《All Stats Random》 Chapter 1. Just The Launch Day All Stats Random (Just for you) Chapter 1,
Today is the day Un-reality finally gets a public release. It¡¯s the first VR game which can boast a world so real that it¡¯s hard to differentiate them. Except of course, to differentiate them exactly there¡¯s magic in that world. As I put on the headset while laying on the bed, it boots up instantly and starts displaying me the start screen. The headset loads up and scans my eyes as authentication. It can only be turned on by one person, but others can use it too. Kind of like a PC but less sharable. There¡¯s other uses for it except the game but using it for those would require some form of training to do. Not that I would use it for that anyways. The game loads and automatically connects to my account, the same one the headset used to start up. It¡¯s the launch day, but there¡¯s no delay at all in the connection. It takes me to the character creation screen. It¡¯s possible to choose whatever you like, to a limit. It does not allow you to change certain parameters after a limit. For example, a 5ft person wouldn¡¯t be allowed to exceed 5.5ft in height customization, so around a 10% margin. Because it would just be too disorienting when he goes back to reality. It also displays a total amount you¡¯re allowed to change. The default is the player¡¯s actual appearance. The more you change from it, the more percentage it would show that you altered it. The only race you¡¯re allowed to select is human. Other races exist but aren¡¯t playable. But there¡¯s theories that its possible to select it. Currently the appearance deviation is at 0%. Just for fun I maximize all the sliders to the extreme. The figure in front of me changes into a hulking dark-skinned man with chiseled muscles showing through his clothes, very short white hair and sky-blue eyes, his face quite savage looking and not at all appealing, but giving a certain sense of protecting. A message box pops up in front of my eyes.
Current appearance deviation is 100%. Would you like to confirm it? However, it is not recommended, as the controls would get harder and difficulty in adapting to them would rise exponentially. How much deviation is there in your appearance is also visible to other players. Confirm / Not yet.
I lift my hand and select ¡®not confirm¡¯ option. What It said was enough of a reason. I don¡¯t plan to just waste my time here, and if I¡¯m lucky then I just might able to improve my current condition. I select the reset option. It goes back to my real appearance. Very pale white skin, a slightly tall but frail looking figure, long, pitch black hair and crimson eyes. A face that seems so beautiful that it¡¯s hard to approach, but at the same time the rest of the figure seems as if it requires protection. Making it difficult to judge the person¡¯s gender.
Current appearance deviation is at 0%. Would you like to confirm it? Confirm / Not just yet.
Hmm, it slightly changed its options now. Well, I suppose I could expect this bit of polish when it comes to the alleged greatest game release in this century. I select ¡®confirm¡¯.
Please select a character name. ______
It brings up a virtual keyboard for me to type using. How about¡­ ¡®Chris¡¯. That is ambiguous enough. Neither masculine nor feminine. It could be Christopher or Christie.
Character name, ¡®Chris Val¡¯ confirmed.
It allows you to choose whatever name you want. It doesn¡¯t have to be unique. It identifies you uniquely using your ID rather than an in-game character name. Since you can only make one game character with one ID, which also requires iris scanning and fingerprints.
You will be shown the tutorial, a really basic one. However, the beginning portion of the game or the starter city itself would be enough for a player who has played an RPG before. The tutorial will not explain all game mechanics, just give you an idea about them. Show the tutorial / Skip it.
I choose the see the tutorial. I don¡¯t have much first-hand experience with RPGs. Not that I just don¡¯t, I rather couldn¡¯t play any RPG because that too might be demanding too much from this body. It starts showing me the silhouette of a person doing lots of actions and asking me to repeat them. They start with asking the NPCs for quest, how to swing a sword or shoot a bow, how to use skills by selecting them through the menu. And then all the menu options, which basically are just the options to see your own stats, the inventory, the skill tree, the map, though the map is hidden until you explore that area or buy a map from a store, and the quests menu which records all your current quests and your progress in them.
The starter city Willow Creek in theTaimid Empire has been chosen for you. Or would you like to change it? Yes / No
Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! I select no. I don¡¯t know about any of the cities in game to make an informed choice. Better to let it choose for me this time.
For the duration of first 20 levels before getting a class, there is no interaction with other players, to make it easier to play and experience the game in its raw form before being influenced by other players.
I suppose that makes sense. The scene around me starts changing and I find myself lying on the cold stone floor. I get up slowly, out of sheer habit, before realizing that my circumstances in the game are different. And then move a little faster. My hands don¡¯t feel as weak anymore. I could easily lift my body off the stone platform. It¡¯s an unreal feeling. I almost habitually once again use the platform as a support to walk, but then put more force behind my legs and start moving a bit faster. There are no problems. I look around while standing without using any crutch or cane. It¡¯s the inside of a medieval temple like place.
Story Quest: (Starter City) After you woke up, you realized you were in a temple. Talk to the temple priest to find out more. Hint: There are more ways than one to progress a quest and story, different ways give different result. Quest reward: 100 Exp. One beginner weapon of choice. No time limit on the quest.
Or maybe it¡¯s a gothic temple? I only have pictures to judge by so my guess wouldn¡¯t be accurate but probably close. There¡¯s a stone statue of some figure. Perhaps the god this temple worships. I walk carefully at first, then start moving faster bit by bit. And by the time I reach the door, it¡¯s a full sprint. I don¡¯t feel tired at all. The doors open as someone is coming inside. I duck and perform a slide. Passing right from under that person, and getting up and continuing sprinting. I let out a laugh while running straight towards the forests that are near the temple. Away from the direction of the town. Not a flawless slide by any means. But it was the closest I could do as the books described it. And it was my first try too. It could be said to be a miracle that I didn¡¯t bump into that person.
The minimap shows a marker towards where the quest NPC is.
A circular, half transparent map like thing shows up in my vision. Its center marked with a red arrow pointing towards what looks to be dark green spots in the map, trees I suppose, so where I¡¯m heading. There¡¯s a blue mark with ¡®Q¡¯ on top of it. It¡¯s right behind me. So, the person entering the temple was the priest himself. Oh well. But I don¡¯t stop running. It¡¯s exhilarating. The feeling of exerting yourself till you get physically tired. I didn¡¯t understand it before but I think I do now. I continue running deeper into the forest.
Your stamina is less than 20%. It is recommended you stop running to save stamina (FP). It will start recovering at its normal pace while walking and accelerated pace if resting.
I stop running and lean against a tree to check my stats finally.
As this is the first-time opening stats menu, tips are displayed besides the stats themselves. Chris Val Level: 1 (100 exp left) HP: 100 of 100(Health Points. A numerical representation of your life.) MP: 50 of 50(Mana Points. How much magic you can use depends on this. If it falls to 0, you will be stunned for 10 seconds. Depends on mental strength and Int) FS: 20 of 100(Fatigue Strength. Or Stamina, how much you can physically exert yourself. If it drops to 0, you will move 5% slower till it recovers to at least 1.) Hit: ??(Equip a weapon first)(The damage caused by the weapon.) (This depends on the weapon you are using and your proficiency with it, including other stats.) Str: 10(Strength. Increases damage dealt by weapon attacks.) Con: 10(Constitution. Decreases damage received from weapons attacks.) Int: 5(Intelligence. Increases damage dealt by spell attacks.) Res: 5(Resistance. Decreases damage received from spell attacks.) Spd: 10(Speed or Dexterity. How fast you can move and with how much finesse. Also determines cooldowns on skills.) Crit: 10(Critical. Your chance to land a critical hit, dealing increased damage, current Crit Dmg is 180%.) (These stats increase with increase in levels. From the equipment you wear, etc.) Mov Spd: 100%(Movement speed.) Luk: 10(Luck. Determines various minor things.) (These stats cannot be increased by normal means.) ¡­Show Details¡­(The detailed view is currently unavailable.) Skills: None(You need to obtain a class first.) (There are certain class dependent points, like the rage meter for Berserkers.)
The explanations are certainly quite useful. Now, what to do? Looking around a bit, I could see a small stream. The first thing that comes to mind, Fishing. At the least I need a string and a hook. Maybe I have something of use on me? I open the inventory.
Inventory empty.
Well, there¡¯s that. I look down on my clothes. These are normal clothes for what I¡¯d expect, a shirt and pants. Nothing in the pockets either. Now¡¯s my chance to try what I¡¯ve only read in those survival books. Making a hook and a string, then attaching it to a stick would be too much work. There¡¯s a better way. Harpooning. I take a stick then bite on its end to loosen the fibers. Then using my bare hands, pry the end apart, dividing the stick into half. Then I repeat it to end up with 4 parts of the stick on one end, and it¡¯s intact on the other end. Insert 2 smaller sticks to hold the ends apart, and there. A makeshift harpoon. Rather than a harpoon, isn¡¯t it a trident? But it has 4 ends, so a quadrant? Not that I care. I take off the basic shoes I was wearing and roll up my pants and stand in the stream, looking for fish to swim by as I try to capture them using the trident. A small fish swims by quickly, but I spotted it and acted quick enough to spear it.
30 Exp gained. The path you use to get to level 20 will determine which class you get.
Good to know. I don¡¯t need to go to the priest now. After catching a few fishes and putting them back into the water, I start walking away from the initial spot. Down the stream a little is a pond. I take off my clothes, leaving only the undergarments and jump into it. ¡­ As I¡¯m tridenting(?) the fish and trying to learn how to swim intuitively and by observing the fish, a message pops up.
4 hours have passed in real life. As per regulations on headset use, you will be logged out in 1 minute.
There are of course regulations on how much time one can really spend online and in the game. They can¡¯t have the workforce disappearing or something I suppose. The game shuts down and the headset turns off. I lift my hands to remove it but a sudden pain shoots through my arms and into my spine. I moved my arms too fast¡­ Why couldn¡¯t this body handle more? Why couldn¡¯t it function normally? The nurse walks into the room just as I¡¯m about to press the buzzer. ¡°Val, we were able to acquire permissions for you to use the headset longer. They understood your circumstances and allowed for that.¡± It¡¯s not that hard to get the permissions to play for longer. But you need to get your health checked regularly and there¡¯s other requirements that you¡¯re not going to stop contributing to the society or something. Not like there¡¯s much contribution I could do to the society while I¡¯m lying on this hospital bed that is. At least according to what they think. Since it was one of the few wishes I made, they got the necessary permissions for me quite fast. This genetic weakness in my body. It¡¯s just like I got an unlucky lottery ticket. They could only keep me in the hospital for maybe 2 months longer, till the money my parents left behind lasts. Money from all of their inheritance, before they left the world. I need to do something about it. Something about my condition. ¡°Understood. I¡¯d like to be left alone please.¡± I tell the nurse and she goes back into the adjoining room. I put the headset back on. Chapter 2. So Many Options Chapter 2, I get out of the pond and put my clothes back on.
No more exp will be gained by catching beginner level fish. You need a class first before getting the fisherman profession. You are level 8 now. 16 stat points can be allotted. It is recommended to allot them as soon as possible, so as to not lose strength.
One level gives 2 stat points. If I had to guess, one for attack and one for defense. But I can¡¯t really allot them right now since I don¡¯ know what would be useful in combat. I had been fishing practically the whole day and caught about 100 fish. It¡¯s about nighttime now, the sky has already started to darken. But I don¡¯t feel like it should be past 6 or 7 pm, is this place near the equator? I should either explore a bit more or head back towards the temple to get that weapon. Let¡¯s explore for now. I take the makeshift trident with me. But none of the fish. I let them all free, even if they were going to survive or not. Cause I can¡¯t use any of those fish. It¡¯s a quite intuitive fear of eating it because they just contain so many random spines that might get stuck in my throat. Even if I¡¯m stronger in this world, that concern doesn¡¯t go away. I move away from the pond, vaguely towards the direction of the town and the temple. As I¡¯m walking through the trees, I notice a sound and stop. I look around myself careful to not make any noise. I spot something moving through the bushes vaguely.
Monster: Wulf, spotted (Estimated level 5) Since you were able to notice it without it being aware of you, there is an opportunity for a sneak attack. Sneak attack and kill the enemy in one hit for an opportunity to get more hints about the Assassin class.
Assassin class? Now I feel the lack of a real weapon. This trident can¡¯t possibly kill that wolf in one hit. I need to think of another way. That wolf seems to be lazing around in the bush, sniffing it occasionally. Maybe that bush has something special in it? That would make sense if it is dulling the wolf¡¯s senses, thus it not smelling me first. I pick up a fist sized rock and very stealthily climb the tree near me. A rock is better than no weapon at all. The wolf is about 5 meters away. I could make it there in one leap. I sit atop a branch on the tree and look towards the wolf. Throwing it wouldn¡¯t guarantee the kill. Oh well, no other options really. I jump towards the bush behind which the wolf is at. Using all my strength I bash the rock towards its head. A health bar pops above the wolf, it¡¯s down by about 90%. So close. The wolf jerks up and tries to bite towards me, but using my earlier momentum from the jump, I grapple it onto the ground. As it¡¯s growling towards me as I hold its claws, I have a sudden urge to do something. I hold one of its claws with my hand and use it to hit the wolf¡¯s head, managing to completely overpower the wolf somehow. ¡°Stop hitting yourself.¡± I say as I burst out laughing. I couldn¡¯t control myself. I¡¯ve seen it so many times in those movies. I continue till the eventual bleeding from the scratches finally kill the wolf. Surprisingly there isn¡¯t much remorse in me even after killing such an animal, even though it¡¯s a game, odd that I don¡¯t feel anything at all. Or maybe it¡¯s just my dislike for dogs. They¡¯re so enviably active. I always liked cats more, since they at least didn¡¯t move as much and were more chill. Or wouldn¡¯t by that standards, a fish be the best? Since it can¡¯t really move outside the fish tank.
Monster: Wulf defeated. You won without incurring any damage by the enemy, 20% extra Exp awarded. You have gained 600 Exp. (current level 8, 200 exp left till level 9) Evade an attack 5 times to get more information about the Duelist and Ranger classes.
Duelist? By evading an attack, I suppose it¡¯s an evasion type class? Or at least a class whose defense is primarily evading the attack. Same with the Ranger one I guess.
The Wulf did not drop anything. The enemy you defeated was too weak to drop anything useful. Try to beat stronger enemies for a better drop.
It didn¡¯t drop anything? Lies. I pick up a stone on the ground that was relatively sharp and use it to cut the flesh around the wolf¡¯s rear leg. I needed to grind it a little bit but eventually I managed to separate the leg bone from its body and also removed the flesh stuck to the bone. Maybe after being in a hospital for so long I¡¯ve become desensitized to gore? How come I never realized that before? After carefully grinding away at the bone in my hand, finally the tip of the bone becomes sharp enough to be of use. It¡¯s way past nightfall now. But something inside me just made me want to prove the system wrong. Though, to their credit, the game was realistic enough for me to be able to do this at all.
Bone spike created for the first time. 300 Exp gained. You are now level 9.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. Show your creation to the town craftsman to know more about the Craftsman and Blacksmith professions.
Those are professions? A bit different than classes I suppose. I look towards the bone spike in my hand.
Bone Spike (Player-crafted) Mainly a throwing weapon. Requires basic mastery of thrown weapons to use properly. Increases damage by 10-15 points. However, could also be used as a dagger in a pinch. Increasing damage by 15-20 points.
So, according to the game it¡¯s a throwing weapon. Fair enough. Its ¡®handle¡¯ if you can call it that, would indeed be quite awkward to use as a dagger. There was another thing that was a little intriguing. Even though there isn¡¯t much light, with the moon being the only source, I take a leaf from the bush and look at it carefully. I might know nothing about it from just that, nor could I smell anything special from it. However, that wolf certainly found something about it special.
You know about an herb that a wolf found interesting. Finding out how things work is the principle of research. 300 Exp gained. Continue finding out about more plants to know more about the Herbalist and Alchemy professions.
So, it is a special bush somehow. I take a leaf and then crush it in my hands then smell it. Its scent is a bit stronger now but still not enough to make any further guesses. I bite the leaf and then chew it for a while, before putting the whole leaf in my mouth and chewing for a while and letting the juices flow.
You feel refreshed. You have found an herb that has a calming effect on the mind. 300 Exp gained.
A calming effect, at least for a human. I probably should have washed that leaf first before chewing it. I spit it out and then get up, keeping that bone spike in my hand and started walking towards the town, using the minimap. Just as I¡¯m about to exit the forest and be within eyeshot of the city, I see 2 reddish lights, from a torch heading towards my way. I climb onto the nearest tree, my prior practice allowing me to climb even quicker this time. There was no particuar reason to hide though, assuming that it''s humans approaching. The 2 lights pass by from near me and I hear the voices of two people. ¡°The priest sure was quite worked up.¡± ¡°Yeah, I wonder who that guy is that escaped into the forest, making the priest tell us to search so late in the night.¡± ¡°I bet it was a criminal.¡± ¡°Yeah, he most likely stole something from the temple.¡± ¡°If we find him, we should beat him till he¡¯s half-dead and then bring him back. The guards captain would surely reward us then.¡± ¡°Yeah, great idea.¡± Maybe it¡¯s not such a good idea to head back into the town for now. Though it could just be these 2 guards jumping to conclusions, it most probably is that they¡¯re overthinking it. But if the guards do notice me, things could get unnecessarily hard. I look towards them as they walk away while chatting.
Town Guard spotted. (estimated level 25) More information unavailable. You are highly unlikely to be able to defeat this opponent in your current state. It is recommended to acquire a class first.
By now I think the game made it pretty clear that I¡¯m practically powerless right now without a class. I wait a while more till the lights from the torches disappear into the distance and then slowly get down from the tree. The levelling is fast enough though I suppose. It probably takes around a day to reach level 20 and get a class. Maybe it would have been faster if I just followed the steps it laid down for me in the quest. But I don¡¯t regret it at all. That wouldn¡¯t be any fun. And I could just go back there later. The quest didn¡¯t have any time limit. Okay, so for now to head back towards that pond. It¡¯s probably changed in the night. Rather than using the minimap to look for the pond or the direction, I use the stars to locate which direction the pond was at. Or more specifically, the moon. It has a gentle bluish hue around it. Even if I do look at the stars, I have no idea what the constellations are and which star would be the north star. I let out a light sigh. Truly we stand on the shoulders of giants. Giants who did the research before us and we¡¯re just building upon it. I don¡¯t have the time to observe the night sky here, however beautiful it might be, and try to find a pattern which might not even exist. They surely had loads of imagination, to think that a bunch of squiggly lines connecting random stars possibly looks like a lion, but not also look like a unicorn, or a dog, or any four-legged animal ever. As I reach beside the pond without anything suddenly popping out of the darkness to attack me, I notice the surface of the pond seems slightly different. It is somehow, a crimson shade? A blue one would have made sense because of the bluish moonlight but a red one just seems odd. I feel like taking another dip in it. While the slightly more cautious part of me says it¡¯ll be really cold and I¡¯ll probably freeze, my intuition says otherwise. I take off my clothes once again, throwing them aside and just in my underwear, jump into the pond, with the bone spike in hand. The water is kind of warm. There¡¯s no fish or any other lifeform here either. I certainly remember it having plenty of life a while before. I hold my breath and dive in deeper. I open my eyes and see that there¡¯s something down at the floor of the pond, however blurry it is. I go closer to it and touch it. It¡¯s like a handle or something.
You have discovered an instance dungeon. Crimson pond under the blue moonlight. It will be renamed to its actual one when its purpose is found out. 300 Exp gained. Continue exploring and finding new places to get hints about Exploring and Mapping professions. You are now level 10. With 20 stat points left unallotted. It is highly recommended to allot them now.
Since it insists so much, I open up the stats menu, after getting back to the surface of water.
Chris Val Level: 10 (900 exp left) HP: 100 of 100 MP: 50 of 50 FS: 80 of 100 Hit:15-20 (Bone spike equipped.) Str: 10 (+) Con: 10 (+) Int: 5 (+) Res: 5 (+) Spd: 10 (+) Crit: 10 (+) (20 stats left to allot now, select the plus icon.) Mov Spd: 100% Luk: 10 ¡­Show Details¡­ (The detailed view is currently unavailable.)
I still don¡¯t really feel like allotting them right now.I feel likethere must be some other way, so I stall for time, trying to click on things other than the plus signs.
You have not allotted any stats for 10 minutes. Would you like the game to randomly allot stats for you? Yes / No.
Well, even the game is suggesting to select it.Perhaps letting it do that would be better than to allot it myself. Since it has access to information I don¡¯t. It might make a better choice. It¡¯s also what my instincts aresaying, and I¡¯ll follow it even though it said it would do it ¡®randomly¡¯. I select ¡®Yes¡¯.
Stats have been allotted for you. HP: 110 of 110 MP: 55 of 55 FS: 105 of 125 Str: 15 * Con: 11 * Int: 6 * Res: 8 * Spd: 15 * Crit: 15 *
That looks fine I suppose. Though it kind of seems all over the place. I take a deep breath and dive back down towards the floor of the pond and grasp at that handle.
Would you like to enter the instance dungeon? The recommended level is 15. It is not recommended to attempt it now. Are you sure you want to enter the dungeon? Yes / No.
I use my other hand to select ¡®Yes¡¯. The surroundings go dark as I¡¯m transported to the inside of the dungeon. Chapter 3. A Normal Dungeon? Chapter 3, As the surroundings clear up and I¡¯m able to see around using the dim light coming from what I suppose is a luminescent moss, I could see that this dungeon is in a cave, or at least starts with a cave.
You have entered the Crimson pond under blue moonlight dungeon. You can return using the return portal at the end of the dungeon or leave using the entrance.
Since it said that, let¡¯s try it. I turn around and reach into the darkness that is the entrance of the cave.
You find yourself unable to exit the dungeon. A mysterious power is preventing you from leaving.
I had a feeling, but could this dungeon be related to a quest possibly? Regardless, I turn around and start walking deeper into this underwater cave like thing. It seems as if just recently the water was somehow removed from here. As I continue deeper, I¡¯m able to spot a giant greenish fish like thing walking on two legs with a spear. A fishman? It hasn¡¯t noticed me yet. Even though it is patrolling right a about 20 meters in front of me. Maybe its eyes are weak in air since they¡¯re adapted for water? But then why the legs?
Minor demonic being: Fishman, spotted (Estimated level 8)
Even though it didn¡¯t notice me. I don¡¯t think it would miss me when I try to pass by it in the narrow portion of the cave. And Idon''t suppose it''sfriendly. I slowly creep up to the creature. Taking cover behind some slightly big rocks, and brandish my bone spike. It definitely has the reach advantage on me with that spear. If it knows how to use it that is. Though you shouldn''t underestimate your enemies. Now I¡¯m about 10 meters away from the creature, it seems to be standing guard now instead of patrolling. Maybe its hearing is better than its sight? I pick up a small pebble and carefully throw it over the rock where I¡¯m hiding. It hits the cave walls behind the fishman. He snaps around and looks straight at where the pebble landed. I use that chance to get closer to his position. 5 meters away now. He goes closer to where that sound came from, leaving his position, allowing me to advance further.
Distraction successful. 300 Exp gained. Do more stealth maneuvers to find out about the Thief and Assassin classes.
I sure have done a lot of varied actions till now. But there are quite a few classes in this game too. Now I¡¯m behind the position where the fishman was standing guard earlier. He slowly comes back too, apparently solving the mystery that was the pebble I threw. I¡¯m now safely behind him, and can continue deeper into the dungeon cave. Just as I¡¯m about to start walking away, my eyes glance past that fishman¡¯s spear. My instincts screaming at me that spear would be very useful, even though it¡¯s a quite primitive sharp stone on a stick, it seems more durable than my bone spike. Oh well, not all that stealth effort was wasted, I¡¯m now behind that fishman, in a perfect position to sneak attack it. Not letting it any time to notice me, I lunge towards it while thrusting the bone spike forwards. The spike goes right into the fishman¡¯s back, and into the spine, or at least that¡¯s what it felt like. A health bar pops up above its head, and drops down to about one third left. I didn¡¯t notice it before with the wolf, but a number also pops up above its head and disappears in a split second, it was something like (-112). I wonder how that works.
Sneak attack successful. The attack damage is doubled.
It quickly turns around and jabs the spear at me. The jab misses but that swing managed to hit my hand away, however I managed to hold onto the bone spike instead of letting it fall.
HP decreased by 5, Currently, HP is at 105 of 110.
I thrust the bone spike forwards once more, while stepping in closer. The only weakness of a spear is its not-that-usefulness in a close quarters situation. The bone spike hits the fishman in its face. A (-60) pops up, but it still has a sliver of health left, and it seems to be about to do some special movement. But not allowing it to do that, I punch it using my other hand. (-5).
Fishman, defeated. An almost perfect victory, 10% bonus Exp awarded. You have gained 550 Exp. The Fishman dropped a primitive spear. You have automatically picked it up since there was free space in the inventory and the drop belonged to you. You can turn this feature off if you want.
I¡¯ve read that fish eyes contain lots of protein. The eyes and the head are really among the most nutritious parts of an animal. I have an urge to eat it. I extend my hand towards the lifeless body of the fishman and gouge out its eye. It¡¯s¡­ Dry? Wait, that makes sense. They live in water so they don¡¯t need to blink their eyes to keep it moisturized. But on land that doesn¡¯t happen so their eyes would get dry quite fast. Perhaps that is one of the reasons they aren¡¯t able to see clearly.
You have found out a trait of Fishmen that they cannot see clearly on land and part of the reason is due to dry eyes. 300 Exp gained. 30 Exp gained for finding out about an alchemy ingredient. You are level 11 now.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. Find out more about monsters for more tips on the Explorer and Hunter professions.
I open up my inventory. It now contains only one thing, the spear, and take it out. Like the system said, it¡¯s quite a basic spear.
Primitive spear (Fishmen) A very basic spear with a sharpened stone found near where Fishmen usually are. It can be used by anyone however a spear mastery would increase the damage dealt by it. Increases damage by 10-15 points. Can be used to block attacks, decreasing damaged received by 20 points and a certain chance to nullify some attacks.
Huh, so the bone spike I made is a little bit more advanced than this? At least in regard to damage. However, I can¡¯t block with a dagger. Makes sense. I hold the spear using my right hand and the dagger in my left. An odd combination indeed. But it¡¯ll have to do for now. I perform a few jabs with the spear. It doesn¡¯t give me that much of a reach advantage since it¡¯s only about 2 meters, but it¡¯s still much better than just a dagger. What shall I do with this eye now? Oh well, I take both eyes and put them in my inventory, they show up with a label (Minor Fishmen eyes). Going deeper into the dungeon or underwater cave that it is, I see a much wider opening up ahead. There¡¯s a few more patrols here and there, but sneaking past them is much easier now.
A bonus has been applied when sneaking past Fishmen, making it harder for them to notice you. It is a part of the basic hunter abilities. +30 Exp for sneaking past a Fishman.
Hunter sure seems like a useful profession. The surroundings start to seem more and more organized. Something made by a being other than these Fishmen. A bit further ahead, after what seems like an eternity of sneaking, there¡¯s an altar like thing, with markings on the ground and 5 shadowy figures moving around it. I hide behind a wall, about 10 meters away from the creatures.
Minor demonic being: Astral spirit, spotted. (Estimated level 15) This enemy would be slightly hard for you to defeat. The recommended level is 15. You have gained 50 Exp * 5 for sneaking near an Astral spirit. However, sneaking any closer is likely to alert them. They seem to be performing a ritual, lowering their guard. You are now level 12. Hint: Spirit types are known to be resistant to physical attacks. It is recommended to use magic. More information about an enemy can be obtained by defeating it, reading information about through and explorer or hunter, NPCs and other such ways.
This might be hard. Let¡¯s review what all I could use. The bone spike, which is a throwing dagger like thing. The spear, which I can¡¯t throw and would be useful to block. And those fish eyes. What do they really do? I take one out and put it in my mouth. Not grossed out in the slightest, since this is an entirely new experience for me. I could try and bite it now to find out its effects, but that would waste one of the eyes. And it doesn¡¯t seem like I should go back to kill more Fishmen, alerting the rest and possibly these spirits might end their ritual too, increasing their guard. It¡¯s a gamble then. Oh, my heart is racing. I look around a bit and pick up a few of the sharper stones, holding them in my left hand. Then lunge towards one of the spirits, stabbing my spear through it. A (-50) pops up above its head. Dropping its health bar to half. It makes sense they would have a lesser HP than others if they have high resistances.
Sneak attack successful, damage is doubled. The spirits notice you, however they do not think you¡¯re a threat and do not want to stop the ritual. The alarm was raised. The Fishmen would be coming in a few minutes.
They ignored me for the ritual? It must be quite important or they really underestimate me. My instincts tell me it¡¯s the former. How to stop this ritual? If they were reluctant to attack me that must mean¡­ I use the stones to attack all of the spirits at least once, a (-5) pops up above their heads, but they continue the ritual regardless. A gentle red glow coming out from the pentagon like mark on the ground. Bracing myself into what my intuition tells me is the correct stance with a spear, I perform short and fast jabs towards the spirit that I attacked first. A (-20) popping up continuously. After 2 hits the astral spirit finally realizes what is happening and turns to face me, stretching out its hands which seems to have sharp claws, but I hit it one more time.
You have defeated a minor demonic Astral spirit. Perfect victory, 20% bonus exp awarded. 900 Exp gained. The Astral spirit did not drop anything.
The other spirits suddenly stop and then fly towards me to attack. Not breaking my stance, I try to attack them as fast as I can. 2 of the 4 spirits come near me, while the other 2 stay back, perhaps using a ranged attack?
HP -10. (95 of 110)
One of the spirit¡¯s slash hits me, leading my attack to miss. I continue trying to fend them off with the spear while slowly moving backwards, to create distance between us. The spirits at the back seem to cast spells, trying to hit me, but there isn¡¯t enough space to hit me over the other spirits, making those attacks hit their allies instead, though they didn¡¯t cause any damage. The one is almost defeated but the other seems to charge up an attack and then appears right in front of me as if using some magic, I¡¯m able to quickly turn my spear to block.
HP -25. (65 of 110)
So much damage, and I even blocked it with my spear, so the raw damage should be around 45? Is this really supposed to be this high? Wasn¡¯t this still a beginner dungeon? The attack pushes me back, leading me to be unable to kill off that other spirit. It seems to start recovering a little HP as the HP bar starts to go up once again. Nope, I won¡¯t allow it. I throw the bone spike towards it, a (-20) pops up, killing the spirit.
750 Exp gained for killing an astral spirit. You are now level 13. It did not drop anything.
But they can heal too? That¡¯s kinda unfair isn¡¯t it. I bite onto the fish eye that was in my mouth.
Minor Fishman¡¯s eyes consumed. You can now swim faster for 1 minute.
So much for some kind of trump card. The other spirits keep attacking me, but I continue to draw back, and in a few moments, am able to kill the one attacking me in melee too. Now only those using ranged attacks left. But before I could attack them, they disappear.
You have killed 3 of 5 Astral Spirits. The rest are forced to go back to the otherworld. You have gained 3000 Exp. You are now level 16. The ritual has been interrupted. However, the summoned being tries to forcefully open the portal.
It can still continue?! How do I stop it? But wait, why do I even need to stop it? Not that I had something against these spirits or whatever demonic being they were summoning¡­ The red glow seems to get stronger. A claw suddenly pops out of the ground and pushes against it as if to lift the rest of the creature up. Yeah, not like I¡¯m going to greet the creature now and drink tea with it or something. So, what my negligible understanding of black magic rituals and demon summoning tells me is that¡­ Maybe I should try and tamper with the symbols drawn on the ground? I try to brush away the red colored markings using my foot but they stay there, unaffected. Perhaps something harder¡­ I stab my spear into the ground. The markings are still unaffected. I lean down and closely inspect the red markings. Some sort of red substance that is absorbed by the ground. Maybe it¡¯s blood and maybe it isn¡¯t. How would I know? A roar escaped from the place where the claw is at, urging me onwards. I look around for anything of interest, something that could possibly help me, and find the Fishmen running towards me, prompting an idea to form in my head. This, this just might work. I rush towards them and stab one of the Fishmen in the gut. Blood spews forth, covering the previously relatively clean spear. Then I rush back towards the markings. I tilt the spear downwards, making the Fishman blood drip onto the markings. A symbol, I need some sort of figure I could draw over this. I draw the first thing that pops into my mind. A heart symbol. Good enough.
You have managed to stop the summoning. The portal to otherworld closes. You have completed the storyline quest for this town. 5000 Exp awarded. You have cleared the dungeon. All monsters inside it will now be killed automatically. This dungeon does not have any rewards. You have gained 2000 Exp for clearing the dungeon. You have found its name. ¡°Cavern of Cult fishes.¡± You are now level 20.
Level 20 already. And it took me around a whole day in real life too. Now I could even possibly see other players. I¡¯m sure it would have been faster than this if I just followed the story quests.
Congratulations! You have gained the unique class, Enigmatic Killer.
Chapter 4. A Stroll In The Garden Chapter 4,
You have now spent 8 hours in-game. You will be forcibly logged out since you are in a safe spot. Please eat meals and exercise. You can log in again after a few hours. The game will continue from here and none of the messages will be lost.
The surroundings went black and I was returned to the headset¡¯s home screen which also showed a shut down message and quickly everything around went blank. At least it reminds the gamers to take meals. The exact regulation is you can only play for 4 hours around every 12 hours. So, a total of 8 in one day or 24 hours. Taking inspiration from the way of thinking that the 24-hour day is 8 hours of work, 8 hours of play and 8 hours of sleep. Since its been a while now from the launch. The forums should be bursting with posts about different classes and how the players obtained them. I move my hands upwards to remove the headset. But my hands instead touch something else. Something much softer and warmer than a headset. ¡°Evelyn, what exactly are you trying to do?¡± ¡°Ah¡­ I was just waiting for you to exit the game.¡± Knowing that she was standing there just looking at me while I was practically asleep. It¡¯s a tad bit weird but okay. ¡°I know that you¡¯re concerned about me, but you don¡¯t have to keep standing there for no reason.¡± She takes off my headset, as my eyes slowly adjust to the light in the room, her figure becomes clearer. ¡°It¡¯s my job as your nurse. Anyways, I bought your meal. After that let¡¯s go outside a bit.¡± ¡°Were you the one who cooked it?¡± ¡°What? Some problem with that?¡± She asked back, a little worked up and puffing her cheeks. Quite cute. ¡°No, not really.¡± I reply, and continue under my breath. ¡°You¡¯re a great cook.¡± A cute, blue-eyed brunette. Is how I¡¯d describe her. Even though our ages shouldn¡¯t be that wildly apart. I slowly sit up and she brings over the tray, full of exotic dishes that you wouldn¡¯t at all expect in a hospital but rather in a restaurant. Maybe she learnt cooking from somewhere. ¡°Would you like me to feed you, Young Master?¡± She asked teasingly. Ah, that sent a tingle down my spine. She doesn¡¯t need to act this cringeworthy. I need to pay her back somehow. ¡°Yes.¡± I say and put on my most indifferent face, which comes quite naturally to me. Now that she can¡¯t just stop the farce, she picks up the spoon and then starts with the soup, bringing it closer to my face. Not enough. I turn my head away from the spoon. ¡°It¡¯s too hot. It¡¯ll burn my tongue.¡± She sighs lightly and then proceeds to gently blow on the soup to cool it down. Then she again brings it closer to my mouth. That¡¯s enough I suppose. I open my mouth, letting her have the privilege of feeding me. A picture worthy moment indeed. Too bad I wouldn¡¯t be able to capture it. I¡¯ll need to remember to go through the security camera footage and save this moment. Even if the management denies the existence of such a camera, I have a feeling it is there somewhere in this room. ¡­ After the meal, as Evelyn takes the tray of empty dishes away, I start moving to get off the bed. While it does hurt slightly to move a bit faster than usual. I feel like I couldn¡¯t compromise on this. Not after finding out how good freedom of movement is. I take my phone from the desk beside the bed and open up Un-Reality¡¯s website, and go to the game¡¯s forums. The official forums, while they probably aren¡¯t the only place discussing the game, I¡¯m sure they discuss it much more than other forums would. While Dawn, the company behind it, haven¡¯t expressed much interest in telling all the mechanics and possibilities of the game, it seems they have no intention to stop the discussion on it. Evelyn returns to the room. Without her help, I get up from the bed. ¡°What are you doing?¡± She panics and rushes towards me. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± I grit my teeth as I reply through the pain and start walking towards the door. Her expression still shows her concern but this really is something that I should accomplish on my own. She stays unmoving till I reach the door and open it, when she finally realizes that I might leave without her so she rushes to me. As we walk through the gardens, she speaks up to break the silence. ¡°So, how was the game?¡± ¡°Really good.¡± ¡°It didn¡¯t hurt you to move or something, right?¡± ¡°No, it was fine. That aside, didn¡¯t I tell you to start playing it too?¡±Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. ¡°You know I can¡¯t exactly play when I¡¯m at work, right?¡± ¡°Sure you can, when I ask them for it.¡± ¡°Val¡­¡± The money isn¡¯t a problem at all for her either. I know as the nurse dedicated for the VIP section of the hospital, she gets more than enough money to buy the headset and pay for the subscription. Not like there¡¯s anyone other than me at the VIP section right now either. ¡°Evelyn, I want you to be with me, even as I play the game.¡± ¡°Aww¡­¡± She blushes a little. Her inclusion would really make things easier. Especially if she becomes a support type class. Getting into the rankings would be easier then. But I¡¯d rather not force her into choosing one class over the other. If I force her into doing something she doesn¡¯t like, the effectiveness would decrease drastically. Not that I have the leisure to feel bad over manipulating someone¡¯s feelings into doing what I want. That statement wasn¡¯t entirely untrue either, her presence really makes things better for me. And that she already has an inclination to get a support class. She¡¯s a nurse after all. ¡°I could tell them that you can practice being a surgeon using that headset.¡± ¡°But I¡¯m not training to be a surgeon, Val.¡± ¡°Like a surgeon simulator or something.¡± ¡°Val. There¡¯s no need to come up with any excuses. I know they¡¯ll agree as soon as I bring up your name.¡± ¡°Well then, get to it.¡± ¡°Okay¡­¡± Walking through the gardens, we reach a bench and I sit down on it to take a rest. I bring up my phone. Oh, right, I was going to look up the forums before. A phone certainly is great that it could remind me what I was supposed to do sometimes. Or distract me from what I was doing. Evelyn leans in closer as I scroll down the forums and see the post titles.
Berserker, possibly the strongest melee class? Duelist, an evasion type class and the hardest to attain? A guide on how to obtain the Ranger class. Which ranged weapon is better, traditional bows or flintlocks? Professions, which one is the best? How I got the blacksmith profession.
And there were many more. But one of them I found the most interesting, so I opened it.
How I got to level 20 without any combat. Truly a game of choices. So when I first played this game, I didn¡¯t expect there to be a way to proceed without killing anything. I don¡¯t like killing at all but thought it to be something granted in an RPG. But this game proved me wrong. I started by talking to the priest who described he found that there was some trouble occurring in the town graveyard and I was the one who was prophesized to solve it somehow. There was a sudden influx of frenzied creatures there who were desecrating the graves. The presented solution was of course to grab a weapon, do a few quests from the adventurer¡¯s guild and help some townspeople to gain exp and then kill all the beasts that gathered there. But while going through the place, I found this musician performing near the town hall using an odd instrument. So I spent a few hours learning it from him. Finding out more about it and getting better skills at using that lyre or what it was called and gained some exp from it. Then I felt quite bold and went to the graveyard and played the lyre. And I didn¡¯t expect it to work but the lyre managed to calm the beasts down, from where the towns guard then led them away from the graveyard and then outside the town. And I managed to complete the quest and reach level 20, getting a bard class.
Hmm, interesting. His starting town was different than mine but the beginning was similar, in a temple of sorts. ¡°He must have had a talent in playing instruments. Or maybe the game helps a bit too.¡± Evelyn comments, interrupting my thoughts. Where was I going? Oh well, I look through the replies. They mostly include people congratulating the poster, some saying that it was a fluke he managed to obtain that class some saying that his starting town was easier than theirs and other stuff like that. Typical I suppose. So, he didn¡¯t go through all the quests word-for-word either but fairly close to it and reached level 20 before the end of today. Impressive indeed. That reminds me,
The leaderboards of current public, level rankings. 1- Arthur level 23 2- Silent_Kill level 22 3- LeSpank level 21 4- (Numerous players) level 20
Oh, looks like I wasn¡¯t that slow in gaining levels. Or that the majority of players didn¡¯t get special permissions to play longer and perhaps those who did, chose not to appear in the public rankings. There¡¯s other categories visible than just level rankings, but those are empty. They mostly include individual classes and skills ranking, PvP rankings and that stuff which takes more time to accomplish. I should better get back into the game, the competition seems quite intense. I get up from the bench and continue walking down where the path led, but I smell something odd which makes me stop. ¡°What did you find now?¡± Evelyn speaks up. I sniff the air a bit longer. That peculiar smell seems to be coming from the middle of the garden, so I start walking through the bushes on the sides of the path and head directly towards that place. ¡°Ah, right. They built this quite recently. It was under construction for a few days, and just yesterday they filled it.¡± It¡¯s a small pond with multiple colorful fish swimming about in it. ¡°Evelyn.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Make fish for dinner tonight.¡± ¡°What do you think I am? Your personal chef?!¡± ¡°Yes.¡± She lets out a light sigh, ¡°Okay then.¡± ¡°It must be boneless too.¡± ¡°I know¡­ I know¡­¡± ¡­ I lay down on the bed and put on the headset, continuing the game from where I left off.
As you have cleared an instance dungeon, your HP, MP and FS will be refilled and basic status effects will be cleared. However, certain status effects (buffs and debuffs) will stay. Would you like to exit the dungeon? Yes/ No You will be automatically taken outside after a certain amount of time elapses.
So, after clearing a dungeon, it allows to rest for a moment. Nice.
You have just reached level 20 and received a class. You have now gained 2 skills. ¡®Not Weakness¡¯ and ¡®Eccentric¡¯ You will gain a skill according to your class every 10 levels. Since you have just gained your first skill, would you like to learn how to activate skills? Yes/ No
That would be great, but before that I feel like seeing the status screen.
Chris Val Class: Enigmatic Killer Level: 20 (4000 exp left) HP: 110 of 110 MP: 55 of 55 FS: 125 of 125 Hit:10-15(Primitive fishman spear equipped.) Str: 15 Con: 11 Int: 6 Res: 8 Spd: 15 Crit: 15 (20 stats left to allot. However, you cannot allot them.) Mov Spd: 100% Luk: 10 ¡­Show Details¡­ (The detailed view is currently unavailable.) Skills: Not Weakness. (FS cost: (depends). Cooldown: 10 sec.) Unleash the potential of your weakest stat. It doubles the value of that stat for the next 5 seconds. The attack depends on which stat was used and its value. Eccentric. (MP cost: 0. Cooldown: 5 sec.) Eccentric behavior, unpredictable moves. Allows you to cancel the movement resulting from using any skill, without stopping the skill or its effects.
¡­ I can¡¯t assign my stats?! Chapter 5. Bot or Not Chapter 5, A bug? That would require quite a stretch of imagination. Dawn may be a new company but the one behind it isn¡¯t. And a game at this scale would have been tested many times too. What should I do? ¡°Contact Support.¡±
Would you like to contact customer support? You have used voice commands for the first time. Everything can be located through the menus but some things can also be used directly through saying them.
¡°Yes.¡±
You have been connected to customer support. You can converse through voice and also through typing it. The gesture to bring up the virtual keyboard is to lift your hands as if you were going to type, you can choose to turn this feature off. It can also be brought up using voice commands and navigating through the menu and to accessibility sub-menu.
Just using my voice is more convenient. Without waiting for long, a voice sounds out in my head. And a message box opens up in a corner of my vision.
¡°How could I help you, Sir?¡±
A sudden realization goes through my head. There was a voice and the message box had text. But that still doesn¡¯t have to mean the one on the other side is a human. Speech synthesis has also come a long way. What if the one talking to me is a computer? I need to test it to be certain. A Turing test it was if I remember what was mentioned in those books. ¡°Are you a computer?¡±
¡°No, of course not.¡±
¡°Can you see my figure?¡±
¡°Yes, your character is visible through the screen, talking to yourself.¡±
¡°On a scale of 1 to 10, how handsome am I?¡±
¡°100. Heaven defying.¡±
¡°Are you a computer?¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
Yup, definitely a human. ¡°I¡¯ll get to the point then. I don¡¯t understand what this class I got is about.¡±
¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir. But we¡¯re not allowed to give information about specific classes or class mechanics. Dawn wants the players to figure it out themselves.¡±
Hmm, an interesting choice. But I suppose it wouldn¡¯t be as fun to just have the company tell the players about how everything works. ¡°But I think there¡¯s some problem with mine. It doesn¡¯t allow me to assign my stats? Also, call me ¡®Lord¡¯, rather than ¡®sir¡¯.¡±
¡°Doesn¡¯t allow allocation of stats? Please wait, I¡¯ll confirm it.¡±
There was a slight element of surprise in her voice. Could a computer mimic that? ¡­Yeah, it probably can.
¡°S¡­ Lord, could it be that the class you acquired is ¡®Enigmatic Killer¡¯?¡±
¡°Yes. Something wrong with it?¡±
¡°It shouldn¡¯t be a class possible to acquire on the first character.¡±
¡°So, it has some requirements of sorts?¡±
¡°Correct. It certain very steep requirements.¡±
¡°I¡¯m curious.¡±
¡°I¡¯m not exactly supposed to disclose this, but it should be okay if it¡¯s Lord.¡±
Trying to act tsundere now?
¡°In no particular order, The player must have participated in at least 7 different professions and their activities. The player must have participated in at least 3 different classes and their activities. Before the end of the tutorial that is.¡±
I didn¡¯t realize that I unlocked so many classes and professions. So that wasn¡¯t supposed to be normal?
¡°The player also needs to have played till level 50 at least once in the game, using any class, and then have started over. I suspect this requirement was ignored since you are someone who got special permissions. The game must have mistaken those permissions for instead allowing you to meet this requirement.¡±
Hmm¡­
¡°And then possibly the hardest requirement, the player must complete the story for that starter town without participating in any previous quests.¡±
¡°That is supposed to be hard?¡±
¡°Yes, because this prevents the player from receiving any Exp, weapons or such quest items that are required for completing the quest.¡±
¡°Huh? Then you¡¯re required to complete the quest without having the items required to complete the quest?¡±Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.
¡°¡­Yes.¡±
Oh well. ¡°But then the main issue.¡±
¡°Yes, Lord. We could offer you a class reset and an item as compensation for the mistake. But you will have to do the starter town again. We recommend you do that since the current class would be too unfair for a beginner.¡±
Not like that is a new thing to me. The world isn¡¯t really known to be fair.
¡°The world may not be fair. But a game is. All classes are inherently balanced.¡±
It¡¯s like she read my mind or something. Anyways, resetting my class would also put me 1 day away from the rest of the players. Not really something I¡¯d want to do. And I feel this class somehow just suits me. ¡°No. Then I have no intention to change my class.¡±
¡°Understood.¡±
¡°I¡¯ll still take that item compensation though.¡±
¡°Understood, Lord. I¡¯ll send the item right away. You will receive it through mail when you exit the starter town.¡±
I wonder what it is.
¡°It of course can¡¯t be some legendary weapon. Just something that could come in handy.¡±
¡°Glad you cleared that up. Now get lost.¡±
¡°As you wish.¡± The conversation with support is now closed.
I look at the surroundings. Still near those odd markings on the ground inside the dungeon. What was I going to do? Right.
The Skill activation tutorial- You can use a skill by calling out its name, which is the most beginner friendly method. A skill can also be used by selecting it through the menu or putting it on a quickbar which is always in vision. However, selecting it in the middle of combat might be hard. The last way is to mimic the skill¡¯s movements, which would automatically activate that skill, however it requires a certain familiarity with the skill, thus not easy to do. It can also be activated by thinking about the skill, however that method might not work every time. (You have the option to turn this feature on. It is off by default.)
Seems fine enough. Let¡¯s test the skill, but before that, I turn on the ¡®activation by thinking¡¯ method. Okay then, Skill: ¡°Not Weakness.¡± My right hand moves up on its own. Fingers stretched out as if reaching for something beyond. And then suddenly it closes as if in a punch. Or as if I was squashing an imaginary tomato. Don¡¯t know why that image popped up in my mind.
Psionic blast used. (MP -25) However the attack did not hit anything as there was no enemy present. Int has been raised by 6 for the next 5 seconds.
So, the attack used when Int is the lowest is, a psionic blast? A magic type attack I¡¯d suppose. And the MP decreased by 25, if the attack is to be proportional to the MP used then it should be something powerful for sure, taking out half my MP in a single use. Or wait, is it because Int is my weakest stat that I have low MP? Nice to know that at least. I¡¯ll try using it on the next unfortunate thing that attacks me.
Would you like to exit the dungeon? Yes/ No
I select ¡®Yes¡¯ and the surroundings go dark for a moment before slowly coming into view once again. I¡¯m back beside the pond which has now returned to its natural, half-transparent half-bluish color. And the sun is rising on the horizon. And I¡¯m freezing because I¡¯m practically not wearing any clothes at all. I put my clothes back on, which were lying untouched on a tree¡¯s branch. Slightly warmer now but still quite cold. Wasn¡¯t this near the equator? Why are the mornings cold then? I start moving towards where I remember the town being. I suppose I need to talk to the mayor or something to leave the starter town. Or I could just continue in some random direction and try to exit the forest from that way, but somehow, I don¡¯t feel that¡¯s a good idea. I walk down the ¡®path¡¯ through the forest which I somehow remember. My spear is still in the inventory, and I take out the bone spike, holding it in my left hand casually. But even after carefully looking for everything, I wasn¡¯t able to find any creature to test my skill on. Unfortunate. The minimap says the town is just within reach. And it seems the quest NPC or rather the priest is standing outside the temple. I calmly walk out of the trees and into the clearing, about 20 meters away from the temple¡¯s entrance. The priest spots me and I could make out his expression turning a little happy now that he saw me. I walk towards him. The priest waves towards me and I wave back towards him. The bone spike suddenly flies through the air, straight towards the priest¡¯s face. But it hits an invisible barrier, which shines golden as soon as the spike hits it and then goes back to being transparent. It lands in front of him.
Attack deflected by holy shield. No damage caused.
*cough*¡°My hand just slipped.¡± ¡°I understand. It could happen sometimes.¡± He replies with a gentle smile. I didn¡¯t really mean to do it. Just the thought popped in my mind for a split second. He continues, ¡°Apologies we¡¯re having our introductions this way. I¡¯m Doran, the priest of the temple in this small town. It¡¯s good to meet you properly at last, hero.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°As expected of the hero. So humble that even a priest like myself can¡¯t help but be impressed.¡± No, really. I¡¯m not sure what did I do? ¡°Thanks to you that vile demonic creature that was summoned, was repelled successfully.¡± Ah, so it must be that thing in the underwater cave. But I¡¯m fairly certain that it wasn¡¯t actually summoned properly. I mean I don¡¯t remember fighting it. ¡°I have no clue how we could possibly reward such an accomplishment. But still, I and the mayor would like to convey our sincerest gratitude.¡± ¡°The mayor?¡± ¡°Ah, yes. You must want to meet him. Come, I¡¯ll lead the way.¡± So, the priest was labelled as a quest NPC because he¡¯s my key to getting outside and completing the tutorial then. I pick up the spike as the priest starts heading away from the temple. Even if this might not be as useful now, it still has some value to me. ¡°I couldn¡¯t leave the town. If I did, then the town would be left unprotected for those evil spirits to attack.¡±
Minor Priest: Doran. (Estimated level 30+) You do not have enough of a discerning ability to find out more information.
I¡¯m not able to look at the surroundings properly as the priest practically rushes through the place and towards a large building that seems to be the city hall. The guards salute him or some other gesture like that as he passes through. We head inside without a problem, directly through the hallway and towards the room at the end. He opens the door, gesturing me to walk in first. There¡¯s a middle-aged man in suit like clothing sitting at a desk, engrossed in some paperwork. That suit seems really old fashioned, but judging which era this world is in would be hard just from his clothing. He looks up as he hears the priest close the door. His pupils dilate a bit as he looks at me. As if realizing his savior has just arrived, he gets up from his chair in haste and walks up to me cheerfully and holds my hand with both of his, shaking it up and down in a one-sided handshake. ¡°Hero, it¡¯s great that you finally arrived here. I was dying of worry when Doran told me that you disappeared off into the forest.¡± ¡°The summoned evil was already repelled by him as soon as he went there.¡± The priest says. ¡°That¡¯s great¡­ I just can¡¯t put it in words how thankful I feel right now. It was a great problem plaguing the town. The citizens didn¡¯t know, but I and the council were worried sick over the possibility of an invasion of this town.¡± He continues on, ¡°This small town wouldn¡¯t have survived against such an onslaught. So many innocents would have been ¡­¡± And he drones on, the words stopped registering in my head as I get bored of them. I look around a bit. It¡¯s not a bad office. Well, not bad from the pictures that I judge it using. Then by that standards it should be quite an above-average office. With the things labelled and kept in their proper place. All files labelled an in a shelf by the side. A few small figurines(?) or small statue replicas of some sort on the desk. A potted plant by the corner. And quite clean surroundings, however incomparable that may be to the hospital which was kept squeaky clean. Not bad at all. And quite clean surroundings, however incomparable that may be to the hospital which was kept squeaky clean. Not bad at all. ¡°So that is why I would like it if you head to the capital.¡± The mayor finally finishes. The capital? What?
Quest obtained. Story quest: (Kingdom) Go to the capital to find out more about this possible large scale demonic invasion. The capital also has lots of resources and facilities which would be quite useful to you. Quest reward: None. No time limit on quest, Yet.
At least someone was paying attention. If the system counts as ¡®someone¡¯ that is. That¡¯s all I need to know really. I walk backwards a bit, as if telling the mayor that it¡¯s time I leave. ¡°Ah, yes. Of course, I couldn¡¯t possibly keep the hero waiting.¡± And on his cue, I exit the mayor¡¯s office.
Starter town tutorial completed. You can now head outside the starter town. Andinteract with other players. Or you can go into passive mode by selecting it in the menu. Hints have now been turned off. You can turn them back on through the menus.
Great. Now to head outside and see how many other players there really are in this town. But before doing that. I open the menu and then turn the hints back on. These have been quite handy after all. Chapter 6. Ill name this...Valentine. Chapter 6, I wasn¡¯t able to look at the surroundings properly, or think about them. But that just now was the city mayor, right? And this is the city hall. A representative rule? But this was a kingdom. Maybe I¡¯m thinking too much into it. I probably am. But I didn¡¯t expect a form of a republic. Or perhaps I¡¯m underestimating the previous civilizations? Republic is a fairly old form of a civilization now that I think about it. I mean Rome was a republic. But it¡¯s rather become harder to pinpoint exactly which era this world is in. I look around, the building is constructed quite nicely, with stone, just like the church. The architecture, to my knowledge, seems to be from a time much later than the medieval period, like maybe gothic. But I¡¯m no expert in architecture. I walk to the front gate, which is opened by the guards standing outside, as if expecting me to exit, and step outside. Soft music starts playing as soon as I do that. Some sort of remixed classical song. I¡¯m not used to music playing in the background of real life. But it feels to be a nice addition. Now what should I do to progress? Going to the capital is a must. But if I understand my class. I should get equipment first. And equipment of all types. So, getting blacksmith into my party would be good. I open the map through the menu.
You have acquired a map of the entire town. You saw it in the mayor¡¯s office. It has been saved for your use, however it can be a little outdated, thus the buildings may not be exact.
Good to know that. Though I don¡¯t remember spotting a map in the office. The areas I remember being to are in a lighter shade than the others, which are covered with fog. And the town has a light greyish hue, allowing me to see the areas which I haven¡¯t been to. The map itself is like a satellite image of sorts. I spot an option in the corner which shows a small icon of a satellite, so I select it. The map changes into one of a more cartoonish feel. Nah, still not what I like. I select it again. The map changes into a bit more real-to-life form but still contains bright colors like in the cartoonish version. Perfect. Maybe I should look at this world with a bit more interest. Give it a chance perhaps. Since I feel like I haven¡¯t paid it much attention. Will definitely do that after finding a blacksmith. I head through the streets and towards the forge. It¡¯s different from a craftsman¡¯s place. But if its about weapons then surely the blacksmith would be a better pick. Maybe if cloth armors or bows were what I needed then the craftsman might have been my choice. There¡¯s a little bit of heat I could feel radiating from that place. From the outside it doesn¡¯t look much different than a typical shop around here, but it certainly feels like there¡¯s more to this place in the back. I walk into the store. ¡°Welcome!¡¯¡± The receptionist greets me. Something about her feels slightly off. But I¡¯ll think more about that later. Because all the weapons on display attract my eyesight to them. There¡¯s battle axes, war hammers, swords, spears, daggers, throwing knives and pretty much every weapon I did or did not expect to find here. But most of them only have 1 or 2 weapons on display, with the swords hogging up most of the space. There¡¯s a few pieces of armor on a rack but that doesn¡¯t seem to be this blacksmith¡¯s forte. I pick up the best-looking sword with the most frills on it, and try to appraise it.
Dark Iron Blade (Rare) Estimated increase in damage by 35-45 points. Probably requires Level 4(Intermediate) sword mastery to wield properly. You do not have the required appraising ability to identify this sword fully without using it in combat for a significant amount of time.
And I get my arrogance handed back to me as I fail to appraise it properly. But acting as if I can appraise it is something I can do. As I¡¯m pretending to look at the sword from all angles, ¡°It¡¯s a pretty good sword, right?¡± ¡°Nope. It has a lot of areas that could be improved upon. It¡¯s center of balance isn¡¯t right either. The decorations are overdone and could come in the way of fighting.¡± ¡°Wow, harsh. And that was supposed to be one of Master¡¯s best swords.¡±This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. So, it¡¯s supposed to be good? Wait, I think I can salvage this situation. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s just me being too critical and having high standards. It¡¯s a fairly good sword actually.¡± ¡°I could see that happening. But that aside. I¡¯m Vera. The blacksmith¡¯s apprentice.¡± I feel like I¡¯m infinitely close to finding out what it was that felt so odd about her. ¡°A player.¡± So, she was a player. No wonder I felt it odd a player might be working in a blacksmith¡¯s place. Wait, why didn¡¯t I notice any other players roaming around in the town before? Did I just willfully ignore them? Or unintentionally ignore them? Or maybe there weren¡¯t that many players here to begin with. Or were they too well disguised with the NPCs? Cause in this game there is no HUD that pops up without you attacking or inspecting a creature. It sure makes it much more immersive. But also, hard to distinguish NPCs from Players. ¡°What are you doing here as a receptionist?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a quest, of course. The last one required for me to finally gain the blacksmith profession!¡± She seemed pretty excited as she mentioned blacksmithing. As we were talking, a slightly stout man, or wait, a dwarf? But he¡¯s not that short. So¡­ Half-dwarf? ¡°Are you talking with a customer, Vera? I wanted you to come assist me in making this new weapon design I thought of.¡± Before she could say anything, I interject. ¡°Would it be okay if I come see the weapon¡¯s forging too? I¡¯m quite interested in trying out new weapons.¡± The man seems to think a bit while the receptionist, Vera I think he called her, seems to glare at me as if I¡¯m being in the way of her quest. Oh right, I do have something that might help convince him. I take out my bone spike and show it to him. ¡°This is something I created. By no means is it perfect though.¡± ¡°What is that? A dagger made from a bone?¡± He inspects it a bit further. ¡°It has a quite good center of balance for throwing. Made of one solid piece, this making it much less likely to break. Its almost too good to be made by a novice. Are you a craftsman? A craftsman seeing the new weapon would be good. Yeah, come along into the forge, perhaps you can figure out how to make the joints right.¡± Once he seemed a little interested, he started talking quite fast. But at least it ended with him allowing me in there. Using a new weapon would have its own disadvantages, like there being no established techniques for it, but I feel the enemy would be even more unexperienced with it than me, giving me a slight advantage. He excitedly walks back through the door behind the counter. I could see the dim glow of a fire in there. ¡°Hey, why looking so gloomy, Vera?¡± ¡°It¡¯s my last quest to finally getting the profession. Could you like not try to be in the way?¡± She said that with such snobbery. Oh my. We have a mean girl here. ¡°I¡¯m not being in the way, you know. I did actually make that bone spike myself. Which I realize now that he took it with him.¡± ¡°You made a weapon already?! How is that possible? I was sure I got to blacksmithing the earliest as soon as I finished that town quest to get rid of those animals in the graveyard.¡± Yeah, not like I¡¯m going to tell you that this guy here spent a good hour or two just to chip that bone down and to prove the system wrong even though it wasn¡¯t wrong. ¡°What are you guys waiting for? Come here! I¡¯m about to begin forging!¡± A voice comes from behind the door that half-dwarf went through. We walk inside the forge area and Vera, seeming already knowing what she has to do, starts working on the bellows. The blacksmith shows me a diagram on some piece of paper. The blueprint of what he¡¯s making I suppose. But I don¡¯t really understand what it exactly is. Not because I can¡¯t read blueprints. But because I can¡¯t read medieval blueprints. Standardization is great in the modern world. ¡°Which material would you suggest I use for the joints? They need to be flexible. It could be Cloudlace or Mithril?¡± Cloudlace sounds like some form of cloth, while mithril is a metal. Yes, let¡¯s go with Cloudlace, it sounds cool too. ¡°Cloudlace.¡± ¡°Yeah, I was thinking so too. The weapon might become a bit less user friendly but it¡¯ll be much more flexible.¡± He starts putting in small metal pieces into the furnace to melt them a bit then takes them out and flattens them, then curving them by hammering them on the anvil. Quite dexterous indeed. Vera also seems to know what she¡¯s doing as she helps him from time to time, while maintaining the furnace temperature. Soon, the shape of the weapon seems a bit clearer, it¡¯s made of small metal cylinders. Then as soon as he¡¯s done making them, he takes out a rope like material from somewhere to link those pieces together with equally skilled craftsmanship. It feels as if just a moment passed but perhaps it took a few hours, can¡¯t be sure. But the weapon is now before me. It¡¯s a whip like thing, made of small metal pieces instead of leather, blood-red metal pieces linked together to each other using a dark cloth, the handle is fully metal too. Wonder how comfortable that would be to use. Its hilt(?) has certain detailing on the ends too. When did he get time to do that? Did he prepare that beforehand? He hands the weapon over to me.
Linked Mithril Sword (Crafted) This sword can be named. A new conceptual sword forged by the blacksmith Fidulir. It has certain unique properties because of the unusual materials chosen to make it with. Increases damage by 2-35 points. Probably requires Intermediate Special Weapons Mastery to use. Other details are currently unable to be seen by you.
That is the largest variation I¡¯ve yet seen on a weapon. But something about it just speaks to me¡­ I want it. I hand it back to him so that he could take a better look at it, then I lead the way outside, back to the store part of the building. ¡°So, Vera, you wanted to go to the capital too, right?¡± She seemed a little surprised at me bringing that up, but the half-dwarf quickly speaks up too. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯ll be a great thing for you to visit the capital, Vera. You¡¯re now a fully-fledged blacksmith apprentice. Going there would get you some much needed experience.¡± ¡°Yes but¡­¡± She starts speaking, but I interject. ¡°Great. Then we could go together.¡± The blacksmith nods, as if agreeing with me. Now time to bring that up, ¡°I was also thinking that new weapon is something I¡¯d really want to use.¡± He thinks for a bit, ¡°mm, sure you can have it since you helped create it.¡± I did? ¡°The pride of creating a new weapon is what I really wanted. Do tell me how using it went.¡± He says as he hands it over to me. I¡¯ll feel bad for taking something from him for nothing, or maybe I won¡¯t, not really sure. But still, I take out the only thing left in my inventory, the spear, and give it to him. He looks at it for a bit then exclaims, ¡°A marine stone! I have some great uses for this.¡± Good, now I won¡¯t feel as bad taking the weapon. Not like I¡¯d have much use for that marine stone or whatever it is. I put the linked-sword in my inventory. ¡°Did you create that spear too?¡± Vera speaks up. ¡°Not really, I borrowed it from a fishman.¡± ¡°A fishman? Where did you find that? To my knowledge there isn¡¯t a lake or such place anywhere close to walking distance.¡± ¡°I just found one wandering around. Anyways, we should start heading out now if we want to make it to the capital in time.¡± The blacksmith speaks up from admiring that stone on top of that spear, ¡°I¡¯d recommend going along with those merchant caravans. They go to the capital and back quite often.¡± ¡°Yeah, we can go along as adventurers and guards or something.¡± I say as I start walking towards the exit. Can¡¯t wait to try out this new weapon. Oh right, wait. I access the sword through the menu,
You need a blacksmith to name a weapon.
I quickly go back to the half-dwarf and give him the linked sword. ¡°Could you give it a name?¡± ¡°Sure, but what name would you like?¡± I already have an idea. ¡°How about¡­ Valentine.¡± Chapter 7. Getting new threads Chapter 7, ¡°Valentine? What sort of a name is that?¡± Vera speaks up a little annoyed as we¡¯re walking down the road towards where the blacksmith told us the merchant caravans would be. ¡°I just like that name. Then what did you want to suggest I name it, a rose with thorns?¡± She stays quiet for a bit. ¡°Now that you kind of explain it. Beautiful like a rose with thorns. Bloody Valentine. Yeah, it¡¯s not that bad.¡± ¡°Oh, right. I suppose I haven¡¯t introduced myself. I¡¯m Chris Val. Or at least my player name is.¡± ¡°Your player name? Are you the roleplaying type? I¡¯m Vera Marconi.¡± ¡°So, you¡¯re interested in blacksmithing?¡± ¡°Yeah, oh my, how did you guess? Probably because I was training under an actual blacksmith?¡± She says exaggeratedly. ¡°Nah, I thought maybe you wanted to be a store clerk or something.¡± I remark with a similar tone. It¡¯s no coincidence I wanted her to go along with me. I mean I can¡¯t let the blacksmith slav- I mean friend that I found, get away so easily. She needs to make me all kinds of weapons and armors that I could use so that I could use this class I have to its full advantage. Kinda makes me wonder what that compensation item was that I received from that support person. Too bad I could only get it once I go outside the town. ¡°My family owns this metalworking company. So, I just got interested in it since childhood. But they never let me actually use it. It¡¯s too dangerous or something. Once I got in this world and realized I could learn blacksmithing, there¡¯s was like no way I¡¯m not doing that.¡± ¡°Fair enough.¡± ¡°So? I told you mine, now tell me your reason for playing the game.¡± Giving a smile, I reply ¡°Oh, do I really need a reason for playing it?¡± She doesn¡¯t really reply but I could hear her muttering under her breath ¡°That was a cute expression.¡± What? Did I somehow manage to get my hands on a carnivore? This time I look around a bit better, but am not able to spot many players around. The few that are there, were busy running around, completing quests of sort I suppose. Not responding to any calls or waves. ¡°Let them be. Bunch of newbs who think a higher level would guarantee them victory in the tournament.¡± ¡°Tournament?¡± ¡°How can you not know about it? Of course, there¡¯s a PvP tournament after a week. The greatest thing is that it would be a battle royale. No level restrictions. A bunch of prizes for the rankings but not too much.¡± A PvP tournament¡­ It¡¯ll be a great chance to gain some early in-game fame. That would come in really handy. ¡°You¡¯re planning to participate in it?¡± ¡°Yeah of course. I¡¯ll also get to test the items I made myself.¡± She replies almost instantly. ¡°That¡¯ll have to depend if they allow your own items in the battle royale.¡± But they probably will. Though I can¡¯t be sure. We reach the marketplace where the merchants are. It¡¯s quite loud here with them shouting out the names of their products(?) or goods and services they offer and competing with each other on it. ¡°Sure makes the world seem really lively. Like a world which exists even without the player being necessary to complete it.¡± She comments with a face that seems quite serious. ¡°Wait, you¡¯re not having an existential crisis or something, are you?¡± ¡°¡­No!¡± Her obviously delayed response makes me look into her eyes with a bit more seriousness. ¡°No, of course not. Don¡¯t look at me like that. I¡¯m perfectly fine.¡± ¡°Yeah. Fine. Right.¡± As we¡¯re having this little conversation, through the corner of my eye I¡¯m looking towards the merchants, the ones who seem most likely to be going to the capital soon. One of them certainly seems really interesting.
Merchant spotted. Name is unknown to you. He seems to be selling wooden dolls made from an unusual material.
I walk to his stall and pick up a doll to inspect it. ¡°Made from Shiftbark, the most fragrant of woods. Just for 30 Rial.¡± The merchant speaks up cheerfully
You have now identified the doll made from shiftbark. Knowledge in alchemy is increased slightly. It¡¯s a quite artistic doll made for home decoration purposes and for children¡¯s enjoyment.
I inspect it a bit closer and smelling it to find if what he said was true. I also tap it using my fingers. It¡¯s hollow?If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡°You don¡¯t need to look so cute while doing that.¡± I hear Vera say under her breath. It certainly raises my concern for what type of person have I gotten myself involved with. But it did have an odd scent. I feel like I¡¯ve encountered that same smell a while ago. Can¡¯t remember where exactly however. I put the doll back in its place and ask the merchant, ¡°Shiftbark? From near the capital city¡¯s woods?¡± ¡°Yes. Since that is the best source for Shiftbark.¡± Really? I was just spouting random stuff. ¡°If possible, me and my assistant,¡± I point towards Vera ¡°would like to go to the capital, if you¡¯d allow us to accompany you in your trip.¡± ¡°Sure! I was going to leave tonight with the Trade union. You can accompany us, but it¡¯ll cost a bit, of course. Or you can come as adventurers, but you¡¯d have to defend us against the bandits we might face.¡± ¡°What trade union?¡± I ask, just for the heck of it. ¡°The Greater Good Merchant Union of course.¡± I turn towards Vera and whisper, ¡°What do you suggest?¡± ¡°As adventurers of course. No need to pay for this needlessly. We¡¯re players in the first place.¡± Not like I had a choice since my only real possession right now are these fairly normal clothes and Valentine that I¡¯ve kept in my inventory. Actually, now looking at Vera, she¡¯s wearing quite nice clothes. At least for the standards here. Which isn¡¯t really speaking that much since all of it is plain. Well, she was acting as a store clerk. I suppose she does have some money from completing those quests. While I¡¯m practically broke. Unless she¡¯s willing to be my sugar mama. Anyways, turning back to the merchant, ¡°Yes, we¡¯ll go as adventurers.¡± ¡°Always good to have extra hands to defend us in case of an attack. I¡¯ll tell the merchant union. Be back here before nightfall and we¡¯ll start our journey. It¡¯ll be throughout the night and would reach the capital by tomorrow midday.¡± We leave after that and head towards the other shops. ¡°So¡­ I was curious. What clothing are you wearing?¡± I ask Vera. ¡°Hmm? This? I got this for the job of being the store clerk for about half a day.¡± ¡°Why are you still wearing it, then?¡± ¡°It provides a small boost to strength and dexterity, stats essential for a blacksmith. And its slightly better than the starter clothing.¡± She continues, ¡°Actually, yeah. You should buy new clothes. Pretty much anything is better than the starter clothes. Anything legitimate at least.¡± I step inside a shop, making her follow me into it. It¡¯s a clothing store, of course. ¡°Nice idea. How about you buy me some?¡± Not like I have any money since I¡¯m broke for not actually doing any quests. I hear her muttering under her breath ¡°Even though I don¡¯t have much money after buying the blacksmith supplies.¡± ¡°Welcome, customer. Here at Gebeir¡¯s Boutique, we have clothing from the latest trends from the entire continent, including the elven cultures.¡± The attendant speaks up as she spots me. Or is she the owner? Doesn¡¯t matter. With the attendant¡¯s help I sort through the clothes taking my sweet time posing in front of the mirror. As Vera hangs about close by. I even do her the favor of choosing clothes for her. One that has a fantasy-like feel, apparently the flowing garbs are meant to represent holiness, somehow. It was inspired from depictions of angels, allegedly. Costing around 200 Rial. ¡­ A while later as I¡¯m finally done choosing. ¡°An excellent choice indeed. Made of ChaosSilk, known to be advantageous for magic users. And a design currently trending among the dark elf nobility.¡± The attendant, which I now am fairly sure is the owner herself, continues praising me. It¡¯s a completely black long coat. And with a pure white shirt, representing my innocence, and black pants, closely fitting, with the ankles slightly visible. Makes me think that this was meant for women somehow. But it fits me. So it¡¯s fine. The dress set even includes the shoes and leather gloves to match. The only thing missing is the wand that apparently the dark elves use, but isn¡¯t really available here because humans can¡¯t replicate it, and dark elves won¡¯t share their weapons technology or send a sample. The dress itself is imported, however. Like some vampire from those horror stories. With fitting pale skin, I suppose. ¡°She¡¯ll pay for it.¡± I say as I point towards Vera and then head outside the store. ¡°It¡¯ll be 950 Rial.¡± I hear the owner say as the door closes behind me.
Integra¡¯s Disguise (Crafted, set item) This cloth armor seems to have some secrets of its own. Cloth armors are more suited for mages that cannot use metal armors. It does not provide as much defense however it does not block magic use and can even boost magic attacks. Movement is also not restricted at all. It probably requires intermediate mastery of the Slayer profession to equip. Decreases received damage by 5-10 points. A 10% damage increase to magic attacks. You are currently unable to see more details.
Hmm¡­ I¡¯ve been noticing this pattern recently. I¡¯m unable to see any details at all in the objects I acquire! I need to do something about that. That, but another thing is I¡¯m able to equip items even though it says it has some requirements that I don¡¯t meet¡­ Not letting my train of thought continue for much longer, Vera barges out of the store, huffing in anger. ¡°That cost me like all that was left! We barely have enough for buying rations or something.¡± All that was left? Ah right, she spent most of it on those blacksmithing supplies if i remember correctly. Is it an expensive hobby or an investment worth the price? I''ll need to look more into it. I turn to face her and while holding her cheeks, say with my most sincere face. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure you believe it was worth it.¡± ¡°Y-yeah, sure, whatever, no big deal.¡± She stutters while dodging her eyes away from me. I really do need to pay this girl back for all she¡¯s done. Can¡¯t let the sla- I mean friend feel that she¡¯s being cheated. ¡°Its your fault for dressing up as eyecandy.¡± I hear her mutter quietly. I look at the time the system shows, There¡¯s 2 clocks for both in-game time and real-world time. Still a few minutes left for dinner. So, taking that chance, we roam about in the streets full of shops. Vera somehow still holding onto my hand but not like it matters. Window shopping because we don¡¯t have any money. Not that the shopkeepers think that way because of our dresses.
Evelyn has messaged you. ¡°It¡¯s time for dinner. Don¡¯t lose yourself playing a game.¡±
Of course, it¡¯s possible to message someone inside the game from the outside. Since the accounts are already linked to the headset and the game, just sending a message or an email or something to that account will alert the person even if he¡¯s in game. ¡°It¡¯s time for me to eat dinner, Vera. How about we meet at that merchant¡¯s caravan after this?¡± ¡°You don''t need to tell me that. It''s about dinner time here too. You better show up there on time, got it?¡± She says with a slightly bossy tone. We both log out from the game. I take off the headset and move away from the bed to stretch my limbs out a bit. Evelyn walks in with a tray and sets it on the table, with me taking the chair beside the table, instead of eating from the bed. ¡°Fish? Why is there fish for dinner today?¡± ¡°You said it yourself that you wanted fish, didn¡¯t you? I even went through the effort to remove any and all bones and spines from it.¡± Stabbing the fork into the dish, I very carefully bring it to my mouth. Taking a small bite at a time. ¡°Hmm, the texture isn¡¯t too bad. The taste reminds me of a lot of things. Did you put basil in it?¡± ¡°What are you, a food critic? Yeah, I did put basil in it. Now just finish it. I have to clean the dishes too.¡± ¡°You can¡¯t rush a sick person to eat like that. What if I accidentally choke on it?¡± From the corner of my eye I see her helpless expression. It¡¯s not that I like being sadistic. I let out a sigh. "I get upset you know, leaving the virtual world. It''s just a lot more fun there than it is here." "Hey! That''s not true. This world can be fun too." She thinks for a bit then continues. "How about I take you somewhere tomorrow? Since the weekend''s approaching." "But-" I start to say and get interrupted. "Yeah I know. A place that you would certainly like to visit." Before I can say anything. "No Ifs and buts. It''s been a while since you went outside this place." Oh well, i suppose going somewhere outside wouldn''t be bad. At least if she''s accompanying. I finish the dinner and then we go outside for a walk to get my muscles moving. I put the headset back on after laying on bed. I have a feeling this trip to the capital would be¡­ Eventful. Chapter 8. Ambushed by bandits? Chapter 8. I somehow keep thinking medieval whenever I think fantasy, but I suppose I need to remember this world is hardly in the medieval times, but rather in the 16th to 18th century. The stagecoach in front of me especially so reminded me of that. ¡°So, you two are adventurers who would like to accompany our trade union?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± I reply. ¡°Good. We could always do with capable adventurers. Though you don¡¯t really look like adventurers.¡± I smile as a reply. The head of the trade union, or at least the acting head here, turns back around and continues instructing the others about what they have to do. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we receive a quest about now?¡± Vera speaks up from behind me. ¡°Patience.¡±
You have accepted a quest Trip to the capital. You will be accompanying the Greater Good Trade Union on its regular route to the capital, as an adventurer. Your task to protect the union from all foes. Be aware of what you face. Quest reward: 5000 Exp, 100 Rial. The Trade union will be favorable towards you. There is a time limit on quest. It is a convoy type quest, you need to accompany the quest giver till the time ends.
Trip? An odd choice of words indeed. ¡°You received it?¡± I ask her as I turn around to face her. ¡°Yeah.¡± It seems like we¡¯ll face some opposition. Maybe I should have tested using Valentine before I fight. But oh well, too late for that now. ¡°Come, this one is ours.¡± Vera says as she hops onboard the stagecoach, quickly sitting down in place, like some noblewoman. Did she learn etiquette? That posture is quite impressive actually. I look around. The convoy or rather the number of people accompanying us this journey would be around 50. 10 of which are actually the merchants themselves. With 12 stagecoaches, 30 workers, and about 10 mercenaries. So, we got our own stagecoach with 1 worker acting as the driver. It was a particular mercenary group they hired, I think. Since their outfits match somehow. They¡¯re wearing a peculiar design on their helmets. With what seems like a fully-fledged knight, or at a person wearing full plate armor, on a partially armored horse too. The others are also mounted, though their horses don¡¯t seem as good as his.
Mercenary Captain spotted. Name is unknown to you. Level, approximately 35. The captain for a mercenary group. His full plate armor speaks of his experience as an ex-Knight. As you see and recognize more and more people and items, your discerning ability will improve.
He¡¯s giving a pep-talk to his comrades. Wait¡­ Level 35? Is that level an overkill because he¡¯s their leader or is that a requirement for this journey to the capital?
Mercenary spotted. Approximate level, 30. He¡¯s wearing a fine quality padded armour with chainmail covering the torso. Possibly skilled in using a sword and shield.
That¡¯s¡­ Concerning. And these ¡®mercenaries¡¯ look quite suspicious too. I¡¯m totally not envious or something. But wait, players should be stronger than monsters of the same level, right? That should be the case as players are expected to be able to defeat multiple creatures of the same level as them. Yeah, I¡¯m probably overthinking it. I join Vera and sit down on the opposite seat. It¡¯s basically just 2 seats opposing each other. The person who¡¯s driving it stays outside. Apparently, the horses used are a special breed, they move quicker and have a lot more stamina. The carriage starts moving shortly after. We could have ridden on those horses, outside the carriage, but that would have got tiring quickly. Also, I don¡¯t know how to ride a horse. I¡¯ll have to learn that soon. ¡°Oh by the way, did you know that there are no mods in this game?¡± ¡°Mods? Aren¡¯t mods usually just for single-player games?¡± At least that¡¯s what I read on the internet a while ago. Though I can¡¯t be sure since I never played it. ¡°Not those mods, dummy. I meant mods as in moderators. Dawn just said that there are no in-game mods. Apparently something to do with making the game feel fairer.¡±This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. ¡°Does that mean they aren¡¯t seeing the world at all?¡± ¡°No, of course they are. Just that they¡¯ll be doing so from behind a screen, rather than from inside the game itself.¡± ¡°Ah, I see.¡± That would make sense why the support person I contacted said that they could see me when they weren¡¯t in the game. ¡°Though they did say the classes were balanced quite nicely, apparently it only starts to show in the lategame. Then the difference in strength is mostly due to the player skill and equipment the person uses.¡± ¡°So, the early levels might not be balanced?¡± ¡°Yeah, but who really cares? The real fun lies when levels aren¡¯t a factor anymore.¡± She smiles like a witch brewing a plan in her head. Or at least the expression I suppose I¡¯d see on a witch brewing up an evil scheme, I haven¡¯t ever seen a witch after all. ¡°That¡¯s why becoming a blacksmith is the job that will give me the most benefits at the end! AHAHAHAHAHA.¡± I quickly lean forward, covering her mouth with my hand. That ridiculous laugh might unnecessarily draw attention. I¡¯m not really shy towards people paying attention to me, but not this kind of attention. ¡°I get it. It¡¯s a win-win situation for you since you were already interested in blacksmithing. So, no need to do that laugh again.¡± Besides, I¡¯ll also be taking the benefits from her being a blacksmith. ¡°Mmph!¡± She says something but I can¡¯t make out what she¡¯s saying. Right, I still have my hand covering her mouth. Just as I¡¯m about to take it back, she opens her mouth and then bites my hand. No, she missed. I was quick enough, thankfully. I get to take my hand back in one piece. ¡°So, as I was saying. I¡¯ll make the best equipment in the game and then I¡¯d be the strongest!¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah, I get that.¡± Right, on that topic. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we join the same party?¡± Not that it¡¯s particularly necessary, but maybe this way I¡¯d be able to see her level at least. Since I found out quite early that while it¡¯s possible to inspect a player. It wouldn¡¯t show anything other than their name. ¡°Yeah, but I¡¯m not sure how to do it.¡± ¡°Invite Vera to party.¡± I say, hoping that it won¡¯t let me down. ¡°Oh! Nice!¡± She exclaims, and soon a message pops up in front of me.
Vera Marconi has accepted your party request. You are now the party leader. Vera Marconi (Level 28) Class type: Guardian(attack+defence) HP: Full.
¡°¡­ You¡¯re just level 20?! Chris! Explain this!¡± ¡°What about it? I just happen to be that level, anything wrong with it? And, how exactly did you level up so fast?¡± ¡°¡­ Nothing wrong per se but it¡¯s certainly odd that if you can use that weapon, you shouldn¡¯t be this weak, yet you are. What is your class, really?¡± ¡°How about I tell you that later. What do you see it as right now?¡± ¡°It says ¡®Versatile¡¯ though I don¡¯t really get what it means.¡± Hmm, versatile, quite a good way to describe it I¡¯d say. Though I have yet to experience all of my class, it does seem like it¡¯s quite versatile indeed. ¡°Oh, and I got to this level by doing blacksmith quests. It sure seems like you can play the game using just a profession to level up.¡± Sounds believable. Dawn did say that it was possible to just play the game entirely fishing or crafting items and the like. I suppose there¡¯s where the freedom of choice part comes in, for people who don¡¯t really want the game for combat. I open up the stats menu then select the Class.
Enigmatic Killer Perhaps an expert on something while also being a complete novice in it. A person whose next move in combat might as well be unpredictable. More details in the class description will become visible as you experience it or level up. Skills: Not Weakness. Eccentric. Class abilities: Enigmatic. Stats are randomized. They cannot be allotted by the player. Skill tree is also randomized. Gain only 2 stats per level. Amused Mastery. Item equipping conditions are lessened. The player will be able to equip some items even if he doesn¡¯t meet all the requirements.
Right, the skill tree, I should look into it more later. I¡¯m curious about what class she has. It said a guardian type, and hinted attack and defense. So, I¡¯m guessing a sword and shield combo. But I don¡¯t suppose I should ask her that now, since I didn¡¯t tell her about mine.
You have received a message. It has an item with it. ¡°Congratulations on finally leaving the starter town. Here is the item compensation for the minor bug you faced.¡± You have received a Feather of Revival.
Feather of Revival? I take it out from my inventory to inspect it more.
Feather of Revival (Consumable item.) If certain conditions are met, this feather has the power to bring creatures back to life. Use: Allows the player to revive immediately (on the same location) on death, not losing any progress in-game. Also has some other possible uses in alchemy and the like.
¡°Oh! What¡¯s this?¡± Vera suddenly says as she quickly snatches the feather out of my hand. It¡¯s pink in color and has a light glow around it. It¡¯s about the size of my palm, not too large. It¡¯s also quite¡­ Feathery. In the small amount of time I was able to hold it, it felt very soft to touch. But it¡¯s a consumable item. I suppose that suits what the person said, when I contacted support. It¡¯s surely not a sword. It would be quite handy in certain situations. Like if I¡¯m interpreting this correctly, then perhaps when in a dungeon raid and the boss is almost dead, but then suddenly I get killed, I could revive on the spot without losing progress against the boss or the boss resetting or something like that. ¡°Hey! This is quite nice. I just might use it as a decoration or hairpin.¡± ¡°No, it won¡¯t look good with your hair.¡± ¡°Come on, what would you know about it.¡± She says with a tone as if just now she''s remembering to act as if she''s entitled to something. ¡°It would also be a really wasteful use of such an item.¡± ¡°But you owe me one for that dress.¡± I suppose she¡¯s kinda right. Letting out a sigh, I reply, ¡°Just give it back when you feel like it.¡± ¡°Aw come on, you¡¯re no fun.¡± She says as she brings the feather close to my face. Wait, no, the feather- *Sneeze*
Your stats have been randomized.
It¡¯s tickling my nose¡­ I felt it was about time that happened. I snatch the feather out of her hand. ¡°Enough.¡± ¡°Fine¡­¡± And as if with perfect timing, the carriage stops. The driver shouts from the outside. ¡°We¡¯re under attack from bandits!¡± And my stats just reset. Giving me no time to analyze them and come up with an appropriate strategy. Give me a break for once¡­ ¡°Finally, some action.¡± At least she seems excited about it. ¡°Go out but don¡¯t attack anything, yet.¡± I whisper to her. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Just do as I say.¡± We both quickly get out of the carriage. It¡¯s already late in the night. At least guessing from the darkness that surrounds us. The moonlight making it possible to see the surroundings. The group of carriages is surrounded, or rather, the path is blocked by a barricade with dark figures beyond it. The front has about 20 of these so-called bandits, while the back has just about 5. The mercenary group is at the front too. With our carriage being at the rear. ¡°You adventurers handle the rear! We¡¯ll handle the front! Let¡¯s show these bandits we aren¡¯t someone to mess with!¡± The mercenary leader¡¯s shout reaches us. Once again, saying it multiple times won¡¯t make it legitimate. It just makes me even more certain of my initial guess. ¡°Come on, what are we waiting for?¡± Vera speaks up as the 5 shadowy figures start moving towards us. ¡°We don¡¯t need to attack.¡± ¡°What?!¡± ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure these people aren¡¯t bandits.¡± Taking a pause for a bit more dramatic effect, I continue. ¡°They¡¯re from the police.¡± Chapter 9. Glass Cannon. Chapter 9. ¡°Just stay still. I don¡¯t think they have any intention to attack us first.¡± ¡°Okay... But explain it to me!¡±
Quest modified. Trip to the Capital. You have realized that the merchant union isn¡¯t as innocent as it seems, nor is it working for the greater good. It is involved in smuggling prohibited items into the capital, for which the police have been tracking them and now have finally ambushed them on their path. Help the police defeat the actual criminals. Quest reward: Exp. The capital¡¯s police will be slightly favorable towards you. Quest will fail if the police force dispatched here, gets wiped out.
¡°But, how?¡± I thought something like this would have happened. Quests can actually change midway. ¡°The dolls that the merchant was selling, remember?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°They were hollow.¡± ¡°So, what?¡± ¡°They contained opioids or such a substance inside them.¡± ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± ¡°Drugs basically.¡± Though it also has medical purposes. Which is why I was able to get a clue from the way it smelled. I encountered it a few times in the hospital. I¡¯ll have to give the game devs that. The whole experience is eerily realistic, for a game titled Un-reality. Right down to even how the objects smell. ¡°So, I realized they were trading something fishy and now that they tried to insist so hard that bandits are attacking them, I became sure that it¡¯s definitely not bandits. There were also some minor suspicious movements on their part, looking back on it.¡± Technically, it would have been incorrect to just assume that opioids would be banned in this world. After all this isn¡¯t Earth. But, they went through all that trouble to hide it inside wooden dolls. Definitely not a coincidence. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ Wow¡­ I would have never been able to do such impressive deductive work. You¡¯ll be a nice detective.¡± Actually, I¡¯d rather not take all the credit for that. The only reason I was able to make all those reasonings was because there was a similar episode in the series Detective Shinichi. Which I really like. ¡°Regardless. I think it was supposed to go this way- We would help them deal with the bandits now, but before entering the capital the police would attack once more and we¡¯d realize that something suspicious is going on here, maybe by identifying the police or perhaps finally realizing that they¡¯re smuggling prohibited stuff and then we¡¯d get the quest to attack them instead, joining forces with the police.¡± In the background, sounds of shouts come from the people fighting at the front of the caravan. ¡°So, we just reached that part quicker now?¡± She asks. ¡°Yeah.¡± She lets out a sigh. ¡°No fighting then.¡± ¡°When did I say that?¡± I ask back, with a smile. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Of course, now that we realized what was off early, we have another choice.¡± Taking a pause, I continue. ¡°Go with the merchants for now and then take advantage of the knowledge we already have. Blackmail them perhaps. Or climb that corporate latter, though I¡¯m leaning towards the former, of course.¡± This wouldn¡¯t have been possible if we realized this too late, like how I think it was originally supposed to go. ¡°I¡­ Like that idea.¡± She responds with a grin. ¡°Okay, just beat them into a retreat. We don¡¯t wanna kill them just yet, incase that blacklists us from entering the capital later down the road somehow.¡± Though, in some cases holding back is harder than to just kill directly. ¡°We¡¯re from the police. This merchant caravan is known to carry illegal substances into the capital. We¡¯re here to stop that from happening-¡± I stealthily take out Valentine, I¡¯ve seen some videos on how to use a whip, it¡¯s a swing basically, but then you jerk your hand back. ¡°Get ready. Start on my cue.¡± I whisper to Vera, who responds with a nod. ¡°Since it looks like you are not a part of the criminals, we ask for your co-¡± I swing out Valentine, it, flexible like a rope made of leather, instantly hits the person who was speaking, right in the chest. Who¡¯s standing about 5 meters away. A pretty fine reach. But there¡¯s a problem, because it¡¯s made of metal pieces like a sword, it doesn¡¯t retract as fast, allowing the other person to get a hold of himself and charge forward with his sword. I should have practiced using this weapon¡­ I step back to avoid that attack and Vera takes out her weapons. A shield and a spear. Now I kind of get why it was called a guardian class. A number popped above that guard¡¯s HP bar, though I wasn¡¯t able to see it properly, the bar decreased by a miniscule 3-4% from what I can tell. It should have increased damage because it counted as a sneak attack, but I turned those messages off. The only clue to know that now is the color of the number that pops up.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. I whip Valentine out again, hitting that swordsman on the head, but he¡¯s wearing a helmet, which lessens the damage considerably. But the tip of the sword curls around the helmet, pulling it off his head. Wow, that¡¯s quite lucky. Vera steps in front of me to defend against the charge from the 2 policemen, but the third one is apparently a bowman, he takes out his bow, or a short-bow more accurately, and fires a shot at me. But somehow while retreating, my foot gets stuck on a rock, making me fall, so the shot misses. But the stone on the ground doesn¡¯t miss and scratches my back.
HP -2 You have lost 10% of your HP, be careful.
What¡¯s with this newly passive-aggressive system? Also, WHAT?! That fall caused me 2 HP damage and that¡¯s 10% of my life? I quickly get up before the bowman is able to shoot again. This, this might be bad. Vera seems to barely be able to handle the 2 others, so I sprint towards the bowman, another shot just barely missing my head because I ducked for running. I can really only use the one skill that I know. I say ¡°Not Weakness¡± under my breath, just as the bowman nocks another arrow.
Double-Edge used. (FS -50)
The sprint towards the bowman transforms into a shoulder charge, giving the bowman no time to respond as I crash into him.
You receive recoil damage. HP-10. You have 60% or less of total HP left now. It is advised to use any healing now, if possible. The enemy is stunned for 5 seconds. The skill was successful. The enemy suffers from shock and is disarmed. Unable to use his weapon for 20 seconds.
Oh wow, I feel slightly dizzy. Or maybe I just think that I should feel that way because my steps are unstable now as I move towards the collapsed bowman to finish him off. I thrust Valentine into his head as he¡¯s lying down his HP decreases fast as I continue with other short jabs. Wait, what am I doing? Didn¡¯t I plan to not kill them? It might result in severe problems later. His HP seems to be lower than 1/3rd anyways. Not in fighting condition anymore. So, stepping over the person who¡¯s continuously shaking his head, trying to perhaps shake the concussion away, I pick up the short-bow that he dropped, putting it in my inventory. ¡°Ha!¡± I hear a distinctly feminine shout come from behind me. Vera is still holding off the 2 others. Both using short swords, giving her the advantage since she¡¯s using a spear and a shield, allowing her to defend from them adequately. Her back is facing towards me, and she¡¯s facing the rear of the caravan, it seems like she moved to this side in order to shield me as I rushed past the ¡®front line¡¯ to attack the bowman. I quickly open the status menu, no time to waste since I have this opportunity for a breather.
Chris Val Level: 20 HP: 8 of 20 MP: 40 of 40 FS: 110 of 160 Hit: 2-35 (Valentine equipped.) Str: 25 Con: 1 Int: 4 Res: 3 Spd: 22 Crit: 3 Mov Spd: 100% Luk: 42 ¡­Show Details¡­ (Currently unavailable.)
Ah, that explains quite a lot. The significant damage that I caused should be because of the strength, and the speed with which I was able to move was a little bit faster than previously, but my highest stat is Luck? Indeed, it really isn¡¯t clear about what exactly it does. So, the lowest stat being Constitution makes the attack be ¡®Double-Edge¡¯ or a body slam/shoulder charge. And it makes me suffer from recoil damage. It stuns the enemy and can disarm them too. I¡¯ll have to keep the movement in mind so that I¡¯m able to use it again the next time my weakest stat is Constitution. Instead of having to call out the skill name which can take time. Also, intriguing is that my Constitution may be 1 but my HP is 20, I think before my constitution was 11 and HP 110, so they don¡¯t have a direct relation, at least not as simple as 1 Con is 10 HP. These Stat details or hidden stats are starting to get more and more interesting¡­ As I¡¯m able to get a break from the fight a little bit and calm my breathing down, I notice Vera start to get a little tired while fighting. I can see through the party menu that her HP has dropped to just a little more than a third or about 40%.
HP has been regenerated. You now have 11 of 20 HP. HP will regenerate slowly but not past 51% while in combat.
Oh? It¡¯s already at 11? I suppose it was that fast because of how little HP I had in the first place. Now I could use Double-Edge once more. But that¡¯ll put me at a lot of risk. They can just attack me and kill me in one shot.
A teammate¡¯s HP has dropped below 30%. Immediate action is advised.
Oh well, there isn¡¯t much time to overthink it now. I take my weapon in hand and start moving towards one of the swordsman, trying to sneak to not let them notice me. But of course, it doesn¡¯t work, since they were alert in the fight and keeping an eye on me the entire time. I start sprinting and just as I pass Vera, I change my movements according to how I remember that shoulder tackle was, heading towards one of the swordsmen, who¡¯s off to the side a bit.
Double-Edge used. (FS -50)
I¡¯m a bit locked into the movement, so the other swordsman diverts his attention from attacking Vera and swings towards me. It¡¯s almost like he¡¯s ignoring her, I didn¡¯t expect that. If this attack hits me, death would be certain, I need to dodge it...!
Eccentric used.
Suddenly my movement stops. As if all that momentum just vanished. The slash now that would previously have definitely hit me, is now just slightly in front of me. I try to roll backwards to prevent any chance of it hitting me, while swinging Valentine towards him to fend him off. Just as I gracefully fall backwards on the ground, I¡¯m able to see a faint silhouette crash into the swordsman I initially wanted to use the tackle against.
You receive recoil damage. HP-10. You have 10% or less of total HP left now. It is advised to address that immediately. The enemy is stunned for 5 seconds.
I wasn''t able to use Eccentric before because it doesn''t have any movement attached to it, and you need to be in a movement/skill to use it. Saying it takes longer than the time required for the skill itself. But now I get just how useful this can be. He didn¡¯t suffer from shock like the one from before, but the stun still works and he too falls over, trying to get up but unable to because he¡¯s stunned. But the other swordsman isn¡¯t and attacks towards me again. I¡¯m not able to defend against it since I can¡¯t move that quick while on the ground. Nor can this whip-like sword block attacks. It seems like this would be it¡­ I instinctively close my eyes. ¡­ But the attack I expected, doesn¡¯t come. So, I open my eyes slowly. What¡¯s visible is the figure of a woman seemingly with a golden aura surrounding her, matching her golden hair that¡¯s moving as if there¡¯s a gentle breeze flowing through it. Her blue eyes staring towards me as if in curiosity over why I¡¯m not grabbing her hand extended towards me, to pull me up from the ground. Her clothes too moving around in an invisible wind, like how I would expect on a holy being descending from the sky. I get it now what that shopkeeper meant that it was based on angels. I lift my hand and she grabs it, pulling me up on my feet. Her smile telling me that I should praise her for the action she just did. ¡­That was close. I almost fell for her. That would have been troublesome. I lift my hand again and pat her on the head. ¡°You did a good job.¡± She pouts but doesn¡¯t move her head. Is she enjoying it or something? I was trying to be patronizing but it seems she doesn¡¯t mind it that much. Well, technically I was the one who did the most work, beating 2 of 3 policemen. So, she can¡¯t really complain. They¡¯re gone now, I suppose they left when they realized they can¡¯t continue to attack. ¡°Let me see what class you have.¡± ¡°¡­Fine. But you have to show me yours too.¡±
Vera Marconi has accepted to share her class information with you. Class: Valkyrie. Class type: Guardian.
... Chapter 10. As Expected, or not. Chapter 10.
Class: Valkyrie. Class type: Guardian.
Valkyrie A chosen messenger from Valhalla. Come here to choose which heroes survive and which die a glorious death in battle. But perhaps also join the battle herself. Expert in using a spear and shield combination. More details in the class description will become visible as you observe or experience more of the class. Skills: Spear of Light. Slash at the target while imbuing your spear with mana. Causes Light elemental damage. Phalanx. Raise your shield like an iron wall, bracing against all manner of attacks. Reduces damage received by x%, blocks linear attacks to protect allies behind. Makes you immune to being stunned. Class abilities: Valhalla¡¯s Call. If HP drops below 30%, raises attack by 30% and reduces damage received by 30%, for 40 seconds. Increased mastery with spear and shield weapons. When using a spear, damage dealt increases and when using a shield defense increases.
A Valkyrie¡­ I see¡­ I wonder why I¡¯m not quite as surprised as I should be. It seems like a rare, or not-so-linear class like mine. As expected of my party member¡­? ¡°How is it?¡± she speaks up again, her eyes twinkling as if expecting praise or surprise. I once again lift my hand and pat her head with it. ¡°Not bad. Not bad at all.¡± ¡°What does that mean?!¡± she replies, a little annoyed that I didn¡¯t compliment her. What do you think? If I go around praising people left and right, they¡¯ll get complacent. Just be happy with this. ¡°Now show me yours-¡± she starts speaking. ¡°Great job out there, you two.¡± But gets interrupted by the mercenary leader walking towards us. ¡°Too bad that they managed to get away. But we can¡¯t go after them since my group is too tired and wounded to chase.¡± The smile on his face turns into a frown and he shakes his head. It¡¯s not that I didn¡¯t hear her though. But maybe I should think a bit more before sharing my class with her. Because that would tie our fates together. Since she would have information about my unique class. Do I really want that? ¡°That aside. I see you guys are tired. You can go into your carriage and rest. We¡¯ll continue the scouting and sound the alarm if something happens.¡± He says, leading us to our carriage. Vera climbs inside it and I follow, we sit down on opposite sides like before. ¡°So, what should we do from here? We know these ¡®merchants¡¯¡± She gestures with air-quotes, cute. ¡°are up to no good.¡± ¡°I was thinking that we try to contact their boss.¡± ¡°But didn¡¯t we already meet their boss? That leader of the trade union?¡± ¡°Not that one. I have a feeling this whole organization is deeper than just this trade union.¡± ¡°What then? Suppose we¡¯re able to get to know who the mastermind behind this is, what would we do about it?¡± ¡°Why, join them of course.¡± ¡°What?¡± She says in shock. ¡°I mean, the villains get all the resources, right?¡± ¡°But-¡­¡± She wants to object to that, but stops. ¡°I mean, isn¡¯t it true? The villains do get all the good things.¡± ¡°¡­¡± She doesn¡¯t respond, but I could see from her expression that she¡¯s thinking about it. ¡°Heroes always die early.¡± That¡¯s what I¡¯ve read in the novels, seen in the movies and tv serials. And experienced. I clench my fist, making my nails dig into the palm of my hand.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. If this was the real world, blood would have started seeping through but it doesn¡¯t, because here, it takes a bit more than this to make blood flow. ¡°Heroes always get remembered. But legends never die.¡± I whisper to myself. ¡°¡­Okay, I get it. I agree.¡± Vera speaks after thinking for a while. ¡°So, we¡¯ll have to see which method we need to use to find their boss.¡± I continue after taking a pause, ¡°Either we can just ask the trade union leader, or the mercenary leader, because I think that mercenary group is a part of them too. But I don¡¯t think getting to know that from the would be so easy¡± ¡°Or¡­?¡± ¡°Or if that doesn¡¯t work, after reaching the capital, we follow them around stealthily to find out where they go. There must be some means of contact between them. We find that and try to follow it, or possibly intercept it too.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡± She nods slowly. ¡°But for that too, we¡¯ll have to make sure they don¡¯t get wiped out by the police as soon as we reach the capital. Someone needs to survive so they can contact their boss. And if we ask them directly first, they¡¯ll get suspicious of us and we might be unable to follow them when they contact their boss.¡± ¡°Great plan.¡± We sit in silence for a little bit, thinking about which path to take, ask them directly or tail them silently?
Evelyn has messaged you. ¡°Come on, it¡¯s getting late. Time to sleep.¡±
¡°Sleep is for the weak.¡± ¡°What?¡± Seems like I said that out loud though I didn¡¯t intend to. ¡°Anyways, it¡¯s getting late now. I¡¯ll have to log out. Mortal needs like sleep, I wonder when I¡¯ll not need it anymore.¡± ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s getting like quite late here too. What¡¯s the time there for you? If you don¡¯t mind me asking.¡± ¡°It¡¯s just before 11." ¡°Here too. Maybe we live somewhere close in real life.¡± ¡°Doesn¡¯t have to be. It just means we¡¯re around the same longitude.¡± But even then, it¡¯s fairly likely that we¡¯re quite close in the real world. I¡¯ll have to look into it more tomorrow, because I don¡¯t believe there are many places that follow this time zone. Wait¡­ ¡°Are we supposed to sleep in this carriage?¡± I ask. ¡°Yeah, what¡¯s wrong with that?¡± I can believe that the merchants or the trade union didn¡¯t find anything odd about it since they could have thought that we¡¯re together. But she¡¯s okay with it too? ¡°Can¡¯t two girls sleep together just fine?¡± ¡­What?! She thinks I¡¯m a girl?! That¡­ Somehow doesn¡¯t at all affect my pride. I¡¯ll take it as a compliment that I look so beautiful it¡¯s hard to distinguish. As if to prove her point, she gets up from her seat and sits beside me, then lays down, using my lap as a pillow. ¡°Fine, fine. Anyways, I¡¯m logging out.¡± ¡°Yeah, me too. Come again tomorrow, okay? Don¡¯t keep me waiting.¡± She responds before we both log out from the game. Evelyn takes off the headset and I get up from the bed, stretching a little bit before going to sleep. ¡°I was able to get the permissions from them.¡± ¡°What permissions?¡± ¡°The trip of course. Or rather than permissions you can also say I made an appointment.¡± ¡°An appointment? Just where are we going?¡± ¡°That¡¯s a secret.¡± She says, bringing her index finger to her lips. ¡°Yeah, whatever. As if you can surprise me.¡± I reply sarcastically. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll like it.¡± She says as she continues to prepare the bed for me to sleep on. I look around the room. It really doesn¡¯t seem like a room in a hospital. But rather more like a room in a hotel or something. A really high-class hotel at that. After preparing the bed, she goes around closing the window, or rather the giant glass, sliding door/window thingy that leads to the balcony and some other such places. ¡°By the way, the milk is waiting, right on the table beside you.¡± Ah, I look towards the table and there it is, a glass of warm milk, it sure helps before going to sleep. But I¡¯d feel off if I thanked her for it. ¡°You should¡¯ve told me earlier. Now it¡¯s gone cold.¡± ¡°Do you want to drink it or not?¡± She replies, while continuing her work. Yeah, I¡¯ll just drink it without complaining much. After that I lay down on the bed and she walks towards the door, turning off the lights. ¡°We¡¯ll be leaving around tomorrow noon. So, wake up on time.¡± ¡°Fine¡­¡± I reply just as the lights turn dim and then off completely. The only way of illumination left in the room is the moonlight seeping through the window. It takes me a while to fall asleep. Probably because of the lingering excitement from playing the game and thinking of playing it again tomorrow. The last I see the clock, it¡¯s past midnight, before I fall asleep. ¡­ When I wake up, by habit I look towards the clock. 11:30 am. Welp, doesn¡¯t seem like I¡¯ll be able to log into the game this morning. Vera might get a little mad but what can I do? It just happens to be that I¡¯m a late sleeper. It would have been much more of a problem if I had to go to school or college or something, but I don¡¯t. So, it¡¯s not really a problem. I turn my head towards the right, there¡¯s the bookshelf, I¡¯ve almost finished that one compartment. I should complete it this week. A bunch of books on biology, and computer science and business. Yeah, not like how I¡¯d have to choose a subject as main in college, I don¡¯t have to do that here, I study what I find interesting. ¡°You sure woke up late today.¡± A voice sounds out from behind me, startling me. ¡°You almost gave me a heart attack.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Take responsibility for your actions.¡± ¡°Okay. Master, would you prefer tea or coffee?¡± ¡°Coffee.¡± Even though it¡¯s quite bitter in my opinion. I¡¯ve been trying to acquire a taste for it. ¡°Please get ready faster. We have to leave by 12:30.¡± ¡°Fine.¡± ¡­ As Evelyn helps me put on clothes. Because while I can bend down and tie my shoes, I¡¯d rather not do that if I have the option to. The same with shirts¡­ And pants¡­ ¡°Where are we going?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a secret.¡± ¡°Where?¡± ¡°Secret.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not going to take me into a dark alleyway and do unspeakable things to me, right?¡± ¡°¡­¡± Not that I think there are alleyways in this city, if you can call it a city in the first place. It¡¯s technically more of a city-state. If the knowledge in those books is correct. As I follow her down the elevator from the top floor into the parking, and into her car. After sitting down in the passenger¡¯s side as the doors open automatically, I comment. ¡°A high-end electric sportscar, is it really something that a nurse should have?¡± ¡°What¡¯s it to do with you? And it was relatively cheap here too.¡± Cheap not because the cars get assembled here or anything, there¡¯s too little space for that. Cheap because most of the technology used in the car comes from this place. Since this is the new ¡®Silicon Valley¡¯. I think they were referring to that when they named this Stardust Valley, but it seems too childish, somehow. ¡°Does this car really belong to you? Or did someone help you buy it?¡± ¡°I¡­Most of it was bought through my own money that I saved up. Yes.¡± Most of it, so not entirely, like I thought. Probably her ¡®most¡¯ means about 10 or 20% of the cost. Which, admittedly still is a significant amount, but not that much. And I think she used her family¡¯s connections to get the ¡®appointment¡¯ to the place we¡¯re going to. She drives the car outside the underground parking and onto the highway, from where we head towards¡­ A place I don¡¯t know where. Sportscars have low ground clearance, I think it has to do with a lower ground clearance giving a lower center of gravity which gives more stability. But that wouldn¡¯t have been possible if the roads here weren¡¯t so impossibly smooth. Well, it makes sense that they are so smooth, since most of it is reclaimed land from the ocean. We quickly reach the place where she was taking me to, and we get out at the front gate of what seems to be another one of the large skyscrapers that fill this city. ¡°Ta-dah! We¡¯re here!¡± She says, gesturing with both her hands opened wide. ¡°Where¡­Exactly-¡± I was about to say but then notice the logo of the company, and its name right beside it. Chapter 11. Dawn? Chapter 11. ¡°I suppose we¡¯re going inside, right?¡± I ask, feigning sarcasm. ¡°Nope. We stand here and admire its exterior.¡± She replies, to which I don¡¯t react at all, thus making her continue. ¡°Of course, we¡¯re going inside to get a good tour of the inner workings! What else would be the point of coming here, then?¡± As I thought. Dawn¡­ The fact aside that I would really find it quite interesting how the game was made and is continued to be developed. It¡¯s also an opportunity. ¡°Ah! You must be Evelyn. Welcome to Dawn, I¡¯m Richard, here to give you guys a tour. I hope you like it.¡± A man wearing a business suit walks out. ¡°This here is Val, my very good friend. He¡¯s the one who really wanted the tour in the first place.¡± Guessing by how his appearance is, how well dressed and all that, I think he¡¯s a part of the PR department. ¡°Nice to meet you, Val.¡± He says, extending a hand. ¡°Nice to meet you too, Richard.¡± An opportunity to get some connections into the studio and the company behind it, the publisher, V. Enterprises. It¡¯ll surely be useful when I win that PvP Battle Royale, since they would be more willing to publicize it since the winner is already known to them. And that would open up more possibilities. Of course, that relies on me winning the Tournament first, but I¡¯m sure I will, call it arrogance or overconfidence. The man leads us into the building. The gates open automatically as he walks nearer. With the receptionist bowing as he walks in and leads us to the elevator. I¡¯ll probably also get to find out where the game¡¯s heading right now, which would be good too. ¡°There¡¯s different floors assigned to different departments. We¡¯ll start with the graphics design.¡± The doors to the elevator open, revealing a large, dimly light room with a bunch of desks with computers scattered around, with people working at them. I look towards a large screen on a desk, it¡¯s inclined at an angle and a person is using a pen or stylus to draw on it. I walk closer to see it a bit clearer. ¡°I¡¯m designing a notice board for the adventurers to select quests from. Adding some tweaks for each individual board.¡± That seems to be it. I look around to other desks. It seems to be randomly arranged but I feel like there¡¯s some meaning to it. ¡°The desks are arranged so that communicating is easier.¡± The PR guy, Richard speaks up from behind me. The monitors themselves are filled with stuff like the one earlier. Some people designing creatures that look like oni or Japanese demons, some designing what seems to be bipedal dogs, kobolds or something like that they¡¯re called, I think. Next, we go to the department that handles the programming. The ones that designed the game engine and the physics and all that. ¡°These use real-world values for the physics calculations.¡± The PR Rep boasts. There wasn¡¯t much to see there. Other than the part that I think they probably are fine tuning the world itself or perhaps preparing a place for the competition. Also, the whole room is quite colorful and each desk is fairly personalized. Seems like the company takes care of its employees quite well. Richard does introduce us whenever we walk into a room, making the people explain to us, what exactly they¡¯re working on. Next is the Animations part. They have a room full of props and then a room where they do the motion tracking while wearing special suits, and the cameras track their movement in all directions, allowing for 3-d animation and movements. The sound design, or rather, being more inclusive, it includes the sound, smells and even how objects feel like to the touch. ¡°How did you guys manage to accomplish all that? And can you even taste certain things in-game?¡± Vera asks. ¡°Don¡¯t be silly. A huge part of taste is the smell of that thing. Since you can smell it, it should also be possible to taste it to a degree.¡± I reply to her. To which she pouts towards me. ¡°He¡¯s correct.¡± The sound or rather, sensory design leader, speaks up. ¡°We had to work quite closely with how the headset was designed. It can intercept brain signals and waves to a certain extent. And even send a few back.¡± He continues, ¡°So, we just had to record the brain activity when a person smells or touches a certain object. Try to remove the noise a little and then try to replicate it till it reached an acceptable quality.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°Really interesting¡­¡± at least Vera seems impressed. I already had a little clue on how it works, from those scientific journals that I tried to interpret from time to time. But it¡¯s good to get a more hands-on experience too. We go to the next floor up but a part of it is closed off to access. It¡¯s the server rooms. Almost fully automated. Human intervention would only lead to errors here. ¡°This one here handles the part of the traffic from the European subcontinent.¡± Richard speaks up. ¡°There¡¯s another 2 hubs for traffic from America and from Asia. It¡¯s so that the processing can be handled a little easier. But this is the central hub.¡± The central hub is in Stardust valley, off shore to the west of Europe, in the middle of the ocean. I wonder how the rest of the world feels about it. Then the next floor is marketing and public relations. ¡°They¡¯re right now figuring ways on how to publicize the competition and the scale of it better.¡± Richard says. ¡°Are you planning to broadcast the tournament itself?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, we are thinking that it would be good if we get to stream the competition live. It would require to get some permissions from the players about if we can stream their gameplay, but we¡¯ll figure that out.¡± Another person from Richard¡¯s PR group speaks up. ¡°But focusing solely on the competition might make potential players think that the game is entirely about combat, which might deter some other players, even though there is plenty of non-combat things to do in game.¡± Another person speaks. ¡°Then we¡¯ll need to ask the other departments about integrating other parts of the game into the competition.¡± Says another. ¡°And what about the event that comes after the competition? It¡¯ll be a large-scale world event, right?¡± ¡°Something that would demonstrate the capabilities of the open world that¡¯s constantly changing, like a large-scale war.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s leave them to their discussion.¡± Richard says to us as he leads us into his office. ¡°So, how was the tour?¡± he asks. ¡°Really exciting. I didn¡¯t know that this all went into making a game.¡± Vera replies. ¡°Of course. Glad I could be of service.¡± They exchange a few more words, allowing me to look around a bit. It¡¯s a nice office. Neat and clean. Though it doesn¡¯t feel like he never used it, since lots of objects here say that he does use it quite frequently. Especially that T.V. and the gaming console linked to it. He gives her his business card, and also gives one to me. And notes down her contact information. Because she doesn¡¯t have a business card of her own. Because why would she? This business card contains all the relevant information like his name and designation, and how to contact him directly or through the company¡¯s telephone, and all that. She also gives him my phone number. The phone which I forgot back in the car. Oh well. But this would get in really useful later when I get to gain fame through the competition. ¡°Val actually really likes the game.¡± I hear Vera speak. ¡°That¡¯s good to know. I¡¯m sure he¡¯s great that the game.¡± ¡°Yeah, he even insists on me playing it.¡± ¡°Miss Evelyn playing the game too would be wonderful.¡± He says with an oddly genuine smile. Not like a smile which contains corporate greed or something, but like a smile from a person who genuinely enjoys playing games and wants other people to enjoy them too. Though that choice of words he used certainly was a bit weird. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll regret making friends with this guy. ¡°We should get going, then.¡± Evelyn says as we get up. Richard walks us to the front exit to the building. We wave towards him before getting in the car after which Vera speeds out of the place and onto the highway once again. ¡°Did you enjoy it?¡± ¡°¡­Yes.¡± I reply after a little pause. ¡°Were you surprised?¡± ¡°Pleasantly surprised, yes.¡± ¡°¡­¡± I know that she¡¯s expecting me to thank her or something. But I don¡¯t want to say those words explicitly¡­ What to do¡­ I pick up my phone to type out a message and send it to her number. Her phone buzzes a little, she picks it up for a few moments to quickly read the text and then puts it down. Through blushing cheeks, she says, ¡°You could have just said that in person, you know.¡± ¡°Where¡¯s the fun in that?¡± There¡¯s a little bit of silence before she speaks up again. ¡°How about we have lunch¡­ Or rather, breakfast for you. At some restaurant?¡± ¡°Sounds fine.¡± It¡¯s good to have fun and go out from time to time. I look up a few things using my phone, things that I remembered just now that I should get more information about. ¡­ It¡¯s just before 3 in the afternoon, by the time we return to the hospital and I get to once again go back into the game. Now with newfound knowledge of how things would progress. I¡¯m fairly certain that they do plan to introduce another world event after this tournament. The moment that I log in, before even letting me adjust a little- ¡°You¡¯re late!¡± I hear the sound of a certain someone. ¡°You kept me waiting for like 2 hours.¡± ¡°Did you have an appointment?¡± I reply with a straight face. ¡°¡­An appointment?¡± ¡°Yeah, you didn¡¯t. So, you don¡¯t need to complain about it.¡± That seems to be enough to shut her up for now. ¡°Anyways, where are we, now?¡± I say, looking outside the carriage window, but the scenery doesn¡¯t seem much different than before. ¡°Almost there. Apparently.¡± She speaks up with a slightly annoyed tone. ¡°They told me that there weren¡¯t any other attacks from ¡®bandits¡¯¡± again, with her air-quotes, cute, ¡°but they faced some wild animals. Not much trouble to handle.¡± The surroundings are a little dark, signifying it¡¯s early morning. Now that I look a bit closer, there does seem to be something just on the horizon. Some kind of stone wall, I suppose. The path ahead seems to go through a light forest, a perfect place for an ambush. I¡¯m fairly certain that¡¯s where the police would be waiting next. ¡°Oh, right and when I came back I realized I levelled up, and so did you.¡± Her saying that prompts me to open the party menu to check quickly. ¡°It¡¯s probably the exp from defeating those police or something. Though we didn¡¯t kill them. It may be from progressing in the original quest to defend from the bandits.¡±
Vera Marconi (Level 29) Class: Valkyrie (attack + defence) HP: Full. Chris Val (Level 24) Class: Enigmatic Killer (versatile) HP: Full.
So, the party didn¡¯t disband the moment we logged out. That might be good to know. And it does tell me her class now that she showed it to me. It once again goes through my mind, I probably should show her mine if we plan to hang out from now on. I looked up and was able to confirm. If she lives in the exact time zone as me, then the chances of her being in Stardust Valley are very high. Since it¡¯s the most developed place on that time zone. And possibly on the planet too. But then, if that is true, there isn¡¯t any blacksmithing factory of any kind on this island. Why did she lie, then? I¡¯m probably overthinking it. ¡°So, which approach would you like?¡± I ask her. ¡°¡­What?¡± She responds while blushing. Eh? Just what meaning did she imply from that? ¡°For the eventual ambush we¡¯ll face once we¡¯re near the capital.¡± ¡°Ah, that. You should have mentioned it from the start.¡± I think the meaning was implied, though? ¡°I¡¯d say let¡¯s go for the stealth approach. I don¡¯t think the trade leader would tell us who he works for so easily.¡± She says with her hands folded and one holding her chin, trying to look as if she¡¯s thinking quite hard. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s what I was thinking too.¡± I say while mimicking her pose. The surroundings get slightly darker as we start to enter the light forest. Chapter 12. Another Pond. Chapter 12.
Quest event Trip to the Capital. ¡­ Help the police defeat the actual criminals that are the merchants. Quest reward: Exp. The capital¡¯s police will be a little favorable towards you. Quest will fail if the police force gets wiped out.
The quest message popped up just as we entered the forest. And as if right on cue, people jump out from behind the trees and bushes. ¡°It¡¯s like they¡¯re crawling out of the woodwork.¡± I don¡¯t feel that comment by her was necessary, but oh well. ¡°Okay, you know what to do, right?¡± I ask her just as I¡¯m about to open the door to the carriage. ¡°Do what?¡± She asks with a clueless gesture. I suppress a sigh trying to escape my lungs. ¡°Just, follow me quietly and don¡¯t do anything to attract attention.¡± I quickly open the door and leap outside, running straight into the bushes. It came in quite handy that our stagecoach was at the end of the caravan. I look back to find Vera right on my heels. Saying she¡¯s fairly quick would be an understatement. Even compared to my relatively high, speed stat. But as I practically run up the wall that was the tree, she isn¡¯t able to keep up. Eventually she¡¯s forced to climb up the tree bit by bit. ¡°How did you do that?¡± She asks as she sits down on the branch, breathing slightly faster than before. What should I tell her? I just have too much experience climbing up trees? What kind of a meaning would that convey? Now I¡¯m scared of telling her anything¡­ I just decide to not comment on that for now. As I look towards the caravan to see how the situation plays out. The driver to our carriage finally turns around to check on us, and realizing we¡¯re not there, he quickly goes to tell the trade union leader who just came out from his carriage as if to negotiate with the police. But I can¡¯t hear it that clearly because it¡¯s quite far away from this tree. I look around, the trees aren¡¯t that densely packed that it¡¯d be easy to jump from one tree to another. There aren¡¯t any vines that I could use to swing either¡­ Wait. If there aren¡¯t any vines naturally, how about I create my own? I take out Valentine from my inventory. ¡°What are you doing?¡± A cheesy one liner comes to my mind, but it¡¯ll be more impressive if I just do it directly. I leap towards another tree. But it¡¯s a few meters short, I won¡¯t make it. While mid-air, I swing my hand towards the tree, Valentine extends out and stabs straight into that tree¡¯s branch, wrapping around once like a grappling hook. Wait, I don¡¯t know how to retract it. Just pulling back doesn¡¯t retract it quickly. I swing under the tree that I was aiming for, but as I was thinking about it, Valentine contracts, pulling me towards the branch. The previous momentum leads me to perform a backflip as I land on the branch and it lightly shakes. Though not making too much noise. I turn around to look at Vera, as she makes a speechless expression. But I could practically see the stars in her eyes as she opens her mouth in an exclamation. I quickly gesture by putting my index finger on my lips, to tell her to not make any unnecessary sound.
By using Valentine for a while now, you¡¯ve come to the realization that it uses mana to quickly extend and retract. To use a weapon with mana, you just have to transfer it through your hand. Transferring mana into objects is a basic technique that every wizard learns.
Then how did I do it before? I try to recall that feeling. Wait, there¡¯s no time to be doing that. I look towards the union leader who seems to still be negotiating with the police. Using his shouts, which are lightly audible and looking closely at his mouth, I attempt to do a little bit of lip-reading. ¡°I can offer you -¡± The next words aren¡¯t that clear. It may be something I haven¡¯t heard before.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. The representative from the police responds, ¡°You criminal scum! How dare you try to bribe us?¡± ¡°I can also offer _ if that is what you would like.¡± ¡°Your sins cannot be pardoned! For trying and accomplishing to get multiple police officials addicted to your drugs, it would be the death penalty for you.¡± ¡°Information. I can also give that!¡± He seems a little desperate now. ¡°We already have found a better lead. Men! Capture him if possible but don¡¯t let him get away alive!¡± He commands the other policemen as they start to charge towards the place the leader is at. The leader curses and starts to run towards the forest. Coincidentally, towards the same side that we¡¯re on. That would make it easier. As he runs, a few archers shoot towards him, though the arrows are deflected by the mercenary captain and his mercenaries who also block the others from pursuing him. Though a few are able to get around the mercenaries and chase after the union leader. Who¡­ Seems to be taking odd hops while running. That¡¯s weird. ¡°Come, we need to at least delay them so that he can get away.¡± I say towards Vera as I jump to the ground and run towards where the police are chasing that union leader, to intercept them. There¡¯s only 2 policemen, but even at a glance, they seem a little stronger than the ones last night.
Police Swordsman. Approximate level, 30. The chainmail under their outer wear and gives protection against cuts, but is weak to blunt attacks. They are also trained in imperial swordsmanship and archery. Enemies that you have fought against previously will be easier to identify.
Ah, so they got special training. But certainly, they shouldn¡¯t be that proficient in it because they would have been in a higher rank if that was the case. Taking a glance behind me to find Vera isn¡¯t that far away, I whip out my sword and lash it towards one of the swordsmen, trying to remember that feeling of transferring mana. Valentine extends out about 6 meters and, because it extended too much, instead of just hitting the enemy, wraps around him. Though, thankfully my strength was enough to hold him back and not get carried myself. As I pull him towards myself, his head hits a tree that was in the way. Knocking him off balance. Though his HP didn¡¯t decrease more than 10%. It seems that using mana with Valentine does increase the damage slightly. Though that might be an illusion. As I¡¯m able to attract his attention, I leave him here for Vera to deal with, and rush towards the other one, who is now dangerously close to the union leader whose hopping seems to get weirder and weirder since there aren¡¯t any obstacles he needs to jump over. However, my speed is fast enough that I¡¯m able to catch up to them in a little bit. Once again, using Valentine as a sort of grappling hook, I whip it towards a thick tree branch. And then, as I¡¯m close enough to the policeman,
Double-Edge used. (FS -50)
And as soon as I start charging and my speed increases slightly, I try to break through the skill movements and jump instead, using Valentine to help redirect my momentum.
Eccentric used.
A faint silhouette of myself crashes into the policeman chasing the union leader. Knocking him into the ground since there wasn¡¯t any tree nearby to stop him from falling.
You receive recoil damage. HP-10 The enemy is stunned for 5 seconds.
Now, quickly climbing onto the tree so that I¡¯m relatively safe, I wait for Vera to show up. While I continuously whip my sword towards the policeman to whittle down his HP. It isn¡¯t cowardly to do that, not at all. The union leader seemingly oblivious to all this, continues running towards somewhere. I keep an eye on him so that he doesn¡¯t get away. When I spot him, for a moment, a yellow dot pops up in the minimap, but disappears if I look away for more than a few seconds. So, I need to be aware of someone for him to be visible in the minimap. Makes sense, otherwise wouldn¡¯t stealth classes be instantly pointless if I could see everyone in the minimap? The policeman quickly gains consciousness and instantly spots me in the tree. Well, I am constantly peppering him with hits after all. He jumps up, trying to swing at me, but I¡¯m too high up. I see him trying to prepare an attack, as if charging up. Not giving him an opportunity, I continue to hit faster and faster, though the attack gets lighter and the damage caused isn¡¯t high. But as if by a miracle, he manages to slash with whatever power he was charging up. ¡°Sword beam!¡± A skill. A reddish tinted beam of light comes out from his sword, straight towards me. Quickly ducking and using the tree branch as cover, I manage to avoid damage as the tree shakes heavily.
HP-5
Well, mostly. In the distance I see that union leader hopping away from sight, but to my rescue, Vera comes at the appropriate time. I jump down from the branch, which is only possible because the skill that guy used provided a very obvious opening in his defenses. Because I jumped using the tree branch, lose as it had already gotten, it isn¡¯t able to take further force and breaks free and falls, faster than me somehow. To dodge that branch, the policeman steps backwards, and comes right under my feet, as I use his head as a platform to land on. I won¡¯t be surprised if some force of nature or something is laughing while watching this happening.
Head hit, critical. Enemy is in shock, but manages to hold onto his weapon. Enemy stunned for 5 seconds.
He still has about 30-40% HP left. Well, she can handle it I think. ¡°Deal with this here or that guy might get away.¡± ¡°But-¡± ¡°I¡¯ll chase him since I¡¯m faster anyways. You can come find me using the minimap or something once you¡¯re done.¡± Not giving her a chance to reject, I sprint towards where that guy was hopping away. I do feel a little bad now that I¡¯ve led her along this far. Or did I only succeed because she let me lead her? Probably a little bit of both. I once again swing my sword towards the tree branches, trying to run on top of the trees. But this time the sword doesn¡¯t extend that far. More practice is definitely needed. My mana has also decreased by about 10 points, so, only 30 of 40 MP remaining. The minimap shows the previously disappearing yellow dot, now clear again. I can see a silhouette of him running away with all his strength into the distance. I now try to remember if I did tell Vera to not kill the police again here or not? But would they run away this time that they have reinforcements since they¡¯re closer to the capital? About that, it somehow seems like the direction that guy is escaping towards, is near the capital too. Since he¡¯s a bit further away, I keep trying to find him in the distance then look at the minimap towards which direction he¡¯s going. But suddenly, the marker disappears. I rush towards the place I last saw it at, in the minimap. Though it doesn¡¯t show much at all. Since it can only show things that I¡¯ve already seen or can see. In a moment I reach there. It¡¯s a relative clearing in the middle of the forest. And there¡¯s a pond. Suppressing my urge to simply take off all my clothes and jump in. Instead I try to think about where that guy could have disappeared to. Either he teleported or something, which I don¡¯t know if that is even possible here. He died, though I don¡¯t see his body or any evidence of a fight. Or that there¡¯s something hidden here. For which I look around and try to find. While there are a few interesting things here, I don¡¯t tamper with them, for now. Maybe it¡¯s in the bottom of that pond again. It¡¯ll be better to wait for Vera here, I¡¯ve been taking advantage of her enough lately. Don¡¯t want her to miss out on this. And she might not be able to enter if I go there first. Thus, leaving me defenseless. And while waiting I should also practice this ¡®mana transfer¡¯ thing with Valentine. Chapter 13. Impeccable Luck Chapter 13. A girl runs up to me, partly out of breath and partly huffing in anger. ¡°You!¡± ¡°I know I¡¯m too handsome. But no need to scream.¡± ¡°They refused to give up! I almost died there.¡± Well, from the menu here, I could see her HP did decrease to about 30% but not past that. I now know that her passive ¡®Valhalla¡¯s Call¡¯ wouldn¡¯t let her lose that easily. ¡°You did good work out there.¡± I say while patting her head. Can never be too much of a jerk. ¡°So, where did that guy run off to?¡± ¡°He¡¯s hiding somewhere here.¡± ¡°Where?¡± I gesture towards our surroundings in general. ¡°But how are we supposed to find him then?¡± ¡°Ah, I think I know where it is.¡± Just as I say that, as if on cue, a message pops up.
Quest complete. Trip to the capital. You were able to successfully reach the capital and protect the trade union leader. Quest Rewards- You have been awarded with Exp. You are now level 26. Favorability with The Greater Good Trade Union has increased. To get any additional rewards, if they apply. Contact the quest giver.
Hmm, weird. The union¡¯s name was crossed out. Could it be because the union is probably done for since the police got to them? But then why mention it at all? But certainly, it seems like the merchant variation of the quest was completed, rather than one with the police. ¡°Aww yeah! I¡¯m level 30!¡± her voice stops my train of thought. ¡°And?¡± I say, feigning disinterest. ¡°A new skill and the skill tree is unlocked too!¡± ¡°Good, we¡¯ll think about that later. Right now, we might be losing crucial time.¡± ¡°Okay¡­¡± I walk up to a relatively large stone near the pond, pushing it over. There was nothing of interest underneath it. ¡°What are you doing, now?¡± For some reason I expected there to be a trapdoor underneath here. Because it¡¯s pretty much the only remotely suspicious thing in this place. Other than the pond itself, of course. But I don¡¯t think the pond has anything to do here. I touch the ground under the rock. Yes, it¡¯s warm. No, wait. It isn¡¯t warm, rather this is the feeling of mana transfer, I felt it before with Valentine. It kind of felt like an intentional transfer of heat. So, there¡¯s mana flowing out from underneath here, suspicious as I expected. There must be something there but how do I access it? I get up and look around. Maybe a switch of some kind is present here. As I¡¯m quickly patting down the nearby trees for some kind of a sign, Vera walks up to that spot and touches the ground. ¡°The soil here feels funny.¡± She can feel mana too. I suppose that¡¯s because she¡¯s some kind of a magic spearman. Wait¡­ As I see her figure poking the ground, an idea strikes me. If there really is some kind of a gate or trapdoor underneath then¡­ ¡°Hey, Vera. How long can you sustain that spear of light skill?¡± ¡°Hmm? What are you talking about?¡± ¡°When you use that skill, your attacks cause light elemental damage, and your spear extends a little or an aura of a spear forms around it, right?¡± She used it in the battle last night, it was a little faint but certainly visible in the night. Her spear had a golden aura around it and it extended a few inches. Not enough to give a reach advantage though. ¡°Ah, the skill lasts about 3 seconds.¡± That just might be enough. I go near that place again and this time inspect the ground a bit more closely. Trying to discover the edge where the mana stops flowing, thus marking the edge of the possible trapdoor underneath.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°Is something special present there?¡± Found it. I mark the spot with an X using a nearby stick. There wasn¡¯t anything physical present there. Not like a physical trap door that is just covered with soil. But there¡¯s certainly something underneath this. ¡°Okay, so, use your spear of light skill, then stab the spot that I marked and try to lift it, as if turning a rock over or a door.¡± ¡°But why?¡± ¡°Just do as I say. It¡¯ll be good if this works.¡± ¡°Okay¡­¡± She brandishes her spear and then, ¡°Ha!¡± A light shout escapes her as she stabs at the empty air. Right, unlike me she can¡¯t just cancel her skill movements. That was a waste of precious seconds of that skill. She quickly moved her spear as soon as the skill movement ended and stabbed the ground and then used that point as leverage to lift something. I see something, coming up the soil, or at least it seems to be as the soil moves upwards. Further hastening her pace, she uses her entire body weight as a leverage. The 3 seconds of the skill are quickly over. There¡¯s a lightly glowing, translucent disk above the soil. I push it aside, since it seems to be possible to interact with that object now. The soil that was underneath it, falls down revealing a ladder leading downwards. Instead of a trapdoor, it was more like a manhole cover. Close enough I suppose. ¡°Wow.¡± I hear Vera exclaim in wonder. Gesturing towards it, I say, ¡°You first.¡± Shaking away her wonder, she says with squinting eyes towards me, ¡°Are you actually trying to be polite or just don¡¯t want to be the first one to enter?¡± She caught me¡­ ¡°Whichever you think is better.¡± I reply nonchalantly. ¡°Fine! I¡¯ll go down first, you coward.¡± She says as she starts climbing down the ladder which seems to be coming out of the soil itself. Well, I have a reason to be cowardly. I might die if I fall from the ladder, my HP is that low. But now, there would be something to break my fall a little. Looking around one last time to not miss anything, I follow her and start climbing down the ladder. This tunnel leading straight down is fairly dark in itself with the small bit of light coming from the top. Nope, as I glance upwards, the translucent cover comes back and then dirt appears to cover it, topping of off was the sound of the rock rolling back to its position. But there seems to be some glowing moss in the tunnel which lights up the surroundings a little bit as we descend the ladder.
You have entered an underground hideout of ___ Places like these are connected to the open world directly. And are not instance dungeons. However, they may be a significant part of quests. Examples include the inside of buildings like the city hall or the king¡¯s palace.
But then why didn¡¯t it pop up the previous time when I went to the city call to visit the mayor? Maybe that place just wasn¡¯t as important or something. Then that would mean this place is quit a bit more important. Need to be even more careful from now on. ¡°You got that message, right?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Be extra careful from here. We don¡¯t know what might be hiding here.¡± Just as I finish saying that, we reach the bottom of the ladder. It sure felt quite long, but not much deeper than a shallow well, about 25 meters. But that doesn¡¯t matter, as the only path forward is a staircase leading further downwards. The surroundings seem to be completely built out of stone. Well, obviously it can¡¯t be wood since that would have rotten underground, so it makes sense. We reach the end of the short passageway fairly quickly, and it ends with a door which Vera starts to open gently, but it¡¯s quite creaky. I walk to the front and gesture to do that myself. She steps aside with an expression that says ¡°fancy yourself¡±, but as I open the door and it doesn¡¯t make a single sound, she¡¯s instantly proved wrong. It wasn¡¯t because I was able to discover some special way in which to open the door without making a sound, it just didn¡¯t creak. Maybe that can be attributed to my luck. I peek through the small opening. It¡¯s a hallway. Extending in both directions. Or rather, in one direction primarily. Towards the north, or at least according to the minimap. Where the capital should be. Does this thing extend into the city itself? We aren¡¯t that far away from the capital but it¡¯s still a bit too long to dig as a random escape route for one person. There must be something else here too. As I quietly walk into the hallway, gesturing Vera to follow me and to be careful not to make a sound, I hear light sounds of people talking in the distance. Though it probably is because the sound is quietened since it¡¯s coming from behind a door, and the source is much closer than expected. We stealthily head towards where the sound is. Or well, mostly because any other door in the hallway can¡¯t be opened or is locked. But from where the sounds are coming seems to have the door slightly open. Telling Vera to stay back a little, I peek inside the room. Rather than a room, it¡¯s more like a hall. A fairly big hall. Making it harder to believe this is actually under the ground. The hall is largely undecorated, except for that stone wall which adds to the ambience. And low sound-insulation properties, as the voices reflect off the walls to reach here quite easily. In the center of the room is a large table. Like some sort of banquet table which is also used for discussion of sorts. There is some sort of creature present there, talking to what seems to be a glass ball. A magic glass ball I suppose since it is talking to that creature too. ¡°You have continued to fail in every objective!¡± ¡°B-but master, I couldn¡¯t do anything there.¡± ¡°Your incompetence even plagues others! Because of you, multiple operations were compromised.¡± ¡°A-another chance, master.¡± The glass ball clearly seems to be in a dominant position over the other creature. It¡¯s voice quite deep and booming but at the same time a little distorted. The creature however, on a closer look, with his reddish skin and small figure, with bat-like wings sprouting from his back and higher pitched voice. It seems like an¡­
Creature spotted. Demonic: Imp Approximate level 30. Imps are of the demonic race. Originating from the Nether and not originally a part of the overworld. Their mischievous base nature leads them to specialize in disguise, infiltration and other such professions. But their particularly weak combat strength leads to them being not as useful in other aspects. This creature poses very little threat to you as long as you are aware of its existence.
An imp¡­ Could it be that this is the trade union leader? So, he wasn¡¯t just some unscrupulous merchant but instead had different objectives? That policeman said something about them giving those drugs to nobles or influential people in the police. Perhaps it¡¯s related to that? But the voice coming from the orb interrupts my thoughts. ¡°No more second chances! You have outlived your usefulness.¡± ¡°B-but¡­¡± The imp starts to say, but quickly realizing it would have no use, starts to run towards the door where I¡¯m at. I quickly move away from it, Vera already being at a relatively safe distance, but the imp never reaches the door. ¡°Oh, trying to run away, are we?¡± A much more feminine voice leaks through the opening. And without giving the imp a chance, the sound of a sword slashing through bones is heard. The head of that imp rolls towards the door, fear visible in its eyes. There¡¯s something much more sinister going on here than I initially anticipated. Maybe it¡¯d be better to leave. ¡°Apologies for you having to deal with that, Sylvia.¡± The voice of that glass ball reaches here. ¡°No worries.¡± That woman¡¯s voice responds. I gesture towards Vera and we start to slowly move back to where we entered from. ¡°I actually meant that towards you. There¡¯s no need to run, now.¡± A figure steps out from that room, kicking away the imp head. A quite feminine body, covered entirely in tight-fitting black clothes with blood-red accents. Before I¡¯m able to react, a message pops up-
Disguise successful.
Chapter 14. They Don鈥檛 Suspect a Thing. Chapter 14. They don¡¯t suspect a thing. ¡°You must be the newbie. Though you came a day earlier, it¡¯s good that I was here today.¡± A¡­Newbie? What?
Disguise successful. However, it is recommended to be careful around elites. They would be able to recognize the difference.
Gesturing towards Vera, she says, ¡°And you already have a blood slave at bronze rank. Not bad indeed.¡± I look towards her a bit closely.
Undead: Vampire Approximate level 50 Sylvia A higher-level vampire. However, not an elite. They usually lead multiple lower-level vampire under them as they work on their missions. This one, though seems to work mostly alone. A mastery of one-handed swords, most likely accompanied with a high attack speed. An assassin-type of purely physical variant. Most effective method to kill: Using a mid to long-range magic weapon. Sylvia is predicted to lead a team of about 5 vampires at most. A team of assassins specializing in bringing down high-value people. You are currently no match for her. It is advised to be a level higher than 40 to attempt to slay this target. Slayer traits are in effect. Allowing you to see clearer information about the target.
Oh, wow. A vampire! I resist the urge to go closer and check if she really sparkles. ¡°Bronze rank?¡± Vera asks with curiosity. ¡°Hmm? Is she not a complete slave yet? Well, that makes sense. She would retain consciousness a bit since you aren¡¯t that strong yet.¡± She, or rather, Sylvia says. She continues after taking a little pause, ¡°A bronze rank. Which is a complete rank above your average human. And it¡¯s quite impressive you were able to capture one when you aren¡¯t as strong yourself. They did tell me quite a talented young one was coming but I didn¡¯t expect this!¡± She says, though the words can be interpreted differently, she certainly seems quite happy rather than angry at that. So, they can sense my strength and hers too? ¡°Come, let¡¯s sit in the meeting room for now. You can follow me to the scouting later.¡±
Your blood boils in the presence of a vampire. Attack damage against vampires +30% When using Silver or Ultraviolet weapons, accuracy increases by 75% Attack damage against other undead +15% Resistance to charm and mental effects +10% You feel like you hear the cloth whispering to you. Tempting you to kill the vampire to gain more strength.
As I thought. It¡¯s definitely the cloth ¡®armor¡¯ that I¡¯m wearing. It also is certainly influencing me in some way. I don¡¯t realize when but I already have Valentine out, as if to attack Sylvia. Not now, not yet. Even the system said I¡¯m not strong enough. I try to pull off one of the gloves, as if to reject the clothing¡¯s ideals.
The cloth seems to be holding onto you tightly. With your current strength you cannot remove this cursed equipment.
Suppose I¡¯ll have to live with it for now. I wonder why I¡¯m not so surprised. Does that mental effects resistance also help keep me calm, perhaps? Or is it really something else entirely?
Vera sent you a whisper. ¡°So, how are you going to compensate me about this?¡±
I turn back to look at her. She has an impish smile on her face.
¡°Like, it seems there isn¡¯t any danger for now.¡±
I bring up my hands to open the keyboard to type. Wait, it might seem weird and maybe suspicious to Sylvia here. But then how is Vera doing it?Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. Rather than ask her, which would hurt my pride just a little bit, I just start to type. And notice a small button on the corner of the virtual keyboard, which, when I look at it, a small bubble pops up explaining it. ¡®Convert speech to text¡¯. Well, that solves that mystery. I select that option and the message box with Vera lights up slightly to indicate it being in use. Though you have to keep an eye on it because it¡¯s half transparent in itself and can be ignored easily if you aren¡¯t looking directly at it. It¡¯s quite apparent they really put a lot of effort to make this game seem as realistic as possible and an HUD which would be slightly immersion-breaking, is made to be optional and can be easily ignored.
¡°What is there to compensate about? It should be an honor for you to be my ¡®blood slave¡¯, whatever that is.¡±
When I tried to speak, no sound came out. So, it seems like it¡¯s a little bit stealthy in that regard. I could use the voice to text option and not worry about other people overhearing me.
¡°But what if it has some kind of indecent meaning?¡± ¡°¡­¡± (You)
It somehow even interpreted silence.
¡°Anyways, I¡¯m quite excited for this. I¡¯ll be able to get some nice stuff to make equipment out of.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll have to see how this goes. Don¡¯t be too sure yet.¡± (You) ¡°Aww come on. Vampires? Underground hideouts? What¡¯s not to like?¡±
Hmm, she does have a point. We quickly reach the place she was leading us to. The meeting room, unlike what I was expecting, which was the room earlier with the magic ball, instead seems to be a little smaller version of that room. Perhaps for a bit more specific purpose. ¡°This is the vampires only meeting room for our hideout. You must have quite a few questions to ask, so we can start now, there¡¯s a little time before we can go out.¡± She takes the seat at the head of the table, with me sitting on the chair closest to that, which is just to its right. And Vera, using her infinite wisdom and manners, stands right behind my chair. She adapted to the situation and acted accordingly. Or maybe she is really into cosplaying maids. Either of them. ¡°So, you mentioned bronze rank before, could you explain more about that?¡± ¡°Yes. Bronze rank is the lowest among true fighting ranks but it¡¯s still the rank of a fighter. Above that comes the Silver rank and Gold rank, which is about where I¡¯m at. Any higher than this would require lots more time and experience. Though, being a vampire noble descendant like you would certainly help.¡± So, the people do have their own interpretation for strength. ¡°The ranks are distinguished by how much experience that person has and how many skills they can use, with how much proficiency. Though I¡¯m not too knowledgeable about that past Gold rank.¡± Since it seems she¡¯s done with her explanation about that, I ask another related question, ¡°You mentioned ranks of vampires, what distinguishes those?¡± ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you know about this already? Well, I suppose with a sheltered upbringing it¡¯s possible¡­¡± Seemingly convinced of her own reasoning, she continues. ¡°The lowest are the impure or ¡®converted¡¯ vampires. Those who weren¡¯t originally vampire but were converted into vampires by drinking the blood of another pure-blooded vampire. They have the least amount of vampiric abilities, and are basically aren¡¯t even considered as vampires.¡± The way she said it seems to me like the converted vampires are quite loathed by the pure-blooded kind. Good to know. ¡°Above that are the normal vampires. Since it¡¯s not possible for any inter-species relationships to take place since vampires are technically undead, there are no half-bloods unlike other species like those demons.¡± So, there can be half-demons roaming around but no half-undead. Makes sense. ¡°Above the normal vampires come the vampire nobility or aristocracy, like your family. They are descendants of the original race that came from the underworld. They retain a lot of vampiric traits. But coming even above that is the royal family which claims to be the true descendants. And while they are quite stronger than the nobility, there is not much other proof to their claim. But they still represent all of our kind in the senate.¡± Hmm, it was quite evident that the royalty isn¡¯t really that liked, but it does seem like it is fairly respected. Wait¡­What? ¡°Senate?¡± ¡°The senate, or you can call it the council too, of course. Consisting of representatives from all races in the Nether and Underworld. And a very few dark races from the surface world too.¡± The monster world is a¡­ Republic? I feel like this information has much more weight than just that. Maybe I shouldn¡¯t ask more about it just yet. As I think about that, I¡¯m reminded of Vera¡¯s presence. ¡°What about blood slaves?¡± ¡°Their rank? Well, it¡¯s just below their owner¡¯s rank. If a vampire tries to do something with a noble¡¯s blood slave without their permission, it would have quite a few consequences. Though he won¡¯t be killed just for that. He would be quite heavily punished.¡± I meant to ask what exactly are blood slaves, but she misunderstood. At least it¡¯s good to know that Vera should be safe from any vampire¡¯s claws. Since they seem to think of me as a noble. About that, she mentioned the ¡®newbie¡¯ supposed to arrive tomorrow. So, I might need to do something about that. Maybe it would be good if they ¡®disappear¡¯. ¡°Well, yours is a bit special. A blood slave which is allowed to retain its consciousness is, while it isn¡¯t impossible. Is certainly rare.¡± She snaps her fingers. And a woman walks out of the shadows in the back of the room. Carrying a tray with 2 glasses and a wine bottle on it. She¡¯s dressed like a traditional Victorian-era maid. The woman puts the glasses on the table. And opening the bottle, pours it in those 2 wine glasses. ¡°Normal ones are like this. It isn¡¯t preferred for the slave to have consciousness since they can rebel and are harder to control and require more mental energy to maintain.¡± I can certainly see what she¡¯s talking about. This maid looks like a human, only in appearance. Her actions seem quite mechanical and that expressionless way she handled herself. It somehow lacks a certain¡­charm. Yes, a certain charm that is missing from her. Making her seem closer to a lifeless porcelain doll. Though I suppose in another sense, having no charm could be a form of charm in itself.
¡°You do know that I¡¯m not going to be anything like this maid here, right?¡± ¡°¡­¡± (You)
Sometimes simply ignoring is better. Sylvia takes the wine glass in her hand, prompting me to hold it too. And with a gesture she starts to sip it bit-by-bit. The wine itself is completely red. A dark, crimson red which I somehow won¡¯t be surprised if told that this is some kind of blood. As soon as I even held the glass in my hand, I had the urge to smash it into the floor. Certainly, doesn¡¯t seem like this cursed armor is too keen on letting me drink that. ¡°We prepared the finest wine from the capital, Solitude, in anticipation of events like these. But perhaps it is not to your liking?¡± I bring the glass closer to my mouth and lightly smell it, acting like those wine connoisseurs I¡¯ve read about and seen in a few videos. It doesn¡¯t smell like iron or rust. And, though it took practically all my strength to do that, with slightly shaking hands I finally took a little sip and put the glass down. It actually wasn¡¯t that bad at all. Rather than blood, it tasted more like¡­ Cherries? ¡°We were very careful about not allowing any form of blood contaminate the drink. We know well that nobles have their standards for such. This, however is the best wine we were able to find in Solitude. Humans sure seem to be quite capable in making certain things.¡± Solitude, ah, I suppose that¡¯s the name of the capital city. We drink together for a little while, just savoring the taste of the wine. Maybe I should save a bit of this for Vera since she didn¡¯t get to taste it. ¡°While it would have been nice if I could give you a tour of this place. Right now, we have to leave for the scouting. I¡¯ll introduce you to this place after we come back. That¡¯s okay, right?¡± She says as she looks towards a clock on the wall. Though I¡¯m not able to understand what time exactly the clock is referring to. ¡°Sounds fine. So, what is the scouting really about?¡± ¡°While I did send a few agents and they have been keeping an eye on the target and noting his movements and accessing the security. But just before the assassination which is tomorrow, we¡¯ll go there and confirm the location and risks for ourselves once and the like.¡± ¡°The target?¡± ¡°This time it¡¯s quite an influential merchant. While he is weak himself, his bodyguards might be a little troublesome to handle.¡± She puts the empty glass back on the table and gets up from her chair, walking towards the door. ¡°Come, I¡¯ll explain on the way there.¡± I too get up and follow her. But before that, I quickly put my glass, which is still half-full with wine, into my inventory. Chapter 15. Overthinking it. Chapter 15. Overthinking it. ¡°The target lives in the little wealthier part of Solitude. Though, not with the nobles, thankfully. Since that would have made the job much harder.¡± ¡°Why exactly a merchant, though? Shouldn¡¯t it be people in the police or army or something?¡± ¡°This merchant is quite curious, and we have reasons to believe he managed to get his hands on a clue about our existence underneath the city.¡± But wouldn¡¯t killing him alert more people? As we head down the stone hallway, the surrounding rooms seem sparsely populated. With a few bigger rooms existing but I didn¡¯t get a chance to look closely inside them. ¡°I¡¯ll give you a little tour of this place after we return. This thing is a little urgent.¡± Sylvia says as she lightly quickens her pace. If it really was urgent then shouldn¡¯t we have left earlier? Maybe this vampire doesn¡¯t have the best of planning abilities. But then again, she should. Isn¡¯t she an assassin? Though a closer look wasn¡¯t possible right now. The entire place did give a really creepy vibe overall. Maybe that is why Vera suddenly grabbed the hem of my jacket. I take a quick look to see her expression which seems genuinely unsettled. Though I would have teased if it was any other occasion, but I don¡¯t feel like doing that now. But I wonder what exactly was it since she seemed fine earlier and even when we were in the vampire¡¯s conference room, or whatever it was supposed to be. We head up some stairs, quite similar to how they were when we came in through that other entrance. But these are much wider. Though they narrow out as we head up. And going through the door at the top of the stairs, we end up in a basement of sorts. Or I could only assume it to be a kind of basement. ¡°Be a little careful here. There¡¯s traps if you try to force your way into the base.¡± That seems like a fair warning if she knew that this is the first time of us entering through the main entrance. But shouldn¡¯t she think that we entered through this entrance in the first place? Cause that other back entrance had way less security and it seemed more like an emergency escape if anything. Perhaps there¡¯s other entrances to this place that I wasn¡¯t able to see. And she assumes I entered through one of those. ¡°Follow my footsteps. We will have to trace these backwards when we come back.¡± She says as she starts to slowly move as if following an invisible path through some kind of maze. I mean, the basement itself seems quite empty but I suppose there¡¯s other magic in this place that I can¡¯t feel right now. It seems quite troublesome to map this out¡­ But I try to keep a track anyways, using the minimap as a reference. Vera also follows behind me wordlessly, still holding onto the hem of my coat. The path heads straight towards the exit of the basement before taking a sudden left just before reaching the door, walking alongside the wall before heading towards another point straight across¡­
Explorer ability, ¡®trap analysis¡¯ used. (Beginner) You have successfully remembered the path through this invisible maze.
As that message pops up, in the minimap I¡¯m able to see the path that we just traced. That¡¯s quite useful. We slowly but surely pass through the invisible maze. As we exit the decrepit looking basement by going up another set of stairs, this time wooden, we reach what I assume is the ground floor of some kind of building. I follow Sylvia through a door and sudden liveliness greets me. ¡°The upper stage is disguised. Of course.¡± She says as she walks towards what I suppose is a table reserved for her and sits down at one of the chairs around it, gesturing me to do the same. I take a seat with Vera sitting on the chair right beside me. Looking around, it seems like some sort of high-class establishment. Perhaps a restaurant of sorts? ¡°Doing it this way even allows us to gather some important information.¡± The whole place has a Victorian era aesthetic, though I suppose since this isn¡¯t earth, that description can¡¯t really apply here. It clearly is a restaurant or high-class inn. The few people who are here, are quite well-to-do, as judging by their clothing, present here and eating their meals. Lunch to be specific. Seems like a kind of socializing spot for the wealthy-class? Then it would make sense that she mentioned getting information. Since they would discuss important deals and transactions and current events while they¡¯re eating with their friends.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Though it isn¡¯t quite as populated now since it¡¯s the middle of the day. The waiter or ma?tre d¡¯ of the place, if I¡¯m feeling classy, comes up to us with what I suppose is the menu. Presenting it to me. I¡¯m the head of the table. Yes, obviously. ¡°We¡¯d like a serving of Peking duck. Nothing else.¡± Sylvia says to him. ¡°Understood.¡± He says as he bows and walks away. His gait quite elegant or at least he was trained in proper etiquette, also quite visible by how professionally he was dressed. Though his hair did seem white, perhaps telling of his age. What she said just now must be a code word of sorts. Since I don¡¯t believe they would have Peking duck of all things available here. I notice that he walks through a door with a small window in it, made of tinted glass. Leading to the kitchen and such places I suppose. Finding something odd, I look towards where we entered from, but I can¡¯t find anything. Wait, where¡¯s the door that should lead to the basement? It must be hidden somehow. That would make sense. It would have to be hidden enough for people to not notice someone using that door at all. But shouldn¡¯t the staff itself, which I have all the reason to believe is working with them, shouldn¡¯t they know of someone using that basement entrance? ¡°That man was the head waiter.¡± Sure, that much I guessed already. Ma?tre d¡¯ is a title for the head waiter. ¡°He¡¯s one of us. Though the other staff may not be.¡± Ah, that makes sense. ¡°I had to say that as a formality even if he does remember my face.¡± The other staff might not be one of them. That is, they have mixed humans into their plot, to make it even harder to see if anything is off about this place. Even I¡¯ll have to say this is a quite well thought out operation. Who was the one that planned this? ¡°So, where now?¡± I ask her. ¡°A subordinate of mine should come within a minute, bringing a map along with him, marked with all relevant information. From that we¡¯ll come up with a plan and scout the location to confirm it.¡± I touch the table. It has the same odd, warm feeling that I got earlier. Perhaps some kind of spell is casted on it. If my suspicions are correct, then a kind of sound dampening spell that would prevent our conversation from travelling too far and being heard by other people. But it wouldn¡¯t make sense for other tables to have this. Then that would mean this table indeed is a little special. Looking to my side a bit to check on Vera. She¡¯s sitting there with her eyes gently closed. As if in deep thought about something. Still holding onto a corner of my jacket. She looks very serene, almost making me reluctant to want to disturb her. Could it be that something in that place which I didn¡¯t notice triggered some traumatic memory in her? What could it be? As I¡¯m thinking about what exactly it was, the ma?tre d¡¯ from earlier comes up to our table with an envelope in his hand. And, presenting it to me, once again walks away after a curt bow. ¡°Is he doing that purposefully?¡± Sylvia speaks up with a slight frown. I gently open the sealed envelope. Taking out the letter and the attached map from inside it. Unfolding it and looking at the map once before putting it aside.
Jozef¡¯s Mansion map acquired.
I open the letter and take a look at it. It has neat handwriting. Too bad I can¡¯t understand it at all.
Scholar ability, language analysis used. (Beginner) This letter is written using Gacilic, the more modern version of the language the vampire progenitors used. It is the second most used language in the Underworld. You cannot understand it right now. However, if you obtain clues on how to read it, then you would start to learn.
Huh, so they do use a different language. But the language Sylvia used while speaking sure sounded like the English I¡¯m fairly used to. Could it be that she spoke a different language till now and I just understood it as is? Me being disguised as a vampire because of this cloth armor might make sense that I understand it. But then it wouldn¡¯t make sense that Vera understood it too. Either she has something special too that she understood what Sylvia had been saying till now, or that Sylvia spoke English till now. Wait, I could test it right now, along with learning a bit of their language too I suppose. Taking the letter, I pass it to Sylvia. ¡°Read it for me.¡± ¡°Okay¡­¡± Now she would speak the vampires¡¯ language since that is what is written in the letter. If I understand what she speaks now, then that would mean¡­ ¡°To Ms. Sylvia ¡­ And all the other unnecessary information.¡± She skipped the first part of the letter, so it should be the addresses and all that I suppose. ¡°Let¡¯s get to the main part¡­ I¡¯m facing some trouble since the merchant¡¯s guards suddenly seem to be suspicious of our activities, thus I am unable to personally come and escort you here. Thus, I had to send this letter through a messenger. I¡¯ve attached the map showing the merchant¡¯s mansion and the normal guard routes which have changed recently since he¡¯s planning a banquet. That would be the best opportunity for our attack. Also marked are the possible entry points I believe would be good but the decision lies up to you¡­¡± The first part of what she said sounded normal, but the rest of it had this heavy accent while she was reading it. But I understood it nonetheless. The heavy accent part must be when she read using the vampire language or Gacilic that it¡¯s called. So that means the rest of the time she was actually speaking English. That makes sense. The change in guard¡¯s routes must be them practicing for the banquet itself. As I turn to pick up the map, I once again notice Vera. This time however with her eyes open but her face quite expressionless. Right, maybe this could do something. I open my inventory to take something out.
Cerasus Doux Specialty wine of Solitude, Taimid Empire. The procedure for making this is a closely guarded secret of the winemakers. But its effects are quire widely known. It helps calm the mind with its sweet but not-too-sweet and incredibly refreshing taste. Gives light immunity to mental status effects for 30 minutes after drinking. Increases stamina recovery rate for 10 minutes. More information might become clear as you drink more of it.
The description pops up as I look at it a little carefully. Then placing the glass in front of her, I gesture for her to drink as I nonchalantly pick up the map and start to read it. Sylvia tilts her head a little as if in confusion but doesn¡¯t say anything. At least it doesn¡¯t seem like it¡¯s too questionable a thing that I gave her that wine. Wait, wouldn¡¯t it count as an indirect kiss? I quickly take a glance. She¡¯s already drinking it. Well, at least it seems like she¡¯s enjoying it since her expression has cleared up now. She looks really cute doing that¡­ No no no. Don¡¯t think such thoughts. It¡¯s not my M.O. to judge directly based on the appearance of a person. That would only lead to errors in judgement. But then again, the way people look does influence how they¡¯re treated in life. A good-looking person might be treated well by others, thus making him believe the world is like that and thus he too is easily approachable. And conversely a person who is given the cold shoulder by others solely based on his/her appearance will believe that¡¯s what the world is like. It¡¯s an unfortunate world we live in that truly can be quite surface-level at times¡­ So, it isn¡¯t entirely wrong to judge based on appearance either¡­ I¡¯m overthinking this, isn¡¯t it. I let out a light sigh. But regardless. This is how I do things. Appearance is only secondary in judging a person¡¯s character. Sylvia takes her chair and putting it right beside me, sits down. Peering into the map I¡¯m holding. Right, now to perhaps strategize a little¡­ Chapter 16. Plans Chapter 16. Plans.
There¡¯s multiple points of entry. Though, what stands out more is that the possibilities marked. ¡°Just¡­ Why are so many of the windows marked?¡± It possibly couldn¡¯t be the fear of sunlight. We¡¯re inside a restaurant in the broad daylight. And Sylvia doesn¡¯t seem that scared of the sun. And if it¡¯s a banquet it should probably take place during the evening or night. Then is it because they can turn into bats and fly through the windows? ¡°So that we can fly through them by turning into bats, of course.¡± She says with an innocent smile I didn¡¯t think she was capable of. ¡­What? ¡°¡­Then what if the windows happen to be closed? Wouldn¡¯t the plan instantly fail then?¡± I say, neither accepting or denying her. Leaving room for if they could transform. ¡°I was just kidding! Its just these humans think that vampires actually can turn into bats. That¡¯s ridiculous.¡± Like I thought, they can¡¯t transform. Since that wouldn¡¯t really make vampires even the slightest easier to deal with. And I have to eventually hunt one. As I look at Sylvia¡¯s faux innocent smile, I really get the feel that I want her to be the first one. Her neck seems quite delicious. Wait¡­ These clothes can even influence this? ¡°Only Diamond or above rank have any possibility of being able to do that.¡± She continues, after seeing me not react. I look back towards the map. It seems like a normal enough mansion. Though perhaps a little bit simple with only 2 stories. The first one being on the ground level and having what seems to be the banquet hall to the side. The second one having the residential part, which is the merchant¡¯s bedroom and his wife and children¡¯s bedrooms too. ¡°Let¡¯s enter from this place. Assuming there isn¡¯t any basement, which I feel should be there.¡± I say, pointing towards the kitchen which is connected to the banquet hall. It obviously isn¡¯t that good an idea since that place would always be under watch, if not from the cooks then from the guards who certainly would be there to check the quality of the food, and perhaps poison. She should realize this at least. ¡°Nah, that entrance is no good. A bit too guarded and the merchant wouldn¡¯t visit the kitchen.¡± Well, at least she knows that much. ¡°Also, there shouldn¡¯t be any basement in that merchant¡¯s house. Since he¡¯s living in an area fairly close to the nobles, he isn¡¯t allowed to construct things underground. While there¡¯s no certainty that he didn¡¯t but if he¡¯s found out, he would be very heavily prosecuted, and I doubt he¡¯s that dumb.¡± Or that he¡¯s smart enough to do it and continue getting away with it. It can only be confirmed after visiting the site and perhaps knowing what kind of person the merchant exactly is¡­ ¡°How about this entrance then?¡± I say, pointing towards another spot on the map, this time a bit harder to know exactly. It¡¯s an entrance to the side of the banquet hall, one that connects it to the backyard, or perhaps the garden. It¡¯s also no good. Because since he already is organizing a banquet it¡¯s fairly likely that there would be guards just outside the hall itself. Also, the possibility that he would make his guests come outside to watch some other performance maybe. But, as a continuation to that, it will be easier to assassinate him if he is the last one remaining in the hall or the first one to go outside. Or by another method which would be blending into the crowd that would be his guests. Both paths can be taken. ¡°Could it be¡­ You¡¯re testing me?¡± Sylvia has a questioning gaze as she looks right into my eyes. Was I too blunt with my intentions? But I act nonchalant as my response, with a very slight smirk as if saying ¡®even if I was testing you then what about it?¡¯ ¡°There obviously no question about being able to assassinate him right in the middle of everyone. We need to get him secluded somewhere before we can act.¡± Maybe I expected too much from them. Assassination can also be made into a form of art. Just see that whole series of games just about an assassin clan. ¡°His bodyguards would always stick close to him. We need to find when they would be the least hinderance to us. Only then is it possible to get to him.¡± Oh, right, I almost forgot that. Maybe the merchant himself has enough strength to resist a direct attack, or the guests can interfere with the assassination. In this world where people can have strength equal to whole battalions, which I can only assume is the case since I have yet to see that, it is possible that his guests could intervene in our attempt. ¡°Let¡¯s just go there. He should be out of his mansion right now.¡± Getting up, she starts walking towards the entrance to this restaurant. Wait, did she just forget to continue upon that provocation that I¡¯m testing her? On a second thought, I didn¡¯t need to act that way myself either. My purpose isn¡¯t to charm her or anything. My actions then could have been counter-productive. Making her seek my approval by testing her to give the correct responses to my question. It¡¯s a classic move of flipping the script, because its considered that the man would chase the woman, not the other way round. Which would seem as a very fresh change while dating¡­ And I¡¯m not even seeking that. Not with a computer A.I. What is wrong with me? Did I just do it that way unconsciously? ¡°Come, let¡¯s go. She already left.¡± Without me realizing it, Vera is already up and is pulling on my hand, urging me to get up. Sylvia though is already out of the place and waiting outside, as visible from the windows. Allowing Vera to help me up from the chair, I glance around myself out of habit, just to see if I left anything. Nope, nothing left. Good, we can leave now. ¡­Wait. That glass with wine I gave to Vera has disappeared now. She took it¡­? Huh. Well, not that confrontation about it here would result in anything. She graciously opens the door, allowing me to go through before coming out herself and closing it behind us. Maybe she¡¯s really into the maid role somehow. ¡°So, I suppose you know where his mansion is.¡± ¡°Yes, its unfortunately really close by.¡± Sylvia says as she starts walking, not towards the main streets like expected but rather into the small alleyways. ¡°This can be considered a commercial district for the fairly wealthy and noble-lite.¡± She doesn¡¯t need to repeat what she already said. ¡°These alleys are more like a quicker way to get places rather than some shady crime scene.¡± I wasn¡¯t really wondering that but thanks for telling me I suppose. As she leads me through the alleyways quite devoid of any life, I keep an eye on the minimap, while also looking towards my surroundings. To see if there are any inconsistencies in the map compared to what I could see. ¡­Nothing. Well, the minimap itself isn¡¯t that detailed to spot inconsistencies, cause there¡¯s always the possibility that it simply isn¡¯t that precise. It may have high accuracy but low precision.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.
Mapping experience gained. You have levelled up. You are now level 27. Stats have been automatically distributed according to previous pattern.
Oh right, I almost forgot that professions also gave experience. But shouldn¡¯t they give experience to that profession itself rather than general experience? Though I can only assume so from the records of other RPGs I¡¯ve read about. So, maybe it works differently here.
Chris Val Level: 27 HP: 30 of 30 MP: 50 of 50 FS: 170 of 170 Hit: ?? Str: 28 Con: 2 Int: 5 Res: 4 Spd: 24 Crit: 4 Mov Spd: 105% Luk: 46 ¡­Show Details¡­ (Currently unavailable.)
Seems fairly normal¡­ Except the movement speed to increased too, somehow. Summing all the stats except movement speed¡­ it comes to 113. And if my memory serves right, at level 20 it was exactly 100. And 2 stats per level means that my 14th stat point was put into movement speed? 1 stat in movement speed equals a 5% increase? Well, not like it¡¯s possible to put any stats in either movement or luck, so I can¡¯t particularly test the hypothesis. ¡°We¡¯re here.¡± A large mansion comes into my vision. ¡°You brought the map, right? Let¡¯s see which side is more suitable to scope out first or a better entry point.¡± The map¡­ What? I look into my inventory but of course, it isn¡¯t there. Could I have forgotten it even after explicitly remembering to check for any things left in the restaurant? But I need to act normal. I can¡¯t let her have the upper hand. Sylvia looks towards me expectantly. Making me turn my gaze towards somewhere else. That somewhere else happens to be towards Vera. Who as if on cue takes something out from her pocket. The pocket on clothes are connected to the player inventory, so she¡¯s taking something out from there¡­ And it¡¯s the map in question. She hands it to me and I very casually open it as if nothing was wrong. Yes. Nothing¡¯s wrong. Everything is as expected. Just according to keikaku. She really is getting too into her role. As I open the map and look towards it, with Sylvia once again peering into the map by the side. A menu pops up over the map.
Raider ability, ¡®planning¡¯ used. (Beginner) You can now better read the map and use it to plan your raid of the building. Certain abilities require specific conditions and intent to be used. (You have ¡®skill activation by thinking¡¯ turned on.)
Ah, I get it now. These skills must have started activating now when I have the intent to do a specific task, making the skill related to the profession come into play. But a Raider profession? Truly there¡¯s way too many professions to remember. ¡°The right side looks like a good entrance.¡± Unexpectedly, Vera is the first one who speaks up. I focus towards the right side of the building in the map. The map lights up with translucent grids, marking positions for objects that weren¡¯t there before. An even more detailed blueprint, huh. One of the wall seems to be marked differently and as I focus on it, a bit of text appears near it, explaining its purpose.
There might exist a secret entrance on this wall. However your discernment ability is not high enough, nor the map too detailed. There is only a 60% certainty.
60% is certain enough. ¡°The right side it is, then.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Sylvia asks. ¡°Judging from the overall layout of the mansion. That spot looks like it could have a secret entrance.¡± ¡°Really? How come I don¡¯t see it?¡± Of course you don¡¯t see it. I just made that up in relation to what the system told me. But looking at the map more carefully. Going straight across from that wall would lead into the small garden in the middle of the mansion. It would make sense to have the entrance to a secret passageway there. At least I would build one there in case someone tried to trap me inside the house. Now that I think about it, it would also be possible to jump down to the garden from 1-2 stories up. Considering that the merchant is strong and willing enough to do that. A fine placement for a secret passageway indeed. ¡°We can just go there and confirm for ourselves.¡± Sylvia leads us around the right side of the mansion, taking paths and being careful to avoid any potential witnesses. The walls themselves aren¡¯t that high. Except the barbs on top and what I can only assume are shards of glass. About twice my height. So, about 12 feet high. I get the feeling I could vault above it in a single leap. And if not, I could use Valentine like I did in the forest. While there are some concerns on if the edge on the blade would get chipped because of that. Vera should be able to help with that so, not such a big problem. ¡°So, now where is it?¡± I look towards the map in my hand. It¡¯s not as convenient as it just telling my current position on the map itself. But judging from the map of the building. And how the spot on the wall could be found out by using the windows on the upper floors, which are visible from here, as a reference, it¡¯s easy to calculate its position. I walk along the path adjacent to the wall and¡­ ¡°Here.¡± ¡°So that secret passage exists here?¡± She sounded a bit skeptical. Well, there doesn¡¯t seem to be anything special here at a glance. Which is why it would be a secret passage. ¡°Vera, I suppose you know what to do.¡± ¡°¡­?¡± I turn to look at her and the abject cluelessness on her face. ¡°Like last time.¡± Come on, we didn¡¯t do it that quite so long ago. ¡°Ah!¡± As if getting an epiphany, she kneels down and starts to search around. Just as she starts that, a menu pops up in front of me.
Notice The registration for the UnReality: Battle Royale has started. Players interested in participating must register. Since there are some terms and conditions that require express permission. Registration can be done at the arena for all cities. In towns and other places not having an arena, it can be done at the city council, or you can register outside the game by visiting the website. The registration will be open till Sunday 6 am, as the competition starts at Sunday, 11 am. It is possible to participate in teams. The main objective is to be the last one standing, be it through survival or through defeating other players. More details could be found out at the time of registration, by visiting the website, or help section in-game.
Quickly reading the message pop up, I look at Vera, who looks at me and nods in an implicit understanding, and then continues searching. Wait, implicit understanding about what? About participating in the competition together? But we never even talked about it¡­ Not like I have anyone else to be in my team. There is the option to go solo¡­ But it would be easier in a team. As long as the teammates are competent that is. An incompetent one could make it much worse than just solo but Vera isn¡¯t incompetent. ¡°Found it.¡± As she says that, I look at Sylvia who has apparently understood what was being searched for. She crouches down and after inspecting the ground a little, gets up. ¡°Good work finding that trapdoor.¡± She continues, ¡°Now we need to find a way to open it and we could get inside the mansion quite easily.¡± ¡°We ca-¡± As Vera is about to say, I quickly shut her mouth by covering it with my hand. Since Sylvia says that she needs to find a way, that would mean that such a way isn¡¯t known to her or found just anywhere. And that would make sense since they must consider the pond entrance outside their hideout to be fairly secure so that no one could break in that easily. ¡°Hmm¡­? Well, we¡¯d need a high-level thief from the organization to come here with specialist equipment so we could open this.¡± So, Vera being able to do what she did must be a really rare thing. Perhaps I should have known just from her class name ¡®Valkyrie¡¯ that something about it was special. Or maybe I¡¯m overthinking it. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t your team already have a thief or such profession in it?¡± I ask her. Assuming that the team she mentioned earlier actually does exist and isn¡¯t some form of imagination of hers. ¡°Yeah, but he¡¯s only a silver rank. We need a gold or a very skilled silver rank to open this.¡± So, it does exist. ¡°And, where exactly is your team right now?¡± ¡°Yeah¡­ They were supposed to be waiting for us here already.¡± And I wonder if that¡¯s a problem. ¡°They would be fine. In fact, I know where they probably are. Or at least how to find them.¡± She says with a little stern expression. So, they¡¯re in some sort of trouble or maybe lazing around. Probably the former judging by how the letter was written. Perhaps they¡¯re tailing the merchant. Letting out a little sigh, she says, ¡°I¡¯ll go get them and a gold rank thief. You can walk around the city till then. It wouldn¡¯t take more than an hour.¡± And what about the merchant himself then? Weren¡¯t we on a time constraint on him returning to home? Seeing my expression, she explains, ¡°He wouldn¡¯t return till a bit late at night. We have enough time till then. This secret entrance is an important discovery.¡± Just as she finishes saying that, she starts walking away, towards another unknown alley. ¡°Have fun.¡± Fun, right. ¡°Let¡¯s go register now. We can look at the city after that.¡± Vera speaks up for what seems like the first time in a while. I guess she really was quite acting her part as a maid. ¡°Do you know where¡¯s the way, then?¡± ¡°Yes, the arena¡¯s right there.¡± She says, pointing towards a direction. How¡­ ¡°I overheard a few people mention it in the restaurant, while you were daydreaming. They were thinking of going there to bet or watch a duel or something like that.¡± A duel¡­ Right. Those shouldn¡¯t be that uncommon in this era. That makes a lot of sense then. It could also act as a bit of entertainment for the populace. Would be fairly logical to place it nearby in the commercial-like district. ¡°By the way, what do you know about Valentine?¡± ¡°Valentine? Ah, you mean your sword? It¡¯s like an antique piece.¡± ¡°An antique?¡± ¡°Yeah, didn¡¯t you see the hilt is a little odd?¡± Now that I think about it, I did notice it earlier too that the hilt itself was quite unique and was embossed with runes or the like. ¡°Master Fidulir obtained it from a miner when he came to sell us ore. The sword itself was in pieces but it was very unique in its design. So, he tried to recreate that original blade-like thing, whatever it was.¡± As I thought, it wasn¡¯t completely an original weapon. So, it was obtained underground, in a mine? I might need to look more into it later. ¡°Could you fix it if it perhaps got damaged?¡± ¡°Damaged? Its very durable just the way it is. But if it did get damaged¡­ I could try¡­ But my skills right now might not be enough¡­¡± She stopped walking and turned around, slight helplessness visible on her face. ¡°You don¡¯t need to feel bad about it.¡± I say with a gentle smile. She¡¯s already done enough as it is. We reach the ¡®arena¡¯ or perhaps a stadium would be a more apt description. It¡¯s quite bustling with people. People with all sorts of outfits. A few even carrying weapons in open. It¡¯s also really hard to tell players from other NPCs. I could only assume players must be there considering the notice that came not that long ago. ¡°I have a feeling we might-¡± Just as Vera was saying that, a message pops up in front of me.
You have been challenged to a duel.
I shake my head, it¡¯s obvious what I need to do. No need to duel right now.
You find yourself unable to refuse the duel.
¡°¡­*sigh*¡±