill. | Your Infamy will now rise with increasing levels of Cold Blooded Cruelty! | | --- | ‘What the heck!’ Weed swore. That was the last thing he needed. As infamy increases, he would find himself being chased out of towns and villages by the local guards. This was the absolute worst thing to happen! | You have gained bonus 50 Infamy points! | | --- | “Nooo!” Weed cried out aloud. A few passing NPC’s stared at Weed as he cried out aloud. | Several hundred lives have been lost from the ripple effect you created!Cold blooded Cruelty is now beginner level 8! | | --- | ‘Why is this stupid thing increasing?’ Weed wondered as he felt he could almost cry. Most players would have been happy if part of their unique quest was being fulfilled without them requiring doing anything. However, Weed had mixed feelings about his unique quest. He was suspicious whether fulfilling his unique quest was actually the right path to undertake to beating the game. Mostly, he was wary of Lee Hyun. It wouldn’t be surprising if this was a trap to lure players into doing things while pulling them away further from beating the game. | You have gained bonus 50 Infamy points!Lower level monsters will feel uneasy around you! | | --- | ‘That’s not too bad.’ Weed thought, he might have gained an edge over monsters here. ‘This could certainly help me kill monsters!’ He thought excitedly. He moved on to the next message. | The death toll from the Uprising of the Kobolds stands at 10,000!Cold blooded Cruelty is now beginner level 9! | | --- | ‘Is that what is causing the cold blooded cruelty to increase?’ Weed wondered. By offering a mission to the Kobolds and deviating away from the original quest offered by the Count, he had triggered a chain of events. This was building up rapidly in Weed’s mind. ‘Would this mean…to trigger ripple effects I need to digress from the quest at hand?’ Weed had tons of questions and theories he wanted to verify but there still more messages to read. | You have gained bonus 50 Infamy points! All monsters below your level will avoid you! | | --- | Weed groaned out aloud as if he were in fatal pain. This was too much; this was the last thing he wanted. He wasn’t of high enough level, his profession restricted him from taking melee professions and he played alone. Hunting monsters lower than his level was the only way for him to gain experience and level up. Now if these very monsters started avoiding him how would he level up? Weed knew it, there was no good from increasing infamy. What looked pretty on the outside was actually quite nasty from within. | You have hit the experience cap limit of the ripple effect! Cold Blooded Cruelty will not gain any more experience from the Uprising of the Kobold’s incident! | | --- | “YES!” Weed shout out aloud. By this time seeing his antics, most NPC’s and players began considering Weed has some deranged lunatic. Weed began dancing on the spot; with an experience cap limit it meant his cold blooded cruelty skill would no longer increase! Weed made a mental note that ripple effect from a single event usually had a cap limit. In this case it turned out to be the amount of experience he could gain from triggering an event. | You have been inactive for 3 months (1 month in RL)!As you have not practiced any skills during this period, all skills decrease by 10%!Polish your skills to gain back mastery! Polishing skills will take 50% less time! | | --- | ‘Huh?’ Weed looked at the message in disbelief. He had never read about anyone posting anything like this in the VR community before. That or he had never bothered reading topics on inactivity. Most games had no penalities for inactivity, however Elementarem Vim was different. It was built on the premise, that if you don’t practice regularly you lose touch and mastery of the skill. It was another ploy of Lee Hyun to get players to regularly play Elementarem Vim. Initially the developers of Unicorn Corp were against this idea however they agreed once Lee Hyun comprised and agreed to move the Unique Skills out of the penalty scope. So all other skills etc were penalized for inactivity except for those relating to unique quests and A level above quests. | The following skills have dropped a level!! Polish your skills to gain back mastery!Digging Skills has fallen to Beginner level 10!Kolboldian Alchemy has fallen to Beginner level 1! Sleeplessness has fallen to Beginner level 3!Slow Time has fallen to Beginner level 1! | | --- | Tears of regret dropping from Weed’s eyes. This was too cruel!! | You have been inactive for 6 months (2 month in RL)!As you have not practiced any skills during this period, all skills decrease by 10%!Polish your skills to gain back mastery! Polishing skills will take 50% less time! | | --- | | The following skills have dropped a level!! Polish your skills to gain back mastery!Eavesdrop has fallen to Beginner level 1!Mining Skills have fallen to Beginner Level 2!Running Skills have fallen to Beginner level 2! | | --- | | You have been inactive for 9 months (3 month in RL)!As you have not practiced any skills during this period, all skills decrease by 10%!Polish your skills to gain back mastery! Polishing skills will take 50% less time! | | --- | | The following skills have dropped a level!! Polish your skills to gain back mastery!Alchemy has fallen to Beginner level 2!Ripple Effect has fallen to Beginner Level 2! | | --- | | You have been inactive for 12 months (4 month in RL)!As you have not practiced any skills during this period, all skills decrease by 10%!Polish your skills to gain back mastery! Polishing skills will take 50% less time! | | --- | | You have been inactive for 15 months (5 month in RL)!As you have not practiced any skills during this period, all skills decrease by 10%!Polish your skills to gain back mastery! Polishing skills will take 50% less time! | | --- | | The following skill has dropped a level!! Polish your skills to gain back mastery!Sleeping skill has fallen to Beginner level 2! | | --- | | You have been inactive for 18 months (6 month in RL)!As you have not practiced any skills during this period, all skills decrease by 10%!Polish your skills to gain back mastery! Polishing skills will take 50% less time! | | --- | | The following skill has dropped a level!! Polish your skills to gain back mastery!Stealth has fallen to Beginner level 4! | | --- | | Your account has been flagged as inactive by the system!No effects will come into play during this period!Hope to see you again soon!! | | --- | At last he was able to close all the message boxes. Weed was shattered, he had no idea that being inactive was going to be so expensive on him. Weed quickly opened his skills set window to get a better a picture of where his skills stood; | S No. | Skill | Stage | Level | Progress | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | Alchemy | Beginner | 2 | 61% | | 2 | Digging Skills | Beginner | 10 | 92% | | 3 | Eavesdrop | Beginner | 1 | 56% | | 4 | Elemental Spirits Fusion | Beginner | 1 | 0% | | 5 | Fists of Fury | Beginner | 2 | 38% | | 6 | Item Identification | Beginner | 1 | 3% | | 7 | Koboldian Alchemy | Beginner | 1 | 48% | | 8 | Lion Roar | Beginner | 1 | 1% | | 9 | Mining Skills | Beginner | 2 | 57% | | 10 | Repair | Beginner | 1 | 31% | | 11 | Ripple Effect | Beginner | 2 | 63% | | 12 | Running | Beginner | 2 | 56% | | 13 | Sleeplessness | Beginner | 3 | 49% | | 14 | Sleeping | Beginner | 2 | 83% | | 15 | Slow Time | Beginner | 2 | 0% | | 16 | Spelunking | Beginner | 1 | 31% | | 17 | Stealth | Beginner | 4 | 3% | | 18 | Sword Mastery | Beginner | 8 | 16% | | Unique Quest Skills | | | | | 1 | Deceit | Beginner | 8 | 55% | | 2 | Cold Blooded Cruelty | Beginner | 9 | 22% | | 3 | Betrayal | Beginner | 7 | 12% | As Weed analyzed his skill sets, he realized he only had five attack or attack related skills or skills that can be used in a combat situation; Eavesdropping, Lion’s Roar, Stealth, Fists of Fury, and Sword Mastery. Everything else was either crafting related or miscellaneous. Weed grumbled looking at his skills. He was one of the first players on Elementarem Vim however he was most likely the slowest progressing players as well. Royal Road Elementarem Vim was had completed its first anniversary two months ago and here he was with maybe five or six combat skills and a level of…Weed strained his memory wondering what his level was; realizing he couldn’t remember he quickly opened the stats window to check, | Physical Status Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | Weed | Class / Level | FF/020 | | Active Profession | Basic Elemental Blacksmith | | | | Number of Active Profession | 1 | Number of Inactive Professions | 0 | | Health | 355 | Mana Conversion/Sec | 0.01 | | Health Regen/Sec | 0 | Stamina Regen/Sec | 0.08 | | Strength | 125 | Agility | 140 | | Wisdom | 86 | Intelligence | 76 | | Stamina | 315 | Defense | 75 | | Dexterity | 285 | Luck | 205 | | Creativity | 285 | Perseverance | 285 | | Charm | 23 | | | | Reputation | 5 | Fame / Infamy | 337 / 150 | | Unconditional Passive effects+ Can learn secret skills based on player's level in Elemental Blacksmith Mastery+ Can advance to previously restricted professions.+ Gains increased Reputation by forging items of extraordinary value.+ Can only learn new type of professions by choosing to forget Elemental Blacksmith.+ Can read basic dwarvf script (Advance level) + Can equip certain items specialized for the profession.+ Can learn all craft skills to the stage of a master.+ Granted extra options to items that are produced or refined.+ Increased Defensive Power for all dwarvish melee skills by 5%+ Increased Attack Power for all elvish melee skills by 2%+ Decreased Stamina consumption for Elemental Blacksmithing Skill+ Monsters of level lower than you, will avoid you!- Maximum weight carry: 42 Kgs- Can only wear light amour- Can no longer enjoy benefits of other taught/learnt professions.+ Relationship with dwarves: 5 (started with -5)+ Relationship with Librarians, Scholars, Elders: 25+ Relationship with Alakokaine: 29+ Relationship with Snappy: 6--> Click here to view all relationship status.Circumstantial Passive Effects: + Skin glows white at night+ All stats increase by 5% at night.+ Better vision during the night.+ When engaged in combat at night, reflexes will be faster.+ In dwarven lands, all stats will be increased by 5%+ In Elvish lands, all stats will be increased by 2% | | --- | ‘Level 20…’ Weed gloomily though to himself. The more he read about his passive stats, the more depressed he became. Glow in the dark was not a cool skill to have. However things weren’t as bad as he imagined them to be. ‘I have a long long way to go…’ he thought to himself with a sigh. ‘The journey has only begun! Even the original Weed began playing Royal Road one year after its release!’ Weed thought picking himself up. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authors Note: 1. Not much writing, as I emphasized that I don't have much time. So I hope you are happy with just the tables :) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Connect to Royal Road – Elementarem Vim next Chapter? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Yes](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=1781) | No |

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I'm aware of the low quality and roughness of this work.<br>I plan on rewriting it, however it won't happen until the end of first Arc.</span></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=192&amp;t=1596&amp;sid=bac60f5cc1fa64d8a3e7d0a9e384b698" target="_blank">« Chapter 01</a></span></div><br><br>Twenty minutes had already passed and Kvothe still remained on the floor of the training hall.<br><br>“That damn instructor must be toying with me.”<br><br>He had regained the arms movement, but his health bar wasn’t refilling the way it should. So all he could do was flail his arms angrily and think of ways to get back at the master. At least this time, he had no audience to laugh at him .<br><br>“You should try eating.” Said a girly voice.<br><br>Kvothe looked up and saw her, a light brown haired girl wearing simple shirt and skirt. Despite being all dirty and wearing simple clothing, she was cute. The kind of cute that doesn’t stand out but is extremely attractive. She was probably one of those beggars who stayed at the central fountain.<br><br>“Thanks...erm..”<br><br>“Oh! You can call me Asha.” She said with a bright smile.<br><br>“Thanks Asha, but I’ve got no money to give you.” Kvothe said apologetically. “And you should also be mindful of where you’re standing if you’re wearing a skirt.”<br><br>The girl’s face became red. She quickly moved to a place further from his head.<br><br>“Now I feel bad.” The girl said “I’ve given you a free show and won’t get a single copper.”<br><br>Both of them laughed really hard. From how red she had became, Kvothe never thought she’d make a joke like that. He had the feeling they’d get along well. He liked people who could make jokes, especially of themselves. That usually showed they had a good sense of humor.<br><br>“By the way, I’m Kvothe.” He introduced himself. “What were you saying about eating?”<br><br>“Right! You’re probably hungry. That’s why you can’t move and your health isn’t regenerating.”<br><br>“Oh! Didn’t knew there was something like that...” He said a bit ashamed.<br><br>Sometimes his eagerness took the best of him. And that made him feel as ashamed as if he had soiled his underwear.<br><br>“Let me guess. You were too excited and totally disregarded the manual”<br><br>Her sharpness shocked him. How could she know exactly what happened with a simple glance?<br><br>“Don’t worry. It’s a common thing.” She tried to reassure him. “I’ve even seen a few blockheads dying from hunger.”<br><br>“That doesn’t make me feel less idiotic, but thanks for trying.” said a sour faced Kvothe, “Inventory window.”<br><br>At his command, a floating panel appeared in front of him. It was composed by a grid of empty squares, except for two. The first had a water bottle, and the other 10 pieces of rye bread. Now that he thought about it, something about satiety was explained during the tutorial. He should have payed attention but was too busy testing his virtual body.<br><br>He took one of the bread from his inventory and took a bite. The moisture in his mouth was immediately sucked by the bread. It wasn’t the fresh bread he expected, but stale and dry. Desperate, he took the bottle out and used the water to force the bread down his throat.<br><br>“What the...What’s this shitty thing?!” He asked the girl who was again laughing at his expense. “Is this really edible?”<br><br>“Yes. But that’s the cheapest food in Royal Road. I don’t think it’s that bad actually.”<br><br>“Really?!” He wondered what kind of food she was used to eating. “Well...at least it’ll keep me alive until I get the money to buy proper food.”<br><br>He forced himself to eat the whole thing. After no time, his health bar had gone above 10% and he could move properly again. He got up and decided to introduce himself like an educated person should, so he extended his hand.<br><br>“Nice to meet you, Miss Asha. Thanks for the help.”<br><br>She took his hand and shook it.<br><br>“Nice to meet you to Mister Kvothe, though I wonder why such sudden formality after you’ve even seen my panties.”<br><br>Kvothe had to suppress a laugh, but he didn’t intended to lose in a battle of wits.<br><br>“My mom always says we should introduce ourselves properly.” He said with an exaggerated smile. “Even when the person in question is a pervert.”<br><br>“A pervert?” She glared at him feigning disgust. “I should give you a beating for that. But I’m a proper lady, and ladies should be composed at all times.”<br><br>That was too much for him. He laughed until he couldn’t breath properly.<br><br>“I give up! I’m no match for you.” Kvothe said to the girl.<br><br>“A match?! You weren’t even a player to begin with.” Asha said with an air of disdain.<br><br>Kvothe glared at her and she laughed. He thought about a few retorts for that, but it was already a lost cause. She had beaten him this time. The girl’s personality spiked his interest. Usually girls were shy with him at first, mainly because of his bad guy face. Someone who could make jokes with him at first encounter without him making any effort to break the ice was a relief.<br><br>“I was wondering...” Kvothe’s curious nature made him say. “Why would someone like yourself come to an empty floor in the training hall?”<br><br>“Oh yeah! I was talking to Cain and...”<br><br>“Talking to whom?” Kvothe interrupted.<br><br>“Cain...You know, the training hall NPC.” She answered. “Anyway. He said he had met an interesting pup - his words exactly. Since I’d never seen him take interest for a player, I decided to come and check for myself.”<br><br>“...”<br><br>“But it seems that person is already gone. Did you met him by any chance?”<br><br>“Very funny.” Kvothe glared at her. “I was after someone to teach me how to use a sword properly and thought that he could be quite capable since he’s the training hall instructor.”<br><br>“Of course he’s capable. After all, he’s the &lt;Tiger of the west&gt;. He won the last three swordsman tournament in Rhodium. Even got himself a knight title.”<br><br>“What?! I had no idea he was that strong...”<br><br>“Really?!” Asha was once again surprised. “Why did you choose him then? He doesn’t look like a strong guy to me.”<br><br>“I had a hunch.” Kvothe said simply.<br><br>“Whatever...” Asha said dismissively. “I’m more interested in how you made him accept you as a disciple.”<br><br>“We had a battle of wits and I’ve beaten him.” He said with a mocking smile.<br><br>Asha gave him a look of someone that didn’t enjoy the food on the table.<br><br>“Okay. I’ve pissed him off and got into a fight with him.” Kvothe told her.<br><br>“That explains how you ended up on the floor. But how did you convinced him to train you?”<br><br>“I’m not sure. We fought for like… Five minutes. After that I was beaten to a pulp. Then I asked if he could teach me and he said yes.”<br><br>“Wait...You’ve fought with him for five minutes? Haven’t you just begun playing?! You should have gone down with one hit.”<br><br>“But I was down with a hit, it just took him five minutes to get a good one in.”<br><br>“I see why he took interest in you.” She couldn’t hide that she thought that was impressive. “Are you some kind of martial artist to be able to do something like that?”<br><br>“Kind of… I mean… I’ve learnt a few basic stuff from various fighting styles. If that makes me a martial artist then yes.”<br><br>“That’s weird. Cain should be at least level 200.” Asha said. “There’s no way you should be able to make him fight for five whole minutes.”<br><br>“He wasn’t serious.” Kvothe said. “Or I’d probably be dead right now. I’m not even sure how I’ve survived that single hit of his.”<br><br>“You’re a cheater, right?!” She said with an innocent face.<br><br>“No...Nothing like that. It’s just that in the game I can move much better and my reactions are faster than real life as well.”<br><br>“Right...Mister Cheater.” <br><br>Kvothe realized she had made fun of him again.<br><br>“What are you going to do now?” Asha asked.<br><br>“I’m not sure, Cain said he’d give me a test of worth so he could teach me. I think I’ll go talk to him and if it’s something I can start now I’ll do it.”<br><br>“Mind if I tag along?” She asked hopefully.<br><br>“It’s your life...Though it’ll probably be something boring.”<br><br>He didn’t mind some company, but what his master would ask would probably be something repetitive and uninteresting. He didn’t want to force something like that onto her, but she followed him anyway. Together they returned to entrance to talk to Cain.<br><br>“Master, how could you leave me there?! I couldn’t even move!” Said a distressed Kvothe.<br><br>“I’m sorry pup. I was lost in thought.” The master said nonchalantly. “At least I sent someone in my place.”<br><br>“She went there by herself...” The student said angrily.<br><br>“Well, whatever.” Cain cut him off. “Tomorrow morning, at 6am, you’ll go to my house so I can give you your test.”<br><br>“Can’t I take it now?” Kvothe asked hopefully.<br><br>“If you could take it now, I’d have already given it. Or do you take me for a fool?!”<br><br>Kvothe was anxious to begin, but he decided not to argue. He got the master’s house address and, together with Asha, took his leave. Then they went wander around the city.<br><br>They talked about basic stuff like stats, skills and useful ways to train. She had quite the knowledge about the game and gave him lots of useful information about places, skills, NPCs and about the game system itself.<br><br>“Let me see if i got this right.” Kvothe wanted to confirm if he understood it correctly. “If you hit a scarecrow for a month, you get 40 point in strength, agility and vitality?”<br><br>“Exactly”<br><br>“And you can gain stats by means other than level up?”<br><br>“Yes. And in some cases that’s the only way to get points.”<br><br>“And skills can be taught, learned from repetition, reading a book or completing a quest? ”<br><br>“You can learn by repetition only if you’ve met the requirements.”<br><br>Kvothe thought about the possibilities. The month training would be a bit boring, but it would allow him to beat stronger monsters when he left the city. He was playing just for the adventure but he didn’t mind some advantages. A game plan begun being formed in his head, besides the basic training he wanted to learn proper sword technique and a few other skills he thought necessary.<br><br>“Someone there?” Asha called. “I thought I lost you for a second.”<br><br>“Sorry, I was thinking on what to do next.”<br><br>“As I was saying, I’ve got to go. It’s kinda late here. But before I go I wanted to add you as a friend. If you don’t mind.”<br><br>“I’d be glad to add you as a friend. Besides, I’ve got a huge debt to you now. This information you’ve gave me helped a lot. And I always pay my debts, if I remember them.”<br>They added each other as friends and Asha logged out. Kvothe was pondering what he should do. He had made plans on what he wanted to accomplish. So many skills he wanted to learn, people he wanted to meet, things he wanted to try in this new world.<br><br>Fighting was the main thing he wanted to test out. When he first arrived he tried moving and had great response. Despite being addicted to sports he had terrible flexibility and was overweight. The last was due to the fact that he loved eating and had a tendency to easily gain weight.<br><br>That being said, when he tested his old kicks, his jumping ability, weaving and footwork he could perform better than real life despite feeling that they were all weaker. Meaning that his stats were not based on his real life abilities but on predefined settings.<br><br>Remembering that made him smile. In this world he could really do whatever he wanted, even the impossible things such as fighting giant monsters. But, despite all the excitement, he decided that his better course of action would be log out until the next game day.<br><br>•••<br><br>Adriano opened his eyes. He was back to the real world. He had only played for a few hours but it was literally a day in game since time there flowed four times faster. His mind felt sluggish and tired as if he had studied for a whole day.<br><br>He exited his capsule, set his cellphone alarm so he wouldn’t miss the appointed time with the master and went to to bed. Few minutes later he was already sleeping profoundly.<br><br>•••<br><br>The sun was rising when Kvothe woke up in this world. He checked his stats and ate another dry and stale rye bread to relieve his hunger. It was almost time for his meeting with the master, so he went to the promised location.<br><br>It was a simple house next to a sculpture shop. In front of it was a scarecrow similar to the ones at the training hall. To Kvothe’s surprise the master was there, already awake and working on something. He had some kind of knife in one hand and something Kvothe couldn’t see in the other.<br><br>“Good morning master.” Kvothe greeted him.<br><br>The swordmaster raised his head to look at his pupil. His eyes showed that today he was a different person. Kvothe, who thought of himself as a good judge of character, had the impression that Cain was a carefree person. But now he knew he was wrong. At least when the subject was swordsmanship the master was as serious as one can be.<br><br>“Good morning.” Cain answered. “I hope you’re ready, because it’s not going to be an easy day.”<br><br>Cain put away the things he had in his hands, stood up and entered the house. Since he wasn’t invited, Kvothe didn’t follow and kept waiting outside. Two minutes later, the master returned holding a black sword.<br><br>“This is a special sword.” The master explained. “It was carved by a dwarven master who mastered both blacksmith and sculpting. Despite being made of wood, it’s stronger and more durable than most iron swords you’ll find. It’s also sharp as an iron sword. As my master gave it to me, now I pass it onto you.”<br><br>He looked at the black sword. By no mean he could say it was made of wood. It was so polished you couldn’t even see the wooden veins.<br><br>“Thank you master.” He said. “But wasn’t I supposed to be tested before receiving something like this?”<br><br>“This is your test, pup.” The master held the sword by the hilt. “As I’ve said, this is no ordinary sword. This sword holds the secret for my technique.”<br><br>“...”<br><br>“Let me demonstrate it to you.” He made a swing. “Swing it poorly and you’ll have no reaction.”<br><br>He made another swing. This time there was a whistling when he made the movement. He did it again and this time it was two whistlings at the same time.<br><br>“The better you swing, the more whistles you’ll have. Until you can fully master it.” He gave it another go and this time it was three clear whistles. “Until you can make it whistle at will you won’t be able to utilize the techniques I’ve got to teach you.”<br><br>“But master, I don’t even know the right way to hold a sword. How can I achieve such a thing?”<br><br>“Do not worry pup. I’ll teach you the basics. What I won’t be able to teach you is the secret techniques that makes this a singular sword art.”<br><br>Relieved, he receive the sword from the mater and they begun the lesson. Today was the master’s day off so they would remain at his house. After teaching how to hold the sword and correcting Kvothe’s many mistakes, the master explained the basic swing motion.<br><br>“Now you should be able to give your first proper swing with a sword.”<br><br>Kvothe held the sword with one hand as dictated by the style. He corrected the mistakes he could spot in his grip and looked to the master, who gave him an approving head nod. He then took the stance and made the motion slowly to get the feeling. He then tensed his grip, focused his mind only on the sword and made a swing.<br><br>“...”<br><br>Nothing could be heard. Only the sound of the sword cutting the air and the impact against the scarecrow.<br><br>“That was a great swing.” Said the master laughing. “Maybe in six months you’ll be able to get one whistle.”<br><br>Kvothe wasn’t shaken. Not that he didn’t hope to find out he had a natural talent for swordsmanship, but he was already used to not being a natural at anything. Up until now, all sports he tried he had to train more than others to achieve the same results. Even his fighting abilities came from extra hard work. For the years he trained Taekwondo the only partner his size was either the master or the top black belt pupil.<br><br>He continued to train his form. Cain sat by the door, took out his knife and what appeared to be a piece of wood from his pockets and begun to carve the wooden piece. If that was any other day, he’d probably be asking Cain what was he doing, but at the moment he was focused on his swing and on hitting the scarecrow.<br><br>Kvothe was so concentrated on the training that he forgot he was in a game, and a few hours later he jumped back from a floating window that appeared.<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><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></div><br><br>That meant he was hitting the scarecrow for at least 5 hours. Time that he didn’t see passing by.<br><br>“Master! I got one strength point!” He got even more excited.<br><br>“Really?! That much time has passed?!”<br><br>The swordmaster looked to the sky. It was already past noon. Both men were so focused on their tasks they had lost track of time. Kvothe looked at the wood the master had been carving and it already had the general shape of a human.<br><br>“Are you hungry?” The master asked.<br><br>“A bit.” Kvothe answered truthfully. “But I’ll just eat some rye bread and deal with it.”<br><br>“Nonsense. I just asked because I don’t want to be the only to try this new recipe I was thinking about. If it turns out bad at least I won’t be the only to suffer.”<br><br>“Then at least let me help.”<br><br>“Ok. Follow me.”<br><br>Both men went to the kitchen and begun cutting vegetables, meat and mixing ingredients. After almost an hour of work the food was served and they begun eating. Despite what the teacher said the food was really good. The meat was soft and dissolved in your mouth dispersing the garlic and onions flavor with a hint of pepper and to wash it down he had opened a beer so delicious it almost made Kvothe cry.<br><br>“This is so delicious! Both the food and the beer.”<br><br>“I’m glad you liked. I brewed this myself.”<br><br>“I wish I could cook like that.”<br><br>Learning cooking was in Kvothe’s agenda. He thought the master might offer to teach him the cooking skill if he offered to help, but the master didn’t get the cue. So, despite being true, the compliment was a more direct way of hinting Cain of his intention to learn.<br><br>“Thank you, Kvothe. Maybe if you try hard, someday you can be a cook better than me.”<br><br>Kvothe was shocked by the clueless teacher and couldn’t hide that fact.<br><br>“Gahahaha.” Cain laughed at the student face. “I know you want to learn cooking you oaf, I’m just trying to teach you a lesson.”<br><br>Kvothe’s mouth was left hanging. “Really?! What lesson could you possibly teach me by feigning ignorance?”<br><br>“I wanted you to know that I am your master. You don’t need to try and trick me to teach you something. You just need to ask.”<br><br>Kvothe felt ashamed. Not because he had tried to trick his teacher, but by the fact that he got caught. He was proud of his acting skills and the fact that he could bend people’s will with some effort. Kvothe, the kingkiller, was his favorite character not only because he was an awesome anti-hero, but because he felt they were alike in that and a few other aspects.<br><br>“Ok then..” Kvothe said. “Can you, please, teach me how to cook?”<br><br>“No.” Cain answered simply.<br><br>“But you said...”<br><br>“I said you should just ask me, not that I would teach you.” The master laughed again. “But don’t worry, I’ll teach you some other time. I just have to teach you a few more basic stuff since, after today, we won’t have much time together for me to teach you.”<br><br>“And why is that?” Kvothe had to ask.<br><br>“I thought you were smarter than that.” Cain said disappointed. “Tomorrow I’ll have to return to work. You’re welcome to use the Training Hall as everyone, but I won’t be able to help you with your training. My next free day is in two weeks, and then only in 7 weeks.”<br><br>“But then...How will I be able to receive the training on the techniques?”<br><br>The master laughed as if he had said something really amusing.<br><br>“You probably won’t be able to make that sword whistle in quite some time. It took me two months training all day without rest for that.”<br><br>Kvothe’s mouth turned into a grin. He wasn’t a dedicated student, never was. Unless it was something he liked, he wouldn’t bother making an effort to accomplish it. However, if something was interesting to him, he would make an inhuman effort to make it happen. Fortunately he was interested in mastering the sword to the point where he didn’t notice his hunger and tired body until his focus was disturbed by the pop up window.<br><br>“Give me until your next break.” He said with huge confidence.<br><br>Cain laughed again. This time louder than before.<br><br>“I was right.” He said with some kind of evil smile. “You are one interesting pup.”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=192&amp;t=1887" target="_blank">Chapter 03 »</a></span></div> </div>

I'm aware of the low quality and roughness of this work. I plan on rewriting it, however it won't happen until the end of first Arc. [« Chapter 01](http://royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=192&t=1596&sid=bac60f5cc1fa64d8a3e7d0a9e384b698) Twenty minutes had already passed and Kvothe still remained on the floor of the training hall. “That damn instructor must be toying with me.” He had regained the arms movement, but his health bar wasn’t refilling the way it should. So all he could do was flail his arms angrily and think of ways to get back at the master. At least this time, he had no audience to laugh at him . “You should try eating.” Said a girly voice. Kvothe looked up and saw her, a light brown haired girl wearing simple shirt and skirt. Despite being all dirty and wearing simple clothing, she was cute. The kind of cute that doesn’t stand out but is extremely attractive. She was probably one of those beggars who stayed at the central fountain. “Thanks...erm..” “Oh! You can call me Asha.” She said with a bright smile. “Thanks Asha, but I’ve got no money to give you.” Kvothe said apologetically. “And you should also be mindful of where you’re standing if you’re wearing a skirt.” The girl’s face became red. She quickly moved to a place further from his head. “Now I feel bad.” The girl said “I’ve given you a free show and won’t get a single copper.” Both of them laughed really hard. From how red she had became, Kvothe never thought she’d make a joke like that. He had the feeling they’d get along well. He liked people who could make jokes, especially of themselves. That usually showed they had a good sense of humor. “By the way, I’m Kvothe.” He introduced himself. “What were you saying about eating?” “Right! You’re probably hungry. That’s why you can’t move and your health isn’t regenerating.” “Oh! Didn’t knew there was something like that...” He said a bit ashamed. Sometimes his eagerness took the best of him. And that made him feel as ashamed as if he had soiled his underwear. “Let me guess. You were too excited and totally disregarded the manual” Her sharpness shocked him. How could she know exactly what happened with a simple glance? “Don’t worry. It’s a common thing.” She tried to reassure him. “I’ve even seen a few blockheads dying from hunger.” “That doesn’t make me feel less idiotic, but thanks for trying.” said a sour faced Kvothe, “Inventory window.” At his command, a floating panel appeared in front of him. It was composed by a grid of empty squares, except for two. The first had a water bottle, and the other 10 pieces of rye bread. Now that he thought about it, something about satiety was explained during the tutorial. He should have payed attention but was too busy testing his virtual body. He took one of the bread from his inventory and took a bite. The moisture in his mouth was immediately sucked by the bread. It wasn’t the fresh bread he expected, but stale and dry. Desperate, he took the bottle out and used the water to force the bread down his throat. “What the...What’s this shitty thing?!” He asked the girl who was again laughing at his expense. “Is this really edible?” “Yes. But that’s the cheapest food in Royal Road. I don’t think it’s that bad actually.” “Really?!” He wondered what kind of food she was used to eating. “Well...at least it’ll keep me alive until I get the money to buy proper food.” He forced himself to eat the whole thing. After no time, his health bar had gone above 10% and he could move properly again. He got up and decided to introduce himself like an educated person should, so he extended his hand. “Nice to meet you, Miss Asha. Thanks for the help.” She took his hand and shook it. “Nice to meet you to Mister Kvothe, though I wonder why such sudden formality after you’ve even seen my panties.” Kvothe had to suppress a laugh, but he didn’t intended to lose in a battle of wits. “My mom always says we should introduce ourselves properly.” He said with an exaggerated smile. “Even when the person in question is a pervert.” “A pervert?” She glared at him feigning disgust. “I should give you a beating for that. But I’m a proper lady, and ladies should be composed at all times.” That was too much for him. He laughed until he couldn’t breath properly. “I give up! I’m no match for you.” Kvothe said to the girl. “A match?! You weren’t even a player to begin with.” Asha said with an air of disdain. Kvothe glared at her and she laughed. He thought about a few retorts for that, but it was already a lost cause. She had beaten him this time. The girl’s personality spiked his interest. Usually girls were shy with him at first, mainly because of his bad guy face. Someone who could make jokes with him at first encounter without him making any effort to break the ice was a relief. “I was wondering...” Kvothe’s curious nature made him say. “Why would someone like yourself come to an empty floor in the training hall?” “Oh yeah! I was talking to Cain and...” “Talking to whom?” Kvothe interrupted. “Cain...You know, the training hall NPC.” She answered. “Anyway. He said he had met an interesting pup - his words exactly. Since I’d never seen him take interest for a player, I decided to come and check for myself.” “...” “But it seems that person is already gone. Did you met him by any chance?” “Very funny.” Kvothe glared at her. “I was after someone to teach me how to use a sword properly and thought that he could be quite capable since he’s the training hall instructor.” “Of course he’s capable. After all, he’s the <Tiger of the west>. He won the last three swordsman tournament in Rhodium. Even got himself a knight title.” “What?! I had no idea he was that strong...” “Really?!” Asha was once again surprised. “Why did you choose him then? He doesn’t look like a strong guy to me.” “I had a hunch.” Kvothe said simply. “Whatever...” Asha said dismissively. “I’m more interested in how you made him accept you as a disciple.” “We had a battle of wits and I’ve beaten him.” He said with a mocking smile. Asha gave him a look of someone that didn’t enjoy the food on the table. “Okay. I’ve pissed him off and got into a fight with him.” Kvothe told her. “That explains how you ended up on the floor. But how did you convinced him to train you?” “I’m not sure. We fought for like… Five minutes. After that I was beaten to a pulp. Then I asked if he could teach me and he said yes.” “Wait...You’ve fought with him for five minutes? Haven’t you just begun playing?! You should have gone down with one hit.” “But I was down with a hit, it just took him five minutes to get a good one in.” “I see why he took interest in you.” She couldn’t hide that she thought that was impressive. “Are you some kind of martial artist to be able to do something like that?” “Kind of… I mean… I’ve learnt a few basic stuff from various fighting styles. If that makes me a martial artist then yes.” “That’s weird. Cain should be at least level 200.” Asha said. “There’s no way you should be able to make him fight for five whole minutes.” “He wasn’t serious.” Kvothe said. “Or I’d probably be dead right now. I’m not even sure how I’ve survived that single hit of his.” “You’re a cheater, right?!” She said with an innocent face. “No...Nothing like that. It’s just that in the game I can move much better and my reactions are faster than real life as well.” “Right...Mister Cheater.” Kvothe realized she had made fun of him again. “What are you going to do now?” Asha asked. “I’m not sure, Cain said he’d give me a test of worth so he could teach me. I think I’ll go talk to him and if it’s something I can start now I’ll do it.” “Mind if I tag along?” She asked hopefully. “It’s your life...Though it’ll probably be something boring.” He didn’t mind some company, but what his master would ask would probably be something repetitive and uninteresting. He didn’t want to force something like that onto her, but she followed him anyway. Together they returned to entrance to talk to Cain. “Master, how could you leave me there?! I couldn’t even move!” Said a distressed Kvothe. “I’m sorry pup. I was lost in thought.” The master said nonchalantly. “At least I sent someone in my place.” “She went there by herself...” The student said angrily. “Well, whatever.” Cain cut him off. “Tomorrow morning, at 6am, you’ll go to my house so I can give you your test.” “Can’t I take it now?” Kvothe asked hopefully. “If you could take it now, I’d have already given it. Or do you take me for a fool?!” Kvothe was anxious to begin, but he decided not to argue. He got the master’s house address and, together with Asha, took his leave. Then they went wander around the city. They talked about basic stuff like stats, skills and useful ways to train. She had quite the knowledge about the game and gave him lots of useful information about places, skills, NPCs and about the game system itself. “Let me see if i got this right.” Kvothe wanted to confirm if he understood it correctly. “If you hit a scarecrow for a month, you get 40 point in strength, agility and vitality?” “Exactly” “And you can gain stats by means other than level up?” “Yes. And in some cases that’s the only way to get points.” “And skills can be taught, learned from repetition, reading a book or completing a quest? ” “You can learn by repetition only if you’ve met the requirements.” Kvothe thought about the possibilities. The month training would be a bit boring, but it would allow him to beat stronger monsters when he left the city. He was playing just for the adventure but he didn’t mind some advantages. A game plan begun being formed in his head, besides the basic training he wanted to learn proper sword technique and a few other skills he thought necessary. “Someone there?” Asha called. “I thought I lost you for a second.” “Sorry, I was thinking on what to do next.” “As I was saying, I’ve got to go. It’s kinda late here. But before I go I wanted to add you as a friend. If you don’t mind.” “I’d be glad to add you as a friend. Besides, I’ve got a huge debt to you now. This information you’ve gave me helped a lot. And I always pay my debts, if I remember them.” They added each other as friends and Asha logged out. Kvothe was pondering what he should do. He had made plans on what he wanted to accomplish. So many skills he wanted to learn, people he wanted to meet, things he wanted to try in this new world. Fighting was the main thing he wanted to test out. When he first arrived he tried moving and had great response. Despite being addicted to sports he had terrible flexibility and was overweight. The last was due to the fact that he loved eating and had a tendency to easily gain weight. That being said, when he tested his old kicks, his jumping ability, weaving and footwork he could perform better than real life despite feeling that they were all weaker. Meaning that his stats were not based on his real life abilities but on predefined settings. Remembering that made him smile. In this world he could really do whatever he wanted, even the impossible things such as fighting giant monsters. But, despite all the excitement, he decided that his better course of action would be log out until the next game day. ••• Adriano opened his eyes. He was back to the real world. He had only played for a few hours but it was literally a day in game since time there flowed four times faster. His mind felt sluggish and tired as if he had studied for a whole day. He exited his capsule, set his cellphone alarm so he wouldn’t miss the appointed time with the master and went to to bed. Few minutes later he was already sleeping profoundly. ••• The sun was rising when Kvothe woke up in this world. He checked his stats and ate another dry and stale rye bread to relieve his hunger. It was almost time for his meeting with the master, so he went to the promised location. It was a simple house next to a sculpture shop. In front of it was a scarecrow similar to the ones at the training hall. To Kvothe’s surprise the master was there, already awake and working on something. He had some kind of knife in one hand and something Kvothe couldn’t see in the other. “Good morning master.” Kvothe greeted him. The swordmaster raised his head to look at his pupil. His eyes showed that today he was a different person. Kvothe, who thought of himself as a good judge of character, had the impression that Cain was a carefree person. But now he knew he was wrong. At least when the subject was swordsmanship the master was as serious as one can be. “Good morning.” Cain answered. “I hope you’re ready, because it’s not going to be an easy day.” Cain put away the things he had in his hands, stood up and entered the house. Since he wasn’t invited, Kvothe didn’t follow and kept waiting outside. Two minutes later, the master returned holding a black sword. “This is a special sword.” The master explained. “It was carved by a dwarven master who mastered both blacksmith and sculpting. Despite being made of wood, it’s stronger and more durable than most iron swords you’ll find. It’s also sharp as an iron sword. As my master gave it to me, now I pass it onto you.” He looked at the black sword. By no mean he could say it was made of wood. It was so polished you couldn’t even see the wooden veins. “Thank you master.” He said. “But wasn’t I supposed to be tested before receiving something like this?” “This is your test, pup.” The master held the sword by the hilt. “As I’ve said, this is no ordinary sword. This sword holds the secret for my technique.” “...” “Let me demonstrate it to you.” He made a swing. “Swing it poorly and you’ll have no reaction.” He made another swing. This time there was a whistling when he made the movement. He did it again and this time it was two whistlings at the same time. “The better you swing, the more whistles you’ll have. Until you can fully master it.” He gave it another go and this time it was three clear whistles. “Until you can make it whistle at will you won’t be able to utilize the techniques I’ve got to teach you.” “But master, I don’t even know the right way to hold a sword. How can I achieve such a thing?” “Do not worry pup. I’ll teach you the basics. What I won’t be able to teach you is the secret techniques that makes this a singular sword art.” Relieved, he receive the sword from the mater and they begun the lesson. Today was the master’s day off so they would remain at his house. After teaching how to hold the sword and correcting Kvothe’s many mistakes, the master explained the basic swing motion. “Now you should be able to give your first proper swing with a sword.” Kvothe held the sword with one hand as dictated by the style. He corrected the mistakes he could spot in his grip and looked to the master, who gave him an approving head nod. He then took the stance and made the motion slowly to get the feeling. He then tensed his grip, focused his mind only on the sword and made a swing. “...” Nothing could be heard. Only the sound of the sword cutting the air and the impact against the scarecrow. “That was a great swing.” Said the master laughing. “Maybe in six months you’ll be able to get one whistle.” Kvothe wasn’t shaken. Not that he didn’t hope to find out he had a natural talent for swordsmanship, but he was already used to not being a natural at anything. Up until now, all sports he tried he had to train more than others to achieve the same results. Even his fighting abilities came from extra hard work. For the years he trained Taekwondo the only partner his size was either the master or the top black belt pupil. He continued to train his form. Cain sat by the door, took out his knife and what appeared to be a piece of wood from his pockets and begun to carve the wooden piece. If that was any other day, he’d probably be asking Cain what was he doing, but at the moment he was focused on his swing and on hitting the scarecrow. Kvothe was so concentrated on the training that he forgot he was in a game, and a few hours later he jumped back from a floating window that appeared. | Strength increased by 1 point (+1 STR). | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | That meant he was hitting the scarecrow for at least 5 hours. Time that he didn’t see passing by. “Master! I got one strength point!” He got even more excited. “Really?! That much time has passed?!” The swordmaster looked to the sky. It was already past noon. Both men were so focused on their tasks they had lost track of time. Kvothe looked at the wood the master had been carving and it already had the general shape of a human. “Are you hungry?” The master asked. “A bit.” Kvothe answered truthfully. “But I’ll just eat some rye bread and deal with it.” “Nonsense. I just asked because I don’t want to be the only to try this new recipe I was thinking about. If it turns out bad at least I won’t be the only to suffer.” “Then at least let me help.” “Ok. Follow me.” Both men went to the kitchen and begun cutting vegetables, meat and mixing ingredients. After almost an hour of work the food was served and they begun eating. Despite what the teacher said the food was really good. The meat was soft and dissolved in your mouth dispersing the garlic and onions flavor with a hint of pepper and to wash it down he had opened a beer so delicious it almost made Kvothe cry. “This is so delicious! Both the food and the beer.” “I’m glad you liked. I brewed this myself.” “I wish I could cook like that.” Learning cooking was in Kvothe’s agenda. He thought the master might offer to teach him the cooking skill if he offered to help, but the master didn’t get the cue. So, despite being true, the compliment was a more direct way of hinting Cain of his intention to learn. “Thank you, Kvothe. Maybe if you try hard, someday you can be a cook better than me.” Kvothe was shocked by the clueless teacher and couldn’t hide that fact. “Gahahaha.” Cain laughed at the student face. “I know you want to learn cooking you oaf, I’m just trying to teach you a lesson.” Kvothe’s mouth was left hanging. “Really?! What lesson could you possibly teach me by feigning ignorance?” “I wanted you to know that I am your master. You don’t need to try and trick me to teach you something. You just need to ask.” Kvothe felt ashamed. Not because he had tried to trick his teacher, but by the fact that he got caught. He was proud of his acting skills and the fact that he could bend people’s will with some effort. Kvothe, the kingkiller, was his favorite character not only because he was an awesome anti-hero, but because he felt they were alike in that and a few other aspects. “Ok then..” Kvothe said. “Can you, please, teach me how to cook?” “No.” Cain answered simply. “But you said...” “I said you should just ask me, not that I would teach you.” The master laughed again. “But don’t worry, I’ll teach you some other time. I just have to teach you a few more basic stuff since, after today, we won’t have much time together for me to teach you.” “And why is that?” Kvothe had to ask. “I thought you were smarter than that.” Cain said disappointed. “Tomorrow I’ll have to return to work. You’re welcome to use the Training Hall as everyone, but I won’t be able to help you with your training. My next free day is in two weeks, and then only in 7 weeks.” “But then...How will I be able to receive the training on the techniques?” The master laughed as if he had said something really amusing. “You probably won’t be able to make that sword whistle in quite some time. It took me two months training all day without rest for that.” Kvothe’s mouth turned into a grin. He wasn’t a dedicated student, never was. Unless it was something he liked, he wouldn’t bother making an effort to accomplish it. However, if something was interesting to him, he would make an inhuman effort to make it happen. Fortunately he was interested in mastering the sword to the point where he didn’t notice his hunger and tired body until his focus was disturbed by the pop up window. “Give me until your next break.” He said with huge confidence. Cain laughed again. This time louder than before. “I was right.” He said with some kind of evil smile. “You are one interesting pup.” [Chapter 03 »](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=192&t=1887)

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> “I can see you…” the Arachna whispered in singsong manner.<br><br>Winter was hiding behind a natural stone pillar that jutted out from the ground. He knew that stalactite and stalagmite that joined eventually become one of such pillars. But if he was asked which one was the top or bottom of the two scientific word, he would not remember.<br><br>The first act of defiance Winter did was to throw &lt;&lt;Firestrike&gt;&gt; on the monster. He was not sure if he made the right choice when he found out the Arachna could use magic! Dark knives shot forth to come into contact with the fireballs and exploded on the air. The knives numbered more than the four fireballs that was part of his spell and thus proceeded to fly towards him. Leaping away, Winter began exchanging spells with her, though he was mainly defending with the judicious use of his trusty Stone Coffin.<br><br>“Fool! Don’t you have better magic? She is highly resistant to spells!”<br><br>Winter’s stomach plummeted when he heard Randall’s shout. He had managed to clip her a couple times with combination of feints and timing yet the damage was too minor.<br><br>“How What about physical damage!” Winter shouted before jumping behind one pillar that bore the brunt of shadowy knives. <br><br>“She is weak against it! But we have no warrior here!” came the reply.<br><br>Nodding, Winter raised a couple more coffins to fill up the gaps in the defensive work. He was also trying to fudge his location. She was still hanging upside down despite being hit by his spells. <br><br>Unequipping his staff then equipping his sword, Winter moved a few steps away from his position. It was lucky that he did, as a broad shadowy spearhead went through the wall he had just stepped away from. A section of his wall crumbled instantly.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">’Holy crap!’</span><br><br>Winter dove backward to the empty space, predicting that the walls were not safe anymore. Successive spears pierced the stone coffins with the save visible result. This was the first time that the stone barrier had failed him! He had no real defense to mount now and thus was left with offense.<br><br>“RRrRRRAAAA!!!” With a shout, Winter somehow managed to correct his posture and dodged another flying spear to close the open gap. Chuckling, the monster reeled in her body up, making herself inaccessible to Winter, who was running to her position. Smirking, Winter triggered a brain pattern that said ‘Rise up, Stone Coffin’ and leaped at the same time the spell propelled him into the air. <br><br>Winter had no idea how tall the ceiling of the caverns’ were, he doubted he could clear it even with the aid of his ‘cannonball’ spell. It would be mighty embarrassing if he smacked his head on the rock after executing a perfect leap.<br><br>He felt gratified that the Arachna appear to be shocked even though she was an NPC. Spinning his body to add momentum to his slash, Winter parted the web she was hanging from. Unfortunately, he pushed too hard and did not managed to deliver anything else beside the one slash that dropped her down. It was his goal, but he wanted to know how much he could damage her.<br><br>Winter, who was used to this boosting method landed in a roll, eventually taking a knee to face the spider. He was not sure how much fall damage was inflicted on her or even if mob monsters receive any fall damage. There was no frame of reference for that occasion yet for him to compare it with. <br><br>He flicked his eyes to the bar above the monster’s head. It did decrease by about 15% or so. As for himself, since he had executed a proper landing, he lost about 5% worth of health. He had good reason to suspect that he had a lot less health than the Arachna however.<br><br>Using her hands and appendages, the half spider rolled back on her stomach and stood up, hissing at him.<br><br>“A swordmage reborn! I thought I killed the last of you! Now you have to die!” <br><br>With that statement, her hands waved in a pattern. Black shadow coalesced around her, completely enveloping her whole body like liquid. Then the liquid lightened in shade and disappeared. The spider was gone! No, wait. He could see the outline of the spider, if barely due to his magesight that remained active the whole time. There was a hair raising moment where the outline made a throwing motion at Winter. Not questioning his instinct, he dove aside. He was a moment too slow as one of the spectral dagger clipped his hip.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You are injured! Scratch damage! <br>HP -148</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Winter winced internally. He could not imagine how much damage he would had received if it hit him dead on. He really needed a gear upgrade soon!<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">But before that….</span><br><br>“Ho…. you are quite good, mage.”<br><br>Winter’s eyes tracked the spider’s outline. It had moved away from the last spot she was standing. The voice echoed around, but he stuck to looking at the moving outline without giving away he could see her. There was no telling what she could do aside from cloaking herself in darkness if he gave away the game too soon. Staring around as if listening to the source of the voice, Winter raised a stone coffin the moment the Arachna was about to cast another spell, evident from the way she was about to flung her hand. His spell accuracy was decreased without a staff equipped, but it did not matter as it made her stumble and the miscast blew the darkness away. Judging from how big the explosion was, she had been preparing a pretty nasty spell. <br><br>Not wasting the good opportunity, Winter ran forward and tried to decapitate the monster. He doubted he could do it at one go, but stranger things had been known to happen in Royal Road. As expected, he did not manage to lop off the head. The Arachna bunched her spider appendages forward to block his sword. What it managed to do was sever one of the legs while injuring whichever ones that it came in contact with his sword. The shrill cry when he had managed to hack through was a good indication that it was a good move. <br><br>The pushback was no joke though. Winter flew through the air for what he thought seconds before he managed to reorient himself to land on his feet. Even then the force of the push was enough to further make moderately deep furrows on the ground before stopping completely. <br><br>“You will pay for that!” The Arachna yelled shrilly. <br><br>Winter thought that was a typical bad guy line and ignored it. He had a good tactic going on now. His plan utilised the monster’s strong spellcasting to his benefit. He aimed to create blowback reaction from the miscast, interrupting the spell while its cadence was incomplete. The one time he had managed it so far reduced the health by 10% while his attack with his sword, despite managing to sever a limb only resulted in 1000 damage, which was less than 5%. That spoke plenty about how weak the monster’s physical defense in proportion to his strength as a magic user, again, typical. But the quantity of its health was a real problem, and he still was not sure he could last long enough to finish the job. No other way but to go forth.<br><br>This time however, Winter did not choose to raise the coffin to stumble the monster. He needed an alternative, else she would keep watching for that. So, this time he raised it right in front of the monster’s line of sight. It effectively masked Winter’s movement. It was also unexpected this time and allowed him to flank her. Smartening up, the Arachna skittered away much quicker than Winter expected. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">No way I can catch her this way!’</span><br><br>His running speed would not catch up to her anytime soon. He could of course catch up using &lt;&lt;Reflex&gt;&gt; but he felt that the spell would be his Ace, and saved the knowledge that he even had such a spell until he could maximize its use. Thus he was left to wait for her to stop. Or, making her stop. His practice on Biscuit system for Stone Coffin was now perfect. Without needing to utter a single syllable, a slab of stone rose up. The spider was moving too fast and impacted upon the stone. The dull thud was a very rewarding sound to Winter. Not wasting the good opportunity, Winter dove low and loped off another limb. He clicked his tongue when it bounced off against the hard carapace, an inch off his target, the flexible joint that was unprotected. His swordsmanship skill might need better polishing on the precision. He could not outgun her wish spells in long range combat. His best chance was to stick as close to her as possible and duking it out. Not about to lose, the Arachna reared back, making her already tall stature compared to Winter even taller. Her front four legs were raised like swords, fending and attacking. One of the appendage has less reach as he already loped it off beforehand. Giving a nervous smile, Winter dove into her reach before she finished casting her spell. His concentration was ramping up.<br><br><br>Royal Road had great realism. A good portion of the NPC had quite advanced AI to the point it was close to sentience. Randall was among one of the myriads of them. He thought about his line and inheritance, how it would be lost forever once he was gone. With the loss of his son, who was the only inheritor, it was almost a surefire. Yet suddenly, a stranger that could combine swordplay with magic came from literally nowhere. No. Eliad, who was his best friend now turned Gatekeeper for Arcanum Magic Academy had sent this adventurer to his way. He knew that Randall’s soon was dead. He wanted to yell some advices but held his tongue. They were in mortal combat now. Any distraction could spell doom on either side. And he was not sure he could tell which way the scale would swing. It would be different if he had a sword in hand. No. Nothing could be done until his hip was fixed. Being old was a curse on its own. Thus, Randall fervently prayed to Freya for Winter’s victory. <br><br><br>Winter’s vision was tunneling. He saw nothing else but his opponent. When a human was focused enough in their task, they were oblivious to everything else around them. It brought their utmost ability to the task at hand. Winter’s immersion in the battle brought forth such phenomenon. In the zone, he could guess with great accuracy where his enemy would be attacking from the smallest gesture. He made occasional mistakes due to inexperience a few times. But he left enough room for correction. Several close shaves from the mistakes had reduced his health to less than half but he did not pay any attention to anything else. Only the enemy mattered. <br><br>The exchange was exhilarating for Winter. The parry, dodge counter hit and deflection felt like music to him. The spell blasts that he avoided at close range was the high note while the shriek of pain whenever he managed to inflict damage to the monster the chorus. <br><br>His health was holding steady at 23% after trial and error. The spider still has more health than him at approximately 46% but he was learning. Now only his stamina was of concern. Mages have naturally low stamina. He has used up more than half of it. This was the longest one on one fight he has ever gone through up to date and it showed no conclusion anytime soon.<br><br>As if the thought itself brought forth the chance, Winter misjudged a block for parry. He was not badly injured by the tiny bit of mistake, but had been launched away over ten meters. Flurry of shadow knives were flying at him, forcing him to create more distance and hiding behind a stone pillar. If Winter was her and managed to create a good distance between him and his enemy, he would begin the preparation to unleash his best move. The spider obviously thought the same. <br><br>Not hiding her intent, she intoned in rasping clear voice some sort of spell. Whatever it was, it was definitely deadly considering from the magesight the quantity of mana gathered around her was so dense that she glowed like a Christmas tree. Upon realising this, Winter’s eye widened. Not wasting even a single millisecond, he leaped out and began sprinting toward the spider. A clear film like bubble was erected in front of her. Winter had encountered that spell before. It was one of her more annoying skill, a reflective piece of magic. Whatever spell he lobed at her would bounce back if it hits the glass like surface. The only solution winter came up with was to wait for the spell to finish. He had a suspicion that higher grade magic could pierce it, but had no such spell in his repertoire to test it with. Luckily it only had 10 seconds duration. That ten second of invulnerability from any of his magical attack was no doubt enough to finish up. The distance was great enough for the spider to appear smug at her advantage. Winter could swear although the mouth was busy chanting a long &lt;&lt;Cadence&gt;&gt;, the corner of her mouth and eyes said ‘I win’.<br><br>That would not do for Winter. “Reflex!” he shouted. The world slowed down exponentially. The air felt like it was encased in liquid. His passing caused ripples of air to be pushed away visibly. The dusts that were swept off indicated his quick passage. <br><br>Randall who saw that from outside of the accelerated world was left open mouthed. He recognised the spell, a lost part of his heritage, something he never thought he would ever see again. One moment Winter was running forward as fast as he could, the next moment he appeared in front of the spider that looked startled at his presence. <br><br>With half a second left, Winter did not waste anytime. Uttering quick prayer to whatever god in Royal Road, he stabbed the clay sword that had lost considerable durability. He prayed that the feedback from the spell was damaging enough because his stamina would not last for another minute.<br><br>The stab was angled from low to high, piercing the Arachna’s heart. Any disturbance was enough in truth. Winter could have hit the spider on her mouth. Sliced her head a little or even kicked her off. Anything to cause an interruption. He thought it was somewhat poetic to aim for the heart. As expected from anything that got stabbed in the heart, it shrieked in pain, breaking the spell.<br><br>There was a single moment of clear silence where everything stopped. His hit was a critical, taking off 15% HP but not fatal. The pear like black eyes stared at Winter in astonishment. A bloodthirsty smile was the last impression the spider woman gave him before a deafening explosion rocked the cavern. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;">xXx</div><br><br>Winter had virtual cold sweats when he recalled how close he was to failing the quest. He did not have any time to summon more than one coffin to hide under. The said temporary barrier was disintegrated to nothing. Winter who was huddled underneath the slab survived with less than 100 health point left. He felt the pressure blast flattening him to the ground while the system message flickered at the same rate his health point was decreasing. This was Winter’s first encounter with large scale malfunctioning spell and it would be one of his favorite offensive tactic in the future against casters.<br><br>“Uggh.. I swear.. that was a bad idea!” he grumbled while getting off the perfectly scoured ground. He was unsure why he survived when the rocks and stone pillars were completely disintegrated in what appeared to be a perfect sphere from the center of the explosion. He never figured out that having high magic defense was very useful until much later against wild spells.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">xXx</div><br><br>Reki was slightly annoyed. To anyone looking at her, she would look all calm and collected. But if anyone looked closely at how fast and furiously she was shooting, to the point of missing two out of a hundred target by the time she was done, they would had known something was not right. Reki never missed. Not true. She missed if the target moved or if it was too far. But an immobile target at 100m range? She could do shaft shots as many times as she wished.<br><br>Shaft shot is where an archer shoots a bullseye and shoots the arrow on the bullseye, splitting it dead center. It was amongst the most difficult archery feat. Reki’s personal best was twenty two continuous (shaft) shot that so far remained unbroken despite numerous other archers challenging the feat. It was such a far cry from previous score of six in a row. <br><br>There were no reward from the achievement except for prestige. At least that was what general players thought. Reki did obtain a few benefits. One, A title of Sharpshooter that improved her damage, penetration and accuracy considerably. Two, probably a unique skill called Pinpoint Precision. It was a buff type ability, passive in nature that further improved damage inflicted from her archery skill by fixed 10%.<br><br>She had asked him to look her up if anything interesting happened. Then the man himself disappeared to a dungeon somewhere without telling her. She reined her temper in as it was not his fault. She was absent for the past couple of days due to her work. She was suddenly called in to solve a theorem that would be used to improve a matrix interface program. Finding the solution had not been difficult. It was the traveling back and forth that sucked, making most of the two days of her time unable to log in. The solution could only be inputted in a specific place and it was not close by where she lived. There was also no cell reception nor anything to connect to internet as a security precaution. <br><br>It was a hassle that she has to go there whenever they ran into a snag. But for the benefit she received, she was willing to bear with it. In her capacity as a consultant for the programming department, she was privy to a few secrets of Royal Road. A few of those secrets, she designed herself to boot. <br><br>What she knew was not enough to win the emperor prize. She also had signed an agreement stating she was ineligible for the prize itself. Ellie was fine with it since she has no need for that much money. At thirteen she was wealthy from money she obtained from stock exchange.<br><br>She wondered if her father would ever figure it out. Uncle Daniel probably suspected. She did not mod her appearance too much after all. Only a few cosmetic changes on her hair color, length and iris color. Her original appearance was of very slender and petite girl. She was also a brunette. Her only vanity was increasing her height as she was remarkably short for her age. She was barely 130cm in height and if she was right, she would barely hit 145 when she stopped growing. It was a depressing thought.<br><br>Writing a message to her sister asking where she was at the moment, Ellie did not expect quick reply as Celine was rather busy nowadays. Sighing, Reki checked for her father’s username in her friend list. He was online and nowhere near her place. She wondered how he fared there. Samuel and Rinne was around, but she was not in the mood to be talking to anyone else but Winter. She was tempted to turn off her secret ‘privacy’ button that allowed her to appear offline to anyone in her friend list but decided she better log out for real to clean up her place. The hallway was getting a little too crowded with stacks of paper.<br><div style="text-align: center;">xXx</div><br><br>TRRRRIINNGG!!<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Help Randall</span> completed!<br>You leveled up!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Winter patted himself to dislodge dirts that still clung to him. He grabbed the loot that the Arachna dropped.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Black Widow’s Heart</span><br><br>An intact heart of an Arachna. Despite its condition, it is still beating! Handle with care!<br><br>Further identification needed.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Identify.”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Identification failed!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Huh. Identify.”<br><br>It failed again. Winter tried three more times before giving up, leaving the blackened, grotesque heart in his inventory. He picked up the 300G dropped too and one very unusual sword.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bonesteel Sword</span><br><br>Despite its name, it is not made from bone nor steel, but a very rare wood that grew in the most hostile territory known in Versailles. The area is now no more, the name only memory and the location long forgotten. Yet the unique tree that give birth to this weapon lived on from one hand to another as the sword is passed from one successor to another.<br><br>A standard sword for Battlemage profession<br><br>Attack : 80 - 100<br>MAttack: 80 - 100<br><br>All stat +15<br><br>Restriction: Battlemage only</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Never heard of Battlemage before.</span><br><br>Before Winter managed to ponder on the profession further, a yell and snap of a stick brought him back to his new predicament. Randall was displeased with him.<br><br>“You idiot! Are you trying to kill both of us?” *whack*<br><br>“Ouch! What are you doing, you crazy old man! I was saving your ass and killing the monster! Is this how you repay me? A stick to the head?”<br><br>Winter was hopping away, avoiding hits from Randall’s cane. He was shuffling forward to lay more blows to his head. <br><br>“I can find ten ways to kill her without needing to blow up the cavern, fool! Now stay there and take your hit like a man!”<br><br>Winter dodged a lot of the blows. Those he could not dodge, he blocked with his hands. He needed another new sword as his Clay Sword was blown to smithereens. He hoped it would not become a habit, him destroying his weapons. The curses got longer and more elaborate with every dodge Winter managed. The hits he took did zero damage, but somehow it was just as painful as being hit with real stick. Eventually Randall stopped, wheezing after Winter chose to be smart and erected stone coffins to wall himself off.<br><br>“Are you done yet?” Winter shouted from behind the earthwork.<br><br>“Yes, I am done! Now get your butt out here and help me get home! I have a burial to arrange!”<br><br><br>The burial was a somber event, attended by only Randall. Winter was expecting to accompany Randall all the way to wherever he came from. But the burial process without body was simple. He asked Winter to dig a deep hole (which was quite troublesome since he has no shovel) then bury the sword inside. <br><br>“I *wheeze* would prefer to fight *wheeze* the spider again.” Winter stated when he was done with the task. Randall gave him an evil glare, but Winter did not care. His stamina was completely depleted. <br><br>“Thank you for your help, adventurer. Winter’s isn’t it?” Randall asked when Winter finished digging the hole and took a break. He would have given a lot to have a shovel right then. Alas, the job was done. Two hours of digging without a break.<br><br>“Your welcome. Yes. My name is Winter.” Winter was idly thinking that his task was done but somehow he was not transported back yet.<br><br>“Am I correct to say that you are proficient in way of the sword despite being a Magician by profession?” Randall may had phrased it like a question, but it sounded like a statement. Winter wondered if he should say Yes or No. He was not sure what was considered proficient in swordsmanship.<br><br>“What do you consider ‘proficient’, Randall?”<br><br>“About Intermediate level in Sword Mastery.” <br><br>Winter had reached over 5% Intermediate level 1. His attack damage and attack speed had massive improvement of 100% now with 30% in attack speed. He might not be able to match real swordsman in bodily footworks constantly, but he could at least defend himself well when it was called for.<br><br>“I guess I am proficient enough then.” Answered Winter. Randall nodded upon hearing Winter’s reply. <br><br>“And you somehow learned &lt;&lt;Reflex&gt;&gt;. Tell me, where did you learn that skill. I thought it was lost forever.”<br><br>Digesting the words, Winter wondered if the skill was that rare. It was once he thought about it. He never really asked around, but nobody else, mages or warrior he met so far possessed it. In truth, the skill was not as rare as Winter thought, but it was a difficult to obtain piece of magic and thus not very many mages possessed it. Those that combined it with weapon mastery of any kind numbered less than 50 so far. Among those number, less than 10 used swords that warriors favor.<br><br>Winter was curious too about how Minalan got hold of the skill book. So he told Randall about Minalan and his daughter, Adria in Cosare.<br><br>“Minalan did you say!” Randall exclaimed when he first heard the name. When Winter asked what was wrong, Randall replied with nothing and told Winter to continue with his story. So Winter told him that the father and daughter owned a magic shop and received artifacts regularly.<br><br>Winter did not think too much of it when Randall asked for a description of Minalan and Adria in specific. He was stroking his gray beard when Winter was done.<br><br>“A magic artifact trader eh. Can’t say I heard of him before. Cosare did you say? I think i will visit him one day.”<br><br>“Whatever.” Winter brushed away dirts from his pants. He then jumped down the hole he dug, gesturing for Randall to throw the sword to him. Laying it down carefully, Winter climbed up and reversed the digging process. It did not take him as long as the digging but it was equally messy.<br><br>Resting up under a large tree outside of the dungeon, Winter observed Randall standing still in silent prayer in front of the loosely packed dirt. He thought he saw a nimbus of light emanating from his body, but it happened so fast that he was not sure.<br><br>“Once more thank you for your help. I believe it is fate that both of us to meet though that meddling Gatekeeper helped it along.” Randall paused for a couple seconds before continuing. “I believe you notice that I asked for a non-iron sword, yes?” A few seconds ticked before Winter got it.<br><br>“You are a mage too?” He exclaimed in surprise. Randall grinned broadly. The thick beard parted but barely showed his mouth.<br><br>“I am. And I am not.”<br><br>“What do you mean you are not. Either you are, or you are not.”<br><br>“How about you? Are you a mage?” Randall countered.<br><br>“I am. You saw me casting spells right?” Then it hit Winter that Randall cast no spell at all despite claiming to be a mage too. As if seeing the gears whirring in Winter’s head, Randall nodded.<br><br>“Yes. I did not cast any spell. At least not the way you know it. My spells were limited to my usage of the sword as you saw.”<br><br>“Those were spells? I thought they were some sort of warrior skills!” Winter thought back on those ridiculous damage and range of slashes that blew away the ants. Those were magic? From a mage?<br><br>“I am a Battlemage. The last of my kind, probably.”<br><br>“A what? Battlemage?”<br><br>“It is not a very well known profession because it is a dying profession. My son was supposed to be continuing the tradition…” Sighing, Randall tried to get control of his emotion. His fists tightened on the head of his walking stick for a couple seconds before he managed it.<br><br>“There is also the lack of candidate. The way of Battlemage is harsh and unforgiving. You live and die between moments.” The word ‘moments’ struck Winter as quite befitting if he added to the fact that &lt;&lt;Reflex&gt;&gt; used to be the staple skill for the profession.<br><br>“Only those that knew suffering and understand defeat could shoulder the power and weakness of this profession. You that I can see that you have had gone through enough on both count, is fit to be the successor. If only you can fix your rude attitude!” Randall had to ruin the gleaming speech with the last part. Winter could not help but retort back.<br><br>“Hey! I saved your old bones! Lay off the bad comments at last.”<br><br>“Humph. That is that, this is this.” Winter could not decide whether to be amazed or annoyed at how stubborn the old man was. He could not really hate him as they were rather alike in temperament. He was on the milder side of things though. At least he tried to convince himself that he was. If Samuel had stood there, he might beg to differ.<br><br>“Never mind. So, I can become this ‘Battlemage’ thing?”<br><br>“Are you even listening, I said you are to be my successor! What part of that you do not understand!” The walking stick went up but Winter already stepped away before it was halfway up. Reluctantly Randall dropped it back to lean on it.<br><br>“Humph. You are at least good at dodging and anticipating attacks. So, are you interested?”<br><br>TTRRRING!!”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Secret class accessible!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Do you wish to change class to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Battlemage</span>? YES/NO</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>This could be the chance Winter was looking for. Originally he wanted to be a warrior. His choice of becoming a mage was forced onto him. His swordsmanship was learned as a fallback when he got cursed. Now that he was offered a class that could utilise both side of profession, was there any reason to refuse? Without any hesitation, Winter answered: “I am.”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">xXx</div><br><br>Ezza was a decently sized town located at the edge of western continent and central continent. This place was in a very literal sense, the middle of nowhere. It was however well populated with players that wished to cross to either zone. A rest stop so to speak. The place had nothing much to it except abundance of supplies for traveling. The market square was sparsely filled. There was not even a training hall there as the place was not the designated spot for beginners. After all, the surrounding monsters were level 130 in average before getting easier when you moved to either part of the continent.<br><br>It was on that quiet day players that were resting in one of the numerous taverns in Ezza spotted an unusual sight. Her clothing was unusual. She looked even more unusual. The gender was clearly female from the skirt and two ponytails that stuck out slightly above her head. The purple and white clothes had strong resemblance to a maid uniform especially with the headband that was rather distinctive with its frills. Her stature was so short, even shorter than the dwarves that were said to be the shortest of all playable races, standing at 150cm tallest. She was barely 120cm in height but well proportioned like a human child even if the impression she gave out was not of one. <br><br>Nobody quite remembered when she entered. But everyone remembered when she struggled to get to the stool. Some offered to help, but they could not understand her at all.<br><br>“Hey, is this some sort of quest or something?” Asked one of the players that tried to help the cute and short creature up the bar stool that was as tall as her.<br><br>“I don’t know. But I sure want to find out!” the player’s friend replied.<br><br><br>Celine was frustrated at the treatments she received. It reminded her once more of her time as a teenagers. She was shorter than most of her friends to the point of sticking out and being mistaken a lot as underage even when she had reached the legal age. Entering a bar required her to produce her identity card. The same with romance themed movie for sixteen and above. It was better now since she learned how to dress up properly and wear a good layer of make ups to highlight her adult parts. Polished ways to exude charms was something that she learned in the acting school and put to good use a lot of times.<br><br>It annoyed her to no end that her movies were so popular though. She was 24 for god’s sake! She should not even be playing teenage romance movie anymore! She debuted as a teenage character too and gained popularity and following from there. But now she wanted more than anything to graduate from that role and yet was still stuck with it. Her manager told her to be patient. She was working on it. That was a year ago and she was still working on it.<br><br>Sighing after putting down her glass with both hands that was too small to hold the large mug singlehandedly, Celine was startled by the call from the other side of the bar.<br><br>“Oh? The drink isn’t pleasing to your palate, Miss?”<br><br>The bald bartender was an immaculate looking man with a generous moustache and no beard. His arms were bulging with muscles barely contained by the rolled up sleeves of his white shirt. The black apron he wore emphasized his large pectoral muscles more than conceal it. He was bending over a little to put less height between both of them.<br><br>“Chiimu. Chimu.”<br><br>“I see. It is good eh. Glad you likes it, Miss.”<br><br>Players were minding their own business but discreetly taking sneak peeks at the strange creature was agape. Their ears perked up when they heard the reply that sounded nothing like a language.<br><br>“Chimumumu, chimmimin Chiii mumun!”<br><br>“In a hurry. Got it. I will get your supplies, Miss.”<br><br>The bartender burst into a quick action. The regular players that hunted around the area were even more surprised as the bartender was known to be a rude bastard. The only salvation the place had were the good food and drink at reasonable price. The rude comments were taken as part of the cost of eating good food. Not so palatable spice but endurable.<br><br>“Here we go, Miss. 20 gold should do it.”<br><br>“Chimu?”<br><br>“Yes. I am sure. It is a fair deal. After all I don’t get to see a Chim everyday.”<br><br>From the oversized lapels that hid the hands of the creature that was guaranteed to be tiny, a small pouch flashed out. She needed to stand up to hand over the pouch.<br><br>“Thank you, Miss. Nice to do business with you.”<br><br>At this point all the players, male or female wanted to shout to the world ‘so cuteee!!!’. But they were not done yet receiving (enjoying) the visual entertainment.<br><br>The package that was ordered by the Chim (a few recognised it as a race unique in West part of the continent, Arland Kingdom to be specific) was almost as large as her body. They were ready to offer their help to carry it and journey to wherever the Chim wished to go. The female players were extremely motivated! Celine did not notice them at all. She was busy leveraging the package after lifting it up.<br><br>‘What the!!!’ was the silent exclamation everyone thought in their mind. The bartender was not paying attention. Busying himself with a few drinks that was sloshed on the tabletop from what they just witnessed. The package looked like it was sucked into the body of the Chim. <br><br>Everyone’s thought immediately flashed to a certain blue cat with a dimensional pocket, which was not too far from the truth of what the Chim just did but slightly different. It was no pocket. She devoured it.<br><br>“Chimu!!” The chim raised her right hand and jiggled it a little like it was waving goodbye. The broad lapel that still refused to show her hand waved a few times like a flag.<br><br>“Safe trip to you miss!” The bartender replied in slightly raised voice that carried to the entrance. Celine walked out of the bar without looking back.<br><br>“Oi! Did you see that! What was that?!” A heavily armored female player with a wicked scar across her face shouted to her friend.<br><br>“I don’t know! But I am going to follow her!” <br><br>She did not wait but jumped out of her seat to trail Celine. <br><br>“No fair! I am going too! Wait!” The slower armored player was exiting the bar too but at slower rate than her less armored friend. The two were not the only ones. All females suddenly emptied from the tavern, leaving the male crowd still deciding on what they were seeing as… strange or amazing. Some of the males followed out too.<br><br>This happened quite a lot to Celine, which was why she hated when she has to resupply in town. But she was out of supplies and it was faster to buy them than to gather them from the wild.<br><br>“Chimmuuu!!!” (I hate this part!!!!)<br><br>Celine was running a lot faster than the fastest players that were chasing her for questions, interest or just curiosity. She had foreseen the problem after she was caught once and forced to endure hours of hugging and picture taking and a lot of proposals and offers when they discovered she was a player.<br><br>It was easier nowadays for her to just talk with NPCs than players. They seem to understand what she was and acted normal enough if generous. ‘At least that beast of a woman was not around this time.’ thought Celine. She would be disappointed to find out that the said woman was not far behind her and they would encounter each other again in the future. </div>

“I can see you…” the Arachna whispered in singsong manner. Winter was hiding behind a natural stone pillar that jutted out from the ground. He knew that stalactite and stalagmite that joined eventually become one of such pillars. But if he was asked which one was the top or bottom of the two scientific word, he would not remember. The first act of defiance Winter did was to throw <<Firestrike>> on the monster. He was not sure if he made the right choice when he found out the Arachna could use magic! Dark knives shot forth to come into contact with the fireballs and exploded on the air. The knives numbered more than the four fireballs that was part of his spell and thus proceeded to fly towards him. Leaping away, Winter began exchanging spells with her, though he was mainly defending with the judicious use of his trusty Stone Coffin. “Fool! Don’t you have better magic? She is highly resistant to spells!” Winter’s stomach plummeted when he heard Randall’s shout. He had managed to clip her a couple times with combination of feints and timing yet the damage was too minor. “How What about physical damage!” Winter shouted before jumping behind one pillar that bore the brunt of shadowy knives. “She is weak against it! But we have no warrior here!” came the reply. Nodding, Winter raised a couple more coffins to fill up the gaps in the defensive work. He was also trying to fudge his location. She was still hanging upside down despite being hit by his spells. Unequipping his staff then equipping his sword, Winter moved a few steps away from his position. It was lucky that he did, as a broad shadowy spearhead went through the wall he had just stepped away from. A section of his wall crumbled instantly. ’Holy crap!’ Winter dove backward to the empty space, predicting that the walls were not safe anymore. Successive spears pierced the stone coffins with the save visible result. This was the first time that the stone barrier had failed him! He had no real defense to mount now and thus was left with offense. “RRrRRRAAAA!!!” With a shout, Winter somehow managed to correct his posture and dodged another flying spear to close the open gap. Chuckling, the monster reeled in her body up, making herself inaccessible to Winter, who was running to her position. Smirking, Winter triggered a brain pattern that said ‘Rise up, Stone Coffin’ and leaped at the same time the spell propelled him into the air. Winter had no idea how tall the ceiling of the caverns’ were, he doubted he could clear it even with the aid of his ‘cannonball’ spell. It would be mighty embarrassing if he smacked his head on the rock after executing a perfect leap. He felt gratified that the Arachna appear to be shocked even though she was an NPC. Spinning his body to add momentum to his slash, Winter parted the web she was hanging from. Unfortunately, he pushed too hard and did not managed to deliver anything else beside the one slash that dropped her down. It was his goal, but he wanted to know how much he could damage her. Winter, who was used to this boosting method landed in a roll, eventually taking a knee to face the spider. He was not sure how much fall damage was inflicted on her or even if mob monsters receive any fall damage. There was no frame of reference for that occasion yet for him to compare it with. He flicked his eyes to the bar above the monster’s head. It did decrease by about 15% or so. As for himself, since he had executed a proper landing, he lost about 5% worth of health. He had good reason to suspect that he had a lot less health than the Arachna however. Using her hands and appendages, the half spider rolled back on her stomach and stood up, hissing at him. “A swordmage reborn! I thought I killed the last of you! Now you have to die!” With that statement, her hands waved in a pattern. Black shadow coalesced around her, completely enveloping her whole body like liquid. Then the liquid lightened in shade and disappeared. The spider was gone! No, wait. He could see the outline of the spider, if barely due to his magesight that remained active the whole time. There was a hair raising moment where the outline made a throwing motion at Winter. Not questioning his instinct, he dove aside. He was a moment too slow as one of the spectral dagger clipped his hip. | You are injured! Scratch damage! HP -148 | | --- | Winter winced internally. He could not imagine how much damage he would had received if it hit him dead on. He really needed a gear upgrade soon! But before that…. “Ho…. you are quite good, mage.” Winter’s eyes tracked the spider’s outline. It had moved away from the last spot she was standing. The voice echoed around, but he stuck to looking at the moving outline without giving away he could see her. There was no telling what she could do aside from cloaking herself in darkness if he gave away the game too soon. Staring around as if listening to the source of the voice, Winter raised a stone coffin the moment the Arachna was about to cast another spell, evident from the way she was about to flung her hand. His spell accuracy was decreased without a staff equipped, but it did not matter as it made her stumble and the miscast blew the darkness away. Judging from how big the explosion was, she had been preparing a pretty nasty spell. Not wasting the good opportunity, Winter ran forward and tried to decapitate the monster. He doubted he could do it at one go, but stranger things had been known to happen in Royal Road. As expected, he did not manage to lop off the head. The Arachna bunched her spider appendages forward to block his sword. What it managed to do was sever one of the legs while injuring whichever ones that it came in contact with his sword. The shrill cry when he had managed to hack through was a good indication that it was a good move. The pushback was no joke though. Winter flew through the air for what he thought seconds before he managed to reorient himself to land on his feet. Even then the force of the push was enough to further make moderately deep furrows on the ground before stopping completely. “You will pay for that!” The Arachna yelled shrilly. Winter thought that was a typical bad guy line and ignored it. He had a good tactic going on now. His plan utilised the monster’s strong spellcasting to his benefit. He aimed to create blowback reaction from the miscast, interrupting the spell while its cadence was incomplete. The one time he had managed it so far reduced the health by 10% while his attack with his sword, despite managing to sever a limb only resulted in 1000 damage, which was less than 5%. That spoke plenty about how weak the monster’s physical defense in proportion to his strength as a magic user, again, typical. But the quantity of its health was a real problem, and he still was not sure he could last long enough to finish the job. No other way but to go forth. This time however, Winter did not choose to raise the coffin to stumble the monster. He needed an alternative, else she would keep watching for that. So, this time he raised it right in front of the monster’s line of sight. It effectively masked Winter’s movement. It was also unexpected this time and allowed him to flank her. Smartening up, the Arachna skittered away much quicker than Winter expected. No way I can catch her this way!’ His running speed would not catch up to her anytime soon. He could of course catch up using <<Reflex>> but he felt that the spell would be his Ace, and saved the knowledge that he even had such a spell until he could maximize its use. Thus he was left to wait for her to stop. Or, making her stop. His practice on Biscuit system for Stone Coffin was now perfect. Without needing to utter a single syllable, a slab of stone rose up. The spider was moving too fast and impacted upon the stone. The dull thud was a very rewarding sound to Winter. Not wasting the good opportunity, Winter dove low and loped off another limb. He clicked his tongue when it bounced off against the hard carapace, an inch off his target, the flexible joint that was unprotected. His swordsmanship skill might need better polishing on the precision. He could not outgun her wish spells in long range combat. His best chance was to stick as close to her as possible and duking it out. Not about to lose, the Arachna reared back, making her already tall stature compared to Winter even taller. Her front four legs were raised like swords, fending and attacking. One of the appendage has less reach as he already loped it off beforehand. Giving a nervous smile, Winter dove into her reach before she finished casting her spell. His concentration was ramping up. Royal Road had great realism. A good portion of the NPC had quite advanced AI to the point it was close to sentience. Randall was among one of the myriads of them. He thought about his line and inheritance, how it would be lost forever once he was gone. With the loss of his son, who was the only inheritor, it was almost a surefire. Yet suddenly, a stranger that could combine swordplay with magic came from literally nowhere. No. Eliad, who was his best friend now turned Gatekeeper for Arcanum Magic Academy had sent this adventurer to his way. He knew that Randall’s soon was dead. He wanted to yell some advices but held his tongue. They were in mortal combat now. Any distraction could spell doom on either side. And he was not sure he could tell which way the scale would swing. It would be different if he had a sword in hand. No. Nothing could be done until his hip was fixed. Being old was a curse on its own. Thus, Randall fervently prayed to Freya for Winter’s victory. Winter’s vision was tunneling. He saw nothing else but his opponent. When a human was focused enough in their task, they were oblivious to everything else around them. It brought their utmost ability to the task at hand. Winter’s immersion in the battle brought forth such phenomenon. In the zone, he could guess with great accuracy where his enemy would be attacking from the smallest gesture. He made occasional mistakes due to inexperience a few times. But he left enough room for correction. Several close shaves from the mistakes had reduced his health to less than half but he did not pay any attention to anything else. Only the enemy mattered. The exchange was exhilarating for Winter. The parry, dodge counter hit and deflection felt like music to him. The spell blasts that he avoided at close range was the high note while the shriek of pain whenever he managed to inflict damage to the monster the chorus. His health was holding steady at 23% after trial and error. The spider still has more health than him at approximately 46% but he was learning. Now only his stamina was of concern. Mages have naturally low stamina. He has used up more than half of it. This was the longest one on one fight he has ever gone through up to date and it showed no conclusion anytime soon. As if the thought itself brought forth the chance, Winter misjudged a block for parry. He was not badly injured by the tiny bit of mistake, but had been launched away over ten meters. Flurry of shadow knives were flying at him, forcing him to create more distance and hiding behind a stone pillar. If Winter was her and managed to create a good distance between him and his enemy, he would begin the preparation to unleash his best move. The spider obviously thought the same. Not hiding her intent, she intoned in rasping clear voice some sort of spell. Whatever it was, it was definitely deadly considering from the magesight the quantity of mana gathered around her was so dense that she glowed like a Christmas tree. Upon realising this, Winter’s eye widened. Not wasting even a single millisecond, he leaped out and began sprinting toward the spider. A clear film like bubble was erected in front of her. Winter had encountered that spell before. It was one of her more annoying skill, a reflective piece of magic. Whatever spell he lobed at her would bounce back if it hits the glass like surface. The only solution winter came up with was to wait for the spell to finish. He had a suspicion that higher grade magic could pierce it, but had no such spell in his repertoire to test it with. Luckily it only had 10 seconds duration. That ten second of invulnerability from any of his magical attack was no doubt enough to finish up. The distance was great enough for the spider to appear smug at her advantage. Winter could swear although the mouth was busy chanting a long <<Cadence>>, the corner of her mouth and eyes said ‘I win’. That would not do for Winter. “Reflex!” he shouted. The world slowed down exponentially. The air felt like it was encased in liquid. His passing caused ripples of air to be pushed away visibly. The dusts that were swept off indicated his quick passage. Randall who saw that from outside of the accelerated world was left open mouthed. He recognised the spell, a lost part of his heritage, something he never thought he would ever see again. One moment Winter was running forward as fast as he could, the next moment he appeared in front of the spider that looked startled at his presence. With half a second left, Winter did not waste anytime. Uttering quick prayer to whatever god in Royal Road, he stabbed the clay sword that had lost considerable durability. He prayed that the feedback from the spell was damaging enough because his stamina would not last for another minute. The stab was angled from low to high, piercing the Arachna’s heart. Any disturbance was enough in truth. Winter could have hit the spider on her mouth. Sliced her head a little or even kicked her off. Anything to cause an interruption. He thought it was somewhat poetic to aim for the heart. As expected from anything that got stabbed in the heart, it shrieked in pain, breaking the spell. There was a single moment of clear silence where everything stopped. His hit was a critical, taking off 15% HP but not fatal. The pear like black eyes stared at Winter in astonishment. A bloodthirsty smile was the last impression the spider woman gave him before a deafening explosion rocked the cavern. xXx Winter had virtual cold sweats when he recalled how close he was to failing the quest. He did not have any time to summon more than one coffin to hide under. The said temporary barrier was disintegrated to nothing. Winter who was huddled underneath the slab survived with less than 100 health point left. He felt the pressure blast flattening him to the ground while the system message flickered at the same rate his health point was decreasing. This was Winter’s first encounter with large scale malfunctioning spell and it would be one of his favorite offensive tactic in the future against casters. “Uggh.. I swear.. that was a bad idea!” he grumbled while getting off the perfectly scoured ground. He was unsure why he survived when the rocks and stone pillars were completely disintegrated in what appeared to be a perfect sphere from the center of the explosion. He never figured out that having high magic defense was very useful until much later against wild spells. xXx Reki was slightly annoyed. To anyone looking at her, she would look all calm and collected. But if anyone looked closely at how fast and furiously she was shooting, to the point of missing two out of a hundred target by the time she was done, they would had known something was not right. Reki never missed. Not true. She missed if the target moved or if it was too far. But an immobile target at 100m range? She could do shaft shots as many times as she wished. Shaft shot is where an archer shoots a bullseye and shoots the arrow on the bullseye, splitting it dead center. It was amongst the most difficult archery feat. Reki’s personal best was twenty two continuous (shaft) shot that so far remained unbroken despite numerous other archers challenging the feat. It was such a far cry from previous score of six in a row. There were no reward from the achievement except for prestige. At least that was what general players thought. Reki did obtain a few benefits. One, A title of Sharpshooter that improved her damage, penetration and accuracy considerably. Two, probably a unique skill called Pinpoint Precision. It was a buff type ability, passive in nature that further improved damage inflicted from her archery skill by fixed 10%. She had asked him to look her up if anything interesting happened. Then the man himself disappeared to a dungeon somewhere without telling her. She reined her temper in as it was not his fault. She was absent for the past couple of days due to her work. She was suddenly called in to solve a theorem that would be used to improve a matrix interface program. Finding the solution had not been difficult. It was the traveling back and forth that sucked, making most of the two days of her time unable to log in. The solution could only be inputted in a specific place and it was not close by where she lived. There was also no cell reception nor anything to connect to internet as a security precaution. It was a hassle that she has to go there whenever they ran into a snag. But for the benefit she received, she was willing to bear with it. In her capacity as a consultant for the programming department, she was privy to a few secrets of Royal Road. A few of those secrets, she designed herself to boot. What she knew was not enough to win the emperor prize. She also had signed an agreement stating she was ineligible for the prize itself. Ellie was fine with it since she has no need for that much money. At thirteen she was wealthy from money she obtained from stock exchange. She wondered if her father would ever figure it out. Uncle Daniel probably suspected. She did not mod her appearance too much after all. Only a few cosmetic changes on her hair color, length and iris color. Her original appearance was of very slender and petite girl. She was also a brunette. Her only vanity was increasing her height as she was remarkably short for her age. She was barely 130cm in height and if she was right, she would barely hit 145 when she stopped growing. It was a depressing thought. Writing a message to her sister asking where she was at the moment, Ellie did not expect quick reply as Celine was rather busy nowadays. Sighing, Reki checked for her father’s username in her friend list. He was online and nowhere near her place. She wondered how he fared there. Samuel and Rinne was around, but she was not in the mood to be talking to anyone else but Winter. She was tempted to turn off her secret ‘privacy’ button that allowed her to appear offline to anyone in her friend list but decided she better log out for real to clean up her place. The hallway was getting a little too crowded with stacks of paper. xXx TRRRRIINNGG!! | Help Randall completed!You leveled up! | | --- | Winter patted himself to dislodge dirts that still clung to him. He grabbed the loot that the Arachna dropped. | Black Widow’s HeartAn intact heart of an Arachna. Despite its condition, it is still beating! Handle with care!Further identification needed. | | --- | “Identify.” | Identification failed! | | --- | “Huh. Identify.” It failed again. Winter tried three more times before giving up, leaving the blackened, grotesque heart in his inventory. He picked up the 300G dropped too and one very unusual sword. | Bonesteel SwordDespite its name, it is not made from bone nor steel, but a very rare wood that grew in the most hostile territory known in Versailles. The area is now no more, the name only memory and the location long forgotten. Yet the unique tree that give birth to this weapon lived on from one hand to another as the sword is passed from one successor to another.A standard sword for Battlemage professionAttack : 80 - 100MAttack: 80 - 100All stat +15Restriction: Battlemage only | | --- | Never heard of Battlemage before. Before Winter managed to ponder on the profession further, a yell and snap of a stick brought him back to his new predicament. Randall was displeased with him. “You idiot! Are you trying to kill both of us?” *whack* “Ouch! What are you doing, you crazy old man! I was saving your ass and killing the monster! Is this how you repay me? A stick to the head?” Winter was hopping away, avoiding hits from Randall’s cane. He was shuffling forward to lay more blows to his head. “I can find ten ways to kill her without needing to blow up the cavern, fool! Now stay there and take your hit like a man!” Winter dodged a lot of the blows. Those he could not dodge, he blocked with his hands. He needed another new sword as his Clay Sword was blown to smithereens. He hoped it would not become a habit, him destroying his weapons. The curses got longer and more elaborate with every dodge Winter managed. The hits he took did zero damage, but somehow it was just as painful as being hit with real stick. Eventually Randall stopped, wheezing after Winter chose to be smart and erected stone coffins to wall himself off. “Are you done yet?” Winter shouted from behind the earthwork. “Yes, I am done! Now get your butt out here and help me get home! I have a burial to arrange!” The burial was a somber event, attended by only Randall. Winter was expecting to accompany Randall all the way to wherever he came from. But the burial process without body was simple. He asked Winter to dig a deep hole (which was quite troublesome since he has no shovel) then bury the sword inside. “I *wheeze* would prefer to fight *wheeze* the spider again.” Winter stated when he was done with the task. Randall gave him an evil glare, but Winter did not care. His stamina was completely depleted. “Thank you for your help, adventurer. Winter’s isn’t it?” Randall asked when Winter finished digging the hole and took a break. He would have given a lot to have a shovel right then. Alas, the job was done. Two hours of digging without a break. “Your welcome. Yes. My name is Winter.” Winter was idly thinking that his task was done but somehow he was not transported back yet. “Am I correct to say that you are proficient in way of the sword despite being a Magician by profession?” Randall may had phrased it like a question, but it sounded like a statement. Winter wondered if he should say Yes or No. He was not sure what was considered proficient in swordsmanship. “What do you consider ‘proficient’, Randall?” “About Intermediate level in Sword Mastery.” Winter had reached over 5% Intermediate level 1. His attack damage and attack speed had massive improvement of 100% now with 30% in attack speed. He might not be able to match real swordsman in bodily footworks constantly, but he could at least defend himself well when it was called for. “I guess I am proficient enough then.” Answered Winter. Randall nodded upon hearing Winter’s reply. “And you somehow learned <<Reflex>>. Tell me, where did you learn that skill. I thought it was lost forever.” Digesting the words, Winter wondered if the skill was that rare. It was once he thought about it. He never really asked around, but nobody else, mages or warrior he met so far possessed it. In truth, the skill was not as rare as Winter thought, but it was a difficult to obtain piece of magic and thus not very many mages possessed it. Those that combined it with weapon mastery of any kind numbered less than 50 so far. Among those number, less than 10 used swords that warriors favor. Winter was curious too about how Minalan got hold of the skill book. So he told Randall about Minalan and his daughter, Adria in Cosare. “Minalan did you say!” Randall exclaimed when he first heard the name. When Winter asked what was wrong, Randall replied with nothing and told Winter to continue with his story. So Winter told him that the father and daughter owned a magic shop and received artifacts regularly. Winter did not think too much of it when Randall asked for a description of Minalan and Adria in specific. He was stroking his gray beard when Winter was done. “A magic artifact trader eh. Can’t say I heard of him before. Cosare did you say? I think i will visit him one day.” “Whatever.” Winter brushed away dirts from his pants. He then jumped down the hole he dug, gesturing for Randall to throw the sword to him. Laying it down carefully, Winter climbed up and reversed the digging process. It did not take him as long as the digging but it was equally messy. Resting up under a large tree outside of the dungeon, Winter observed Randall standing still in silent prayer in front of the loosely packed dirt. He thought he saw a nimbus of light emanating from his body, but it happened so fast that he was not sure. “Once more thank you for your help. I believe it is fate that both of us to meet though that meddling Gatekeeper helped it along.” Randall paused for a couple seconds before continuing. “I believe you notice that I asked for a non-iron sword, yes?” A few seconds ticked before Winter got it. “You are a mage too?” He exclaimed in surprise. Randall grinned broadly. The thick beard parted but barely showed his mouth. “I am. And I am not.” “What do you mean you are not. Either you are, or you are not.” “How about you? Are you a mage?” Randall countered. “I am. You saw me casting spells right?” Then it hit Winter that Randall cast no spell at all despite claiming to be a mage too. As if seeing the gears whirring in Winter’s head, Randall nodded. “Yes. I did not cast any spell. At least not the way you know it. My spells were limited to my usage of the sword as you saw.” “Those were spells? I thought they were some sort of warrior skills!” Winter thought back on those ridiculous damage and range of slashes that blew away the ants. Those were magic? From a mage? “I am a Battlemage. The last of my kind, probably.” “A what? Battlemage?” “It is not a very well known profession because it is a dying profession. My son was supposed to be continuing the tradition…” Sighing, Randall tried to get control of his emotion. His fists tightened on the head of his walking stick for a couple seconds before he managed it. “There is also the lack of candidate. The way of Battlemage is harsh and unforgiving. You live and die between moments.” The word ‘moments’ struck Winter as quite befitting if he added to the fact that <<Reflex>> used to be the staple skill for the profession. “Only those that knew suffering and understand defeat could shoulder the power and weakness of this profession. You that I can see that you have had gone through enough on both count, is fit to be the successor. If only you can fix your rude attitude!” Randall had to ruin the gleaming speech with the last part. Winter could not help but retort back. “Hey! I saved your old bones! Lay off the bad comments at last.” “Humph. That is that, this is this.” Winter could not decide whether to be amazed or annoyed at how stubborn the old man was. He could not really hate him as they were rather alike in temperament. He was on the milder side of things though. At least he tried to convince himself that he was. If Samuel had stood there, he might beg to differ. “Never mind. So, I can become this ‘Battlemage’ thing?” “Are you even listening, I said you are to be my successor! What part of that you do not understand!” The walking stick went up but Winter already stepped away before it was halfway up. Reluctantly Randall dropped it back to lean on it. “Humph. You are at least good at dodging and anticipating attacks. So, are you interested?” TTRRRING!!” | Secret class accessible! | | --- | | Do you wish to change class to Battlemage? YES/NO | | --- | This could be the chance Winter was looking for. Originally he wanted to be a warrior. His choice of becoming a mage was forced onto him. His swordsmanship was learned as a fallback when he got cursed. Now that he was offered a class that could utilise both side of profession, was there any reason to refuse? Without any hesitation, Winter answered: “I am.” xXx Ezza was a decently sized town located at the edge of western continent and central continent. This place was in a very literal sense, the middle of nowhere. It was however well populated with players that wished to cross to either zone. A rest stop so to speak. The place had nothing much to it except abundance of supplies for traveling. The market square was sparsely filled. There was not even a training hall there as the place was not the designated spot for beginners. After all, the surrounding monsters were level 130 in average before getting easier when you moved to either part of the continent. It was on that quiet day players that were resting in one of the numerous taverns in Ezza spotted an unusual sight. Her clothing was unusual. She looked even more unusual. The gender was clearly female from the skirt and two ponytails that stuck out slightly above her head. The purple and white clothes had strong resemblance to a maid uniform especially with the headband that was rather distinctive with its frills. Her stature was so short, even shorter than the dwarves that were said to be the shortest of all playable races, standing at 150cm tallest. She was barely 120cm in height but well proportioned like a human child even if the impression she gave out was not of one. Nobody quite remembered when she entered. But everyone remembered when she struggled to get to the stool. Some offered to help, but they could not understand her at all. “Hey, is this some sort of quest or something?” Asked one of the players that tried to help the cute and short creature up the bar stool that was as tall as her. “I don’t know. But I sure want to find out!” the player’s friend replied. Celine was frustrated at the treatments she received. It reminded her once more of her time as a teenagers. She was shorter than most of her friends to the point of sticking out and being mistaken a lot as underage even when she had reached the legal age. Entering a bar required her to produce her identity card. The same with romance themed movie for sixteen and above. It was better now since she learned how to dress up properly and wear a good layer of make ups to highlight her adult parts. Polished ways to exude charms was something that she learned in the acting school and put to good use a lot of times. It annoyed her to no end that her movies were so popular though. She was 24 for god’s sake! She should not even be playing teenage romance movie anymore! She debuted as a teenage character too and gained popularity and following from there. But now she wanted more than anything to graduate from that role and yet was still stuck with it. Her manager told her to be patient. She was working on it. That was a year ago and she was still working on it. Sighing after putting down her glass with both hands that was too small to hold the large mug singlehandedly, Celine was startled by the call from the other side of the bar. “Oh? The drink isn’t pleasing to your palate, Miss?” The bald bartender was an immaculate looking man with a generous moustache and no beard. His arms were bulging with muscles barely contained by the rolled up sleeves of his white shirt. The black apron he wore emphasized his large pectoral muscles more than conceal it. He was bending over a little to put less height between both of them. “Chiimu. Chimu.” “I see. It is good eh. Glad you likes it, Miss.” Players were minding their own business but discreetly taking sneak peeks at the strange creature was agape. Their ears perked up when they heard the reply that sounded nothing like a language. “Chimumumu, chimmimin Chiii mumun!” “In a hurry. Got it. I will get your supplies, Miss.” The bartender burst into a quick action. The regular players that hunted around the area were even more surprised as the bartender was known to be a rude bastard. The only salvation the place had were the good food and drink at reasonable price. The rude comments were taken as part of the cost of eating good food. Not so palatable spice but endurable. “Here we go, Miss. 20 gold should do it.” “Chimu?” “Yes. I am sure. It is a fair deal. After all I don’t get to see a Chim everyday.” From the oversized lapels that hid the hands of the creature that was guaranteed to be tiny, a small pouch flashed out. She needed to stand up to hand over the pouch. “Thank you, Miss. Nice to do business with you.” At this point all the players, male or female wanted to shout to the world ‘so cuteee!!!’. But they were not done yet receiving (enjoying) the visual entertainment. The package that was ordered by the Chim (a few recognised it as a race unique in West part of the continent, Arland Kingdom to be specific) was almost as large as her body. They were ready to offer their help to carry it and journey to wherever the Chim wished to go. The female players were extremely motivated! Celine did not notice them at all. She was busy leveraging the package after lifting it up. ‘What the!!!’ was the silent exclamation everyone thought in their mind. The bartender was not paying attention. Busying himself with a few drinks that was sloshed on the tabletop from what they just witnessed. The package looked like it was sucked into the body of the Chim. Everyone’s thought immediately flashed to a certain blue cat with a dimensional pocket, which was not too far from the truth of what the Chim just did but slightly different. It was no pocket. She devoured it. “Chimu!!” The chim raised her right hand and jiggled it a little like it was waving goodbye. The broad lapel that still refused to show her hand waved a few times like a flag. “Safe trip to you miss!” The bartender replied in slightly raised voice that carried to the entrance. Celine walked out of the bar without looking back. “Oi! Did you see that! What was that?!” A heavily armored female player with a wicked scar across her face shouted to her friend. “I don’t know! But I am going to follow her!” She did not wait but jumped out of her seat to trail Celine. “No fair! I am going too! Wait!” The slower armored player was exiting the bar too but at slower rate than her less armored friend. The two were not the only ones. All females suddenly emptied from the tavern, leaving the male crowd still deciding on what they were seeing as… strange or amazing. Some of the males followed out too. This happened quite a lot to Celine, which was why she hated when she has to resupply in town. But she was out of supplies and it was faster to buy them than to gather them from the wild. “Chimmuuu!!!” (I hate this part!!!!) Celine was running a lot faster than the fastest players that were chasing her for questions, interest or just curiosity. She had foreseen the problem after she was caught once and forced to endure hours of hugging and picture taking and a lot of proposals and offers when they discovered she was a player. It was easier nowadays for her to just talk with NPCs than players. They seem to understand what she was and acted normal enough if generous. ‘At least that beast of a woman was not around this time.’ thought Celine. She would be disappointed to find out that the said woman was not far behind her and they would encounter each other again in the future.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> In between studying, sleeping, and classes, Jessica played Royal Road whenever she could. Occasionally she would drop by a capsule room in the university and rent a capsule. Renting a capsule was about five dollars an hour, but she had a yearly stipend from the scholarship. <br><br>When she was in the city she sprinted about running errands, or did odd jobs in many different places. Occasionally, she visited the training center and hit scarecrows for a bit to practice swordsmanship and adjust to the world. Practice would help her prepare. Through this she had managed to increase her stamina and agility. From working in restaurants she learned cooking skills, from the fishing guild she learned how to fish and from players she learned about the monsters outside the wall. <br><br>Four weeks passed and she had prepared some supplies for her first adventure outside of the walls. In the end, she spent the money she had earned on buying a fishing pole and bait, food, a pot, flint and steel, some ingredients, and with the remainder she was able to afford a knife. With all her running around she needed food to keep up her energy, the ingredients were for the food she fully intended to cook in the future, the flint and steel was to make fires to cook the food she would make herself, the fishing pole was there so she could catch food for herself, the pot was for her to cook food in, and the knife… was because she had been stupid and had forgotten to buy a weapon until the end of her preparations.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">I only have a knife. I think the rabbits will probably kick me to death. I am so amazing. I will probably be the first newb to die by rabbits in this game.</span> <br><br>She mocked herself. She probably would not be the first player to die by rabbit, and she probably wouldn’t be the last either. At least, that was her hope. The keyword here was “probably.” It would be just her luck to be the only person to be killed by a rabbit in the whole history of Royal Road. She was filled with both dread and anticipation because she would be going outside the walls soon. She was hoping the rabbits would be easier than she expected and dreaded the idea of chasing them around. As a person of high pride, she would feel extremely embarrassed if she messed up when hunting rabbits and if she looked silly.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">At least there will probably be priests near. Maybe they’ll save me from the evil rabbits. Ah… I should have bought a weapon first…</span><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><br>The time had come for Fang to be kicked to death by rabbits. The four weeks were up and it was time for her to go out and face her first prey. Fang stepped outside the gates for the first time and saw brilliant sun on the beautiful grassy outdoors. The forest’s edge was visible from her vantage point by the gate. A gentle breeze was blowing; flowers were blooming, butterflies danced from flower to flower, and…<br><br>“Damn you rabbit, get back here!”<br><br>“Ow! Ow! Stop kicking me!”<br><br>“Aaaaaaaah! Why are these rabbits so vicious! Aren’t these beginner creatures!?!”<br><br>“It bit me! Blood!”<br><br>Before her eyes, Fang was watching beginners fight rabbits.<br><br>“…”<br><br>After a moment of silence, she looked at the knife in her hand. Fang opened up the stat window and stared at her stats. She was at level two now, and after a quick glance at her stats she came to a simple conclusion.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">I’m going to die a horrible death aren’t I? Beaten to death by a rabbit in public, this will be the best day of my life. I can’t wait!</span><br><br>For some reason she felt like turning around and hiding in the city for the rest of her life.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><br><span style="font-style: italic;">You damned rabbits! One day when I am a higher level, I will come back and I will beat you all up!</span><br><br> Fang had spent the day chasing rabbits all around the city walls. They were quick to escape, but when cornered turned quite vicious. She had never realized how sharp a rabbit’s claws were. It was now that she remembered a piece of advice: “A cornered rat will bite a cat; one who is cornered will fight like a devil.” It was true. If they had a place to escape from, or an opening, they would run for it, but if there was no other option they would bite, kick, and scratch in a desperate attempt to escape.<br><br> At some point, she had found it easier to hide behind or within bushes, and catch rabbits that came too close. She would slit their throat deeply and quickly, and then let them go. They would get a short distance away before they could go no further. Desperately their legs would kick and twitch as they tried to find a way to escape this fate. It was less risky for her this way; she managed to avoid a lot more scratches if she let them go immediately. Supposedly, this was the way some predators hunted dangerous creatures. They would fatally wound them, then back off and follow them until they were too weak to resist, then they would finish them off.<br><br>Before this method, she had tried cutting down a thick branch and attaching her knife to it to make a spear. It worked some of the times. It gave her some range, and she could use this to pin the animal in place. Rabbits were already very agile creatures, but hunting rabbits with this makeshift spear was made worse by the fact that she was not very good with a spear and so she was not very accurate. <br><br>Later she had tried simply tackling rabbits to catch them, but unfortunately such large movement was anticipated and they would often escape. Tackling rabbits was painful; if she landed wrong she could injure herself. When she was trying to tackle rabbits, she would often have to brush rocks and pebbles off of her arms and sometimes the rocks broke the skin.<br><br>She had finally hit on this method. It took more time and patience, but it was less risky. She had caught many rabbits now. She had gotten crap loot off of them: a rabbit skin, three chunks of meat, and a few coppers. When she said a few coppers, she meant fifteen coppers. At least this amount made up for the bread she had eaten and would cover the costs of a couple more pieces of bread.<br>“…”<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">These damn rabbits! Cheapskates! Worthless creatures! If you’re going to give me so much trouble, you should at least give me more compensation for my troubles. I should sue the rabbits for intentional infliction of emotional distress. They should give me at least one rabbit skin for every three rabbits and at least a good chunk of meat per rabbit. Those damn rabbits should pay for the damages. You accursed rabbits! Give me more loot!</span><br><br>She would eat barley bread while waiting to ambush rabbits to keep her satiety while she hunted. When it started to get dark, Fang went closer to the city and found a nice place to start a fire. The grasses were cleared away, and there were signs that others had tried their hand at cooking and starting fires here. She gathered tinder and kindling, twigs, sticks, and some larger branches. She piled them up near the place where she would be starting her fire. She found some bark and leaves to shell her fire and tinder. She then gathered a good long straight branch and two sturdy Y-shaped branches.<br><br>She shredded up the dried grasses then nested them in the charred remains of past fires. In the center of the ball of tinder, she made an indent which would hopefully make it easier to catch the sparks. After that she tried using the flint and steel. It took many tries before she finally got the tinder to light. She carefully covered up the sparks and blew gently until she was certain it caught, and then she added small twigs. Over time she built up the fire. On two sides of the fire she planted the two Y-shaped sticks in the dirt before hanging the pot over the fire.<br><br>She filled the pot with water and added in the rabbit meat and herbs and seasonings to make a soup. She let it slowly boil while she went back to the forest’s edge and gathered some more wood. Some of the wood she chose was for the fire, and a couple of pieces were for another purpose. With her knife she started to carve, she didn’t have the sculpting skill, but in real life she had done a decent job when it came to whittling. She managed to carve herself a spoon, a ladle, and a bowl. When she was done, the soup had been boiling for a good long while. She rubbed her fingers along the wood searching for splinters and places where the wood might splinter off and become part of the soup. The rough spots she smoothed as best as she could.<br><br>She was no sculptor, she was no wood carver, and it couldn’t be helped. Perhaps if she had more money, she might purchase some decent utensils and a bowl. She ladled a little bit of soup into her bowl and set it aside to cool. After it had cooled sufficiently, she tasted it. It could be better. The flavor was a little bit too bland for her. Oh well, there wasn’t much she could or would do at this point. She fished out a piece of meat and tried it, it was fully cooked. After that she filled her bowl and set it aside to cool. At this point in time there wasn’t much for her to do, so she began to plan.<br><br>When she logged out she would study up on traps and rabbit recipes. She would see if she could catch a fox with a trap. She would also look for a body of water nearby where she could use her fishing rod and practice some. When she ran out of bait, perhaps she could use dropped meat would do as well to catch fish. She would have to look it up.<br><br>She took the pot off the fire and left it to cool a while. When she had done that, she picked up her bowl and began to eat the soup. When her satiety was at 100% she still had some soup left over. If only she had a way to store it, she didn’t want to pour it out. She looked around and spotted what was probably a player.<br><br>“Hey you! Yeah, you! What’s your name? I made some rabbit soup earlier, but I made too much, do you want some?”<br><br>The player she had called over cautiously approached. Fang didn’t blame them for that. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Strange person offering you free food… where’s the catch? Is the food poisoned? Is there something wrong with the food? </span><br><br>It made sense to her that a person would be very cautious about accepting an offer of free food from a stranger camping outside the walls. She washed her bowl and spoon as best as she could, then looked at it dubiously.<br><br>“You can use my bowl and spoon if you want. Or you can use the ladle to eat directly out of the pot if you want to finish it, or I can try carving another bowl and spoon if you don’t want to do either. Don’t worry, the food isn’t poisoned, so relax.”<br><br>The player she had called over still looked a little nervous. He took the bowl and spoon from her, than introduced himself as Kiron. Fang filled the bowl and introduced herself. He nodded, then took a cautious sip of the soup.<br><br>“Ah, nice to meet you, Fang… Oh, this soup isn’t too bad.”<br><br>The look of surprise on Kiron’s face made it hard for Fang not to smile. She was inordinately pleased that someone seemed to like her soup. <br><br>“Nice to meet you too, Kiron. I’m glad you like it.”<br><br>Kiron and Fang had an easy conversation while he ate soup, and when he was done, they friend-ed each other. Fang put out the fire, took the pot, and scraped the embers in it. This would burn off the remaining food in the bottom. She would wash the pot later. Then she dumped the embers back out, and packed the pot away. She bid Kiron good bye and then entered the city to sell the skins and meat she had collected. Today hadn't been too bad of a day at least. </div>

In between studying, sleeping, and classes, Jessica played Royal Road whenever she could. Occasionally she would drop by a capsule room in the university and rent a capsule. Renting a capsule was about five dollars an hour, but she had a yearly stipend from the scholarship. When she was in the city she sprinted about running errands, or did odd jobs in many different places. Occasionally, she visited the training center and hit scarecrows for a bit to practice swordsmanship and adjust to the world. Practice would help her prepare. Through this she had managed to increase her stamina and agility. From working in restaurants she learned cooking skills, from the fishing guild she learned how to fish and from players she learned about the monsters outside the wall. Four weeks passed and she had prepared some supplies for her first adventure outside of the walls. In the end, she spent the money she had earned on buying a fishing pole and bait, food, a pot, flint and steel, some ingredients, and with the remainder she was able to afford a knife. With all her running around she needed food to keep up her energy, the ingredients were for the food she fully intended to cook in the future, the flint and steel was to make fires to cook the food she would make herself, the fishing pole was there so she could catch food for herself, the pot was for her to cook food in, and the knife… was because she had been stupid and had forgotten to buy a weapon until the end of her preparations. I only have a knife. I think the rabbits will probably kick me to death. I am so amazing. I will probably be the first newb to die by rabbits in this game. She mocked herself. She probably would not be the first player to die by rabbit, and she probably wouldn’t be the last either. At least, that was her hope. The keyword here was “probably.” It would be just her luck to be the only person to be killed by a rabbit in the whole history of Royal Road. She was filled with both dread and anticipation because she would be going outside the walls soon. She was hoping the rabbits would be easier than she expected and dreaded the idea of chasing them around. As a person of high pride, she would feel extremely embarrassed if she messed up when hunting rabbits and if she looked silly. At least there will probably be priests near. Maybe they’ll save me from the evil rabbits. Ah… I should have bought a weapon first… *** The time had come for Fang to be kicked to death by rabbits. The four weeks were up and it was time for her to go out and face her first prey. Fang stepped outside the gates for the first time and saw brilliant sun on the beautiful grassy outdoors. The forest’s edge was visible from her vantage point by the gate. A gentle breeze was blowing; flowers were blooming, butterflies danced from flower to flower, and… “Damn you rabbit, get back here!” “Ow! Ow! Stop kicking me!” “Aaaaaaaah! Why are these rabbits so vicious! Aren’t these beginner creatures!?!” “It bit me! Blood!” Before her eyes, Fang was watching beginners fight rabbits. “…” After a moment of silence, she looked at the knife in her hand. Fang opened up the stat window and stared at her stats. She was at level two now, and after a quick glance at her stats she came to a simple conclusion. I’m going to die a horrible death aren’t I? Beaten to death by a rabbit in public, this will be the best day of my life. I can’t wait! For some reason she felt like turning around and hiding in the city for the rest of her life. *** You damned rabbits! One day when I am a higher level, I will come back and I will beat you all up! Fang had spent the day chasing rabbits all around the city walls. They were quick to escape, but when cornered turned quite vicious. She had never realized how sharp a rabbit’s claws were. It was now that she remembered a piece of advice: “A cornered rat will bite a cat; one who is cornered will fight like a devil.” It was true. If they had a place to escape from, or an opening, they would run for it, but if there was no other option they would bite, kick, and scratch in a desperate attempt to escape. At some point, she had found it easier to hide behind or within bushes, and catch rabbits that came too close. She would slit their throat deeply and quickly, and then let them go. They would get a short distance away before they could go no further. Desperately their legs would kick and twitch as they tried to find a way to escape this fate. It was less risky for her this way; she managed to avoid a lot more scratches if she let them go immediately. Supposedly, this was the way some predators hunted dangerous creatures. They would fatally wound them, then back off and follow them until they were too weak to resist, then they would finish them off. Before this method, she had tried cutting down a thick branch and attaching her knife to it to make a spear. It worked some of the times. It gave her some range, and she could use this to pin the animal in place. Rabbits were already very agile creatures, but hunting rabbits with this makeshift spear was made worse by the fact that she was not very good with a spear and so she was not very accurate. Later she had tried simply tackling rabbits to catch them, but unfortunately such large movement was anticipated and they would often escape. Tackling rabbits was painful; if she landed wrong she could injure herself. When she was trying to tackle rabbits, she would often have to brush rocks and pebbles off of her arms and sometimes the rocks broke the skin. She had finally hit on this method. It took more time and patience, but it was less risky. She had caught many rabbits now. She had gotten crap loot off of them: a rabbit skin, three chunks of meat, and a few coppers. When she said a few coppers, she meant fifteen coppers. At least this amount made up for the bread she had eaten and would cover the costs of a couple more pieces of bread. “…” These damn rabbits! Cheapskates! Worthless creatures! If you’re going to give me so much trouble, you should at least give me more compensation for my troubles. I should sue the rabbits for intentional infliction of emotional distress. They should give me at least one rabbit skin for every three rabbits and at least a good chunk of meat per rabbit. Those damn rabbits should pay for the damages. You accursed rabbits! Give me more loot! She would eat barley bread while waiting to ambush rabbits to keep her satiety while she hunted. When it started to get dark, Fang went closer to the city and found a nice place to start a fire. The grasses were cleared away, and there were signs that others had tried their hand at cooking and starting fires here. She gathered tinder and kindling, twigs, sticks, and some larger branches. She piled them up near the place where she would be starting her fire. She found some bark and leaves to shell her fire and tinder. She then gathered a good long straight branch and two sturdy Y-shaped branches. She shredded up the dried grasses then nested them in the charred remains of past fires. In the center of the ball of tinder, she made an indent which would hopefully make it easier to catch the sparks. After that she tried using the flint and steel. It took many tries before she finally got the tinder to light. She carefully covered up the sparks and blew gently until she was certain it caught, and then she added small twigs. Over time she built up the fire. On two sides of the fire she planted the two Y-shaped sticks in the dirt before hanging the pot over the fire. She filled the pot with water and added in the rabbit meat and herbs and seasonings to make a soup. She let it slowly boil while she went back to the forest’s edge and gathered some more wood. Some of the wood she chose was for the fire, and a couple of pieces were for another purpose. With her knife she started to carve, she didn’t have the sculpting skill, but in real life she had done a decent job when it came to whittling. She managed to carve herself a spoon, a ladle, and a bowl. When she was done, the soup had been boiling for a good long while. She rubbed her fingers along the wood searching for splinters and places where the wood might splinter off and become part of the soup. The rough spots she smoothed as best as she could. She was no sculptor, she was no wood carver, and it couldn’t be helped. Perhaps if she had more money, she might purchase some decent utensils and a bowl. She ladled a little bit of soup into her bowl and set it aside to cool. After it had cooled sufficiently, she tasted it. It could be better. The flavor was a little bit too bland for her. Oh well, there wasn’t much she could or would do at this point. She fished out a piece of meat and tried it, it was fully cooked. After that she filled her bowl and set it aside to cool. At this point in time there wasn’t much for her to do, so she began to plan. When she logged out she would study up on traps and rabbit recipes. She would see if she could catch a fox with a trap. She would also look for a body of water nearby where she could use her fishing rod and practice some. When she ran out of bait, perhaps she could use dropped meat would do as well to catch fish. She would have to look it up. She took the pot off the fire and left it to cool a while. When she had done that, she picked up her bowl and began to eat the soup. When her satiety was at 100% she still had some soup left over. If only she had a way to store it, she didn’t want to pour it out. She looked around and spotted what was probably a player. “Hey you! Yeah, you! What’s your name? I made some rabbit soup earlier, but I made too much, do you want some?” The player she had called over cautiously approached. Fang didn’t blame them for that. Strange person offering you free food… where’s the catch? Is the food poisoned? Is there something wrong with the food? It made sense to her that a person would be very cautious about accepting an offer of free food from a stranger camping outside the walls. She washed her bowl and spoon as best as she could, then looked at it dubiously. “You can use my bowl and spoon if you want. Or you can use the ladle to eat directly out of the pot if you want to finish it, or I can try carving another bowl and spoon if you don’t want to do either. Don’t worry, the food isn’t poisoned, so relax.” The player she had called over still looked a little nervous. He took the bowl and spoon from her, than introduced himself as Kiron. Fang filled the bowl and introduced herself. He nodded, then took a cautious sip of the soup. “Ah, nice to meet you, Fang… Oh, this soup isn’t too bad.” The look of surprise on Kiron’s face made it hard for Fang not to smile. She was inordinately pleased that someone seemed to like her soup. “Nice to meet you too, Kiron. I’m glad you like it.” Kiron and Fang had an easy conversation while he ate soup, and when he was done, they friend-ed each other. Fang put out the fire, took the pot, and scraped the embers in it. This would burn off the remaining food in the bottom. She would wash the pot later. Then she dumped the embers back out, and packed the pot away. She bid Kiron good bye and then entered the city to sell the skins and meat she had collected. Today hadn't been too bad of a day at least.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Hello there readers.<br>I'm making this thread for people who want to give me comments that don't fit into the chapter discussion/comments and for me to express my thoughts.<br><br>I previously posted my FF on <a href="http://www.japtem.com" target="_blank">http://www.japtem.com</a> with the username: Rin007. It's been well received is what I'd like to think.<br>*EDIT 29th December*<br>OK that had to be on purpose, posting a comment so the chapters line up. Thanks! I've locked them for easy access for a while and might unlock them if they are able to stay in order without being locked so you can comment. Next chapter up the 30th dec. </div>

Hello there readers. I'm making this thread for people who want to give me comments that don't fit into the chapter discussion/comments and for me to express my thoughts. I previously posted my FF on <http://www.japtem.com> with the username: Rin007. It's been well received is what I'd like to think. *EDIT 29th December* OK that had to be on purpose, posting a comment so the chapters line up. Thanks! I've locked them for easy access for a while and might unlock them if they are able to stay in order without being locked so you can comment. Next chapter up the 30th dec.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Instinctively, I shouted out "Score!"<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%">Araret</td><td width="25%">Title</td><td colspan="2">None</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Class</td><td width="25%">The Gamer</td><td colspan="3">Equipment</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Race</td><td width="25%">Human</td><td width="25%">Head</td><td colspan="2">-</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Level</td><td width="25%">1</td><td width="25%">Neck</td><td colspan="2">House-keys on a lanyard</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">100</td><td width="25%">Torso</td><td colspan="2">White cotton t-shirt</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">100</td><td width="25%">Shoulders</td><td colspan="2">-</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Arms</td><td colspan="2">-</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Dexterity</td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Wrists</td><td colspan="2">A silvery watch</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Intelligence</td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Hands</td><td colspan="2">-</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Rings</td><td colspan="2">Engineer's iron ring</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Constitution</td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Waist</td><td colspan="2">Thin brown belt</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Charisma</td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Legs</td><td colspan="2">Worn-down blue jeans</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Stance</td><td width="25%">Running</td><td width="25%">Feet</td><td colspan="2">Aged running shoes</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Encumbrance</td><td width="25%">Light</td><td width="25%">Right Hand</td><td colspan="2">-</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">EXP</td><td width="25%">0%</td><td width="25%">Left Hand</td><td colspan="2">-</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>I stared at the see-through table in front of me, and gave a large sigh. It would seem that I really have gone crazy, and now I have imagined my life as a game character. I gave another sigh before I gave-in to the absurdness, and studied the window before me. If life gives you lemons, then make hard lemonade. Get drunk on it, and never look back.<br><br>I nodded my head slowly, as I noticed that the status window is quite similar to Royal Road’s. The main difference is that it lacked the “Stamina” bar, while it also displayed the equipment or clothes on me.<br><br>“And here I’ve thought that I was a bit smarter and weaker than the average person… With a base stat of 10 for everything, I suppose I’m just about average in everything” I muttered to myself. “Well. Either that, or the initial calibration to my body is a base-10 for every stat?”<br><br>I sighed loudly as I slumped onto my bed. I contemplated several questions, while I muttered loudly to myself. <br><br>“Now, on the assumption that all of this is true, then I should be able to heal any injury to my body. My injured shoulder probably represented 20 damages to my health, and it healed perfectly after resting for a while”<br><br>“Then again, there’s really no way to test if I can regenerate a dismembered limb. Even if I am now a game character, I still can’t save and reset. If I die, then I die. If I lose an arm, then I’ll be a cripple for the rest of my life… Hah! It’d be way too OP if I can respawn after getting into a deadly car crash!!”<br><br>“Hrm… If I double my strength then theoretically I can lift twice as much… What would happen if I doubled my intelligence stat? Do I get double the IQ? And what about EQ? Would the Charisma stat equal to EQ increase? Able to more effectively speak, barter and manipulate other people should fall under the Charisma stat… But classical psychology would denote it as EQ… ”<br><br>“What does Wisdom really do? Intelligence is the ability to recognize patterns, but what is Wisdom? To learn from past mistakes? To know what to do in certain situations? Games would always make it such that a high WIS means easier time learning skills from repeated usage, or give spell-save rolls… But how does that affect me in real life?”<br><br>After I mulled over my options in the safety of my bed, I quickly realized that my life still needed to go on. Whether I have this ability doesn’t matter, as I still need to work and feed myself, and I’ll be damned if I lose my job due to being insane!<br><br>I gathered my gaming experience and shouted out a few other common in-game commands:<br>“Inventory! Chat! Options! Help!”<br><br>The only command that featured another pop-up window is inventory, which I saw a 5 x 10 grid-like table before me. Finally, I called out the command that I definitely knew was there: “Skills!”<br><br>The skill window popped up before me, yet it was quite sad that only a single skill is registered. I reached out with my hand and tapped the skill, and watched as the skill expanded into an explanation.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Innate Ability – Gamer’s Data (Passive Ability)</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Beginner - Lvl 1 – Exp: 0.00%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Due to your class, you have gained the ability to analyze things, people and situations as if they belonged in a game. Allows you to use “Identify” on everything.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>I chuckled as I read and reread the words describing the skill. At first glance, it seems that I have the ability to see descriptions of people and items, like the “Identify” skill in Royal Road. But with further examination, I could also see that the skill levels are exactly like Royal Road. An assumption would be that there are 5 stages of skills: Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Master / Grandmaster, and skill progression is arranged from Lvl 1 to 9 per stage, until maxing out at Grandmaster Lvl 10.<br><br>I quickly started using my &lt;Identify&gt; skill on everything I owned in the household, and I managed to get to Intermediate Lvl 1 before I went to bed. As I gained proficiency in the skill, newer pieces of information started to become known to me, such as a numerical value for durability, and place of origin for manufactured items. Although I had never tested it on a living thing, I had a feeling that I would see the name, level and health of the thing I am interested in.<br><br>--------------<br><br>Everybody in the group cheered loudly as we gulped down our beer and laughed heartily. I made no significant discoveries during the next day, although I had quite a few ideas and experiments I wanted to conduct. Tonight, however, I had promised my best friend Thalo that we would go to a bar in celebration of his new job. Of course, my friend’s name is not Thalo, and neither my name is Araret, but as we had been using our avatar names for gaming since we were kids. “Thal” and “Ret” became our aliases, a secondary persona that existed in the world of gaming.<br><br>Thalo came from a poor family, and was later adopted by the monks that lived in the outskirts of the city. As I used to adventure and play in the forest or places outside of the city, I was one of the few kids that would play with Thalo. We are almost exactly opposite in personality: he was kind, open-minded and optimistic, while I was shy, sarcastically pessimistic, and always critically analyzed (judged) everybody. It was a real wonder how the two of us became such great friends, but as the years gone past, he became my brother. <br>The monks of the city were not renowned for combat, yet they knew enough to teach Thalo the basics, such as the proper posture for exercise and basic self-defence. While I left the city for university, Thalo took the full-time job as a junior monk at the monastery. Although the monastery is his home, he still dutifully carried out his duties, and managed to gather enough money to learn from professional combat instructors. Northern and southern Shaolin styles, Sanda, Wingchun, Taichi, and Mongolian wrestling. In the five years that I left, he spent countless hours in learning traditional and nouveau combat styles of China. <br><br>Being a monk prohibited him from entering actual combat competitions, and thus he eventually left his home to pursue a career in mixed martial arts (MMA). His new job is at a local MMA gym, a young and new gym that is gaining momentum for both exercise/self-defence and training for combat athletes. He took on the job as a junior trainer, and essentially did anything and everything the seniors wanted him to do. This allowed him time to exercise, as well as gain the necessary experience to become a strong fighter himself.<br><br>“Let me buy you a drink!”<br>“…”<br>“Why not? Let’s get drunk and rearrange the alphabet! Put “U” and “I” together!”<br>“…”<br>“C’mon, don’t ignore me like that!”<br>“…”<br>“Damned bitch…”<br><br>A classic bar scene unfolded before me, as an older inebriated hooligan tried to chat and pick-up an attractive red-headed woman that sat by herself. The woman sat cross-legged on a tall bar stool, and stared emptily in front of her while she nursed her drink. An icy aura emanated from her, as she completely ignored the man beside her. In fact, she did not even acknowledge his presence!<br><br>After several failed attempts to elicit a reaction from the woman, the man quickly became angry. His face became swollen and purple, and visible veins popped from his temple. The man gave off a disgusting smirk, and soundly smacked the woman on her ass. The woman stared in front of her for a brief second, before she splashed her drink over the drunken man’s face in one smooth motion. Then, while the man sputtered like a fish out of water, she grabbed a cigarette lighter on the wooden bartop and throw the lit flame at the man’s face. <br><br>The drunken man shook and screamed in fear, as he tried to smother the expected flame on his head. Everybody in the bar turned their attention to the duo, and watched as the drunken man struggled and flapped his hands about his head. More than thirty-seconds later, the man stopped and realized that he was fine, that he was simply wet and was not on fire. <br><br>An icy yet attractive laugh came from the woman, as she sat cross-legged on her barstool, and looked down at the man before her. After a brief second, everybody else in the bar joined in, and a rowdy laugh erupted. Completely stunned, the man stood still and started to breathe more and more heavily. <br><br>At the top of his lungs, he screamed, “Bitch! Ima kill you!”<br><br>I smirked softly as I stood stationary and watched the entire situation before me. The woman was certainly attractive, and had an aura that could command a thousand men. Yet a drunkard is messy to deal with, no matter what tricks a woman like her use. <br><br>As the drunken man stepped up to her and raised his hand, I noticed that Thalo had stepped up and firmly grasped the raised arm. With a simple twist and fling, the drunkard fell onto the floor while Thalo stood beside the woman. <br><br>“Don’t be hitting woman now, you drunkard! She’s outta your league, and you know it!!”<br><br>Another round of laughter erupted from the bar, while the woman sat comfortably on her stool and enjoyed the situation. I sighed loudly as Thalo proceeded to lecture and intimidate the man, while the grin on the woman’s face grew larger and larger. I simply shook my head as I knew that there would be trouble ahead. After several minutes of lectures, I joined Thalo finally got him to release the drunkard. Scared yet relieved, the drunkard scurried back to a corner of the bar, and let out a flurry of angry hisses and mutters. <br><br>As Thalo and I turned back to face the woman, she had already stood up from her stool, and was ready to leave. She held a square piece of paper in her left hand, while her expensive red LV purse hung from her elbow. She approached Thalo, as she wore a vixen-like smile and batted her eyelash in a way that I knew Thalo would fall for. As she got closer, I could fully see her features, although I felt strange feeling in the pit of my stomach. Her passionate red hair was long, silky and smooth, reaching down her back. Flawless, white porcelain skin gave her a cool and regal aura, and matched well with her red hair and her sharp red lips. Strong eyeliner and eyeshadow, along with her seductive features, gave her eyes a mysterious shine. Her body is lithe and slim, yet cannot be seen as skinny or weak. Despite being a red-head, she had both Asian and Caucasian features, and I guessed that perhaps she is a mixed-blood - the rich daughter of an international business magnate. <br><br>I felt dizzy and nauseous as I continued to examine her. I squeezed and closed my eyes, as I tried not to fall over due to the dizziness. After a few minutes, I was able to calm myself and felt the illness pass. As I looked around, I noticed that everybody in the bar had a mindless stare.<br><br>Tiingg!<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You have successfully guarded against the spell &lt;Seductive Eyes&gt;. You are now immune to its effects for the next 15 minutes. Wis +1</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>I was shocked at the pop-up table before me, before I quickly returned my gaze toward her. I did not want her to notice that I was any different from the other people around her. I stood silently and tried to gaze past her, while my heartbeat raced and pounded. <br><br>Her attractiveness seems to increase as she circled and walked around Thalo. With a pale slender finger, she traced large circles on Thalo’s chest.<br><br>“Gimme a call when you get a chance, Hero”<br><br>The woman leaned closely as her lips almost touched Thalo’s, but suddenly pushed Thalo away like he was a dog and left him with the piece of paper. Her red high-heels echoed loudly as she walked toward the door. When she opened the door, she turned her head and gave me a mischievous grin and wink. I felt my blood suddenly freeze over, and I stared back at her in fear, afraid that she had found out about my ability. I am only a Lvl 1 newbie, and I have no idea what would happen if she wanted to kill me. I am seriously not confident that I can respawn like a true game character. I silently activated my “Identify” skill, and hoped that the information it gives me will let me survive this encounter.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Arami</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Lvl 21</td><td colspan="2">The Druidess</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">100%</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">93%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">This attractive woman is a half-breed. Half-human and half-???</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> </div>

Instinctively, I shouted out "Score!" | Status Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | Araret | Title | None | | | Class | The Gamer | Equipment | | | | Race | Human | Head | - | | | Level | 1 | Neck | House-keys on a lanyard | | | Health | 100 | Torso | White cotton t-shirt | | | Mana | 100 | Shoulders | - | | | Strength | 10 | Arms | - | | | Dexterity | 10 | Wrists | A silvery watch | | | Intelligence | 10 | Hands | - | | | Wisdom | 10 | Rings | Engineer's iron ring | | | Constitution | 10 | Waist | Thin brown belt | | | Charisma | 10 | Legs | Worn-down blue jeans | | | Stance | Running | Feet | Aged running shoes | | | Encumbrance | Light | Right Hand | - | | | EXP | 0% | Left Hand | - | | I stared at the see-through table in front of me, and gave a large sigh. It would seem that I really have gone crazy, and now I have imagined my life as a game character. I gave another sigh before I gave-in to the absurdness, and studied the window before me. If life gives you lemons, then make hard lemonade. Get drunk on it, and never look back. I nodded my head slowly, as I noticed that the status window is quite similar to Royal Road’s. The main difference is that it lacked the “Stamina” bar, while it also displayed the equipment or clothes on me. “And here I’ve thought that I was a bit smarter and weaker than the average person… With a base stat of 10 for everything, I suppose I’m just about average in everything” I muttered to myself. “Well. Either that, or the initial calibration to my body is a base-10 for every stat?” I sighed loudly as I slumped onto my bed. I contemplated several questions, while I muttered loudly to myself. “Now, on the assumption that all of this is true, then I should be able to heal any injury to my body. My injured shoulder probably represented 20 damages to my health, and it healed perfectly after resting for a while” “Then again, there’s really no way to test if I can regenerate a dismembered limb. Even if I am now a game character, I still can’t save and reset. If I die, then I die. If I lose an arm, then I’ll be a cripple for the rest of my life… Hah! It’d be way too OP if I can respawn after getting into a deadly car crash!!” “Hrm… If I double my strength then theoretically I can lift twice as much… What would happen if I doubled my intelligence stat? Do I get double the IQ? And what about EQ? Would the Charisma stat equal to EQ increase? Able to more effectively speak, barter and manipulate other people should fall under the Charisma stat… But classical psychology would denote it as EQ… ” “What does Wisdom really do? Intelligence is the ability to recognize patterns, but what is Wisdom? To learn from past mistakes? To know what to do in certain situations? Games would always make it such that a high WIS means easier time learning skills from repeated usage, or give spell-save rolls… But how does that affect me in real life?” After I mulled over my options in the safety of my bed, I quickly realized that my life still needed to go on. Whether I have this ability doesn’t matter, as I still need to work and feed myself, and I’ll be damned if I lose my job due to being insane! I gathered my gaming experience and shouted out a few other common in-game commands: “Inventory! Chat! Options! Help!” The only command that featured another pop-up window is inventory, which I saw a 5 x 10 grid-like table before me. Finally, I called out the command that I definitely knew was there: “Skills!” The skill window popped up before me, yet it was quite sad that only a single skill is registered. I reached out with my hand and tapped the skill, and watched as the skill expanded into an explanation. | Innate Ability – Gamer’s Data (Passive Ability) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Beginner - Lvl 1 – Exp: 0.00% | | Due to your class, you have gained the ability to analyze things, people and situations as if they belonged in a game. Allows you to use “Identify” on everything. | I chuckled as I read and reread the words describing the skill. At first glance, it seems that I have the ability to see descriptions of people and items, like the “Identify” skill in Royal Road. But with further examination, I could also see that the skill levels are exactly like Royal Road. An assumption would be that there are 5 stages of skills: Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Master / Grandmaster, and skill progression is arranged from Lvl 1 to 9 per stage, until maxing out at Grandmaster Lvl 10. I quickly started using my <Identify> skill on everything I owned in the household, and I managed to get to Intermediate Lvl 1 before I went to bed. As I gained proficiency in the skill, newer pieces of information started to become known to me, such as a numerical value for durability, and place of origin for manufactured items. Although I had never tested it on a living thing, I had a feeling that I would see the name, level and health of the thing I am interested in. -------------- Everybody in the group cheered loudly as we gulped down our beer and laughed heartily. I made no significant discoveries during the next day, although I had quite a few ideas and experiments I wanted to conduct. Tonight, however, I had promised my best friend Thalo that we would go to a bar in celebration of his new job. Of course, my friend’s name is not Thalo, and neither my name is Araret, but as we had been using our avatar names for gaming since we were kids. “Thal” and “Ret” became our aliases, a secondary persona that existed in the world of gaming. Thalo came from a poor family, and was later adopted by the monks that lived in the outskirts of the city. As I used to adventure and play in the forest or places outside of the city, I was one of the few kids that would play with Thalo. We are almost exactly opposite in personality: he was kind, open-minded and optimistic, while I was shy, sarcastically pessimistic, and always critically analyzed (judged) everybody. It was a real wonder how the two of us became such great friends, but as the years gone past, he became my brother. The monks of the city were not renowned for combat, yet they knew enough to teach Thalo the basics, such as the proper posture for exercise and basic self-defence. While I left the city for university, Thalo took the full-time job as a junior monk at the monastery. Although the monastery is his home, he still dutifully carried out his duties, and managed to gather enough money to learn from professional combat instructors. Northern and southern Shaolin styles, Sanda, Wingchun, Taichi, and Mongolian wrestling. In the five years that I left, he spent countless hours in learning traditional and nouveau combat styles of China. Being a monk prohibited him from entering actual combat competitions, and thus he eventually left his home to pursue a career in mixed martial arts (MMA). His new job is at a local MMA gym, a young and new gym that is gaining momentum for both exercise/self-defence and training for combat athletes. He took on the job as a junior trainer, and essentially did anything and everything the seniors wanted him to do. This allowed him time to exercise, as well as gain the necessary experience to become a strong fighter himself. “Let me buy you a drink!” “…” “Why not? Let’s get drunk and rearrange the alphabet! Put “U” and “I” together!” “…” “C’mon, don’t ignore me like that!” “…” “Damned bitch…” A classic bar scene unfolded before me, as an older inebriated hooligan tried to chat and pick-up an attractive red-headed woman that sat by herself. The woman sat cross-legged on a tall bar stool, and stared emptily in front of her while she nursed her drink. An icy aura emanated from her, as she completely ignored the man beside her. In fact, she did not even acknowledge his presence! After several failed attempts to elicit a reaction from the woman, the man quickly became angry. His face became swollen and purple, and visible veins popped from his temple. The man gave off a disgusting smirk, and soundly smacked the woman on her ass. The woman stared in front of her for a brief second, before she splashed her drink over the drunken man’s face in one smooth motion. Then, while the man sputtered like a fish out of water, she grabbed a cigarette lighter on the wooden bartop and throw the lit flame at the man’s face. The drunken man shook and screamed in fear, as he tried to smother the expected flame on his head. Everybody in the bar turned their attention to the duo, and watched as the drunken man struggled and flapped his hands about his head. More than thirty-seconds later, the man stopped and realized that he was fine, that he was simply wet and was not on fire. An icy yet attractive laugh came from the woman, as she sat cross-legged on her barstool, and looked down at the man before her. After a brief second, everybody else in the bar joined in, and a rowdy laugh erupted. Completely stunned, the man stood still and started to breathe more and more heavily. At the top of his lungs, he screamed, “Bitch! Ima kill you!” I smirked softly as I stood stationary and watched the entire situation before me. The woman was certainly attractive, and had an aura that could command a thousand men. Yet a drunkard is messy to deal with, no matter what tricks a woman like her use. As the drunken man stepped up to her and raised his hand, I noticed that Thalo had stepped up and firmly grasped the raised arm. With a simple twist and fling, the drunkard fell onto the floor while Thalo stood beside the woman. “Don’t be hitting woman now, you drunkard! She’s outta your league, and you know it!!” Another round of laughter erupted from the bar, while the woman sat comfortably on her stool and enjoyed the situation. I sighed loudly as Thalo proceeded to lecture and intimidate the man, while the grin on the woman’s face grew larger and larger. I simply shook my head as I knew that there would be trouble ahead. After several minutes of lectures, I joined Thalo finally got him to release the drunkard. Scared yet relieved, the drunkard scurried back to a corner of the bar, and let out a flurry of angry hisses and mutters. As Thalo and I turned back to face the woman, she had already stood up from her stool, and was ready to leave. She held a square piece of paper in her left hand, while her expensive red LV purse hung from her elbow. She approached Thalo, as she wore a vixen-like smile and batted her eyelash in a way that I knew Thalo would fall for. As she got closer, I could fully see her features, although I felt strange feeling in the pit of my stomach. Her passionate red hair was long, silky and smooth, reaching down her back. Flawless, white porcelain skin gave her a cool and regal aura, and matched well with her red hair and her sharp red lips. Strong eyeliner and eyeshadow, along with her seductive features, gave her eyes a mysterious shine. Her body is lithe and slim, yet cannot be seen as skinny or weak. Despite being a red-head, she had both Asian and Caucasian features, and I guessed that perhaps she is a mixed-blood - the rich daughter of an international business magnate. I felt dizzy and nauseous as I continued to examine her. I squeezed and closed my eyes, as I tried not to fall over due to the dizziness. After a few minutes, I was able to calm myself and felt the illness pass. As I looked around, I noticed that everybody in the bar had a mindless stare. Tiingg! | You have successfully guarded against the spell <Seductive Eyes>. You are now immune to its effects for the next 15 minutes. Wis +1 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | I was shocked at the pop-up table before me, before I quickly returned my gaze toward her. I did not want her to notice that I was any different from the other people around her. I stood silently and tried to gaze past her, while my heartbeat raced and pounded. Her attractiveness seems to increase as she circled and walked around Thalo. With a pale slender finger, she traced large circles on Thalo’s chest. “Gimme a call when you get a chance, Hero” The woman leaned closely as her lips almost touched Thalo’s, but suddenly pushed Thalo away like he was a dog and left him with the piece of paper. Her red high-heels echoed loudly as she walked toward the door. When she opened the door, she turned her head and gave me a mischievous grin and wink. I felt my blood suddenly freeze over, and I stared back at her in fear, afraid that she had found out about my ability. I am only a Lvl 1 newbie, and I have no idea what would happen if she wanted to kill me. I am seriously not confident that I can respawn like a true game character. I silently activated my “Identify” skill, and hoped that the information it gives me will let me survive this encounter. | Arami | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Lvl 21 | | The Druidess | | | Health | 100% | Mana | 93% | | This attractive woman is a half-breed. Half-human and half-??? | | | |

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <img src="http://i58.tinypic.com/1zl6iwx.jpg" border="0" alt="http%3a%2f%2fi58.tinypic.com%2f1zl6iwx.jpg"><br><br>Vol1 Chapter 6<br>Wolves and Clockwork<br><br>Don was sprinting. He had been fighting a pack of mountain wolves for the past twenty minutes and Bob’s cart got some distance between them. Wolves fight intelligently, Don’s defensive movement barely kept them at bay while he whittled away at them one by one. It took forever.<br><br>After another fifteen minutes Don caught up to Bob’s caravan and took out some cloth. Bob taught him the Tailoring skill a week prior, and now Don was trying to get his skill to level 4. When tailoring is at level 1, cloth can be sewn, level 2, soft cloth, level 3, leather, and level 4, stiff leather. Don was almost through making some hide boots. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Skill level up: Tailoring [3]</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Identify”<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Deer skin boots:<br>Durability: 20/20<br>Defense: 2.<br><br>Woven deer skin boots made with practiced hands. Although the defense is not high, they are comfortable and durable.<br><br>Effects:<br>Agility +2.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Don passed the shoes to Bob for minor inspection and said, “Got up to 3.” <br><br>“Congratulations, these are good work. Now, how much would they sell for?”<br><br>Don thought about it for a moment before saying, “Fair price, 60 copper. Market Price, 1 silver, 30 copper.”<br><br>Bob nodded. One of the first things Don learned about Bob was that the gnome sold his wares at fair prices, not market prices. Because of the isolation of the towns he visited the demand for most of his goods was greater than the supply, if he sold his goods at double the price, no one would be able to complain. He said that the reason he didn’t was because he wasn’t a merchant with class exclusive skills like Barter and Trading. He did however say that a month after started out he got the stat Trade. To Bob, trading buying and selling was a way to increase his trade stats and fame. The higher these were the easier it would be for him to acquire rare and unique items when he came across them. <br><br>Don asked, “What will you do after we part ways?”<br><br>This was a question that had bugged Don. If Bob needed an escort to get this far from civilization, he would need one to get back. This deal was to split up at the Veneir mountain range, it would take Bob at least two if not three months to get back to the central continent and if he ran out of homemade artifacts on the way he could lose his life and his cart. Don didn’t know how long either of their business would take so their was a good chance they would not be able to return together. Don wouldn’t feel right leaving Bob on his own but there were no mercenaries or warriors in the towns that would likely agree to escort Bob.<br><br>Bob remained silent for a while before saying, “If I can’t get an escort back I will take the time to make more artifacts for use on the way back.”<br><br>Don said, “Artifacts which you’ll be throwing away and unable to retrieve.... Umm, you said you specialize in automation, you skilled enough to make a robot that can distract the enemy then return to you?”<br><br>Bob nodded. “That was one of my dreams in this game. But it’s not that simple. Building the machinations of a robot is within my capabilities but what gives an Automaton its soul, its programming if you will is a soul gear. Basically it’s a crystal that is filled with pieces of the souls of the type of robot you are making. Say you want to make a giant robot, you would need to kill giants while holding the soul gear. The gear would absorb a small piece of the soul of every giant you kill until it becomes full. If you couldn’t tell, giant robots are nonexistent, gnomes don’t kill giants, giants eat gnomes. There are ways to program a soul gear without killing anything but I don’t have the skill to do so.”<br><br>Don thought for a moment and said, “Do you have a soul gear?”<br><br>Bob nodded.<br><br>“Then how about a Wolf Automaton? We’ve been attacked by mountain wolves 3 times since entering this valley. If you give me the soul gear I can look for the wolves’ den and kill as many as I can.”<br><br>Bob sighed, “Unfortunately that wouldn’t work either. If it did, gnomes could hire out mercenaries to fill soul gears. No, soul gears only fill when in the inventory of an artificer. And I already told you gnomes don’t fight, and I don’t have the skill to make an artifact capable of killing enough wolves to fill it.”<br><br>Don thought for a moment and said, “Can you teach the artifice skill?”<br><br>Bob pulled the reins of his horse, stopping the wagon. He turned to Don and said, “Yes, I can teach it, but it requires 80 intellect and 40 wisdom to learn, minimum. And it requires a certain dexterity rating.”<br><br>“Dexterity rating?”<br><br>Bob nodded, “Think of it as an unwritten stat for the skill of your hands. It is determined by the handicraft skill, the tailoring skill, sculpting skill, the agility stat, and your natural ability. That and you would have to level up here repeatedly to get your stats to the minimum.<br><br>Don thought it over for a second, but the answer was clear, he was in Bob’s debt for the material to learn tailoring. A real man always repays his debt. “How do I know if I have a high enough dexterity rating?”<br><br>Bob looked at Don for a moment and got off the cart before going to the back. He pulled another secret lever and the back of the cart opened, revealing a tiny room. Too small for Don to enter but enough for a gnome. Bob went in, opened a drawer, pulled out some things and jumped back outside, handing them to Don. It was a metal sphere and a pile of small parts. Bob said, “This is a simple artifact, and all the parts needed to make it. How fast you can assemble it is a good test for dexterity rating as well as a measure of the aptitude of artificing.”<br><br>Don sat down and looked through the pieces. Tiny clockwork gears, springs, and form fitting components. Don examined the pieces to see what matched where on the assembled piece. After he saw how the pieces fit together and how they would look on the final piece, Don got to work putting them together with the tools he was given. When Don knew how something worked, assembling or fixing was no problem. <br><br>Don threw the pair of artifacts to Bob. He finished in 3 minutes. Bob looked at them and said, “You really wanna do this?”<br><br>Don nodded, a man didn’t go back on his word.<br><br>Bob found a spot to park his wagon and placed a few artifact traps around the area. It seemed this was how he protected his wagon when he logged out. He got out a large pile of gears, metal ore, and some blacksmith implements. It seemed he was going to make some of the parts from scratch. <br><br>Don left to find monsters to hunt. He wanted to avoid the wolf den for now but he needed to rise 11 levels. His wisdom was 25 and his intellect 40, he had given stats to each some time ago to increase the success rate of his adventurer skills.<br><br>Don wandered around the valley till he found a pack of beasts he didn’t recognize. They were the size of bears but they had thick hind legs and moved around on all fours. Don hid behind a hill and threw a rock at one of them before ducking away. The beast snarled but didn’t make any other noises. It slowly went to the hill to investigate. Don started his blade dance catching the beast’s attention. It approached slowly and when it was close enough Don said, “Scan.”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Bonstros lvl 110~<br>Health 3500~</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Don was level 72, if he could defeat one or two of these he could level up. He had to be careful though, his defense was no where near good enough to survive more than one attack, and if he had to fight more than one at a time, he would likely die. He had to slowly whittle away at the Bonstros’ defense while keeping up his own defense while slowly moving away from their pack in case the beast decided to call for backup.<br><br>Fifteen minutes later the Bonstros fell and Don got 1/3 closer to the next level. The Bonstros was an example of a low quality mob, too strong with low experience. On the bright side though their attack patterns were easy to notice and the attacks themselves straight forward. Don would likely have to kill a hundred or so to get to level 83. <br><br>Don spent the next five real world days killing Bonstros. Once he died while trying to train his perseverance stat and after being cut off for a day he had to sprint from the last village he visited back to Bob’s camp. Bob spent those days slowly and painstakingly making the wolf automaton. He told Don to take his time with grinding because he would need at least another three real world days to craft and assemble the various pieces together. After the fifth day Don got his long awaited message.<br><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>Don sat down, put his five stat points into intellect and took a good look at his stat chart.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="2">Status Window</td></tr><tr><td>Avatar Don</td><td>Alignment Neutral</td></tr><tr><td>Race Lunar Elf</td><td>Title None</td></tr><tr><td>Level 83</td><td>Class Blade Dancer</td></tr><tr><td>Fame 20</td><td>Infamy 20</td></tr><tr><td>Health 3360</td><td>Mana 1430</td></tr><tr><td>Strength 219</td><td>Agility 171</td></tr><tr><td>Wisdom 40</td><td>Intellect 80</td></tr><tr><td>Vitality 80</td><td>Affinity to Nature 0</td></tr><tr><td>Charisma 80</td><td>Charm 80</td></tr><tr><td>Leadership 0</td><td>Perseverance 33</td></tr><tr><td>Fighting Spirit 82</td><td>Endurance 95</td></tr><tr><td>Attack 221</td><td>Defense 54</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Magic Resistances None</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">+ Charisma stat is added extra 80 points.<br>+ Charm stat is added an extra 80 points<br>+ Enables you to equip certain items specialized for the class.<br>+ Increases Attack Power while dual wielding swords.<br>+ Enables you to learn secret skills based on your level in Blade Dancing Mastery.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br>He went back to Bob who was still assembling pieces and said, “I’m done.”<br><br>Bob looked up for a moment and said, “See that pile over there? That assembles into the the foot. The blueprint for the foot is next to it. See if you can make it without seeing the finished product.”<br><br>Bob then went back to working and Don checked out the pile. The blueprints were exacting in their detail and highly complex. For those who don’t know, a foot is not a simple thing, not as complex as a hand but fairly close. During each step you subconsciously make dozens of minute adjustments to keep your balance. A mechanical foot has to be able to make those adjustments automatically without slowly down the movement, especially if it has to run at high speeds. Don judged that from the size of the foot that the wolf would be much larger than an average wolf. When don picked up the first piece he noticed that it wasn’t iron. Its color was darker, almost purple, and it weighed less than iron. Don said, “Identify.”<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Orichalcum part<br>Durability: Unknown<br>A part forged of orichalcum ore meant to be constructed into something greater.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Don had heard of orichalcum before but knew very little of it other than the fact than it is worth more by weight than gold. Don began assembling from the core of the design outward. It took about twenty minutes but he finished it flawlessly.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>New skill acquired: Artifice<br>New skill acquired: Repair</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Don said, “I finished. Got artifice and repair.”<br><br>Bob looked at the foot and said, “Being able to make implies being able to repair, I wasn’t sure if you already had that skill so I didn’t mention you would acquire it as well.”<br><br>Bob went to his wagon and pulled out a small glass sphere. “This is the soul gear. Take as long as you need to. Activate it after you find the den of wolves and whatever you do, don’t die. If you die while holding it the thing shatters.”<br><br>Don put it in his inventory and went to the wolf cave. It was a dungeon he found the entrance to a few days prior, though he didn’t enter it. Monsters are stronger when in a dungeon so going in was risky. <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Dungeon: You are the first players to discover the Mountain Wolf’s Den<br>Reward 80 Fame<br>Double experience, 2x item drop rate.<br>The first monster killed will drop a good quality item.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Don smiled. He started in a frontier city then traveled south to an uninhabited area and found a dungeon no user had ever been in. Don opened his inventory and double clicked the soul gear.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Would you like to activate the soul gear? A piece of the soul of every monster you kill will be collected automatically. If the user dies after activation the soul gear will be destroyed.<br>Activate | Cancel</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Don tapped activate and started looking through the cave. A minute later he found a pack of large mountain wolves. Although Don’s level and health had increased, his strength did not, his was in at a disadvantage since the wolves were 50% stronger. But Don wasn’t worried. “Fiery Dance!”<br><br>Don’s swords erupted in flames and he tore through the wolves like their were tissue paper. With higher wisdom and intellect his magic was stronger and he had a lot more mana. Because wisdom also increase mana recovery speed it didn’t take as long to recover mana between fights.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Soul Gem filled 00.7%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>After each kill the soul gem would message him than it was slowly filling. Don’s experience was also filling. Besides being stronger, monsters in dungeons gave more exp, these wolves were a good quality mob without double experience, with it they were an excellent opportunity to advance his level and skill proficiencies. Don aggressively slashed the oncoming wolves with something of a tempo. Regardless of anything else his fiery dance only worked while dancing so he needed to keep it up. But even though Don had more mana he still could only use fiery dance for about a minute, afterwards he relied on the fact than enemies with burns had lower attack which made defending easier. So he would search for a pack of wolves, use fiery dance for a minute, then finished off the weakened whatever wasn’t dead yet. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Soul Gear filled 39.2%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Don had just about reached the end of the cave. It wasn’t than large but he had still killed over a hundred wolves. Standing before him was a monster of a wolf, likely the leader of the pack, the named wolf, Galnra.<br><br>There were ten other wolves in the room, each one larger than the ones before. An average mountain wolf was level 70, the ones in the cave were level 70 plus a dungeon stat bonus.<br>Don looked at one of the ten wolves and said, “Scan.”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Alpha Mountain Wolf lvl 80~<br>Health 4400~ Mana 500~<br>ATK 120~ DEF 40~</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Don looked at Galnra and scanned him as well.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Galnra<br>Alpha Mountain Wolf lvl 100~<br>Health 6500~ Mana 700~<br>ATK 150~ DEF 60~</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Don took a deep breath. This wasn’t going to be easy. Don had leveled up seven times since entering and put all of it into agility. The faster he moved, the better his defense while moving, the fewer opportunities he gave others to attack him. Don started dancing, he decided only to use fiery dance sparingly when needed. <br><br>The wolves observed and slowly approached him. Don thought they would all come at once but only one did. The other wolves surrounded and casually observed Don from a distance. Don stopped his dance. They intended to check out his attacks without endangering themselves. Don charged at the wolf, faking anger to give an impression of recklessness. Don gave an opening to his right which the wolf took and slashed at Don.<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Perseverance increased by 1 (+1PER)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>The loss of health was well worth the risk, it would make the wolves underestimate him, and the added stats were always worth it. Don struck the wolf six times in the back with the opening it gave him before it slide lifelessly to the ground. The other wolves growled. They all leaped at Don who immediately started dancing. His blades cut everything around him, pushing back in 360 degrees simultaneously. He felt the blade bite into the neck of two of the wolves and he moved to finish them off before they could get up. Don slashed and stabbed everything vital he could as fast as he could. Over the last few hours he had gotten the hang of aiming at the vital parts of wolves and in that instant had killed two and wounded three. The few he missed moved back giving Don the opening to finish the wounded three, though he only killed two before Galnra jumped at him forcing him to get back into a defensive dance. The remaining wolves circled him, carefully keeping their distance. Don changed his dance to the slow moving circular Dance of Death. Having killed a few wolves in front of them he felt it would have more ‘umph’. Don suddenly came up with an idea on using the dance. Death did not move slowly, it only appeared that way, it moves quickly and unexpectedly. Don waited while slowly moving, drawing the wolves in. When two were in range Don’s small circular movements lashed out like a whip, removing two wolf heads before seamlessly going back to a slow speed. Anyone who blinked would’ve missed it, it looked like their heads fell off after getting too close. <br><br>The other wolves jumped back a bit, Don ran to Galnra, who tried to bite Don only to get two slashes to the midsection and neck. “Scan”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Galnra<br>Alpha Mountain Wolf lvl 100~<br>Health 4000~ Mana 700~<br>ATK 150~ DEF 60~</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>His scan still wasn’t at a high enough level to be very specific but at this point the life gauge was accurate to within 300 health points. Don had taken less than a third of the boss’s health. But he had to focus on him, or at least appear to focus on him. By appearing to focus on only one thing Don made it look like he was leaving himself open to be attacked. Pretending to focus on Galnra while keeping in mind every movement in the cavern was far from simple, but Don had no choice if he wanted to survive. Don tried three times to strike Galnra but each was dodged, while doing so the remaining three alphas slowly came from behind. Don let them get in range while slashing at the wolf boss. Galnra didn’t seem interested in attacking, only in keeping Don occupied while the three closed it. Don swayed his body while appearing to jump at Galnra, at the same time the three wolves leapt at Don’s back. However they jumped through him. Don had disappeared and was now behind them where he killed each with a three slashes a piece.<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Skill level up: Illusionary Step [3]<br>Skill level up: Blade Dancing [6]<br>Skill level up: Dance of Death [3]</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Galnra was next to the wall, he had cornered himself to give his pack the opportunity to attack Don but it had backfired. “Fiery Dance”<br><br>Don slashed as fast as he could, refusing to let up an inch. Galnra tried to escape but a wall of fire and blades blocked his path. It died without much of a fight.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Skill level up: Fiery Dance [5]<br>You have gained a level!<br>Soul Gear filled 55.2%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Don took all the wolf hides that dropped and proceeded to finish off everything in the dungeon. It took three days but he finally got the soul gear full. Bob however said than it would take a few more days to finish the wolf automaton and told Don to make the most of the 2x exp and get all the wolf skins he could. Don thought than Bob may have slowed down or took his time on purpose to let Don hunt until the experience buff was gone.<br><br>Four days later Don was admiring Bob’s handiwork. A wolf of dark purple metal, larger even than Galnra was on its side. Over its gears and clockwork was overlapping sheets of orichalcum plates. At the end of its four feet were claws sharper than blades, and its mouth contained a row of vicious teeth along a highly mobile jaw. Bob opened a panel on the chest and set the soul gear inside a notch within. The gem started to glow, the gears started moving, slow at first but then faster. Bob kept his hand on the soul gear, he told Don he was imprinting himself on the gear, letting it know who was its master. After it stopped getting brighter Bob closed the hatch and stood back. After another moment the wolf started moving. It looked around at first a bit at first before stopping at Bob. It inclined its head towards him before Bob nodded.<br><br>Bob shouted with joy, “HA! Hahahaha! It worked! It’s working perfectly.” <br><br>Don thought for a moment and said, “How do you know its working? It only moved a bit.”<br><br>Bob said, “Well if you mess up in any one part of a beast automaton’s creation it will attack on sight. Something most troubling considering how fierce I made it. Would you like to see it in action?”<br><br>“Oh yea.”<br><br>Bob took out a small crystal necklace and passed it to Don saying, “Wear this. Oric here recognizes me as its master but if you wear this it will follow your orders.”<br><br>“Oric?”<br><br>Bob nodded. “Gotta name it something. Short for Orichalcum.”<br><br>Don looked over at the lazy robo wolf and said, “Lets go Oric.”<br><br>It got to its feet excitedly, like a happy dog. Don couldn’t help but like it. He took it to the entrance of the wolf’s den where it killed seven wolves in twelve seconds. It had extraordinary strength and speed, its defense was off the charts, and it had the cunning of a hundred wolves. Don was pleased that he played a part in its creation. He brought it back to Bob and said, “You’ll be fine when we part ways, I doubt I would stand a chance against it.”<br><br>Bob smiled and said, “Wait till you see the best part.” Bob took out an artifact, one Don recognized as something than could cast lightning magic once every two hours. Bob brought it to Oric and opened a hatch on Oric’s back where the artifact slipped in and attached itself inside. Bob said, “I thought of this the other day, I made it so Oric can equip and use artifacts. Right now he can equip up to three. He also has a few other features I’ll surprise you with later. Hehe.”<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>This pic not mine. By luck i found it on the internet. It really close to what i wanted Oric to look like<br><img src="http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2010/145/9/9/Steam_punk_wolf_1_3_by_OvanReed.jpg" border="0" alt="http%3a%2f%2ffc09.deviantart.net%2ffs70%2fi%2f2010%2f1...anReed.jpg"><br><a href="http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2010/145/9/9/Steam_punk_wolf_1_3_by_OvanReed.jpg" target="_blank">http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2010/ ... anReed.jpg</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br>Don and Bob got back into the cart. Oric jumped onto the top of the wagon and laid down. Don heard some click sounds, like Oric had latched himself to the top of the cart. Don took out the wolf leather and began practicing sewing leather under Bob’s instructive eyes.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Chapter 7 The Hardlight Blacksmith &lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=185&amp;t=1638"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=185&amp;t=1638&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt;<br>Chapter 5 Deal with a Tinker &lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=185&amp;t=1611"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=185&amp;t=1611&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt;</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/28sqb0l.jpg" border="0" alt="http%3a%2f%2fi39.tinypic.com%2f28sqb0l.jpg"></div> </div>

 Vol1 Chapter 6 Wolves and Clockwork Don was sprinting. He had been fighting a pack of mountain wolves for the past twenty minutes and Bob’s cart got some distance between them. Wolves fight intelligently, Don’s defensive movement barely kept them at bay while he whittled away at them one by one. It took forever. After another fifteen minutes Don caught up to Bob’s caravan and took out some cloth. Bob taught him the Tailoring skill a week prior, and now Don was trying to get his skill to level 4. When tailoring is at level 1, cloth can be sewn, level 2, soft cloth, level 3, leather, and level 4, stiff leather. Don was almost through making some hide boots. | Skill level up: Tailoring [3] | | --- | “Identify” | Deer skin boots:Durability: 20/20Defense: 2.Woven deer skin boots made with practiced hands. Although the defense is not high, they are comfortable and durable.Effects:Agility +2. | | --- | Don passed the shoes to Bob for minor inspection and said, “Got up to 3.” “Congratulations, these are good work. Now, how much would they sell for?” Don thought about it for a moment before saying, “Fair price, 60 copper. Market Price, 1 silver, 30 copper.” Bob nodded. One of the first things Don learned about Bob was that the gnome sold his wares at fair prices, not market prices. Because of the isolation of the towns he visited the demand for most of his goods was greater than the supply, if he sold his goods at double the price, no one would be able to complain. He said that the reason he didn’t was because he wasn’t a merchant with class exclusive skills like Barter and Trading. He did however say that a month after started out he got the stat Trade. To Bob, trading buying and selling was a way to increase his trade stats and fame. The higher these were the easier it would be for him to acquire rare and unique items when he came across them. Don asked, “What will you do after we part ways?” This was a question that had bugged Don. If Bob needed an escort to get this far from civilization, he would need one to get back. This deal was to split up at the Veneir mountain range, it would take Bob at least two if not three months to get back to the central continent and if he ran out of homemade artifacts on the way he could lose his life and his cart. Don didn’t know how long either of their business would take so their was a good chance they would not be able to return together. Don wouldn’t feel right leaving Bob on his own but there were no mercenaries or warriors in the towns that would likely agree to escort Bob. Bob remained silent for a while before saying, “If I can’t get an escort back I will take the time to make more artifacts for use on the way back.” Don said, “Artifacts which you’ll be throwing away and unable to retrieve.... Umm, you said you specialize in automation, you skilled enough to make a robot that can distract the enemy then return to you?” Bob nodded. “That was one of my dreams in this game. But it’s not that simple. Building the machinations of a robot is within my capabilities but what gives an Automaton its soul, its programming if you will is a soul gear. Basically it’s a crystal that is filled with pieces of the souls of the type of robot you are making. Say you want to make a giant robot, you would need to kill giants while holding the soul gear. The gear would absorb a small piece of the soul of every giant you kill until it becomes full. If you couldn’t tell, giant robots are nonexistent, gnomes don’t kill giants, giants eat gnomes. There are ways to program a soul gear without killing anything but I don’t have the skill to do so.” Don thought for a moment and said, “Do you have a soul gear?” Bob nodded. “Then how about a Wolf Automaton? We’ve been attacked by mountain wolves 3 times since entering this valley. If you give me the soul gear I can look for the wolves’ den and kill as many as I can.” Bob sighed, “Unfortunately that wouldn’t work either. If it did, gnomes could hire out mercenaries to fill soul gears. No, soul gears only fill when in the inventory of an artificer. And I already told you gnomes don’t fight, and I don’t have the skill to make an artifact capable of killing enough wolves to fill it.” Don thought for a moment and said, “Can you teach the artifice skill?” Bob pulled the reins of his horse, stopping the wagon. He turned to Don and said, “Yes, I can teach it, but it requires 80 intellect and 40 wisdom to learn, minimum. And it requires a certain dexterity rating.” “Dexterity rating?” Bob nodded, “Think of it as an unwritten stat for the skill of your hands. It is determined by the handicraft skill, the tailoring skill, sculpting skill, the agility stat, and your natural ability. That and you would have to level up here repeatedly to get your stats to the minimum. Don thought it over for a second, but the answer was clear, he was in Bob’s debt for the material to learn tailoring. A real man always repays his debt. “How do I know if I have a high enough dexterity rating?” Bob looked at Don for a moment and got off the cart before going to the back. He pulled another secret lever and the back of the cart opened, revealing a tiny room. Too small for Don to enter but enough for a gnome. Bob went in, opened a drawer, pulled out some things and jumped back outside, handing them to Don. It was a metal sphere and a pile of small parts. Bob said, “This is a simple artifact, and all the parts needed to make it. How fast you can assemble it is a good test for dexterity rating as well as a measure of the aptitude of artificing.” Don sat down and looked through the pieces. Tiny clockwork gears, springs, and form fitting components. Don examined the pieces to see what matched where on the assembled piece. After he saw how the pieces fit together and how they would look on the final piece, Don got to work putting them together with the tools he was given. When Don knew how something worked, assembling or fixing was no problem. Don threw the pair of artifacts to Bob. He finished in 3 minutes. Bob looked at them and said, “You really wanna do this?” Don nodded, a man didn’t go back on his word. Bob found a spot to park his wagon and placed a few artifact traps around the area. It seemed this was how he protected his wagon when he logged out. He got out a large pile of gears, metal ore, and some blacksmith implements. It seemed he was going to make some of the parts from scratch. Don left to find monsters to hunt. He wanted to avoid the wolf den for now but he needed to rise 11 levels. His wisdom was 25 and his intellect 40, he had given stats to each some time ago to increase the success rate of his adventurer skills. Don wandered around the valley till he found a pack of beasts he didn’t recognize. They were the size of bears but they had thick hind legs and moved around on all fours. Don hid behind a hill and threw a rock at one of them before ducking away. The beast snarled but didn’t make any other noises. It slowly went to the hill to investigate. Don started his blade dance catching the beast’s attention. It approached slowly and when it was close enough Don said, “Scan.” | Bonstros lvl 110~Health 3500~ | | --- | Don was level 72, if he could defeat one or two of these he could level up. He had to be careful though, his defense was no where near good enough to survive more than one attack, and if he had to fight more than one at a time, he would likely die. He had to slowly whittle away at the Bonstros’ defense while keeping up his own defense while slowly moving away from their pack in case the beast decided to call for backup. Fifteen minutes later the Bonstros fell and Don got 1/3 closer to the next level. The Bonstros was an example of a low quality mob, too strong with low experience. On the bright side though their attack patterns were easy to notice and the attacks themselves straight forward. Don would likely have to kill a hundred or so to get to level 83. Don spent the next five real world days killing Bonstros. Once he died while trying to train his perseverance stat and after being cut off for a day he had to sprint from the last village he visited back to Bob’s camp. Bob spent those days slowly and painstakingly making the wolf automaton. He told Don to take his time with grinding because he would need at least another three real world days to craft and assemble the various pieces together. After the fifth day Don got his long awaited message. | You have gained a level! | | --- | Don sat down, put his five stat points into intellect and took a good look at his stat chart. | Status Window | | | --- | --- | | Avatar Don | Alignment Neutral | | Race Lunar Elf | Title None | | Level 83 | Class Blade Dancer | | Fame 20 | Infamy 20 | | Health 3360 | Mana 1430 | | Strength 219 | Agility 171 | | Wisdom 40 | Intellect 80 | | Vitality 80 | Affinity to Nature 0 | | Charisma 80 | Charm 80 | | Leadership 0 | Perseverance 33 | | Fighting Spirit 82 | Endurance 95 | | Attack 221 | Defense 54 | | Magic Resistances None | | | + Charisma stat is added extra 80 points.+ Charm stat is added an extra 80 points+ Enables you to equip certain items specialized for the class.+ Increases Attack Power while dual wielding swords.+ Enables you to learn secret skills based on your level in Blade Dancing Mastery. | | He went back to Bob who was still assembling pieces and said, “I’m done.” Bob looked up for a moment and said, “See that pile over there? That assembles into the the foot. The blueprint for the foot is next to it. See if you can make it without seeing the finished product.” Bob then went back to working and Don checked out the pile. The blueprints were exacting in their detail and highly complex. For those who don’t know, a foot is not a simple thing, not as complex as a hand but fairly close. During each step you subconsciously make dozens of minute adjustments to keep your balance. A mechanical foot has to be able to make those adjustments automatically without slowly down the movement, especially if it has to run at high speeds. Don judged that from the size of the foot that the wolf would be much larger than an average wolf. When don picked up the first piece he noticed that it wasn’t iron. Its color was darker, almost purple, and it weighed less than iron. Don said, “Identify.” | Orichalcum partDurability: UnknownA part forged of orichalcum ore meant to be constructed into something greater. | | --- | Don had heard of orichalcum before but knew very little of it other than the fact than it is worth more by weight than gold. Don began assembling from the core of the design outward. It took about twenty minutes but he finished it flawlessly. | New skill acquired: ArtificeNew skill acquired: Repair | | --- | Don said, “I finished. Got artifice and repair.” Bob looked at the foot and said, “Being able to make implies being able to repair, I wasn’t sure if you already had that skill so I didn’t mention you would acquire it as well.” Bob went to his wagon and pulled out a small glass sphere. “This is the soul gear. Take as long as you need to. Activate it after you find the den of wolves and whatever you do, don’t die. If you die while holding it the thing shatters.” Don put it in his inventory and went to the wolf cave. It was a dungeon he found the entrance to a few days prior, though he didn’t enter it. Monsters are stronger when in a dungeon so going in was risky. | Dungeon: You are the first players to discover the Mountain Wolf’s DenReward 80 FameDouble experience, 2x item drop rate.The first monster killed will drop a good quality item. | | --- | Don smiled. He started in a frontier city then traveled south to an uninhabited area and found a dungeon no user had ever been in. Don opened his inventory and double clicked the soul gear. | Would you like to activate the soul gear? A piece of the soul of every monster you kill will be collected automatically. If the user dies after activation the soul gear will be destroyed.Activate | Cancel | | --- | Don tapped activate and started looking through the cave. A minute later he found a pack of large mountain wolves. Although Don’s level and health had increased, his strength did not, his was in at a disadvantage since the wolves were 50% stronger. But Don wasn’t worried. “Fiery Dance!” Don’s swords erupted in flames and he tore through the wolves like their were tissue paper. With higher wisdom and intellect his magic was stronger and he had a lot more mana. Because wisdom also increase mana recovery speed it didn’t take as long to recover mana between fights. | Soul Gem filled 00.7% | | --- | After each kill the soul gem would message him than it was slowly filling. Don’s experience was also filling. Besides being stronger, monsters in dungeons gave more exp, these wolves were a good quality mob without double experience, with it they were an excellent opportunity to advance his level and skill proficiencies. Don aggressively slashed the oncoming wolves with something of a tempo. Regardless of anything else his fiery dance only worked while dancing so he needed to keep it up. But even though Don had more mana he still could only use fiery dance for about a minute, afterwards he relied on the fact than enemies with burns had lower attack which made defending easier. So he would search for a pack of wolves, use fiery dance for a minute, then finished off the weakened whatever wasn’t dead yet. | Soul Gear filled 39.2% | | --- | Don had just about reached the end of the cave. It wasn’t than large but he had still killed over a hundred wolves. Standing before him was a monster of a wolf, likely the leader of the pack, the named wolf, Galnra. There were ten other wolves in the room, each one larger than the ones before. An average mountain wolf was level 70, the ones in the cave were level 70 plus a dungeon stat bonus. Don looked at one of the ten wolves and said, “Scan.” | Alpha Mountain Wolf lvl 80~Health 4400~ Mana 500~ATK 120~ DEF 40~ | | --- | Don looked at Galnra and scanned him as well. | GalnraAlpha Mountain Wolf lvl 100~Health 6500~ Mana 700~ATK 150~ DEF 60~ | | --- | Don took a deep breath. This wasn’t going to be easy. Don had leveled up seven times since entering and put all of it into agility. The faster he moved, the better his defense while moving, the fewer opportunities he gave others to attack him. Don started dancing, he decided only to use fiery dance sparingly when needed. The wolves observed and slowly approached him. Don thought they would all come at once but only one did. The other wolves surrounded and casually observed Don from a distance. Don stopped his dance. They intended to check out his attacks without endangering themselves. Don charged at the wolf, faking anger to give an impression of recklessness. Don gave an opening to his right which the wolf took and slashed at Don. | Perseverance increased by 1 (+1PER) | | --- | The loss of health was well worth the risk, it would make the wolves underestimate him, and the added stats were always worth it. Don struck the wolf six times in the back with the opening it gave him before it slide lifelessly to the ground. The other wolves growled. They all leaped at Don who immediately started dancing. His blades cut everything around him, pushing back in 360 degrees simultaneously. He felt the blade bite into the neck of two of the wolves and he moved to finish them off before they could get up. Don slashed and stabbed everything vital he could as fast as he could. Over the last few hours he had gotten the hang of aiming at the vital parts of wolves and in that instant had killed two and wounded three. The few he missed moved back giving Don the opening to finish the wounded three, though he only killed two before Galnra jumped at him forcing him to get back into a defensive dance. The remaining wolves circled him, carefully keeping their distance. Don changed his dance to the slow moving circular Dance of Death. Having killed a few wolves in front of them he felt it would have more ‘umph’. Don suddenly came up with an idea on using the dance. Death did not move slowly, it only appeared that way, it moves quickly and unexpectedly. Don waited while slowly moving, drawing the wolves in. When two were in range Don’s small circular movements lashed out like a whip, removing two wolf heads before seamlessly going back to a slow speed. Anyone who blinked would’ve missed it, it looked like their heads fell off after getting too close. The other wolves jumped back a bit, Don ran to Galnra, who tried to bite Don only to get two slashes to the midsection and neck. “Scan” | GalnraAlpha Mountain Wolf lvl 100~Health 4000~ Mana 700~ATK 150~ DEF 60~ | | --- | His scan still wasn’t at a high enough level to be very specific but at this point the life gauge was accurate to within 300 health points. Don had taken less than a third of the boss’s health. But he had to focus on him, or at least appear to focus on him. By appearing to focus on only one thing Don made it look like he was leaving himself open to be attacked. Pretending to focus on Galnra while keeping in mind every movement in the cavern was far from simple, but Don had no choice if he wanted to survive. Don tried three times to strike Galnra but each was dodged, while doing so the remaining three alphas slowly came from behind. Don let them get in range while slashing at the wolf boss. Galnra didn’t seem interested in attacking, only in keeping Don occupied while the three closed it. Don swayed his body while appearing to jump at Galnra, at the same time the three wolves leapt at Don’s back. However they jumped through him. Don had disappeared and was now behind them where he killed each with a three slashes a piece. | Skill level up: Illusionary Step [3]Skill level up: Blade Dancing [6]Skill level up: Dance of Death [3] | | --- | Galnra was next to the wall, he had cornered himself to give his pack the opportunity to attack Don but it had backfired. “Fiery Dance” Don slashed as fast as he could, refusing to let up an inch. Galnra tried to escape but a wall of fire and blades blocked his path. It died without much of a fight. | Skill level up: Fiery Dance [5]You have gained a level!Soul Gear filled 55.2% | | --- | Don took all the wolf hides that dropped and proceeded to finish off everything in the dungeon. It took three days but he finally got the soul gear full. Bob however said than it would take a few more days to finish the wolf automaton and told Don to make the most of the 2x exp and get all the wolf skins he could. Don thought than Bob may have slowed down or took his time on purpose to let Don hunt until the experience buff was gone. Four days later Don was admiring Bob’s handiwork. A wolf of dark purple metal, larger even than Galnra was on its side. Over its gears and clockwork was overlapping sheets of orichalcum plates. At the end of its four feet were claws sharper than blades, and its mouth contained a row of vicious teeth along a highly mobile jaw. Bob opened a panel on the chest and set the soul gear inside a notch within. The gem started to glow, the gears started moving, slow at first but then faster. Bob kept his hand on the soul gear, he told Don he was imprinting himself on the gear, letting it know who was its master. After it stopped getting brighter Bob closed the hatch and stood back. After another moment the wolf started moving. It looked around at first a bit at first before stopping at Bob. It inclined its head towards him before Bob nodded. Bob shouted with joy, “HA! Hahahaha! It worked! It’s working perfectly.” Don thought for a moment and said, “How do you know its working? It only moved a bit.” Bob said, “Well if you mess up in any one part of a beast automaton’s creation it will attack on sight. Something most troubling considering how fierce I made it. Would you like to see it in action?” “Oh yea.” Bob took out a small crystal necklace and passed it to Don saying, “Wear this. Oric here recognizes me as its master but if you wear this it will follow your orders.” “Oric?” Bob nodded. “Gotta name it something. Short for Orichalcum.” Don looked over at the lazy robo wolf and said, “Lets go Oric.” It got to its feet excitedly, like a happy dog. Don couldn’t help but like it. He took it to the entrance of the wolf’s den where it killed seven wolves in twelve seconds. It had extraordinary strength and speed, its defense was off the charts, and it had the cunning of a hundred wolves. Don was pleased that he played a part in its creation. He brought it back to Bob and said, “You’ll be fine when we part ways, I doubt I would stand a chance against it.” Bob smiled and said, “Wait till you see the best part.” Bob took out an artifact, one Don recognized as something than could cast lightning magic once every two hours. Bob brought it to Oric and opened a hatch on Oric’s back where the artifact slipped in and attached itself inside. Bob said, “I thought of this the other day, I made it so Oric can equip and use artifacts. Right now he can equip up to three. He also has a few other features I’ll surprise you with later. Hehe.” | This pic not mine. By luck i found it on the internet. It really close to what i wanted Oric to look likehttp%3a%2f%2ffc09.deviantart.net%2ffs70%2fi%2f2010%2f1...anReed.jpg[http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2010/ ... anReed.jpg](http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2010/145/9/9/Steam_punk_wolf_1_3_by_OvanReed.jpg) | | --- | Don and Bob got back into the cart. Oric jumped onto the top of the wagon and laid down. Don heard some click sounds, like Oric had latched himself to the top of the cart. Don took out the wolf leather and began practicing sewing leather under Bob’s instructive eyes. | Chapter 7 The Hardlight Blacksmith <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=185&t=1638">viewtopic.php?f=185&t=1638</a><!-- l -->Chapter 5 Deal with a Tinker <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=185&t=1611">viewtopic.php?f=185&t=1611</a><!-- l --> | | --- | 

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Outside of the city:<br><br>“It’s the appointed time. Everyone get into your positions and follow the plan.”<br>“It’s a slaughter. It’s time for a slaughter~!”<br>“Kill everyone and spread the name of Embinyu!”<br>“All hail Embinyu! All hail Embinyu!”<br>“Fire the catapults!”<br><br>An army of over 325,000 appeared from behind the hills south of the kingdom and started to march toward the southern gate of the capital. Its ranks were filled to the brim with shaman, dark paladins, paladins, wizards, warlocks, dark priests, priests, assassins, and also numerous warriors on horseback. All at once 4 boulders each the size of a bed flew into the sky and made a loud *BOOM* as they crashed into various locations on the Citadel.<br>“Begin reloading and adjust the angle 5 degrees up.”<br><br><br><br>Everyone inside of the Citadel began to receive a message.<br>-Ttring!<br>Embinyu denomination has begun its assault on the capital of Rosenheim kingdom, Serabourg. Serabourg siege has occurred. Teleportation stations will now forcibly closed and long distance teleports are now restricted.<br><br>In the hunting grounds near the south gate was a small group of players grinding foxes. One appeared to be the leader of the party, a warrior named Joey, the healer and debuffer was a shaman called Cain, along with a female archer called Alice.<br><br>Alice: “What in the world? A siege??”<br>Cain: “This can’t be for real. Maybe it’s just a prank by a GM?”<br>Joey: “Must be. Hey, you guys wanna try hunting some wolves next? I hear they give good exp.”<br><br>The novices and various players at the hunting grounds were skeptical about this sudden turn of events. Most of them had joined only recently so they were still at most level 13 and knew next to nothing about large scale battles like wars or raids. They stood there in disbelief for several seconds and then resumed hunting the monsters around them for a while before they heard a loud BOOM from the city.<br><br>“What was that!?” As the warrior turned his head in the direction of the crash he saw them. From the corner of his eye he could see a immense army of people dressed in black heading towards them from over the mountain range.<br><br>He assembled his makeshift group of hunters as quickly as he could and began dragging his teammates back into the castle. In the distance he could see another group hunting some a pack of fire wolfs and one more party coming out from the gate. Joey screamed at the top of his lungs “Danger! Get back inside! Not safe! I repeat, not safe!! Ahhhhh!!!” as he sprinted toward the walls his top speed.<br><br>Some of the players didn’t understand at first and called it a stupid prank at first but they soon came to realize the danger when they saw what looked like a massive black wave coming in from behind him.<br><br>Every player in the hunting grounds began to run straight toward the gate at a break neck pace.<br>“Argh…we even left the drop items behind…”<br>“Blueheart...err...Guild leader, what do we do?!!”<br>The guild leader took one more look over her shoulder and immediately replied “Run faster!!” as she left her companions in the dust.<br><br>“Seal all of the gates and protect your positions! Don’t let anyone of those bastards enter the Serabourg!”<br> “For his majesty!!” roared one of the Royal Knights as he raised his sword toward the sky<br><br>A heated fight broke out between the defending Rosenheim knights and the attacking Embinyu denomination.<br>“Aim…fire!”<br>“Target the mages in the back. The mages!”<br>“What’re you waiting for?! An invitation? Hurry and pour the hot tar on those paladins before they break through the gate!”<br><br>Rosenheim archers and crossbowmen focused on taking down the enemy mages who were aiming for the gate but the row of paladins continued to protect them with their armor and shields. Meanwhile, the dark paladins had charged the gate and begun hitting it with a huge battering ram. The only thing that was keeping the gate from crumbling were the mages and priests who were casting barriers around the entrance. But the barriers were fading fast because of the onslaught and their mana wasn’t infinite.<br><br>“Bring down the gate! Bring it down!”<br>“All shall bow to Embinyu!”<br><br>******************************************<br>The citizens and users inside of Serabourg fell into panic. An army of over 300,000 was waging war on them and all of their gear indicated that all of them were level 300 if not more. The enemy had broken off into two separate groups; 275,000 attacked the gate while the remaining 50,000 targeted the capital with ranged spells, arrows, rocks fired from the catapult, and spear sized arrows from their ballistae. It was only a matter of time before the citadels walls and gate crumbled to their attacks. But the most fearsome thing about those from the embinyu denomination was that they didn’t fear death. They swarmed the walls and kept banging on the gates with their fists. None of them seemed to care if they lost a limb or had to climb over the bodies of their dead brothers. They just kept screaming “All of you will die!” and “Embinyu shall rule all!” as they pounded upon the citiy. Moreover, If you did not convert to embinyu denomination then you would be killed on the spot and lose a large majority of your items and experience.<br><br>Rosenheim had buffed up its army since the last attack by hiring mercenaries as well as Priests from the church of Freya, and Paladins from Lou’s church but it was all for naught since at most they were still only 40,000 strong. They couldn’t possibly stop 325,000 soldiers on their own.<br><br>All around one could hear people muttering “It’s over”, “We can’t possibly make it out this time”, “Why is this happening to me…” and some had even went as far as banging their heads against the walls to suicide, so that they’d lose less exp/items.<br><br><br>Weed and Seoyoon had been making their way to the Central Plaza when they received a pm from one of their friends.<br><br>-Oiii, Harn where the heck are you? We’re finally at Serabourg. Is this thing working??<br>-Eh? Master? Weren’t you still at Mora? How did you get all the way to central continent?!?<br>-Ahh that. By running of course! And it’s not just me; all of the other students came here as well.<br>-huff huff, master please slow down….we just made it through a desert…<br>-Bah, looks like you guys still need more training. So Harn, where exactly are you? I want to go to that dance thing as well!<br><br>Harn was dumbfounded. The distance between Mora and Serabourg were some hundred thousand miles away from one another.<br><br>-Helloooooo?? Bah, geomchi 16 you try contacting him I think this private microwave thing is broken.<br>-Master, it’s a group chat, an extension of private messaging that lets multiple people talk to one another. It’s quite popular nowadays; even Libby and I use it to chat from time to time.(Geomchi 16 hooked up with a female priest back during vol 10 :D)<br>-Don’t worry I’m still here…Anyway, head toward the central plaza and we’ll meet there. I’ve already told the others to go there as well. Oof!!<br>-Master Weed?! Is everything alright?<br>-Yes yes I’m fine. Completely fine. I just accidentally ran into someone.<br>-Hahahha looks like you need more training! Well, see you at Central plaza then.<br><br>It’s mainly you’re fault that I ran into someone. Better apologize quickly and go regroup with the others so we can figure out what to do. Seoyoon stopped dead in her tracks after seeing Weed slam head in to an elderly man in a cloak that had just come out from a corner.<br><br>Using his warmest tone of voice (Think this might be rather hard for Weed lol) Harn said “My sincerest apologies, I didn’t mean to run into you. The fault lies entirely with me.” Now I just need to accept his apology as well and get out of here.<br>“Darn right the fault lies with you! Honestly…I can’t believe the youngin these days. Racing around the city like it was their playground. Can’t you pay even a little more mind to the elderly?” asked the man as he removed his hood to reveal his face.<br>Harn stared blankly at the old man before asking “Master Zahab?! Is that really you? Why are you here?”<br>“Oh? Why, you’re the man who visited my cottage with that exceptional beauty! Is she with you?” Zahab tilted his head to the side to look past Harn and stare directly at Seoyoon “Hello there young miss! Have you reconsidered letting me make a sculpture of you yet?”<br>Seoyoon didn’t hesitate to shake her head in response.<br>“I see.” Said Zahab in an incredibly disheartened voice.<br>“Master Zahab, why are you in Rosenheim? I thought you were journeying around the world.”<br>“For a while, yes, but I grew weary of it all. The loneliness became unbearable, and I wanted to reminisce about the old times when it was just myself and Evane. A time when the both of us were still young and nothing mattered but the time we spent together. I’ve already visited our old village and this is the last stop of my journey. I came here in the hope that I’ll be able to finally create a life sized sculpture of her after going over our time together. But unfortunately, I’m at the end of my rope.” Sighed Zahab.<br><br>Master Zahab seemed to have aged considerably since their last meeting. No doubt because of his long journey.<br>“Master Zahab I’m sorry to interrupt you but Serabourg is under siege. I recommend you follow us to the Central plaza where my friends are waiting. We may be able to find a way out of this place yet.” Told Weed as he held out his hand to help the man up.<br><br>But Zahab rejected it and stood up on his hand. “I’m not so old that I need protecting. But I will follow you to the Central plaza; it has been a long time since I saw it.”<br><br>To Harn’s surprise Zahab was even faster then he and Seoyoon. “It seems he hasn’t lost his step just yet.” Muttered Weed<br>“Come on! I want to see the fountain before the nights end! ahahaha” said Zahab with a smile as he raced ahead.<br><br>It seemed as though everyone inside of the city was at the central plaza. There were merchants trying to make a quick sale on their merchandise because of the danger while others were still trying to barter for protection. Meanwhile, there was a wall of knights were trying to hold back a mob of people from breaking down the castle gates.<br><br>“Swords and bows for sale! Only 5 silver each! Buy fast before they sell out!”<br>“I’ll pay 3000 gold to anyone who helps me and my caravan get to safety! Please, is there anyone willing??”<br><br>“Master Weed. Over here.” Whispered someone from Harn’s right. When he peeked through his cloak he saw that it was Surka and the others. Geomchi’s group seemed to be right behind them.<br>“What’s going on? It seems like all hells broken loose.” Asked Weed in a distraught voice.<br>“That’s pretty much what’s happening. The Embinyu denomination has cavalry this time so even if we get a head start on our escape it’s only a matter of time before they run us down.<br><br>Harn slowly nodded in agreement. Normally it would’ve been possible to escape if one was on horseback but in this scenario there were too few horses. Those going on foot or traveling in wagons would just slow the rest of the group down and the embinyu horsemen who are only carrying their weapon and armor would catch up in no time.<br><br>“Then what’s up with the giant mob trying to break into the castle? I don’t remember seeing that last time.”<br>Surka was about to tell him but stopped short and Pale was forced into telling Weed the harsh truth. He gave a wry smile before saying “They’re trying to get the king to let them use the underground tunnel from before. There’s been no response for the past 15 minutes so they’re now trying to gain entrance by force. It seems that the royal knights gathering behind the gate are getting ready to disperse them by force in a few moments…”<br><br>It was Weed’s turn to give a wry smile as he began to calculate all of the choices he had at hand right now. I can’t escape through the gates since we’ll just be caught by them. The only way to break through this many enemies would be to turn into a necromancer again, but that would drastically reduce my reputation again. Additionally, if Rosenheim kingdom falls while I’m here then I’ll be partially responsible and will suffer a penalty since I didn’t help. Not to mention that I’ll be losing my first ally, trading partner, and any possibility of gaining rights over a gold mine…Weed began to rub his temples at this unfair situation.<br><br>The mob went into a frenzy as they saw a familiar form approaching from the other side of the gate.<br>“It’s the king! King!! Help us!”<br>“Why aren’t you letting us use your escape tunnel?! Do you mean for all of us to die?” cried someone at the back of the mob<br><br>The king’s face turned grim as he announced in a heavy tone “I’m afraid that it’s impossible to escape by using the tunnels…The embinyu denomination collapsed all of the secret tunnels when they last invaded Rosenheim, and the current tunnels are not even half way finished yet”<br><br>“Wha…? You can’t be serious, right?” murmured a mage as he collapsed to his knees<br><br>Tilting his head downward the king said “The enemy has over 20,000 men in their cavalry (horse riders) so escaping will be next to impossible. This is why…. I’m forced to ask everyone to assist me in defending Serabourg…”<br><br>One of the knights next to him moved away to set up a booth and then roared in a loud voice “Rosenheim is now accepting mercenaries! Everyone will be fully reimbursed and rewarded at the end of the battle.”<br><br>----------------------------------------------<br><br>Defending the citadel of Serabourg<br><br>The enemy is embinyu denomination who is trying to break into the city. There will be honor and glory for all those who fight for Rosenheim kingdom in this battle.<br><br>Compensation: Soldiers will be paid for volunteering to work and will be further rewarded based upon their achievements.<br><br>-It’s possible to become a soldier of the kingdom<br><br>Quest Limited: If Rosenheim kingdom disappears then compensation will be impossible.<br>----------------------------------------------<br><br>The mob that had been screaming their hearts out was now struck with silence…Who can really blame them when they’re trapped with no hope of escaping? Everyone in the central plaza had begun to fall to despair and hopelessness.<br><br>Weed heard a hushed voice from his back so he turned around to see a woman huddling some 10 children close to her. “It’s going to be alright…everything’s going to be just fine. It’ll all be over very soon.” She told the kids as tears streaked down her cheeks.<br><br>“Wahhh….I wanna go home! *sniff*”<br>“I miss papa! I want to see papa!”<br>The girl could only hold the children closer to her in response. There was nothing she could do to lift their spirits and she cried ever more because of her helplessness in this situation. “It’ll be over soon…”<br><br>Harn began to clench his fist in anger and then turned to face his friends who had also been watching this event unfold.<br>Tilting his head downward “Sorry guys…”<br>Everyone already knew what he was going to say and was unwilling to reject his choice.<br><br>The silence this time was broken by Pale after a large sigh “It’s not like I don’t agree with you. But really, we get dragged into some of the most random situations because of you…”<br>Weed could only scratch the back of his head in response because this was undoubtedly the truth.<br><br>Instead, it was Romune who spoke out to defend Harn. “This is definitely true. But because of that there’s never a dull moment when we’re with Master Weed, plus we get free food heh heh. Besides, weren’t you the one who were the most ecstatic about running to his side when you heard he was trapped on Las Gigolo and before that it was the battle with the undead legion!” shouted Romune in a lecturing tone.<br><br>Irene looked toward Surka “Well then, shall we?”<br>Surka immediately stood up and began to stretch her limbs “Mm why not, here’s to another adventure~! Not to mention we’ll get to eat something nice before the big fight.”<br><br>“Master, what should we do?” asked some of the disciples with a confused look on their face<br>In a confident voice Geomchi told them “Of course we’re going to participate! Real men do not run away from such a fight. We will also help defend Serabourg!” If Serabourg is destroyed then that dance event won’t happen either. Geomchi began imagining some of the girls he had passed by so far in various dresses.<br><br>“Um…master you’re drooling. Is something the matter?”<br>“Ah! I’m perfectly fine. I was just pondering how we would go about our attack.” Replied Geomchi as he quickly wiped off his drool.<br><br>“Ha ha, that’s master for you. Well then Libby, shall we register as well?”<br>A woman dressed in a Divine cloth priest robe stood up and clung to the warriors arm “I’m willing to go anywhere so long as it’s with you.” Said the lady in an amorous voice while closely hugging the rugged arm of geomchi 16.<br><br>While everyone was walking toward the registration booth the rest of the martial artists were glaring daggers at the couples who were showing off in front of them.<br>Raising his arm overhead Geomchi told everyone “Come on men! Let’s sign up and show our strength to everyone!”<br>“Woooh let’s go!!”<br><br>The mob at central plaza had already settled down and dispersed. Most of the guilds had gathered together at the North gate to get ready to flee from the enemy on horseback while the city was destroyed. They felt that at least their guild leaders should escape from this fate. Many of the other players who could not afford to buy a horse had decided stay at the central plaza only to throw insults at those who were registering so that they could somehow feel better and pass the time. Their jaws dropped when they saw a group of over 500 players walking toward the registration booth.<br><br>Bewildered at this sight, the thief shook some of his friends “Oi, wake up man. Who are those guys?? It looks like they’re very high level.”<br><br>Everyone in Weed’s group were decked out in high class armor that could only be gotten through hunting or from an advanced level 6 blacksmith or tailor and the number of players who had reached such a level in any art related class could be counted with one hand.<br><br>The royal knight did not make any attempt to hide how discouraged he was. He only slightly lifted his arm to prepare the documents, not even bothering to look at their armor or face.<br>“I’d like to have a word with the king.”<br>The knight waved his hand as if shooing the man away “That’s impossible the king is in a meeting with the generals. Now what is your name and class?”<br>Somewhat pissed off at the man’s nonchalant nature Harn decided to stop being indirect “My name is Weed and my job is sculptor. I am the lord of Ahreupen kingdom.”<br><br>As expected of having such a high reputation. As soon as the knight heard his name the man fell beautifully on his back and had a dumbfounded expression as he examined the man wearing an armor of pure white. Before he could even open his mouth Weed had taken out a badge from his pocket. The badge held the symbol of the empire, a one of a kind object that represented a king’s status (This is kind of made up, but I remember that Weed got some badge from Hermann the mercenary NPC after he purified that embinyu river and destroyed their fortress by unleashing the Hydra. It also gave Weed the option of creating new buildings.) Flabbergasted the knight quickly admitted all Harn and all of his companions into the defense force and ushered him closer to the gate where the King was consulting with various officers.<br>“Hey did that guy just say he was Weed, the lord of Mora???” asked a thief<br>“Yeah!! He’s even talking with the king. Just look at their armor and weapons! All of it looks like you’d need to be at least level 400 to equip it. Quick, tell go and tell the guild leader that Weed is in Serabourg!”<br>“You tell him, I want to stay here and see this for myself.”<br>-Leader! Leader! Please respond!<br>-What is it? We’re getting ready to make a break for the Northern continent. I heard that Mora’s a really great place and there’s no way we can win against this army. Well…not unless Weed was here with us…<br>-Yeah…I still remember how he fought his way through that undead dungeon and faced off against that embinyu boss from before.<br>-That’s what I’m saying! Weed is here in Serabourg, I can see him right now!!<br>-WHAT?!??! You’re not lying to me are you?<br>-Why would I lie about this? He’s right here at Central Plaza, talking with the king himself!!<br>-…Everyone go toward the Central Plaza! We must support Master Weed!<br><br>Word began to spread to the other guilds who were planning to make a break for the northern continent and they all rushed back to sign up for the defense of Serabourg as well.<br>“Are you sure about this…? I mean…We’re hopelessly outnumbered here…”<br>“Who cares about that kind of stuff! We’ve got the undefeatable hero Weed on our side! Besides, we weren’t really doing anything on our own anyway. At least this way, we’ll still get to rampage and have some fun kyahahahha.” Said the guild leader while seeming to have the time of her life.<br>“Looks like someone’s already having the time of their lives…” The girl gave a deep sigh before turning to his guild mates “Sorry guys, looks like sis is set on this…”<br>Everyone gave a deep sigh as though they knew this was going to happen anyway. “Don’t worry about it blueshadows, we’re somewhat used to this already…”<br><br>“Would you like to register for the defense of Serabourg?”<br>“Yes, but we’re a guild so would that be fine?”<br>“Absolutely, but you’ll still be rewarded based only on the kills each person makes. What you do with the money and how you split if afterward is your decisions.”<br>“That’s fine!”<br>“I’ll be needing your names and for you to show me your stat pages.”<br>“Okay! Everyone take out your stat pages~!”<br>A man in a cloak gave one more sigh before accepting his fate “Here goes everything…”<br><br>1) stat window<br>name:roughstar333<br>level: 140<br>title: nagging master fame:3.14159265<br>life:28312 mana:1212<br>strength:619 dextertity:712 vitality:1002<br>wisdom:39 intellect:395 spirit:192<br>lazyness:372 universal language comprehension :15% lasso mastery:59%<br>brainwashing:23%<br>class:monster tamer<br>(monster tamer : a class that uses chains and quips at the beginning.can make allies of wild creatures and talk with them.)<br><br>My partner is this Sabertooth tiger here named Coco. Said Roughstar333 as he hugged the massive beast with both his arms.<br><br>2) stat window<br>name:nooborto<br>level: 141<br>title: Ninja of the Night(Search it on youtube, is a warcraft video :D) fame:OVER 9000<br>life:25046 mana:1700<br>strength:543 dextertity:825vitality:955<br>wisdom:90 intellect:450 Randomness: Infinite<br><br>Class: Ninja<br>Unicorn company actually never made this class but the player was feeling random so he learned, copied, practiced, then integrated several branch and core skills from other classes in order to create the ninja class. This means that the character never outdoes an actual class in terms of stats or skill, but instead makes up for said disadvantage by combining skills and tactics from other classes. Ex: A warrior class has massive strength and can wield weapons such as a broadaxe however his range is limited. Therefore, a ninja class character is weak when going head to head against a warrior class since his strength stat is low, however he can use throwing knives or blowdarts as a secondary weapon. In ways, this is a universal class similar to martial artist or shaman classes.<br><br>Classes that were integrated included but are not limited to are: Bard, Chef, Alchemist, warrior, Assassin, Thief, priest, mage, ranger, and monk.<br><br><br><br>3) "Stats Window!"<br>Character Name: chicaalterego<br>Job: Air wasting stalker<br>Fame: 0<br>Life: Immortal?<br>Class: unknown<br>Status: Lazy<br>Level: 400<br>Health: 1<br>Mana: 0<br>Strength: 1<br>Dexterity: 0<br>Wisdom + Intellect: 342420<br>Stamina: 35544<br>Endurance: 1<br>Charisma: -13<br><br>[Job description: The Air wasting stalker (usually refereed to as useless bastards). Is not a legendary class, albeit it is known as a very obscure and mysterious one; this class is famous for it's weird side effects. The players in this profession can never attain fame and keeping the charisma in the positive area is an impossible feat. This job is very unappealing to many, since is completely useless for battle, for earning money and for most practical in-game feats. However the "Air wasting stalker" class provides you the ability of raising levels doing nothing, and enables you the option of sleep when you are sleeping in game, making the skin of their avatar be always smooth.<br><br>The ones in this profession tend to have a high level, since they chose it aware of the fact that they are lazy bums. But their level is just for show and it will be reduced if the player accidentally learns an ability due to their high wisdom. This class has only one real benefit to it, which comes when the player decides to use the ability unique to theirs class "Stalkerism" in which they can keep on stalking something even after their HP its 0. and bellow 0. Allowing the player keep up whatever they are doing procrastinating their dead, and then die a thousand times... ]<br><br><br>4) Avatar: Bonky333 || Type: Stuffed Animal<br>Level: 333 || Job: Bonking Master<br>Title: "Legendary Procrastinator" || Fame: 333<br>Health: 73737 || Mana: 37373<br>Strength: 333 || Agility: 333 || Vitality: 333<br>Wisdom: 333 || Intellect: 333 || Spirit: 333<br>Stamina: 333 || Endurance: 333<br>Leadership: 333 || Luck: 333<br>Offence: 333 || Defense: 333<br>Magic resistance: none<br><br>Special Skills:<br>Devil Pact: Goes into bonkers mode for a set period of time, doubling all stats at 333, unable to differentiate allies from prey, cannot be leveled up. Note: This will cause the player to temporarily assume another form while fighting.<br>Procrastinate: Lies around doing nothing, only skill capable of harming the Legendary Moonlight Slaver class.<br><br><br>5) "Stats Window!"<br>Character Name: Blueshadows<br>Job: Erratic Thread Viewer<br>Status: Erratic<br>Level: unknown...<br>Health: Spazzy<br>Mana: 5000<br>Strength: 100<br>Dexterity: 10-50<br>Wisdom + Intellect: 1-1000 (By heplfulness and mood)<br>Fighting Spirit: 1-100000<br>Stamina: 20<br>Endurance: 10<br>Charisma: 5<br> <br><br>6) "Stats Window!"<br><br>Name: Mizura<br>Type: Human<br>Level: 230<br>Job: Professional Housewife<br>Health: 1100<br>Mana: 230<br>Strength: 470<br>Wisdom: 620<br>Infamy: 1200<br>Observation: 1300<br>Magic resistance: none<br><br>Job Description: The professional housewife is a the bane of all working men, part-time working children and procrastinators! They will usually form alliances with other housewives, influencing the decision of the whole district!<br><br>Skills:<br>- Bring-home-the-bacon: The professional housewife is able to force quests on those around her. The target of this skill will receive a temporary boost in stats, come from the extra motivation. But beware, failure or delay of the quest will cause temporary mental damage to the target, with a temporary stat decrease that's more severe the longer the quest had dragged on. After several failures, permanent stat decreases are possible. Often akin to a form of curse.<br>- Gossip: When a group of professional housewives gather together, they are able to influence the direction of the entire district! Through the gossip skill, they are able to by themselves increase or decrease the fame or infamy of the target. For this reason, it is often said that you should never get on the bad side of a professional housewife. It is rumoured that once an adventurer angered a housewife by refusing a quest, and subsequently found himself the target of multiple outlandish rumors that are better not mentioned here.<br>- Nag: The sharp eyes of the professional housewife misses nothing! Through this skill, she is able to point out all the faults of the opponent, causing severe mental damage and stat loss! At advanced levels, the nagging ability is so powerful that even monsters who do not understand human language will whimper and quiver from the incessant stream of insults.<br>- Pan-handling: Adept in the kitchen, in more ways than one! The housewife is an expert at handling the pot, either for cooking food or beating people into submission. The target becomes more obedient the more this skill is used. Can also be used on pets and other animals. It is rumoured that Weed once came across a professional housewife, who gave him new insight into the art of beating people up.<br><br><br><br>7) Name: Narr-master<br>Level: 270<br>Title: "The phantom leech" Fame: -2456<br>Life: 11348 Mana: 6669<br>STR: 978+25 DEX: 1070+25 VIT: 1240+25<br>WIS: 80+25 INT: 400+25 SPR: 120+25<br>STA: 1300+25 Shamelesness: 770+50 AIR( means less pressence): 600+50 <br><br>Class: Screenlight leechtaker<br> [Screenlight leechtaker: Class whose mastery has been banned by Geihar Von Ahreupen himself after realising his fame was being leeched off by someone, Having taken him 20 years to discover this act of treason he realised the dangers such a dark profession may cause someday to the continent, thus forbidding It forever. Able to leech off the intangible and stalk the invisible, this path my only lead to darkness]<br><br>Stalk some assassins and harass them, or just watch/steal loot.<br><br>Skills:<br>Leech STR Leech WIS Leech HP Leech SKILL<br>Leech STA Leech DEX Leech MANA Stalker Fist(after following someone for so long he can know his weak points)<br>Leech VIT Leech SPR Shadow Stalking<br>Leech AGI Leech EXP Shadow blending(he can enter shadows and use them as portals in battle)<br>Obscure Omniscience (after stalking some for so long he can predict his actions in battle)<br>Dark State of Parasitic Vampirisation ( costing 60 mana per secong his stats are boosted by 30% and he recovers 10% of whatever damage he dealt to the oponent)<br><br> Leechig skills work this way:<br> Leech STR (Takes a while) PERMANENT CHANGE<br>Leechtalker 700 STR Prey 800 STR ---------------------------&gt; Leechtalker 705 STR Prey 795 STR<br><br>Here's his history provided by narr himself :)<br><br>Natham Alexander (add second english sounding middle name begining with an "R" here) Rojas, age 19 is the man behind the stalking, he is pretty much the reason why the world genius exists. Being extremily gifted allowed him to do whatever he set his mind to almost flawlessly and with ease. After years of strict tutoring paid by his overly exalted parents and not being able to make friends he came to just grow bored of everything, and developed a really aloof personality as a result. he first heard of Royal Road on rhe streets while he was "strolling around", and as he always did with something new, he tried it out. He wasn't really expecting a lot of fun, since everything else bored him too, he didn't have many expectations of the game. The first 4 mandatorial weeks pissed him off so instead of doing quests or getting a class he decided to just wander around the city, where due to many coincidences and events he somehow came to find a ultra ubber secret passage into the castle, there he obviously found the will of Remor Atick Leechenstalk and received the class "screenlight leechtalker", losing a plethora of fame too ( he was actually surprised you could lose fame when you didn't even have any).<br><br>After a while he began discovering his abilities and started testing them out for "fun", surprised since he hadn't thought of that word for years, and he was right he was having fun, using his already polished "wandering abilities" he could make his prescence really thin, even to monsters, first experimenting with the basic leeching skills "leeching life" and "shadow stalking", he preferred to do this during the night, while in the day he just enjoyed the sun he didn't have in the real world( he lived in some cloudy state).<br><br>One day loitering around he came around weed's sclupture stall and found it interesting--as sculpting was secretly the only thing he has ever failed to do, not that his artistic sense was bad, just that, out of some weird karmic law being good at everything to the point of getting killed by the other people's jealousy needed to be balanced out somehow, so the universe decided to make him suck at sclupting.<br><br>As the months passed and he continued to lv up, he came across weed a couple of times, not that he was ever noticed, he saw weed going into the secret crevice in the cave of litvart(kept following weed even after he stopped leeching off the people following him), he came across weed's pary before going to lavias(so he went with them), stumbled upon the orc/elf war.<br><br>Growing stronger he kept getting more skills, one of which alloed him to see his "victim's" stat window, that's how he came to know that weed was a LMS and ridiculously strong at that, first he was going to leech off of him but decided not, since he felt a weird akinship towards weed, maybe because they were both secret classes, he saw weed as the sun and he as the shadow.<br><br>His skills function in a way that he can literally suck people's stats and skills froma distance, which is why he has such overly inflated stats despite his lv, unfortunately these "passive" skills can't be used while in battle, so he usualy just rests under a tree nearby his victim, and while his prey is painstakingly trying to gaim exp he lessurely zaps it away, reducing his already obscenely low fame even more.<br><br>Screenlight Leechtalkers' main weapon are his fists, like some sort of monk(thankfully he leeched off other people's handycraft skill so at vol 6 his is already intermediate 7) he usually doesn't fight head on, but when need arises he was some skills to defend himself.<br><br><br>8) "Stats Window!"<br>Character Name: Blueheart<br>Job: Legendary Moonlight Slaver<br>Status: Scary<br>Level: 93 (posts)<br>Health: 92% active<br>Mana: sleep only 4 hours<br>Strength: ?<br>Dexterity: ?<br>Wisdom + Intellect: 22 (ren)<br>Fighting Spirit: Obtrusive<br>Stamina: ?<br>Endurance:<br>Charisma:<br><br>9) Stat Window:<br>Name: Iheartz<br>Level: 212<br>Title: the Puppeteer<br>Life: 12012 Mana: 20120<br>Strength: 333 Dexterity: 999 Wisdom: 1332 Intellect: 2312<br>Class: Neuromancer<br>Has the ability to mentally attack and fully take control of the opponents body. Effectiveness of control and the power of the opponent (50%, 100%, 200%, etc) depends on skill level and intellect while the duration of control is governed by mana levels. Warning: while controlling others, the neuromancer's own body is put into a form of stasis and will be extremely vulnerable to attacks. In addition to mind control, the neuromancer is also capable of creating illusions, inhabiting inanimate objects, implanting thoughts, and even slight (surface thoughts) mind reading. The average Neuromancer is only capable of controlling a single, normal-leveled mob, with higher level Neuromancers being able to control near-boss level enemies or several different lower class enemies. It is said that an Arch Neuromagus has the ability to take over players, take over boss level monsters, and even permanently animate lifeless objects. However, given that nobody has reached such a level, this information is purely hypothetical.<br><br>Note: Neuromancers are extremely vulnerable to interruptions and destabilizations of their mental state. Observation: When I encountered Skyrim, League of Legends, or Moonlight Sculptor, 12012 life was lost, strength was increased by 333, dexterity was decreased by 333, wisdom was halved, and intellect encountered a random shifts.<br><br>“Alright, all of you are admitted. I wish you all the best of fortune on the field of battle.”<br>Blueheart turned to her companions and told them “Okay everyone will hunt on their own from here on out.”<br>“Eh?? Why would we do that? Isn’t it easier to kill them if we’re together?” asked roughstar333 while staring blankly at his guild leader<br>“Obviously it’s because it wouldn’t be a competition if we all worked together!”<br><br>Is this really the time for a competition? We’re about to be killed by an army of madmen…thought all of her teammates.<br>“The person with the most kills gets to eat Mizura chans first batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies!”<br>“DEAL!!” replied everyone in unison. Mizura’s cookies could be considered a treasure with an entire village. All of them had been playing for over 6 months now but still couldn’t find any type of food that could be compared to those cookies made with an advanced level 9 cooking skill.<br><br>Meanwhile Weed and his friends were talking with the king outside of a small tent near the entrance to the castle. Unfortunately, things looked incredibly grim. The generals were unable to come up with a possible battle strategy that could help win this war, and the knights morale was low since the king was only recently appointed. So any form of counterattack would have to come from Harn and Harn alone.<br><br>“Ian, take this hand mirror and go to the mansion of Sage Rodriguez. Tell him that Weed, the lord of Mora summons him. And do not let him have the mirror until he swears to come here to the Central Plaza in person.”<br>“Sir yes sir!” Ian was unwilling to anger this man who was a personal friend of the king himself. Should he fail in this mission not even Freya herself could save him. So Ian clutched the mirror close to his chest while being careful not to trip over anything.<br><br>With this part fulfilled Weed had to somehow raise the knights spirits once more. Even him being there did not serve much in bringing them to life. Wait…bringing to life. That’s it! Weed turned toward Zahab and gave him to objects. It was the engraving knife that had once belonged to Zahab himself and had served to create an innumerable number of masterpieces. The other item was the wooden statue of Queen Evane that he had received from the maid when he finished The Sculptor’s Past quest. “Master Zahab I need for you to carve a sculpture of Queen Evane for me; these items should be of help. It is absolutely necessary for the defense of Serabourg. Engrave everything into this piece of wood. All of the happy memories, the regrets you have, as well as the things that you still want to say to her. If you want to hold her in your arms once more in your arms then you must do this for me.”<br><br>Zahab stared blankly at the old sculpture in nostalgia for some seconds. It was the sculpture he had made for Evane when they were still children; when he had promised to give her the most beautiful sculpture in the world. Sliding the engraving knife up and down the sculpture he soon changed the piece into that of a queen with great dignity. Tears began to roll down his cheeks as he continued but his focus did not break, it did not falter the slightest when Rodriguez had arrived and cried out to him. Everyone fell into silence as they watched the Zahab breathe life into the small sculpture once more. “Please come back Evane…There’s so much more I want to say to you. I swear that I’ll never go on anymore adventures if you would just come back. I want to be able to hold you in my arms…to carve beautiful sculptures for you and see that smile just one more time…” Zahab said to himself.<br><br>Weed put his hand on the sculpture “That’s enough Zahab. You’ve done everything that I’ve asked and more. Sculpture resurrection! (actually called buhwalsul skills in vol 32 but I don’t know what that translates into so just going with this. The skill costs 3 levels, 45 art stat points, 10 faith, and requires a one month break before it can be cast again.)<br><br>A pure white light emanated from the sculpture before enveloping the entire plaza. The light soon receded and wooden sculpture rose into the air several feet before slowly changing into the form of an actual woman.<br><br>-------------------------------------------------<br>-You have used sculpture resurrection<br>Queen Evane who had helped to create peace within Rosenheim kingdom has returned to Versailles once more. Time limit is 21 hours.<br>Art stat has been permanently reduced by 45<br>Faith has been permanently reduced by 10<br>Your level has been reduced by 3.<br>-------------------------------------------------<br>-Sculpture resurrection mastery has been improved<br><br>“This is…Rosenheim kingdom is it not? It looks so familiar but there are things I’ve never seen before. Wait this isn’t right…I could’ve sworn that I died after embinyu poisoned me.”<br><br>“What? Embinyu denomination was the one who poisoned you? Not Brent kingdom?!” asked Rodriguez in a bewildered tone as he moved toward her.<br><br>“Rodriguez?? Is that you? You’ve aged so…Just what in Freya’s name is going on here?”<br>“I’ll explain personally, your highness.” Replied Weed as he knelt before the queen as if in apology “I am a personal friend and student of Master Zahab and think of Rosenheim kingdom as my own home. Embinyu denomination, the ones who had sent assassins after you and later caused your death by poison, is now attempting to destroy the Citadel of Serabourg and quite possibly all of Rosenheim kingdom. I’ve used a skill that will temporarily bring you back to this world for 21 hours because we need your help now more than ever. This is a selfish and unforgivable act but I beg you to help us once more. Please become our spiritual pillar once more and lead us.” Said Weed solemnly as he motioned his hand in the direction of Zahab and everyone around him.<br><br>Queen Evane’s eyes focused solely on Zahab despite the numerous people surrounding her “Zahab…” her expression softened considerably but then her head jerked up as she recalled her surroundings “It is true that Embinyu denomination were the ones who poisoned me. If what you say is true, then Rosenheim kingdom will not just stand idly by as they threaten our homes. We will also fight back and make them regret having ever attacked Rosenheim!!” announced Queen Evane in a brisk voice filled with confidence.<br><br>All of the knights proudly roared back in response to Queen Evane’s declaration.<br>“Hurrahh!! We won’t disappoint you Queen Evane! We’ll also fight!”<br>“To arms!! We’ll defend Serabourg even if it’s the last thing we do!”<br><br>Hmph. Looks like those guys regained their spirit. Weed walked toward Rodriguez and put his arm on his shoulder. “Then Sage Rodriguez and Master Zahab can help act as your bodyguards. I can vouch for their strength and they are all people who hold a history with Rosenheim kingdom.” Weed told Rodriguez in a hushed tone only he could hear “With this, I’ll have returned my favor in full plus interest after defeating the embinyu army outside.”<br><br>*********************************************<br><br>Queen Evane had begun to organize the knights so that she could finish buffing everyone. Truth be told, Weed was surprised to see that her buffs and healing abilities surpassed even those of Ron Alves, the next in line to be the Pope for the Church of Freya. “Guess she wasn’t queen for nothing. Well then, back to work.” After much time Weed finally managed to get an accurate map of the Citadel of Serabourg from Rodriguez, a map showing all of the underground tunnels inside of the city (Sometimes the king or another person of great importance may be outside of the castle so they need to have various tunnels that allow them to safely get to the other escape tunnels.), as well as a map giving a bird’s eye view of the city and all of its surrounding area. All of the generals and military advisors were dumbfounded when they heard Harn’s battle strategy.<br><br>Many of those present strongly objected to his tactics “This is utter madness. I mean…to purposely let the enemy into the city??? This is unheard of!!”<br><br>However, Weed was confident in his strategy and was unwilling to budge. “We have no choice at this time. You should know full well that the enemy is at our doorstep and is on the verge of breaking through with their siege weapons. Our only choice is to funnel some of their forces and then seal off the gate with a massive ‘Rivers of Flame’ spell and begin picking them off while they’re separated. Also, I’ll need a force of around 3000 so that I can break through their ranks and take down their catapults and Ballista’s.”<br><br>None of the advisors could decline his strategy since Weed stubbornly refused to change his mind. Weed was a valuable ally, a king of the Northern Continent, a Hero, as well as a personal friend of his highness. Moreover, this tactic of luring the enemy into the city while launching your own tactic was the only plausible idea that had been presented so far. Reluctantly, they accepted his plan and began to make preparations for the assault.<br>“Oh right, I need you to get everything on this list of items for me. Use whatever means necessary to persuade the nearby art guilds to get them for me.” Handing the piece of paper to the advisor he made yet another stupefied expression but decided to comply with the request.<br><br>(Note: To help everyone visualize this just get a piece of scratch paper and draw a circle representing Serabourg at the center. Going in a clockwise direction, label the North, East, South, and West. I still remember them because of how my teacher taught me which is Never Eat Soggy Waffles XD. Mora will be at the Northwest, the dungeons Lair of Litvart, Spider Dungeon, and Fafnir's pit are to the west. The Embinyu forces are to the south in the direction of Central Continent. Farther south of them is Miming forest as well as a large mountain known as death mountain which is filled with an countless caves and monsters.)<br><br>After about half an hour everyone was assembled at the eastern entrance. There were close to 1800 Rosenheim knights riding on horseback, 250 mages and archers supplied by various guilds, 400 priests from the Church of Freya, 300 sculptors, 300 shamans, and 150 merchant wagons (35 for carrying items, and 110 for helping to carry the archers, mages, priests since it’s hard for them to help unless they’re on somewhat stable ground), 505 martial artists compliments of Geomchi, and last but not least Weed’s friends Pale, Maylon, Mapan, Romune, Irene, and Hwaryung. Making it a force of over 4000.<br><br>Irene looks left and right scanning through the crowd “Um…where’s Surka, Hyeon(Weed’s sister), and Zephyr?”<br><br>“I needed some fleet footed soldiers to do a job for me to do a job up west. I made sure to send Cerberus(3 headed dog sculpture Weed brought to life in Las Gigolo) with her so she’ll be fine. As for Hyeon and Zephyr, I had them go to the top of the cities bell tower. There, Hyeon can use her abilities to their fullest and record the war while Zephyr acts as her bodyguard. I even took the liberties of giving him some advice before sending them off.” In truth Harn had dragged Zephyr into an alley out of his sister’s sight, lifted him up by his collar and given him a strict warning. If he dared to make a move on her or if she had so much as a scratch upon her body, absolutely nothing would stop him from continuously pulverizing his body for over a month in this world as well as the real world. "Remember...If anything happens to Hyeon I.WILL.END.YOU." Zephyr "*Gulp* Yes sir...." I think I just had my lifespan shortened by several years....<br><br>When Weed came into view several of the knights and players present were shaking in fear so he decided to give a speech to help motivate them. After coughing to clear his voice Weed spoke out “As you all know Embinyu denomination is trying to break into Serabourg, our home. I say this to you now. They will not stop and they will not hesitate to destroy everything in their path. They are determined to conquer all of Versailles.” After a slight pause to let them take everything in Weed continued “The only choice is to fight back! Rise up and defend your home, your sanctuary, and strike back at the enemy. I swear to you that not an ounce of your blood will be spilled in vain! So ride out with me to meet the enemy, and we will make them regret having ever attacked to Serabourg!!”<br><br>“Wooooooh!! I’ll follow you anywhere Master Weed!” cheered the players<br>“So cool…”<br><br>I can’t let the meat shields get away right before the big fight. Thought Weed to himself.<br><br>“Summon Tori!” black smoke spewed out from the ground and then appeared the vampire Tori<br>“What do you want this time?” asked Tori as he stared menacingly<br>Looks like someone needs some more training thought Harn. Tori instantly straightened up when he saw Weed take out the saint's staff from his backpack. The staff inflicts blunt damage but it can't kill be able to kill Tori because he has massive health regeneration, instead he'll be forced to suffer massive amounts of head trauma while being unable to die.<br>"Ah...I mean...What can I do for you great master?" Weed smacked him 400 or so times just to be safe<br>“Summon a massive fog to cover the exterior of the city and begin use hit and run tactics upon the embinyu denomination’s priests. If their priests are gone then we’ll have a much better shot at winning this fight.”<br>“It shall be done! Wall of Fog!!” replied Tori in a loud voice since he didn't want to be hit even more. As to be expected of a skill used by a vampire over level 400. The rolled in fast and enveloped the entire embinyu army and served to cover Weed’s army.<br><br>Weed took out several miniature sculptures and passed it out to his friends. "Here's the sculptures I promised you guys from when we fought those lizardmen, you guys had better be thankful &gt;: . For Maylon and Pale he gave two Red tailed hawk that when put together would look like they're cuddling :D which gave a +12 dex, Irene got a white dove which symbolized peace that increases the effect of buffs and heals by 12%, Surka received a sparrow sculpture which buffed her agi by 15, Romune was given a Bald Eagle(Was thinking Blue Jay but pick one you like) that increased her intelligence stat by 10), the sculpture that Geomchi's group received was a pack of wolves which increased their vitality by 13(Thing that affects your amount of health and defense), Mapan was given a sculpture of a Pack Mule( was thinking Camel but meh pack mule you can already guess what they're used for) which gave a bonus movement speed of 20% and caused stamina to rise by 15, Hwaryung's sculpture was a Hummingbird that boosted her gracefulness by 7 and attractiveness by 10, lastly Weed gave Seoyoon a phoenix sculpture that buffed her strength by 9. All of the above sculptures gave the usual +15% increase in health and mana regeneration.<br><br>Mapan stared at his sculpture for a few seconds then out of curiosity asked Weed"Master Weed, what is your sculpture then?"<br>"Oh...It's this little guy here. Anivia!(Ice phoenix from League of Legends!!!) increases dex by 5, int by 6, and attractiveness +5" (just compare the buffs from his sculpture to theirs )<br>"........"(By the way this is the reason why I asked what spirit animal would fit each of those characters, it was to figure out what would work for their sculptures ;p)<br><br>After buffing the entire group with his Sword Sharpening, Polishing Armor, cooking skills, ironing leather skills, and sharing the buffs from the miniature sculptures he had given the his friends, they began the attack.<br><br>“Move out!! Our counterattack begins now!!!” cried Weed as he led his small force out the gate toward the embinyu army.<br>"Follow Master Weed!" </div>

Outside of the city: “It’s the appointed time. Everyone get into your positions and follow the plan.” “It’s a slaughter. It’s time for a slaughter~!” “Kill everyone and spread the name of Embinyu!” “All hail Embinyu! All hail Embinyu!” “Fire the catapults!” An army of over 325,000 appeared from behind the hills south of the kingdom and started to march toward the southern gate of the capital. Its ranks were filled to the brim with shaman, dark paladins, paladins, wizards, warlocks, dark priests, priests, assassins, and also numerous warriors on horseback. All at once 4 boulders each the size of a bed flew into the sky and made a loud *BOOM* as they crashed into various locations on the Citadel. “Begin reloading and adjust the angle 5 degrees up.” Everyone inside of the Citadel began to receive a message. -Ttring! Embinyu denomination has begun its assault on the capital of Rosenheim kingdom, Serabourg. Serabourg siege has occurred. Teleportation stations will now forcibly closed and long distance teleports are now restricted. In the hunting grounds near the south gate was a small group of players grinding foxes. One appeared to be the leader of the party, a warrior named Joey, the healer and debuffer was a shaman called Cain, along with a female archer called Alice. Alice: “What in the world? A siege??” Cain: “This can’t be for real. Maybe it’s just a prank by a GM?” Joey: “Must be. Hey, you guys wanna try hunting some wolves next? I hear they give good exp.” The novices and various players at the hunting grounds were skeptical about this sudden turn of events. Most of them had joined only recently so they were still at most level 13 and knew next to nothing about large scale battles like wars or raids. They stood there in disbelief for several seconds and then resumed hunting the monsters around them for a while before they heard a loud BOOM from the city. “What was that!?” As the warrior turned his head in the direction of the crash he saw them. From the corner of his eye he could see a immense army of people dressed in black heading towards them from over the mountain range. He assembled his makeshift group of hunters as quickly as he could and began dragging his teammates back into the castle. In the distance he could see another group hunting some a pack of fire wolfs and one more party coming out from the gate. Joey screamed at the top of his lungs “Danger! Get back inside! Not safe! I repeat, not safe!! Ahhhhh!!!” as he sprinted toward the walls his top speed. Some of the players didn’t understand at first and called it a stupid prank at first but they soon came to realize the danger when they saw what looked like a massive black wave coming in from behind him. Every player in the hunting grounds began to run straight toward the gate at a break neck pace. “Argh…we even left the drop items behind…” “Blueheart...err...Guild leader, what do we do?!!” The guild leader took one more look over her shoulder and immediately replied “Run faster!!” as she left her companions in the dust. “Seal all of the gates and protect your positions! Don’t let anyone of those bastards enter the Serabourg!” “For his majesty!!” roared one of the Royal Knights as he raised his sword toward the sky A heated fight broke out between the defending Rosenheim knights and the attacking Embinyu denomination. “Aim…fire!” “Target the mages in the back. The mages!” “What’re you waiting for?! An invitation? Hurry and pour the hot tar on those paladins before they break through the gate!” Rosenheim archers and crossbowmen focused on taking down the enemy mages who were aiming for the gate but the row of paladins continued to protect them with their armor and shields. Meanwhile, the dark paladins had charged the gate and begun hitting it with a huge battering ram. The only thing that was keeping the gate from crumbling were the mages and priests who were casting barriers around the entrance. But the barriers were fading fast because of the onslaught and their mana wasn’t infinite. “Bring down the gate! Bring it down!” “All shall bow to Embinyu!” ****************************************** The citizens and users inside of Serabourg fell into panic. An army of over 300,000 was waging war on them and all of their gear indicated that all of them were level 300 if not more. The enemy had broken off into two separate groups; 275,000 attacked the gate while the remaining 50,000 targeted the capital with ranged spells, arrows, rocks fired from the catapult, and spear sized arrows from their ballistae. It was only a matter of time before the citadels walls and gate crumbled to their attacks. But the most fearsome thing about those from the embinyu denomination was that they didn’t fear death. They swarmed the walls and kept banging on the gates with their fists. None of them seemed to care if they lost a limb or had to climb over the bodies of their dead brothers. They just kept screaming “All of you will die!” and “Embinyu shall rule all!” as they pounded upon the citiy. Moreover, If you did not convert to embinyu denomination then you would be killed on the spot and lose a large majority of your items and experience. Rosenheim had buffed up its army since the last attack by hiring mercenaries as well as Priests from the church of Freya, and Paladins from Lou’s church but it was all for naught since at most they were still only 40,000 strong. They couldn’t possibly stop 325,000 soldiers on their own. All around one could hear people muttering “It’s over”, “We can’t possibly make it out this time”, “Why is this happening to me…” and some had even went as far as banging their heads against the walls to suicide, so that they’d lose less exp/items. Weed and Seoyoon had been making their way to the Central Plaza when they received a pm from one of their friends. -Oiii, Harn where the heck are you? We’re finally at Serabourg. Is this thing working?? -Eh? Master? Weren’t you still at Mora? How did you get all the way to central continent?!? -Ahh that. By running of course! And it’s not just me; all of the other students came here as well. -huff huff, master please slow down….we just made it through a desert… -Bah, looks like you guys still need more training. So Harn, where exactly are you? I want to go to that dance thing as well! Harn was dumbfounded. The distance between Mora and Serabourg were some hundred thousand miles away from one another. -Helloooooo?? Bah, geomchi 16 you try contacting him I think this private microwave thing is broken. -Master, it’s a group chat, an extension of private messaging that lets multiple people talk to one another. It’s quite popular nowadays; even Libby and I use it to chat from time to time.(Geomchi 16 hooked up with a female priest back during vol 10 :D) -Don’t worry I’m still here…Anyway, head toward the central plaza and we’ll meet there. I’ve already told the others to go there as well. Oof!! -Master Weed?! Is everything alright? -Yes yes I’m fine. Completely fine. I just accidentally ran into someone. -Hahahha looks like you need more training! Well, see you at Central plaza then. It’s mainly you’re fault that I ran into someone. Better apologize quickly and go regroup with the others so we can figure out what to do. Seoyoon stopped dead in her tracks after seeing Weed slam head in to an elderly man in a cloak that had just come out from a corner. Using his warmest tone of voice (Think this might be rather hard for Weed lol) Harn said “My sincerest apologies, I didn’t mean to run into you. The fault lies entirely with me.” Now I just need to accept his apology as well and get out of here. “Darn right the fault lies with you! Honestly…I can’t believe the youngin these days. Racing around the city like it was their playground. Can’t you pay even a little more mind to the elderly?” asked the man as he removed his hood to reveal his face. Harn stared blankly at the old man before asking “Master Zahab?! Is that really you? Why are you here?” “Oh? Why, you’re the man who visited my cottage with that exceptional beauty! Is she with you?” Zahab tilted his head to the side to look past Harn and stare directly at Seoyoon “Hello there young miss! Have you reconsidered letting me make a sculpture of you yet?” Seoyoon didn’t hesitate to shake her head in response. “I see.” Said Zahab in an incredibly disheartened voice. “Master Zahab, why are you in Rosenheim? I thought you were journeying around the world.” “For a while, yes, but I grew weary of it all. The loneliness became unbearable, and I wanted to reminisce about the old times when it was just myself and Evane. A time when the both of us were still young and nothing mattered but the time we spent together. I’ve already visited our old village and this is the last stop of my journey. I came here in the hope that I’ll be able to finally create a life sized sculpture of her after going over our time together. But unfortunately, I’m at the end of my rope.” Sighed Zahab. Master Zahab seemed to have aged considerably since their last meeting. No doubt because of his long journey. “Master Zahab I’m sorry to interrupt you but Serabourg is under siege. I recommend you follow us to the Central plaza where my friends are waiting. We may be able to find a way out of this place yet.” Told Weed as he held out his hand to help the man up. But Zahab rejected it and stood up on his hand. “I’m not so old that I need protecting. But I will follow you to the Central plaza; it has been a long time since I saw it.” To Harn’s surprise Zahab was even faster then he and Seoyoon. “It seems he hasn’t lost his step just yet.” Muttered Weed “Come on! I want to see the fountain before the nights end! ahahaha” said Zahab with a smile as he raced ahead. It seemed as though everyone inside of the city was at the central plaza. There were merchants trying to make a quick sale on their merchandise because of the danger while others were still trying to barter for protection. Meanwhile, there was a wall of knights were trying to hold back a mob of people from breaking down the castle gates. “Swords and bows for sale! Only 5 silver each! Buy fast before they sell out!” “I’ll pay 3000 gold to anyone who helps me and my caravan get to safety! Please, is there anyone willing??” “Master Weed. Over here.” Whispered someone from Harn’s right. When he peeked through his cloak he saw that it was Surka and the others. Geomchi’s group seemed to be right behind them. “What’s going on? It seems like all hells broken loose.” Asked Weed in a distraught voice. “That’s pretty much what’s happening. The Embinyu denomination has cavalry this time so even if we get a head start on our escape it’s only a matter of time before they run us down. Harn slowly nodded in agreement. Normally it would’ve been possible to escape if one was on horseback but in this scenario there were too few horses. Those going on foot or traveling in wagons would just slow the rest of the group down and the embinyu horsemen who are only carrying their weapon and armor would catch up in no time. “Then what’s up with the giant mob trying to break into the castle? I don’t remember seeing that last time.” Surka was about to tell him but stopped short and Pale was forced into telling Weed the harsh truth. He gave a wry smile before saying “They’re trying to get the king to let them use the underground tunnel from before. There’s been no response for the past 15 minutes so they’re now trying to gain entrance by force. It seems that the royal knights gathering behind the gate are getting ready to disperse them by force in a few moments…” It was Weed’s turn to give a wry smile as he began to calculate all of the choices he had at hand right now. I can’t escape through the gates since we’ll just be caught by them. The only way to break through this many enemies would be to turn into a necromancer again, but that would drastically reduce my reputation again. Additionally, if Rosenheim kingdom falls while I’m here then I’ll be partially responsible and will suffer a penalty since I didn’t help. Not to mention that I’ll be losing my first ally, trading partner, and any possibility of gaining rights over a gold mine…Weed began to rub his temples at this unfair situation. The mob went into a frenzy as they saw a familiar form approaching from the other side of the gate. “It’s the king! King!! Help us!” “Why aren’t you letting us use your escape tunnel?! Do you mean for all of us to die?” cried someone at the back of the mob The king’s face turned grim as he announced in a heavy tone “I’m afraid that it’s impossible to escape by using the tunnels…The embinyu denomination collapsed all of the secret tunnels when they last invaded Rosenheim, and the current tunnels are not even half way finished yet” “Wha…? You can’t be serious, right?” murmured a mage as he collapsed to his knees Tilting his head downward the king said “The enemy has over 20,000 men in their cavalry (horse riders) so escaping will be next to impossible. This is why…. I’m forced to ask everyone to assist me in defending Serabourg…” One of the knights next to him moved away to set up a booth and then roared in a loud voice “Rosenheim is now accepting mercenaries! Everyone will be fully reimbursed and rewarded at the end of the battle.” ---------------------------------------------- Defending the citadel of Serabourg The enemy is embinyu denomination who is trying to break into the city. There will be honor and glory for all those who fight for Rosenheim kingdom in this battle. Compensation: Soldiers will be paid for volunteering to work and will be further rewarded based upon their achievements. -It’s possible to become a soldier of the kingdom Quest Limited: If Rosenheim kingdom disappears then compensation will be impossible. ---------------------------------------------- The mob that had been screaming their hearts out was now struck with silence…Who can really blame them when they’re trapped with no hope of escaping? Everyone in the central plaza had begun to fall to despair and hopelessness. Weed heard a hushed voice from his back so he turned around to see a woman huddling some 10 children close to her. “It’s going to be alright…everything’s going to be just fine. It’ll all be over very soon.” She told the kids as tears streaked down her cheeks. “Wahhh….I wanna go home! *sniff*” “I miss papa! I want to see papa!” The girl could only hold the children closer to her in response. There was nothing she could do to lift their spirits and she cried ever more because of her helplessness in this situation. “It’ll be over soon…” Harn began to clench his fist in anger and then turned to face his friends who had also been watching this event unfold. Tilting his head downward “Sorry guys…” Everyone already knew what he was going to say and was unwilling to reject his choice. The silence this time was broken by Pale after a large sigh “It’s not like I don’t agree with you. But really, we get dragged into some of the most random situations because of you…” Weed could only scratch the back of his head in response because this was undoubtedly the truth. Instead, it was Romune who spoke out to defend Harn. “This is definitely true. But because of that there’s never a dull moment when we’re with Master Weed, plus we get free food heh heh. Besides, weren’t you the one who were the most ecstatic about running to his side when you heard he was trapped on Las Gigolo and before that it was the battle with the undead legion!” shouted Romune in a lecturing tone. Irene looked toward Surka “Well then, shall we?” Surka immediately stood up and began to stretch her limbs “Mm why not, here’s to another adventure~! Not to mention we’ll get to eat something nice before the big fight.” “Master, what should we do?” asked some of the disciples with a confused look on their face In a confident voice Geomchi told them “Of course we’re going to participate! Real men do not run away from such a fight. We will also help defend Serabourg!” If Serabourg is destroyed then that dance event won’t happen either. Geomchi began imagining some of the girls he had passed by so far in various dresses. “Um…master you’re drooling. Is something the matter?” “Ah! I’m perfectly fine. I was just pondering how we would go about our attack.” Replied Geomchi as he quickly wiped off his drool. “Ha ha, that’s master for you. Well then Libby, shall we register as well?” A woman dressed in a Divine cloth priest robe stood up and clung to the warriors arm “I’m willing to go anywhere so long as it’s with you.” Said the lady in an amorous voice while closely hugging the rugged arm of geomchi 16. While everyone was walking toward the registration booth the rest of the martial artists were glaring daggers at the couples who were showing off in front of them. Raising his arm overhead Geomchi told everyone “Come on men! Let’s sign up and show our strength to everyone!” “Woooh let’s go!!” The mob at central plaza had already settled down and dispersed. Most of the guilds had gathered together at the North gate to get ready to flee from the enemy on horseback while the city was destroyed. They felt that at least their guild leaders should escape from this fate. Many of the other players who could not afford to buy a horse had decided stay at the central plaza only to throw insults at those who were registering so that they could somehow feel better and pass the time. Their jaws dropped when they saw a group of over 500 players walking toward the registration booth. Bewildered at this sight, the thief shook some of his friends “Oi, wake up man. Who are those guys?? It looks like they’re very high level.” Everyone in Weed’s group were decked out in high class armor that could only be gotten through hunting or from an advanced level 6 blacksmith or tailor and the number of players who had reached such a level in any art related class could be counted with one hand. The royal knight did not make any attempt to hide how discouraged he was. He only slightly lifted his arm to prepare the documents, not even bothering to look at their armor or face. “I’d like to have a word with the king.” The knight waved his hand as if shooing the man away “That’s impossible the king is in a meeting with the generals. Now what is your name and class?” Somewhat pissed off at the man’s nonchalant nature Harn decided to stop being indirect “My name is Weed and my job is sculptor. I am the lord of Ahreupen kingdom.” As expected of having such a high reputation. As soon as the knight heard his name the man fell beautifully on his back and had a dumbfounded expression as he examined the man wearing an armor of pure white. Before he could even open his mouth Weed had taken out a badge from his pocket. The badge held the symbol of the empire, a one of a kind object that represented a king’s status (This is kind of made up, but I remember that Weed got some badge from Hermann the mercenary NPC after he purified that embinyu river and destroyed their fortress by unleashing the Hydra. It also gave Weed the option of creating new buildings.) Flabbergasted the knight quickly admitted all Harn and all of his companions into the defense force and ushered him closer to the gate where the King was consulting with various officers. “Hey did that guy just say he was Weed, the lord of Mora???” asked a thief “Yeah!! He’s even talking with the king. Just look at their armor and weapons! All of it looks like you’d need to be at least level 400 to equip it. Quick, tell go and tell the guild leader that Weed is in Serabourg!” “You tell him, I want to stay here and see this for myself.” -Leader! Leader! Please respond! -What is it? We’re getting ready to make a break for the Northern continent. I heard that Mora’s a really great place and there’s no way we can win against this army. Well…not unless Weed was here with us… -Yeah…I still remember how he fought his way through that undead dungeon and faced off against that embinyu boss from before. -That’s what I’m saying! Weed is here in Serabourg, I can see him right now!! -WHAT?!??! You’re not lying to me are you? -Why would I lie about this? He’s right here at Central Plaza, talking with the king himself!! -…Everyone go toward the Central Plaza! We must support Master Weed! Word began to spread to the other guilds who were planning to make a break for the northern continent and they all rushed back to sign up for the defense of Serabourg as well. “Are you sure about this…? I mean…We’re hopelessly outnumbered here…” “Who cares about that kind of stuff! We’ve got the undefeatable hero Weed on our side! Besides, we weren’t really doing anything on our own anyway. At least this way, we’ll still get to rampage and have some fun kyahahahha.” Said the guild leader while seeming to have the time of her life. “Looks like someone’s already having the time of their lives…” The girl gave a deep sigh before turning to his guild mates “Sorry guys, looks like sis is set on this…” Everyone gave a deep sigh as though they knew this was going to happen anyway. “Don’t worry about it blueshadows, we’re somewhat used to this already…” “Would you like to register for the defense of Serabourg?” “Yes, but we’re a guild so would that be fine?” “Absolutely, but you’ll still be rewarded based only on the kills each person makes. What you do with the money and how you split if afterward is your decisions.” “That’s fine!” “I’ll be needing your names and for you to show me your stat pages.” “Okay! Everyone take out your stat pages~!” A man in a cloak gave one more sigh before accepting his fate “Here goes everything…” 1) stat window name:roughstar333 level: 140 title: nagging master fame:3.14159265 life:28312 mana:1212 strength:619 dextertity:712 vitality:1002 wisdom:39 intellect:395 spirit:192 lazyness:372 universal language comprehension :15% lasso mastery:59% brainwashing:23% class:monster tamer (monster tamer : a class that uses chains and quips at the beginning.can make allies of wild creatures and talk with them.) My partner is this Sabertooth tiger here named Coco. Said Roughstar333 as he hugged the massive beast with both his arms. 2) stat window name:nooborto level: 141 title: Ninja of the Night(Search it on youtube, is a warcraft video :D) fame:OVER 9000 life:25046 mana:1700 strength:543 dextertity:825vitality:955 wisdom:90 intellect:450 Randomness: Infinite Class: Ninja Unicorn company actually never made this class but the player was feeling random so he learned, copied, practiced, then integrated several branch and core skills from other classes in order to create the ninja class. This means that the character never outdoes an actual class in terms of stats or skill, but instead makes up for said disadvantage by combining skills and tactics from other classes. Ex: A warrior class has massive strength and can wield weapons such as a broadaxe however his range is limited. Therefore, a ninja class character is weak when going head to head against a warrior class since his strength stat is low, however he can use throwing knives or blowdarts as a secondary weapon. In ways, this is a universal class similar to martial artist or shaman classes. Classes that were integrated included but are not limited to are: Bard, Chef, Alchemist, warrior, Assassin, Thief, priest, mage, ranger, and monk. 3) "Stats Window!" Character Name: chicaalterego Job: Air wasting stalker Fame: 0 Life: Immortal? Class: unknown Status: Lazy Level: 400 Health: 1 Mana: 0 Strength: 1 Dexterity: 0 Wisdom + Intellect: 342420 Stamina: 35544 Endurance: 1 Charisma: -13 [Job description: The Air wasting stalker (usually refereed to as useless bastards). Is not a legendary class, albeit it is known as a very obscure and mysterious one; this class is famous for it's weird side effects. The players in this profession can never attain fame and keeping the charisma in the positive area is an impossible feat. This job is very unappealing to many, since is completely useless for battle, for earning money and for most practical in-game feats. However the "Air wasting stalker" class provides you the ability of raising levels doing nothing, and enables you the option of sleep when you are sleeping in game, making the skin of their avatar be always smooth. The ones in this profession tend to have a high level, since they chose it aware of the fact that they are lazy bums. But their level is just for show and it will be reduced if the player accidentally learns an ability due to their high wisdom. This class has only one real benefit to it, which comes when the player decides to use the ability unique to theirs class "Stalkerism" in which they can keep on stalking something even after their HP its 0. and bellow 0. Allowing the player keep up whatever they are doing procrastinating their dead, and then die a thousand times... ] 4) Avatar: Bonky333 || Type: Stuffed Animal Level: 333 || Job: Bonking Master Title: "Legendary Procrastinator" || Fame: 333 Health: 73737 || Mana: 37373 Strength: 333 || Agility: 333 || Vitality: 333 Wisdom: 333 || Intellect: 333 || Spirit: 333 Stamina: 333 || Endurance: 333 Leadership: 333 || Luck: 333 Offence: 333 || Defense: 333 Magic resistance: none Special Skills: Devil Pact: Goes into bonkers mode for a set period of time, doubling all stats at 333, unable to differentiate allies from prey, cannot be leveled up. Note: This will cause the player to temporarily assume another form while fighting. Procrastinate: Lies around doing nothing, only skill capable of harming the Legendary Moonlight Slaver class. 5) "Stats Window!" Character Name: Blueshadows Job: Erratic Thread Viewer Status: Erratic Level: unknown... Health: Spazzy Mana: 5000 Strength: 100 Dexterity: 10-50 Wisdom + Intellect: 1-1000 (By heplfulness and mood) Fighting Spirit: 1-100000 Stamina: 20 Endurance: 10 Charisma: 5 6) "Stats Window!" Name: Mizura Type: Human Level: 230 Job: Professional Housewife Health: 1100 Mana: 230 Strength: 470 Wisdom: 620 Infamy: 1200 Observation: 1300 Magic resistance: none Job Description: The professional housewife is a the bane of all working men, part-time working children and procrastinators! They will usually form alliances with other housewives, influencing the decision of the whole district! Skills: - Bring-home-the-bacon: The professional housewife is able to force quests on those around her. The target of this skill will receive a temporary boost in stats, come from the extra motivation. But beware, failure or delay of the quest will cause temporary mental damage to the target, with a temporary stat decrease that's more severe the longer the quest had dragged on. After several failures, permanent stat decreases are possible. Often akin to a form of curse. - Gossip: When a group of professional housewives gather together, they are able to influence the direction of the entire district! Through the gossip skill, they are able to by themselves increase or decrease the fame or infamy of the target. For this reason, it is often said that you should never get on the bad side of a professional housewife. It is rumoured that once an adventurer angered a housewife by refusing a quest, and subsequently found himself the target of multiple outlandish rumors that are better not mentioned here. - Nag: The sharp eyes of the professional housewife misses nothing! Through this skill, she is able to point out all the faults of the opponent, causing severe mental damage and stat loss! At advanced levels, the nagging ability is so powerful that even monsters who do not understand human language will whimper and quiver from the incessant stream of insults. - Pan-handling: Adept in the kitchen, in more ways than one! The housewife is an expert at handling the pot, either for cooking food or beating people into submission. The target becomes more obedient the more this skill is used. Can also be used on pets and other animals. It is rumoured that Weed once came across a professional housewife, who gave him new insight into the art of beating people up. 7) Name: Narr-master Level: 270 Title: "The phantom leech" Fame: -2456 Life: 11348 Mana: 6669 STR: 978+25 DEX: 1070+25 VIT: 1240+25 WIS: 80+25 INT: 400+25 SPR: 120+25 STA: 1300+25 Shamelesness: 770+50 AIR( means less pressence): 600+50 Class: Screenlight leechtaker [Screenlight leechtaker: Class whose mastery has been banned by Geihar Von Ahreupen himself after realising his fame was being leeched off by someone, Having taken him 20 years to discover this act of treason he realised the dangers such a dark profession may cause someday to the continent, thus forbidding It forever. Able to leech off the intangible and stalk the invisible, this path my only lead to darkness] Stalk some assassins and harass them, or just watch/steal loot. Skills: Leech STR Leech WIS Leech HP Leech SKILL Leech STA Leech DEX Leech MANA Stalker Fist(after following someone for so long he can know his weak points) Leech VIT Leech SPR Shadow Stalking Leech AGI Leech EXP Shadow blending(he can enter shadows and use them as portals in battle) Obscure Omniscience (after stalking some for so long he can predict his actions in battle) Dark State of Parasitic Vampirisation ( costing 60 mana per secong his stats are boosted by 30% and he recovers 10% of whatever damage he dealt to the oponent) Leechig skills work this way: Leech STR (Takes a while) PERMANENT CHANGE Leechtalker 700 STR Prey 800 STR ---------------------------> Leechtalker 705 STR Prey 795 STR Here's his history provided by narr himself :) Natham Alexander (add second english sounding middle name begining with an "R" here) Rojas, age 19 is the man behind the stalking, he is pretty much the reason why the world genius exists. Being extremily gifted allowed him to do whatever he set his mind to almost flawlessly and with ease. After years of strict tutoring paid by his overly exalted parents and not being able to make friends he came to just grow bored of everything, and developed a really aloof personality as a result. he first heard of Royal Road on rhe streets while he was "strolling around", and as he always did with something new, he tried it out. He wasn't really expecting a lot of fun, since everything else bored him too, he didn't have many expectations of the game. The first 4 mandatorial weeks pissed him off so instead of doing quests or getting a class he decided to just wander around the city, where due to many coincidences and events he somehow came to find a ultra ubber secret passage into the castle, there he obviously found the will of Remor Atick Leechenstalk and received the class "screenlight leechtalker", losing a plethora of fame too ( he was actually surprised you could lose fame when you didn't even have any). After a while he began discovering his abilities and started testing them out for "fun", surprised since he hadn't thought of that word for years, and he was right he was having fun, using his already polished "wandering abilities" he could make his prescence really thin, even to monsters, first experimenting with the basic leeching skills "leeching life" and "shadow stalking", he preferred to do this during the night, while in the day he just enjoyed the sun he didn't have in the real world( he lived in some cloudy state). One day loitering around he came around weed's sclupture stall and found it interesting--as sculpting was secretly the only thing he has ever failed to do, not that his artistic sense was bad, just that, out of some weird karmic law being good at everything to the point of getting killed by the other people's jealousy needed to be balanced out somehow, so the universe decided to make him suck at sclupting. As the months passed and he continued to lv up, he came across weed a couple of times, not that he was ever noticed, he saw weed going into the secret crevice in the cave of litvart(kept following weed even after he stopped leeching off the people following him), he came across weed's pary before going to lavias(so he went with them), stumbled upon the orc/elf war. Growing stronger he kept getting more skills, one of which alloed him to see his "victim's" stat window, that's how he came to know that weed was a LMS and ridiculously strong at that, first he was going to leech off of him but decided not, since he felt a weird akinship towards weed, maybe because they were both secret classes, he saw weed as the sun and he as the shadow. His skills function in a way that he can literally suck people's stats and skills froma distance, which is why he has such overly inflated stats despite his lv, unfortunately these "passive" skills can't be used while in battle, so he usualy just rests under a tree nearby his victim, and while his prey is painstakingly trying to gaim exp he lessurely zaps it away, reducing his already obscenely low fame even more. Screenlight Leechtalkers' main weapon are his fists, like some sort of monk(thankfully he leeched off other people's handycraft skill so at vol 6 his is already intermediate 7) he usually doesn't fight head on, but when need arises he was some skills to defend himself. 8) "Stats Window!" Character Name: Blueheart Job: Legendary Moonlight Slaver Status: Scary Level: 93 (posts) Health: 92% active Mana: sleep only 4 hours Strength: ? Dexterity: ? Wisdom + Intellect: 22 (ren) Fighting Spirit: Obtrusive Stamina: ? Endurance: Charisma: 9) Stat Window: Name: Iheartz Level: 212 Title: the Puppeteer Life: 12012 Mana: 20120 Strength: 333 Dexterity: 999 Wisdom: 1332 Intellect: 2312 Class: Neuromancer Has the ability to mentally attack and fully take control of the opponents body. Effectiveness of control and the power of the opponent (50%, 100%, 200%, etc) depends on skill level and intellect while the duration of control is governed by mana levels. Warning: while controlling others, the neuromancer's own body is put into a form of stasis and will be extremely vulnerable to attacks. In addition to mind control, the neuromancer is also capable of creating illusions, inhabiting inanimate objects, implanting thoughts, and even slight (surface thoughts) mind reading. The average Neuromancer is only capable of controlling a single, normal-leveled mob, with higher level Neuromancers being able to control near-boss level enemies or several different lower class enemies. It is said that an Arch Neuromagus has the ability to take over players, take over boss level monsters, and even permanently animate lifeless objects. However, given that nobody has reached such a level, this information is purely hypothetical. Note: Neuromancers are extremely vulnerable to interruptions and destabilizations of their mental state. Observation: When I encountered Skyrim, League of Legends, or Moonlight Sculptor, 12012 life was lost, strength was increased by 333, dexterity was decreased by 333, wisdom was halved, and intellect encountered a random shifts. “Alright, all of you are admitted. I wish you all the best of fortune on the field of battle.” Blueheart turned to her companions and told them “Okay everyone will hunt on their own from here on out.” “Eh?? Why would we do that? Isn’t it easier to kill them if we’re together?” asked roughstar333 while staring blankly at his guild leader “Obviously it’s because it wouldn’t be a competition if we all worked together!” Is this really the time for a competition? We’re about to be killed by an army of madmen…thought all of her teammates. “The person with the most kills gets to eat Mizura chans first batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies!” “DEAL!!” replied everyone in unison. Mizura’s cookies could be considered a treasure with an entire village. All of them had been playing for over 6 months now but still couldn’t find any type of food that could be compared to those cookies made with an advanced level 9 cooking skill. Meanwhile Weed and his friends were talking with the king outside of a small tent near the entrance to the castle. Unfortunately, things looked incredibly grim. The generals were unable to come up with a possible battle strategy that could help win this war, and the knights morale was low since the king was only recently appointed. So any form of counterattack would have to come from Harn and Harn alone. “Ian, take this hand mirror and go to the mansion of Sage Rodriguez. Tell him that Weed, the lord of Mora summons him. And do not let him have the mirror until he swears to come here to the Central Plaza in person.” “Sir yes sir!” Ian was unwilling to anger this man who was a personal friend of the king himself. Should he fail in this mission not even Freya herself could save him. So Ian clutched the mirror close to his chest while being careful not to trip over anything. With this part fulfilled Weed had to somehow raise the knights spirits once more. Even him being there did not serve much in bringing them to life. Wait…bringing to life. That’s it! Weed turned toward Zahab and gave him to objects. It was the engraving knife that had once belonged to Zahab himself and had served to create an innumerable number of masterpieces. The other item was the wooden statue of Queen Evane that he had received from the maid when he finished The Sculptor’s Past quest. “Master Zahab I need for you to carve a sculpture of Queen Evane for me; these items should be of help. It is absolutely necessary for the defense of Serabourg. Engrave everything into this piece of wood. All of the happy memories, the regrets you have, as well as the things that you still want to say to her. If you want to hold her in your arms once more in your arms then you must do this for me.” Zahab stared blankly at the old sculpture in nostalgia for some seconds. It was the sculpture he had made for Evane when they were still children; when he had promised to give her the most beautiful sculpture in the world. Sliding the engraving knife up and down the sculpture he soon changed the piece into that of a queen with great dignity. Tears began to roll down his cheeks as he continued but his focus did not break, it did not falter the slightest when Rodriguez had arrived and cried out to him. Everyone fell into silence as they watched the Zahab breathe life into the small sculpture once more. “Please come back Evane…There’s so much more I want to say to you. I swear that I’ll never go on anymore adventures if you would just come back. I want to be able to hold you in my arms…to carve beautiful sculptures for you and see that smile just one more time…” Zahab said to himself. Weed put his hand on the sculpture “That’s enough Zahab. You’ve done everything that I’ve asked and more. Sculpture resurrection! (actually called buhwalsul skills in vol 32 but I don’t know what that translates into so just going with this. The skill costs 3 levels, 45 art stat points, 10 faith, and requires a one month break before it can be cast again.) A pure white light emanated from the sculpture before enveloping the entire plaza. The light soon receded and wooden sculpture rose into the air several feet before slowly changing into the form of an actual woman. ------------------------------------------------- -You have used sculpture resurrection Queen Evane who had helped to create peace within Rosenheim kingdom has returned to Versailles once more. Time limit is 21 hours. Art stat has been permanently reduced by 45 Faith has been permanently reduced by 10 Your level has been reduced by 3. ------------------------------------------------- -Sculpture resurrection mastery has been improved “This is…Rosenheim kingdom is it not? It looks so familiar but there are things I’ve never seen before. Wait this isn’t right…I could’ve sworn that I died after embinyu poisoned me.” “What? Embinyu denomination was the one who poisoned you? Not Brent kingdom?!” asked Rodriguez in a bewildered tone as he moved toward her. “Rodriguez?? Is that you? You’ve aged so…Just what in Freya’s name is going on here?” “I’ll explain personally, your highness.” Replied Weed as he knelt before the queen as if in apology “I am a personal friend and student of Master Zahab and think of Rosenheim kingdom as my own home. Embinyu denomination, the ones who had sent assassins after you and later caused your death by poison, is now attempting to destroy the Citadel of Serabourg and quite possibly all of Rosenheim kingdom. I’ve used a skill that will temporarily bring you back to this world for 21 hours because we need your help now more than ever. This is a selfish and unforgivable act but I beg you to help us once more. Please become our spiritual pillar once more and lead us.” Said Weed solemnly as he motioned his hand in the direction of Zahab and everyone around him. Queen Evane’s eyes focused solely on Zahab despite the numerous people surrounding her “Zahab…” her expression softened considerably but then her head jerked up as she recalled her surroundings “It is true that Embinyu denomination were the ones who poisoned me. If what you say is true, then Rosenheim kingdom will not just stand idly by as they threaten our homes. We will also fight back and make them regret having ever attacked Rosenheim!!” announced Queen Evane in a brisk voice filled with confidence. All of the knights proudly roared back in response to Queen Evane’s declaration. “Hurrahh!! We won’t disappoint you Queen Evane! We’ll also fight!” “To arms!! We’ll defend Serabourg even if it’s the last thing we do!” Hmph. Looks like those guys regained their spirit. Weed walked toward Rodriguez and put his arm on his shoulder. “Then Sage Rodriguez and Master Zahab can help act as your bodyguards. I can vouch for their strength and they are all people who hold a history with Rosenheim kingdom.” Weed told Rodriguez in a hushed tone only he could hear “With this, I’ll have returned my favor in full plus interest after defeating the embinyu army outside.” ********************************************* Queen Evane had begun to organize the knights so that she could finish buffing everyone. Truth be told, Weed was surprised to see that her buffs and healing abilities surpassed even those of Ron Alves, the next in line to be the Pope for the Church of Freya. “Guess she wasn’t queen for nothing. Well then, back to work.” After much time Weed finally managed to get an accurate map of the Citadel of Serabourg from Rodriguez, a map showing all of the underground tunnels inside of the city (Sometimes the king or another person of great importance may be outside of the castle so they need to have various tunnels that allow them to safely get to the other escape tunnels.), as well as a map giving a bird’s eye view of the city and all of its surrounding area. All of the generals and military advisors were dumbfounded when they heard Harn’s battle strategy. Many of those present strongly objected to his tactics “This is utter madness. I mean…to purposely let the enemy into the city??? This is unheard of!!” However, Weed was confident in his strategy and was unwilling to budge. “We have no choice at this time. You should know full well that the enemy is at our doorstep and is on the verge of breaking through with their siege weapons. Our only choice is to funnel some of their forces and then seal off the gate with a massive ‘Rivers of Flame’ spell and begin picking them off while they’re separated. Also, I’ll need a force of around 3000 so that I can break through their ranks and take down their catapults and Ballista’s.” None of the advisors could decline his strategy since Weed stubbornly refused to change his mind. Weed was a valuable ally, a king of the Northern Continent, a Hero, as well as a personal friend of his highness. Moreover, this tactic of luring the enemy into the city while launching your own tactic was the only plausible idea that had been presented so far. Reluctantly, they accepted his plan and began to make preparations for the assault. “Oh right, I need you to get everything on this list of items for me. Use whatever means necessary to persuade the nearby art guilds to get them for me.” Handing the piece of paper to the advisor he made yet another stupefied expression but decided to comply with the request. (Note: To help everyone visualize this just get a piece of scratch paper and draw a circle representing Serabourg at the center. Going in a clockwise direction, label the North, East, South, and West. I still remember them because of how my teacher taught me which is Never Eat Soggy Waffles XD. Mora will be at the Northwest, the dungeons Lair of Litvart, Spider Dungeon, and Fafnir's pit are to the west. The Embinyu forces are to the south in the direction of Central Continent. Farther south of them is Miming forest as well as a large mountain known as death mountain which is filled with an countless caves and monsters.) After about half an hour everyone was assembled at the eastern entrance. There were close to 1800 Rosenheim knights riding on horseback, 250 mages and archers supplied by various guilds, 400 priests from the Church of Freya, 300 sculptors, 300 shamans, and 150 merchant wagons (35 for carrying items, and 110 for helping to carry the archers, mages, priests since it’s hard for them to help unless they’re on somewhat stable ground), 505 martial artists compliments of Geomchi, and last but not least Weed’s friends Pale, Maylon, Mapan, Romune, Irene, and Hwaryung. Making it a force of over 4000. Irene looks left and right scanning through the crowd “Um…where’s Surka, Hyeon(Weed’s sister), and Zephyr?” “I needed some fleet footed soldiers to do a job for me to do a job up west. I made sure to send Cerberus(3 headed dog sculpture Weed brought to life in Las Gigolo) with her so she’ll be fine. As for Hyeon and Zephyr, I had them go to the top of the cities bell tower. There, Hyeon can use her abilities to their fullest and record the war while Zephyr acts as her bodyguard. I even took the liberties of giving him some advice before sending them off.” In truth Harn had dragged Zephyr into an alley out of his sister’s sight, lifted him up by his collar and given him a strict warning. If he dared to make a move on her or if she had so much as a scratch upon her body, absolutely nothing would stop him from continuously pulverizing his body for over a month in this world as well as the real world. "Remember...If anything happens to Hyeon I.WILL.END.YOU." Zephyr "*Gulp* Yes sir...." I think I just had my lifespan shortened by several years.... When Weed came into view several of the knights and players present were shaking in fear so he decided to give a speech to help motivate them. After coughing to clear his voice Weed spoke out “As you all know Embinyu denomination is trying to break into Serabourg, our home. I say this to you now. They will not stop and they will not hesitate to destroy everything in their path. They are determined to conquer all of Versailles.” After a slight pause to let them take everything in Weed continued “The only choice is to fight back! Rise up and defend your home, your sanctuary, and strike back at the enemy. I swear to you that not an ounce of your blood will be spilled in vain! So ride out with me to meet the enemy, and we will make them regret having ever attacked to Serabourg!!” “Wooooooh!! I’ll follow you anywhere Master Weed!” cheered the players “So cool…” I can’t let the meat shields get away right before the big fight. Thought Weed to himself. “Summon Tori!” black smoke spewed out from the ground and then appeared the vampire Tori “What do you want this time?” asked Tori as he stared menacingly Looks like someone needs some more training thought Harn. Tori instantly straightened up when he saw Weed take out the saint's staff from his backpack. The staff inflicts blunt damage but it can't kill be able to kill Tori because he has massive health regeneration, instead he'll be forced to suffer massive amounts of head trauma while being unable to die. "Ah...I mean...What can I do for you great master?" Weed smacked him 400 or so times just to be safe “Summon a massive fog to cover the exterior of the city and begin use hit and run tactics upon the embinyu denomination’s priests. If their priests are gone then we’ll have a much better shot at winning this fight.” “It shall be done! Wall of Fog!!” replied Tori in a loud voice since he didn't want to be hit even more. As to be expected of a skill used by a vampire over level 400. The rolled in fast and enveloped the entire embinyu army and served to cover Weed’s army. Weed took out several miniature sculptures and passed it out to his friends. "Here's the sculptures I promised you guys from when we fought those lizardmen, you guys had better be thankful >: . For Maylon and Pale he gave two Red tailed hawk that when put together would look like they're cuddling :D which gave a +12 dex, Irene got a white dove which symbolized peace that increases the effect of buffs and heals by 12%, Surka received a sparrow sculpture which buffed her agi by 15, Romune was given a Bald Eagle(Was thinking Blue Jay but pick one you like) that increased her intelligence stat by 10), the sculpture that Geomchi's group received was a pack of wolves which increased their vitality by 13(Thing that affects your amount of health and defense), Mapan was given a sculpture of a Pack Mule( was thinking Camel but meh pack mule you can already guess what they're used for) which gave a bonus movement speed of 20% and caused stamina to rise by 15, Hwaryung's sculpture was a Hummingbird that boosted her gracefulness by 7 and attractiveness by 10, lastly Weed gave Seoyoon a phoenix sculpture that buffed her strength by 9. All of the above sculptures gave the usual +15% increase in health and mana regeneration. Mapan stared at his sculpture for a few seconds then out of curiosity asked Weed"Master Weed, what is your sculpture then?" "Oh...It's this little guy here. Anivia!(Ice phoenix from League of Legends!!!) increases dex by 5, int by 6, and attractiveness +5" (just compare the buffs from his sculpture to theirs ) "........"(By the way this is the reason why I asked what spirit animal would fit each of those characters, it was to figure out what would work for their sculptures ;p) After buffing the entire group with his Sword Sharpening, Polishing Armor, cooking skills, ironing leather skills, and sharing the buffs from the miniature sculptures he had given the his friends, they began the attack. “Move out!! Our counterattack begins now!!!” cried Weed as he led his small force out the gate toward the embinyu army. "Follow Master Weed!"

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-style: italic;">*Thougts*</span><br><br>~Sound effects~<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">+++++</div><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chapter 20: The forgotten archer</span><br><br><br>“Hey Neuron I got it” Kyle shouted while eating, causing the pieces of meat he ate to splatter around everywhere<br><br>“Kyle, you are so gross, did your mother not teach you to first chew and then talk?”<br><br>“Hmmm” ~munch~ ~munch~ ~Gulp~ “Neuron I got it”<br><br>“Yeah, I understood you the first time”<br><br>”You jump towards the door touch it and then you can make that thread so you don’t fall down!”<br><br>“Great idea, only problem is, I can`t jump so far”<br><br>“Even with a start up?”<br><br>“I never tried, and I’m not trying it for the first time on a pit where spikes are at the bottom!”<br><br>“Hmmm, good, so now we only have to evaluate how far you can jump”<br><br>After saying this Kyle took Two of Neurons arrows, put one down before his feet, and the other approximately ten meters ahead.<br><br>“Good, now jump”<br><br>And Neuron did, he flew, and flew, right over the arrow Kyle placed, till he finally landed.<br><br>“Neuron you beat Mike Powell”<br><br>“Who?”<br><br>“Never mind, but that was awesome; you jumped at least 15m”<br><br>“Yeah, but I’m worried, what I shall do when I get to know that door better”<br><br>Now that things are cleared and ready Neuron breathed in some air, and started running with a shout, he neared the pitfall, jumped up, and was flying towards the door, and then crashing in it.<br><br> <div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li>You have lost 100Hp </li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>“Ugh” <span style="font-style: italic;">*Damn, I’m losing consciousness*</span><br><br>“Neuron, quickly form the thread!”<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Uh, oh*</span><br><br>“Mana thread!”<br><br>Now Neuron was dangling from the door while trying to open it. <br><br>When he was finally done he saw the room to witch this door let, it was a big circular room with a coffin in the middle, and some valuables piled up under another statue that stood in the far back of the room, that depicted a Warrior<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Huh, I thought this was the grave of an archer?* </span><br><br>Then finally Kyle could make his way over the trap, which somehow was disarmed, right at the moment the door opened.<br><br>~Whistle~ “You really made a dent inside that door, …. Hey wait, is that your face imprint” Guahahaha<br><br>“Lemme see, …..right there it is! Wow, is that some kind of cartoon,?” Geheheaheha<br><br>After finally regaining their composure and making some screenshots of course, both of them approached the pile of Portable loot, but as soon as they arrived there They heard a creak sound and after turning around they saw the door slowly shutting itself, while torches all around the room lit themselves<br><br>“You know what that means?”<br><br>“Yeah, Boss Fight!”<br><br>Then the lid of the coffin began to move and hit the floor with a loud bang. Then from within skeleton showed up. Its gear was totally rotted away, it could only be presumed to be some kind of leather armor much like Neuron was wearing in fact.´On his back he had a rotten quiver and a bow. It was a mystery why the arrows never fell out of that thing, while fighting.<br><br>“Neuron, he is covered with rags, how will he ever drop a rare item?”<br><br>“hmm, Boah, holy shit!” Neuron gasped after he had gotten closer look on that bow the skeleton was holding in his hands.<br><br>“What?”<br><br>“He uses a freaking Compound bow”<br><br>“?”<br><br>“Those bows can`t shoot as far as Longbows, because they require thicker arrows, if not the high strength output would snap every arrow it shot in half. But why is such a modern Bow appearing inside this medieval game?”<br><br>“Dunno, but if what you say is true we`re in a hell of a fight”<br><br>While they chatted the archer readied his bow and shot an arrow straight at Kyle, who barely managed to block it with his shield, but what he didn`t expect, was the big impact that arrow produced, it even left a dent inside his shield.<br><br><br>The battle started quite a while ago, so Kyle and Neuron invented a strategy to deal with it. As always Kyle would fight with the enemy, but this time due to it being an archer who naturally searched to distance himself from his foes, thus Neuron played a crucial art in fighting. <br>He would shoot arrows at the skeleton. But sadly archers are pretty useless against skeletons, they have unlimited stamina to dodge attacks, and because they have no flesh they provide a smaller target for arrows. The abdomen, legs and arms are out of question, so there only was the head and ribcage as target for Neuron. But that luckily didn`t matter for him, because every time he shot an arrow he also activated mana connection forming a thread, that hindered the skeletons movement, so that Kyle could smash it with his war hammer. <br>Apparently blunt damage was really affective against skeletons, because he could break their bones easily. But this skeleton was quiet agile and even managed to dodge Kyle’s slow hits. They were slow but also powerful. That the skeleton could testify if he is ever asked, because one time he couldn`t dodge completely and Kyle managed to shatter one of its rips. <br>So they both tried their best to not let it shoot arrows, but due to its high mobility it sometimes appeared behind them so all they could do was dodge or block. In times like these Neuron just hid behind Kyle, if he could. While the fight progressed they both used up quite all of their stamina, but the skeleton was moving like the battle just started, well he was a bit sluggish cause he now had two rips less and a crack inside its skull, due to an arrow slicking out of its left eye socket, but this didn`t hinder its eyesight, because he had no eyes.<br>But then the worst happened. Till now the skeleton only shot normal arrows, but now, being at 30% health he pulled out his trump card. <br>After that it focused his fire only at Neuron, cause the skeleton now realized that it could deal with the armored guy easily. But the one who stopped him from moving had to die first. <br>While Neuron managed to dodge the first arrow he was blown away by the force of what appeared to be an explosion, due to the force of the explosion he laid on the ground when the next arrow cleanly hit him with a loud bang<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 have died </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>After seeing Neuron die Kyle gave up hope to defeat that skeleton, but as arrows hit his shield and reduced his health to ten percent he got up again with glare inside his eyes<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*If I can`t defeat that guy, I just have to drag him with me*</span><br><br>His opinion changed because he got 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>Your health has dropped below ten percent, if you aren`t treated properly, you will bleed to death.<br><br>You can now activate your special class skill: Last Word </li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>While he got up, he shouted at the top of his lungs:”<span style="font-weight: bold;">LAST WORD!</span>”<br><br>A red glow formed itself around his body, while quickly checking his health and mana he noticed that it was full again. Then he got hit by an exploding arrow, but it didn`t even scratch him, cause all his health was recovered in an instant.<br><br> <div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li>4 Minutes 50 Seconds till you die </li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>Noticing that he had to hurry Kyle activated Push and Mana coating at the same time and dashed at the archer. He was now much faster than before, covering the distance of 5m in a second flat. There he hit the archer with full force, but he didn`t stop, he charged ahead, till he embedded the skeleton to the wall. At this moment he performed shield bash to give the skeleton some damage, but mainly to push himself back. After that Kyle brought his war hammer down on the compound bow, making the Skeleton drop it. This was possible because all his restrictions were gone. Normally he couldn`t disarm boss monsters. Then just to be save he brought his hammer down on the Bow again, smashing it into pieces, so that the skeleton couldn`t get it back and use it.<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;"> 4 Minutes 30 Seconds till you die </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Never noticing how much time passed Kyle pounded the skeleton, his swings were now much heavier and faster, giving the skeleton nearly no time to dodge. And then it was over. His last swing lifted the skeleton up, and while it flew through the air it disintegrated.<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;"> 3 Minutes till you die </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Boah, this skill is to OP, shame that I have to pay it with my live*</span><br><br>His thought was only natural. Although the Skeleton was only at 30%Hp, both of them used an hour to get it there, but now he reduced those 30% to Zero in 2 Minutes flat. <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 have died </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">_______________________________________________________________</div><br><br>Four days in game later:<br><br>A Figure appeared inside the boss room and was flooded by System messages<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;"> For slaying the forgotten archer +50Fame </span><br><br>He was a proud warrior of a millennia long past, that even now should be remembered. But History went another course. Not long after he died and this tomb was erected his homeland fell and so nobody remembered him anymore. Due to his grief he awakened as undead, although being much weaker than before. <br>But now he can rest in peace, because you will remember him.<br><br>New Title: Slayer of the forgotten archer </li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>Of course he knew that Kyle managed to kill the archer, cause they also remained in contact while logged out. Kyle also was so kind to show him some footage of his fight.<br><br>“Show info on Title Slayer of the forgotten archer”<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;"> Slayer of the forgotten archer </span><br>This is just a makeshift title.<br><br>Attention,<br>You have to use it<br>If not, the forgotten archer will climb out of his grave and hunt you down.<br>Each time he is slain, he will get stronger, till he is finally as strong as in his glorious days</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>After reading that:<br><br>Tiring!<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;"> Quest: Restore the forgotten archer to his lost glory </span><br>The quest is tied to the title, so it doesn`t consume any Quest slots<br><br>Difficulty: <br>Unknown<br><br>Rewards: <br>Unknown<br><br>Restriction:<br>Must have been the first to slay the forgotten archer<br>(If it happened as a party, every member will receive this quest)<br><br>Quest cannot be denied</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;"> You accepted the quest </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*What’s that about, I better ask Kyle, what he thinks about it*</span><br><br>Now Neuron was doing his favorite activity again, but he soon subsided to spout atrocities when he remembered, that the boss should have dropped a rare item, and while offline he also realized that this could only be the compound bow. While searching for it Neuron noticed a dent inside the wall that somehow resembled the back of a skeleton. And there it laid, but in pieces, apparently someone broke it and Neuron just knew who did it. <br><br>Naturally Kyle never showed him the part where he smashed the bow, he was not that dumb to give Neuron time to think about revenge.<br><br>So an hour later Kyle logged back in and was soon greeted by an arrow that went straight through his head. <br><br>“Hello to you too Neuron” His reaction was nonexistent, cause he already expected something like that, hell, after the tailor incident he expected a lot more.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Guess it helps being his friend*</span><br><br>“You broke it!”<br><br>“Yeah, I know and sorry about that, you know I had to do it, cause I feared him picking it up, those exploding arrows are a pain in the ass”<br><br>“Hmmm, but I still won`t forgive you!”<br><br>“Come on are you a kid? If you want revenge that much let’s just fight!”<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;"> Kyle has sent you a challenge </span><br>Do you accept?</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>“Yeah”<br><br> <div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><span style="font-weight: bold;"> You have accepted the challenge, now choose how to fight </span><br><li>First hit</li><br><li>50% Hp</li><br><li>10% Hp</li><br><li>To the death</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*If he really is mad he will fight to the death, but I guess he isn`t such an idiot, he knows what I can do, when I’m backed into a corner*</span><br><br>Of course Neuron clearly remembered the video, so he only chose 50%.<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;"> The match has been decided: </span><br>It goes over one round of 15min <br>If no fighter is under 50%HP till the match is over, it will be counted as a draw.</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>After reading this both of them readied their weapons<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;"> 5 Seconds till start of the match </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;">4</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;">3</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;">2</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;">Start!</span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">End of Chapter 20</div><br><br>Hope you enjoyed it </div>

*Thougts* ~Sound effects~ +++++ Chapter 20: The forgotten archer “Hey Neuron I got it” Kyle shouted while eating, causing the pieces of meat he ate to splatter around everywhere “Kyle, you are so gross, did your mother not teach you to first chew and then talk?” “Hmmm” ~munch~ ~munch~ ~Gulp~ “Neuron I got it” “Yeah, I understood you the first time” ”You jump towards the door touch it and then you can make that thread so you don’t fall down!” “Great idea, only problem is, I can`t jump so far” “Even with a start up?” “I never tried, and I’m not trying it for the first time on a pit where spikes are at the bottom!” “Hmmm, good, so now we only have to evaluate how far you can jump” After saying this Kyle took Two of Neurons arrows, put one down before his feet, and the other approximately ten meters ahead. “Good, now jump” And Neuron did, he flew, and flew, right over the arrow Kyle placed, till he finally landed. “Neuron you beat Mike Powell” “Who?” “Never mind, but that was awesome; you jumped at least 15m” “Yeah, but I’m worried, what I shall do when I get to know that door better” Now that things are cleared and ready Neuron breathed in some air, and started running with a shout, he neared the pitfall, jumped up, and was flying towards the door, and then crashing in it. | * You have lost 100Hp | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | “Ugh” *Damn, I’m losing consciousness* “Neuron, quickly form the thread!” *Uh, oh* “Mana thread!” Now Neuron was dangling from the door while trying to open it. When he was finally done he saw the room to witch this door let, it was a big circular room with a coffin in the middle, and some valuables piled up under another statue that stood in the far back of the room, that depicted a Warrior *Huh, I thought this was the grave of an archer?* Then finally Kyle could make his way over the trap, which somehow was disarmed, right at the moment the door opened. ~Whistle~ “You really made a dent inside that door, …. Hey wait, is that your face imprint” Guahahaha “Lemme see, …..right there it is! Wow, is that some kind of cartoon,?” Geheheaheha After finally regaining their composure and making some screenshots of course, both of them approached the pile of Portable loot, but as soon as they arrived there They heard a creak sound and after turning around they saw the door slowly shutting itself, while torches all around the room lit themselves “You know what that means?” “Yeah, Boss Fight!” Then the lid of the coffin began to move and hit the floor with a loud bang. Then from within skeleton showed up. Its gear was totally rotted away, it could only be presumed to be some kind of leather armor much like Neuron was wearing in fact.´On his back he had a rotten quiver and a bow. It was a mystery why the arrows never fell out of that thing, while fighting. “Neuron, he is covered with rags, how will he ever drop a rare item?” “hmm, Boah, holy shit!” Neuron gasped after he had gotten closer look on that bow the skeleton was holding in his hands. “What?” “He uses a freaking Compound bow” “?” “Those bows can`t shoot as far as Longbows, because they require thicker arrows, if not the high strength output would snap every arrow it shot in half. But why is such a modern Bow appearing inside this medieval game?” “Dunno, but if what you say is true we`re in a hell of a fight” While they chatted the archer readied his bow and shot an arrow straight at Kyle, who barely managed to block it with his shield, but what he didn`t expect, was the big impact that arrow produced, it even left a dent inside his shield. The battle started quite a while ago, so Kyle and Neuron invented a strategy to deal with it. As always Kyle would fight with the enemy, but this time due to it being an archer who naturally searched to distance himself from his foes, thus Neuron played a crucial art in fighting. He would shoot arrows at the skeleton. But sadly archers are pretty useless against skeletons, they have unlimited stamina to dodge attacks, and because they have no flesh they provide a smaller target for arrows. The abdomen, legs and arms are out of question, so there only was the head and ribcage as target for Neuron. But that luckily didn`t matter for him, because every time he shot an arrow he also activated mana connection forming a thread, that hindered the skeletons movement, so that Kyle could smash it with his war hammer. Apparently blunt damage was really affective against skeletons, because he could break their bones easily. But this skeleton was quiet agile and even managed to dodge Kyle’s slow hits. They were slow but also powerful. That the skeleton could testify if he is ever asked, because one time he couldn`t dodge completely and Kyle managed to shatter one of its rips. So they both tried their best to not let it shoot arrows, but due to its high mobility it sometimes appeared behind them so all they could do was dodge or block. In times like these Neuron just hid behind Kyle, if he could. While the fight progressed they both used up quite all of their stamina, but the skeleton was moving like the battle just started, well he was a bit sluggish cause he now had two rips less and a crack inside its skull, due to an arrow slicking out of its left eye socket, but this didn`t hinder its eyesight, because he had no eyes. But then the worst happened. Till now the skeleton only shot normal arrows, but now, being at 30% health he pulled out his trump card. After that it focused his fire only at Neuron, cause the skeleton now realized that it could deal with the armored guy easily. But the one who stopped him from moving had to die first. While Neuron managed to dodge the first arrow he was blown away by the force of what appeared to be an explosion, due to the force of the explosion he laid on the ground when the next arrow cleanly hit him with a loud bang | * You have died | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | After seeing Neuron die Kyle gave up hope to defeat that skeleton, but as arrows hit his shield and reduced his health to ten percent he got up again with glare inside his eyes *If I can`t defeat that guy, I just have to drag him with me* His opinion changed because he got a system message | * Your health has dropped below ten percent, if you aren`t treated properly, you will bleed to death.You can now activate your special class skill: Last Word | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | While he got up, he shouted at the top of his lungs:”LAST WORD!” A red glow formed itself around his body, while quickly checking his health and mana he noticed that it was full again. Then he got hit by an exploding arrow, but it didn`t even scratch him, cause all his health was recovered in an instant. | * 4 Minutes 50 Seconds till you die | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Noticing that he had to hurry Kyle activated Push and Mana coating at the same time and dashed at the archer. He was now much faster than before, covering the distance of 5m in a second flat. There he hit the archer with full force, but he didn`t stop, he charged ahead, till he embedded the skeleton to the wall. At this moment he performed shield bash to give the skeleton some damage, but mainly to push himself back. After that Kyle brought his war hammer down on the compound bow, making the Skeleton drop it. This was possible because all his restrictions were gone. Normally he couldn`t disarm boss monsters. Then just to be save he brought his hammer down on the Bow again, smashing it into pieces, so that the skeleton couldn`t get it back and use it. | * 4 Minutes 30 Seconds till you die | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Never noticing how much time passed Kyle pounded the skeleton, his swings were now much heavier and faster, giving the skeleton nearly no time to dodge. And then it was over. His last swing lifted the skeleton up, and while it flew through the air it disintegrated. | * 3 Minutes till you die | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | *Boah, this skill is to OP, shame that I have to pay it with my live* His thought was only natural. Although the Skeleton was only at 30%Hp, both of them used an hour to get it there, but now he reduced those 30% to Zero in 2 Minutes flat. | * You have died | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Four days in game later: A Figure appeared inside the boss room and was flooded by System messages | * For slaying the forgotten archer +50Fame He was a proud warrior of a millennia long past, that even now should be remembered. But History went another course. Not long after he died and this tomb was erected his homeland fell and so nobody remembered him anymore. Due to his grief he awakened as undead, although being much weaker than before. But now he can rest in peace, because you will remember him.New Title: Slayer of the forgotten archer | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Of course he knew that Kyle managed to kill the archer, cause they also remained in contact while logged out. Kyle also was so kind to show him some footage of his fight. “Show info on Title Slayer of the forgotten archer” | * Slayer of the forgotten archer This is just a makeshift title.Attention,You have to use itIf not, the forgotten archer will climb out of his grave and hunt you down.Each time he is slain, he will get stronger, till he is finally as strong as in his glorious days | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | After reading that: Tiring! | * Quest: Restore the forgotten archer to his lost glory The quest is tied to the title, so it doesn`t consume any Quest slotsDifficulty: UnknownRewards: UnknownRestriction:Must have been the first to slay the forgotten archer(If it happened as a party, every member will receive this quest)Quest cannot be denied | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * You accepted the quest | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | *What’s that about, I better ask Kyle, what he thinks about it* Now Neuron was doing his favorite activity again, but he soon subsided to spout atrocities when he remembered, that the boss should have dropped a rare item, and while offline he also realized that this could only be the compound bow. While searching for it Neuron noticed a dent inside the wall that somehow resembled the back of a skeleton. And there it laid, but in pieces, apparently someone broke it and Neuron just knew who did it. Naturally Kyle never showed him the part where he smashed the bow, he was not that dumb to give Neuron time to think about revenge. So an hour later Kyle logged back in and was soon greeted by an arrow that went straight through his head. “Hello to you too Neuron” His reaction was nonexistent, cause he already expected something like that, hell, after the tailor incident he expected a lot more. *Guess it helps being his friend* “You broke it!” “Yeah, I know and sorry about that, you know I had to do it, cause I feared him picking it up, those exploding arrows are a pain in the ass” “Hmmm, but I still won`t forgive you!” “Come on are you a kid? If you want revenge that much let’s just fight!” | * Kyle has sent you a challenge Do you accept? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | “Yeah” | You have accepted the challenge, now choose how to fight * First hit * 50% Hp * 10% Hp * To the death | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | *If he really is mad he will fight to the death, but I guess he isn`t such an idiot, he knows what I can do, when I’m backed into a corner* Of course Neuron clearly remembered the video, so he only chose 50%. | * The match has been decided: It goes over one round of 15min If no fighter is under 50%HP till the match is over, it will be counted as a draw. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | After reading this both of them readied their weapons | * 5 Seconds till start of the match | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * 4 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * 3 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * 2 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Start! | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | End of Chapter 20 Hope you enjoyed it

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 1</span><br><br>“We are finally here….” Winter muttered to himself. Behind him Samuel was slumped to the ground. He looked more than slightly used up. The path to Arcanum from the borderland was supposed to get easier the closer you were to the central. But as if a curse was trailing Winter, Samuel, or whoever was in their small party that had gained an extra member, they kept on encountering problem one after another.<br><br>There was Samuel that thought he was the next God of Gambler at the next town only to discover he was tricked and then conned later after they reeled him in with initial small winnings then setting him up to lose badly. To top it off, there was Rinne that also got suckered in too. And she has the worst luck in gambling too apparently since despite all the effort from the small town gangster to let her win to also reel her in, she simply lost no matter what.<br><br>Winter that was more canny but arrived later to discover the two were tricked had to game the wannabe gangster back in a game of dice that he cheated them back by swapping their loaded dice with regular ones (Reflex might or might not be in play). Combined with a shrewd wager from an old, experienced mind, he won back all of Rinne and Samuel’s debt (which despite all the cheating was considered legal) and then some. <br><br>Winter might have went a little overboard, totally cleaning them out. That led to them being pursued when they left the town for a whole week. From there on, the trip took a downturn as Winter killed one of their pursuers, gaining himself a Murderer’s Mark. It might had been a small problem until he thought ‘what the hell, I killed one, might as well kill them all’ and set to work the pursuers over twice before they realise that they might had bitten more than they can chew. Being more excellent in cheating and intimidation than combat technique, they were no match for Winter, Samuel and Rinne. Rinne and Samuel might had participated in glee to repay the anguish they were given which led to the three shouldering the same mark due their more than willing participation to Winter’s indiscriminate killing.<br><br>After that, they were forced to divert for a bit to a few dungeons (extremely dangerous ones) on the way in order to clean up the mark. They would not had made it if not for their rather mysterious party member. Winter only spotted her three days after they parted from Summer. A quiet archer with sharp yellow-orange pupils and aquamarine colored short hair. She was distinctive as her pupils were shaped like a cat’s. Her height might be quite diminutive, probably not even 160cm, but the she carried a bow as tall as her very powerful to boot not to mention the range. With me protecting her and the rest doing support, we cleared the dungeons easily. It was not an exaggeration if I say that she has the firepower of an artillery battery.<br><br>An alert window popped in front of Winter. Clicking it open, Winter received a mail from Reki.<br><br>‘I am off to sleep.’<br><br>That was all that was written. <br><br>“Goodnight, Reki. See you next time.” “Goodnight too, Reki. Thank you for your help.” Rinne added. She nodded in reply. Winter was expecting she was going to log off immediately. But Reki closed the distance between Winter and her in a couple of swift steps. Her There was barely one step distance between both of them. She looked up to Winter, all silent, waiting for something. Winter wondered if he upset her or something. Their height difference of almost a full head made Reki crane her neck to look at Winter’s eyes. The brown metal circlet with a large green multifaceted gem inset on her brow made her looked like she has a third eye. Winter always thought she was a perfect example of refined soon-to-be woman. Her hair color or eye color was definitely fake. Her face? Maybe. But her action that was mostly cold mannered but held a lot of meaning, that could not be faked. Wrapped in blue hunter garb of darker hues than her hair, her looked like someone that lacked exercise with slender limbs. It mattered not how you looked in Royal Road anyway as only the stats count.<br><br>The two stared at each other. With each passing second, Winter was becoming more and more uncomfortable. He almost asked ‘what do you want?’ when Reki’s body grew transparent and faded away, a sign that she already logged out for the night.<br><br>“What was that, Old man?” Samuel that was done with his personal rejoicing asked.<br><br>“Winter, did you do something to upset her?” Rinne narrowed her eyes while asking Winter.<br><br>“Hey! Why am I the bad guy here? I know nothing! Honest!” Winter answered indignantly.<br><br>“If you say so…” Rinne looked unconvinced while Samuel’s was accusing. <br><br>“And it will be completely true!” Winter yelled. The truthful statement bounced off their glares. <br><br>The two had grown quite close to the cool and silent archer within a couple days of her joining in their party. Winter was not even sure why she joined in the first place or even want to join. Incredible was an understatement when you looked at how she handle combat. Winter’s guess, she was at least level 200. Summer did confirm she was at least that level. He would know her as she was in his group that saved Winter’s ass yet even he knew little about her aside from her ability that he described as ‘phenomenal’. <br><br>“I know I am good. But she is so much better than me that it is making me feel embarrassed I am have the same profession as her.”<br><br>Summer was not sure where she got her items too. He claimed that he was drooling over her bow though he still has no idea what the stats or name of the weapon. So far none of his guild or alliance members has any idea. She never answered any of their questions too, not for the lack of trying. <br><br>“I am telling you, she was not even in my guild. I am not sure whether I picked her up or she picked us up. After my rather shameful loss in Annual Archery Competition, she just walked up to me and said ‘Join’. What was I supposed to say but ‘OK’?” Summer told Winter through their whispering the day Reki joined Winter’s party.<br><br>“She just left on her own without saying goodbye, yet I cannot dislike her for doing that. She feels like a stray cat, really.” Winter was in agreement with Summer’s statement. She did act like a stray cat.<br><br>“Anyway, just enjoy whatever time she spends with you. You will appreciate her, like I do.” Was Summer’s words before he cut off the conversation. Winter did appreciate her presence.<br><br>She helped them immensely in their quests to clear their mark. She usually send messages to them while saying very few words on her person. Bidding the two goodnight, Winter logged off quickly, brushing off their stares. He hoped whatever was wrong with Reki, when she got back, he would be spared from the boring gazes. He might not be very close to Rinne or Samuel yet, but he really values them as travelling companion and hate to part with them due to small misunderstanding.<br><br>Tossing and turning in his bed, Winter still could not figure out what he did wrong. In the end he fell asleep, dreaming of Rinne standing in front of him with himself kneeling, about to commit a <span style="font-style: italic;">harakiri</span> with Samuel holding a large axe behind him to finish the job.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">xXx</div><br><br>‘I am off to do my own quest. Contact me if you are doing something interesting.’<br><br>Winter logged back in with that message already inside his mailbox. Rinne and Samuel have not logged in yet. They made no plans at all to be together while they were in the city. Winter was not even sure they will continue to travel together after this town. Reki seemed to be the one whom actually might be interested to continue sticking around with Winter if her mail was any indication. <br><br>This was something that he has not talked with Samuel and Rinne yet. When they would be parting. Their journey from the bordertown of the Mountain of Sorrow to here has been wonderful. But it might be time to part ways soon if their quests carry them in different direction. Letting out a sigh, Winter put the thought out of his head. He would deal with it when it happens. For now, he wanted to spend some time exploring. He logged out immediately when he entered the city limit.<br><br>Arcanum. Winter was finally there after a long journey. It felt as if he reached a milestone marker for his time in Royal Road. There was also some sort of premonition that he would achieve something within himself when he finished the quest. Odd that a game could at times feel like it was reality itself.<br><br>Now that he has the time to look carefully, the city was less alluring than he imagined it to be. From miles away, the city shone like a beacon in the night. Tall slender spires jutting out to the sky from mage towers. There were five very distinctive ones; Red, Blue, Green, Brown. The four towers surrounded an even taller surrounding an even taller spire that was unmistakably very much arcane. When the sun fell, Winter could see the central tower lighting up with bluish glow that he, Rinne and Samuel appreciated. Reki did not glance at the sight at all. I wondered if she was uninterested or had seen it before. <br><br>Looking closer, the spire was thicker than he expected. Its height was not impressive compared to skyscrappers that existed nowadays. But sticking to middle-age technology, 50m height was nothing to sneeze about. <br><br>*Bump*<br><br>“Sorry. Excuse me.” A mage class character from his clothings brushed against Winter that stood in the middle of the street. Muttering apologies, Winter scooted to the side and enjoyed the view of the city a little more. The street was completely paved with slightly bluish rocks. The city walls too that though was not thick, barely measuring six meters in width, was beautifully crafted, smooth and patterned in different hues. The outside wall was completely plain. The inside appeared to be a large mural spanning the whole length of the city wall. Robed mages were patrolling with armored NPCs on the ten meter high wall. All of them wore blue cape with a symbol on the center. Winter could not see the design clearly from where he was standing.<br><br>‘Yo. Old man. Where are you?’ <br><br>The whisper from Samuel startled Winter. Grumbling a little from the disturbance of his tranquil thoughts, Winter replied ‘Ten meters from the last spot I was standing.’<br><br>‘Okay. Lets meet and check out the place together?’<br><br>‘...*crackle* what..*crackle* I..Can-not… hear *crackle* you! You.. Are… Breaki-g Up.’<br><br>‘Oi! What sort of joke is this! This is not an old style phone!’ Samuel yelled.<br><br>‘I cannot help it. I prefer spending my time with a girl in hand than a guy.’ Winter replied without any remorse, his voice back to normal.<br><br>‘That… damn…. Why I never thought of that! You are sly, Old man.’<br><br>‘Thank you. Now, contact me again when Rinne logs in. I don’t want to see your face before then.’ <br><br>‘Wait. Wha?’ <br><br>Winter cut off the whisper talk. Samuel called back immediately but Winter rejected the whisper request. After another two more rejected calls, Samuel seemed to get that Winter was serious about what he said. He received a message instead.<br><br>‘You are mean.’<br><br>Winter chuckled when he read Samuel’s thought about him. Over their time together, the party dynamic has been established. And Samuel was the bullied kid. His steps feeling light after bullying Samuel a little for the day, Winter began to roam around the city.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">xXx</div><br><br>Drinking a glass of grape juice, Winter took a break from his roaming. Rinne has not logged in at all today while Samuel logged off earlier after failing to pester Winter to accompany him in his gawking. With sullen tone, Samuel logged off citing unfairness of being old or something like that. Winter did not really listen to the content of his last minute ranting because he was too busy watching two wizards dueling each other. Never mind the reason. It was flashy, powerful and also rather boring. They were casting and dodging like a western gunslinger. None of them appeared to be long casting spells. Both were focused on wearing each other’s HP down with small quick hits. Winter wondered if that was how Wizards duel. He gave it a little thought and suddenly felt it was logical. <br><br>Long casting spells were powerful but easily dodged. While it was very useful for mobs, it was quite impractical to use it in a duel. It appeared that dueling mages or wizards were common sights in Arcanum as he spotted two more before he stepped into the NPC operated juice bar. From the three duels, Winter gathered that 1) Use fast cooldown spells 2) Keep dodging 3) Hit until the other side goes down<br><br>Surprisingly from the three duels, only one ended with clear victor. The other two duels were concluded with a draw on both count as both pairs, mages and wizards, ran out of mana before they managed to do conclusive damage to end the duel. <br><br>Winter thought that timed duel would be appropriate in this case but that train of thought has problem as he was not sure what constitute a victory when both sides were alive when the timer hit zero. If it was old battle game, how much health percentage left would be it. Nodding to his own wise thoughts, Winter slowly sipped his drink, watching the crowd goes by. <br><br>This was Winter’s first visit to a major city. The density of players and NPC running around was incomparable to Cosare. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Damn. Its expensive!</span><br><br>Winter was checking out prices for magic items in vendor stores randomly. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Elven Magic Staff with bonus 10% mana recovery and extra 5% magic damage for 1000G. Fire Lizard Robe that increases your fire damage and resistance by 7% for 800G. Circlet of Sound Mind for 500G! This is ridiculous!</span><br><br>The last item provide extra 500 mana when equipped and add 12% faster mana recovery. Winter thought they were exceedingly expensive for decent items and consoled himself that he already has a full set of items and his fighting style was not really suited for mage style combat that bombard enemies with spells. His spell expertise has reached average mage for his level, but it was pointless for him to be a long-range damage dealer. For one, he was more useful at the frontline for now with none of the members aside for him capable of melee combat. Well, not true. Reki was quite capable with close range combat, but it was such a waste for her to be used that way.<br><br>Winter never really checked the market for items meant for a magic related professions. The prices listed above was considered acceptable everywhere, even slightly cheaper since Arcanum has good influx of magical items for mages. He was never really concerned about building up gears for his adventuring, instead focusing on getting by with anything on hand. His focus on playing was never about being the best, strongest, famous nor he has any interest in becoming the Emperor, clearing Royal Road or raiding dungeons. He was a retired man that was taking things leisurely one day at a time. <br><br>Unknown to him it was because of this attitude and combination of his weird personality, in the future he would meet and befriend a lot of great players. He did not even realise that he already began amassing some of them.<br><br>Currently the said player was wallowing in his poverty. The hunting he has done to get rid of the murderer’s mark over the past month brought his current total wealth to 500G or so. He wondered if he was too carefree with his spending and only now began to regret he has no plan at all to improve his current condition.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Maybe I can sell some of my items?</span><br><br>It was a good idea, provided he has anything to sell. He has a lot of materials but already sold all of his Japtems. He always did so whenever he was in town. Not like all the Japtems could affect his waller much.<br><br>His mind went back to a couple of unusual items he has in his inventory. The sword he gained from his duel with Campbell.. was gone! He tried to recall what he did with it and the lightbulb went on. He gave it to Reki to be crafted as her arrows. He did not gave it much thought at that time, but he wondered what the sword would be worth. Winter dropped the matter quickly as he did not even remember the sword’s name or status. Beside, he would not get too upset if it was expensive. It was impossible for him somehow to get mad at Reki for reasons he could not discern yet, not like she ever provided any such reason. (Author’s Note: Damascus Steel Sword - average selling price 3600G - 4500G)<br><br>Going down the list of his inventory, Winter stumbled upon something else he forgot. The locked box he got from the duel too. I wonder how much money is inside. With those thoughts, Winter went and asked around if anyone could open it. Thieves profession was not something commonly found in Arcanum. He gave up the effort after an hour searching for one. In actuality, he found twenty or so from parties that stopped by the city before moving on to their next adventure, but none of their level was high enough to open the box.<br><br>“You need to be at least Intermediate Level in Lockpicking to open a Strongbox.” was what he was told. Some of the players even offered him 1000G to let go of the box. He politely declined. He did not notice them drooling over the box. The content of such box would likely be much more than the offered price. Winter held onto it for sentimental reasons. It was a reminder of sorts to him for his first Victory in a duel and a warning to himself to be careful with the game itself. Royal Road might be a game, but the person behind the avatar was a real human being and still capable of whatever cruelty and meanness their real body could invoke.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">’Nothing to it then. I will just hold onto it</span>. <br><br>The day soon turned into another day spent on frivolity for Winter. He forgot completely of the reason why he was even coming to Arcanum, instead he went around the city to get price appraisals for his unused items. While he was doing that, he was curious on the price of Sun’Areth. <br><br>“I am sorry, good Sir, I cannot appraise this for you.” An NPC merchant with prominent midsection shook his head when Winter asked for an appraisal. <br><br>“What? Why? Is it worthless because it is damaged?” Puzzled, Winter blurted the first thought that came into his mind. The item, despite having good stats, was rather damaged.<br><br>“You misunderstand me, good Sir, I cannot put a value to this artifact. It is priceless. I would love to give you an understated appraisal, but even then it will be beyond the wealth of this whole city.”<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Huh! It is THAT much?</span><br><br>Winter wondered if an item could be worth the whole city, yet the NPC did not seem to be lying. Watching Winter’s countenance, the fat merchant chuckled. The act vibrated his large jowl.<br><br>“I see that you are in a state of disbelief. Very well. Allow me to explain.” Winter nodded dumbly, the half charred staff still in his hands. The merchant was silent for a few seconds, gathering his thoughts.<br><br>“I assume you do not know anything about item grades, yes?” Winter’s blank look was enough of an answer. He knew item has level requirements and extra status, but different grades? “It goes like this. Common that has very little stats. Uncommon types that has magical properties but at most improves two of your strengths. It is fairly weak item and not very hard to get hold of. From there onward, the quality and strength of items gets better and better. Rare, Epic, Legendary, Artifact.” <br><br>“Wait a second. If that is the case, won’t this item supposed to have great properties? I had seen better items than this staff you revere so much.” Winter countered.<br><br>“Ah. That is because this great Artifact is damaged. But have you ever tried looking at it with your magical sight? I assume not. I have some magic in my veins though it is fairly weak, but it is enough to see the true value of this items.”<br><br>“...Er… how do you activate this Sight?” Winter felt like a dumb idiot, but he has to ask. He felt his intellect questioned when the NPC that knew he was a Magician gave him a wry smile. He still answered his question in as polite manner as possible.<br><br>“What do you see here?” The merchant asked Winter. His palm was upturned but he saw nothing, at least at the beginning. Puzzled, Winter looked to the merchant, but despite his polite, if amused smile, his eyes were not laughing. He nodded at him. Winter took a second look at the upturned palm. He still saw nothing but kept staring at it. He saw a slight flicker, he thought. He looked closer and it was as if something clicked in his head. His vision was tinged in mild blue color like when he was in-between casting and targeting period. This was the first time his &lt;&lt;Mage Sight&gt;&gt; ever activated outside combat.<br><br>TTTRIING!!!<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mage Sight (Passive)</span> skill is upgraded<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mage Sight (Active)</span><br>Allows a player to see the flow of mana. This skill is gained when a player can create their first Mana Bolt as a proof of their journey into the world of Magic.<br><br>Mana Consumption: 1 mana/minute<br>Range: Normal vision</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 created! <span style="font-weight: bold;">Magic Sensing (Passive)</span>!<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Magic Sensing (Passive) </span><br>Upon having greater understanding of Mana, you now have keener sense of Magic. This skill can be improved with frequent training.<br><br>Range: 5 meter<br>Prerequisite: Mage Sight (Active)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Winter understood the first skill. It allowed him to forcefully activate &lt;&lt;Mage Sight&gt;&gt;. He has an inkling about the use of &lt;&lt;Magic Sensing&gt;&gt; but it was pure speculation at the moment. An icon in the form of stylised eye inside a square, all blue, showed up above his status bars, a sign that it was a buff. He now saw that the merchant was holding a very tiny fireball that was so weak that it was transparent.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">’Was that even possible? He was as weak as he confessed to be!</span><br><br>Winter did not let on what was in his inner thought as the merchant has been very helpful. He was not rude to strangers when they treated him well. He was still considering what he should say when the merchant took the choice from him. The hand closed and the fire disappeared.<br><br>“Phew! That was tiring! It has been a while since I use magic at all.” The merchant was sweating and look about two shades paler. He flopped down on his seat that creaked slightly despite appeared to be made quite solid.<br><br>“Anyway, this artifact is so strong that you are blind if you cannot see it now. Have a closer look.”<br><br>Winter was still holding the staff but he was not looking there since the Merchant was giving him guidance. The very first thing he notice, the staff emitted prismatic colors! It was like your own mini light show. The top half has less concentration of the hues while the the bottom ones were thicker. The center of the round head of the staff that was shaped like an orb has very little of it wisps dancing inside. It was an amazing experience. In the blue tinged world though he could still see the outline, Sun’Areth was not made of wood, but made from a dancing galaxy of light that traveled its length.<br><br>“You see it now. Beautiful isn’t it? I only see such thing a few times in my life, and this is the first one I have seen an average Magician holding it instead of an Archmage where such Artifact usually belonged. But such is fate. I believe this magnificent Artifact will guide you. Never sell it for anything, good Sir, for you are ruining yourself if you do. That is the only advice I shall give though it will hurt my profit. Ga ha ha ha!” The merchant’s laugh was a booming bass, loud but not unpleasant.<br><br>“I thank you for the advice. I will keep it in mind, always.” Winter stored Sun’Areth in his inventory, exchanged a few pleasantries before buying a random item on the merchant’s counter (35G) and making his exit. <br><br>“Wait!” Winter froze in his steps. He was about to exit the small stall’s awning. “Yes?” “If you have time, do visit the Mage Academy. I am not sure what it will lead to, but I believe it will benefit you greatly.” <br><br>TTRRINNG!!<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>New Quest obtained!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Merchant’s Advice </span><br>The Fat Magic Appraiser advised you to visit the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mage Academy</span>. It is unknown what will happen when you visit there, but it cannot be anything bad, right?<br><br>Restriction: <span style="font-style: italic;">Sun’Areth</span> in your inventory<br>Reward: None</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Thank you again. Farewell and good day.” Winter was again, about to leave when he remembered something. “Oh. I have a question. Do you know anything about Asric?” <br><br>The merchant was already pretty pale from his overuse of very minor magic, but asking about Asric turned the pallor of his face that was originally quite ruddy to corpse white.<br><br>“I don’t know anything about Asric! Please! I urge you! Do not mention that name in this city! Anywhere too if you value your life! I beg you! I am sorry, but I have to be elsewhere now. Thank you for your patronage!” The words were said in rapid fire manner, not giving Winter any chance at all to ask what was so unusual about the name. Before Winter recovered, he found himself shoved out of the stall and the thick tarp released from the top of the stall to roll all the way to the ground. The large print on the slightly overused tarp read in large stencil ‘CLOSED’.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">What was that about?</span> <br><br>Shrugging, Winter decided to take the merchant’s advice, but maybe the day after. The sky was still light, but compared to when he visited, the marketplace was quite sparse. Beside, the tallest tower, where he assumed the academy to be looked very far from where he was standing. He gauged that it would sundown when he reached there and he doubted that whoever inside would appreciate being disturbed late afterhours. He would not. It was only four hours of wait in real life at most. In real world, it was not even close to lunchtime. His decision made, Winter looked for any decent place to have a meal in the city. His cooking has almost reached Beginner Level 8. He would have loved to reach intermediate level quickly, but he only cooked for necessities and a party of four was not consuming as much food as over six hundred people he served during the siege. He was also being quite thrifty with the good ingredients he has in his possession. The Rainbow Fish was only to be used for difficult encounters, not daily hunting.<br><br>The main reason he was finding a restaurant to eat though was mainly due to himself feeling quite sick cooking his own meal. Once in a while he wanted to eat something that was not made by him. It was not difficult to find a decent place to eat. He only needed to follow his nose after all.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">xXx</div><br><br>Winter chose to have extended lunch instead of being out of town and hunting at night. The closest decent dungeon for his level around Arcanum was at least a day journey away. The sun was already halfway to noon when he got back. Since he had time to spare, he swung a proper wooden sword he bought from a sporting goods store for an hour or so, working up a sweat, then showered before logging in.<br><br>He was spot on. The tallest tower was the Magic Academy. The prominent sign written in stylised manner said so. the gate was majestic, not intimidating. The two giant statue on both side of the gate showed spellcasters of each gender. The male holding a staff, the female, a book. Both were cowled though it was not hard to tell which was which as the carving was well done to the point that masculinity and femininity was unmistakable. The long beard on the left status was a dead giveaway anyway.<br><br>Winter could hear soft sounds of cheering from inside. Curious, he walked through the gate to the source of the noise. It led him to a corner on the east side of the premise. There were two mages duelling each other on a stage. The spectators all appeared to be mostly mages too judging from the robes they were wearing. There were hundreds of them!<br><br>“Eat this! Winter’s chill! Ice Blast!” A mage attired in blue shot a cone of ice shards from his palm. The green robed mage countered with Gust spell Winter was familiar with to blow the sharp ices off course and in the progress, staggered the blue robed mage. <br><br>‘There.’ Winter thought. He would have used such opportunity for a counter. The green robed mage did not disappoint, if he countered a second slower than when Winter would had done it. Winter did not hear the words uttered, but he had seen enough duels between caster so far to know that the two seconds required for recovery was enough to cast decently powerful spell. The world was already tinged blue since he entered the maximum proximity range of &lt;&lt;Mage Sight&gt;&gt;. A large blade of wind that was very visible to him due to the mana used to form it slammed onto the blue robed mage’s body. It ejected him from the stage to crash down on the grassy earth outside the raise stage. The spectators that already predicted the trajectory of the flesh projectile scrambled to get away from the impact point. Winter was expecting hard landing, but it was surprisingly soft ‘THUD!’, so anticlimatic. He knew it would be the case, but duels like this? One should be flashy!<br><br>“Winner! Elben the Air Master!” The crowd roared anew. Elben that looked like a shy youth in his early twenties exited the stage without much preamble. This led to even louder cheering. <br><br>“Excuse me, what is happening here?” Winter asked someone randomly. A mage wearing deeper hue of green than Elben turned his head aside to reply. “Where do you come from, old man? Never heard of the famous Rank Battle?” Recently Winter had been mastering the blank faced look. He used to never admit to be clueless, but his time spent with Reki that talked technical terms of the game like a pro made him realise that he could not get by anymore pretending. He also learned that the blank look he sport was a gateway to wealth of information.<br><br>“Oh. We have someone from outside the region eh. Welcome, to the Mage Academy, traveller. My name is Telraman, a humble mage from the School of Earth. The man that was blown off the stage there, he came from School of Water while our winner there, a member of School of Wind.” Winter nodded to the man half his age that was not acting not so humble when he called him ‘Old man’. Yet his current manner held nothing but respect. It was puzzling behavior.<br><br>“What we have here, was but a friendly competition between different schools. Of course there must be purpose to it, else it will be but an occasionally deadly form of entertainment.” Pausing to point at a wizened old man wearing gray vestment, his young chatty guide continued. “That man is the Gatekeeper. The reason why we battle daily is because only one person per day is allowed to enter the Training Hall within this academy. And to determine that, we battle daily.”<br><br>“Anymore challenger for the day? Else I will declare Elben the champion of the day.” Quiet murmurs could be heard. “Ah! We have a challenger! Please step forward to the stage!” The Gatekeeper suddenly spoke out.<br><br>The crowd parted around Winter to allow him access to the stage. No. He did not raise his hand. The young man did it by pushing propping his elbow up. His reaction was slowed because he was still absorbing the information he was given. Upon noticing what he was doing, Winter pulled his hand back but the damage was done.<br><br>“What are you doing! I am not interested to battle on the stage or be the champion of whatever!” Winter whispered urgently to the precocious man who set him up.<br><br>“I am but giving you the chance you eventually crave, brother. I can sense it within you.” The man bowed slightly to Winter in respectful manner. Winter was about to retort with scathing words when he heard a sound he did not expect.<br><br>TTRRRINGG!<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Merchant’s Advice</span> is completed!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Winter saw his experience bar increased by 2% or so. What a paltry reward. It seemed like his stepping up to the stage was part of the quest, though there was no update yet.<br><br>“Do you wish to change your mind, brother Mage?” The wizened old man has a clear voice despite his snow white hair, beard and aged look.<br><br>“A mage? Are you serious? That is a leather armor, right?”<br><br>“He is has a staff.”<br><br>“What with this different treatment? They treated us like scum and called him ‘Brother’.”<br><br>“Is his fame so high? He must be some great player!”<br><br>“That is some wacky staff. Looks pretty rundown. I give him 30 seconds!”<br><br>“Black leather armor? Are you kidding me? Elben is level 180! He will be slaughtered.”<br><br><br>Words from avatars clearly players washed over him. Winter heard the last comment. If it was true, he likely would lose with 20 level difference at the least. Not to mention that he has not upgraded his armors since forever. Elben might be wearing cloth type armor, but his equipment appeared to match his level. But he was truly curious how he would fare against a real mage that knew what he was doing.<br><br>Winter shouted “No! I accept!” and walked forth to the straight line made for him. He just remembered an additional bonus of equipping Sun’Areth. Equipping the staff grant him the effect of <span style="font-style: italic;">Recognition</span>, preferred treatment from Mages and discriminating treatment from Priests. It was not intentional, but he after his trip from the fat merchant, he thought he should keep the staff on him. He thought it was appropriate to walk into a mage academy bearing a staff instead of a sword even though he used the sword more often. It was probably also why the fat merchant was very helpful to him. He was, as the NPC himself admitted, a mage after a fashion. Since the quest led him this way, Winter decided to play along even though it was not his goal or wish.<br><br>Elben was already on the stage, patiently waiting for Winter. The soft clacking of his end of the staff was not loud but it rang in different note than what he expected. It sounded like a ringing note, unlike the wood supposedly the material came from. Before he could ponder further, Winter already stood on the stage. The old man that was called Gatekeeper began explaining the rules to him.<br><br>“I had never seen you before here, brother, and I remember everyone that battled on this stage under my presence. I will therefore take a little bit of your time to explain the rules.”<br><br>The explanation was not overly long. The duel will be concluded upon the first solid hit the other side could land upon him or ejection from the stage for any other reason. There was no limitation on what sort of spells and tactics that you are allowed to use. In fact, any way to win the duel short of treachery was welcome, for Mages value preparation and cunning in equal measure with knowledge. <br><br>“What School will you align yourself with, brother? It is necessary to pick one if only for introduction.” The Gatekeeper asked Winter. Elben’s mouth was moving silently, ignoring both of them. He was a veteran and need not hear the explanations. Winter thought on which schools of magic he would choose for this purpose. He deducted he could choose one of four. He wanted to pick Water or Fire that was closer to his true nature, but a memory of his first encounter with Magic flashed in his mind. Of an earthen hand and a young girl with black hair and green eyes like a forest leaf. “Earth. Winter, School of Earth.” His mouth moved before his mind realised it.<br><br>“We have here, Winter from School of Earth against Elben, three times champion from School of Wind! The Air Master is his title. The battle begins the moment I step off the stage. Prepare yourself, both of you! May Mana watch over you.” The Gatekeeper intoned. There was a blue shimmer enveloping both Winter and Elben. When he tried to touch his body, a centimeter from his skin, his body was surrounded by a type of barrier. ‘This is how it works, I see.’ Winter thought. There was no duel system, instead they were granted temporary protection. There was a blue bubble icon on top of his status bars with small 1. Winter got it.<br><br>“Mage Sight. Activate.” Winter murmured in low voice. Elben’s self-muttering was probably the battle preparations. Winter added &lt;&lt;Mental Fortitude&gt;&gt; that increased the rate of his mana recovery too before making some distance. The staff held in his hand felt a little unfamiliar as he was used to deal damage in swords most of the time.<br><br>There was no audible signal to begin. Both of them watched the Gatekeeper’s foot stepping down the stage and began casting spells. Winter did know what sort of tactic Elben would pull, but he was as prepared as he could. Since Wind class spells has the shortest &lt;&lt;Cadence&gt;&gt; Winter chose his opening move with his fastest spell. The deeper blue line in the blue tinged world began forming to show the direction of where the Mana Bolt would hit, dead center on Elben’s chest. The world was slowed down when a spell was cast by mages. The 0.1 second extended to 0.5 in their mind was used for targeting. But an opponent still could dodge the spell when the spell already flew. When the opponent was a mage, and pretty darn good one like Elben, the half second extension was more than enough to mentally call up a barrier and counter. <br><br>His deep green staff made from some sort of opaque stone that if it was real life Winter would claim it was Jade stone began to shine from its center when Elben chanted and whipping wind surrounded him when he was done. <br><br>&lt;&lt;Wind Barrier&gt;&gt; was minor protection magic that deflect projectiles. It could not deflect even basic Fireball, but for basic Mana Bolt, it was a perfect counter. The return fire was almost ground level wind spell that would hit him on the knee if he did not call up Earthspike to block it. The clashing spell was not flashy, but it was quick. This was the first time Winter ever dueled a magician before. It was more difficult than he thought. Much more, when you opponent could see the move you could make.<br><br>He was forced to dodge the other two wind blades that was nearly invisible to naked eye but perfectly clear in the active state of mage sight. Earth spells has the characteristic of being sturdy but ranked third after Wind and Water in casting time. The time he took to raise the one spike to break the wind blade, the other two already came at him from different angles.<br><br>The active mage sight was slightly disorienting. The whole world was tinged blue continuously but slowed down like stops and dashes when the spells were cast, which was almost constantly. Winter felt like he was on a swaying ship, but he was not going to give up any advantage he has. This allowed Winter to dodge seven more blades in succession without suffering a scratch, occasionally summoning more spikes of earth to break those low enough on the ground to allow countermoves, at least that was the plan. Except Elben seem to caught on that he has rate of fire superiority and kept on peppering Winter with small scale spells that while not going to kill him or anything, might break the bubble that counted the most in the duel. Winter cursed the nosy young man that put him up for this. He was right. Eventually Winter would choose to go up on the stage. He found it hard nowadays to pass up on a fight, especially duels when it was done properly. But he would had liked more time to study. What a difference if would make if he could learn what sort of magic everyone here has. The wind blades alone, he never dealt with before as he was a tyro when it came to mage dueling.<br><br>Winter eventually created enough spikes on the ground of the battle arena to repel any low elevation attacks, but in his progress, he made a critical mistake that almost cost him the duel.<br><br>‘Crap! I sealed in my own movement!’<br><br>Winter was forced to dodge chest high attacks by using angled spikes that has not disappeared and sometimes summoning new ones. He could have ducked, but it felt undignified to him, which was the second mistake he made. There was no way for him to keep track on when the spikes would wear off and disappear. It was not written anywhere on the spell detail, but through experimentation, Winter successfully concluded that Earthspike disappear in 30 seconds without and the most he could summon before the first one disappear was 27 of them. <br><br>It was unknown whether Elben knew about it or not, but he was seeking for a mistake. It came eventually when Winter stepped on an old spike to to a sideway leap and it disappeared when his foot touched it. The unexpected non-resistance staggered Winter and his bad landing posture made him fall which he then tucked himself into a roll.<br><br>‘Crap! Here it comes!’ Thought Winter inside his mind. Taking a blind gamble, Winter raised his favorite Earth Coffin. As expected, a much larger Wind Blade (Winter found out later that it was a Tier 04 Wind element spell called <span style="font-style: italic;">Kamaitachi</span>) slammed to the coffin that he raised diagonally very low to the ground to cover his still kneeling body. It was a lucky thing that the coffin itself was 2m in length though slightly shortened from its improper use, else Winter would have his bubble popped. But the defense was not perfect as a third of the shattered spell struck Winter. It did not hit his body directly, but hit Sun’Areth that coincidentally left interposing in front of him in his effort to brace himself. Winter groaned inside when the message window informing him that his unique unrepairable weapon lost a point of durability. There was barely 20 points left including the one he just lost. Only 18 in fact. <br><br>Winter raised three more coffins in succession to cover his position, a reverse of what he did to Umber. He was careful to not let Sun’Areth getting hit. Instead of pinning him, it was covering him. More large Kamaitachi blades slammed futilely against his improvised shields. Winter that left enough space for vision began casting Earthspikes to hit Elben. It was the first time since the duel he has the opportunity to strike aside from the quick mana bolt that was rendered ineffective due to the Wind Barrier. Elben moved far enough from his field of vision to disallow Winter to cast more spikes. While dodging his spells, Elben was was idle, trying to hit winter near the eyeslits he made using Mana Bolts. It did not come close to accuracy as Elben was used to Wind blades that was a thin long shapes and weightlessness but enough for Winter to not let up on his harrassment. Mana bolt was nearly weightless too, but compared to Wind spells, it was comparing an ounce to a pound. This was mainly due to mental image needed to create the direction of the attack. Being unfamiliar place greater burden on the mind. <br><br>Targeting system for beginner looked simple. You use line of sight and hand eye coordination. But that was a rough system. Royal Road targeting system was more complex than that when it came to magic spells that has no real weight. It was an extension of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Biscuit</span> system. Precursor to it, actually. The finished system allowed a brainwave scan to cast spells wordlessly. Before Royal Road developer team even came to that part, they had to prove that it was possible for a human to control their body inside the game with their mind to a pinpoint precision. <br><br>Mage profession looked easy at first glance. It allowed players to attack at a distance from safety. But that was in low stress scenario and battle was, if anything, mildly stressful despite knowing you would revive when you die. A duel in Royal Road was where your mental endurance was put to the test. Mage duels was one of the ultimate form of this test.<br><br>Winter could imagine Elben beginning to cast his strongest spell to break through his defense. <br><br>‘Not so easy!’ <br><br>Spells could be cast without a line of vision on your target. But it was a moot exercise. But AOE attack require no subtlety. The beginning circle of &lt;&lt;Vermillion&gt;&gt; that Winter cast above his own position was forming. In two seconds, it was fully formed and began raining fires. The stage was at least twice as big as the range of his AOE spell. But since he was on the other half of the stage and standing quite a distance from the center, Winter’s Wild Ass Guess that Elben that was directly behind his turtle defense would be hit if he was not casting good barriers. So far he displayed only wind elemental spells, but Winter assumed he has some defensive spells that could defend against the rain of fire, else he would not be three time champion.<br><br>He ignored the system message that mentioned he gained expertise on several spells he had been using.<br><br><br>Winter’s assumption was spot on. Upon realising that the unusually dressed mage he was facing that was the most original thinking players he ever faced was trying to hide behind the makeshift Earth Coffin, a spell he never thought would be so well utilised - and rain AOE Vermillion on both of them, Elben quickly ceased his large attack spell.<br><br>“Cancel!” He intoned to get past the rebound effect of his unfinished cast.<br><br>“Defend against all attack! Wind Tunnel!” A column of wind with Elben at its center formed within a second. It was a great timing as the next second, fires of destruction was raining forth. Elben was having so much fun right now. He had never fought anyone so hard up till now. Immobilised while maintaining the spell, his mind was already thinking furiously. <br><br>Vermillion was a strong AOE spell. It has great damage for AOE type spell and decently quick cast with quite wide area. Among mage class spells, it was unmatched in destruction. Against NPC mobs that is. The spell itself has a critical weakness that not many knew and Elben was about to reveal. Some might have already noticed it. <br><br>Royal Road has plenty of unwritten rules and restrictions. As a proper duelist, Elben was more knowledgeable than most average mages and a lot of players that descended to the level of wizards. Elben was not sure why it was so, but the rules and restrictions players self discovered was very satisfying for him. Spell properties was the most common form of that discovery. An element was opposable to another element. But average RPG players knew that much. <br><br>An even better player would know that there was noticeable speed difference in elements when respective element’s spells were cast with Wind type ranking at the top in both casting and effect. It was ranked second last in damage and last in its durability. This refer to which element has priority when it clashed. Earth was greatest in defense by a large margin, which Winter, his opponent made full use so far.<br><br>The column of wind that protected Elben was a rank 6 spell. It was pure defensive spell that negate all spell and physical damage below a certain threshold. But that was not why he cast it. As a rule of thumb, magic with sigils was disruptable when the sigil was altered in any manner. But Vermillion’s large sigil drawn on the sky was drawn as if with water. Cutting with with his wind blades, Kamaitachi, mana bolts or normal fireballs would be useless. It would recover within moments. Wind Tunnel’s spell effect was that it extended fifteen meters above the caster’s position, approximately. That was higher than Vermillion’s ten meter height. The spinning wind would disrupt the sigil constantly and create enough disturbance on the sigil to cancel the spell. It was lucky that the first few fireballs landed not even close to his position else he would be the one defeated.<br><br>‘Now. What will you do, Winter?’ Smiling, Elben awaited Winter’s response. While Elben never bothered to learn Earth Coffin, something he saw the value now and would correct after the battle. But what mattered now, that Vermillion was cancelled, he has time to cast his most powerful spell. <br><br><br>‘How the hell did he cancel my spell!’<br><br>Inside his own defensive construction, Winter stared agape for full second at the notice before him. The cooldown marker for Vermillion was visible above his status bar.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Sigil Disturbed! <span style="font-weight: bold;">Vermillion</span> cancelled!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Winter did not know that Wind Tunnel was an emergency skill that defend the caster against damages for fifteen seconds in exchange for mobility. It has five minutes cooldown however. Winter did not know that though. And he has no time to worry about it now.<br><br>He has been feeling weird tingling sensation in his head since the battle that he has no clue what it was. It was not disturbing or annoying, but it was a mystery. And Winter hated mystery with a passion. A while ago he felt a buzz at a corner of his mind and now a throbbing feel. <br><br>‘Crap!’ Winter quickly made a last ditch effort, believing in his honed battle intuition. He could not afford to daze around as the second he lost might be critical! </div>

Part 1 “We are finally here….” Winter muttered to himself. Behind him Samuel was slumped to the ground. He looked more than slightly used up. The path to Arcanum from the borderland was supposed to get easier the closer you were to the central. But as if a curse was trailing Winter, Samuel, or whoever was in their small party that had gained an extra member, they kept on encountering problem one after another. There was Samuel that thought he was the next God of Gambler at the next town only to discover he was tricked and then conned later after they reeled him in with initial small winnings then setting him up to lose badly. To top it off, there was Rinne that also got suckered in too. And she has the worst luck in gambling too apparently since despite all the effort from the small town gangster to let her win to also reel her in, she simply lost no matter what. Winter that was more canny but arrived later to discover the two were tricked had to game the wannabe gangster back in a game of dice that he cheated them back by swapping their loaded dice with regular ones (Reflex might or might not be in play). Combined with a shrewd wager from an old, experienced mind, he won back all of Rinne and Samuel’s debt (which despite all the cheating was considered legal) and then some. Winter might have went a little overboard, totally cleaning them out. That led to them being pursued when they left the town for a whole week. From there on, the trip took a downturn as Winter killed one of their pursuers, gaining himself a Murderer’s Mark. It might had been a small problem until he thought ‘what the hell, I killed one, might as well kill them all’ and set to work the pursuers over twice before they realise that they might had bitten more than they can chew. Being more excellent in cheating and intimidation than combat technique, they were no match for Winter, Samuel and Rinne. Rinne and Samuel might had participated in glee to repay the anguish they were given which led to the three shouldering the same mark due their more than willing participation to Winter’s indiscriminate killing. After that, they were forced to divert for a bit to a few dungeons (extremely dangerous ones) on the way in order to clean up the mark. They would not had made it if not for their rather mysterious party member. Winter only spotted her three days after they parted from Summer. A quiet archer with sharp yellow-orange pupils and aquamarine colored short hair. She was distinctive as her pupils were shaped like a cat’s. Her height might be quite diminutive, probably not even 160cm, but the she carried a bow as tall as her very powerful to boot not to mention the range. With me protecting her and the rest doing support, we cleared the dungeons easily. It was not an exaggeration if I say that she has the firepower of an artillery battery. An alert window popped in front of Winter. Clicking it open, Winter received a mail from Reki. ‘I am off to sleep.’ That was all that was written. “Goodnight, Reki. See you next time.” “Goodnight too, Reki. Thank you for your help.” Rinne added. She nodded in reply. Winter was expecting she was going to log off immediately. But Reki closed the distance between Winter and her in a couple of swift steps. Her There was barely one step distance between both of them. She looked up to Winter, all silent, waiting for something. Winter wondered if he upset her or something. Their height difference of almost a full head made Reki crane her neck to look at Winter’s eyes. The brown metal circlet with a large green multifaceted gem inset on her brow made her looked like she has a third eye. Winter always thought she was a perfect example of refined soon-to-be woman. Her hair color or eye color was definitely fake. Her face? Maybe. But her action that was mostly cold mannered but held a lot of meaning, that could not be faked. Wrapped in blue hunter garb of darker hues than her hair, her looked like someone that lacked exercise with slender limbs. It mattered not how you looked in Royal Road anyway as only the stats count. The two stared at each other. With each passing second, Winter was becoming more and more uncomfortable. He almost asked ‘what do you want?’ when Reki’s body grew transparent and faded away, a sign that she already logged out for the night. “What was that, Old man?” Samuel that was done with his personal rejoicing asked. “Winter, did you do something to upset her?” Rinne narrowed her eyes while asking Winter. “Hey! Why am I the bad guy here? I know nothing! Honest!” Winter answered indignantly. “If you say so…” Rinne looked unconvinced while Samuel’s was accusing. “And it will be completely true!” Winter yelled. The truthful statement bounced off their glares. The two had grown quite close to the cool and silent archer within a couple days of her joining in their party. Winter was not even sure why she joined in the first place or even want to join. Incredible was an understatement when you looked at how she handle combat. Winter’s guess, she was at least level 200. Summer did confirm she was at least that level. He would know her as she was in his group that saved Winter’s ass yet even he knew little about her aside from her ability that he described as ‘phenomenal’. “I know I am good. But she is so much better than me that it is making me feel embarrassed I am have the same profession as her.” Summer was not sure where she got her items too. He claimed that he was drooling over her bow though he still has no idea what the stats or name of the weapon. So far none of his guild or alliance members has any idea. She never answered any of their questions too, not for the lack of trying. “I am telling you, she was not even in my guild. I am not sure whether I picked her up or she picked us up. After my rather shameful loss in Annual Archery Competition, she just walked up to me and said ‘Join’. What was I supposed to say but ‘OK’?” Summer told Winter through their whispering the day Reki joined Winter’s party. “She just left on her own without saying goodbye, yet I cannot dislike her for doing that. She feels like a stray cat, really.” Winter was in agreement with Summer’s statement. She did act like a stray cat. “Anyway, just enjoy whatever time she spends with you. You will appreciate her, like I do.” Was Summer’s words before he cut off the conversation. Winter did appreciate her presence. She helped them immensely in their quests to clear their mark. She usually send messages to them while saying very few words on her person. Bidding the two goodnight, Winter logged off quickly, brushing off their stares. He hoped whatever was wrong with Reki, when she got back, he would be spared from the boring gazes. He might not be very close to Rinne or Samuel yet, but he really values them as travelling companion and hate to part with them due to small misunderstanding. Tossing and turning in his bed, Winter still could not figure out what he did wrong. In the end he fell asleep, dreaming of Rinne standing in front of him with himself kneeling, about to commit a harakiri with Samuel holding a large axe behind him to finish the job. xXx ‘I am off to do my own quest. Contact me if you are doing something interesting.’ Winter logged back in with that message already inside his mailbox. Rinne and Samuel have not logged in yet. They made no plans at all to be together while they were in the city. Winter was not even sure they will continue to travel together after this town. Reki seemed to be the one whom actually might be interested to continue sticking around with Winter if her mail was any indication. This was something that he has not talked with Samuel and Rinne yet. When they would be parting. Their journey from the bordertown of the Mountain of Sorrow to here has been wonderful. But it might be time to part ways soon if their quests carry them in different direction. Letting out a sigh, Winter put the thought out of his head. He would deal with it when it happens. For now, he wanted to spend some time exploring. He logged out immediately when he entered the city limit. Arcanum. Winter was finally there after a long journey. It felt as if he reached a milestone marker for his time in Royal Road. There was also some sort of premonition that he would achieve something within himself when he finished the quest. Odd that a game could at times feel like it was reality itself. Now that he has the time to look carefully, the city was less alluring than he imagined it to be. From miles away, the city shone like a beacon in the night. Tall slender spires jutting out to the sky from mage towers. There were five very distinctive ones; Red, Blue, Green, Brown. The four towers surrounded an even taller surrounding an even taller spire that was unmistakably very much arcane. When the sun fell, Winter could see the central tower lighting up with bluish glow that he, Rinne and Samuel appreciated. Reki did not glance at the sight at all. I wondered if she was uninterested or had seen it before. Looking closer, the spire was thicker than he expected. Its height was not impressive compared to skyscrappers that existed nowadays. But sticking to middle-age technology, 50m height was nothing to sneeze about. *Bump* “Sorry. Excuse me.” A mage class character from his clothings brushed against Winter that stood in the middle of the street. Muttering apologies, Winter scooted to the side and enjoyed the view of the city a little more. The street was completely paved with slightly bluish rocks. The city walls too that though was not thick, barely measuring six meters in width, was beautifully crafted, smooth and patterned in different hues. The outside wall was completely plain. The inside appeared to be a large mural spanning the whole length of the city wall. Robed mages were patrolling with armored NPCs on the ten meter high wall. All of them wore blue cape with a symbol on the center. Winter could not see the design clearly from where he was standing. ‘Yo. Old man. Where are you?’ The whisper from Samuel startled Winter. Grumbling a little from the disturbance of his tranquil thoughts, Winter replied ‘Ten meters from the last spot I was standing.’ ‘Okay. Lets meet and check out the place together?’ ‘...*crackle* what..*crackle* I..Can-not… hear *crackle* you! You.. Are… Breaki-g Up.’ ‘Oi! What sort of joke is this! This is not an old style phone!’ Samuel yelled. ‘I cannot help it. I prefer spending my time with a girl in hand than a guy.’ Winter replied without any remorse, his voice back to normal. ‘That… damn…. Why I never thought of that! You are sly, Old man.’ ‘Thank you. Now, contact me again when Rinne logs in. I don’t want to see your face before then.’ ‘Wait. Wha?’ Winter cut off the whisper talk. Samuel called back immediately but Winter rejected the whisper request. After another two more rejected calls, Samuel seemed to get that Winter was serious about what he said. He received a message instead. ‘You are mean.’ Winter chuckled when he read Samuel’s thought about him. Over their time together, the party dynamic has been established. And Samuel was the bullied kid. His steps feeling light after bullying Samuel a little for the day, Winter began to roam around the city. xXx Drinking a glass of grape juice, Winter took a break from his roaming. Rinne has not logged in at all today while Samuel logged off earlier after failing to pester Winter to accompany him in his gawking. With sullen tone, Samuel logged off citing unfairness of being old or something like that. Winter did not really listen to the content of his last minute ranting because he was too busy watching two wizards dueling each other. Never mind the reason. It was flashy, powerful and also rather boring. They were casting and dodging like a western gunslinger. None of them appeared to be long casting spells. Both were focused on wearing each other’s HP down with small quick hits. Winter wondered if that was how Wizards duel. He gave it a little thought and suddenly felt it was logical. Long casting spells were powerful but easily dodged. While it was very useful for mobs, it was quite impractical to use it in a duel. It appeared that dueling mages or wizards were common sights in Arcanum as he spotted two more before he stepped into the NPC operated juice bar. From the three duels, Winter gathered that 1) Use fast cooldown spells 2) Keep dodging 3) Hit until the other side goes down Surprisingly from the three duels, only one ended with clear victor. The other two duels were concluded with a draw on both count as both pairs, mages and wizards, ran out of mana before they managed to do conclusive damage to end the duel. Winter thought that timed duel would be appropriate in this case but that train of thought has problem as he was not sure what constitute a victory when both sides were alive when the timer hit zero. If it was old battle game, how much health percentage left would be it. Nodding to his own wise thoughts, Winter slowly sipped his drink, watching the crowd goes by. This was Winter’s first visit to a major city. The density of players and NPC running around was incomparable to Cosare. Damn. Its expensive! Winter was checking out prices for magic items in vendor stores randomly. Elven Magic Staff with bonus 10% mana recovery and extra 5% magic damage for 1000G. Fire Lizard Robe that increases your fire damage and resistance by 7% for 800G. Circlet of Sound Mind for 500G! This is ridiculous! The last item provide extra 500 mana when equipped and add 12% faster mana recovery. Winter thought they were exceedingly expensive for decent items and consoled himself that he already has a full set of items and his fighting style was not really suited for mage style combat that bombard enemies with spells. His spell expertise has reached average mage for his level, but it was pointless for him to be a long-range damage dealer. For one, he was more useful at the frontline for now with none of the members aside for him capable of melee combat. Well, not true. Reki was quite capable with close range combat, but it was such a waste for her to be used that way. Winter never really checked the market for items meant for a magic related professions. The prices listed above was considered acceptable everywhere, even slightly cheaper since Arcanum has good influx of magical items for mages. He was never really concerned about building up gears for his adventuring, instead focusing on getting by with anything on hand. His focus on playing was never about being the best, strongest, famous nor he has any interest in becoming the Emperor, clearing Royal Road or raiding dungeons. He was a retired man that was taking things leisurely one day at a time. Unknown to him it was because of this attitude and combination of his weird personality, in the future he would meet and befriend a lot of great players. He did not even realise that he already began amassing some of them. Currently the said player was wallowing in his poverty. The hunting he has done to get rid of the murderer’s mark over the past month brought his current total wealth to 500G or so. He wondered if he was too carefree with his spending and only now began to regret he has no plan at all to improve his current condition. Maybe I can sell some of my items? It was a good idea, provided he has anything to sell. He has a lot of materials but already sold all of his Japtems. He always did so whenever he was in town. Not like all the Japtems could affect his waller much. His mind went back to a couple of unusual items he has in his inventory. The sword he gained from his duel with Campbell.. was gone! He tried to recall what he did with it and the lightbulb went on. He gave it to Reki to be crafted as her arrows. He did not gave it much thought at that time, but he wondered what the sword would be worth. Winter dropped the matter quickly as he did not even remember the sword’s name or status. Beside, he would not get too upset if it was expensive. It was impossible for him somehow to get mad at Reki for reasons he could not discern yet, not like she ever provided any such reason. (Author’s Note: Damascus Steel Sword - average selling price 3600G - 4500G) Going down the list of his inventory, Winter stumbled upon something else he forgot. The locked box he got from the duel too. I wonder how much money is inside. With those thoughts, Winter went and asked around if anyone could open it. Thieves profession was not something commonly found in Arcanum. He gave up the effort after an hour searching for one. In actuality, he found twenty or so from parties that stopped by the city before moving on to their next adventure, but none of their level was high enough to open the box. “You need to be at least Intermediate Level in Lockpicking to open a Strongbox.” was what he was told. Some of the players even offered him 1000G to let go of the box. He politely declined. He did not notice them drooling over the box. The content of such box would likely be much more than the offered price. Winter held onto it for sentimental reasons. It was a reminder of sorts to him for his first Victory in a duel and a warning to himself to be careful with the game itself. Royal Road might be a game, but the person behind the avatar was a real human being and still capable of whatever cruelty and meanness their real body could invoke. ’Nothing to it then. I will just hold onto it. The day soon turned into another day spent on frivolity for Winter. He forgot completely of the reason why he was even coming to Arcanum, instead he went around the city to get price appraisals for his unused items. While he was doing that, he was curious on the price of Sun’Areth. “I am sorry, good Sir, I cannot appraise this for you.” An NPC merchant with prominent midsection shook his head when Winter asked for an appraisal. “What? Why? Is it worthless because it is damaged?” Puzzled, Winter blurted the first thought that came into his mind. The item, despite having good stats, was rather damaged. “You misunderstand me, good Sir, I cannot put a value to this artifact. It is priceless. I would love to give you an understated appraisal, but even then it will be beyond the wealth of this whole city.” Huh! It is THAT much? Winter wondered if an item could be worth the whole city, yet the NPC did not seem to be lying. Watching Winter’s countenance, the fat merchant chuckled. The act vibrated his large jowl. “I see that you are in a state of disbelief. Very well. Allow me to explain.” Winter nodded dumbly, the half charred staff still in his hands. The merchant was silent for a few seconds, gathering his thoughts. “I assume you do not know anything about item grades, yes?” Winter’s blank look was enough of an answer. He knew item has level requirements and extra status, but different grades? “It goes like this. Common that has very little stats. Uncommon types that has magical properties but at most improves two of your strengths. It is fairly weak item and not very hard to get hold of. From there onward, the quality and strength of items gets better and better. Rare, Epic, Legendary, Artifact.” “Wait a second. If that is the case, won’t this item supposed to have great properties? I had seen better items than this staff you revere so much.” Winter countered. “Ah. That is because this great Artifact is damaged. But have you ever tried looking at it with your magical sight? I assume not. I have some magic in my veins though it is fairly weak, but it is enough to see the true value of this items.” “...Er… how do you activate this Sight?” Winter felt like a dumb idiot, but he has to ask. He felt his intellect questioned when the NPC that knew he was a Magician gave him a wry smile. He still answered his question in as polite manner as possible. “What do you see here?” The merchant asked Winter. His palm was upturned but he saw nothing, at least at the beginning. Puzzled, Winter looked to the merchant, but despite his polite, if amused smile, his eyes were not laughing. He nodded at him. Winter took a second look at the upturned palm. He still saw nothing but kept staring at it. He saw a slight flicker, he thought. He looked closer and it was as if something clicked in his head. His vision was tinged in mild blue color like when he was in-between casting and targeting period. This was the first time his <<Mage Sight>> ever activated outside combat. TTTRIING!!! | Mage Sight (Passive) skill is upgradedMage Sight (Active)Allows a player to see the flow of mana. This skill is gained when a player can create their first Mana Bolt as a proof of their journey into the world of Magic.Mana Consumption: 1 mana/minuteRange: Normal vision | | --- | | New skill created! Magic Sensing (Passive)!Magic Sensing (Passive) Upon having greater understanding of Mana, you now have keener sense of Magic. This skill can be improved with frequent training.Range: 5 meterPrerequisite: Mage Sight (Active) | | --- | Winter understood the first skill. It allowed him to forcefully activate <<Mage Sight>>. He has an inkling about the use of <<Magic Sensing>> but it was pure speculation at the moment. An icon in the form of stylised eye inside a square, all blue, showed up above his status bars, a sign that it was a buff. He now saw that the merchant was holding a very tiny fireball that was so weak that it was transparent. ’Was that even possible? He was as weak as he confessed to be! Winter did not let on what was in his inner thought as the merchant has been very helpful. He was not rude to strangers when they treated him well. He was still considering what he should say when the merchant took the choice from him. The hand closed and the fire disappeared. “Phew! That was tiring! It has been a while since I use magic at all.” The merchant was sweating and look about two shades paler. He flopped down on his seat that creaked slightly despite appeared to be made quite solid. “Anyway, this artifact is so strong that you are blind if you cannot see it now. Have a closer look.” Winter was still holding the staff but he was not looking there since the Merchant was giving him guidance. The very first thing he notice, the staff emitted prismatic colors! It was like your own mini light show. The top half has less concentration of the hues while the the bottom ones were thicker. The center of the round head of the staff that was shaped like an orb has very little of it wisps dancing inside. It was an amazing experience. In the blue tinged world though he could still see the outline, Sun’Areth was not made of wood, but made from a dancing galaxy of light that traveled its length. “You see it now. Beautiful isn’t it? I only see such thing a few times in my life, and this is the first one I have seen an average Magician holding it instead of an Archmage where such Artifact usually belonged. But such is fate. I believe this magnificent Artifact will guide you. Never sell it for anything, good Sir, for you are ruining yourself if you do. That is the only advice I shall give though it will hurt my profit. Ga ha ha ha!” The merchant’s laugh was a booming bass, loud but not unpleasant. “I thank you for the advice. I will keep it in mind, always.” Winter stored Sun’Areth in his inventory, exchanged a few pleasantries before buying a random item on the merchant’s counter (35G) and making his exit. “Wait!” Winter froze in his steps. He was about to exit the small stall’s awning. “Yes?” “If you have time, do visit the Mage Academy. I am not sure what it will lead to, but I believe it will benefit you greatly.” TTRRINNG!! | New Quest obtained! | | --- | | Merchant’s Advice The Fat Magic Appraiser advised you to visit the Mage Academy. It is unknown what will happen when you visit there, but it cannot be anything bad, right?Restriction: Sun’Areth in your inventoryReward: None | | --- | “Thank you again. Farewell and good day.” Winter was again, about to leave when he remembered something. “Oh. I have a question. Do you know anything about Asric?” The merchant was already pretty pale from his overuse of very minor magic, but asking about Asric turned the pallor of his face that was originally quite ruddy to corpse white. “I don’t know anything about Asric! Please! I urge you! Do not mention that name in this city! Anywhere too if you value your life! I beg you! I am sorry, but I have to be elsewhere now. Thank you for your patronage!” The words were said in rapid fire manner, not giving Winter any chance at all to ask what was so unusual about the name. Before Winter recovered, he found himself shoved out of the stall and the thick tarp released from the top of the stall to roll all the way to the ground. The large print on the slightly overused tarp read in large stencil ‘CLOSED’. What was that about? Shrugging, Winter decided to take the merchant’s advice, but maybe the day after. The sky was still light, but compared to when he visited, the marketplace was quite sparse. Beside, the tallest tower, where he assumed the academy to be looked very far from where he was standing. He gauged that it would sundown when he reached there and he doubted that whoever inside would appreciate being disturbed late afterhours. He would not. It was only four hours of wait in real life at most. In real world, it was not even close to lunchtime. His decision made, Winter looked for any decent place to have a meal in the city. His cooking has almost reached Beginner Level 8. He would have loved to reach intermediate level quickly, but he only cooked for necessities and a party of four was not consuming as much food as over six hundred people he served during the siege. He was also being quite thrifty with the good ingredients he has in his possession. The Rainbow Fish was only to be used for difficult encounters, not daily hunting. The main reason he was finding a restaurant to eat though was mainly due to himself feeling quite sick cooking his own meal. Once in a while he wanted to eat something that was not made by him. It was not difficult to find a decent place to eat. He only needed to follow his nose after all. xXx Winter chose to have extended lunch instead of being out of town and hunting at night. The closest decent dungeon for his level around Arcanum was at least a day journey away. The sun was already halfway to noon when he got back. Since he had time to spare, he swung a proper wooden sword he bought from a sporting goods store for an hour or so, working up a sweat, then showered before logging in. He was spot on. The tallest tower was the Magic Academy. The prominent sign written in stylised manner said so. the gate was majestic, not intimidating. The two giant statue on both side of the gate showed spellcasters of each gender. The male holding a staff, the female, a book. Both were cowled though it was not hard to tell which was which as the carving was well done to the point that masculinity and femininity was unmistakable. The long beard on the left status was a dead giveaway anyway. Winter could hear soft sounds of cheering from inside. Curious, he walked through the gate to the source of the noise. It led him to a corner on the east side of the premise. There were two mages duelling each other on a stage. The spectators all appeared to be mostly mages too judging from the robes they were wearing. There were hundreds of them! “Eat this! Winter’s chill! Ice Blast!” A mage attired in blue shot a cone of ice shards from his palm. The green robed mage countered with Gust spell Winter was familiar with to blow the sharp ices off course and in the progress, staggered the blue robed mage. ‘There.’ Winter thought. He would have used such opportunity for a counter. The green robed mage did not disappoint, if he countered a second slower than when Winter would had done it. Winter did not hear the words uttered, but he had seen enough duels between caster so far to know that the two seconds required for recovery was enough to cast decently powerful spell. The world was already tinged blue since he entered the maximum proximity range of <<Mage Sight>>. A large blade of wind that was very visible to him due to the mana used to form it slammed onto the blue robed mage’s body. It ejected him from the stage to crash down on the grassy earth outside the raise stage. The spectators that already predicted the trajectory of the flesh projectile scrambled to get away from the impact point. Winter was expecting hard landing, but it was surprisingly soft ‘THUD!’, so anticlimatic. He knew it would be the case, but duels like this? One should be flashy! “Winner! Elben the Air Master!” The crowd roared anew. Elben that looked like a shy youth in his early twenties exited the stage without much preamble. This led to even louder cheering. “Excuse me, what is happening here?” Winter asked someone randomly. A mage wearing deeper hue of green than Elben turned his head aside to reply. “Where do you come from, old man? Never heard of the famous Rank Battle?” Recently Winter had been mastering the blank faced look. He used to never admit to be clueless, but his time spent with Reki that talked technical terms of the game like a pro made him realise that he could not get by anymore pretending. He also learned that the blank look he sport was a gateway to wealth of information. “Oh. We have someone from outside the region eh. Welcome, to the Mage Academy, traveller. My name is Telraman, a humble mage from the School of Earth. The man that was blown off the stage there, he came from School of Water while our winner there, a member of School of Wind.” Winter nodded to the man half his age that was not acting not so humble when he called him ‘Old man’. Yet his current manner held nothing but respect. It was puzzling behavior. “What we have here, was but a friendly competition between different schools. Of course there must be purpose to it, else it will be but an occasionally deadly form of entertainment.” Pausing to point at a wizened old man wearing gray vestment, his young chatty guide continued. “That man is the Gatekeeper. The reason why we battle daily is because only one person per day is allowed to enter the Training Hall within this academy. And to determine that, we battle daily.” “Anymore challenger for the day? Else I will declare Elben the champion of the day.” Quiet murmurs could be heard. “Ah! We have a challenger! Please step forward to the stage!” The Gatekeeper suddenly spoke out. The crowd parted around Winter to allow him access to the stage. No. He did not raise his hand. The young man did it by pushing propping his elbow up. His reaction was slowed because he was still absorbing the information he was given. Upon noticing what he was doing, Winter pulled his hand back but the damage was done. “What are you doing! I am not interested to battle on the stage or be the champion of whatever!” Winter whispered urgently to the precocious man who set him up. “I am but giving you the chance you eventually crave, brother. I can sense it within you.” The man bowed slightly to Winter in respectful manner. Winter was about to retort with scathing words when he heard a sound he did not expect. TTRRRINGG! | Merchant’s Advice is completed! | | --- | Winter saw his experience bar increased by 2% or so. What a paltry reward. It seemed like his stepping up to the stage was part of the quest, though there was no update yet. “Do you wish to change your mind, brother Mage?” The wizened old man has a clear voice despite his snow white hair, beard and aged look. “A mage? Are you serious? That is a leather armor, right?” “He is has a staff.” “What with this different treatment? They treated us like scum and called him ‘Brother’.” “Is his fame so high? He must be some great player!” “That is some wacky staff. Looks pretty rundown. I give him 30 seconds!” “Black leather armor? Are you kidding me? Elben is level 180! He will be slaughtered.” Words from avatars clearly players washed over him. Winter heard the last comment. If it was true, he likely would lose with 20 level difference at the least. Not to mention that he has not upgraded his armors since forever. Elben might be wearing cloth type armor, but his equipment appeared to match his level. But he was truly curious how he would fare against a real mage that knew what he was doing. Winter shouted “No! I accept!” and walked forth to the straight line made for him. He just remembered an additional bonus of equipping Sun’Areth. Equipping the staff grant him the effect of Recognition, preferred treatment from Mages and discriminating treatment from Priests. It was not intentional, but he after his trip from the fat merchant, he thought he should keep the staff on him. He thought it was appropriate to walk into a mage academy bearing a staff instead of a sword even though he used the sword more often. It was probably also why the fat merchant was very helpful to him. He was, as the NPC himself admitted, a mage after a fashion. Since the quest led him this way, Winter decided to play along even though it was not his goal or wish. Elben was already on the stage, patiently waiting for Winter. The soft clacking of his end of the staff was not loud but it rang in different note than what he expected. It sounded like a ringing note, unlike the wood supposedly the material came from. Before he could ponder further, Winter already stood on the stage. The old man that was called Gatekeeper began explaining the rules to him. “I had never seen you before here, brother, and I remember everyone that battled on this stage under my presence. I will therefore take a little bit of your time to explain the rules.” The explanation was not overly long. The duel will be concluded upon the first solid hit the other side could land upon him or ejection from the stage for any other reason. There was no limitation on what sort of spells and tactics that you are allowed to use. In fact, any way to win the duel short of treachery was welcome, for Mages value preparation and cunning in equal measure with knowledge. “What School will you align yourself with, brother? It is necessary to pick one if only for introduction.” The Gatekeeper asked Winter. Elben’s mouth was moving silently, ignoring both of them. He was a veteran and need not hear the explanations. Winter thought on which schools of magic he would choose for this purpose. He deducted he could choose one of four. He wanted to pick Water or Fire that was closer to his true nature, but a memory of his first encounter with Magic flashed in his mind. Of an earthen hand and a young girl with black hair and green eyes like a forest leaf. “Earth. Winter, School of Earth.” His mouth moved before his mind realised it. “We have here, Winter from School of Earth against Elben, three times champion from School of Wind! The Air Master is his title. The battle begins the moment I step off the stage. Prepare yourself, both of you! May Mana watch over you.” The Gatekeeper intoned. There was a blue shimmer enveloping both Winter and Elben. When he tried to touch his body, a centimeter from his skin, his body was surrounded by a type of barrier. ‘This is how it works, I see.’ Winter thought. There was no duel system, instead they were granted temporary protection. There was a blue bubble icon on top of his status bars with small 1. Winter got it. “Mage Sight. Activate.” Winter murmured in low voice. Elben’s self-muttering was probably the battle preparations. Winter added <<Mental Fortitude>> that increased the rate of his mana recovery too before making some distance. The staff held in his hand felt a little unfamiliar as he was used to deal damage in swords most of the time. There was no audible signal to begin. Both of them watched the Gatekeeper’s foot stepping down the stage and began casting spells. Winter did know what sort of tactic Elben would pull, but he was as prepared as he could. Since Wind class spells has the shortest <<Cadence>> Winter chose his opening move with his fastest spell. The deeper blue line in the blue tinged world began forming to show the direction of where the Mana Bolt would hit, dead center on Elben’s chest. The world was slowed down when a spell was cast by mages. The 0.1 second extended to 0.5 in their mind was used for targeting. But an opponent still could dodge the spell when the spell already flew. When the opponent was a mage, and pretty darn good one like Elben, the half second extension was more than enough to mentally call up a barrier and counter. His deep green staff made from some sort of opaque stone that if it was real life Winter would claim it was Jade stone began to shine from its center when Elben chanted and whipping wind surrounded him when he was done. <<Wind Barrier>> was minor protection magic that deflect projectiles. It could not deflect even basic Fireball, but for basic Mana Bolt, it was a perfect counter. The return fire was almost ground level wind spell that would hit him on the knee if he did not call up Earthspike to block it. The clashing spell was not flashy, but it was quick. This was the first time Winter ever dueled a magician before. It was more difficult than he thought. Much more, when you opponent could see the move you could make. He was forced to dodge the other two wind blades that was nearly invisible to naked eye but perfectly clear in the active state of mage sight. Earth spells has the characteristic of being sturdy but ranked third after Wind and Water in casting time. The time he took to raise the one spike to break the wind blade, the other two already came at him from different angles. The active mage sight was slightly disorienting. The whole world was tinged blue continuously but slowed down like stops and dashes when the spells were cast, which was almost constantly. Winter felt like he was on a swaying ship, but he was not going to give up any advantage he has. This allowed Winter to dodge seven more blades in succession without suffering a scratch, occasionally summoning more spikes of earth to break those low enough on the ground to allow countermoves, at least that was the plan. Except Elben seem to caught on that he has rate of fire superiority and kept on peppering Winter with small scale spells that while not going to kill him or anything, might break the bubble that counted the most in the duel. Winter cursed the nosy young man that put him up for this. He was right. Eventually Winter would choose to go up on the stage. He found it hard nowadays to pass up on a fight, especially duels when it was done properly. But he would had liked more time to study. What a difference if would make if he could learn what sort of magic everyone here has. The wind blades alone, he never dealt with before as he was a tyro when it came to mage dueling. Winter eventually created enough spikes on the ground of the battle arena to repel any low elevation attacks, but in his progress, he made a critical mistake that almost cost him the duel. ‘Crap! I sealed in my own movement!’ Winter was forced to dodge chest high attacks by using angled spikes that has not disappeared and sometimes summoning new ones. He could have ducked, but it felt undignified to him, which was the second mistake he made. There was no way for him to keep track on when the spikes would wear off and disappear. It was not written anywhere on the spell detail, but through experimentation, Winter successfully concluded that Earthspike disappear in 30 seconds without and the most he could summon before the first one disappear was 27 of them. It was unknown whether Elben knew about it or not, but he was seeking for a mistake. It came eventually when Winter stepped on an old spike to to a sideway leap and it disappeared when his foot touched it. The unexpected non-resistance staggered Winter and his bad landing posture made him fall which he then tucked himself into a roll. ‘Crap! Here it comes!’ Thought Winter inside his mind. Taking a blind gamble, Winter raised his favorite Earth Coffin. As expected, a much larger Wind Blade (Winter found out later that it was a Tier 04 Wind element spell called Kamaitachi) slammed to the coffin that he raised diagonally very low to the ground to cover his still kneeling body. It was a lucky thing that the coffin itself was 2m in length though slightly shortened from its improper use, else Winter would have his bubble popped. But the defense was not perfect as a third of the shattered spell struck Winter. It did not hit his body directly, but hit Sun’Areth that coincidentally left interposing in front of him in his effort to brace himself. Winter groaned inside when the message window informing him that his unique unrepairable weapon lost a point of durability. There was barely 20 points left including the one he just lost. Only 18 in fact. Winter raised three more coffins in succession to cover his position, a reverse of what he did to Umber. He was careful to not let Sun’Areth getting hit. Instead of pinning him, it was covering him. More large Kamaitachi blades slammed futilely against his improvised shields. Winter that left enough space for vision began casting Earthspikes to hit Elben. It was the first time since the duel he has the opportunity to strike aside from the quick mana bolt that was rendered ineffective due to the Wind Barrier. Elben moved far enough from his field of vision to disallow Winter to cast more spikes. While dodging his spells, Elben was was idle, trying to hit winter near the eyeslits he made using Mana Bolts. It did not come close to accuracy as Elben was used to Wind blades that was a thin long shapes and weightlessness but enough for Winter to not let up on his harrassment. Mana bolt was nearly weightless too, but compared to Wind spells, it was comparing an ounce to a pound. This was mainly due to mental image needed to create the direction of the attack. Being unfamiliar place greater burden on the mind. Targeting system for beginner looked simple. You use line of sight and hand eye coordination. But that was a rough system. Royal Road targeting system was more complex than that when it came to magic spells that has no real weight. It was an extension of Biscuit system. Precursor to it, actually. The finished system allowed a brainwave scan to cast spells wordlessly. Before Royal Road developer team even came to that part, they had to prove that it was possible for a human to control their body inside the game with their mind to a pinpoint precision. Mage profession looked easy at first glance. It allowed players to attack at a distance from safety. But that was in low stress scenario and battle was, if anything, mildly stressful despite knowing you would revive when you die. A duel in Royal Road was where your mental endurance was put to the test. Mage duels was one of the ultimate form of this test. Winter could imagine Elben beginning to cast his strongest spell to break through his defense. ‘Not so easy!’ Spells could be cast without a line of vision on your target. But it was a moot exercise. But AOE attack require no subtlety. The beginning circle of <<Vermillion>> that Winter cast above his own position was forming. In two seconds, it was fully formed and began raining fires. The stage was at least twice as big as the range of his AOE spell. But since he was on the other half of the stage and standing quite a distance from the center, Winter’s Wild Ass Guess that Elben that was directly behind his turtle defense would be hit if he was not casting good barriers. So far he displayed only wind elemental spells, but Winter assumed he has some defensive spells that could defend against the rain of fire, else he would not be three time champion. He ignored the system message that mentioned he gained expertise on several spells he had been using. Winter’s assumption was spot on. Upon realising that the unusually dressed mage he was facing that was the most original thinking players he ever faced was trying to hide behind the makeshift Earth Coffin, a spell he never thought would be so well utilised - and rain AOE Vermillion on both of them, Elben quickly ceased his large attack spell. “Cancel!” He intoned to get past the rebound effect of his unfinished cast. “Defend against all attack! Wind Tunnel!” A column of wind with Elben at its center formed within a second. It was a great timing as the next second, fires of destruction was raining forth. Elben was having so much fun right now. He had never fought anyone so hard up till now. Immobilised while maintaining the spell, his mind was already thinking furiously. Vermillion was a strong AOE spell. It has great damage for AOE type spell and decently quick cast with quite wide area. Among mage class spells, it was unmatched in destruction. Against NPC mobs that is. The spell itself has a critical weakness that not many knew and Elben was about to reveal. Some might have already noticed it. Royal Road has plenty of unwritten rules and restrictions. As a proper duelist, Elben was more knowledgeable than most average mages and a lot of players that descended to the level of wizards. Elben was not sure why it was so, but the rules and restrictions players self discovered was very satisfying for him. Spell properties was the most common form of that discovery. An element was opposable to another element. But average RPG players knew that much. An even better player would know that there was noticeable speed difference in elements when respective element’s spells were cast with Wind type ranking at the top in both casting and effect. It was ranked second last in damage and last in its durability. This refer to which element has priority when it clashed. Earth was greatest in defense by a large margin, which Winter, his opponent made full use so far. The column of wind that protected Elben was a rank 6 spell. It was pure defensive spell that negate all spell and physical damage below a certain threshold. But that was not why he cast it. As a rule of thumb, magic with sigils was disruptable when the sigil was altered in any manner. But Vermillion’s large sigil drawn on the sky was drawn as if with water. Cutting with with his wind blades, Kamaitachi, mana bolts or normal fireballs would be useless. It would recover within moments. Wind Tunnel’s spell effect was that it extended fifteen meters above the caster’s position, approximately. That was higher than Vermillion’s ten meter height. The spinning wind would disrupt the sigil constantly and create enough disturbance on the sigil to cancel the spell. It was lucky that the first few fireballs landed not even close to his position else he would be the one defeated. ‘Now. What will you do, Winter?’ Smiling, Elben awaited Winter’s response. While Elben never bothered to learn Earth Coffin, something he saw the value now and would correct after the battle. But what mattered now, that Vermillion was cancelled, he has time to cast his most powerful spell. ‘How the hell did he cancel my spell!’ Inside his own defensive construction, Winter stared agape for full second at the notice before him. The cooldown marker for Vermillion was visible above his status bar. | Sigil Disturbed! Vermillion cancelled! | | --- | Winter did not know that Wind Tunnel was an emergency skill that defend the caster against damages for fifteen seconds in exchange for mobility. It has five minutes cooldown however. Winter did not know that though. And he has no time to worry about it now. He has been feeling weird tingling sensation in his head since the battle that he has no clue what it was. It was not disturbing or annoying, but it was a mystery. And Winter hated mystery with a passion. A while ago he felt a buzz at a corner of his mind and now a throbbing feel. ‘Crap!’ Winter quickly made a last ditch effort, believing in his honed battle intuition. He could not afford to daze around as the second he lost might be critical!

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> In a suburban area in Chicago, Saito Masaru was far from an average resident. All of his neighbors' knowledge of him were shattered in mere moments. <br><br>When Masaru first arrived in their small community, many townspeople hosted a party for him, believing him to be a family man with a wife and kids from what they saw him move in with, including many video games, what appeared to be big gaudy jewelry, and a playground-like obstacle course. When they actually invited him, all they saw was a serious man who silently walked about his party, refusing any attempts at communication.<br><br>Many single women thought he was dashing and mysterious and attempted on asking him out on dates. However, he blew them off in instants, shutting the door in their face. He quickly was known as some grouchy old man, and he did look old, with graying hair growing by the years and withered skin.<br><br>They never knew what those games were for, until one day when the mailman found him playing intensely on the computer. People started to ignore him, believing him to be just overall a jerk and a burnt out man.<br><br>Few years later, when other people moved away and the new move in, the new townspeople went around introducing themselves. When they got to his house, many wondered if people were actually living in there. Introducing themselves, they were bluntly turned away. The people started to talk about the crotchety old man down the street, finding responses from some of the veteran residents living about to find out he possessed many things, such as trophies. Some of the teenagers were listening, and thought they could rob some old man of his stuff.<br><br>That idea was quickly discarded, as he sent three teenagers who broke in to the emergency room in self defense using only his fists. <br><br>Nobody bothered him after that.<br><br>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br><br>Masaru's hands were shaking in anticipation as he opened the box that the delivery man gave him. His eyes shown of a youthful vigor that was never felt since a decade ago as he felt the engraved metal letters spelling out Royal Road.<br>When Masaru left his home at the age of seventeen to travel the world to learn martial arts, he was searching for adventure. His entire life was based around his sense of passion and wonder, seeking friends and excitement. he went around, learning aikido in Japan, to learning kung fu with the shaolin monks, to learning muay thai in Thailand, all the way to places such as Korea and Brazil. His dream was to go to the world tournament and make his family proud.<br><br>Unfortunately, fate had other plans. While being a prodigy in martial arts, he was still young and inexperienced, miraculously going all the way to the finals of the Tenkaichi Kachinukisen, a name coming as an honor to Japan and the former K-1 competitions among other past ones. In the finals, he was against a prolific veteran of fighting named Morihei Ueshiba after the founder of Aikido. Despite all his training and efforts, he could not win. In the match, he was dealt a blow that knocked him clean out, as well as temporarily paralyzing him. It took him six months to recover, and by then, he had lost much of his spirit and happiness. <br><br>Secluding himself, he moved to America and became a recluse, playing video games and rarely leaving his home. By then, he slowly faded from news and disappeared. He was becoming more and more of a vegetable by the day, isolating himself further and further as well as exercising less and less.<br><br>That all changed when he found out about Royal Road. Finding a new world to explore and adventure, his vigor slowly arose back up. The burden he had and his overall sluggishness reduced. He made sure that in the first few days he would buy one of the capsules and be a player from the start. Now, with the capsule in front of him, he entered with only one goal.<br><br>To earn the title he lost of Tenkaichi.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Welcome to Royal Road<br>Connect: Yes/No</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> </div>

In a suburban area in Chicago, Saito Masaru was far from an average resident. All of his neighbors' knowledge of him were shattered in mere moments. When Masaru first arrived in their small community, many townspeople hosted a party for him, believing him to be a family man with a wife and kids from what they saw him move in with, including many video games, what appeared to be big gaudy jewelry, and a playground-like obstacle course. When they actually invited him, all they saw was a serious man who silently walked about his party, refusing any attempts at communication. Many single women thought he was dashing and mysterious and attempted on asking him out on dates. However, he blew them off in instants, shutting the door in their face. He quickly was known as some grouchy old man, and he did look old, with graying hair growing by the years and withered skin. They never knew what those games were for, until one day when the mailman found him playing intensely on the computer. People started to ignore him, believing him to be just overall a jerk and a burnt out man. Few years later, when other people moved away and the new move in, the new townspeople went around introducing themselves. When they got to his house, many wondered if people were actually living in there. Introducing themselves, they were bluntly turned away. The people started to talk about the crotchety old man down the street, finding responses from some of the veteran residents living about to find out he possessed many things, such as trophies. Some of the teenagers were listening, and thought they could rob some old man of his stuff. That idea was quickly discarded, as he sent three teenagers who broke in to the emergency room in self defense using only his fists. Nobody bothered him after that. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Masaru's hands were shaking in anticipation as he opened the box that the delivery man gave him. His eyes shown of a youthful vigor that was never felt since a decade ago as he felt the engraved metal letters spelling out Royal Road. When Masaru left his home at the age of seventeen to travel the world to learn martial arts, he was searching for adventure. His entire life was based around his sense of passion and wonder, seeking friends and excitement. he went around, learning aikido in Japan, to learning kung fu with the shaolin monks, to learning muay thai in Thailand, all the way to places such as Korea and Brazil. His dream was to go to the world tournament and make his family proud. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. While being a prodigy in martial arts, he was still young and inexperienced, miraculously going all the way to the finals of the Tenkaichi Kachinukisen, a name coming as an honor to Japan and the former K-1 competitions among other past ones. In the finals, he was against a prolific veteran of fighting named Morihei Ueshiba after the founder of Aikido. Despite all his training and efforts, he could not win. In the match, he was dealt a blow that knocked him clean out, as well as temporarily paralyzing him. It took him six months to recover, and by then, he had lost much of his spirit and happiness. Secluding himself, he moved to America and became a recluse, playing video games and rarely leaving his home. By then, he slowly faded from news and disappeared. He was becoming more and more of a vegetable by the day, isolating himself further and further as well as exercising less and less. That all changed when he found out about Royal Road. Finding a new world to explore and adventure, his vigor slowly arose back up. The burden he had and his overall sluggishness reduced. He made sure that in the first few days he would buy one of the capsules and be a player from the start. Now, with the capsule in front of him, he entered with only one goal. To earn the title he lost of Tenkaichi. | Welcome to Royal RoadConnect: Yes/No | | --- |

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Hello everyone, This is zed019 posting my table of Contents.<br><br>Genjutsu Made Real = Main story, and may branch of into many crossovers.<br><br>I thank you Royal Road staff for letting me post this Fanfic here.<br>This Fanfic is Rated M for mature because of violence, curses, and sexual description in some cases but definitely no Lemons.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">This Fanfic is not related to virtual reality.</span> </div>

Hello everyone, This is zed019 posting my table of Contents. Genjutsu Made Real = Main story, and may branch of into many crossovers. I thank you Royal Road staff for letting me post this Fanfic here. This Fanfic is Rated M for mature because of violence, curses, and sexual description in some cases but definitely no Lemons. This Fanfic is not related to virtual reality.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Part 1 – The Witch <br> <br>I am currently sitting in my room in the inn I stayed before. Why I'm here and not doing something....productive is another question itself. Alexandra is finding someone to fill the third party member slot. Frankly I believe its a good idea. The more people the higher the survivability of the whole group in most cases. But its been a couple of days now.....and the very few times I saw Alexandra she rejected all questions including what the cursed item really was. Because of that I was deeply depressed. <br> <br>[You can go out right? Why don't you do something like take up a crafting skill?] <br> <br>You mean become a blacksmith, tailor or sculptor right? No NEVER. I refuse to do those things. <br> <br>[In that case go to the mage guild and read some books about magic. Despite Warlic teaching you, who is a master of magic, your expertise is lacking in all area. I have a lot to complain about in the battle against the Doom Knight] <br> <br>Hey I got out of that alive....weren't you nervous as well? <br> <br>[Well yeah, you have control over my power and when you die.....] <br> <br>So what happens when I die? <br> <br>[Well you can say something unpleasant happens to me. Judging by how much you don't want to die which is a lot higher than a normal person's I guess you have something you don't want to face when you die] <br> <br>Yeah...its complicated. Well lets go, I might as well see how the magic I as taught and the magic in this world are different. Then I can adjust myself to be more efficient in combat. <br> <br>I got up from my chair and started walking to the door. I held the door knob and was about to open it.... <br> <br>BANG <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>OW! The door flew open and hit me to the wall..... <br> <br>“Eden I'm back~” said a certain person I know. <br> <br>In an angry voice I said, “God damnit Alexandra, don't slam the door open!” <br> <br>Alexandra looked at my pitiful state and said confidently, “Hey you can survive worse than this!” <br> <br>This god damn woman is referring to the incident the happened a few days ago. After the head priest gave her the purify skill she was sent to the towns that were attacked purify the area. I'm guessing that she was gone due to that. <br> <br>“Did you finish the purifying quest yet? Or did you spend your time finding a person to party with?” I asked knowing that Alexandra hated the purifying job. <br> <br>“I did both~” said Alexandra very cheerfully. Where does this energy come from? When we faced the Doom Knight she was scared shitless and now....did something snap in her to become this? <br> <br>Concern about her health since I have to party with her later I walked up to her and placed my hand on her forehead checking her temperature. <br> <br>Startled Alexandra took a flew steps away from me saying, “What was that for?” <br> <br>Feeling the warm left on my hand from touching her forehead I said, “Checking if you have a fever. You seem more energetic.” <br> <br>At this comment Alexandra smiled brightly, you would not think that this....person if you can call her that was manipulating even the higher ups in several churches to get what she wants. She's also violent, loud and most annoying knows a lot about me. <br> <br>I sighed at this fact and said, “So who's the new recruit?” <br> <br>Alexandra quickly ran out the room and pulled in a small person roughly 150 cm tall into the room. This person was probably a girl judging by the height itself. Men tend to want to be taller than they are in most cases especially for short men. The person was wearing a robe for mages and had a pointy hat you see witches wear. She was also equipped with a wooden staff. How mage like. I thought you got someone useful Alexandra. <br> <br>I glared at this fool that brought useless baggage. <br> <br>“What's with that look. Hey take off your hat” commanded Alexandra while trying to pull away the pointy hat. <br> <br>The girl was struggling to keep it on and prevent me from seeing her face. However she was facing the brute strength of Alexandra and the hat came off. <br> <br>I saw the face of our new party member. The one word I can describe the face was 'cute'. She looked like a child and had shoulder length brown hair. I bet a lot of people would want her as a mascot. <br> <br>“Hey what's the meaning of this Alexandra, kidnapping children. You're not that kind of person are you?” I asked hoping that she doesn't say 'that'. <br> <br>Alexandra placed her hands on her hips and said, “What's wrong with liking cute thing?” <br> <br>Damn she said it......trying to get how this person's mind works I said, “Even so kidnapping children is still..” <br> <br>“Umm...I'm 15” said the girl timidly. <br> <br>That still doesn't make things better you know....under international law, children are under 18 years of age.... <br> <br>“That doesn't matter, kidnapping a person is still...” <br> <br>“I asked Alexandra to let me join...” said the girl blushing a bit in the process. <br> <br>I see why Alexandra kidnapped you now... <br> <br>[Eden are you into children?] <br> <br>HELL NO!!! <br> <br>“Ah!” said the girl suddenly. <br> <br>Don't tell me... <br> <br>“You can hear the voice can you...” I said trying to investigate this one. It seems this one is a powerful or unique one as well. <br> <br>“Oh~ I didn't know you could do that as well!” exclaimed Alexandra. She ran to the girl and started hugging her. I don't get girls sometime... <br> <br>[Hmm...how interesting. First the Doom Knight now this one...what class are you young one?] <br> <br>Responding to llyfr the girl said, “I'm...I'm a Witch.” <br> <br>When the girl said that I was kinda shocked. A Witch was a second class advancement. <br> <br>“Are you perhaps over level 200?” I asked the girl. <br> <br>The girl in respond looked away shy and said, “No I'm level 90...thanks to Alexandra here...” <br> <br>That's strange....I could've sworn that Witches were normally....wait normal doesn't exist here I forgot... <br> <br>[Oh are you a old type witch?] <br> <br>Old type? <br> <br>“Ye-yes” said the girl. <br> <br>“Hey llyfr, what's a old type?” <br> <br>[Witches now can be classified into two types. The new type that have powerful magic skills relying on themselves which are similar to mages and the old type that make contracts to fuel their skills using nature. I thought they were extinct...ever since the purge that span over countless worlds] <br> <br>“Ma-master was one of the few survivors and passed on her skills to me even giving her title to me though....” <br> <br>“Though?” <br> <br>“I thought Witches were suppose to be girls!” the girl cried. <br> <br>Wait what? Are you not a girl? This is confusing me... <br> <br>“Don't worry Eden I checked already. This one is definitely a guy.” responded Alexandra in my confusion. <br> <br>She lifted up the boy's(?) robe to show me 'that'. I see you really are a boy.....I made a depressed face when I saw 'that'..... <br> <br>“By-by the way my-my name is Viv” said the guy. <br> <br>The was the worse first impression I've ever seen. <br> <br>Part 2 – Learning Magic <br> <br>“Don't be depressed that another trap joins the team” said Alexandra trying to reassure me. <br> <br>I stared at Alexandra in disbelief. <br> <br>“What do you mean another trap?!” I retorted. <br> <br>Alexandra and Viv giggled at my comment which annoyed me greatly. Honestly you couldn't tell Viv was a guy until you see....that like I did thanks to Alexandra here. <br> <br>“Th-that reminds me Eden...Alexandra said you are a mage...” said Viv trying to start a conversation with me. <br> <br>“Yes I am. Why?” I replied. <br> <br>“Umm...can I ask you something about your magic. I heard from Alexandra that you use ancient magic...” said Viv timidly. <br> <br>“Didn't I tell you to call me Al?” said Alexandra or rather Al. <br> <br>“Bu-but....that's rude of me to call you....” <br> <br>“Just call her Al” I said trying to move this slow conversation. <br> <br>“You're not allowed to call me that Eden.” said Alexandra cutting me off. <br> <br>“Why are we getting off topic?” I asked. Viv wanted to ask me about my magic not that I can explain. <br> <br>“Why are you so mad? Fine I'll let you call me Al as well” said Alexandra making a face like she was comforting a small animal. <br> <br>[What what do you want to know about Eden's magic young one?] <br> <br>llyfr did you just cut in the conversation? Not that I care. I rather not have a conversation with Alexandra on what to call her publicly and privately. <br> <br>“Um....master told me to seek a person using ancient magic...so I went to the mage guild and asked them......but there was no one who could use it.” <br> <br>“Its not surprising since most mages might learn it for their second class advancement not no one wants to tell the world how they obtained it. Well I found a couple of wannable mages trying to extort poor Viv of her magic.” said Alexandra. <br> <br>Wait extort? Why? How? <br> <br>[I'm not sure. There are very rare beings that can steal skills but only the most powerful have that power. Some wannable mages won't be able to do that and even if they could copy one's spells, a witch's skill set is unique. I doubt they will be able to even use the spells properly] <br> <br>“Why is that?” I asked. I just make spells on the spot when I need to. <br> <br>[Like I said before, old type witches makes contracts to spirits to use more powerful spells. Don't you ever listen to me Eden?] <br> <br>“So if they don't make the same contract then they can't use the skill” I speculate. <br> <br>[Correct, now while we're on this topic what kind of contracts do you have?] <br> <br>“Um...I don't have any....” muttered Viv. <br> <br>[Hmm...that makes sense. Making these kinds of contracts are very difficult and most witches only have one contract over their life. Don't worry if Eden has the qualifications to make a contract, he won't be able to make one] <br> <br>“Well thanks llyfr...using me as leverage to help the new kid....” <br> <br>[Don't complain. You can't even use magic properly] <br> <br>“What are you talking about I can use magic and killed many many creatures with my magic” I retorted. <br> <br>“Well this is going to be interesting” smirked Alexandra. <br> <br>[You are UNABLE to use the magic Warlic taught to the FULLEST extent. You are HORRIBLY UNSTABLE in the use of magic! If it were any other person, they would've noticed how to MAXIMISED your powers!] <br> <br>“What are you talking about?!” I shouted. <br> <br>“An-ancient magic is different from normal ma-magic in the way it works. Since it works by directly rewriting the world, its power vary on the person..” said Viv explaining llyfr's anger with me. <br> <br>[Precisely! If you trained your mind then you would've been able to use so much more power especially during that battle with the Doom Knight where you were being suppressed even in power. You used more power during the fight with the Cyclops!] <br> <br>“So how the HELL do I do this...whatever you want me to do!” <br> <br>[For starters practice the basics. I believe you haven't been using your most basic spells recently. Your lack of skill proficiency is apparent in many areas. So start with your magic control skill] <br> <br>“So now we have three people we can go to where that mana fragment is. You can practice along the way Eden.” said Alexandra. <br> <br>God Damnit Alexandra you know much I have practising. <br> <br>[Good Idea. We can at least make some progress. Do you have the supplies?] <br> <br>“Yep, brought them a bit before I got here~” said Alexandra. <br> <br>Man I can't just take a break now can I. <br> <br>Part 3 – The long Trip <br> <br>[First of all, I want you to get to the intermediate level of magic control. You are lacking in so many areas so we need to improve the part that affects the most skills] <br> <br>llyfr was forcing me to do this while making me create a large number of light balls. I had to control each one individually as well. Viv was tasked to make my work even more. <br> <br>“Um...you will have to move your light balls around our bodies. Its the best and hardest way to level your magic control up. My master taught me this...” said Viv while pointing where I have to move the light balls. <br> <br>While walking with the other two, I tried to move my light balls around Viv and Alexandra's bodies. With the power of my imagination and as a guy in general this was pretty easy for me....well one of them was a guy but that doesn't really matter since he looks like a girl anyway. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Magic Control skill advanced to beginner level 8</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Oh that was quick! My magic control skill was now at level 8. <br> <br>“Hey Viv what's your magic control skill level?” I asked. <br> <br>“In the advance levels” said Viv immediately shattering my hopes. <br> <br>[Well at least one of you guys are competent] <br> <br>“Hey what about me?” said Alexandra, annoyed at the fact that she wasn't included in that list. <br> <br>[You, like Eden need more practise as well. None of your skills are in the intermediate levels. Even with your class strength's you are around the level of a normal person. This is not where you want to stay at] <br>“But many people don't even bother with skill levels” retorted Alexandra. <br> <br>[And that you why most people have trouble facing even the most simple creatures] <br> <br>“Master made me do those kinds of activities until I got my skills to an acceptable level.” said Viv. <br> <br>Well your magic control was at the advance level. What kind of person was your master to make your magic control go to the advance level? <br> <br>“Master said that if you can't even do something so simple......then it wasn't worth letting me live. She made me keep on practising until I got to my current skill level. It wasn't until recently that I.... actually got to my level...” <br> <br>[So keep on practising Eden. It'll take at least 2 months to get to the capital of that kingdom] <br> <br>1 week later..... <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Intelligent increased by 1</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Concentration increased by 1</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Magic Control Skill has advanced to beginner level 10. Skill has been converted to intermediate level 1 <br> <br>You now have greater control of magic and its use</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Finally I reached the intermediate level of magic control..... <br> <br>[Its about time. &nbsp;I can't believe it took you a week to get to this point when you only need half the experience to increase your skill levels. Now you need to get to intermediate level for your magic mastery] <br> <br>“And how am I suppose to do that?” I said ignoring the fact that llyfr just insulted me. <br> <br>[Continue the same time with some basic elemental magic. Your magic mastery levelled up to beginner level 9 already. It won't be that long and you can finally start improving your elemental mastery which is still stuck in beginner level 7] <br> <br>Fine fine. What should I do? <br> <br>[For now get familiar with each element individually. Start with making a small ball of fire and controlling it freely. Start by creating a formation of the element. Then add in variables that creates the form and finally a variable that controls the actions of the spell] <br> <br>Doesn't this stem to magic control as well? <br> <br>[Well yeah, everything you use comes from your magic control skills] <br> <br>This sucks, Alexandra and Viv are having some sort of fun together while I'm stuck practising this stuff. <br> <br>[This will be worth it later on. Hurry up and start] <br> <br>Fine fine. I imagined a small fireball floating over my open hand. In my mind the following sequence was formed. <br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fire Formation ? Ball Form ? Fireball</span> <br> <br>Eventually after a bit a small fireball appeared. It was kinda hot but if I put it out llyfr will complain. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Concentration increased by 1</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Man concentration was easy to increase..... <br> <br>[Good now do the same thing as before like with the light balls] <br> <br>Wait won't I get burnt if I do that? <br> <br>[The point of this training is so you don't get burnt. Don't lower the output, your body won't adapt as easily if you do] <br> <br>Okay then boss....I tried moving the fireball on my hand left and right by adding in the variable of 'Move Freely' in it. <br> <br>It was kinda difficult without making it explode in my face but I managed to do it...wait this seems easier than I thought. Before I had to concentrate a lot harder to do the same thing with a normal light ball. <br> <br>[That's correct. The point of this is so you can do what you usually do in this training in battle properly unlike what happened with the Doom Knight. You do realise that you weren't able to pull out your full power in that battle right?] <br> <br>Yeah you told me before and it was unexpectedly harder than I thought. And also why didn't you tell me of such a method before that helps me controls my spells. <br> <br>[I thought you would realise and besides your use to controlling your spells in a rough way. I don't want to risk anything until you get to the intermediate level of Magic Control] <br> <br>Fine...now what do I do? <br> <br>[Go back to training. I'll tell you if something important happens] <br> <br>Right. I should try to make multiple ones like I did before when my training first started with Warlic. I imagined another fireball the same size appearing in my other hand. <br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fire Formation ? Ball Form ? Fireball ? Multicast</span> <br> <br>The first fireball flickered but stayed intact. The second fireball was forming but it was kinda unstable. I have to focus. I tried to make a clearer image of the two fireball. <br> <br>BOOM <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">You took 100 damage</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Great....I see where this is going.... <br> <br>A while later..... <br> <br>I was spinning 5 small fireballs around on my hand. It wasn't hot at all and I could easily make the fireballs move as I want them to using the following in my head <br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fire Formation ? Ball Form ? Fireball ? Multicast ? Move Freely</span> <br> <br>[This took longer than I thought and your elemental mastery increased by only 10% giving a total of 35% to get to the next level but you still have much to learn] <br> <br>What about the other elements? <br> <br>[You already got familiar with those light balls right? That's the basic of light magic. On the other hand I have to teach you how to use this training methods for the other elements as well. I don't expect you of all people to know how to fully manipulate the elements at this stage] <br> <br>Hey that's rude! <br> <br>[Quiet! I'm your teacher right now so I get to say what I want. Any continue your work with fire. I need you to fully understand how fire works] <br> <br>Some time later...don't ask me I wasn't paying attention to the time! <br> <br>“Charge!” <br> <br>“Kill them all!” <br> <br>“Give me your money!” <br> <br>What was all this noise? Hey llyfr what the hell is happening? <br> <br>[Well bandits are attacking some merchants] <br> <br>Should we help them? <br> <br>“Eden lets go!” shouted Alexandra while already charging straight into the pack of bandits. <br> <br>“SWORD WAVE” <br> <br>Alexandra shot a wave and blasted away a couple of bandits in one go. Is it me or her sword wave was much stronger now.... <br> <br>“Al has been training her core skills after llyfr criticised her” said Viv while giving a small laugh. <br> <br>“In that case I should help.” <br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fire Formation ? Ball Form ? Fireball ? Multicast(5) ? Move Freely</span> <br> <br>Five small fireballs were created in front of me and I could move them at will now without them flying off and exploding. There were 7 bandits attacking the merchants. Alexandra was taking care of all of them at once but I want to see what all that boring training contributed to my battle abilities. <br> <br>“Wait! Let me mark them first” said Viv while holding me back on my arm. <br> <br>“Marking?” <br> <br>I was confused. <br> <br>“I'll show you the skill details first.” <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Marking Intermediate Level 3 (41%) <br> <br>Marks the enemy to allow allies to see the target. When the marked enemy is killed, a small bluff to strength and speed is given to the party. Bluff time is reset every time a marked kill occurs. Also the party gains some extra experience when a marked enemy is killed <br> <br>Strength Bluff: 13 points <br>Speed Bluff: 13 points <br>Time of Bluff: 13 minutes.</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Holy....this skill was really really useful. No wonder why Viv got to such a level in such a short period of time. <br> <br>“Mark!” said Viv. <br> <br>Suddenly the 7 bandits that were being owned by Alexandra had a red outline around them and I could see them when they moved directly out of view. This was.....really useful. I didn't know that there were several enemies hiding in the bush. <br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fireball ? Target Enemy ? Aim Shot ? Fire</span> <br> <br>I moved my fireballs quickly to those bandits hiding and burnt them to death. <br> <br>“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh” <br> <br>“It burrrrrrrrrrrrrrrnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnssssssssssssss” <br> <br>“Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy” <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Concentration increase by 1</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>This was really effective.....well one of fire's characteristics is to burnt stuff...I like it. <br> <br>[Of course. Even though each fireball is small the amount of power in each of them increased several folds due to you giving it proper commands this time. Its a lot better than firing a large one and seeing that it did nothing to the enemy right?] <br> <br>Fine I get it....you were right. The training proved effective but what will happen when I master the skill completely? When the skill reaches advance level 10? <br> <br>[Then you will be more powerful than anyone else in terms of magic] <br> <br>I looked at where Alexandra was fighting. It looks like she finished them off. She went up to me and said, “Looks like your useful again” with a smug look on her face. <br> <br>“When was I ever not useful” I said remember how she was useless against the Doom Knight. <br> <br>“You mean the whole time you left us against bandits that attacked us?” <br> <br>“I was training. I couldn't help it. Ans besides I feel sorry for the bandits after you were done with them. I never seen such a violent and unladylike ugh” <br> <br>Alexandra grabbed by collar and lifted me up. Damn this monstrous strength! <br> <br>With my last bit of air in my lungs I managed to say, “And this is exactly why I said that.....” <br> <br>Alexandra paused for a moment and dropped me on the ground. Did she realise what I was talking about at last? She was staying silent making some facial expressions while Viv was avoiding eye contact with me. <br> <br>“Hey there. Thanks for helping us” shouted one of the merchants. <br> <br>Nope a person came here and she had to drop me.... <br> <br>Alexandra turned around and said with a bright smile, “No it was nothing.” <br> <br>A chill went down my back when she said those words. <br> <br>The merchant laughed at her words and said, “I thought you were quick unladylike judging by the way you fought those bandits. Now I realise that I was awfully wrong.” <br> <br>The merchant started laughing out loud again. Stop laughing or she will kill you later. <br> <br>“Perhaps, me and my colleges may provide you with a lift depending on where your going if you help us keep our cargo” <br> <br>A lift? Great I can stop walking! <br> <br>[The walking is also part of the training you know. It helps increase your concentration and stamina both at once] <br> <br>I see but hitching a ride is much better than walking. It'll save us a lot of time as well. <br> <br>“We're heading to the capital of the Kingdom of Davion” I said not wanting for Alexandra to say one more word. I have a bad feeling about tonight....when she kills me in my sleep. <br> <br>[Its your fault that she will kill you, you know] <br> <br>“That's true...” said Viv confirming llyfr's words. <br> <br>“Fantastic we are heading that way as well! Hop aboard and we can continue this wonderful trip!” said the Merchant. <br> <br>Hmm...there's some sort of energy from that carriage. I wonder what it is. <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=1681" 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=1719" target="_blank">Next</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ <br> <br>Author's Notes: <br>- MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!! (Even though I don't celebrate it....) <br>- Well this chapter was released early due to this damnable event <br>- Word count is around 4000 <br>- So how do you like the loli trap witch Viv? <br>- New method of using magic! Yay! It'll be easier for me to describe what spells do. Note that this is still ancient magic....well I have to explain what ancient magic is in the TOC topic and such later so look it up and comment......it gets lonely there. </div>

Part 1 – The Witch I am currently sitting in my room in the inn I stayed before. Why I'm here and not doing something....productive is another question itself. Alexandra is finding someone to fill the third party member slot. Frankly I believe its a good idea. The more people the higher the survivability of the whole group in most cases. But its been a couple of days now.....and the very few times I saw Alexandra she rejected all questions including what the cursed item really was. Because of that I was deeply depressed. [You can go out right? Why don't you do something like take up a crafting skill?] You mean become a blacksmith, tailor or sculptor right? No NEVER. I refuse to do those things. [In that case go to the mage guild and read some books about magic. Despite Warlic teaching you, who is a master of magic, your expertise is lacking in all area. I have a lot to complain about in the battle against the Doom Knight] Hey I got out of that alive....weren't you nervous as well? [Well yeah, you have control over my power and when you die.....] So what happens when I die? [Well you can say something unpleasant happens to me. Judging by how much you don't want to die which is a lot higher than a normal person's I guess you have something you don't want to face when you die] Yeah...its complicated. Well lets go, I might as well see how the magic I as taught and the magic in this world are different. Then I can adjust myself to be more efficient in combat. I got up from my chair and started walking to the door. I held the door knob and was about to open it.... BANG | You have lost 50 mana | | --- | OW! The door flew open and hit me to the wall..... “Eden I'm back~” said a certain person I know. In an angry voice I said, “God damnit Alexandra, don't slam the door open!” Alexandra looked at my pitiful state and said confidently, “Hey you can survive worse than this!” This god damn woman is referring to the incident the happened a few days ago. After the head priest gave her the purify skill she was sent to the towns that were attacked purify the area. I'm guessing that she was gone due to that. “Did you finish the purifying quest yet? Or did you spend your time finding a person to party with?” I asked knowing that Alexandra hated the purifying job. “I did both~” said Alexandra very cheerfully. Where does this energy come from? When we faced the Doom Knight she was scared shitless and now....did something snap in her to become this? Concern about her health since I have to party with her later I walked up to her and placed my hand on her forehead checking her temperature. Startled Alexandra took a flew steps away from me saying, “What was that for?” Feeling the warm left on my hand from touching her forehead I said, “Checking if you have a fever. You seem more energetic.” At this comment Alexandra smiled brightly, you would not think that this....person if you can call her that was manipulating even the higher ups in several churches to get what she wants. She's also violent, loud and most annoying knows a lot about me. I sighed at this fact and said, “So who's the new recruit?” Alexandra quickly ran out the room and pulled in a small person roughly 150 cm tall into the room. This person was probably a girl judging by the height itself. Men tend to want to be taller than they are in most cases especially for short men. The person was wearing a robe for mages and had a pointy hat you see witches wear. She was also equipped with a wooden staff. How mage like. I thought you got someone useful Alexandra. I glared at this fool that brought useless baggage. “What's with that look. Hey take off your hat” commanded Alexandra while trying to pull away the pointy hat. The girl was struggling to keep it on and prevent me from seeing her face. However she was facing the brute strength of Alexandra and the hat came off. I saw the face of our new party member. The one word I can describe the face was 'cute'. She looked like a child and had shoulder length brown hair. I bet a lot of people would want her as a mascot. “Hey what's the meaning of this Alexandra, kidnapping children. You're not that kind of person are you?” I asked hoping that she doesn't say 'that'. Alexandra placed her hands on her hips and said, “What's wrong with liking cute thing?” Damn she said it......trying to get how this person's mind works I said, “Even so kidnapping children is still..” “Umm...I'm 15” said the girl timidly. That still doesn't make things better you know....under international law, children are under 18 years of age.... “That doesn't matter, kidnapping a person is still...” “I asked Alexandra to let me join...” said the girl blushing a bit in the process. I see why Alexandra kidnapped you now... [Eden are you into children?] HELL NO!!! “Ah!” said the girl suddenly. Don't tell me... “You can hear the voice can you...” I said trying to investigate this one. It seems this one is a powerful or unique one as well. “Oh~ I didn't know you could do that as well!” exclaimed Alexandra. She ran to the girl and started hugging her. I don't get girls sometime... [Hmm...how interesting. First the Doom Knight now this one...what class are you young one?] Responding to llyfr the girl said, “I'm...I'm a Witch.” When the girl said that I was kinda shocked. A Witch was a second class advancement. “Are you perhaps over level 200?” I asked the girl. The girl in respond looked away shy and said, “No I'm level 90...thanks to Alexandra here...” That's strange....I could've sworn that Witches were normally....wait normal doesn't exist here I forgot... [Oh are you a old type witch?] Old type? “Ye-yes” said the girl. “Hey llyfr, what's a old type?” [Witches now can be classified into two types. The new type that have powerful magic skills relying on themselves which are similar to mages and the old type that make contracts to fuel their skills using nature. I thought they were extinct...ever since the purge that span over countless worlds] “Ma-master was one of the few survivors and passed on her skills to me even giving her title to me though....” “Though?” “I thought Witches were suppose to be girls!” the girl cried. Wait what? Are you not a girl? This is confusing me... “Don't worry Eden I checked already. This one is definitely a guy.” responded Alexandra in my confusion. She lifted up the boy's(?) robe to show me 'that'. I see you really are a boy.....I made a depressed face when I saw 'that'..... “By-by the way my-my name is Viv” said the guy. The was the worse first impression I've ever seen. Part 2 – Learning Magic “Don't be depressed that another trap joins the team” said Alexandra trying to reassure me. I stared at Alexandra in disbelief. “What do you mean another trap?!” I retorted. Alexandra and Viv giggled at my comment which annoyed me greatly. Honestly you couldn't tell Viv was a guy until you see....that like I did thanks to Alexandra here. “Th-that reminds me Eden...Alexandra said you are a mage...” said Viv trying to start a conversation with me. “Yes I am. Why?” I replied. “Umm...can I ask you something about your magic. I heard from Alexandra that you use ancient magic...” said Viv timidly. “Didn't I tell you to call me Al?” said Alexandra or rather Al. “Bu-but....that's rude of me to call you....” “Just call her Al” I said trying to move this slow conversation. “You're not allowed to call me that Eden.” said Alexandra cutting me off. “Why are we getting off topic?” I asked. Viv wanted to ask me about my magic not that I can explain. “Why are you so mad? Fine I'll let you call me Al as well” said Alexandra making a face like she was comforting a small animal. [What what do you want to know about Eden's magic young one?] llyfr did you just cut in the conversation? Not that I care. I rather not have a conversation with Alexandra on what to call her publicly and privately. “Um....master told me to seek a person using ancient magic...so I went to the mage guild and asked them......but there was no one who could use it.” “Its not surprising since most mages might learn it for their second class advancement not no one wants to tell the world how they obtained it. Well I found a couple of wannable mages trying to extort poor Viv of her magic.” said Alexandra. Wait extort? Why? How? [I'm not sure. There are very rare beings that can steal skills but only the most powerful have that power. Some wannable mages won't be able to do that and even if they could copy one's spells, a witch's skill set is unique. I doubt they will be able to even use the spells properly] “Why is that?” I asked. I just make spells on the spot when I need to. [Like I said before, old type witches makes contracts to spirits to use more powerful spells. Don't you ever listen to me Eden?] “So if they don't make the same contract then they can't use the skill” I speculate. [Correct, now while we're on this topic what kind of contracts do you have?] “Um...I don't have any....” muttered Viv. [Hmm...that makes sense. Making these kinds of contracts are very difficult and most witches only have one contract over their life. Don't worry if Eden has the qualifications to make a contract, he won't be able to make one] “Well thanks llyfr...using me as leverage to help the new kid....” [Don't complain. You can't even use magic properly] “What are you talking about I can use magic and killed many many creatures with my magic” I retorted. “Well this is going to be interesting” smirked Alexandra. [You are UNABLE to use the magic Warlic taught to the FULLEST extent. You are HORRIBLY UNSTABLE in the use of magic! If it were any other person, they would've noticed how to MAXIMISED your powers!] “What are you talking about?!” I shouted. “An-ancient magic is different from normal ma-magic in the way it works. Since it works by directly rewriting the world, its power vary on the person..” said Viv explaining llyfr's anger with me. [Precisely! If you trained your mind then you would've been able to use so much more power especially during that battle with the Doom Knight where you were being suppressed even in power. You used more power during the fight with the Cyclops!] “So how the HELL do I do this...whatever you want me to do!” [For starters practice the basics. I believe you haven't been using your most basic spells recently. Your lack of skill proficiency is apparent in many areas. So start with your magic control skill] “So now we have three people we can go to where that mana fragment is. You can practice along the way Eden.” said Alexandra. God Damnit Alexandra you know much I have practising. [Good Idea. We can at least make some progress. Do you have the supplies?] “Yep, brought them a bit before I got here~” said Alexandra. Man I can't just take a break now can I. Part 3 – The long Trip [First of all, I want you to get to the intermediate level of magic control. You are lacking in so many areas so we need to improve the part that affects the most skills] llyfr was forcing me to do this while making me create a large number of light balls. I had to control each one individually as well. Viv was tasked to make my work even more. “Um...you will have to move your light balls around our bodies. Its the best and hardest way to level your magic control up. My master taught me this...” said Viv while pointing where I have to move the light balls. While walking with the other two, I tried to move my light balls around Viv and Alexandra's bodies. With the power of my imagination and as a guy in general this was pretty easy for me....well one of them was a guy but that doesn't really matter since he looks like a girl anyway. | Magic Control skill advanced to beginner level 8 | | --- | Oh that was quick! My magic control skill was now at level 8. “Hey Viv what's your magic control skill level?” I asked. “In the advance levels” said Viv immediately shattering my hopes. [Well at least one of you guys are competent] “Hey what about me?” said Alexandra, annoyed at the fact that she wasn't included in that list. [You, like Eden need more practise as well. None of your skills are in the intermediate levels. Even with your class strength's you are around the level of a normal person. This is not where you want to stay at] “But many people don't even bother with skill levels” retorted Alexandra. [And that you why most people have trouble facing even the most simple creatures] “Master made me do those kinds of activities until I got my skills to an acceptable level.” said Viv. Well your magic control was at the advance level. What kind of person was your master to make your magic control go to the advance level? “Master said that if you can't even do something so simple......then it wasn't worth letting me live. She made me keep on practising until I got to my current skill level. It wasn't until recently that I.... actually got to my level...” [So keep on practising Eden. It'll take at least 2 months to get to the capital of that kingdom] 1 week later..... | Intelligent increased by 1 | | --- | | Concentration increased by 1 | | --- | | Magic Control Skill has advanced to beginner level 10. Skill has been converted to intermediate level 1 You now have greater control of magic and its use | | --- | Finally I reached the intermediate level of magic control..... [Its about time.  I can't believe it took you a week to get to this point when you only need half the experience to increase your skill levels. Now you need to get to intermediate level for your magic mastery] “And how am I suppose to do that?” I said ignoring the fact that llyfr just insulted me. [Continue the same time with some basic elemental magic. Your magic mastery levelled up to beginner level 9 already. It won't be that long and you can finally start improving your elemental mastery which is still stuck in beginner level 7] Fine fine. What should I do? [For now get familiar with each element individually. Start with making a small ball of fire and controlling it freely. Start by creating a formation of the element. Then add in variables that creates the form and finally a variable that controls the actions of the spell] Doesn't this stem to magic control as well? [Well yeah, everything you use comes from your magic control skills] This sucks, Alexandra and Viv are having some sort of fun together while I'm stuck practising this stuff. [This will be worth it later on. Hurry up and start] Fine fine. I imagined a small fireball floating over my open hand. In my mind the following sequence was formed. Fire Formation ? Ball Form ? Fireball Eventually after a bit a small fireball appeared. It was kinda hot but if I put it out llyfr will complain. | Concentration increased by 1 | | --- | Man concentration was easy to increase..... [Good now do the same thing as before like with the light balls] Wait won't I get burnt if I do that? [The point of this training is so you don't get burnt. Don't lower the output, your body won't adapt as easily if you do] Okay then boss....I tried moving the fireball on my hand left and right by adding in the variable of 'Move Freely' in it. It was kinda difficult without making it explode in my face but I managed to do it...wait this seems easier than I thought. Before I had to concentrate a lot harder to do the same thing with a normal light ball. [That's correct. The point of this is so you can do what you usually do in this training in battle properly unlike what happened with the Doom Knight. You do realise that you weren't able to pull out your full power in that battle right?] Yeah you told me before and it was unexpectedly harder than I thought. And also why didn't you tell me of such a method before that helps me controls my spells. [I thought you would realise and besides your use to controlling your spells in a rough way. I don't want to risk anything until you get to the intermediate level of Magic Control] Fine...now what do I do? [Go back to training. I'll tell you if something important happens] Right. I should try to make multiple ones like I did before when my training first started with Warlic. I imagined another fireball the same size appearing in my other hand. Fire Formation ? Ball Form ? Fireball ? Multicast The first fireball flickered but stayed intact. The second fireball was forming but it was kinda unstable. I have to focus. I tried to make a clearer image of the two fireball. BOOM | You took 100 damage | | --- | Great....I see where this is going.... A while later..... I was spinning 5 small fireballs around on my hand. It wasn't hot at all and I could easily make the fireballs move as I want them to using the following in my head Fire Formation ? Ball Form ? Fireball ? Multicast ? Move Freely [This took longer than I thought and your elemental mastery increased by only 10% giving a total of 35% to get to the next level but you still have much to learn] What about the other elements? [You already got familiar with those light balls right? That's the basic of light magic. On the other hand I have to teach you how to use this training methods for the other elements as well. I don't expect you of all people to know how to fully manipulate the elements at this stage] Hey that's rude! [Quiet! I'm your teacher right now so I get to say what I want. Any continue your work with fire. I need you to fully understand how fire works] Some time later...don't ask me I wasn't paying attention to the time! “Charge!” “Kill them all!” “Give me your money!” What was all this noise? Hey llyfr what the hell is happening? [Well bandits are attacking some merchants] Should we help them? “Eden lets go!” shouted Alexandra while already charging straight into the pack of bandits. “SWORD WAVE” Alexandra shot a wave and blasted away a couple of bandits in one go. Is it me or her sword wave was much stronger now.... “Al has been training her core skills after llyfr criticised her” said Viv while giving a small laugh. “In that case I should help.” Fire Formation ? Ball Form ? Fireball ? Multicast(5) ? Move Freely Five small fireballs were created in front of me and I could move them at will now without them flying off and exploding. There were 7 bandits attacking the merchants. Alexandra was taking care of all of them at once but I want to see what all that boring training contributed to my battle abilities. “Wait! Let me mark them first” said Viv while holding me back on my arm. “Marking?” I was confused. “I'll show you the skill details first.” | Marking Intermediate Level 3 (41%) Marks the enemy to allow allies to see the target. When the marked enemy is killed, a small bluff to strength and speed is given to the party. Bluff time is reset every time a marked kill occurs. Also the party gains some extra experience when a marked enemy is killed Strength Bluff: 13 points Speed Bluff: 13 points Time of Bluff: 13 minutes. | | --- | Holy....this skill was really really useful. No wonder why Viv got to such a level in such a short period of time. “Mark!” said Viv. Suddenly the 7 bandits that were being owned by Alexandra had a red outline around them and I could see them when they moved directly out of view. This was.....really useful. I didn't know that there were several enemies hiding in the bush. Fireball ? Target Enemy ? Aim Shot ? Fire I moved my fireballs quickly to those bandits hiding and burnt them to death. “Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh” “It burrrrrrrrrrrrrrrnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnssssssssssssss” “Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy” | Concentration increase by 1 | | --- | This was really effective.....well one of fire's characteristics is to burnt stuff...I like it. [Of course. Even though each fireball is small the amount of power in each of them increased several folds due to you giving it proper commands this time. Its a lot better than firing a large one and seeing that it did nothing to the enemy right?] Fine I get it....you were right. The training proved effective but what will happen when I master the skill completely? When the skill reaches advance level 10? [Then you will be more powerful than anyone else in terms of magic] I looked at where Alexandra was fighting. It looks like she finished them off. She went up to me and said, “Looks like your useful again” with a smug look on her face. “When was I ever not useful” I said remember how she was useless against the Doom Knight. “You mean the whole time you left us against bandits that attacked us?” “I was training. I couldn't help it. Ans besides I feel sorry for the bandits after you were done with them. I never seen such a violent and unladylike ugh” Alexandra grabbed by collar and lifted me up. Damn this monstrous strength! With my last bit of air in my lungs I managed to say, “And this is exactly why I said that.....” Alexandra paused for a moment and dropped me on the ground. Did she realise what I was talking about at last? She was staying silent making some facial expressions while Viv was avoiding eye contact with me. “Hey there. Thanks for helping us” shouted one of the merchants. Nope a person came here and she had to drop me.... Alexandra turned around and said with a bright smile, “No it was nothing.” A chill went down my back when she said those words. The merchant laughed at her words and said, “I thought you were quick unladylike judging by the way you fought those bandits. Now I realise that I was awfully wrong.” The merchant started laughing out loud again. Stop laughing or she will kill you later. “Perhaps, me and my colleges may provide you with a lift depending on where your going if you help us keep our cargo” A lift? Great I can stop walking! [The walking is also part of the training you know. It helps increase your concentration and stamina both at once] I see but hitching a ride is much better than walking. It'll save us a lot of time as well. “We're heading to the capital of the Kingdom of Davion” I said not wanting for Alexandra to say one more word. I have a bad feeling about tonight....when she kills me in my sleep. [Its your fault that she will kill you, you know] “That's true...” said Viv confirming llyfr's words. “Fantastic we are heading that way as well! Hop aboard and we can continue this wonderful trip!” said the Merchant. Hmm...there's some sort of energy from that carriage. I wonder what it is. | Continue Misfortune? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Previous](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1681) | [Exit](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=161) | | [Next](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1719) | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Author's Notes: - MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!! (Even though I don't celebrate it....) - Well this chapter was released early due to this damnable event - Word count is around 4000 - So how do you like the loli trap witch Viv? - New method of using magic! Yay! It'll be easier for me to describe what spells do. Note that this is still ancient magic....well I have to explain what ancient magic is in the TOC topic and such later so look it up and comment......it gets lonely there.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Chapter 4.1:</span> How Does One Wear a Quill?</span><br><br>Mist was <span style="font-style: italic;">exhausted</span>. She had been walking with almost no rest ever since she left Amirav three days ago. Her feet were blistered from the unaccustomed walking. Her hands and arms were all scratched up, bearing witness to the numerous falls she had taken when she hadn’t seen a rock or a stump. She was tired and sore but she kept following the tree’s direction towards the human she was chasing down. <br><br>When she took another tumble over an unnoticed outcrop she landed face first into a bush, adding scratches to her face. <br><br>‘Aahhh!! I am so going to kill something!’ <br><br>She untangled herself from the miscreant branches and set down on the roots of a nearby tree. She resentfully eyed the branches and took out an apple. She had graduated from barley bread early on in her time at Amirav. <br><br>‘It’s the food of the desperate.’ She mused.<br><br>After finishing her apple Mist lingered at the tree, dreading the moment she would have to move again. So far she hadn’t encountered many beasts in the forest, and when she had, she had been able to avoid confrontation by fleeing on the spot. As soon as she would see a fox or a jungle cat she would run as fast as she could in the opposite direction. So far it had worked and she hadn’t needed to resort to the use of Book Immersion. She had never tried it on an opponent, which she had also never had, and was thus skeptical as to the outcome. To put it bluntly, she didn't think a book could do much against anyone. <br><br>As a result she was constantly scanning her surroundings, petrified of any movement in the greenery around her. She had often run away from rabbits that were known to be harmless, unless provoked. Once she had even ran when hearing the rustling of the leaves that had been caused by a gust of wind. Mist was more tired from the results of her extreme vigilance than se was from walking. <br><br>As she was preparing to set out again, she heard a rustling of the leaves in the tree above her and immediately tensed. She quickly snapped her head up and was shocked to see what she saw. Hundreds of Jewokees sat side by side, covering the branches of the tree on which roots she had been sitting. She quickly scanned the trees around her and realized that they too were filled with the creatures which looked like monkeys with the exception of their faces, which looked like that of a wolf. <br><br>She briefly considered the possibility of them <span style="font-style: italic;">not </span>being hostile. Seeing the hungry looks they were giving her, she succinctly discarded that notion. <br><br>‘They planned this!’ she realized. <br><br>They had taken the opportunity when she had sat down for a break to encircle her and trap her. She wondered how long they had been following her. Considering she had been eating while walking, it could have been for quite some time. <br><br>‘How many times had those leaves moved because of them!? Here I was thinking I was going crazy…”<br><br>Jewokees were not very strong creatures individually, but their packs were deadly. She had read about them in one of the books Alfin had given her. It had been a story of an old herbalist who had lived with one of their packs for over a year. The herbalist had described his findings in great detail. He had been adamant the packs had exhibited advanced culture and sophistication. Looking at the pack before her, Mist didn't see it. <br><br>‘I’m dead. I’m dead. I’m dead.’<br><br>There was no escape. She knew that.<br><br>‘Damn it! This better work!’<br><br>She quickly took out a quill and a sheet of paper. The Jewokees were closing in on her. They didn't see her as threatening. <br><br>‘Of course they don’t! Why would they!? Do I have a sword? A knife? A <span style="font-style: italic;">bow</span> even!? No. I have a friggin’ pen…. Maybe I should have given my profession some more deliberation. Damn it…. Write. Write. Write.'<br><br>… <span style="font-style: italic;">The forest clearing in which Mist had stood was suddenly empty</span>… her pen scratched. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Skill has failed. The scenario you have proposed is too improbable.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>‘<span style="font-style: italic;">Whaat</span>!?’ <br><br>She didn't have <span style="font-style: italic;">time</span> for this! The Jewokees were running down the branches, some were already running down the trunk. She was trembling in fear at the sight of them. There was nothing she could do; she had done what Alfin had said would work – but it <span style="font-style: italic;">hadn’t</span> worked. <br><br>‘I’m going to <span style="font-style: italic;">kill </span>Alfin. That liar, he had said… Wait what had he said?’<br><br>She remembered the instruction Alfin had had provided concerning the Book Immersion skill. He had said that at her level she would be able to use it for illusions in duping the enemy so she could run away. But he had also said something else. Alfin had stressed that the story had to be good. If she couldn't provide proper reasoning it wouldn't work. He had said that any illusion could be made with the proper amount of words. <br><br>She remembered the example he had provided, “If I tell you that tomorrow spring will turn into winter, would you believe me?”<br><br>“Of course not.” She had replied. “Why would it suddenly be winter?”<br><br>-“Aha! Exactly! <span style="font-style: italic;">Why</span>. What if I told you that it would be winter because the forest had gone into mourning? What if I added historic examples of when this had happened before? Before your time of course… What if I added knowledge you knew to be true to my explanation? When there is enough information claiming, no, <span style="font-style: italic;">proving </span>something. Well, it eventually makes that thing true. Even if it isn’t… yet. Making the impossible possible, that is the true skill of a writer.”<br><br>She tried to use that lesson for the situation at hand. ‘If I can’t make them not see me. I can’t escape! I need to get away from them…Wait! That’s it! If I can’t escape, then <span style="font-style: italic;">they</span> have to escape. In the end it doesn’t really matter who leaves. As long as they are far, far, <span style="font-style: italic;">far</span> away from me… Please let this work. I only have enough time to do try it once again… Though it doesn't really matter since I’ll be dead if it fails anyways…’<br><br>With trembling fingers she began to write as quickly as she could.<br><br> … <span style="font-style: italic;">although the Jewokees were reluctant to give up on the prey… Gulp… they had been chasing. A sense of doom filled the air. The afternoon light that shone through the leaves quivered as a high-pitched sound reached the pack’s ears. The closer they got to the elf, the louder the shriek became</span>…<br><br>Mist was eyeing the approaching Jewokees as her pen flew across the page. Although her class allowed her to write incredibly fast, she was sure she wouldn't make it in time. To her surprise though, she saw them slow their descent from the trees. The ones who had already reached the base of the tree were clutching their heads and squealing in agony. <br><br>‘They’re not running away though…’<br><br>She had to finish with something that could guarantee her escape. She didn't have enough mana to come up with another scenario.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">…soon the shriek reached every Jewokee in the area. It became louder and louder and louder and louder…</span><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You have temporarily incapacitated your enemy.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>As soon as Mist saw that all of the Jewokees were clutching their heads in pain – she ran. She didn't know how long the illusion would last and she planned to put as much space between her and the Jewokees as possible. Prefereably before they came back to their senses. So she ran. <br><br>Mist continued to follow the direction that the trees were pointing her in. When she ran out of breath she leaned against a tree and was surprised when a window popped up.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You have created a Fine Piece!</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">Fine Piece! You have completed ‘A Scribe’s First Words.’<br>The frenzied words driven by a passion for life gave bloom to unprecedented imagination. The will to live bleeds through every word. <br>Artistic Value: 7<br>Special Options: <ul><br><li>Stamina increases by 30% for one day.<br>Agility increases by 30% for one day.</li></ul><br>Number of Fine Pieces created: 1</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Calligraphy skills have improved</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Composition skills have improved</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Book Mastery has advanced one level.</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Book Immersion has advanced one level</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">All stats increase by 1 for creating a Fine Piece.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>‘Well I am glad my near-death experience is being <span style="font-style: italic;">appreciated</span>… wtf!?’<br>‘Whatever… I have to keep going.’ <br><br>Mist shoved herself off the tree and continued on her trek. She had picked up her pace, uncomfortable with the encounter she had had. <br><br>She didn't see any other beasts for a couple of hours, but her head kept snapping from one side to another – the Jewokees hadn’t done anything to ease her nerves. <br><br>‘Should have just stayed in the library. I could be reading right now… but no… instead… I’m in the middle of the friggin’ jungle…’<br><br>That is when Mist caught something moving in the corner of her vision. <br><br>‘…being chased by death-monkeys. Now that’s just <span style="font-style: italic;">greeaaat</span>.’<br><br>Mist saw that the Jewokees were trailing her and started running again. <br><br>After another half hour passed in this way, she noticed that the numbers were increasing – and they were beginning to box her in again. Some of the faster Jewokees were positioning themselves in front of her. <br><br>‘They are not very forgiving… are they!’<br><br>She took out her pen and a piece of paper and began writing.<br><br>…<span style="font-style: italic;">the Jewokee clan was, understandably, unhappy with their escaped prey. They had been chasing her for a long time though and the fatigue seemed to be catching up with them. Suddenly their vision was blurry. The trees and foliage in front of them lost their focus</span>…<br><br>Mist imagined she saw some Jewokees falling from the trees. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Smirk.</span> 'Yeah take <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> you pest!’<br><br>… <span style="font-style: italic;">A harsh white light filled their senses. All the darkness granted by the forest’s cover was bleached away by a light so bright it seemed to come in waves – making it impossible to see</span>…<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You have temporarily incapacitated your enemy.</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Book Immersion skills have risen by 12%.</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Calligraphy skills have improved.</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Book Mastery skills have improved.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>This time she didn't wait. She was running again. She saw some more Jewokees fall out of the trees, giving her a satisfied smile but she knew they weren’t going to give up chasing her. <br><br>‘So much for: run away. Don’t engage… Alfin you’re so full of it. Why didn't you teach me something useful – something that could <span style="font-style: italic;">kill </span>them?’<br><br>Had Mist encountered any other foe, the Book Immersions she was performing would have been sufficient to elude the enemy. Jewokees were famous for their persistent nature though. They were not going to give up any time soon. <br><br>----------<br><br>She ran, they caught up, she evaded with Book Immersion. She ran, they caught up, she evaded with Book Immersion. She ran… it was an endless cycle. It had been four days since she had initially encountered the pack during her food break. She was about ready to give up and let them kill her – even if it meant that she wouldn't be able to play for the next 24 hours. <br><br>The only thing that made her keep going was the incredible growth Mist was experiencing. Although the gains from each encounter with the Jewokees was less each time, all of her skills and stats had gone up as a result of the constant use of Book Immersion – particularly Calligraphy and Book Mastery. <br><br>Book Mastery was a passive skill, but it allowed her to read faster. She thought the skill had long plateau-ed, since it hadn’t gone up at all in the last couple of weeks when she had been reading. But now it skyrocketed and she was on the brink of reaching the Intermediate Level in Book Mastery.<br><br>She had learned how to use shorter and shorter scenarios to create illusions. Mist had seen that some things were easier done than others. Changing the position of physical things for the ‘reader’ (aka. Opponent. aka. Jewokees.) was much harder than changing intangible things. Mist could alter the perception of light and sound much more easily than she could change the appearance of say… a tree.<br><br>As she mastered the ways of using Book Immersion, she felt herself getting stronger, a little less reluctant to face opponents. She started pinning her hair up with multiple quills. After a particularly close encounter with the enemy, she decided it was important to have her ‘weapon’ at the ready. She hadn’t been able to decide where to position it – she didn't have a belt. <br><br>‘How exactly does one wear a quill?’ <br><br>Mist had then tripped and fallen again, and her hair had gotten caught in the branches again. <br><br>‘Two birds with one stone.’ <br><br>She had readily gathered her hair at the top of her head, pinning them with various quills. <br><br>----------<br><br>Mist was considering taking a break and letting the Jewokees surround her again. <br><br>‘If one thing this monkey-marathon has taught me, it’s that this Book Immersion thing really works… and I really need a break. If those wolf-monkeys don’t kill me, my feet definitely will.’<br><br>That was when she thought she heard something, music. It had an eerie feel to it, but it was beautiful. Mist decided to find out where it was coming from and headed towards it. <br><br>As it got louder and louder, she was able to determine it was a flute’s sound and not some forest mystery. When she was sure her target was less than 50ft away, she crept up behind a tree as quietly as she could. When she looked around it she was shocked by what she saw.<br><br>A human man was sitting on a fallen tree holding a flute to his lips. A ray of light was shining down on him from where the dead tree had left a gap in the canopy. The human was surrounded by light, giving a glow to his copper-colored hair. The clearing was one of the most beautiful things Mist had seen since she had entered Royal Road. There was moss growing on the dead tree and wild-flowers covered the area.<br><br>The thing that had shocked her was the man’s appearance though. He seemed<span style="font-style: italic;"> huge</span>, even from this distance. With shoulders so wide they seemed to be hunching in on themselves. His arms were like logs and his hands were equally large – making the presence of the flute at his fingertips a somewhat comical sight. It didn't fit the image of the man at all. <br><br>The music continued and Mist was lulled into serenity. The pain and constant stress of the last couple of days melted away by the harmonic notes the man created. She leaned into the tree and listened. Mist closed her eyes and felt herself sigh in content. <br><br>An indeterminable amount of time had passed when the music was cut off. With the end of the soothing music, Mist jumped in alarm. Popping her eyes open, the first thing she noticed was that it was dark. <br><br>It had been mid-afternoon when she had arrived at that tree, of that she was sure. She remembered the way the light had been hitting the man clearly. ‘The man!’ She looked around the tree into the clearing of the dead tree. The large man had put away the flute and was, from the looks of it, cooking. She released her breath in relief.<br><br>Slumping against the tree once more Mist closed her eyes. She felt rested for the first time in days. Ever since she had encountered the Jewokees she hadn’t had a moment of peace… <br><br>‘The Jewokees!’<br><br>Mist scanned the trees around her quickly but didn't see a single one. She was both relieved and worried. <br><br>‘They wouldn't have given up the chase just like that… Something or some<span style="font-style: italic;">one</span> must have scared them away…’ <br><br>Mist glanced back into the clearing but the man seemed to be performing other domestic (non-threatening) tasks.<br><br>She deliberated. ‘Well… no matter. At least I got those damn monkeys off my back. Now I can get back to my quest…’<br><br>Mist then realized the trees had stopped their directions. When she reached out to find out more, she realized she had reached her destination. <br><br>‘<span style="font-style: italic;">That</span> was the human she was supposed to track down?’<br><br>She glanced at the stranger once more before backing away. Mist needed to find a place to contact Alfin. Those had been the directions of the quest. She was both relieved, she had <span style="font-style: italic;">finally</span> reached her destination, and wary. She didn't know what the ‘further instructions’ from Alfin would demand.<br><br>She found a large sequoia tree that had large roots twisting and meshing into each other. In the midst of the roots she found a crevice in which she could pour the Spirit Tree Water Alfin had given to her. She eyed the puddle she had created and watched as Alfin’s face came into view. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=190&amp;t=1614&amp;p=10217#p10217" target="_blank">Chapter 4.2</a></div><br><br>-----<br>I approached this chapter a bit differently than I have so far. <br>I had my sister read over the story and she had said that I was rushing it and that I needed to be more descriptive. I tried… but what do you guys think? Too much? <br>(I usually think descriptions are quite boring, so I am not sure if this is the way to go --&gt; also reason why not much happened... sry.) </div>

Chapter 4.1: How Does One Wear a Quill? Mist was exhausted. She had been walking with almost no rest ever since she left Amirav three days ago. Her feet were blistered from the unaccustomed walking. Her hands and arms were all scratched up, bearing witness to the numerous falls she had taken when she hadn’t seen a rock or a stump. She was tired and sore but she kept following the tree’s direction towards the human she was chasing down. When she took another tumble over an unnoticed outcrop she landed face first into a bush, adding scratches to her face. ‘Aahhh!! I am so going to kill something!’ She untangled herself from the miscreant branches and set down on the roots of a nearby tree. She resentfully eyed the branches and took out an apple. She had graduated from barley bread early on in her time at Amirav. ‘It’s the food of the desperate.’ She mused. After finishing her apple Mist lingered at the tree, dreading the moment she would have to move again. So far she hadn’t encountered many beasts in the forest, and when she had, she had been able to avoid confrontation by fleeing on the spot. As soon as she would see a fox or a jungle cat she would run as fast as she could in the opposite direction. So far it had worked and she hadn’t needed to resort to the use of Book Immersion. She had never tried it on an opponent, which she had also never had, and was thus skeptical as to the outcome. To put it bluntly, she didn't think a book could do much against anyone. As a result she was constantly scanning her surroundings, petrified of any movement in the greenery around her. She had often run away from rabbits that were known to be harmless, unless provoked. Once she had even ran when hearing the rustling of the leaves that had been caused by a gust of wind. Mist was more tired from the results of her extreme vigilance than se was from walking. As she was preparing to set out again, she heard a rustling of the leaves in the tree above her and immediately tensed. She quickly snapped her head up and was shocked to see what she saw. Hundreds of Jewokees sat side by side, covering the branches of the tree on which roots she had been sitting. She quickly scanned the trees around her and realized that they too were filled with the creatures which looked like monkeys with the exception of their faces, which looked like that of a wolf. She briefly considered the possibility of them not being hostile. Seeing the hungry looks they were giving her, she succinctly discarded that notion. ‘They planned this!’ she realized. They had taken the opportunity when she had sat down for a break to encircle her and trap her. She wondered how long they had been following her. Considering she had been eating while walking, it could have been for quite some time. ‘How many times had those leaves moved because of them!? Here I was thinking I was going crazy…” Jewokees were not very strong creatures individually, but their packs were deadly. She had read about them in one of the books Alfin had given her. It had been a story of an old herbalist who had lived with one of their packs for over a year. The herbalist had described his findings in great detail. He had been adamant the packs had exhibited advanced culture and sophistication. Looking at the pack before her, Mist didn't see it. ‘I’m dead. I’m dead. I’m dead.’ There was no escape. She knew that. ‘Damn it! This better work!’ She quickly took out a quill and a sheet of paper. The Jewokees were closing in on her. They didn't see her as threatening. ‘Of course they don’t! Why would they!? Do I have a sword? A knife? A bow even!? No. I have a friggin’ pen…. Maybe I should have given my profession some more deliberation. Damn it…. Write. Write. Write.' … The forest clearing in which Mist had stood was suddenly empty… her pen scratched. | Skill has failed. The scenario you have proposed is too improbable. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | ‘Whaat!?’ She didn't have time for this! The Jewokees were running down the branches, some were already running down the trunk. She was trembling in fear at the sight of them. There was nothing she could do; she had done what Alfin had said would work – but it hadn’t worked. ‘I’m going to kill Alfin. That liar, he had said… Wait what had he said?’ She remembered the instruction Alfin had had provided concerning the Book Immersion skill. He had said that at her level she would be able to use it for illusions in duping the enemy so she could run away. But he had also said something else. Alfin had stressed that the story had to be good. If she couldn't provide proper reasoning it wouldn't work. He had said that any illusion could be made with the proper amount of words. She remembered the example he had provided, “If I tell you that tomorrow spring will turn into winter, would you believe me?” “Of course not.” She had replied. “Why would it suddenly be winter?” -“Aha! Exactly! Why. What if I told you that it would be winter because the forest had gone into mourning? What if I added historic examples of when this had happened before? Before your time of course… What if I added knowledge you knew to be true to my explanation? When there is enough information claiming, no, proving something. Well, it eventually makes that thing true. Even if it isn’t… yet. Making the impossible possible, that is the true skill of a writer.” She tried to use that lesson for the situation at hand. ‘If I can’t make them not see me. I can’t escape! I need to get away from them…Wait! That’s it! If I can’t escape, then they have to escape. In the end it doesn’t really matter who leaves. As long as they are far, far, far away from me… Please let this work. I only have enough time to do try it once again… Though it doesn't really matter since I’ll be dead if it fails anyways…’ With trembling fingers she began to write as quickly as she could. … although the Jewokees were reluctant to give up on the prey… Gulp… they had been chasing. A sense of doom filled the air. The afternoon light that shone through the leaves quivered as a high-pitched sound reached the pack’s ears. The closer they got to the elf, the louder the shriek became… Mist was eyeing the approaching Jewokees as her pen flew across the page. Although her class allowed her to write incredibly fast, she was sure she wouldn't make it in time. To her surprise though, she saw them slow their descent from the trees. The ones who had already reached the base of the tree were clutching their heads and squealing in agony. ‘They’re not running away though…’ She had to finish with something that could guarantee her escape. She didn't have enough mana to come up with another scenario. …soon the shriek reached every Jewokee in the area. It became louder and louder and louder and louder… | You have temporarily incapacitated your enemy. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | As soon as Mist saw that all of the Jewokees were clutching their heads in pain – she ran. She didn't know how long the illusion would last and she planned to put as much space between her and the Jewokees as possible. Prefereably before they came back to their senses. So she ran. Mist continued to follow the direction that the trees were pointing her in. When she ran out of breath she leaned against a tree and was surprised when a window popped up. | You have created a Fine Piece! | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Fine Piece! You have completed ‘A Scribe’s First Words.’The frenzied words driven by a passion for life gave bloom to unprecedented imagination. The will to live bleeds through every word. Artistic Value: 7Special Options: * Stamina increases by 30% for one day.Agility increases by 30% for one day. Number of Fine Pieces created: 1 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Calligraphy skills have improved | | | | | Composition skills have improved | | | | | Book Mastery has advanced one level. | | | | | Book Immersion has advanced one level | | | | | All stats increase by 1 for creating a Fine Piece. | | | | ‘Well I am glad my near-death experience is being appreciated… wtf!?’ ‘Whatever… I have to keep going.’ Mist shoved herself off the tree and continued on her trek. She had picked up her pace, uncomfortable with the encounter she had had. She didn't see any other beasts for a couple of hours, but her head kept snapping from one side to another – the Jewokees hadn’t done anything to ease her nerves. ‘Should have just stayed in the library. I could be reading right now… but no… instead… I’m in the middle of the friggin’ jungle…’ That is when Mist caught something moving in the corner of her vision. ‘…being chased by death-monkeys. Now that’s just greeaaat.’ Mist saw that the Jewokees were trailing her and started running again. After another half hour passed in this way, she noticed that the numbers were increasing – and they were beginning to box her in again. Some of the faster Jewokees were positioning themselves in front of her. ‘They are not very forgiving… are they!’ She took out her pen and a piece of paper and began writing. …the Jewokee clan was, understandably, unhappy with their escaped prey. They had been chasing her for a long time though and the fatigue seemed to be catching up with them. Suddenly their vision was blurry. The trees and foliage in front of them lost their focus… Mist imagined she saw some Jewokees falling from the trees. Smirk. 'Yeah take that you pest!’ … A harsh white light filled their senses. All the darkness granted by the forest’s cover was bleached away by a light so bright it seemed to come in waves – making it impossible to see… | You have temporarily incapacitated your enemy. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Book Immersion skills have risen by 12%. | | | | | Calligraphy skills have improved. | | | | | Book Mastery skills have improved. | | | | This time she didn't wait. She was running again. She saw some more Jewokees fall out of the trees, giving her a satisfied smile but she knew they weren’t going to give up chasing her. ‘So much for: run away. Don’t engage… Alfin you’re so full of it. Why didn't you teach me something useful – something that could kill them?’ Had Mist encountered any other foe, the Book Immersions she was performing would have been sufficient to elude the enemy. Jewokees were famous for their persistent nature though. They were not going to give up any time soon. ---------- She ran, they caught up, she evaded with Book Immersion. She ran, they caught up, she evaded with Book Immersion. She ran… it was an endless cycle. It had been four days since she had initially encountered the pack during her food break. She was about ready to give up and let them kill her – even if it meant that she wouldn't be able to play for the next 24 hours. The only thing that made her keep going was the incredible growth Mist was experiencing. Although the gains from each encounter with the Jewokees was less each time, all of her skills and stats had gone up as a result of the constant use of Book Immersion – particularly Calligraphy and Book Mastery. Book Mastery was a passive skill, but it allowed her to read faster. She thought the skill had long plateau-ed, since it hadn’t gone up at all in the last couple of weeks when she had been reading. But now it skyrocketed and she was on the brink of reaching the Intermediate Level in Book Mastery. She had learned how to use shorter and shorter scenarios to create illusions. Mist had seen that some things were easier done than others. Changing the position of physical things for the ‘reader’ (aka. Opponent. aka. Jewokees.) was much harder than changing intangible things. Mist could alter the perception of light and sound much more easily than she could change the appearance of say… a tree. As she mastered the ways of using Book Immersion, she felt herself getting stronger, a little less reluctant to face opponents. She started pinning her hair up with multiple quills. After a particularly close encounter with the enemy, she decided it was important to have her ‘weapon’ at the ready. She hadn’t been able to decide where to position it – she didn't have a belt. ‘How exactly does one wear a quill?’ Mist had then tripped and fallen again, and her hair had gotten caught in the branches again. ‘Two birds with one stone.’ She had readily gathered her hair at the top of her head, pinning them with various quills. ---------- Mist was considering taking a break and letting the Jewokees surround her again. ‘If one thing this monkey-marathon has taught me, it’s that this Book Immersion thing really works… and I really need a break. If those wolf-monkeys don’t kill me, my feet definitely will.’ That was when she thought she heard something, music. It had an eerie feel to it, but it was beautiful. Mist decided to find out where it was coming from and headed towards it. As it got louder and louder, she was able to determine it was a flute’s sound and not some forest mystery. When she was sure her target was less than 50ft away, she crept up behind a tree as quietly as she could. When she looked around it she was shocked by what she saw. A human man was sitting on a fallen tree holding a flute to his lips. A ray of light was shining down on him from where the dead tree had left a gap in the canopy. The human was surrounded by light, giving a glow to his copper-colored hair. The clearing was one of the most beautiful things Mist had seen since she had entered Royal Road. There was moss growing on the dead tree and wild-flowers covered the area. The thing that had shocked her was the man’s appearance though. He seemed huge, even from this distance. With shoulders so wide they seemed to be hunching in on themselves. His arms were like logs and his hands were equally large – making the presence of the flute at his fingertips a somewhat comical sight. It didn't fit the image of the man at all. The music continued and Mist was lulled into serenity. The pain and constant stress of the last couple of days melted away by the harmonic notes the man created. She leaned into the tree and listened. Mist closed her eyes and felt herself sigh in content. An indeterminable amount of time had passed when the music was cut off. With the end of the soothing music, Mist jumped in alarm. Popping her eyes open, the first thing she noticed was that it was dark. It had been mid-afternoon when she had arrived at that tree, of that she was sure. She remembered the way the light had been hitting the man clearly. ‘The man!’ She looked around the tree into the clearing of the dead tree. The large man had put away the flute and was, from the looks of it, cooking. She released her breath in relief. Slumping against the tree once more Mist closed her eyes. She felt rested for the first time in days. Ever since she had encountered the Jewokees she hadn’t had a moment of peace… ‘The Jewokees!’ Mist scanned the trees around her quickly but didn't see a single one. She was both relieved and worried. ‘They wouldn't have given up the chase just like that… Something or someone must have scared them away…’ Mist glanced back into the clearing but the man seemed to be performing other domestic (non-threatening) tasks. She deliberated. ‘Well… no matter. At least I got those damn monkeys off my back. Now I can get back to my quest…’ Mist then realized the trees had stopped their directions. When she reached out to find out more, she realized she had reached her destination. ‘That was the human she was supposed to track down?’ She glanced at the stranger once more before backing away. Mist needed to find a place to contact Alfin. Those had been the directions of the quest. She was both relieved, she had finally reached her destination, and wary. She didn't know what the ‘further instructions’ from Alfin would demand. She found a large sequoia tree that had large roots twisting and meshing into each other. In the midst of the roots she found a crevice in which she could pour the Spirit Tree Water Alfin had given to her. She eyed the puddle she had created and watched as Alfin’s face came into view. [Chapter 4.2](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=190&t=1614&p=10217#p10217) ----- I approached this chapter a bit differently than I have so far. I had my sister read over the story and she had said that I was rushing it and that I needed to be more descriptive. I tried… but what do you guys think? Too much? (I usually think descriptions are quite boring, so I am not sure if this is the way to go --> also reason why not much happened... sry.)

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Necromancer<br>A Royal Road Fan Fiction<br>By: Halosty<br>Chapter 2<br><br>A quick guide on names in case you forget them easily:<br>Mortimer Perrywinkle (Quietus is his Royal Road name)- The main creep character. Rich.<br>Solara Veil- The girl Mortimer stalks and has a crush on. Writes journals. Plays Royal Road.<br>Jack- An NPC who runs the morgue, and the current employer of Quietus.<br><br> The next day on the way to school, Mortimer was tired. He had spent most of the time he should have been sleeping playing Royal Road. After all, he did spend around ten hours in the game, almost two full days of game time. He hurriedly ate a breakfast prepared by the cook, Marie, and did some of his homework on the ride to school. Fortunately for him, he was relatively smart, and had little homework. It also didn’t hurt that his parents contributed an (un)reasonable amount of money to the school. He was sure he could get by... if he at least spent a bit less time playing Royal Road. Mortimer had never known games could be so fun. Everything had been boring, like people. Maybe it had been because he knew Solara was in there, somewhere.<br><br> Mortimer was determined to find her in the game. He knew she wrote in her journal at the beginning of lunch, and sometimes left it out on her desk when she went to eat. He didn’t peep or anything, he just... made sure it was safe. Don’t want any strange people looking at it. Sure, sometimes he skimmed, but that was out of concern for Solara’s well being. Plus, he was curious. He really only skimmed because he didn’t know how long it would take her to come back. Otherwise he would have read it in depth and possibly tried to leave some subtle critiques. Certainly nothing creepy.<br><br> As luck would have it, Solara <span style="font-style: italic;">did</span> leave her journal behind at lunch that day. He quickly looked around to make sure there wasn’t anyone to falsely accuse him of wrongdoing. Then, he opened it to the latest sections. After reading through the last days, at a quick pace, he was disappointed to find no useful information. He did know that she indeed started in Morata, but she was pretty vague about what she had done. She just mentioned that she had fun trying about the abilities of her class. ‘What class?!’ Mortimer wanted to ask the journal. ‘Where were you?’<br><br> He didn’t ask, of course, because journals can’t talk. Plus, he wouldn’t want to make anyone think he was prying into someone’s personal information. Well, he’d surely recognize her if he saw her. Morata was a decently sized city for one person to search alone, and he knew she was still staying in the city. (He didn’t know that it was mandatory to stay in the city for one week)<br><br> Mortimer slept through the rest of the classes after lunch, but he was doing better in those anyway, and could afford to slack off. Sort of. After the last bell woke him up once more, and rode home with James. He involved himself in some quick flurrying of homework, and even did a few math problems at home before he hopped on Royal Road. Always a diligent student.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> Quietus found himself just outside the training center. Perhaps he would come back later, though he wished they had something less clumsy than those stupid wooden training swords. He went to go work with Jack at the morgue. He had nothing much better to do, and figured he could earn some money. It’s not like his parents could give him money in the game or anything. Besides, he enjoyed learning things there.<br><br> As Quietus cut open the thoracic cavity of a body (for science!) he thought about the scalpel in his hand. Something around this size, easily controllable and precise, would be nice to use as a weapon. He knew there was combat in the game, so he figured he should try to learn how to use a weapon. Quietus supposed a scalpel wasn’t very practical for combat though, too fragile. Maybe just a knife. Or a dagger? He was pretty sure a dagger was slightly better and more likely to be a weapon in this kind of game. Two edges were better, obviously.<br><br> After he finished all the work he could help with for that day, he went to a blacksmith intending to acquire a dagger. Quietus asked about the price of one, and was astounded to learn that he couldn’t even afford the cheapest weapon. He wasn’t used to being unable to afford things. He quickly got over it, however, when he realized just how little time he’d spent earning money. The blacksmith did recommend that he go see a carpenter, where he could purchase a practice dagger. He did, and got a wooden practice dagger.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Wooden Dagger: Durability: 10/10 Damage: 1-1<br><br>This wooden dagger is made for practice. It is very fragile, and impractical as a real weapon.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> Quietus hadn’t really expected anything different for a toy dagger worth not much more than a copper. Hopefully it was at least durable enough to hit those training dummies. He decided to go check.<br><br> The wooden dagger was much better for the moves he was attempting to do on the dummies. It didn’t stick out so far past his arm that he got the hit locations wrong. Well, not as wrong. He stared at the dummies for a couple minutes after every strike, trying to think of good places to hit. The dummies provided very little help in that regard, since they were pathetic attempts at real anatomy. ‘Do I stab here? I think there’s an artery, but I can’t tell if I’ve hit it.’ Quietus pondered.<br><br> He left after about an hour and less uses of his practice weapon than he could count on both hands. Quietus was trying to decide what to do when fate intervened. He saw the hot redheaded bard going by. Excellent, now he had <del>someone to stalk</del> something to do while waiting to find Solara. He <del>snuck after her</del> kept a respectful distance until she stopped. He waited for her to start singing, but to his surprise she did not. She started dancing! Maybe she wasn’t a bard, but a dancer? She had been singing the day before. Quietus was focused on her, but she wasn’t as enthralling with her dancing as her singing. She wasn’t bad, but it seemed like she didn’t have much practice. In fact, he probably wouldn’t have watched her at all if not for her <del>skimpy apparel</del> excellent fashion. He wasn’t normally into wanton skimpiness, but it suited her.<br><br> Quietus wasn’t very good at keeping track of time when he was <del>stalking people</del> focused on a task, so he was surprised when she stopped dancing. She’d been getting better too. Also, he was surprised that it was dark. Coincidentally, she again chose to walk in his direction. That was what he got for hiding towards a main street. He quickly scurried away.<br><br> He decided to go back to the training center, to see if it was open at night. He spent quite a few hours practicing his hits on vital spots. The training dummies were very poor for what he wanted, so he spent most of his time just staring at the training dummies trying to guess where their vital parts should be, the parts of them that existed anyway. After around five hours, and not a very many actual attempts to do anything, he got a message.<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Agility rises by 1 point. (+1 AGI)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Quietus was surprised, he didn’t know you could gain stats through means other than distributing them at level up. This was an excellent discovery! If only he knew what it was that caused him to get the stat point. Maybe it was after so many swings? That seemed too easy. Plus, he was pretty sure he hadn’t achieve any important numbers. ‘Oh well, if it ever happens again I can compare circumstances’, he thought.<br><br> During this time, the instructor at the training center had been watching Quietus. The instructor very much enjoyed hardworking people coming to his training center and working hard to learn the way of the sword, or practice their skills. This is why he stared at Quietus. ‘This guy is so lazy!’ thought the instructor. ‘He stabs at the training dummies with that tiny wooden dagger, and then spends five or ten minute staring off into space! He’s an insult to my training center!’<br><br> Quietus, of course, didn’t notice this smouldering glare, because he was concentrating. That was why he was surprised when the instructor came over to him. “You don’t take this training at all seriously! You haven’t even made fifty real swings in the entire time you’ve been here, and you don’t put any effort into them! You are an insult to my training center. Leave, and don’t come back!”<br><br> Before Quietus could reply to this, he was lifted off his feet. Seconds later, he was literally thrown out of the training center. Quietus was sitting on his backside pondering what had just happened, when he noticed a figure in the shadows between the training center and the next building over. Oddly enough, the shadowy figure appeared to be laughing. Quietus frowned. He would have a word with this disrespectful shadowy figure! <br><br>End Chapter 2<br><br>Previous Chapter: &lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=121&amp;p=127#p127"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=121&amp;p=127#p127&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=123"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=123&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt; </div>

Necromancer A Royal Road Fan Fiction By: Halosty Chapter 2 A quick guide on names in case you forget them easily: Mortimer Perrywinkle (Quietus is his Royal Road name)- The main creep character. Rich. Solara Veil- The girl Mortimer stalks and has a crush on. Writes journals. Plays Royal Road. Jack- An NPC who runs the morgue, and the current employer of Quietus. The next day on the way to school, Mortimer was tired. He had spent most of the time he should have been sleeping playing Royal Road. After all, he did spend around ten hours in the game, almost two full days of game time. He hurriedly ate a breakfast prepared by the cook, Marie, and did some of his homework on the ride to school. Fortunately for him, he was relatively smart, and had little homework. It also didn’t hurt that his parents contributed an (un)reasonable amount of money to the school. He was sure he could get by... if he at least spent a bit less time playing Royal Road. Mortimer had never known games could be so fun. Everything had been boring, like people. Maybe it had been because he knew Solara was in there, somewhere. Mortimer was determined to find her in the game. He knew she wrote in her journal at the beginning of lunch, and sometimes left it out on her desk when she went to eat. He didn’t peep or anything, he just... made sure it was safe. Don’t want any strange people looking at it. Sure, sometimes he skimmed, but that was out of concern for Solara’s well being. Plus, he was curious. He really only skimmed because he didn’t know how long it would take her to come back. Otherwise he would have read it in depth and possibly tried to leave some subtle critiques. Certainly nothing creepy. As luck would have it, Solara did leave her journal behind at lunch that day. He quickly looked around to make sure there wasn’t anyone to falsely accuse him of wrongdoing. Then, he opened it to the latest sections. After reading through the last days, at a quick pace, he was disappointed to find no useful information. He did know that she indeed started in Morata, but she was pretty vague about what she had done. She just mentioned that she had fun trying about the abilities of her class. ‘What class?!’ Mortimer wanted to ask the journal. ‘Where were you?’ He didn’t ask, of course, because journals can’t talk. Plus, he wouldn’t want to make anyone think he was prying into someone’s personal information. Well, he’d surely recognize her if he saw her. Morata was a decently sized city for one person to search alone, and he knew she was still staying in the city. (He didn’t know that it was mandatory to stay in the city for one week) Mortimer slept through the rest of the classes after lunch, but he was doing better in those anyway, and could afford to slack off. Sort of. After the last bell woke him up once more, and rode home with James. He involved himself in some quick flurrying of homework, and even did a few math problems at home before he hopped on Royal Road. Always a diligent student. -------------------------- Quietus found himself just outside the training center. Perhaps he would come back later, though he wished they had something less clumsy than those stupid wooden training swords. He went to go work with Jack at the morgue. He had nothing much better to do, and figured he could earn some money. It’s not like his parents could give him money in the game or anything. Besides, he enjoyed learning things there. As Quietus cut open the thoracic cavity of a body (for science!) he thought about the scalpel in his hand. Something around this size, easily controllable and precise, would be nice to use as a weapon. He knew there was combat in the game, so he figured he should try to learn how to use a weapon. Quietus supposed a scalpel wasn’t very practical for combat though, too fragile. Maybe just a knife. Or a dagger? He was pretty sure a dagger was slightly better and more likely to be a weapon in this kind of game. Two edges were better, obviously. After he finished all the work he could help with for that day, he went to a blacksmith intending to acquire a dagger. Quietus asked about the price of one, and was astounded to learn that he couldn’t even afford the cheapest weapon. He wasn’t used to being unable to afford things. He quickly got over it, however, when he realized just how little time he’d spent earning money. The blacksmith did recommend that he go see a carpenter, where he could purchase a practice dagger. He did, and got a wooden practice dagger. | Wooden Dagger: Durability: 10/10 Damage: 1-1This wooden dagger is made for practice. It is very fragile, and impractical as a real weapon. | | --- | Quietus hadn’t really expected anything different for a toy dagger worth not much more than a copper. Hopefully it was at least durable enough to hit those training dummies. He decided to go check. The wooden dagger was much better for the moves he was attempting to do on the dummies. It didn’t stick out so far past his arm that he got the hit locations wrong. Well, not as wrong. He stared at the dummies for a couple minutes after every strike, trying to think of good places to hit. The dummies provided very little help in that regard, since they were pathetic attempts at real anatomy. ‘Do I stab here? I think there’s an artery, but I can’t tell if I’ve hit it.’ Quietus pondered. He left after about an hour and less uses of his practice weapon than he could count on both hands. Quietus was trying to decide what to do when fate intervened. He saw the hot redheaded bard going by. Excellent, now he had ~~someone to stalk~~ something to do while waiting to find Solara. He ~~snuck after her~~ kept a respectful distance until she stopped. He waited for her to start singing, but to his surprise she did not. She started dancing! Maybe she wasn’t a bard, but a dancer? She had been singing the day before. Quietus was focused on her, but she wasn’t as enthralling with her dancing as her singing. She wasn’t bad, but it seemed like she didn’t have much practice. In fact, he probably wouldn’t have watched her at all if not for her ~~skimpy apparel~~ excellent fashion. He wasn’t normally into wanton skimpiness, but it suited her. Quietus wasn’t very good at keeping track of time when he was ~~stalking people~~ focused on a task, so he was surprised when she stopped dancing. She’d been getting better too. Also, he was surprised that it was dark. Coincidentally, she again chose to walk in his direction. That was what he got for hiding towards a main street. He quickly scurried away. He decided to go back to the training center, to see if it was open at night. He spent quite a few hours practicing his hits on vital spots. The training dummies were very poor for what he wanted, so he spent most of his time just staring at the training dummies trying to guess where their vital parts should be, the parts of them that existed anyway. After around five hours, and not a very many actual attempts to do anything, he got a message. | Agility rises by 1 point. (+1 AGI) | | --- | Quietus was surprised, he didn’t know you could gain stats through means other than distributing them at level up. This was an excellent discovery! If only he knew what it was that caused him to get the stat point. Maybe it was after so many swings? That seemed too easy. Plus, he was pretty sure he hadn’t achieve any important numbers. ‘Oh well, if it ever happens again I can compare circumstances’, he thought. During this time, the instructor at the training center had been watching Quietus. The instructor very much enjoyed hardworking people coming to his training center and working hard to learn the way of the sword, or practice their skills. This is why he stared at Quietus. ‘This guy is so lazy!’ thought the instructor. ‘He stabs at the training dummies with that tiny wooden dagger, and then spends five or ten minute staring off into space! He’s an insult to my training center!’ Quietus, of course, didn’t notice this smouldering glare, because he was concentrating. That was why he was surprised when the instructor came over to him. “You don’t take this training at all seriously! You haven’t even made fifty real swings in the entire time you’ve been here, and you don’t put any effort into them! You are an insult to my training center. Leave, and don’t come back!” Before Quietus could reply to this, he was lifted off his feet. Seconds later, he was literally thrown out of the training center. Quietus was sitting on his backside pondering what had just happened, when he noticed a figure in the shadows between the training center and the next building over. Oddly enough, the shadowy figure appeared to be laughing. Quietus frowned. He would have a word with this disrespectful shadowy figure! End Chapter 2 Previous Chapter: <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=121&p=127#p127">viewtopic.php?f=47&t=121&p=127#p127</a><!-- l --> Next Chapter: <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=123">viewtopic.php?f=47&t=123</a><!-- l -->

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> So I have been tracking the viewership numbers for this fanfiction and its numbers of readers is at an all time low. (Oh the irony!)<br><br>And when I quote low I mean, it starts with 800-1000 readers (not number of views) and is now averaging 150-250.<br><br>In terms of drop rate (the likelihood someone will drop this FF) is at 81% vs 3 months ago it was 10%.<br><br>There are several explanations to this:<br><br>1. Royalroadl.com is experiencing a drop in visitors. Hence, the FF has lower visitors.<br>2. Readers are bored of VR stories.<br>3. The content is not age / religion appropriate.<br>4. Holiday Season has not yet begun?<br><br>But if I remove these factors, I need to ask a serious questions: <br>Does the FF suck? <br><br>If yes, then I need to know where was it that you started losing interest? What made you lose interest?<br><br>I know numbers don't mean everything and certainly don't indicate the true quality of a story however, if there is something that I am overlooking your feedback is IMPORTANT!<br><br>Even those of you who have been enjoying the story need to provide feedback here. Suggestions for what can be improved or possible explanations into why readership is falling would be very much welcomed!<br><br>Based on the feedback I receive, I may drop the FF (situation if I receive no feedback), continue as is or redo the story V6 onwards. </div>

So I have been tracking the viewership numbers for this fanfiction and its numbers of readers is at an all time low. (Oh the irony!) And when I quote low I mean, it starts with 800-1000 readers (not number of views) and is now averaging 150-250. In terms of drop rate (the likelihood someone will drop this FF) is at 81% vs 3 months ago it was 10%. There are several explanations to this: 1. Royalroadl.com is experiencing a drop in visitors. Hence, the FF has lower visitors. 2. Readers are bored of VR stories. 3. The content is not age / religion appropriate. 4. Holiday Season has not yet begun? But if I remove these factors, I need to ask a serious questions: Does the FF suck? If yes, then I need to know where was it that you started losing interest? What made you lose interest? I know numbers don't mean everything and certainly don't indicate the true quality of a story however, if there is something that I am overlooking your feedback is IMPORTANT! Even those of you who have been enjoying the story need to provide feedback here. Suggestions for what can be improved or possible explanations into why readership is falling would be very much welcomed! Based on the feedback I receive, I may drop the FF (situation if I receive no feedback), continue as is or redo the story V6 onwards.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Necromancer<br>A Royal Road Fan Fiction<br>By: Halosty<br>Chapter 40<br><br> Mortimer was in his least favorite room in the whole house. He’d only been in the room a few times, but the events that occurred within had firmly solidified its place as his least favorite room.<br><br> Mortimer saw James discreetly slip out of the room. Discreetly, but quickly. James was his butler, and also his driver, and in this case, the messenger of a summons from his parents.<br><br> Around the room, Mortimer saw things that made the rooms less intimidating. There were bookshelves all around, and nice big windows that provided light. There were also some comfortable chairs to sit in and read. This was the study that his parents used.<br><br> He looked at his father, who was just closing a book he was reading. “So, Mortimer, we’ve heard there was an… incident at school.”<br><br> Mortimer nodded. He was too nervous to do anything more.<br><br> His mother was the next to speak. “Five people in the hospital. At least three of them won’t be able to play sports again. Quite a mess to deal with. Explain yourself.”<br><br> Mortimer steeled his resolve. It was hard to speak with confidence to his parents, but he knew he had to. “They were messing with my friends.”<br><br> Well, Angela was his cousin, but she could still count as his friend. He wouldn’t really consider Solara a friend most of the time, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t partly beating them up for her sake. Alex was probably a friend, or something. Still, the statement was essentially true.<br><br> “And that gives you the right to seriously injure them?” his mother gave a disappointed frown.<br><br> “Well, they also had a bad history…”<br><br> “Which you didn’t know at the time,” his father interjected.<br><br> Mortimer’s mother continued, “There was also one stabbed with a knife. Care to explain that?”<br><br> “It was his own knife, and he attacked me with it.”<br><br> His parents gave each other a look, then his father continued. “Then, based on your actions, how do you believe you won’t get in trouble for this?”<br><br> At first, Mortimer was about to accept his punishment. Then he remembered a previous incident where he’d gotten in trouble. His parents gave him plenty of time to come up with his answer. “The first point is, those troublemakers had a history of problems. They also started the conflict. Besides the innocent witnesses, we have the testimony of one of the deans at the school. As for the knife… I didn’t even grab it. I have no fingerprints on it, and it clearly belongs to the person who attacked me… and...”<br><br> Mortimer’s father smiled a little bit. “And?”<br><br> Mortimer smiled back. “Well, I was hoping to have the support of some other prominent members of the community?”<br><br> Mortimer’s mother kept a somewhat stern look. “That is sufficient for now. However, please do keep out of any more such public trouble. Especially any more incidents of fighting. It wouldn’t do to have our name sullied.”<br><br> “Of course. Father, Mother.” Mortimer bowed his head as he left.<br><br> When he got back into his room, he thought about the important lesson he’d learned as a child who got in trouble. Always have a good excuse, and preferably be able to legitimately blame someone else for any incidents. Not that his parents had said it that way, but that was what he’d learned. He’d still been lucky to get off without any punishment though. He knew that Angela, at the very least, had probably talked to them about if. If he’d gotten into trouble on his own, he’d have probably been in bigger trouble. In fact, Angela had gotten him out of trouble a few times before, or at least into lesser trouble. It almost made up for her getting him to do stupid things in the first place.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> Quietus put the last stitch into his wrist. He flexed his fingers. It was still a little clumsy. Plus, the attachment process was painful. Sure, he could use some herbs to numb the pain, but they also reduced his motor ability in his other hand. At some point he’d have to get someone to magically heal him or die. He looked at the stitched that went all the way around his wrist with heavy thread. They weren’t pretty, but they would do. Of course, he still had to use his Animation spell.<br><br> This was because his hand had gotten chopped off. He looked down at the body of the blond warrior. Quietus had gotten a bit careless, and he’d had to block an attack with the only thing he had available… his left hand. This warrior sure was persistent though. Still, he seemed to be falling behind. There had been little trouble in dealing with him most of the time, and he wasn’t any better this time. Quietus had just been a bit cocky in fighting him.<br><br> Quietus looked at his dagger. <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: 100/100<br><br>Damage: 50-72<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> Although it was steadily growing stronger, it didn’t have any abilities besides the bleeding effect. He had a quest to make his dagger stronger, but he was not high enough level to explore the plains of despair just yet.<br><br> So, instead, Quietus was studying his Animation spell. The duration was significantly longer than it had been before, and he’d been able to make zombies that had a higher cap on their statistics than before. He could also manually control a zombie, or anything he animated with the spell, such as his own severed hand. Of course, hands didn’t function well on their own.<br><br> Quietus had found no better place to studies zombies than at one of their sources. Thus, he was wandering arounds in the remains of an old battlefield. Only relatively weak, mindless zombies were there. They just wandered around and attacked people. Well, people who weren’t Quietus.<br> In general, they just ignored Quietus because of his intermediate level of The Power to Accept Death. He could even lean in close to study them. Of course, if he touched them or otherwise attacked them, all the nearby zombies would view him as a threat.<br><br> Quietus even watched some lower level players fight and sometimes get killed by the zombies. He took mental notes on the weaknesses of the zombies. Many of them were inexpertly created, so they couldn’t move to their full capacity. Basically, it made them slower and weaker than they should have been. Quietus had noticed that Animation had been getting stronger without him even needing to use it.<br><br> Then Quietus saw something he’d never seen while he’d been in the hunting grounds. One of the zombies had an arm chopped off. That wasn’t too abnormal, but the player who did it still lost the battle. This left the zombie with one arm. It looked down at its arm on the ground. It tried picking it up and pressing it against the stump. It fell to the ground. Even that wouldn’t have been too bad, but it did it again. And again.<br><br> Quietus felt sorry for it, so he came out of hiding to finish the zombie off. It saw him, and instead of trying to put the arm back on again, held it out to him. It didn’t even have an expression, but it seemed like it was instinct.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have been offered a quest!<br><br>Repair Zombies<br><br>Many zombies get damaged, and they are unable to fix themselves. They instinctively look for help from those who are connected with death.<br><br>Zombies Repaired: 0/20<br><br>Rewards: Proficiency in related skills</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> “I accept,” said Quietus. He didn’t receive the notification message, so he just reached out and took the arm.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have accepted the Quest: Repair Zombies</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> Quietus looked at the arm. It was still moving around a little bit. It was a pretty good cut, though, so it wouldn’t be too hard to reattach. It wouldn’t be pretty, though. He sewed it back on to the best of his ability. It looked like the zombie would lose some mobility, but the quest updated that the zombie had been repaired. Quietus wasn’t quite satisfied, but he went off to find more broken zombies. He would have said “injured” but that usually denoted something that was alive. People recover from injuries, but things don’t recover from being broken.<br><br> Quietus went around fixing other things. Legs, torsos, more arms. An eyeball that fell out was the most awkward to repair, since it was hard to use the needle properly inside the eye socket. Quietus found several other damaged zombies that he was unsatisfied with the repairs for. One had its arm chopped off in the middle of the forearm, and just sewing it up made it hang there limply, and mostly useless. The fingers still wiggled around, but it was a shoddy job.<br><br> He thought about the various kinds of damage he hand seen, and went to town to buy other supplies. He got some double ended needles of various sizes, more like spikes really, a hammer and some nails, and thick strips of leather.<br><br> Then he went back to all the zombies whose repairs he had been unsatisfied with. Sometimes the spike were stuck inside the arm as a support. Nails and leather strips were also used, sometimes as improvised slings. Eventually, Quietus got all of them to the point where he was satisfied at their functionality. Most of them seemed to work as good as… “new”. There were even a couple with “improvements” in the forms of spikes sticking out of their bodies that they could stab people with. They didn’t seem to know how to use them though.<br><br> Quietus noticed the number of repaired zombies sometimes went down, and it seemed it was because players were killing them. After he removed the intrusions, he went back to repairs, and eventually finished the quest.<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>Repair Zombies<br><br>Anatomy is now Beginner level 9<br>The Power to Accept Death is now Intermediate level 2<br>Animation is more effective</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 learned a skill!<br><br>Repair undead<br><br>Beginner level 1<br><br>Allows you to repair undead. At this level, only zombies can be fully repaired, and materials are required.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> Quietus was happy to receive a skill. He was even more happy to get a level in The Power to Accept Death, which was inconvenient to level since he had to die. He looked at the experience gained and noticed that it was only equivalent to a few deaths. Still, it was pretty good. He hoped to get more quests like that in the future.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> At school, Mortimer was standing in the hallway waiting for class when someone walked up to him.<br><br> “You’re Mortimer Periwinkle, right?”<br><br> Mortimer turned to look at him. Big. Very similar build to some football players he had seen recently. Mortimer nodded, and got into a fighting stance. “I am.”<br><br>End Chapter 40<br><br>Previous Chapter: &lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=2238&amp;p=14574#p14574"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=2238&amp;p=14574#p14574&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=1692"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1692&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt; </div>

Necromancer A Royal Road Fan Fiction By: Halosty Chapter 40 Mortimer was in his least favorite room in the whole house. He’d only been in the room a few times, but the events that occurred within had firmly solidified its place as his least favorite room. Mortimer saw James discreetly slip out of the room. Discreetly, but quickly. James was his butler, and also his driver, and in this case, the messenger of a summons from his parents. Around the room, Mortimer saw things that made the rooms less intimidating. There were bookshelves all around, and nice big windows that provided light. There were also some comfortable chairs to sit in and read. This was the study that his parents used. He looked at his father, who was just closing a book he was reading. “So, Mortimer, we’ve heard there was an… incident at school.” Mortimer nodded. He was too nervous to do anything more. His mother was the next to speak. “Five people in the hospital. At least three of them won’t be able to play sports again. Quite a mess to deal with. Explain yourself.” Mortimer steeled his resolve. It was hard to speak with confidence to his parents, but he knew he had to. “They were messing with my friends.” Well, Angela was his cousin, but she could still count as his friend. He wouldn’t really consider Solara a friend most of the time, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t partly beating them up for her sake. Alex was probably a friend, or something. Still, the statement was essentially true. “And that gives you the right to seriously injure them?” his mother gave a disappointed frown. “Well, they also had a bad history…” “Which you didn’t know at the time,” his father interjected. Mortimer’s mother continued, “There was also one stabbed with a knife. Care to explain that?” “It was his own knife, and he attacked me with it.” His parents gave each other a look, then his father continued. “Then, based on your actions, how do you believe you won’t get in trouble for this?” At first, Mortimer was about to accept his punishment. Then he remembered a previous incident where he’d gotten in trouble. His parents gave him plenty of time to come up with his answer. “The first point is, those troublemakers had a history of problems. They also started the conflict. Besides the innocent witnesses, we have the testimony of one of the deans at the school. As for the knife… I didn’t even grab it. I have no fingerprints on it, and it clearly belongs to the person who attacked me… and...” Mortimer’s father smiled a little bit. “And?” Mortimer smiled back. “Well, I was hoping to have the support of some other prominent members of the community?” Mortimer’s mother kept a somewhat stern look. “That is sufficient for now. However, please do keep out of any more such public trouble. Especially any more incidents of fighting. It wouldn’t do to have our name sullied.” “Of course. Father, Mother.” Mortimer bowed his head as he left. When he got back into his room, he thought about the important lesson he’d learned as a child who got in trouble. Always have a good excuse, and preferably be able to legitimately blame someone else for any incidents. Not that his parents had said it that way, but that was what he’d learned. He’d still been lucky to get off without any punishment though. He knew that Angela, at the very least, had probably talked to them about if. If he’d gotten into trouble on his own, he’d have probably been in bigger trouble. In fact, Angela had gotten him out of trouble a few times before, or at least into lesser trouble. It almost made up for her getting him to do stupid things in the first place. -------------------------- Quietus put the last stitch into his wrist. He flexed his fingers. It was still a little clumsy. Plus, the attachment process was painful. Sure, he could use some herbs to numb the pain, but they also reduced his motor ability in his other hand. At some point he’d have to get someone to magically heal him or die. He looked at the stitched that went all the way around his wrist with heavy thread. They weren’t pretty, but they would do. Of course, he still had to use his Animation spell. This was because his hand had gotten chopped off. He looked down at the body of the blond warrior. Quietus had gotten a bit careless, and he’d had to block an attack with the only thing he had available… his left hand. This warrior sure was persistent though. Still, he seemed to be falling behind. There had been little trouble in dealing with him most of the time, and he wasn’t any better this time. Quietus had just been a bit cocky in fighting him. Quietus looked at his dagger. | Sacrificial Dagger of the ApprenticeDurability: 100/100Damage: 50-72Rumors 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. | | --- | Although it was steadily growing stronger, it didn’t have any abilities besides the bleeding effect. He had a quest to make his dagger stronger, but he was not high enough level to explore the plains of despair just yet. So, instead, Quietus was studying his Animation spell. The duration was significantly longer than it had been before, and he’d been able to make zombies that had a higher cap on their statistics than before. He could also manually control a zombie, or anything he animated with the spell, such as his own severed hand. Of course, hands didn’t function well on their own. Quietus had found no better place to studies zombies than at one of their sources. Thus, he was wandering arounds in the remains of an old battlefield. Only relatively weak, mindless zombies were there. They just wandered around and attacked people. Well, people who weren’t Quietus. In general, they just ignored Quietus because of his intermediate level of The Power to Accept Death. He could even lean in close to study them. Of course, if he touched them or otherwise attacked them, all the nearby zombies would view him as a threat. Quietus even watched some lower level players fight and sometimes get killed by the zombies. He took mental notes on the weaknesses of the zombies. Many of them were inexpertly created, so they couldn’t move to their full capacity. Basically, it made them slower and weaker than they should have been. Quietus had noticed that Animation had been getting stronger without him even needing to use it. Then Quietus saw something he’d never seen while he’d been in the hunting grounds. One of the zombies had an arm chopped off. That wasn’t too abnormal, but the player who did it still lost the battle. This left the zombie with one arm. It looked down at its arm on the ground. It tried picking it up and pressing it against the stump. It fell to the ground. Even that wouldn’t have been too bad, but it did it again. And again. Quietus felt sorry for it, so he came out of hiding to finish the zombie off. It saw him, and instead of trying to put the arm back on again, held it out to him. It didn’t even have an expression, but it seemed like it was instinct. | You have been offered a quest!Repair ZombiesMany zombies get damaged, and they are unable to fix themselves. They instinctively look for help from those who are connected with death.Zombies Repaired: 0/20Rewards: Proficiency in related skills | | --- | “I accept,” said Quietus. He didn’t receive the notification message, so he just reached out and took the arm. | You have accepted the Quest: Repair Zombies | | --- | Quietus looked at the arm. It was still moving around a little bit. It was a pretty good cut, though, so it wouldn’t be too hard to reattach. It wouldn’t be pretty, though. He sewed it back on to the best of his ability. It looked like the zombie would lose some mobility, but the quest updated that the zombie had been repaired. Quietus wasn’t quite satisfied, but he went off to find more broken zombies. He would have said “injured” but that usually denoted something that was alive. People recover from injuries, but things don’t recover from being broken. Quietus went around fixing other things. Legs, torsos, more arms. An eyeball that fell out was the most awkward to repair, since it was hard to use the needle properly inside the eye socket. Quietus found several other damaged zombies that he was unsatisfied with the repairs for. One had its arm chopped off in the middle of the forearm, and just sewing it up made it hang there limply, and mostly useless. The fingers still wiggled around, but it was a shoddy job. He thought about the various kinds of damage he hand seen, and went to town to buy other supplies. He got some double ended needles of various sizes, more like spikes really, a hammer and some nails, and thick strips of leather. Then he went back to all the zombies whose repairs he had been unsatisfied with. Sometimes the spike were stuck inside the arm as a support. Nails and leather strips were also used, sometimes as improvised slings. Eventually, Quietus got all of them to the point where he was satisfied at their functionality. Most of them seemed to work as good as… “new”. There were even a couple with “improvements” in the forms of spikes sticking out of their bodies that they could stab people with. They didn’t seem to know how to use them though. Quietus noticed the number of repaired zombies sometimes went down, and it seemed it was because players were killing them. After he removed the intrusions, he went back to repairs, and eventually finished the quest. | You have completed a quest!Repair ZombiesAnatomy is now Beginner level 9The Power to Accept Death is now Intermediate level 2Animation is more effective | | --- | | You have learned a skill!Repair undeadBeginner level 1Allows you to repair undead. At this level, only zombies can be fully repaired, and materials are required. | | --- | Quietus was happy to receive a skill. He was even more happy to get a level in The Power to Accept Death, which was inconvenient to level since he had to die. He looked at the experience gained and noticed that it was only equivalent to a few deaths. Still, it was pretty good. He hoped to get more quests like that in the future. -------------------------- At school, Mortimer was standing in the hallway waiting for class when someone walked up to him. “You’re Mortimer Periwinkle, right?” Mortimer turned to look at him. Big. Very similar build to some football players he had seen recently. Mortimer nodded, and got into a fighting stance. “I am.” End Chapter 40 Previous Chapter: <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=2238&p=14574#p14574">viewtopic.php?f=47&t=2238&p=14574#p14574</a><!-- l --> Next Chapter: <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1692">viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1692</a><!-- l -->

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Weed pulled out his stats bar and invested 80 points to stamina, another 50 to agility and another 30 to strength. It was the polar opposite as per the riddle to be investing in STR, AGI and STAM. But Weed decided that if the moonstone really did exist he would need to venture outside into the city at night. To do so investing in AGI, STR and STAM was the best option.<br><br>He opened up his inventory and found a beginner weapon, ‘Wooden Sword.’ Item information showed that it had only 2 ATK and 10 Durability. ‘I need something more powerful and durable than this.’ He rushed to the central market (which now took an hour only) and checked the armory store. <br><br>“Welcome Sir.” Greeted one of the NPC store keepers, “Are you looking for something in weapons or armour?”<br><br>“Both.”<br><br>“Well for beginners we have the complete set; here is the complete Dragon Set Armour, +80 to all stats and sword that does 50 damage, this is all for the price of 100 crystals.” The armour set was black in color with gold outlines and the sword looked like a Dao, in the shape of fiery flames blown from a dragon’s snout.<br><br>There were two sets of currency in RREV; crystals and coins. Crystals could only be purchased with RL currency or traded for coins in game. The current rate of 1 Crystal was US$1. Furthermore, crystals could not be changed into RL currency. Crystals could also be converted into coins, 1 Crystal was 1,000 gold coins however to trade coins to crystal the current rate was 10,000 gold coins for 1 Crystal. Though very few guilds had even 10,000 gold at the moment and no player had that much money, Lee Hyun anticipated that there would come a time when they would be able to convert gold freely into crystals. To stabilize the prices in the economy some of the better items could only be bought for crystals. Crystals also provided new players to buy expensive overpowered items to catch up with those who have been playing many months before them. But more importantly, it was a good source of revenue to Unicorn and Lee Hyun.<br><br>Weed jumped at the price, for beginners this was an excellent set however 100 crystals was ridiculous. It meant a $100 nearly the same price as one year’s subscription fees. Even if Weed had the crystals he would have not spent it on the dragon set as it stood out too much. The gold outline of the armour was sparkling like real gold and the sword was also shining with a red tinge to it. Weed felt he would become a beacon for envy and PKers. Even with all the additional stats gained, Weeds level was so low, that PKers would still easily finish him off and steal the armour. <br><br>“This is the most amazing armour set that I have ever seen. However I was looking for something which could be bought for just gold.”<br><br>The storekeeper who just blooming away with anticipation sighed and put away the dragon set. He then brought out a simple black cloak and a iron sword.<br><br>“The iron sword does 10 ATK and adds 10 STR. It has a durability of 15. It is for 1 gold and the cloak adds 5 DEF it is for 50 silver.”<br><br>Weed frowned, the sword was good, and it gave an overall attack of 15 ATK which appeared to be sufficient but the cloak was somewhat lacking.<br><br>“Would you have something for elves, with more defense and maybe costing no more than 1 gold?”<br><br>The storekeeper put away the cloak and happily brought out another, it wasn’t often you met newbies who had 2 gold. Higher level players would never buy from the armory store, so the main source of income was newbies. Armory stores did provide repair of weapons but the margins were too low. <br><br>“This is the best cloak for newbies, it is for 1 gold and 50 silver, but since you are buying an expensive sword as well, I’ll reduce 50 silver. It gives 10 DEF and has the added ability to conceal the user better in the darkness.”<br><br>“Yes this is just what I need. But compared to that, I feel now the sword is somewhat lacking. Don’t you have a sword for 2 gold?”<br><br>The storekeeper hurriedly brought out a sword, “This sword is for 2 Gold 99 Silver only, since you are willing to pay so much, I’ll offer you a discount so that you can buy this sword. It adds 20 ATK and 10 STR. Is this to your liking?”<br><br>Weed looked at the sword and then swung it around a few times. ‘This really is a good sword.’<br><br>The storekeeper began counting his profits, he just marked up the prices for the player. As the player had a fame of -5 (most likely from insulting the Wind God) and to add to it, storekeepers were notorious for ripping of newbies. The storekeeper thought of Weed as a foolish player who had just arrived today in Versailles. There was nearly a 1 gold margin on the sword and 50 silver margin on the armour. The storekeeper decided to close the shop early after he closed this deal and celebrate.<br><br>Weed put back the sword and frowned. “Storekeeper, I don’t think this is going well.”<br><br>The storekeeper grew suspicious immediately of Weed, ‘I see, this fellow doesn’t actually have the money and wants to negotiate down the prices. Well for all I care, it’s never going to happen!’<br><br>Weed took out 3 gold coins from his pocket and placed them in front of the storekeeper who was staring at him angrily. He had kept about 5 gold coins from the 1000 that Rodriguez gave for self use, Snappy did not notice this as he was busy jumping all over Theodore that time. Weed knew that the armoury store was the worst place to shop in but he didn’t want to reach out to merchants who were out in the open selling weapons. There would be many questions as to how a newbie got so much gold and then Weed would have to deal with all sorts of problems. To avoid it all he went straight into the armory store; expensive but Weed had faith in his negotiation skills. By putting money on the table Weed wanted to entice the storekeeper. He succeeded, the storekeepers expressions immediately changed from angry to one that said ‘I am your humble loyal servant please step all over me.’<br><br>“You see this is all I have and I really want to give it to you. But I feel like there is something more you have.”<br><br>The storekeeper frowned, he did have more items but they were expensive and came with restrictions.<br><br>He pulled out another cloak and sword, “This is the Night Stealth cloak, conceals you better in the darkness and gives 15 DEF. It is for 4 gold and has an additional restriction that you need the stealth skill. This sword is also called the extra iron sword, it has 20 durability, 25 ATK and 15 STR. It comes for 4 Gold and a restriction of melee class profession. As you are new and are buying such expensive items, I will give a discount of 250 silvers (2.5 gold).”<br><br>“The cloak is fine but the sword is something I cannot use, how much for the cloak and the previous sword?”<br><br>“The cloak has a restriction, are you sure you can use it?” The shopkeeper asked just to reconfirm, since very rarely did you come across new players who met the skill restrictions.<br><br>“No, however, I shall try my best to learn this skill.” Weed lied. “I truly, love this beautiful cloak and although it is something I cannot use immediately, I will be more than eager to learn how to do so. I believe every item in this shop will find its true owner eventually. If I were too openly discriminate on each and every item based on their restrictions, then these items will never be sold. Then how is it that you my fellow comrade will earn a living?”<br><br>TRRIIIINNG!!<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">- Proficient in Lying and Deceit has increased ~ Beginner level 3 – 95 %! -</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“I see.” Replied the shopkeeper. The devotion and earnestness of Weed touched his heart. There stood before an elf who understood the grief and poverty of storekeepers. “I could give the cloak for 3 gold.”<br><br>TRRIIIINNG!!<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">- Relationship with storekeeper increased to 5-</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Weed tried to conceal his smile. The better the relationship with NPCs the more you could bargain out of them. <br><br>Weed put up a painful expression in front of the NPC, “This is all I have storekeeper.” Pushing the 3 gold coins forward. “I know you said the total is 5, but at this time this is all I can offer. Let me please offer my wooden sword, all the rye bread that I have and a part of my flesh in compensation.”<br><br>The NPC storekeeper grasped Weeds hand and smiled. “There is no need, simply pay me back later when you do have the money.”<br><br>Weed thanked him and parted with the 3 gold coins, they weren’t his to begin with. The deal wasn’t a steal, but at least Weed did his best not to get ripped off. The shopkeeper calculated his profits, he managed to make no profit. The shopkeeper sighed; the basic raw material was so expense in this kingdom, making extra money on the side was near impossible. At least he got rid of his inventory.<br>Weed then went to an exchange and broke his gold coins into smaller denominations. He then used the money to buy healing potions, herbs, and a small bag of meaty treat. The grocery store keeper’s eyebrow was raised when Weed asked for Meaty Treat, but didn’t bother questioning..quests could be so weird. Given the enormous weight restrictions, Weed could not buy and carry much.<br><br>With his new armour equipped, Weed quickly glanced at his stats window:<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Physical Status Window</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Name</td><td width="25%">Weed</td><td width="25%">Class / Level</td><td width="25%">FF/001</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">250</td><td width="25%">Mana Conversion/Sec</td><td width="25%">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health Regen/Sec</td><td width="25%">0</td><td width="25%">Stamina Regen/Sec</td><td width="25%">0.01</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">50+10</td><td width="25%">Agility</td><td width="25%">75</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">50</td><td width="25%">Intelligence</td><td width="25%">50</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Stamina</td><td width="25%">200</td><td width="25%">Defense</td><td width="25%">30+15</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Dexterity</td><td width="25%">0</td><td width="25%">Luck</td><td width="25%">200</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Looks/Beauty</td><td colspan="3">5</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>‘This would have to do.’ Weed still have 31 unused SP. But he was storing them as back in case, the moonstone didn’t turn out to be all that special. If compared to the first million players, Weed’s character stats did not stand out as much, as they all had bonus skill points from the first purchase scheme. Those who were in the first million got 25 SP, in the first 10,000 received 60SP and first 100 received 100SP. Those differences could easily be wiped out through the encashment scheme as most professional players and pro-gaming companies gained an average of 150SP through this. If one were to think about it, an average RREV player could be considered one who starts with about 250 Bonus SP in addition to the basic SP. Compared to Royal Road, players here would be 6-8 times stronger however the difficulty was adjusted accordingly, monsters such as rabbits and foxes were born with elemental affinity, they moved faster and inflicted more damage. <br><br>Those without any bonus SP, would find the game moderately difficult to begin with however, they could always catch up by purchasing SP or items for RL currency. Lee Hyun was aiming for this, he didn’t mind that the initial players held a significant advantage in terms of bonus SP. <br>Lee Hyun realized that pro-gaming companies were never after the grand prize. If the game was beaten they would have to move to a new game, which was a monumental struggle, pro-gaming companies were more like side characters which supported the rich players who were willing to hire them or buy items/info for them. Very few were like Lee Jun who played solo, aiming for the grand prize on their own.<br><br>Weed closed the stats window and headed for the Eastern gates. It was night by the time Weed reached the Eastern gates. The main gate had been closed and the side tower door was left open for player to enter and leave the city. Flashing his new armour to the guards, they let him cross through.<br><br>At night monsters were stronger at most by 50% but the rewards were also greater; they yielded 33% extra exp. However, this wasn’t perfectly identical to Royal Road, in Royal Road at night the monsters attack only went up by 50% all other stats remained unchanged. In RREV, depending upon monsters and locations, all stats could vary to a maximum of 50% increase. The rewards were slightly increased with the slight increase in difficulty, an extra 3% EXP. It might not look much but it really is quite a lot at the higher levels where every percentage counts.<br><br>As Weed stepped out he saw a lot of players and stalls set up. It would appear as if Weed walked into the central town square at early morning. Merchants had put up torches to light up their stalls and put various healing potions up on display.<br><br>“Looking for a Healer.”<br><br>“Looking for a specialized archer.”<br><br>“Looking for a specialized swordsman!”<br><br>As RREV allowed multiple professions, players initially learnt as many professions as they could however they soon realized at any given point of time they could only use one profession. Thus, it was more beneficial to work in a team of players where each player specialized in a particular profession. Thus, rather than calling out for an archer, the term specialized archer was added as prefix. All players here were at a higher level than Weed; somewhere FF/030s, others in F/020s and few who reached Class E. There was nobody here above class E. RREV was still a new game, so it wasn’t that surprising.<br><br>Weed quietly slid away from the noisy hub and made his way towards Theodore’s cabin. He needed money and wanted to try some ideas that were swarming in his head.<br><br>It didn’t take much time and Weed cross the Koi pond and followed the trail leading up to the clearing. There was lot’s of barking so Weed just followed the sound after the trail disappeared. He didn’t want to call out Alak for help who was unusually upset with him; more importantly Alak was annoying.<br><br>Weed knocked at the cabin door and could hear Theodore grumbling and cursing who could it be this late, “Who?”<br><br>“Weed.”<br><br>“Don’t want any, plenty growing outside.”<br><br>“No, Weed the elf, who wants to learn blacksmithing?”<br><br>“….”<br><br>“Who accepted your challenge?”<br><br>“….”<br><br>“Who proved to you that Balkans are liars ….” Weed said, as if provoking the flames of anger.<br><br>“WHO SAID WE ARE LIARS?” Theodore screamed as he broke open his door with the hammer. <br><br>Weed smiled, “See I knew you would remember me.”<br><br>Theodore grumbled, he really didn’t like elves, Weed was probably on the top of his most hated elves list.<br><br>“Aye, so Weed-elf, tell me what is it that you want?”<br><br>“Well firstly I came to check on Snappy.” Weed took out the meaty treat and emptied it into Snappy’s bowl.<br><br>‘Squirrel is a good slave.’ Snappy barked. He quickly gulped down his third dinner.<br><br>“Oye! Don’t feed him more meaty treat! I will have to take him out for a walk again!” Theodore grumbled.<br><br>“Don’t worry, I’ll do it for you.” Weed cheerfully replied, he had been hoping for this.<br><br>“I also wanted to check on the money left behind. You didn’t take any of it did you?” Weed asked as if he suspected Theodore of thievery. <br><br>“No! What do I look to you? A thief or a blacksmith?” Theodore hurriedly retorted to defend himself of acquisition. <br><br>“Well honestly a ….”<br><br>“Don’t even answer it.” Theodore interrupted as he stuck a butter knife to Weeds face.<br><br>“Ok I’ll take Snappy for a walk. How soon do you want him back?”<br><br>“Just tire the little monster out.”<br><br>“Ok!”<br><br>Weed dragged Snappy out of the house who refused to be separated from his master. Finally after much pulling, scolding and fighting, Snappy was frolicking around the forest joyfully. Weed was hoping to try out his new sword however Snappy’s presence scared away most of the smaller creatures. After much running and walking, they finally reach the mountain pass. Weed began scaling the eastern side of the mountain, hoping to see something gleaming, however nothing to his luck, there was dirt and snow everywhere. The eastern mountain side was huge, as far as Weed could see was the eastern mountain face. It took him 10 minutes to run from one end to the other.<br><br>‘This is going to be a long three weeks.’ Weed sighed.<br><br>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>Authors Note:<br><br>1. Proof Reader Credits: Knaivvs<br>2. Released early as part of celebration releases.<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=329" 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>

Weed pulled out his stats bar and invested 80 points to stamina, another 50 to agility and another 30 to strength. It was the polar opposite as per the riddle to be investing in STR, AGI and STAM. But Weed decided that if the moonstone really did exist he would need to venture outside into the city at night. To do so investing in AGI, STR and STAM was the best option. He opened up his inventory and found a beginner weapon, ‘Wooden Sword.’ Item information showed that it had only 2 ATK and 10 Durability. ‘I need something more powerful and durable than this.’ He rushed to the central market (which now took an hour only) and checked the armory store. “Welcome Sir.” Greeted one of the NPC store keepers, “Are you looking for something in weapons or armour?” “Both.” “Well for beginners we have the complete set; here is the complete Dragon Set Armour, +80 to all stats and sword that does 50 damage, this is all for the price of 100 crystals.” The armour set was black in color with gold outlines and the sword looked like a Dao, in the shape of fiery flames blown from a dragon’s snout. There were two sets of currency in RREV; crystals and coins. Crystals could only be purchased with RL currency or traded for coins in game. The current rate of 1 Crystal was US$1. Furthermore, crystals could not be changed into RL currency. Crystals could also be converted into coins, 1 Crystal was 1,000 gold coins however to trade coins to crystal the current rate was 10,000 gold coins for 1 Crystal. Though very few guilds had even 10,000 gold at the moment and no player had that much money, Lee Hyun anticipated that there would come a time when they would be able to convert gold freely into crystals. To stabilize the prices in the economy some of the better items could only be bought for crystals. Crystals also provided new players to buy expensive overpowered items to catch up with those who have been playing many months before them. But more importantly, it was a good source of revenue to Unicorn and Lee Hyun. Weed jumped at the price, for beginners this was an excellent set however 100 crystals was ridiculous. It meant a $100 nearly the same price as one year’s subscription fees. Even if Weed had the crystals he would have not spent it on the dragon set as it stood out too much. The gold outline of the armour was sparkling like real gold and the sword was also shining with a red tinge to it. Weed felt he would become a beacon for envy and PKers. Even with all the additional stats gained, Weeds level was so low, that PKers would still easily finish him off and steal the armour. “This is the most amazing armour set that I have ever seen. However I was looking for something which could be bought for just gold.” The storekeeper who just blooming away with anticipation sighed and put away the dragon set. He then brought out a simple black cloak and a iron sword. “The iron sword does 10 ATK and adds 10 STR. It has a durability of 15. It is for 1 gold and the cloak adds 5 DEF it is for 50 silver.” Weed frowned, the sword was good, and it gave an overall attack of 15 ATK which appeared to be sufficient but the cloak was somewhat lacking. “Would you have something for elves, with more defense and maybe costing no more than 1 gold?” The storekeeper put away the cloak and happily brought out another, it wasn’t often you met newbies who had 2 gold. Higher level players would never buy from the armory store, so the main source of income was newbies. Armory stores did provide repair of weapons but the margins were too low. “This is the best cloak for newbies, it is for 1 gold and 50 silver, but since you are buying an expensive sword as well, I’ll reduce 50 silver. It gives 10 DEF and has the added ability to conceal the user better in the darkness.” “Yes this is just what I need. But compared to that, I feel now the sword is somewhat lacking. Don’t you have a sword for 2 gold?” The storekeeper hurriedly brought out a sword, “This sword is for 2 Gold 99 Silver only, since you are willing to pay so much, I’ll offer you a discount so that you can buy this sword. It adds 20 ATK and 10 STR. Is this to your liking?” Weed looked at the sword and then swung it around a few times. ‘This really is a good sword.’ The storekeeper began counting his profits, he just marked up the prices for the player. As the player had a fame of -5 (most likely from insulting the Wind God) and to add to it, storekeepers were notorious for ripping of newbies. The storekeeper thought of Weed as a foolish player who had just arrived today in Versailles. There was nearly a 1 gold margin on the sword and 50 silver margin on the armour. The storekeeper decided to close the shop early after he closed this deal and celebrate. Weed put back the sword and frowned. “Storekeeper, I don’t think this is going well.” The storekeeper grew suspicious immediately of Weed, ‘I see, this fellow doesn’t actually have the money and wants to negotiate down the prices. Well for all I care, it’s never going to happen!’ Weed took out 3 gold coins from his pocket and placed them in front of the storekeeper who was staring at him angrily. He had kept about 5 gold coins from the 1000 that Rodriguez gave for self use, Snappy did not notice this as he was busy jumping all over Theodore that time. Weed knew that the armoury store was the worst place to shop in but he didn’t want to reach out to merchants who were out in the open selling weapons. There would be many questions as to how a newbie got so much gold and then Weed would have to deal with all sorts of problems. To avoid it all he went straight into the armory store; expensive but Weed had faith in his negotiation skills. By putting money on the table Weed wanted to entice the storekeeper. He succeeded, the storekeepers expressions immediately changed from angry to one that said ‘I am your humble loyal servant please step all over me.’ “You see this is all I have and I really want to give it to you. But I feel like there is something more you have.” The storekeeper frowned, he did have more items but they were expensive and came with restrictions. He pulled out another cloak and sword, “This is the Night Stealth cloak, conceals you better in the darkness and gives 15 DEF. It is for 4 gold and has an additional restriction that you need the stealth skill. This sword is also called the extra iron sword, it has 20 durability, 25 ATK and 15 STR. It comes for 4 Gold and a restriction of melee class profession. As you are new and are buying such expensive items, I will give a discount of 250 silvers (2.5 gold).” “The cloak is fine but the sword is something I cannot use, how much for the cloak and the previous sword?” “The cloak has a restriction, are you sure you can use it?” The shopkeeper asked just to reconfirm, since very rarely did you come across new players who met the skill restrictions. “No, however, I shall try my best to learn this skill.” Weed lied. “I truly, love this beautiful cloak and although it is something I cannot use immediately, I will be more than eager to learn how to do so. I believe every item in this shop will find its true owner eventually. If I were too openly discriminate on each and every item based on their restrictions, then these items will never be sold. Then how is it that you my fellow comrade will earn a living?” TRRIIIINNG!! | - Proficient in Lying and Deceit has increased ~ Beginner level 3 – 95 %! - | | --- | “I see.” Replied the shopkeeper. The devotion and earnestness of Weed touched his heart. There stood before an elf who understood the grief and poverty of storekeepers. “I could give the cloak for 3 gold.” TRRIIIINNG!! | - Relationship with storekeeper increased to 5- | | --- | Weed tried to conceal his smile. The better the relationship with NPCs the more you could bargain out of them. Weed put up a painful expression in front of the NPC, “This is all I have storekeeper.” Pushing the 3 gold coins forward. “I know you said the total is 5, but at this time this is all I can offer. Let me please offer my wooden sword, all the rye bread that I have and a part of my flesh in compensation.” The NPC storekeeper grasped Weeds hand and smiled. “There is no need, simply pay me back later when you do have the money.” Weed thanked him and parted with the 3 gold coins, they weren’t his to begin with. The deal wasn’t a steal, but at least Weed did his best not to get ripped off. The shopkeeper calculated his profits, he managed to make no profit. The shopkeeper sighed; the basic raw material was so expense in this kingdom, making extra money on the side was near impossible. At least he got rid of his inventory. Weed then went to an exchange and broke his gold coins into smaller denominations. He then used the money to buy healing potions, herbs, and a small bag of meaty treat. The grocery store keeper’s eyebrow was raised when Weed asked for Meaty Treat, but didn’t bother questioning..quests could be so weird. Given the enormous weight restrictions, Weed could not buy and carry much. With his new armour equipped, Weed quickly glanced at his stats window: | Physical Status Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | Weed | Class / Level | FF/001 | | Health | 250 | Mana Conversion/Sec | 0 | | Health Regen/Sec | 0 | Stamina Regen/Sec | 0.01 | | Strength | 50+10 | Agility | 75 | | Wisdom | 50 | Intelligence | 50 | | Stamina | 200 | Defense | 30+15 | | Dexterity | 0 | Luck | 200 | | Looks/Beauty | 5 | | | ‘This would have to do.’ Weed still have 31 unused SP. But he was storing them as back in case, the moonstone didn’t turn out to be all that special. If compared to the first million players, Weed’s character stats did not stand out as much, as they all had bonus skill points from the first purchase scheme. Those who were in the first million got 25 SP, in the first 10,000 received 60SP and first 100 received 100SP. Those differences could easily be wiped out through the encashment scheme as most professional players and pro-gaming companies gained an average of 150SP through this. If one were to think about it, an average RREV player could be considered one who starts with about 250 Bonus SP in addition to the basic SP. Compared to Royal Road, players here would be 6-8 times stronger however the difficulty was adjusted accordingly, monsters such as rabbits and foxes were born with elemental affinity, they moved faster and inflicted more damage. Those without any bonus SP, would find the game moderately difficult to begin with however, they could always catch up by purchasing SP or items for RL currency. Lee Hyun was aiming for this, he didn’t mind that the initial players held a significant advantage in terms of bonus SP. Lee Hyun realized that pro-gaming companies were never after the grand prize. If the game was beaten they would have to move to a new game, which was a monumental struggle, pro-gaming companies were more like side characters which supported the rich players who were willing to hire them or buy items/info for them. Very few were like Lee Jun who played solo, aiming for the grand prize on their own. Weed closed the stats window and headed for the Eastern gates. It was night by the time Weed reached the Eastern gates. The main gate had been closed and the side tower door was left open for player to enter and leave the city. Flashing his new armour to the guards, they let him cross through. At night monsters were stronger at most by 50% but the rewards were also greater; they yielded 33% extra exp. However, this wasn’t perfectly identical to Royal Road, in Royal Road at night the monsters attack only went up by 50% all other stats remained unchanged. In RREV, depending upon monsters and locations, all stats could vary to a maximum of 50% increase. The rewards were slightly increased with the slight increase in difficulty, an extra 3% EXP. It might not look much but it really is quite a lot at the higher levels where every percentage counts. As Weed stepped out he saw a lot of players and stalls set up. It would appear as if Weed walked into the central town square at early morning. Merchants had put up torches to light up their stalls and put various healing potions up on display. “Looking for a Healer.” “Looking for a specialized archer.” “Looking for a specialized swordsman!” As RREV allowed multiple professions, players initially learnt as many professions as they could however they soon realized at any given point of time they could only use one profession. Thus, it was more beneficial to work in a team of players where each player specialized in a particular profession. Thus, rather than calling out for an archer, the term specialized archer was added as prefix. All players here were at a higher level than Weed; somewhere FF/030s, others in F/020s and few who reached Class E. There was nobody here above class E. RREV was still a new game, so it wasn’t that surprising. Weed quietly slid away from the noisy hub and made his way towards Theodore’s cabin. He needed money and wanted to try some ideas that were swarming in his head. It didn’t take much time and Weed cross the Koi pond and followed the trail leading up to the clearing. There was lot’s of barking so Weed just followed the sound after the trail disappeared. He didn’t want to call out Alak for help who was unusually upset with him; more importantly Alak was annoying. Weed knocked at the cabin door and could hear Theodore grumbling and cursing who could it be this late, “Who?” “Weed.” “Don’t want any, plenty growing outside.” “No, Weed the elf, who wants to learn blacksmithing?” “….” “Who accepted your challenge?” “….” “Who proved to you that Balkans are liars ….” Weed said, as if provoking the flames of anger. “WHO SAID WE ARE LIARS?” Theodore screamed as he broke open his door with the hammer. Weed smiled, “See I knew you would remember me.” Theodore grumbled, he really didn’t like elves, Weed was probably on the top of his most hated elves list. “Aye, so Weed-elf, tell me what is it that you want?” “Well firstly I came to check on Snappy.” Weed took out the meaty treat and emptied it into Snappy’s bowl. ‘Squirrel is a good slave.’ Snappy barked. He quickly gulped down his third dinner. “Oye! Don’t feed him more meaty treat! I will have to take him out for a walk again!” Theodore grumbled. “Don’t worry, I’ll do it for you.” Weed cheerfully replied, he had been hoping for this. “I also wanted to check on the money left behind. You didn’t take any of it did you?” Weed asked as if he suspected Theodore of thievery. “No! What do I look to you? A thief or a blacksmith?” Theodore hurriedly retorted to defend himself of acquisition. “Well honestly a ….” “Don’t even answer it.” Theodore interrupted as he stuck a butter knife to Weeds face. “Ok I’ll take Snappy for a walk. How soon do you want him back?” “Just tire the little monster out.” “Ok!” Weed dragged Snappy out of the house who refused to be separated from his master. Finally after much pulling, scolding and fighting, Snappy was frolicking around the forest joyfully. Weed was hoping to try out his new sword however Snappy’s presence scared away most of the smaller creatures. After much running and walking, they finally reach the mountain pass. Weed began scaling the eastern side of the mountain, hoping to see something gleaming, however nothing to his luck, there was dirt and snow everywhere. The eastern mountain side was huge, as far as Weed could see was the eastern mountain face. It took him 10 minutes to run from one end to the other. ‘This is going to be a long three weeks.’ Weed sighed. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authors Note: 1. Proof Reader Credits: Knaivvs 2. Released early as part of celebration releases. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Connect to Royal Road – Elementarem Vim next Chapter? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Yes](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=329) | | [No](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=348) | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Chapter 5<br><br>The body of a woman holding an axe over her head could be seen at the back of a building decorated with wooden weapons.<br>“Chopping wood? Making sure I don't stab my foot? Making my skills grow? Split!”<br>[Chop]<br>Is this really the warrior guild? I've only been doing manual labour, feels more like I'm working at a sawmill. <br><br>“Seriously those men!!”<br>When I entered the warrior guild they treated me all right. When I told them I wanted to fight using big weapons they laughed at me.<br>“What can a puny woman do at the battlefield. Here we thought you wanted to work in the kitchen.”<br>“I'll kill you! You'll regret saying that!”<br>“Ohh I'm so scared. Ha, you won't even be able to lift a battle-axe.” <br>“Fine, I'll show you! Give me that.”<br>The burly man threw the axe on the floor and it hit the wooden floor with a heavy [Dunk]. Christine, now she called herself Ru-Lan grabbed the handle. She exerted all her strength but all it amounted to was the battle-axe handle being lifted off the ground by 5cm (2 inches). She panted heavily looking down at her palm, it was dark red and felt very itchy.<br>“See you couldn't even do that! Run back to mummy with your tail between your legs.”<br>“Hahaha!”<br>He grabbed his axe lying on the floor and left the guild. She felt frustrated at her own weakness and was determined to beat the crap out of him in the future. <br><br>“Hi there. I'm sorry for that man earlier. He's a high level warrior but his personality stinks.”<br>Ru-Lan glared at the young man. He wore soot stained clothes and had many scars and bandages on his arms and hands. <br>“I'm in charge of repairing weapons and armor here, name is Karp. If you still wish to join I can set it up with the guildmaster?”<br>“Of course I'm joining.”<br>“Then I'll tell him you will want the heavy course. When you're done you will be able to handle the big weapons. We'll even pay you if you help us with some errands.”<br>“What are you waiting for then? Run and get me started.”<br><br>I knew it was too good to be true. Ever since I started I haven't even touched a large weapon, all I've been swinging is this puny axe. <br>“Damn it. The other newbies are actually learning something, I've seen them spar.”<br>Annoying. I should have joined the mercenary guild instead. My friends stopped visiting me after three days IRL. Said I was being no fun, they'd rather become clerics or magicians. Fine you just sit behind comfortably sipping tea while I fight. No! I can't even afford to eat cake here! All my money goes to herbs for my blisters and the rest I'm saving. A beginner battle-axe costs 50 silver while a good beginner sword costs 10 silver. So unfair!<br><br>***<br><br>Today's physiotherapy session went all right. He mentioned my complexion seemed to be more full of life. I guess it's thanks to RR that I'm sort of happy again. I haven't been enjoying myself this much ever since my arthritis was discovered. I just hope my joints won't be too stiff from all this playing.<br><br>Today Henkel had returned to the café he previously worked at, it was time to tell a new story and it was exactly one month today since the last time the spice merchant came. René was out buying what he could get his hands on and Henkel managed the café in his absence. It has really been a benefit learning to brew tea and coffee, the method is basically the same and recipes are similar. He's been enjoying a good cup of tea both in and out of the game.<br><br>Just earlier his cooking skill had been raised to level 5 beginner. The brewed beverages he now made gave bonus stats after consuming. Everything from increasing regeneration to additional stat points.<br><br>Brewing is fun, it's easy because the rarer ingredients you use the more experience you get. There are so many different recipes you can make as well, just shifting the ratio of certain ingredients can give a totally different effect. Then I also have to remember them which take a lot of effort, thank god I'm keeping a journal on it. The only real downside I can find right now is that I can't cook. Even though I have “cooking” at level 5 I can't produce a decent dish, be it barbecuing or frying. All I'm confident doing is boiling eggs so I always got a couple boiled ones in my bag.<br><br>[ding]<br>“I'm back Henkel! You won't believe what things I come with.”<br>“Right on time. All the customers have just left so we have time to look over the things you bought.”<br><br>René took out the items from his bag. There were many different dried leaves and other kinds of dried ingredients. He boiled water and poured it into many small cups and then he took just a few leaves and put them into the hot water. This was the way to figure out the taste of the ingredients you had, small experiments. They sat and tested all the different ingredients René bought, they had to be careful handling them since it cost him 20 gold to buy them. 10 gold might not seem a lot to an adventurer but to a small business owner it was a months salary.<br><br>The new ingredients were one of the reasons Henkel had come back to the café, the other two were that he was going to the knight academy anyway which was just next door. The third reason was to chat with the customers to see if anyone had any information on the archaeological investigation that was going to take place soon. René hadn't heard anything about it which was regrettable, I'd have to wait after dinner when I tell my story to ask the audience. Hopefully some of the kids would have heard anything.<br><br>Time passed again and Henkel had finished another story and was asking the children if they knew anything about it. No one spoke up and they went home. Feeling dejected Henkel sat down checking the contents of his bag. Two boys approached him from the side.<br><br>“Excuse us. You mentioned about the archaeological expedition?”<br>“Yes, I did. Do you have anything you wish to share with me?”<br>“Ahm... Daniel's brother sometimes does some mercenary work part-time from being a knight. Sorry, this is Daniel he's a bit nervous since he really admires you. I'm Adam.”<br>“Take a seat and we'll discuss over some tea.”<br><br>“Daniel. You want to tell him?”<br>“You continue.”<br>“All right.”<br><br>“Please speak Adam. ”<br>“It's an open secret that Daniel's brother frequently goes off on mercenary missions. Then there was this one night not long ago when he came back home all infuriated. He had heard of a research expedition of some sort but they had refused to hire him. You see he's a very accomplished knight which is why nobody bothers him doing mercenary work but they flat out refused him. You can understand the frustration he felt being rejected for the first time. ”<br>“Sounds like he has a short temper that brother.”<br>“Well yes. The racket he made that day was loud enough to be heard five houses away.”<br>“Did he mention anything about them?”<br>“Not specifically, we could just understand some random words from all his shouting. We think they are at an inn that has some kind of relation with birds or feathers. The team consisted of only women but they wore hoods so he didn't know what they looked like. The purpose of their expedition had something to do with a corpse or burial grounds. That is all we heard.”<br>“This is incredible boys! You've done more than enough, how may I ever repay you?”<br>“I don't really want anything but Daniel would want to hear more stories. You think you can grant his wish?”<br>“I see no problem with that, if you have any time then I can tell you a new story just for you. I will of course continue finishing my story I tell to all the children at the normal times.”<br>The two boy's eyes lit up and Adam grabbed Daniel's neck playfully.<br>“Isn't that great Daniel?”<br>“...ehm, Adam...”<br>“What?”<br>“You think Henkel would want to make a book of his stories?”<br>“Heck do I know? Ask him.”<br><br>Crouched together Daniel approached Henkel, he looked as a middle-school girl even though he was a head longer than Adam. <br>“Sir Henkel?”<br>“Oh Daniel, what is it.”<br>“Ehm... I was wondering...do you think you would want to print a book with your stories”<br>“A book?”<br>Do they have a printing press in RR? I've never seen a book with standardized text before though. Would you have to write everything down by yourself?<br>“I've never written a book before. How would that be possible? ”<br>“If you're not against it then just leave it to me. I remember all your stories.”<br>“You do?”<br>“Trust Daniel! He never forgets anything he's read, seen or heard before. Kind of creepy but it's gotten him the highest results in the knight academy exams. Too bad he's not as strong as me though, if only his muscles was as strong as his brain he would have become the strongest knight in history.”<br>“If you let me write them all down then I can show it to you. If you like it I would personally pay for copying the book.”<br>“I can't agree to that.”<br>“Eh? You won't make a book?”<br>“I mean I won't allow you to pay for the book. Leave that to me.”<br>“Waa! I'm so happy. Ok, let's go Adam. Bye Sir Henkel!”<br>“Good bye.”<br><br>There they run off. Ah! I forgot to ask them to introduce me to a knight instructor. I'll just have to go there in the morning. Well then let's see if the quest got updated. Sure did, hmm... Ok the quest is updated with new information. Locate an inn with a bird motive and find the female researchers.<br><br>I wonder why they didn't allow Daniel's brother to join? I hope it's not because they only accept women, if that's true then I won't be able to gather any information. I got time after the bar closes tonight so I'll go search for the inn at least.<br><br>The evening passed without a hitch, the same as all previous evenings though tonight both René and Henkel asked around if the customers had heard anything relating to the expedition. The customers were ignorant of the fact such an expedition existed and Henkel didn't acquire any more information. After cleaning up the usual mess the customers left he headed out to look for inns. René had told him there were 3 big inns in town and about a gross of smaller inns having only a few rooms for rent. Many players rented rooms in the smaller inns as a base for their party or guild. <br><br>Though it had only been maybe 2 weeks since RR was released on the market a number of guilds had already been formed. Most guild members were from previous games and already were acquainted with each other. <br><br>It was impossible for Henkel to investigate all of the guilds tonight and he only managed to scour a couple of inns, unfortunately none of them had any bird motif.<br><br>***<br><br>“There are no more logs left to chop!”<br>“You can't be serious!?”<br>“I've already chopped all the logs that were out in the small shack. I'm done so give me my next task!”<br>“Let me see.”<br><br>Ru-Lan and her instructor went outside, they both stared at the cut logs. She with a satisfied look on her face, he with a frown on his face.<br>“You call this firewood?”<br>“What, I did what you asked.”<br>“I asked you to make the logs into firewood, there is no way these thick logs can be used to keep a fire alive. Split them in two again, then you split them in half one more time. If they are thicker than your wrists than it means you're nor done.”<br>“I've already spent like 10 days chopping wood!”<br>“...You're right, I can't let you do the same again.”<br>“Oh so you do get it!”<br>“Yes, you need a new axe!”<br>“No, that's not what I-”<br>“Here take this one, the blade is sharper so you won't have much problem with chopping. Be sure you don't cut yourself.”<br><br>Ru-Lan was left alone again, she looked over at the logs and back to her hand which held the new axe. She shook her head and placed a log on top of the stump and swung the axe down.<br><br>***<br><br>“Guess this isn't it either.”<br>Henkel made an X mark on the map, 27 small X's all of them an inn he had investigated without success. He had spent a couple of days searching during breaks in his work.<br><br>That was about to change today though. He as usual told a story in the morning before the academy started it's training, this day though he didn't get any stat points. It was the fourth time he didn't get anything, last time he got points it was only 1 point to his charisma. Now though, they stopped being added. Henkel had his suspicions that he had repeated the actions too many times and the affection towards him had been maxed by the children coming to listen. <br><br>Henkel had just come back to the café and threw himself on the chair, it took much too long investigating by himself and he was exhausted.<br>“Why is the city so big? It's like a maze in the side streets hidden away from the main road.”<br>“Tell me about it. Do you know how long it took me to find this café!”<br>“Oh sorry I didn't notice someone was sitting beside me.”<br>“Don't worry it's good I found you. I've been sitting here for a while now.”<br>“Oh you've heard of me? I didn't know the news spread to the players.”<br>“What news?”<br>“You mean you're not here to listen to one of my stories?”<br>“Stories? No I came to find you Henkel.”<br><br>Henkel had a confused look on his face.<br>Do I know this woman? I can't really tell from her character as I'm sure I don't know any werewolves in real life.<br>“It's me, Christina! Do I really look that different than I do in reality? Sure I got some beautiful fur and a bit more muscles but my face and frame is the same.”<br>“Christina! By the gods I didn't expect to see you so soon. Are your four weeks over already?”<br>“Nah I'm starting on my sixth day today, I don't have the weekend shift so I can play lots more.”<br>“And seeing you have more time to spend today you took a break to come looking for me?”<br>“Precisely. I must say that you look more relaxed here than the times I've seen you at the doctor's. It makes me happy to see another side of you.”<br>“That might be so, it's refreshing interacting with the people living here. You don't have to pretend as much here.”<br>“You haven't been around many players then? I on the other hand can't stand the NPC I've met so far. You should have seen my first day here...”<br><br>She and Henkel spoke for a fair bit of time, Christine was so into her story that she didn't even notice she was drinking a fresh cup of tea René had poured. From the corner of Henkel's eye he could see René chuckling to himself listening in on their one-sided conversation. Not until Christina had told him all about her experiences she finally quieted down and began munching on a piece of brioche she had no recollection of ordering.<br><br>“It seems as they are working you to the bone. You should show me that person who insulted you so I can remember to exact a little revenge on your behalf.”<br>“He's not a player but an NPC. But we're still too inexperienced too deal with him on our own, he's at least over level 50.”<br>“I see the children are coming for lunch. Why don't you stay and listen to a story afterwards, you'd be my first player I've entertained.”<br>“Sure, I see no problem in letting some firewood wait for me.”<br>“Great! Then just for today I'll show you something extra.” </div>

Chapter 5 The body of a woman holding an axe over her head could be seen at the back of a building decorated with wooden weapons. “Chopping wood? Making sure I don't stab my foot? Making my skills grow? Split!” [Chop] Is this really the warrior guild? I've only been doing manual labour, feels more like I'm working at a sawmill. “Seriously those men!!” When I entered the warrior guild they treated me all right. When I told them I wanted to fight using big weapons they laughed at me. “What can a puny woman do at the battlefield. Here we thought you wanted to work in the kitchen.” “I'll kill you! You'll regret saying that!” “Ohh I'm so scared. Ha, you won't even be able to lift a battle-axe.” “Fine, I'll show you! Give me that.” The burly man threw the axe on the floor and it hit the wooden floor with a heavy [Dunk]. Christine, now she called herself Ru-Lan grabbed the handle. She exerted all her strength but all it amounted to was the battle-axe handle being lifted off the ground by 5cm (2 inches). She panted heavily looking down at her palm, it was dark red and felt very itchy. “See you couldn't even do that! Run back to mummy with your tail between your legs.” “Hahaha!” He grabbed his axe lying on the floor and left the guild. She felt frustrated at her own weakness and was determined to beat the crap out of him in the future. “Hi there. I'm sorry for that man earlier. He's a high level warrior but his personality stinks.” Ru-Lan glared at the young man. He wore soot stained clothes and had many scars and bandages on his arms and hands. “I'm in charge of repairing weapons and armor here, name is Karp. If you still wish to join I can set it up with the guildmaster?” “Of course I'm joining.” “Then I'll tell him you will want the heavy course. When you're done you will be able to handle the big weapons. We'll even pay you if you help us with some errands.” “What are you waiting for then? Run and get me started.” I knew it was too good to be true. Ever since I started I haven't even touched a large weapon, all I've been swinging is this puny axe. “Damn it. The other newbies are actually learning something, I've seen them spar.” Annoying. I should have joined the mercenary guild instead. My friends stopped visiting me after three days IRL. Said I was being no fun, they'd rather become clerics or magicians. Fine you just sit behind comfortably sipping tea while I fight. No! I can't even afford to eat cake here! All my money goes to herbs for my blisters and the rest I'm saving. A beginner battle-axe costs 50 silver while a good beginner sword costs 10 silver. So unfair! *** Today's physiotherapy session went all right. He mentioned my complexion seemed to be more full of life. I guess it's thanks to RR that I'm sort of happy again. I haven't been enjoying myself this much ever since my arthritis was discovered. I just hope my joints won't be too stiff from all this playing. Today Henkel had returned to the café he previously worked at, it was time to tell a new story and it was exactly one month today since the last time the spice merchant came. René was out buying what he could get his hands on and Henkel managed the café in his absence. It has really been a benefit learning to brew tea and coffee, the method is basically the same and recipes are similar. He's been enjoying a good cup of tea both in and out of the game. Just earlier his cooking skill had been raised to level 5 beginner. The brewed beverages he now made gave bonus stats after consuming. Everything from increasing regeneration to additional stat points. Brewing is fun, it's easy because the rarer ingredients you use the more experience you get. There are so many different recipes you can make as well, just shifting the ratio of certain ingredients can give a totally different effect. Then I also have to remember them which take a lot of effort, thank god I'm keeping a journal on it. The only real downside I can find right now is that I can't cook. Even though I have “cooking” at level 5 I can't produce a decent dish, be it barbecuing or frying. All I'm confident doing is boiling eggs so I always got a couple boiled ones in my bag. [ding] “I'm back Henkel! You won't believe what things I come with.” “Right on time. All the customers have just left so we have time to look over the things you bought.” René took out the items from his bag. There were many different dried leaves and other kinds of dried ingredients. He boiled water and poured it into many small cups and then he took just a few leaves and put them into the hot water. This was the way to figure out the taste of the ingredients you had, small experiments. They sat and tested all the different ingredients René bought, they had to be careful handling them since it cost him 20 gold to buy them. 10 gold might not seem a lot to an adventurer but to a small business owner it was a months salary. The new ingredients were one of the reasons Henkel had come back to the café, the other two were that he was going to the knight academy anyway which was just next door. The third reason was to chat with the customers to see if anyone had any information on the archaeological investigation that was going to take place soon. René hadn't heard anything about it which was regrettable, I'd have to wait after dinner when I tell my story to ask the audience. Hopefully some of the kids would have heard anything. Time passed again and Henkel had finished another story and was asking the children if they knew anything about it. No one spoke up and they went home. Feeling dejected Henkel sat down checking the contents of his bag. Two boys approached him from the side. “Excuse us. You mentioned about the archaeological expedition?” “Yes, I did. Do you have anything you wish to share with me?” “Ahm... Daniel's brother sometimes does some mercenary work part-time from being a knight. Sorry, this is Daniel he's a bit nervous since he really admires you. I'm Adam.” “Take a seat and we'll discuss over some tea.” “Daniel. You want to tell him?” “You continue.” “All right.” “Please speak Adam. ” “It's an open secret that Daniel's brother frequently goes off on mercenary missions. Then there was this one night not long ago when he came back home all infuriated. He had heard of a research expedition of some sort but they had refused to hire him. You see he's a very accomplished knight which is why nobody bothers him doing mercenary work but they flat out refused him. You can understand the frustration he felt being rejected for the first time. ” “Sounds like he has a short temper that brother.” “Well yes. The racket he made that day was loud enough to be heard five houses away.” “Did he mention anything about them?” “Not specifically, we could just understand some random words from all his shouting. We think they are at an inn that has some kind of relation with birds or feathers. The team consisted of only women but they wore hoods so he didn't know what they looked like. The purpose of their expedition had something to do with a corpse or burial grounds. That is all we heard.” “This is incredible boys! You've done more than enough, how may I ever repay you?” “I don't really want anything but Daniel would want to hear more stories. You think you can grant his wish?” “I see no problem with that, if you have any time then I can tell you a new story just for you. I will of course continue finishing my story I tell to all the children at the normal times.” The two boy's eyes lit up and Adam grabbed Daniel's neck playfully. “Isn't that great Daniel?” “...ehm, Adam...” “What?” “You think Henkel would want to make a book of his stories?” “Heck do I know? Ask him.” Crouched together Daniel approached Henkel, he looked as a middle-school girl even though he was a head longer than Adam. “Sir Henkel?” “Oh Daniel, what is it.” “Ehm... I was wondering...do you think you would want to print a book with your stories” “A book?” Do they have a printing press in RR? I've never seen a book with standardized text before though. Would you have to write everything down by yourself? “I've never written a book before. How would that be possible? ” “If you're not against it then just leave it to me. I remember all your stories.” “You do?” “Trust Daniel! He never forgets anything he's read, seen or heard before. Kind of creepy but it's gotten him the highest results in the knight academy exams. Too bad he's not as strong as me though, if only his muscles was as strong as his brain he would have become the strongest knight in history.” “If you let me write them all down then I can show it to you. If you like it I would personally pay for copying the book.” “I can't agree to that.” “Eh? You won't make a book?” “I mean I won't allow you to pay for the book. Leave that to me.” “Waa! I'm so happy. Ok, let's go Adam. Bye Sir Henkel!” “Good bye.” There they run off. Ah! I forgot to ask them to introduce me to a knight instructor. I'll just have to go there in the morning. Well then let's see if the quest got updated. Sure did, hmm... Ok the quest is updated with new information. Locate an inn with a bird motive and find the female researchers. I wonder why they didn't allow Daniel's brother to join? I hope it's not because they only accept women, if that's true then I won't be able to gather any information. I got time after the bar closes tonight so I'll go search for the inn at least. The evening passed without a hitch, the same as all previous evenings though tonight both René and Henkel asked around if the customers had heard anything relating to the expedition. The customers were ignorant of the fact such an expedition existed and Henkel didn't acquire any more information. After cleaning up the usual mess the customers left he headed out to look for inns. René had told him there were 3 big inns in town and about a gross of smaller inns having only a few rooms for rent. Many players rented rooms in the smaller inns as a base for their party or guild. Though it had only been maybe 2 weeks since RR was released on the market a number of guilds had already been formed. Most guild members were from previous games and already were acquainted with each other. It was impossible for Henkel to investigate all of the guilds tonight and he only managed to scour a couple of inns, unfortunately none of them had any bird motif. *** “There are no more logs left to chop!” “You can't be serious!?” “I've already chopped all the logs that were out in the small shack. I'm done so give me my next task!” “Let me see.” Ru-Lan and her instructor went outside, they both stared at the cut logs. She with a satisfied look on her face, he with a frown on his face. “You call this firewood?” “What, I did what you asked.” “I asked you to make the logs into firewood, there is no way these thick logs can be used to keep a fire alive. Split them in two again, then you split them in half one more time. If they are thicker than your wrists than it means you're nor done.” “I've already spent like 10 days chopping wood!” “...You're right, I can't let you do the same again.” “Oh so you do get it!” “Yes, you need a new axe!” “No, that's not what I-” “Here take this one, the blade is sharper so you won't have much problem with chopping. Be sure you don't cut yourself.” Ru-Lan was left alone again, she looked over at the logs and back to her hand which held the new axe. She shook her head and placed a log on top of the stump and swung the axe down. *** “Guess this isn't it either.” Henkel made an X mark on the map, 27 small X's all of them an inn he had investigated without success. He had spent a couple of days searching during breaks in his work. That was about to change today though. He as usual told a story in the morning before the academy started it's training, this day though he didn't get any stat points. It was the fourth time he didn't get anything, last time he got points it was only 1 point to his charisma. Now though, they stopped being added. Henkel had his suspicions that he had repeated the actions too many times and the affection towards him had been maxed by the children coming to listen. Henkel had just come back to the café and threw himself on the chair, it took much too long investigating by himself and he was exhausted. “Why is the city so big? It's like a maze in the side streets hidden away from the main road.” “Tell me about it. Do you know how long it took me to find this café!” “Oh sorry I didn't notice someone was sitting beside me.” “Don't worry it's good I found you. I've been sitting here for a while now.” “Oh you've heard of me? I didn't know the news spread to the players.” “What news?” “You mean you're not here to listen to one of my stories?” “Stories? No I came to find you Henkel.” Henkel had a confused look on his face. Do I know this woman? I can't really tell from her character as I'm sure I don't know any werewolves in real life. “It's me, Christina! Do I really look that different than I do in reality? Sure I got some beautiful fur and a bit more muscles but my face and frame is the same.” “Christina! By the gods I didn't expect to see you so soon. Are your four weeks over already?” “Nah I'm starting on my sixth day today, I don't have the weekend shift so I can play lots more.” “And seeing you have more time to spend today you took a break to come looking for me?” “Precisely. I must say that you look more relaxed here than the times I've seen you at the doctor's. It makes me happy to see another side of you.” “That might be so, it's refreshing interacting with the people living here. You don't have to pretend as much here.” “You haven't been around many players then? I on the other hand can't stand the NPC I've met so far. You should have seen my first day here...” She and Henkel spoke for a fair bit of time, Christine was so into her story that she didn't even notice she was drinking a fresh cup of tea René had poured. From the corner of Henkel's eye he could see René chuckling to himself listening in on their one-sided conversation. Not until Christina had told him all about her experiences she finally quieted down and began munching on a piece of brioche she had no recollection of ordering. “It seems as they are working you to the bone. You should show me that person who insulted you so I can remember to exact a little revenge on your behalf.” “He's not a player but an NPC. But we're still too inexperienced too deal with him on our own, he's at least over level 50.” “I see the children are coming for lunch. Why don't you stay and listen to a story afterwards, you'd be my first player I've entertained.” “Sure, I see no problem in letting some firewood wait for me.” “Great! Then just for today I'll show you something extra.”

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Necromancer<br>A Royal Road Fan Fiction<br>By: Halosty<br>Chapter 6<br><br><br> Solara Vail was a very shy girl. This had led, in a rather recursive fashion, to social awkwardness. She was shy, so she didn’t know how to talk to people, which just made her more shy. On and on and on, as such. She was, however, also quite intelligent. Generally, this is the formula for a stereotypical nerd. Another contributing factor to her social awkwardness. Throughout much of her life, this caused her much distress. Partly because people picked on her in school, but while unpleasant this was not a terribly big problem for Solara. No, in fact it was the fact that although she was shy, she really liked being around people. She wanted to be able to talk to them, and her inability to do so hurt.<br><br> This is why Mortimer Perrywinkle was sort of a blessing. Sort of. When she first saw him, Solara had been talking out loud to herself off in the corner of a courtyard, during the lunch period at school. She had been practicing conversation, in an attempt to get better at it. Then she saw him, kind of awkwardly hiding, but obviously making the attempt. She wanted to go up to him and talk to him, but she was too shy to attempt it.<br><br> Instead, she started talking to herself more, to communicate with him. It was a sort of odd, one-sided conversation. She never learned much about him, since he said nothing and pretended not to be there, and she pretended not to notice him. However, he also learned about her mostly just what she wanted him to know. After that first day, she was careful in what she said. She even left a carefully formulated journal which Mortimer was <del>creepy</del>observant enough to find.<br><br> This very awkward relationship carried on for some time before Solara found another possible way to come out of her shell. Virtual Reality. There was a game called Royal Road which practically everyone played. She saved up money and sucked up to her relatives for some time before finally getting a capsule for her birthday. She would have to pay for her subscription herself. Still, it promised another world where she could be someone else.<br><br> She had researched the game quite a bit before playing, and decided she wanted to be a bard. She had always been interested in the thought of playing an instrument, and wanted to force herself to do something that would inevitably involve other people. She had considered being a dancer, but bard had won out since she had to choose just one.<br><br> Thus, when she logged into Royal Road for the first time, she made sweeping changes to her appearance. No one could recognize her, because she would be using an entirely different face, build, hair color... everything. She also planned to go in with an entirely different attitude than she did outside of Royal Road. Solara chose to name her character Ruby, although it was perhaps a bit cliche. Well, quite a lot. Still, bards were kind of expected to be extravagant about whatever they did, so why not start with a bit of a pretentious name. <br> During her first couple of game days she did quite a few odd jobs, and also went for singing and instrumental lessons at the bard’s guild. She even managed to pick up the singing skill. Then, she spent some time practicing in less traveled areas of the city. She really wanted to sing in the main square, but she wasn’t really that good yet, and she was still kind of embarassed of the idea. Still, she had been talking to some people, and that had been more than she had done before. Men were significantly more eager to talk to her, probably because of her new looks.<br><br> After a few days, she saw Mortimer when she was just finishing up her singing practice. It was easy to recognize him, even with the few minor changes he had made. She’d seen him often enough, and he was the closest thing she had to a friend. She tried to avoid thinking about how pathetic that was, and walked towards him. She was going to talk to him, as the new, more social her. Unfortunately, he skittered away. She realized he probably didn’t actually recognize her, so he probably thought an unknown woman had noticed him stalking her. This made her feel rather odd, as she both felt jealousy at Mortimer watching another woman, and disgust at the thought of thinking her stalker was kind of cute. She hadn’t really thought about that second point much at all.<br><br> Solara soon learned that the dance skill could be used, to a much lesser effect, even for one not of the dancer class. She thought it might be a good thing to have, and thus learned that as well. Again, she went to practice her skills. She noticed Mortimer watching her again, much earlier this time. She had to rest, so she had plenty of time to look around. Then, one time he slipped around the corner, with much more finesse than he had exhibited when they first met. This was the last Solara, as Ruby, saw of him for a long time.<br><br><br>-------------------------------------<br>A note to readers: I hate some of you (not really) for guessing some of the things I was/am going to do. Just let it be known that I (mostly) won’t be changing my story based on suggestions you guys make. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give them, and I love comments, I’m just saying that if you see something you suggested it doesn’t necessarily mean I was swayed by your comment. Then again, it could be subliminal, so keep at it, and maybe you’ll get everything you want!<br><br>End Chapter 6<br><br>Previous Chapter: &lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=198&amp;p=420#p420"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=198&amp;p=420#p420&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=246"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=246&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt; </div>

Necromancer A Royal Road Fan Fiction By: Halosty Chapter 6 Solara Vail was a very shy girl. This had led, in a rather recursive fashion, to social awkwardness. She was shy, so she didn’t know how to talk to people, which just made her more shy. On and on and on, as such. She was, however, also quite intelligent. Generally, this is the formula for a stereotypical nerd. Another contributing factor to her social awkwardness. Throughout much of her life, this caused her much distress. Partly because people picked on her in school, but while unpleasant this was not a terribly big problem for Solara. No, in fact it was the fact that although she was shy, she really liked being around people. She wanted to be able to talk to them, and her inability to do so hurt. This is why Mortimer Perrywinkle was sort of a blessing. Sort of. When she first saw him, Solara had been talking out loud to herself off in the corner of a courtyard, during the lunch period at school. She had been practicing conversation, in an attempt to get better at it. Then she saw him, kind of awkwardly hiding, but obviously making the attempt. She wanted to go up to him and talk to him, but she was too shy to attempt it. Instead, she started talking to herself more, to communicate with him. It was a sort of odd, one-sided conversation. She never learned much about him, since he said nothing and pretended not to be there, and she pretended not to notice him. However, he also learned about her mostly just what she wanted him to know. After that first day, she was careful in what she said. She even left a carefully formulated journal which Mortimer was ~~creepy~~observant enough to find. This very awkward relationship carried on for some time before Solara found another possible way to come out of her shell. Virtual Reality. There was a game called Royal Road which practically everyone played. She saved up money and sucked up to her relatives for some time before finally getting a capsule for her birthday. She would have to pay for her subscription herself. Still, it promised another world where she could be someone else. She had researched the game quite a bit before playing, and decided she wanted to be a bard. She had always been interested in the thought of playing an instrument, and wanted to force herself to do something that would inevitably involve other people. She had considered being a dancer, but bard had won out since she had to choose just one. Thus, when she logged into Royal Road for the first time, she made sweeping changes to her appearance. No one could recognize her, because she would be using an entirely different face, build, hair color... everything. She also planned to go in with an entirely different attitude than she did outside of Royal Road. Solara chose to name her character Ruby, although it was perhaps a bit cliche. Well, quite a lot. Still, bards were kind of expected to be extravagant about whatever they did, so why not start with a bit of a pretentious name. During her first couple of game days she did quite a few odd jobs, and also went for singing and instrumental lessons at the bard’s guild. She even managed to pick up the singing skill. Then, she spent some time practicing in less traveled areas of the city. She really wanted to sing in the main square, but she wasn’t really that good yet, and she was still kind of embarassed of the idea. Still, she had been talking to some people, and that had been more than she had done before. Men were significantly more eager to talk to her, probably because of her new looks. After a few days, she saw Mortimer when she was just finishing up her singing practice. It was easy to recognize him, even with the few minor changes he had made. She’d seen him often enough, and he was the closest thing she had to a friend. She tried to avoid thinking about how pathetic that was, and walked towards him. She was going to talk to him, as the new, more social her. Unfortunately, he skittered away. She realized he probably didn’t actually recognize her, so he probably thought an unknown woman had noticed him stalking her. This made her feel rather odd, as she both felt jealousy at Mortimer watching another woman, and disgust at the thought of thinking her stalker was kind of cute. She hadn’t really thought about that second point much at all. Solara soon learned that the dance skill could be used, to a much lesser effect, even for one not of the dancer class. She thought it might be a good thing to have, and thus learned that as well. Again, she went to practice her skills. She noticed Mortimer watching her again, much earlier this time. She had to rest, so she had plenty of time to look around. Then, one time he slipped around the corner, with much more finesse than he had exhibited when they first met. This was the last Solara, as Ruby, saw of him for a long time. ------------------------------------- A note to readers: I hate some of you (not really) for guessing some of the things I was/am going to do. Just let it be known that I (mostly) won’t be changing my story based on suggestions you guys make. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give them, and I love comments, I’m just saying that if you see something you suggested it doesn’t necessarily mean I was swayed by your comment. Then again, it could be subliminal, so keep at it, and maybe you’ll get everything you want! End Chapter 6 Previous Chapter: <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=198&p=420#p420">viewtopic.php?f=47&t=198&p=420#p420</a><!-- l --> Next Chapter: <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=246">viewtopic.php?f=47&t=246</a><!-- l -->

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Chapter 5.1:</span> Foot... meet Axe</span><br><br>Foot had been looking for Ty for hours. He had checked in with Hog where he had last seen him. No Ty. He had then asked for him at the magistrate’s mansion where he had gone to deliver a message. No Ty. He had gone to Lord Meckell’s home, no Ty. Lord Sadim’s, no Ty. Lord Equival’s, no Ty. And so it went on for hours until he had had enough. He decided he would go visit Mila and wait for Ty to come to him. <br><br>‘He’s got to go home at some point right?’<br><br>It was almost dawn by the time Foot made his decision. Ty had been delivering his messages all through the night and Foot had always been just a little too late to catch up with him. He now made his way across the Fort using back alleys and corners; he knew the town like the back of his hand and used the quickest possible route.<br><br>A few streets away Foot caught the smell of Mila’s baking bread and followed it home. He spared one last glance at the sunrise that was drowning the Fort and walked into the bakery. Mila was a rotund woman of short stature and crisp black hair that she wore in a bun.<br><br>-“Well good morning young’un. You’re quite early – though Ty <span style="font-style: italic;">did</span> say you would be coming by.” Mila greeted from behind the counter where she had been setting up racks of bread.<br><br>“Good morning Mila. Ty said that? I was actually looking for him. Do you know where I can find him?” Foot asked.<br><br>-“Sure. He’d be on the road by now. He’s probably half way to the capital already. Always been a free spirit that one. Could never stay in one place for long.”<br><br>“What? But he’s supposed to be giving me training.”<br><br>-“You a messenger now then too? Well I guess it does suit-ya. I don’t know what Ty said about training you but he told me to give you this before he left.” Mila handed foot an envelope. “Hope it helps you. Now are ya gon be buying bread or not? I love chattin’ with you – but its almost opening time and I still have things I need to do.”<br><br>“Not today Mila. Sorry for taking your time and thank you for this.” Foot said as he held up the envelope. “I’ll be going then.” He said, leaving the bakery.<br><br>Outside he opened the envelope – breaking the black seal that had been adorned by a crest of a boot with wings on it. The writing was almost illegible and the ink was smeared in some places. It seemed to have been written in a rush.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">To Whom It May Concern.<br>That’s you boy.<br>I had to leave town on an errand. I am not sure when I will be back. <br>Could be a month or it could be three.<br>As my apprentice you are currently too weak to learn anything from me anyways.<br>Use this time to become stronger so you don’t embarrass your master.<br>Go see Brutus, I believe he needed some help. You will learn something.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>‘Too <span style="font-style: italic;">weak</span>?’<br><br>Foot opened his status window.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Character Name</td><td width="25%">Foot</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%">Profession</td><td width="25%">Second Restless Messenger</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Title</td><td colspan="3">The Second</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fame</td><td colspan="3">68</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">600</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">100</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">13</td><td width="25%">Agility</td><td width="25%">51</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Vitality</td><td width="25%">49</td><td width="25%">Flexibility</td><td width="25%">2</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%">2</td><td width="25%">Leadership</td><td width="25%">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Endurance</td><td colspan="3">23</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Attack</td><td colspan="3">2</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Defense</td><td colspan="3">1</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Magic Resistance</td><td colspan="3">None</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Foot was actually kind of angry for being left behind. He didn’t have time to waste in this game. After waiting for four weeks to get out he was now experiencing other kinds of limitations. If he was going to ‘learn something’ from Brutus, he wanted to get it out of the way so that he could go hunt some monsters to level up.<br><br>----------<br><br>Foot had met Brutus on one of his previous errands so he knew where to find him. The man lived in a shack on the other side of the wall. Foot left Fort Feranisburg on the opposite side from where Hog’s post was. If you left the Fort and kept walking straight ahead from Hog’s side you would soon cross into Siradin territory. If you left from the gate through which Foot now passed you would only go deeper into Kallamore.<br><br>On this side of the Fort there was another, much smaller and much closer forest. It wasn’t a small forest, but comparing it to Siradin’s forest was futile. Puddle Meet Ocean.<br><br>Brutus’s shack was on the edge of said puddle. Foot walked up to it and knocked.<br><br>There was no answer.<br><br>He knocked again.<br><br>No answer.<br><br>By now the sun had already come up but it was still early morning. ‘Maybe he’s still asleep? No he wouldn’t be – he’s the kind of person that wakes up before the sun and goes to sleep after it. Hmm.’<br><br>As Foot stood in front of the door unsure of what to do he heard a sound in the far-off distance. Wack. Wack. Wack.<br><br>‘That’s gotta be Brutus, nobody else would be here so early in the morning.’<br><br>He followed the sound into the forest. It took him almost twenty minutes to reach the source of the sound. Foot found Brutus chopping down a tree. Not wanting to sneak up behind a man with an axe he waited for him to finish on the tree.<br><br>After a few more minutes the tree fell and Brutus turned around to look at Foot. He grunted and said, “Ty said you would be coming round. Said you’d be here earlier though. I waited for a good half hour after the sun rose for you to show up. And when you didn’t… well. I don’t have time to be waiting around for people.”<br><br>Foot’s familiarity with Brutus was quite low seeing as he had only had one quest involving the man – and he didn't seem one to be easily befriended. He was about to reply when Brutus continued.<br><br>-“Well. There’s no point in lolly-gagging now is there? I need you to cut down some trees for me. I was going to do it myself when you didn’t show. But now I can leave you to it. Here.” <br><br>Brutus handed him the axe and walked off in the direction of his shack.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You have received a New Quest.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Got Wood?<br>Brutus needs some wood for an unknown project. Chop down the 1000 marked trees.<br>Trees felled: 1/1000<br>Difficulty: Unknown<br>Days Left for Completion: 10</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>‘… ok?’<br><br>‘…’<br><br>‘I don’t remember accepting this.’ <br><br>Foot didn't want to spend 10 days chopping wood when he needed to be getting stronger. <br><br>‘If I stay here like this I’m never going to get strong enough to be Emperor.’ <br><br>He considered going after Brutus to refuse the quest but then quickly decided it made more sense for him to just complete the quest.<br><br>Brutus wasn't mean looking or anything. In fact Brutus just looked lonely. He was a big bulky guy with a beard. Brutus was short for words. If Foot had had the courage to confront him, Brutus would probably not have said anything. As it stood though, the nine-year old decided to chop wood instead.<br><br>‘That man is scary, even if he <span style="font-style: italic;">is</span> an NPC.'<br><br>Foot strengthened the grip on the axe he still held and considered his quest. <br><br>‘I guess the 1/1000 means that Brutus’s tree already counts as the first one.’ <br><br>Looking at the tree he saw a red X on it that he hadn’t seen before. <br><br>‘I guess <span style="font-style: italic;"> that</span> means that you can only see the marks when you accept the quest.’<br><br>He looked at the trees around him to find the next marked one. None of the ones he could see where marked so he moved deeper into the woods. He found the next tree about a minute later. Having never chopped anything before Foot wasn't sure how to go about it. He decided it would be better if he just tried it to see what would happen.<br><br>As soon as he used both hands to hold the axe in preparation for the first stroke he got a message.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Chopping Tutorial Activated.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>He considered the axe. <br><br>‘It must be because of this.’<br><br>Shrugging he drew it back to take the first swing at the tree…<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Your grip is wrong. Hands must be further apart.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Foot stumbled as he tried to reposition himself after the momentum of the axe carried him a little. The message had caught him a little by surprise. He held his hands a little further apart and drew back once more…<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Your grip is wrong. Hands must be further apart.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Foot moved them further apart and tried again…<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Your grip is wrong. Hands must be further apart.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Getting annoyed Foot shifted his hands so they were as far apart as they would go on the axe and tried again…<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Your grip is wrong. Hands must be closer together.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>‘…’<br><br>After six more tries Foot got his hands into the position that the axe wanted and successfully chopped at the tree when…<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Your swing was too wide. You did not use enough force on impact. Your point of impact was too high.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>His nine-year old patience was being severely pressed but Foot tried to make the changes that the tutorial asked for.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You used too much force on impact. Your point of impact was too high.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>He made some adjustments…<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You used too much force on impact.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>‘At least I know where to hit it now.’<br><br>Foot continued to swing away at the tree. Sometimes he would get the swing just right and wouldn't get a notification, but after most chops he would get a message.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You used too much force on impact.</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 used too much force on impact.</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">Your swing was too wide. You did not use enough force on impact. Your point of impact was too high.</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 did not use enough force on impact.</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 used too much force on impact.</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">That cannot be categorized as an attempt.</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">Your swing was too wide. You did not use enough force on impact. Your point of impact was too high.</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 did not use enough force on impact.</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 used too much force on impact.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>After fifteen minutes of continuous messages, he still hadn’t made much progress. He was a third of the way through the tree and by this time really annoyed. No matter what he did the messages kept coming. ‘What kind of perfectionist asshole programmed you!??’<br><br>He tried turning the tutorial off but was instead rewarded with another message.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">This tutorial cannot be terminated until the appropriate skills have been learned.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>So Foot kept chopping and receiving messages after every couple of swings.<br><br>Wack.<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You used too much force on impact</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Wack. Wack. Wack.<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You used too much force on impact.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Wack.<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Your swing was unbalanced.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Wack. Wack.<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You used too much force on impact.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Wack.<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You did not use enough force on impact.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Wack.<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You used too much force on impact.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Wack. Wack. Wack. Wack.<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You used too much force on impact.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Eventually the tree fell and he gave a relieved sigh.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Trees felled: 2/1000</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Foot was doubting he would be able to continue chopping another 998 trees whilst receiving messages after every chop. He was considering facing Brutus after all when his skill was activated.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Beast Awareness activated. You have detected a hostile fox.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br>Immediately alert, Foot whirled about looking for the fox. He still remembered his previous fox encounter on the day before and was more than a little scared.<br><br>He heard the bushes stirring to his right and turned in time to see the fox jump out at him. Reflexively he held out the axe and the fox bit into its handle while he held onto the sides. Foot pushed the axe away from him with all the force he could muster. When the fox wouldn't let go of the axe he took a step back and lunged, throwing his body into the axe and then letting go of it.<br><br>The axe, and the fox with it, flew off of him. Foot looked for his dagger in his inventory but couldn't find it until he remembered he had dropped it the day before. <br><br>‘Stupid! Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Why didn't I get a new one? Now what am I supposed to do?’ <br><br>Having nothing else at his disposal he decided to try the drop-kick he had learned in the Training Hall.<br><br>The fox let go of the axe and was already running towards him when Foot also moved towards it.<br><br>“Drop-kick.”<br><br>Both of Foot’s feet slammed into the fox’s head while it had been mid-jump. Foot quickly regained his feet and watched as the fox swerved on its legs.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You have stunned your opponent.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Not knowing how long the effect would last Foot viciously attacked the fox by kicking and trampling on it. The kicks were not very effective so after three minutes Foot still hadn’t defeated it when the stun wore off. He quickly did another drop-kick and stunned it again. Foot resumed his kicking spree knowing that he had to finish it off before the stun wore off once more. <br><br>‘Each drop-kick uses 50 mana – so I won’t be able to use it again. If only my mana recovery rate was higher!’<br><br>After another two minutes of vigorously stamping and kicking the animal, it finally died. By this point any spectator would have started to feel bad for the helpless fox – but all Foot cared about was killing the thing. <br><br>‘I have to learn how to kill this fox, otherwise I won’t get any stronger. I can’t just keep running away from every thing that comes at me. If there are other foxes in these woods and I run from every one I see – I’ll never finish this quest on time.’<br><br>Foot had been on the verge of achieving level 6 with his EXP. The kill brought him the EXP he needed to level up.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">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 colspan="4">Beast Awareness [1] has risen by 23%.</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">Drop-kick[1] has risen by 36%.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Strength rises by 2. (+2 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 colspan="4">Skill: You have learned Iron Leg [Passive]. Increases your strength and attack power by 200% when using legs as weapon. Decreases damage attained to leg by 200%. Will experience a 10% improvement at each skill level.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Having 5 stat points to use, Foot considered where to invest them. <br><br>‘I guess I will use them towards INT. That way both my MP and mana recovery rate will incrase. At this point if I have to use it more than twice I will be toast.’ <br><br>He was a little sad at seeing the stats not going towards his agility or strength but considered the possible fights he would have in the future and put all 5 stat points towards INT.<br><br>Satisfied with his investment, he turned back to his quest. He rummaged through the leaves on the ground trying to find the axe he discarded. Eventually he found it and set off to find another X-marked tree.<br><br>The frenzy of the fight had made Foot <span style="font-style: italic;">almost</span> forget until…<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Your grip is wrong. Hands must be further apart.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Oh come on!” He screamed at the axe.<br><br>It didn't seem to listen.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Your point of impact was too high.</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 used too much force on impact.</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">That cannot be categorized as an attempt.</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">Your swing was too wide. You did not use enough force on impact. Your point of impact was too high.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>…<br><br>This went on through the felling of the next tree. Sometimes he would go up to ten or fifteen chops until he got a message. The longer intervals however only made the messages that much worse. After he finished chopping down that tree he was happy for the minute it would take him to find the next tree. <br><br>‘That’s a minute where I don't have to get another stupid message!’<br><br>Foot found the tree way too fast for his own liking and reluctantly prepared himself.<br><br>Wack.<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Your swing was too wide.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Somehow, this proved to be Foot’s breaking point.<br><br>“Ahhhhh! I’ve had enough!!” he screamed as he lifted up the axe and brought it down on his knee with force. It did not break but he relished the slight pain it brought and repeated the process again and again and again. He vented all the frustration he had from getting the messages over and over and over again. He couldn't vent the frustrations into the tree because he would be notified with, ‘you used too much force on impact’. So Foot let out all of his aggressions onto the axe – which eventually gave way and snapped in half.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">The tutorial has been terminated.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>'...'<br><br>Foot hadn’t actually intended or expected to break the axe and was a little dazed.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Iron Leg[1] has risen by 11%.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Endurance rises by 1. (+1 STR)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>The shock from breaking the axe wore off but he immediately got angry at it again. <br><br>‘How am I supposed to chop these damn trees without an axe now?’ <br><br>Foot didn't even <span style="font-style: italic;">consider</span> appealing to Brutus for a new axe. <br><br>‘Yeah right. I bet he’s going to be real happy when I tell him I broke his axe. No thanks.’<br><br>He thought he would have to go into the Fort to buy one from the vendors but he flinched at the thought. Foot had painstakingly saved as much money as he could in the last month and he didn't want to go spend it all for an axe he needed for a mediocre quest.<br><br>Staring at the tree that he had given only one chop he considered his options. He didn't have anything in his inventory he could use. Looking at the exposed wood beneath the cut he had given the tree he thought about his fight with the fox. <br><br>‘What if…?’<br><br>Deciding to give it a try, Foot drop-kicked the tree and looked at the results. The axe-cut had been enlarged slightly revealing more wood beneath the bark. There was a shallow foot sized impression. <br><br>‘It’s not much, and it will probably take longer than it did with the axe but I think it’s doable. Plus – this way I can improve my skills.’ He grinned at the prospect.<br><br>Foot proceeded to drop-kick the tree again. Though his MP had gone up by 25 with the 5 stat points he had assigned to INT, he still wasn't able to use the skill more than twice. <br><br>‘I better not do that again. If another fox sneaks up on me I need to have at least enough MP for one drop-kick.’<br><br>Instead of using the drop-kick Foot decided to just kick as hard as he could.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Iron Leg[1] has risen by 1%.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>He smiled. <br><br>‘That’s what I thought.’<br><br>After that Foot packed the broken axe into his inventory and proceeded to fell the tree with his legs. When his MP would recover to over 100 he would use a drop-kick that was a lot more effective in chopping down the tree. He wouldn't use it twice though, conserving the use in case of an attack.<br><br>His skills in Iron Leg and Drop-Kick went up as he felled tree after tree.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Iron Leg[3] has risen by 1%.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Drop-Kick[2] has risen by 1%.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Sometimes foxes would attack him, but with the Iron Leg skill he was now easily able to defeat one after one stun from a Drop-Kick. After his thirtieth or so fox, he leveled up again using all of his stat points towards INT again. He was less reluctant to make an investment this time as he had noticed his STR and END go up as he was chopping wood and killing foxes. With the faster recovery rate he was able to use his Drop-Kick more often.<br><br>By the time Foot reached level 8, he was far deeper into the woods and the foxes were coming out more frequently. They had also gotten stronger the further he went into the forest. So far he had been able to keep up with their rise in strength as he was also rising in strength. He was never in danger of being caught off guard due to his Beast Awareness skill. <br><br>‘Didn't think I would be needing it this much when I got it.’<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Beast Awareness[2] has risen by 3%.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>He was constantly aware of the beasts that were hostile to him. The Beast Awareness level that he had gained allowed him to see beasts that were even further away. All in all he was quite pleased with the progress the last day had brought him. For it had indeed already been a day when he felled his next tree.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Trees felled: 67/1000</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>‘I better pick up the pace. Otherwise I won’t finish on time.’ <br><br>Foot wasn't too worried though considering every level he gained on his Iron-Leg and Drop-Kick skills had improved his tree-felling time. This immediately changed when he encountered his first wolf though.<br><br>Having gotten used to the foxes he was completely taken off guard when facing the much bigger wolf. The wolf landed a hit on him taking over 100HPs in one hit. He had never taken on such a powerful attack before and hesitated, allowing the wolf to take another 200 of his HPs with a couple of blows. He had lost almost half of his HPs when he was finally able to get a drop-kick in.<br><br>He immediately proceeded to kick the beast but the stun didn't last long. Having gotten used to stunning the foxes for the two or three minutes he needed to finish him off he was again caught off guard. Luckily he had just recovered enough mana for a second drop-kick and was able to stun the wolf again.<br><br>Foot proceeded to kick it ferociously without pause, he knew that if the stun wore off he would be in deep trouble. Though his agility allowed him to escape a fox if it chose to chase after him he wasn't so sure this would be true for the wolf. This scared him shitless. If he died now he wouldn't be able to log in for 24 hours, the equivalent of four game days, meaning that he would only have five days to finish the quest when he logged back in. Driven by the fear of failure, Foot invested all he had into the blows he aimed at the wolf’s body. He was sure the wolf was almost dead when the stun wore off.<br><br>Having to deal with the wolf’s attacks while trying to land his own proved extremely difficult for Foot. He was only able to get in one of his attacks for every two or three of the wolf’s. He was getting increasingly worried as his HPs dropped below 20% and then 10%. Finally when his HPs was at 6% he was able to defeat the wolf with a well-aimed kick to its head. When it slumped down onto the ground he sagged in relief.<br><br>He was sitting next to the wolf recovering from his near death experience when that experience proved to be on-going.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Warning: Your health is below 10%. Without medical attention you will not be able to recover and you will die.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Foot checked his HP that was now at 4%. He hadn’t known that his HP would not recover on its own if it fell below 10%. He remembered the bandages he had received from Miranda for one of the deliveries he had made for her and immediately took them out. He began applying them to his wounds as fast as he could.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Skill has failed.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Foot had never learned the skill of bandaging and thus was not able to successfully apply first aid on the first try. He was at 2% HP when he remembered his other skill, one that he hadn’t had the need to use thus far.<br><br>“Life Delivery.”<br><br>The 6MP that he had left were converted into HP which returned his health to 5% HP. He continued to struggle with the bandaging but was unfortunately unable to learn the skill in time. He was helpless to do anything as he died.<br><br>All the nine-year old could say was, "Oh, f***."<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You have died. You will be unable to log in for the span of 24 hours. A death penalty will be applied.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=190&amp;t=1676" target="_blank">Chapter 5.2</a></div><br><br>----------<br><br>A/N: Thanks to StarKin for PRing for me and putting up with my bull. <br><br>------<br><br>For those of you who have been actually reading....<br>This is the chapter I used to learn about stats. Muahaha. <br>(It also means I will probably never be this detailed about them again. So bear with me. I'm learning.. You're reading.)<br>This also means - mistakes like Chapter 10 will henceforth never happen again... hopefully.<br>(in small voice: please point out any mistakes, suggestions, comments, MISTAKES!)<br>hope ya like it!! if not... (backstreet boy intonation) tell me why!!! </div>

Chapter 5.1: Foot... meet Axe Foot had been looking for Ty for hours. He had checked in with Hog where he had last seen him. No Ty. He had then asked for him at the magistrate’s mansion where he had gone to deliver a message. No Ty. He had gone to Lord Meckell’s home, no Ty. Lord Sadim’s, no Ty. Lord Equival’s, no Ty. And so it went on for hours until he had had enough. He decided he would go visit Mila and wait for Ty to come to him. ‘He’s got to go home at some point right?’ It was almost dawn by the time Foot made his decision. Ty had been delivering his messages all through the night and Foot had always been just a little too late to catch up with him. He now made his way across the Fort using back alleys and corners; he knew the town like the back of his hand and used the quickest possible route. A few streets away Foot caught the smell of Mila’s baking bread and followed it home. He spared one last glance at the sunrise that was drowning the Fort and walked into the bakery. Mila was a rotund woman of short stature and crisp black hair that she wore in a bun. -“Well good morning young’un. You’re quite early – though Ty did say you would be coming by.” Mila greeted from behind the counter where she had been setting up racks of bread. “Good morning Mila. Ty said that? I was actually looking for him. Do you know where I can find him?” Foot asked. -“Sure. He’d be on the road by now. He’s probably half way to the capital already. Always been a free spirit that one. Could never stay in one place for long.” “What? But he’s supposed to be giving me training.” -“You a messenger now then too? Well I guess it does suit-ya. I don’t know what Ty said about training you but he told me to give you this before he left.” Mila handed foot an envelope. “Hope it helps you. Now are ya gon be buying bread or not? I love chattin’ with you – but its almost opening time and I still have things I need to do.” “Not today Mila. Sorry for taking your time and thank you for this.” Foot said as he held up the envelope. “I’ll be going then.” He said, leaving the bakery. Outside he opened the envelope – breaking the black seal that had been adorned by a crest of a boot with wings on it. The writing was almost illegible and the ink was smeared in some places. It seemed to have been written in a rush. | To Whom It May Concern.That’s you boy.I had to leave town on an errand. I am not sure when I will be back. Could be a month or it could be three.As my apprentice you are currently too weak to learn anything from me anyways.Use this time to become stronger so you don’t embarrass your master.Go see Brutus, I believe he needed some help. You will learn something. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | ‘Too weak?’ Foot opened his status window. | Character Name | Foot | Alignment | Neutral | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Level | 5 | Profession | Second Restless Messenger | | Title | The Second | | | | Fame | 68 | | | | Health | 600 | Mana | 100 | | Strength | 13 | Agility | 51 | | Vitality | 49 | Flexibility | 2 | | Wisdom | 10 | Intellect | 10 | | Luck | 2 | Leadership | 0 | | Endurance | 23 | | | | Attack | 2 | | | | Defense | 1 | | | | Magic Resistance | None | | | Foot was actually kind of angry for being left behind. He didn’t have time to waste in this game. After waiting for four weeks to get out he was now experiencing other kinds of limitations. If he was going to ‘learn something’ from Brutus, he wanted to get it out of the way so that he could go hunt some monsters to level up. ---------- Foot had met Brutus on one of his previous errands so he knew where to find him. The man lived in a shack on the other side of the wall. Foot left Fort Feranisburg on the opposite side from where Hog’s post was. If you left the Fort and kept walking straight ahead from Hog’s side you would soon cross into Siradin territory. If you left from the gate through which Foot now passed you would only go deeper into Kallamore. On this side of the Fort there was another, much smaller and much closer forest. It wasn’t a small forest, but comparing it to Siradin’s forest was futile. Puddle Meet Ocean. Brutus’s shack was on the edge of said puddle. Foot walked up to it and knocked. There was no answer. He knocked again. No answer. By now the sun had already come up but it was still early morning. ‘Maybe he’s still asleep? No he wouldn’t be – he’s the kind of person that wakes up before the sun and goes to sleep after it. Hmm.’ As Foot stood in front of the door unsure of what to do he heard a sound in the far-off distance. Wack. Wack. Wack. ‘That’s gotta be Brutus, nobody else would be here so early in the morning.’ He followed the sound into the forest. It took him almost twenty minutes to reach the source of the sound. Foot found Brutus chopping down a tree. Not wanting to sneak up behind a man with an axe he waited for him to finish on the tree. After a few more minutes the tree fell and Brutus turned around to look at Foot. He grunted and said, “Ty said you would be coming round. Said you’d be here earlier though. I waited for a good half hour after the sun rose for you to show up. And when you didn’t… well. I don’t have time to be waiting around for people.” Foot’s familiarity with Brutus was quite low seeing as he had only had one quest involving the man – and he didn't seem one to be easily befriended. He was about to reply when Brutus continued. -“Well. There’s no point in lolly-gagging now is there? I need you to cut down some trees for me. I was going to do it myself when you didn’t show. But now I can leave you to it. Here.” Brutus handed him the axe and walked off in the direction of his shack. | You have received a New Quest. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Got Wood?Brutus needs some wood for an unknown project. Chop down the 1000 marked trees.Trees felled: 1/1000Difficulty: UnknownDays Left for Completion: 10 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | ‘… ok?’ ‘…’ ‘I don’t remember accepting this.’ Foot didn't want to spend 10 days chopping wood when he needed to be getting stronger. ‘If I stay here like this I’m never going to get strong enough to be Emperor.’ He considered going after Brutus to refuse the quest but then quickly decided it made more sense for him to just complete the quest. Brutus wasn't mean looking or anything. In fact Brutus just looked lonely. He was a big bulky guy with a beard. Brutus was short for words. If Foot had had the courage to confront him, Brutus would probably not have said anything. As it stood though, the nine-year old decided to chop wood instead. ‘That man is scary, even if he is an NPC.' Foot strengthened the grip on the axe he still held and considered his quest. ‘I guess the 1/1000 means that Brutus’s tree already counts as the first one.’ Looking at the tree he saw a red X on it that he hadn’t seen before. ‘I guess that means that you can only see the marks when you accept the quest.’ He looked at the trees around him to find the next marked one. None of the ones he could see where marked so he moved deeper into the woods. He found the next tree about a minute later. Having never chopped anything before Foot wasn't sure how to go about it. He decided it would be better if he just tried it to see what would happen. As soon as he used both hands to hold the axe in preparation for the first stroke he got a message. | Chopping Tutorial Activated. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | He considered the axe. ‘It must be because of this.’ Shrugging he drew it back to take the first swing at the tree… | Your grip is wrong. Hands must be further apart. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Foot stumbled as he tried to reposition himself after the momentum of the axe carried him a little. The message had caught him a little by surprise. He held his hands a little further apart and drew back once more… | Your grip is wrong. Hands must be further apart. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Foot moved them further apart and tried again… | Your grip is wrong. Hands must be further apart. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Getting annoyed Foot shifted his hands so they were as far apart as they would go on the axe and tried again… | Your grip is wrong. Hands must be closer together. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | ‘…’ After six more tries Foot got his hands into the position that the axe wanted and successfully chopped at the tree when… | Your swing was too wide. You did not use enough force on impact. Your point of impact was too high. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | His nine-year old patience was being severely pressed but Foot tried to make the changes that the tutorial asked for. | You used too much force on impact. Your point of impact was too high. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | He made some adjustments… | You used too much force on impact. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | ‘At least I know where to hit it now.’ Foot continued to swing away at the tree. Sometimes he would get the swing just right and wouldn't get a notification, but after most chops he would get a message. | You used too much force on impact. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | You used too much force on impact. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Your swing was too wide. You did not use enough force on impact. Your point of impact was too high. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | You did not use enough force on impact. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | You used too much force on impact. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | That cannot be categorized as an attempt. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Your swing was too wide. You did not use enough force on impact. Your point of impact was too high. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | You did not use enough force on impact. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | You used too much force on impact. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | After fifteen minutes of continuous messages, he still hadn’t made much progress. He was a third of the way through the tree and by this time really annoyed. No matter what he did the messages kept coming. ‘What kind of perfectionist asshole programmed you!??’ He tried turning the tutorial off but was instead rewarded with another message. | This tutorial cannot be terminated until the appropriate skills have been learned. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | So Foot kept chopping and receiving messages after every couple of swings. Wack. | You used too much force on impact | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Wack. Wack. Wack. | You used too much force on impact. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Wack. | Your swing was unbalanced. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Wack. Wack. | You used too much force on impact. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Wack. | You did not use enough force on impact. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Wack. | You used too much force on impact. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Wack. Wack. Wack. Wack. | You used too much force on impact. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Eventually the tree fell and he gave a relieved sigh. | Trees felled: 2/1000 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Foot was doubting he would be able to continue chopping another 998 trees whilst receiving messages after every chop. He was considering facing Brutus after all when his skill was activated. | Beast Awareness activated. You have detected a hostile fox. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Immediately alert, Foot whirled about looking for the fox. He still remembered his previous fox encounter on the day before and was more than a little scared. He heard the bushes stirring to his right and turned in time to see the fox jump out at him. Reflexively he held out the axe and the fox bit into its handle while he held onto the sides. Foot pushed the axe away from him with all the force he could muster. When the fox wouldn't let go of the axe he took a step back and lunged, throwing his body into the axe and then letting go of it. The axe, and the fox with it, flew off of him. Foot looked for his dagger in his inventory but couldn't find it until he remembered he had dropped it the day before. ‘Stupid! Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Why didn't I get a new one? Now what am I supposed to do?’ Having nothing else at his disposal he decided to try the drop-kick he had learned in the Training Hall. The fox let go of the axe and was already running towards him when Foot also moved towards it. “Drop-kick.” Both of Foot’s feet slammed into the fox’s head while it had been mid-jump. Foot quickly regained his feet and watched as the fox swerved on its legs. | You have stunned your opponent. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Not knowing how long the effect would last Foot viciously attacked the fox by kicking and trampling on it. The kicks were not very effective so after three minutes Foot still hadn’t defeated it when the stun wore off. He quickly did another drop-kick and stunned it again. Foot resumed his kicking spree knowing that he had to finish it off before the stun wore off once more. ‘Each drop-kick uses 50 mana – so I won’t be able to use it again. If only my mana recovery rate was higher!’ After another two minutes of vigorously stamping and kicking the animal, it finally died. By this point any spectator would have started to feel bad for the helpless fox – but all Foot cared about was killing the thing. ‘I have to learn how to kill this fox, otherwise I won’t get any stronger. I can’t just keep running away from every thing that comes at me. If there are other foxes in these woods and I run from every one I see – I’ll never finish this quest on time.’ Foot had been on the verge of achieving level 6 with his EXP. The kill brought him the EXP he needed to level up. | You have leveled up! | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Beast Awareness [1] has risen by 23%. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Drop-kick[1] has risen by 36%. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Strength rises by 2. (+2 STR) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Skill: You have learned Iron Leg [Passive]. Increases your strength and attack power by 200% when using legs as weapon. Decreases damage attained to leg by 200%. Will experience a 10% improvement at each skill level. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Having 5 stat points to use, Foot considered where to invest them. ‘I guess I will use them towards INT. That way both my MP and mana recovery rate will incrase. At this point if I have to use it more than twice I will be toast.’ He was a little sad at seeing the stats not going towards his agility or strength but considered the possible fights he would have in the future and put all 5 stat points towards INT. Satisfied with his investment, he turned back to his quest. He rummaged through the leaves on the ground trying to find the axe he discarded. Eventually he found it and set off to find another X-marked tree. The frenzy of the fight had made Foot almost forget until… | Your grip is wrong. Hands must be further apart. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | “Oh come on!” He screamed at the axe. It didn't seem to listen. | Your point of impact was too high. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | You used too much force on impact. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | That cannot be categorized as an attempt. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Your swing was too wide. You did not use enough force on impact. Your point of impact was too high. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | … This went on through the felling of the next tree. Sometimes he would go up to ten or fifteen chops until he got a message. The longer intervals however only made the messages that much worse. After he finished chopping down that tree he was happy for the minute it would take him to find the next tree. ‘That’s a minute where I don't have to get another stupid message!’ Foot found the tree way too fast for his own liking and reluctantly prepared himself. Wack. | Your swing was too wide. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Somehow, this proved to be Foot’s breaking point. “Ahhhhh! I’ve had enough!!” he screamed as he lifted up the axe and brought it down on his knee with force. It did not break but he relished the slight pain it brought and repeated the process again and again and again. He vented all the frustration he had from getting the messages over and over and over again. He couldn't vent the frustrations into the tree because he would be notified with, ‘you used too much force on impact’. So Foot let out all of his aggressions onto the axe – which eventually gave way and snapped in half. | The tutorial has been terminated. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | '...' Foot hadn’t actually intended or expected to break the axe and was a little dazed. | Iron Leg[1] has risen by 11%. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Endurance rises by 1. (+1 STR) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | The shock from breaking the axe wore off but he immediately got angry at it again. ‘How am I supposed to chop these damn trees without an axe now?’ Foot didn't even consider appealing to Brutus for a new axe. ‘Yeah right. I bet he’s going to be real happy when I tell him I broke his axe. No thanks.’ He thought he would have to go into the Fort to buy one from the vendors but he flinched at the thought. Foot had painstakingly saved as much money as he could in the last month and he didn't want to go spend it all for an axe he needed for a mediocre quest. Staring at the tree that he had given only one chop he considered his options. He didn't have anything in his inventory he could use. Looking at the exposed wood beneath the cut he had given the tree he thought about his fight with the fox. ‘What if…?’ Deciding to give it a try, Foot drop-kicked the tree and looked at the results. The axe-cut had been enlarged slightly revealing more wood beneath the bark. There was a shallow foot sized impression. ‘It’s not much, and it will probably take longer than it did with the axe but I think it’s doable. Plus – this way I can improve my skills.’ He grinned at the prospect. Foot proceeded to drop-kick the tree again. Though his MP had gone up by 25 with the 5 stat points he had assigned to INT, he still wasn't able to use the skill more than twice. ‘I better not do that again. If another fox sneaks up on me I need to have at least enough MP for one drop-kick.’ Instead of using the drop-kick Foot decided to just kick as hard as he could. | Iron Leg[1] has risen by 1%. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | He smiled. ‘That’s what I thought.’ After that Foot packed the broken axe into his inventory and proceeded to fell the tree with his legs. When his MP would recover to over 100 he would use a drop-kick that was a lot more effective in chopping down the tree. He wouldn't use it twice though, conserving the use in case of an attack. His skills in Iron Leg and Drop-Kick went up as he felled tree after tree. | Iron Leg[3] has risen by 1%. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Drop-Kick[2] has risen by 1%. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Sometimes foxes would attack him, but with the Iron Leg skill he was now easily able to defeat one after one stun from a Drop-Kick. After his thirtieth or so fox, he leveled up again using all of his stat points towards INT again. He was less reluctant to make an investment this time as he had noticed his STR and END go up as he was chopping wood and killing foxes. With the faster recovery rate he was able to use his Drop-Kick more often. By the time Foot reached level 8, he was far deeper into the woods and the foxes were coming out more frequently. They had also gotten stronger the further he went into the forest. So far he had been able to keep up with their rise in strength as he was also rising in strength. He was never in danger of being caught off guard due to his Beast Awareness skill. ‘Didn't think I would be needing it this much when I got it.’ | Beast Awareness[2] has risen by 3%. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | He was constantly aware of the beasts that were hostile to him. The Beast Awareness level that he had gained allowed him to see beasts that were even further away. All in all he was quite pleased with the progress the last day had brought him. For it had indeed already been a day when he felled his next tree. | Trees felled: 67/1000 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | ‘I better pick up the pace. Otherwise I won’t finish on time.’ Foot wasn't too worried though considering every level he gained on his Iron-Leg and Drop-Kick skills had improved his tree-felling time. This immediately changed when he encountered his first wolf though. Having gotten used to the foxes he was completely taken off guard when facing the much bigger wolf. The wolf landed a hit on him taking over 100HPs in one hit. He had never taken on such a powerful attack before and hesitated, allowing the wolf to take another 200 of his HPs with a couple of blows. He had lost almost half of his HPs when he was finally able to get a drop-kick in. He immediately proceeded to kick the beast but the stun didn't last long. Having gotten used to stunning the foxes for the two or three minutes he needed to finish him off he was again caught off guard. Luckily he had just recovered enough mana for a second drop-kick and was able to stun the wolf again. Foot proceeded to kick it ferociously without pause, he knew that if the stun wore off he would be in deep trouble. Though his agility allowed him to escape a fox if it chose to chase after him he wasn't so sure this would be true for the wolf. This scared him shitless. If he died now he wouldn't be able to log in for 24 hours, the equivalent of four game days, meaning that he would only have five days to finish the quest when he logged back in. Driven by the fear of failure, Foot invested all he had into the blows he aimed at the wolf’s body. He was sure the wolf was almost dead when the stun wore off. Having to deal with the wolf’s attacks while trying to land his own proved extremely difficult for Foot. He was only able to get in one of his attacks for every two or three of the wolf’s. He was getting increasingly worried as his HPs dropped below 20% and then 10%. Finally when his HPs was at 6% he was able to defeat the wolf with a well-aimed kick to its head. When it slumped down onto the ground he sagged in relief. He was sitting next to the wolf recovering from his near death experience when that experience proved to be on-going. | Warning: Your health is below 10%. Without medical attention you will not be able to recover and you will die. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Foot checked his HP that was now at 4%. He hadn’t known that his HP would not recover on its own if it fell below 10%. He remembered the bandages he had received from Miranda for one of the deliveries he had made for her and immediately took them out. He began applying them to his wounds as fast as he could. | Skill has failed. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Foot had never learned the skill of bandaging and thus was not able to successfully apply first aid on the first try. He was at 2% HP when he remembered his other skill, one that he hadn’t had the need to use thus far. “Life Delivery.” The 6MP that he had left were converted into HP which returned his health to 5% HP. He continued to struggle with the bandaging but was unfortunately unable to learn the skill in time. He was helpless to do anything as he died. All the nine-year old could say was, "Oh, f***." | You have died. You will be unable to log in for the span of 24 hours. A death penalty will be applied. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | [Chapter 5.2](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=190&t=1676) ---------- A/N: Thanks to StarKin for PRing for me and putting up with my bull. ------ For those of you who have been actually reading.... This is the chapter I used to learn about stats. Muahaha. (It also means I will probably never be this detailed about them again. So bear with me. I'm learning.. You're reading.) This also means - mistakes like Chapter 10 will henceforth never happen again... hopefully. (in small voice: please point out any mistakes, suggestions, comments, MISTAKES!) hope ya like it!! if not... (backstreet boy intonation) tell me why!!!

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <img src="http://i58.tinypic.com/1zl6iwx.jpg" border="0" alt="http%3a%2f%2fi58.tinypic.com%2f1zl6iwx.jpg"><br><br>Vol1 chapter 9<br>Another Way <br><br>Don left the mountain, this time by using the actual path. He had a lot to think about and a few things to do. Don opened his friend list and sent a whisper to Bob.<br><br>-Bob, I found out how to open the box. What can you tell me about the Djoma mountains?<br><br>Don waited a few moments but no reply was received. Bob may not have been logged on. Don’s friend list had two other people, Smith, who hadn’t left his spot in forever, and his sister who knew lots about Royal Road and odd stuff. He didn’t have another option.<br><br>- Lisa, you there?<br><br>After a moment came the reply.<br><br>- Brother, you’re supposed to use my avatar name here.<br><br>- Ok. Sierra, I need some info, do you know anything about the Djoma mountains?<br><br>- Hmm, never heard of them, I’ll ask my party.<br><br>After five minutes Sierra whispered back.<br><br>- Don.... Why do you need to know about the Djoma mountains?<br><br>- I got a box that will only open when brought to the peak of the Djoma mountains after it has snowed.<br><br>- You can’t go there...<br><br>- Why? Is it really far?<br><br>- Not just that. The Djoma mountains are in one of the forbidden sections of Versailles. Monsters there are over level 500. Also, you said it will open after it snows, as in, after the snow has stopped. But apparently it hasn’t stopped snowing there for hundreds of years. Stopping the snow would likely be an ‘A’ or ‘S’ rank quest, in addition to defeating the monsters that live there.<br><br>Don let out a deep sigh. According to Bob, the box had been received at the end of an ‘A’ rank quest. It seemed that opening the box would require the same if not more effort than acquiring it did. Which meant he likely wouldn’t be able to open the box, possibly ever.<br><br>Don whispered back.<br><br>- Alright, no mountain for me<br><br>- Ok. So what are you going to do now?<br><br>Don hadn’t really thought about it. First he’d go back to Smith. Smith had yet to send a whisper that his swords had been completed. Don would likely wait there and hunt the local monsters until they were done, after that he’d either go south to through more unexplored areas or north back to the central continent.<br><br>- I’ll hang around here for a while then head out, not sure where I’ll go.<br><br>- Ok, we can talk more tomorrow.<br><br>Tomorrow was sunday and Don had requested the day off work. Not for Royal Road, but to spend some time in the real world with his sister. Lisa had been upset when he moved out so Don promised every once in a while they would spend the day together. <br><br>- Alright, see you tomorrow.<br><br>After getting to the bottom of the mountain Don went back to Smith’s place. He passed the cross roads and after scaling the hill saw Smith’s stone shack. After getting closer Don head the tale tell signs of hammering, smith was almost always online. Don said, “Hey Smith.”<br><br>Smith stopped hammering, and looked at Don puzzled for a moment. Then as if remembering something said, “Oh yea, Don. I forgot about you. Your swords are ready, finished them last full moon, though I forgot I made the pair for you.”<br><br>Smith didn’t have many interactions since he holed himself up in an isolated area for what was likely months if not years in RR time. Smith went to a barrel and pulled out two identical swords that glowed of moonlight. Before handing them to Don he said, “ I have to thank you again for the lense shelf. Ever since using it the weapons I’ve made have been stronger and the rate I’ve been gaining proficiency has increased. This also was the first time I’ve made two identical swords at the same time from the same light, they seem to resonate with each other and have options I can’t identify. I’ve been spending the last few weeks making identical weapon sets to learn more about this resonance, but their options don’t seem to reveal themselves unless used in battle, take a look.” Smith handed Don the pair.<br><br>Don gladly took them, they were almost weightless except for the handles. “Identify.”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Dual Blades of Moonlight.<br>Durability 120/120<br>Damage 55~60 (Each)<br><br>This sword was crafted by a specialist from the light of a full moon along with its twin. When used together they strengthen each other. Other properties unknown.<br><br>Restriction:<br>Level 160<br>Strength 200<br>Agility 200<br>Wisdom 50<br>Equips:<br>+10 All stats<br>+15% Magic resistance<br>+ Additional increase in resistance to curses and black magic<br>+ Grants Light based Magic Damage dependent on the phase of the moon.<br>+ Restores itself in the light of the moon, rate of restoration is dependent on the phase of the moon. Cannot be repaired otherwise.<br>+ Additional Light based magic damage when the pair used together.<br>Additional options Unknown.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Wow, that’s incredible,” said Don in amazement. He would have to almost double his level to equip these swords but it was definitely be worth waiting for.<br><br>Smith looked proud of his creation. Don thought of something and asked, “If creating multiple pieces of equipment from the same light at the same time causes resonance, can you make a weapon and armor at the same time? Come to think of it, can you make armor out of light at all?”<br><br>Smith shook his head. “No, forging with light isn’t like forging with metal or leather. After being formed Light can’t be heated, tempered, and shaped into something else. It keeps its shape and breaks if you try to change it. That’s one of the reasons the repair skill has no effect on it. To create armor I would need to make it in segments then attach them together into a single piece with light. The times I’ve succeeded in doing so yielded poor quality armor that restricted movement. I’ll master it eventually but for now I’ll stick with weapons.”<br><br>Don nodded in understanding and said, “I see, too bad. Imma blade dancer so the more I stand out the better. These swords will help a lot but a full body set of moonlight armor and matching swords would be awesome.”<br><br>Smith nodded and said, “Yea, especially if I managed to make each piece resonate with every other piece. Though such a thing would have an extremely high level requirements. Come back when you’re level 300 and I’ll think about it.” Smith smiled, knowing he was giving the low level Don a goal even higher than his previous goal of being able to equip the moonlight swords.<br><br>Don bowed, smiled and said, “I will do my best Smith.”<br><br>Don left the Veiner mountain ranges and walked to the crossroads. It was here he could either return to the central continent or explore the southeast. At first unexplored sounds like adventure but Don’s time in this area proved that wrong. It was danger and death to the unprepared, and Don wasn’t ready for it. Also Don found out he wasn’t the first to come this far south of the eastern part of Versailles either. With the exception of an out of the way wolf cave, Don had not received one message that he was the first to discover something. There were other people here, all likely stronger than Don. He needed to grind until he was ready to match the challenge. And since he was going to return at level 300 to see if Smith was true to his word anyways, that would be a good time to do start exploring the south.<br><br>But until then, he needed somewhere he could reliably train, Don started running north. <br><br>Don woke up the next day at 9:40am and ate breakfast. In the living room of his apartment was his skinny six foot tall room mate, Logan. When Don walked out Logan said, “Morning,” and went back to watching the recording of his favorite show that was on last night. Logan wasn’t exactly a man of few words, but the two didn’t share that many interests. Don liked computers, old school pocket watches, and DBZ. Logan liked sports, women, and staying out all night at sport bars with woman. Don couldn’t say he wasn’t jealous, Don had fewer real girlfriends over his lifetime than he did fingers, of one hand. And he didn’t know how long his current one would last. Logan on the other hand went out with a different girl every week, not including his weekend girlfriends and one night stands. Logan wasn’t the most handsome man in the world but he knew how to be with a woman, and that was what Don was jealous of.<br><br>After eating breakfast Don got into his car and drove to his old home to pick up his sister. She was waiting at the drive way and jumped in the car. Don asked, “So, what do you want to do today?”<br>“Can we go to the history museum? There’s a new space exhibit.”<br><br>“Alright, sounds good.” Don’s sister enjoyed assimilating random facts, a museum was like a candy store to her. Don didn’t mind though, he hadn’t been to the museum in a while, and the price to get in was less than he thought he would be spending today.<br><br>After a forty minute drive they arrived at the museum and Lisa was off like a leaf in a gust of wind. She went from exhibit to exhibit memorizing the details on each one before moving to the next. This would’ve seemed odd if it weren’t for the fact that there were a dozen other people doing the same thing. Don picked up a brochure at the front desk that explained that when you left the museum you could take a test that asked questions about the exhibits, the prize for those who got more than 95% on the test was a scale model replica of the Traveler, the first manned spaceship to fly to Mars. It was a clever way to get people to come and learn and pay for admissions. <br><br>After twenty minutes of running around and reading they arrived at the space exhibit, Don was of course memorizing info as well, he wanted that shuttle too. Don walked through to the life sized replica of the room in the Traveler where the astronauts spent most of their days. It had six high definition thin screen TVs with computers that had emulators for every game system as well as thousands of video games on each. Don once read a newspaper article that asked the men what games they played the most on the way there. All of the astronauts were from the same generation born a few decades prior, the games they listed were old games on older systems like Elder scrolls V, a game that came out before Elder scrolls online became the standard of fantasy video games for the decade before Continent of Magic came out. After admiring the living space and the TVs, Don found the plaque and read through it.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Traveler free room.<br>This is where most of the astronauts spent their three month journey to Mars. Everything within can be controlled, temperature, pressure, lighting, humidity, all to keep the astronauts as comfortable as possible.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Don stared at the plaque for a moment. He hadn’t been thinking about it, but after reading the words ‘pressure’ and ‘humidity,’ Don’s mind went back to the box that could only be opened on the peak of a dangerous mountain after it stopped snowing, something that hasn’t happened in hundreds of years. What if, in Royal Road, Don built a chamber where the pressure and humidity could match those of the peak of the Djoma mountains after it snowed? Don put the thought away from now, with a small smirk hidden on his face. <br><br>Two hours and sixty questions later Don and Lisa left the museum, each with a large box in hand containing a scale model of the Traveler. They stopped at the fast food restaurant Faz Shack, and discussed the museum and Royal Road while eating chicken. In Royal Road Lisa was a level 190 Assassin. She used her innocent appearance to approach her target then used the knives hidden in her dress to quickly strike vital points. At the moment she was grinding to level 200 with her party, when a normal class reaches level 200 they can advance after going through a quest. When an assassin advanced they could either specialize in stealth, shadow, and ice, or they could specialize in deception, distraction, and fire. Lisa wanted the latter, she wanted to become a Crimson Assassin. They were not as good with infiltration and secrecy but they were better at fighting in parties in the front lines because they could debilitate their opponents quickly.<br><br>Don also shared some of his experiences with Lisa, the details of his acquiring of the Blade Dancer class, the dance class, the journey to Mt. Ketsdale with the gnome Bob, he shared all the little details he thought his sister would find interesting. <br><br>Don was happy he was playing Royal Road, it gave him and his sister more things to talk about. Half an hour and a bucket of Faz’s famous chicken fingers later they went back to Don’s car and he drove his sister home.<br><br>When Don got home he logged onto Royal Road and immediately sent another whisper to Bob, hoping he would be on.<br><br>- Bob you there?<br><br>- Oh, Hello Don, have you been well?<br><br>- Yes, and I found out how to open the box.<br><br>- Truely? Where did you learn it? <br><br>- The master I was looking for had been around the world a bit and had seen one before. Though its contents are not known.<br><br>- So you know how to open it but cannot do so. Please explain<br><br>- It is made of two types of extinct wood, one that swells when not at the right pressure and one that swells when not at the right humidity. The only place in the world where the wood shrinks to the point you can open it is in the Djoma mountains, After it has snowed.<br><br>- ...The Djoma mountains you say? My, that is tricky. Its been snowing there nonstop for 800 years. <br><br>- Yes, but I need to know if those conditions can be re-created artificially. <br><br>- Hmm, a novel idea.. Hmmmm, Yes, I do believe there is something like that. There are potions and reagents that require specific conditions to be made. Alchemists use shelf with a glass case in which all conditions within can be controlled. But the one’s I’ve seen are too small for that box. I don’t see why you couldn’t make one given your skills. The instructions are not difficult and the materials are easy to come by. The problem though is that to successfully recreate something so specific you would need measuring instruments within the case that allow you to perfectly match the required settings. Those instruments are not easy to make and I don’t know where you could get the info for the settings. <br><br>Don had considered most of this. His biggest concern was whether or not artificially re-creating settings would open the box in this game, but if there was already system that allowed it, then cheating the system using the system could work. At least it was worth a shot.<br><br>Don whispered back<br>- As long as the right materials have the same properties here as they do in the real world, I can make a gauge for both of those on my own. I can guess the pressure if I know the height and the humidity after it snows is about 50%.<br><br>- Is that right? Well then, good luck.<br>Bob sounded rather impressed at Don’s statement, though Don wasn’t completely sure of it himself. When younger he took everything apart and figured out how many things worked. With a heavy liquid and a thin glass tube he could make a pressure gauge, with a tiny weight and a string that changes length at different humidities he could make a humidity gauge. <br><br>Of course there was still the matter of the making the controlled climate chamber. A sealed glass case large enough for the box wouldn’t be hard to make, but removing enough air from it to match the pressure of a mountain and getting it to reach 50% humidity was be a challenge. Either way, the first thing he had to do was get supplies. A month’s distance away was a large town Don and Bob had passed through on their way there. It had a large variety of stores and it may have what he needed. <br><br>Don started running, he remembered every fight on the way there and knew where the mobs were located, he had several months of fighting to make up for and he didn’t want to skip a single one on the way. The first were the beast mobs that filled the mountains, level 60~90 creatures that came in packs of thirty to fifty. Don wanted to face at least three packs before moving onto the next area of mobs, by the time he arrived at the town he wanted to be level 100.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Chapter 10 The Unexpected End &lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=185&amp;t=1702"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=185&amp;t=1702&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt;<br>Chapter 8 The Master of Mt. Ketsdale &lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=185&amp;t=1672"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=185&amp;t=1672&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt;</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/28sqb0l.jpg" border="0" alt="http%3a%2f%2fi39.tinypic.com%2f28sqb0l.jpg"></div> </div>

 Vol1 chapter 9 Another Way Don left the mountain, this time by using the actual path. He had a lot to think about and a few things to do. Don opened his friend list and sent a whisper to Bob. -Bob, I found out how to open the box. What can you tell me about the Djoma mountains? Don waited a few moments but no reply was received. Bob may not have been logged on. Don’s friend list had two other people, Smith, who hadn’t left his spot in forever, and his sister who knew lots about Royal Road and odd stuff. He didn’t have another option. - Lisa, you there? After a moment came the reply. - Brother, you’re supposed to use my avatar name here. - Ok. Sierra, I need some info, do you know anything about the Djoma mountains? - Hmm, never heard of them, I’ll ask my party. After five minutes Sierra whispered back. - Don.... Why do you need to know about the Djoma mountains? - I got a box that will only open when brought to the peak of the Djoma mountains after it has snowed. - You can’t go there... - Why? Is it really far? - Not just that. The Djoma mountains are in one of the forbidden sections of Versailles. Monsters there are over level 500. Also, you said it will open after it snows, as in, after the snow has stopped. But apparently it hasn’t stopped snowing there for hundreds of years. Stopping the snow would likely be an ‘A’ or ‘S’ rank quest, in addition to defeating the monsters that live there. Don let out a deep sigh. According to Bob, the box had been received at the end of an ‘A’ rank quest. It seemed that opening the box would require the same if not more effort than acquiring it did. Which meant he likely wouldn’t be able to open the box, possibly ever. Don whispered back. - Alright, no mountain for me - Ok. So what are you going to do now? Don hadn’t really thought about it. First he’d go back to Smith. Smith had yet to send a whisper that his swords had been completed. Don would likely wait there and hunt the local monsters until they were done, after that he’d either go south to through more unexplored areas or north back to the central continent. - I’ll hang around here for a while then head out, not sure where I’ll go. - Ok, we can talk more tomorrow. Tomorrow was sunday and Don had requested the day off work. Not for Royal Road, but to spend some time in the real world with his sister. Lisa had been upset when he moved out so Don promised every once in a while they would spend the day together. - Alright, see you tomorrow. After getting to the bottom of the mountain Don went back to Smith’s place. He passed the cross roads and after scaling the hill saw Smith’s stone shack. After getting closer Don head the tale tell signs of hammering, smith was almost always online. Don said, “Hey Smith.” Smith stopped hammering, and looked at Don puzzled for a moment. Then as if remembering something said, “Oh yea, Don. I forgot about you. Your swords are ready, finished them last full moon, though I forgot I made the pair for you.” Smith didn’t have many interactions since he holed himself up in an isolated area for what was likely months if not years in RR time. Smith went to a barrel and pulled out two identical swords that glowed of moonlight. Before handing them to Don he said, “ I have to thank you again for the lense shelf. Ever since using it the weapons I’ve made have been stronger and the rate I’ve been gaining proficiency has increased. This also was the first time I’ve made two identical swords at the same time from the same light, they seem to resonate with each other and have options I can’t identify. I’ve been spending the last few weeks making identical weapon sets to learn more about this resonance, but their options don’t seem to reveal themselves unless used in battle, take a look.” Smith handed Don the pair. Don gladly took them, they were almost weightless except for the handles. “Identify.” | Dual Blades of Moonlight.Durability 120/120Damage 55~60 (Each)This sword was crafted by a specialist from the light of a full moon along with its twin. When used together they strengthen each other. Other properties unknown.Restriction:Level 160Strength 200Agility 200Wisdom 50Equips:+10 All stats+15% Magic resistance+ Additional increase in resistance to curses and black magic+ Grants Light based Magic Damage dependent on the phase of the moon.+ Restores itself in the light of the moon, rate of restoration is dependent on the phase of the moon. Cannot be repaired otherwise.+ Additional Light based magic damage when the pair used together.Additional options Unknown. | | --- | “Wow, that’s incredible,” said Don in amazement. He would have to almost double his level to equip these swords but it was definitely be worth waiting for. Smith looked proud of his creation. Don thought of something and asked, “If creating multiple pieces of equipment from the same light at the same time causes resonance, can you make a weapon and armor at the same time? Come to think of it, can you make armor out of light at all?” Smith shook his head. “No, forging with light isn’t like forging with metal or leather. After being formed Light can’t be heated, tempered, and shaped into something else. It keeps its shape and breaks if you try to change it. That’s one of the reasons the repair skill has no effect on it. To create armor I would need to make it in segments then attach them together into a single piece with light. The times I’ve succeeded in doing so yielded poor quality armor that restricted movement. I’ll master it eventually but for now I’ll stick with weapons.” Don nodded in understanding and said, “I see, too bad. Imma blade dancer so the more I stand out the better. These swords will help a lot but a full body set of moonlight armor and matching swords would be awesome.” Smith nodded and said, “Yea, especially if I managed to make each piece resonate with every other piece. Though such a thing would have an extremely high level requirements. Come back when you’re level 300 and I’ll think about it.” Smith smiled, knowing he was giving the low level Don a goal even higher than his previous goal of being able to equip the moonlight swords. Don bowed, smiled and said, “I will do my best Smith.” Don left the Veiner mountain ranges and walked to the crossroads. It was here he could either return to the central continent or explore the southeast. At first unexplored sounds like adventure but Don’s time in this area proved that wrong. It was danger and death to the unprepared, and Don wasn’t ready for it. Also Don found out he wasn’t the first to come this far south of the eastern part of Versailles either. With the exception of an out of the way wolf cave, Don had not received one message that he was the first to discover something. There were other people here, all likely stronger than Don. He needed to grind until he was ready to match the challenge. And since he was going to return at level 300 to see if Smith was true to his word anyways, that would be a good time to do start exploring the south. But until then, he needed somewhere he could reliably train, Don started running north. Don woke up the next day at 9:40am and ate breakfast. In the living room of his apartment was his skinny six foot tall room mate, Logan. When Don walked out Logan said, “Morning,” and went back to watching the recording of his favorite show that was on last night. Logan wasn’t exactly a man of few words, but the two didn’t share that many interests. Don liked computers, old school pocket watches, and DBZ. Logan liked sports, women, and staying out all night at sport bars with woman. Don couldn’t say he wasn’t jealous, Don had fewer real girlfriends over his lifetime than he did fingers, of one hand. And he didn’t know how long his current one would last. Logan on the other hand went out with a different girl every week, not including his weekend girlfriends and one night stands. Logan wasn’t the most handsome man in the world but he knew how to be with a woman, and that was what Don was jealous of. After eating breakfast Don got into his car and drove to his old home to pick up his sister. She was waiting at the drive way and jumped in the car. Don asked, “So, what do you want to do today?” “Can we go to the history museum? There’s a new space exhibit.” “Alright, sounds good.” Don’s sister enjoyed assimilating random facts, a museum was like a candy store to her. Don didn’t mind though, he hadn’t been to the museum in a while, and the price to get in was less than he thought he would be spending today. After a forty minute drive they arrived at the museum and Lisa was off like a leaf in a gust of wind. She went from exhibit to exhibit memorizing the details on each one before moving to the next. This would’ve seemed odd if it weren’t for the fact that there were a dozen other people doing the same thing. Don picked up a brochure at the front desk that explained that when you left the museum you could take a test that asked questions about the exhibits, the prize for those who got more than 95% on the test was a scale model replica of the Traveler, the first manned spaceship to fly to Mars. It was a clever way to get people to come and learn and pay for admissions. After twenty minutes of running around and reading they arrived at the space exhibit, Don was of course memorizing info as well, he wanted that shuttle too. Don walked through to the life sized replica of the room in the Traveler where the astronauts spent most of their days. It had six high definition thin screen TVs with computers that had emulators for every game system as well as thousands of video games on each. Don once read a newspaper article that asked the men what games they played the most on the way there. All of the astronauts were from the same generation born a few decades prior, the games they listed were old games on older systems like Elder scrolls V, a game that came out before Elder scrolls online became the standard of fantasy video games for the decade before Continent of Magic came out. After admiring the living space and the TVs, Don found the plaque and read through it. | Traveler free room.This is where most of the astronauts spent their three month journey to Mars. Everything within can be controlled, temperature, pressure, lighting, humidity, all to keep the astronauts as comfortable as possible. | | --- | Don stared at the plaque for a moment. He hadn’t been thinking about it, but after reading the words ‘pressure’ and ‘humidity,’ Don’s mind went back to the box that could only be opened on the peak of a dangerous mountain after it stopped snowing, something that hasn’t happened in hundreds of years. What if, in Royal Road, Don built a chamber where the pressure and humidity could match those of the peak of the Djoma mountains after it snowed? Don put the thought away from now, with a small smirk hidden on his face. Two hours and sixty questions later Don and Lisa left the museum, each with a large box in hand containing a scale model of the Traveler. They stopped at the fast food restaurant Faz Shack, and discussed the museum and Royal Road while eating chicken. In Royal Road Lisa was a level 190 Assassin. She used her innocent appearance to approach her target then used the knives hidden in her dress to quickly strike vital points. At the moment she was grinding to level 200 with her party, when a normal class reaches level 200 they can advance after going through a quest. When an assassin advanced they could either specialize in stealth, shadow, and ice, or they could specialize in deception, distraction, and fire. Lisa wanted the latter, she wanted to become a Crimson Assassin. They were not as good with infiltration and secrecy but they were better at fighting in parties in the front lines because they could debilitate their opponents quickly. Don also shared some of his experiences with Lisa, the details of his acquiring of the Blade Dancer class, the dance class, the journey to Mt. Ketsdale with the gnome Bob, he shared all the little details he thought his sister would find interesting. Don was happy he was playing Royal Road, it gave him and his sister more things to talk about. Half an hour and a bucket of Faz’s famous chicken fingers later they went back to Don’s car and he drove his sister home. When Don got home he logged onto Royal Road and immediately sent another whisper to Bob, hoping he would be on. - Bob you there? - Oh, Hello Don, have you been well? - Yes, and I found out how to open the box. - Truely? Where did you learn it? - The master I was looking for had been around the world a bit and had seen one before. Though its contents are not known. - So you know how to open it but cannot do so. Please explain - It is made of two types of extinct wood, one that swells when not at the right pressure and one that swells when not at the right humidity. The only place in the world where the wood shrinks to the point you can open it is in the Djoma mountains, After it has snowed. - ...The Djoma mountains you say? My, that is tricky. Its been snowing there nonstop for 800 years. - Yes, but I need to know if those conditions can be re-created artificially. - Hmm, a novel idea.. Hmmmm, Yes, I do believe there is something like that. There are potions and reagents that require specific conditions to be made. Alchemists use shelf with a glass case in which all conditions within can be controlled. But the one’s I’ve seen are too small for that box. I don’t see why you couldn’t make one given your skills. The instructions are not difficult and the materials are easy to come by. The problem though is that to successfully recreate something so specific you would need measuring instruments within the case that allow you to perfectly match the required settings. Those instruments are not easy to make and I don’t know where you could get the info for the settings. Don had considered most of this. His biggest concern was whether or not artificially re-creating settings would open the box in this game, but if there was already system that allowed it, then cheating the system using the system could work. At least it was worth a shot. Don whispered back - As long as the right materials have the same properties here as they do in the real world, I can make a gauge for both of those on my own. I can guess the pressure if I know the height and the humidity after it snows is about 50%. - Is that right? Well then, good luck. Bob sounded rather impressed at Don’s statement, though Don wasn’t completely sure of it himself. When younger he took everything apart and figured out how many things worked. With a heavy liquid and a thin glass tube he could make a pressure gauge, with a tiny weight and a string that changes length at different humidities he could make a humidity gauge. Of course there was still the matter of the making the controlled climate chamber. A sealed glass case large enough for the box wouldn’t be hard to make, but removing enough air from it to match the pressure of a mountain and getting it to reach 50% humidity was be a challenge. Either way, the first thing he had to do was get supplies. A month’s distance away was a large town Don and Bob had passed through on their way there. It had a large variety of stores and it may have what he needed. Don started running, he remembered every fight on the way there and knew where the mobs were located, he had several months of fighting to make up for and he didn’t want to skip a single one on the way. The first were the beast mobs that filled the mountains, level 60~90 creatures that came in packs of thirty to fifty. Don wanted to face at least three packs before moving onto the next area of mobs, by the time he arrived at the town he wanted to be level 100. | Chapter 10 The Unexpected End <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=185&t=1702">viewtopic.php?f=185&t=1702</a><!-- l -->Chapter 8 The Master of Mt. Ketsdale <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=185&t=1672">viewtopic.php?f=185&t=1672</a><!-- l --> | | --- |