《Ascension Online》 Chapter 1 In the heart of San Francisco¡¯s modern ChinaTown rests an imposing manor. Draped in the darkness of the violet sky, the large manor glistened against the full-moon that shone with enrapturing grace. Grandiose architecture of an age long gone and ruined stood in stark contrast to the steel, glass, and illuminated apartments that loom five stories tall. Across the once immaculately trimmed lawn that had turned to rot and overgrown vegetation, the stone and steel manor carved with decorations from centuries past lay dormant. Dozens of rooms stand dark and lifeless in face of the thriving nightlife that wandered past the manor with glee at the opportunity the Friday night presents. Through the darkness of the manor and open garden grounds though, remained a sole light that shines like a flickering firefly against the emblazoned glory of the pale moon. The light comes from a drab room in the very heart of the manor. In the room, is a lone young man. Slick hair the color of crimson blood hangs snuggly against his lean frame. The healthy and tanned face of the individual in his late teens could be seen illuminated by the handful of lamps that flood the room with a torrent of light. It was excessive to the extreme, as if the young man was scared of the dark. In the roughly calloused hands of the young man that are scarred with innumerable marks and cuts, lies a futuristic helmet. The helmet is a slick white and dark grey that is able to encapsulate a person¡¯s entire head. Even where an opening for the eyes should have been, was only a white band of material that completely blocked off a user¡¯s sight if they were in it. It is Titan Inc¡¯s patented NeuroWare Helmet. A construct over six years in the making that would allow any user of the device to access a world of untapped potential and unimaginable adventure. Six years in the making, and now finally complete. The announcement of the device sent shockwaves throughout the world. With the device, life was no longer the same. Donning the device would allow one to connect to the Titan¡¯s Virtual Network. Replacing the Internet over 15 years previously, the V.N. had only grown in scope as years passed, now connecting everyone and everything in the world. Whether you wanted to visit Paris in the comfort of your home, work and oversee a construction project while on a river cruise, or even stay conscious and work or entertain yourself even while your body slept. It was all possible with the V.N. Now though, something much more amazing was being released. Ascension Online. Designed by Titan Inc for over eight years, the launch of the greatest Virtual Reality game ever was finally going live. Having been in development for two years longer than the NeuroWare Helmet, many individuals speculated that the helmet was made directly for the game rather than any other reason. They were right. The NeuroWare Helmet would allow any person, anyway in the world, connect to Ascension Online and experience the greatest achievement in humanity''s illustrious history. A virtual reality MMORPG that guaranteed 98% realism and fully took your mind into a new world of myth, magic, and monsters to explore the limits of what one could ever hope to achieve. The game, already registered with over 400 million people, was set to launch at midnight tonight on North America¡¯s West Coast Standard Time . Which was in exactly 12 minutes. Turning the futuristic helmet in his hands as he stared at his reflection, the young man remained stoic as he mulled over what to do. With a sigh, he put the helmet down on the immaculately made bed. Free from holding the helmet, he moved his hands to rest on the wheels of his wheelchair. With extremely dexterous movement, his fingers traced against the wheelchair as he pushed himself forward with the exact amount of power needed to reach the ancient oaken desk in his room. There, bare of anything else, rotated a virtual note. With keen eyes that let the golden hue in them exude powerful, the young man read over the letter for the third time that hour.
Dear Tyler, It has been over a month since we last spoke. I would offer my well wishes, but I know you wouldn¡¯t accept them, you grumpy grump. Still, if you feel the need you know you can message me at any time of the day and I will answer right away. For anything at all. No matter how small. Okay? Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. WAIT! Before you close this message after reading that, you NEED to hear me out. Staying in the Mori Manor for the last year in deluge and depression has ruined you. I miss the man who stood at the pinnacle of the world and laughed in the face of all adversity. So, I have a gift for you. I only sent it at the last possible moment as I knew you would decline otherwise. In the box is a NeuroWare Helmet. With it, you¡¯ll be able to access Ascension Online. I know you¡¯ve heard of it, and I know YOU know what the game can do. Don¡¯t let the past cloud the future. What happened cannot be reversed, but that doesn¡¯t mean all is lost. Your dream can still be reached. Join the game. Rise high and fast and show the world why you were the ¡®Demon¡¯ of the Combat Sports Association. Or don¡¯t. Remain in your family¡¯s manor as you wither away and life goes on around you. Watch as your memory in the world fades and your legacy dies just as your life did in that accident. The choice is yours. I look forward to seeing what you choose, Tyler. Or, should I say Akuma? From your best-est friend in the world, Claire. <3 <3 <3
Turning away from the virtual letter, the young man known as Tyler Mori felt a twitch arise in his lips as the barest of smiles appeared. It was the first in a long time one appeared. Sighing once more, Tyler turned his gaze to look at the wall before him. In the spartan and immaculately clean room that was devoid of anything non-essential, the wall stood as a defiant monument of glory. Swords, of various designs and sizes, were attached to the wall as they hung between numerous pictures and awards that depicted a glory of another life. Awards for ¡®Champion¡¯ of various tournaments from all over the world gleamed in vibrant colors that created a beautiful rainbow¡¯s myriad. The pictures, over three dozen of them, all showed the figure of Tyler Mori wielding a sword. Every picture showcased him as he posed dominantly before a crowds of over a hundred thousand people that stood in awe at his figure. In the pictures, opponents lay littered on the floor as blood was strewn across it, giving the scenes a sense of deadliness. It was made only more eerie by the duraplastic mask he wore that resembled a demon with its red color and impish horns. Gripping the wheelchair with hands that shook slightly, Tyler pulled away from the wall and towards the bed. There the NeuroWare helmet rested and waited to be donned. With a torrent of emotions that did not surface to his face, Tyler Mori¡¯s eyes remained trained on the helmet as thoughts of his past collided with the feelings in his heart. With finality though, he shut them all down and looked inward. He reached out and felt what his gut and natural instinct told him. It had only failed him once before it in his life, and now he put his trust in it once again. Minutes passed in absolute silence as Tyler sat in his wheelchair. Then, as the clock struck 11:58 PM, Tyler¡¯s golden eyes shone with a fervent light that was not there previously. Like lighting, his hands darted out to grab the NeuroWare Helmet. With none of the hesitation that was previously present, Tyler donned the helmet and hit the power button on the side of the device as he directed his body toward his bed and laid down on it. After finding a comfortable spot, Tyler directed his eyes toward the screen that appeared his vision. Blocked off from all sources of light and with only a small amount of sound entering the helmet, Tyler remained completely immersed in the NeuroWare device as the startup screen was displayed. Initiation Process Commencing... .... .... .... Initiation Process Complete... .... .... Please Register User to Device At the prompt, a feral smile graced the fierce visage of Tyler as he spoke in a voice hungering for something primal and violent. ¡°Tyler Mori¡± ¡®Tyler Mori¡¯ Registered as User... .... .... Please Selection Action... As the words faded away, a screen of muted white appeared with a number of symbols on it. Instead of pursuing the various icons of the NeuroWare Helmet, Tyler focused instead on the timer that lay in the corner of the display. It took only seconds for the time to switch from 11:59 pm, to 12:00 AM. As the time switched, a once greyed out icon shone to life. A gold and black symbol of a crown. The symbol for Titan¡¯s Inc Ascension Online ¡°Enter Ascension Online.¡± Just as he spoke the words, the world around Tyler faded as light was sucked away and darkness greeted him in its embrace. Chapter 2 From the cocoon of darkness, light erupted in a supernova explosion of radiance. As Tyler opened his eyes, a new world was borne before him. Floating alone among the clouds, Tyler shifted his head as his normally bleak eyes shone with a wonder of an incalculable magnitude. Below him stretched a world of grandeur that left him gasping in astonishment. Lands, scarred by raging rivers crossed through thriving and expanding settlements of hundreds of different beings that swarmed through the land below him. As Tyler¡¯s senses slowly came back alive as his virtual body was born, a howling wind surged past him, causing a frigid chill to attack his body. With the wind, came the gruff echo of a voice. ¡°Beautiful, isn¡¯t it, Young Traveler?¡± Afloat on a cloud and surrounded by halos of light, a wizened old man sat in peace. A robe of ethereal white which faded in and out of existence encased his gargantuan form that reached over thirty feet high. His face, as if etched from solid granite stone, held a pair of stormy grey eyes that shifted in glowing color every second as various hues glowed in bizarre light even behind the curtain of grey. ¡°I welcome you, Young Traveler, to my world.¡± His words, deep and baritone, rang in the air as he turned to look lovingly upon the vast expanse of world that teemed with unknown and mystical life. ¡°Welcome to Ionia. Welcome, to your new home.¡± His affectionate expression morphed back to one of solemnity as the elder waved his hand and dispersed the gathered clouds. With his actions, came words that were highlighted by images displayed in the air, depicting the world below. ¡°You have traveled far to reach this point Young Traveler, but you have much, much farther to go. Your road is long, and fraught with danger and peril. Ionia is home to creatures of all sorts, myths and monsters that dwell deep in the earth and soar dominantly in the air. Beings of eons past prowl unhindered among the lands...lands which you shall now inhabit. Prepare yourself now Young Traveler, for the horrors that await you below. But, do not dwell in fear for the world is yours to craft and mold to your whims, but only if you have the power to do so. You are weak...unbroken, unbloodied, and unworthy of the boundless riches below that lay at your feet ripe for the taking. The weak bend to the will and whims of the strong, and you are but a toddler to the powers of this realm...¡± ¡°But...fear not Young Traveler. You are not alone, and you are not without help.I shall grant you the ability to make and mold yourself in this world. You will be steel, and you shall forge yourself anew. Power. Control. Recognition. Importance. Wealth... It can all be yours! So go forth with great strength Young Traveler! Strive for greatness, for greed, for glory! Heed the call of confrontation. Feed on domination. Leave behind a legacy of legends that shall never die!¡± The roar of his voice shook the sky as it crescendos with power of unearthly origins. Tyler, unable to move, is forced to watch as a one of the giant¡¯s fingers slowly draws to his forehead. A single tap of a finger near the size of his entire head, and a flash of blinding light erased the previous scene, and Tyler¡¯s existence in it. Only as the blinding light subsided did Tyler gain control of his senses. Sharp minded and with an unbreakable discipline that has been tempered in a short lifetime of training, conquest, and glory, Tyler remained calm even as his heartbeat picked up. Away from the clouds of the world that would be his new home, Tyler now floated in an area completely obscured by a curtain of grey that weaved and crashed against each other as waves do. Just as Tyler appeared there, a message screen popped up greeting Tyler
Greetings ¡®Tyler¡¯ Ascension Online is now live. Please continue through character creation and enter the game at your own pace.
As the block of text outlined in gold dissipated away after Tyler read it, a new one took its place.
Please Create your Avatar Note: Physical Features can only be modified by a total of 10% Note: You are not allowed to switch genders Note: The Human Race is the only playable race currently. As other races become available to play, you can switch to one of their designs Note: There is only one faction side players can currently play for. As the game progresses and major events are completed, new factions will be made available for you to switch to
After the text faded away like last time, a humanoid shape stepped out from the raging curtain of smoking grey substance. The closer it got, the more refined its features became. As it reached five feet away from Tyler, the features of the humanoid were complete. Before Tyler, stood an exact duplicate of himself covered in a smoking grey robe. The long crimson hair, the perpetually bloodshot golden eyes, the slim and aesthetic body figure, the incalculable cuts and scars that donned his body. The only difference between the true Tyler and this clone, was the smirk the clone wore so well and the legs that were perfectly fine and carried the clone forward with the grace of a predator. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. Even as he was expecting it, Tyler Mori couldn¡¯t help but stare astonished at seeing this being, himself, walk in such a nonchalant manner. It is something that he wished for desperately everyday since the accident, and now it was before him. He would be able to walk once more. As the thought entered his mind, the previously startled look vanished as one of fiery intensity and a hungering that seemed tangible surged around Tyler. With disregard to his appearance, Tyler changed nothing. Not only was it unnecessary for him, but even if he did change his appearance, he wouldn¡¯t be the same. He was given the name ¡®Akuma¡¯ and ¡®Little Demon¡¯ for a reason. The crimson hair that acted as the harbinger for an opponent''s defeat and the golden eyes that analyzed any movement and actions with a cold precision of a predator were his trademarks in the Arena. One of many. Luckily, Tyler thought in a pleasing mood, he always wore a cloak and mask during his debut into the MCA. Without his iconic sword, mask, and cloak, who would believe he is Akuma? Better to hide in plain sight.As he agreed to leave his character as is, the Avatar before him made a startling change as it broke off into nine different Avatar of all the same physical characteristics. The difference now though, was the attire they all wore. One was decked in a white robe with a halo around it. Another in a blue robe as blue sparks zipped from a gnarled wooden staff in its hands. A third was dressed in overlapping green linen clothes with a bow in its hand. The Avatars before Tyler all represented the various starting classes a player needed to select before starting the game. Unlike in other MMORPGs of the era, Ascension Online focused on specialization early on. Before players even entered, they needed to select a foundational class to play as. This class would guide their growth and ability in the future. However, Titan Inc did previously mention before the release of the game that class selection is not a determinant of success. All classes had been extensively tested to ensure balance, at least initially. Skill Levels, having more skills, better equipment, and knowing how to play your class better all acted as factors that would cull the weak from those who would shine.
Welcome to Class Selection Before you are the nine starting classes. Please choose one that best suits you. Note: You can reset your class before reaching level 10 at any time and with no penalty
It was a simple text, but one that did not tell much. Tyler smiled in his predatory way that had caused thousands of battle-hardened men and women to have nightmares, even after years of having last faced the ¡®Little Demon¡¯. With information sent to him by Claire, Tyler knew that the nine starting classes were only the beginning. Once reaching level 10, all the starting classes branch out to ensure a diverse and highly focused specialization. Tyler didn¡¯t know exactly what classes were available after level 10, but he knew that this was just the beginning of a long journey. Scrolling past the classes, Tyler ignored the Priest, Mage, Hunter, Crafter, Rogue, Conjurer, Minstrel, and Fighter. With sights set on the last of all the nine initial classes, Tyler focused on the Warrior.
Warrior Warriors hunger for the brutal melee of combat that sends their blood humming in a fever of joy. The sound of steel striking steel is their battlecry and destruction of all who impede their pursuit of perfection in battle is their calling. They are the assailants of all creation. With Fury as their might granted to them by Ancient Gods, Warriors can equip any armour and wield any weapon in their pursuit of conquest. The keen edge of a weapon becomes their arm, and armour their skin as they forge ahead through the crucible fires of combat. Skill, determination, and the hungering for the melee that calls to us all is what is required to be a Warrior of true worth.
Tyler read the text with a look of excitement mixed in with a roll of his eyes. They made a Warrior seem as if all there is to being one is to fight like a crazed berserker. It was funny in a way to Tyler. He had dedicated his life to the pursuit of the blade and refining his skills with it. He was no crazed warmonger, no matter how much his previous opponents in the Arena would like to think he was. The text was simplistic yet energizing as already Tyler had goosebumps growing on his arms at the thought of the thrill of battle he would experience once more. This time, against opponents of true worth and with the opportunity of pushing himself farther than he could¡¯ve ever done before. Selecting the Warrior class, the unselected eight classes all faded away to the background. Stepping forward, the Warrior avatar that was Tyler stood before him in preparation.
Please Select Your Character Name
The words immediately caused the muted smile on Tyler¡¯s lips to bloom to a charming fruition as he thought back to what Claire said in the letter. He shook his head in defeat. He would never beat the girl in a battle of wits or tactics. It is something he learned long ago back in the Arena, and it is knowledge that he has put to good use time after time. Better to accept her decisions on you, versus inquiring her wrath. With a rough, yet stoic voice that was monotone, Tyler spoke the words that would be his name. ¡°Akuma¡±
¡®Akuma¡¯ is Available. Do you Wish for your Name to be ¡®Akuma¡¯?
¡°Yes¡± As the word was registered by the game, the character before Tyler flashed gold. Before him, an exact duplicate of himself dressed in a simple and unadorned linen shirt, and pants dyed in the color of black and highlighted with grey that was accented by leather gloves, boots, belt and sword appeared before Tyler. Atop the avatar¡¯s head, stood the word ¡®Akuma¡¯ in Green lettering. Before Tyler, the avatar stepped forward and drew the sword from its sheath attached at the belt. With delicate and quick movements, the avatar turned the sword around so the leather wrapped handle was facing Tyler while the avatar kneeled. With a deep breathe as Tyler took one last look around the room, before he settled his gaze on the sword. With a flash of boundless excitement, his hand gripped the handle. He vanished, and Akuma was born. Chapter 3 Akuma, dressed in a roughly hewed uniform draped in black and grey tones fitted his fit and lithe figure, appeared in a flash of heavenly light. Leather boots and gloves fitted tightly against his skin, while a sword and sheath on his hip completed his attire. Head raised high, flashes of unending emotion and excitement shone with distinct clarity in those golden eyes of a king as his crimson hair flooded down his back and a smile of unbridled happiness appeared. Akuma had arrived to Ionia. Sadly, the moment of splendid revelation did not last. ¡°Oi! Piss off! I¡¯m trying to get through here!¡± ¡°Where da hell you from? Dis is da San Fran region.¡± ¡°Stop! Stop! Please stop pushing!¡± ¡°Jesus, look at that girl¡¯s body. She must¡¯ve modified it right?¡± ¡°I¡¯d tap that in a heartbeat.¡± ¡°You¡¯d tap your sister if she let you Roger.¡± ¡°Dude! My IGN is Demascus! And no I wouldn¡¯t shag my sister, you freak.¡± ¡°I would. God damn is she fit. Especially when she wears those-¡± Akuma groaned to himself as hundreds if not thousands of other users of Ascension Online pushed and shoved at each other. Entrapped in a massive wooden pen, for lack of a better word, the players all tried to force their way past the ever growing crowd and toward the exit. Not one to get annoyed easily, and in fact able to hold in any emotion, Akuma watched those around him with a calculative eye. Eyes of gold brilliance watched with unnerving clarity at the movements of those around him. It took merely seconds before he understood the shifting pattern of movement that occurred as the crowded users jostled for position. Without thought, he moved. However the action of moving his legs for the first time in over a year went as one would expect. The face of Akuma, killer of The Arena, rubbed against a man¡¯s ass before he ate a mouthful of dirt. Irritation at his failure in such a modest action raged fierce in his chest. The fiery tornado of wrath in him worsened only as voices of rancorous laughter encompassed his surroundings. As he raised his dirtied face out of the earth, his eyes flashed a fate worse than death to those who did not shut up. A few understood the cue. Most did not. ¡°Hey friend. Are you alright?¡± From behind Akuma, a voice accompanied by a massive hand landed on Akuma¡¯s shoulder. Instincts, honed from over 15,000 hours of training and combat immediately spiked as Akuma moved. Latching a hand of his own over the one on his shoulder, Akuma agilely twisted his body as he kicked his hips up in a motion to raise off the ground and reverse the assailant''s grip. Unfortunately, it did not go as intended. In a weird flopping motion, Akuma, Harbinger of Death, fell face first once more into the mud. The ensuing laughter was twice as loud as the first. Rage, white hot and violent, sunk like molten lava into his veins that burned hotter than any pain as shame forced the beginning signs of emotions to crack the implacade and stoic facade that Akauma maintained. ¡°Wow there friend. You must be new to VR gaming.¡± Once more, the same incredibly low and baritone voice spoke as two hands grabbed onto his shoulders and lifted him out of the muck and the mire. Hands, more like the mits of baseball gloves, patted down Akuma¡¯s dirty figure. As the person before Akuma worked to tidy him up, he quickly sized up the man before him. Or rather giant, as man would be a vast understatement. Easily over 6¡¯ 5, and probably 6¡¯ 7, a giant of a man that was built like a brick shit house hummed a simple tune as he patted down and tidied up Akuma¡¯s attire. Donned in overlapping black cloth that covered the man head to toe, the bulging muscles and immense frame stretched the fabric out. In stark contrast to the midnight black of the clothing, was a dirty blonde beard that would make a lumberjack jealous and above that were eyes of baby blue that spoke of nothing but innocence. The buzz cut mohawk hair that was surrounded by a pattern of beautiful designed tattoos directly on the sides of the mohawk spoke of a different demeanor though.
[ Atlas ] [ Level 1 Rogue ]
Befuddled by the figure before him, Akuma watched in confusion as the supposed rogue continued speaking. ¡°You gotta watch what you do in the beginning. From the looks of it, you haven¡¯t played a VR game before.¡± Taking Akuma¡¯s silence as a confirmation, Atlas continued speaking as he dragged Akuma with him towards the end of the wooden fence that had corralled all the players. ¡°You see, in the game we all start with the same stats. Everyone has 10 base stats, no matter the class or how physically in shape you are in the real world. So some things that you could do in real life, can¡¯t be done here until you level up or train. The tradeoff is that you can surpass what you can do in real life by a huge margin! Like being a superhero!¡± As Atlas spoke of the game and the possibilities, his voice rose to a pitched fervor. His hands, pushing and dragging Akuma, gripped as tightly as his character¡¯s 10 Strength would allow. ¡°Stop bothering the kid already bro. I want to get going and can¡¯t stand dealing with noobs. Besides, he can¡¯t even walk properly. He¡¯s like some chicken.¡± Cutting like a knife through Atlas¡¯s speech, a voice of feminine fatality spoke in a throaty huff. Tilting his head, Akuma saw a women that appeared straight from a fashion show, or porno, strut next to Atlas. She was the same women the other players were constantly gossiping about. Smaller than Atlas at 5¡¯ 10, the women towered over most other females in the vicinity. She stood statuesque, long tan legs that were partially covered by the same warrior attire that Akuma wore. Even in the drab color and coarse clothe, the woman looked stunning. Green eyes like a viper stared down Akuma¡¯s own as platinum blonde hair flowed freely down her heavenly face. Ignorant of the stares, the woman walked with a naturally seductive gait that sent her curvy, hourglass figure bouncing in all the right places while her toned arms and legs contracted with each step to show the definition of her body.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
[ Persephone ] [ Level 1 Warrior ]
¡°Persph, don¡¯t talk like that. If you actually took the time to care and notice, you¡¯d see that he is just like Musae. Also, why must you pick Persephone?¡± ¡°Because like Persephone, I am a Queen, and I will crush and annihilate those noobs who try to stop us, sending them to the underworld. Just like I will crush this Akuma look-alike idiot. Look at him bro, with his stupid hair and eyes, trying to imitate the G.O.A.T. He¡¯s lucky I can¡¯t attack him right now and smack him for disrespecting the ¡®Little Demon¡¯ by mimicking him. He even has the same name!¡± ¡°Yyyaaaaaa.... You do that...¡± Rolling his eyes and huffing, Atlas turned his attention back to Akuma. ¡°You must have trouble walking right?¡± Before Akuma could answer, or even hide the shock that registered in his golden eyes, Atlas continued on as was his way. ¡°I only know since I was a Beta tester for the game and met a large number of debilitated individuals who were experimenting with the game to regain motor functions. It actually proved to work really well, but only for those who still had the access in real life to walk again. In fact, it can go even beyond just motor function. My other sister, Masue, is similar in a way.¡± Following the head tilt of Atlas, Akuma saw a scene of splendor. A woman of similar features to Persephone strolled behind Atlas. Her dirty blonde hair hung short and just reached past her shoulder blades. However the overlapping layers of hair that were highlighted in a myriad of colors was stunning in the evening suns. Waves of hair accented her perfectly sculpted face where supernova eyes of green, blue, yellow drank in the warmth of the environment while dimples poked out just ever so slightly around her innocent smile. Her figure though, was anything but. More petite than Persephone, the girl that stood a little under 5¡¯ 6 made the modest pale yellow dress she wore hug her sinful figure. Legs, thick and strong, peeked through the opening in the middle of the dress while her wide hips and ungodly ass shook as they carried her gracefully across the dewy grass. Her dress hugged the curves of the rest of her modest and athletic build as she swung her enrapturing figure as best she could through the throng of people and danced in tune to the humming of Atlas.
[ Musae ] [ Level 1 Minstrel ]
¡°Watch where your eyes wander creep,¡± Persephone threatened while glowering at Akuma. ¡°Musae, her in-game-name of course, is similar to you as she is actually mute. Or rather that¡¯s not quite a good word for it. It¡¯s hard to explain. But she has trouble speaking and interacting vocally with others. So forgive me on her behalf if she doesn¡¯t respond to anything you say.¡± While Atlas explained the situation to Akuma, Musae stopped her spinning as she gripped her Class instrument of her choice, a violin, to her chest. Her inquisitive eyes stared at Akuma as she cocked her head to the side and flashed a warm smile. ¡°Hey! I told you to watch where you¡¯re -¡± The words, as biting and stinging as a viper¡¯s fangs would feel, became caught in Persephone¡¯s throat as she watched Akuma flash a series of sign language signals to Musae. Never needing to learn sign language as her sister¡¯s disability only sprouted a few years ago and she could understand everything her or her brother said, Persephone failed to understand what Akuma said. Atlas too watched in undisguised shock as Akuma signed out a series of sentences in rapid sequence Musae, already smiling at Akuma, froze before her smile bloomed to outshine even the sun. Eyes alight in a joy that could captivate any man, Musae rushed past her two siblings to sign back and forth with Akuma. From the side, Persephone watched in blank thought while Atlas continued to carry Akuma to the exit, all the while smiling in the boundless adoration one would have for the happiness of their loved ones. Alone in their own world, Musae and Akuma ¡®chatted¡¯ for a brief spell before they were jostled by Atlas. Musae, blushing in embarrassment at completely commanding Akuma¡¯s attention turned forward with the ever stoic and calm Akuma as all four individuals were greeted by a wizened old man. The man, like an aged Gandalf that bent stooped over, was among dozens of other similar individuals who all stood to face the gathered horde of players that sought their attention. ¡°Ah, welcome! Welcome Travelers. Welcome to Ionia. It is here, in my humble town of Hayton, that your journey begins. Truly, I am grateful for your appearance. Storms of chaos across the continent are brewing as forces spread in untold horror through our lands and those of our past allies. Already humanity faces woes the likes of which have not been seen since the days of eons past. Of the Founding, through The Uprising and The Plague. Time eternal cannot hold what was since lost in the Rupturing of The Alliance a millennium ago.¡± The man, shaking now in weakness, rights himself as he stands straighter than before. Emotions, so visible on the aged wrinkles of his face, makes Akuma pause as he struggles to realize that this is just an NPC. Albeit one of unmatched ability. ¡°Time¡¯s have changed, but our plight does not Travelers. Your journey begins here, and where it ends only you can determine. But the future is better left to those who can shape it. For now, I wish to ask for your assistance. The animals of the Twisted Forest have recently begun exiting the forest in hordes. I don¡¯t know why, but the animals are frenzied and are ruining our, and our surrounding neighbor¡¯s lands. Please, help end their rampage.¡±
The Quest [ Join the Battle! ] is available
Quest Description Assist the Town of Hayton is eliminating the enraged creatures of the Twisted Forest. Slay 15 monsters and collect 15 of their Mana Cores as proof of your accomplishment. Meet with your Class Trainer once finished to complete the Quest. Quest Difficulty F Rank Quest Reward 100 experience - 10Copper
Accept ??????????????Decline
¡°Nice! We got our first quest.¡± Jiggling Akuma who remained in his embrace, Atlas billowed out a laugh as he carried Akuma towards a seating area that surrounding the fenced area. ¡°This quest is super easy, as you can tell by the ¡®Rank F¡¯ difficulty. Quests go from ¡®Rank F¡¯ being the lowest, and ¡®Rank SSS¡¯ being the highest. But I¡¯ve never seen or heard of such a high level quest. The highest I did was a ¡®Rank B¡¯ quest with a group of 200 other users, and that was soooo hard. I can¡¯t even imagine what a SSS ranked quest would be like.¡± ¡°Anyway,¡± Atlas continued after setting down Akuma and waving off Persephone who buzzed around in like a gnat as she demanded they go. ¡°We have to go meet with other members of our guild. Or, rather I should say our soon to be guild. I hope everything goes well for you. If you need anything, any help or have any question, just message me.¡±
User [ Atlas ] has sent you a Friend Request
Accept ??????????Decline
¡°By the way,¡± Atlas called out over the shouting around him as Persephone dragged his bulging frame away from Akuma. ¡°Check your Settings and your Status screen. It¡¯s easier to pick what Game Mode you want to play on now before you start fighting and an annoying screen takes up your vision. Also, don¡¯t stress about struggling to walk right away. The fastest I saw someone in the beta do it was a week. Make sure you also -¡± The last of Atlas¡¯s words were drowned out over the shouting and shoving of thousands of players around Akuma who all tried to push past the game starting zone and into the world of Ionia. A feeling of mirth welled in Akuma at seeing the comical trio move away. They were quiet the group, and would certainly draw attention. Those two girls alone could have hundreds of men pampering to them, but that wasn¡¯t the reason why Akuma cared. In fact, while the girls were beautiful by any measure, Akuma had seen women of such temperament and looks throughout his career. Many of whom even wanted to be with the ¡®Little Demon¡¯ of the arena and see is he truly was little. No, what intrigued Akuma was them. A girl who couldn¡¯t talk yet played as a musician class that provided buffs. A giant of a man that was a rogue and who had almost as keen an eye as Akuma himself. And the harsh warrior princess who easily held confidence in her gait and the way her body moved as if she had years of experience with a sword at her hip. A smile split Akuma¡¯s face for the fourth time that day. It would be an interesting game it would seem. Chapter 4 As thousands of players in a mix of classes and weapons all shouted and shoved as they raced across the dewy and lush grass of the plains that the Town of Hayton rested on, a lone figure struggled to walk at even a snail¡¯s pace. Sweating profusely, Akuma walked as if a toddler would. The passing players all thought it a comical sight, but if Atlas were here, he would be struck still. In only an hour, Akuma had already begun walking again. This isn¡¯t to say he went from disabled to walking in only an hour. In fact, Akuma had the ability to walk in real life all along. Yet the mental barriers in place, and the demons in his heart, failed to allow him to take the first step. But here and now in this VR world where possibilities were endless, thoughts of barriers ceased to exist and imagination became reality. It was with this power of Ascension Online that Akuma naturally moved his feet under his own power. Step by gruesomely slow step, Akuma¡¯s unwavering determination and unbending will propelled him past the spawning zone. High above, the dual suns of Ionia, Raejus and Hoth, battered down on Akuma¡¯s frame. Crimson hair fluttered and floated with a fairy¡¯s grace as winds from the vast plains before Akuma brought forth with them a refreshing breeze. Even now, after having spent an hour in the Ascension Online, Akuma still remained astonished at the level of reality of the game. He was not alone. Thousands of players stood and sat dumbstruck as they stared off dazed, rubbing their hands over vibrant flowers, or even savoring the enticing and lavish foods that were bought with the first loot and coins of the game. Chirps of a thousand birds that basked in the sun¡¯s rays and clear skies devoid of any clouds, heralded Akuma¡¯s approach to the edge of the hill upon which the Town of Hayton is based. Slower than a sloth, Akuma reached past the final stretch of towering trees before they broke away to reveal chaos and carnage. Players, thousands of them, ran amok across the far reaching pasture of lush green. Shouts of fierce battle, of cries for help and cheers of victory, were interrupted by the ever present clatter of weapons being used on a horde of ferocious creatures. But while thousands of players threw themselves head first into their first adventure of this new world, many more stood back on the slope of the hill that lead toward the plains. They stank of fear and fright. ¡°H-How could the developers make the game so realistic?¡± ¡°Jesus man, that attack from the wolf hurt like a bitch.¡± The vast majority of players paused in their progress of the game. The boast of 98% realism turned out to be far too true. Pain, although diluted to only 5%, still struck most players with hesitation after their first encounter of getting bitten or clawed at. For those who could go past the pain, the problem remained on actually knowing how to fight and dealing with fatigue. The only positive to the combat in Ascension Online, would be the lack of true blood and sounds of torturous suffering. Neither players or monsters would bleed when struck by an attack. Instead, a flash of muted light would bloom ever so slightly before leaving behind a pale glowing mark directly where the last attack made contact, but only for a second or two before disappearing. Then when struck, monsters would emit a slight sound of surprise in recognition of the damage done to them. Beyond that though, nothing else was shown or heard that would mentally harm and scar a person. Well, save for the pain that the players had to bear. Yet in the face of this adversity, no one sat depressed. Instead, fires of hunger and thrill of the game pumped everyone¡¯s blood full of excitement. Through it all however, Akuma remained indifferent. Steps, slow but steady, carried Akuma past the chatting players that readied themselves. At the appearance of the shuffling player that intended on throwing himself toward the monsters, many smirked and began nudging each other to look at the fool. Still though, Akuma remained indifferent. Instead of focusing on their discussions and whispers of how quickly he would die, Akuma pulled his attention to the various game screens. One last triple check to ensure that he was ready. Of them all, one screen stood out in particular.
Game Mode Selection > Manual < ??????????Automatic
The realism of Ascension Online extended beyond just how things felt. If a player so chooses, they could actively control their character¡¯s action. In Automatic Mode, an Archer¡¯s arrow would fly true and strike the target. However the attack would result in a normal damage amount, with a slim chance for a Miss or Critical attack. In Manual Mode however, the Archer had complete control. Just like firing an arrow in real life, the arrow¡¯s final result would depend on numerous factors. This in turn made Manual Mode much harder to do well in and harder to achieve results good enough to beat out Automatic Mode. However if one did know how to use a bow and arrow, the results would be staggering. One would be able to aim the arrow to strike at a leg to slow a foe, or target the heart for a constant stream of Critical attacks. Even debuffs like stuns from attacking the head, blindness for eyes, or muting a human target by slicing their throat were possible. For most, the trade-off was not worth the ability to accurately attack and defend, whether it be by striking with a sword, targeting and launching a magic attack or projectile, or even playing an instrument in the case of Minstrels and making armour if the player is a Crafter. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. However Akuma was not like most. He was the ex-champion of the Combat Sports Association. The Demon that struck fear in all contestants from the dregs of the association to the ¡®Kings¡¯. A practitioner of 6 sword styles and the master of his own self-created style. He was a demon wearing the face of a teen. After confirming everything was ready, Akuma trudged onward. Now at the pace of an old man on door deathstep, he shuffled forward as his jawline jutted cleanly out while jaw muscles clenched in the only visible show of concentration. Past the hollering players that threw barbs at him. Through the line of bunched of people that stood hesitant just past the first line of battle. Then through the clashes of melee that all Classes had to fight through, before he finally reached past the congested zone and truly into the plains. And directly into the path of a roving duo of creatures. Seeing a lone figure hobble past the densely crowded line of fighters, the two creatures veered off their course and toward Akuma. Wolves, nearly half the size larger than a normal wolf, streak across the abundant foliage and flowers as their extremely long and shaggy grey hair hugged their clearly defined and dense muscles that powered them faster toward Akuma.
[ Mutated Wolf ] Level 1
Attack: 1 - 5 Defense: 3 Health: 80
[ Mutated Wolf ] Level 1
Attack: 1 - 5 Defense: 3 Health: 80
Seeing their frenzied dash however, Akuma¡¯s stern and stoic facade cracked to reveal a chilly smile as gold eyes blazed in a fiery hunger that was soon to be sated. As is his Sword Style¡¯s way, Akuma continued to advance in the face of the incoming monsters and drew his sword. The keen, if not dull edged standard short sword hissed free of the leather sheath as Akuma reversed his grip to hold the blade along his forearm.
[ Crude Short Sword ] Crude Equipment
Attack: 1 - 5 Requirement: None
It was the worst tiered weapon in the game at the Crude Tier, but the sword would do. In the hands of others it would be a tool. In Akuma¡¯s hands, it was the instrument whose call would send even the devil himself running. The call of steel flashing through air in a whistle as the air itself bent to the will of the sword. The same call that echoed out as the monsters closed to striking distance. With the same shuffling steps that brought him thus far, Akuma hobbled the final distance between himself and the wolves. Unlike his steps though, his sword strikes were... masterful, deadly, and merciless.
You dealt a Critical attack: - 8 HP
You dealt a Critical attack: - 9 HP Your blow has crippled the target. Target stunned for 1 second
You dealt a Devastating attack: -12 HP
You dealt: - 3 HP Your blow has crippled the target. Target is slowed by 20% for 3 seconds
You dealt a Ruthless attack: -9 HP
Flashes of iron accompanied by the yelping cries of one of the wolves as it stumbled into its brethren, heralded Akuma¡¯s prowess. The red bar, indicating the creature¡¯s health, rapidly dropped a total of 41 points, leaving slightly more than half of the rectangle that floated just below the creature name and level to become greyed out. Ignoring the wall of text which indicated the damage he dealt and the effects of his strikes, Akuma paused his rapid cyclone of strikes as he backed off. Simultaneously the two wolves did the same. At the base Level 1 character stats, Akuma felt an irritation flow freely in him. His speed currently was severely behind his real life attacking speed. Even worse, was his control. While a swordsman could only move or attack so fast, the ability to clearly analyze the speed, direction, and intent of the strike and then react accordingly was the true reason why he became renowned as ¡®Akuma¡¯ in the Combat Sports Association. In the game though, Akuma felt as if he was in water when he struck while his perception and control dropped to nearly 1/10th his normal ability. But while others would be furious at such a circumstance, Akuma swallowed the irritation in him as a feeling of mirth bloomed gently on his face. Here and now, he would be able to train, getting himself back up to his normal speed and ability. And the wolves whose hair rose in aggression while they bared their razor sharp teeth at him would be his training dummies. Facing the calm human that hobbled closer to them, the wolves appeared to shudder slightly. Whether it was the sword that twirled with an unmatched skill as the whistling of its metal sheared through air. Or maybe it was the smile and eyes of the man before them that seemed all too willing to deliver pain and suffering to their bodies. Or it could¡¯ve been the crimson hair that swelled to life as the dual suns ignited the boundless red hair into a bloody omen. Whatever the case may be, the wolves were afraid. There were not the only ones. Around Akuma, watching from the sloping hill that had gathered hundreds of resting players, were the stunned silences of those few individuals that paid attention to Akuma. Where once they laughed at a cripples disability, now they sat awe-struck by his prowess. Akuma had arrived. Chapter 5
You have Slain a Level 2 [Mutated Wolf] * Gained 20 Experience * Gained 2 White Mana Cores * Gained Rough Wolf Fur
You have Slain a Level 1 [Mutated Boar] * Gained 15 Experience * Gained 1 White Mana Core * Gained 1 Copper
As the [ Mutated Boar ] before Akuma began disappearing in a flow of green and gold particles that slowly caused the body to vanish, Akuma checked his experience bar. Located in the corner of one¡¯s periphery, the Character Status contained information regarding a Player¡¯s name, class, health, energy source, stamina, and experience, floated just out of the way in an effort not to distract players. It was a useful feature, but one that would be mostly outdated in the time to come as Players would soon adapt to knowing when they are low in Stamina or Health based on how their body feels and the sensation of feeling ¡®empty¡¯. Having finished the Quest to slay 15 mutated animals and collect their cores, Akuma¡¯s experience had reached 235 experience of the needed 250 to level up. With the quest granting enough experience to level up, Akuma began trudging away from the plains. It was just in time too, as thousands of players were still flowing into the game at a breakneck pace. Players, overcome by adrenaline, threw themselves forward in reckless abandon as handfuls of players pounced on any wandering creature they could find. Ignoring it all, Akuma advanced past the hordes of players that were giving him a wide berth. Many had seen his immaculate fighting, while many more heard of it through others. Already people were talking about the crippled player who killed with ease. But such comments were beyond the ever calm Akuma. Advancing through the players, up the hill, and back through the towering trees that shaded him from the dual suns, Akuma returned the way he previously came from. However instead of continuing straight ahead to the spawn point, he veered to the right. As he cleared through another set of towering trees that loomed over 100 feet tall, Akuma found a trail and clearing that opened up to show the quaint Town of Hayton. Home to over 10,000 residents, and now another 10,000 to 20,000 players, Hayton was nestled into a grove of trees that opened to show a magnificent view of open green plains dotted with arable farmland. Brick homes and buildings that went as high as 5 stories, dominated the edge of the forest as plums of smoke from copper and iron vents billowed out hazy grey. As Akuma moved closer, the dirt path quickly transformed to a swath of perfectly smooth stone that traversed from the outskirts of the town, directly to the middle. Wide enough for three cars to fit through, the stone path was littered with hundreds of NPCs and Players alike. Scenes of bartering, eating, crafting, and more were all on display as pale white and yellow lights from Mana Gems illuminated the activity. Already dusk was setting in. Traveling through the crowd as best he could manage, scents of never before seen or smelled dishes wafted to encapsulate Akuma. However even as his stomach growled, he remained steadfast in his task. After hobbling forward another twenty minutes under the now fully darkened sky, Akuma advanced to a clearing located near the rear of the town that was settled directly against the forest. Laterns of the pale white and yellow light however lit up the forest for miles to see, bathing the open dirt arena in a light as bright as the sun. And it might as well have been midday with the sun hanging high. People, hundreds upon hundreds of Players, roved with reckless glee through the expansive arena. The same arena that Akuma stepped into. Guided by an arrow that only he could see, Akuma walked across the arena that was filled with an arsenal of class weapons, dummies, and players practicing their arms and abilities. After crossing through three different arena¡¯s, he came upon the Warrior''s Training Grounds. Wooden dummies and iron pillar stood strong and defiant around the training ground as a storm of warriors fought with crazed determination. Every single one of them was repeating the same action again and again. ¡°Ah! Young Warrior, it seems you have arrived. Master Gur¡¯it send word that you and others in my brood have received a Quest from him to staunch the assault from the horrendous mutated filth that roves out haven. It is good to see you were not met with disaster.¡± To Akuma¡¯s front right, a behemoth of a man, roughly the same height and shape as Atlas, walked forward as his mane of red hair flowed behind him. ¡°Have you accomplished the task that Master Gur¡¯it has set for you?¡± ¡°I have...¡± Akuma paused to search above the towering man¡¯s head, where the man¡¯s status appeared, ¡°Instructor Gronk.¡± Reporting the Instructor, Akuma reached for his inventory. As his hand touched the small blue cloth bag, a window showing 20 square boxes with items like fur or tusks in them, appeared. In the corner, where the currency was displayed, sparkled 15 Mana Cores. After selecting the cores, the window disappeared before a flash of pale white light occurred directly over Akuma¡¯s outstretched hand. After the light died, 15 [White Mana Core]s laid like marbles in his hand. ¡°Good! Good!¡± As Gronk took the Mana Cores, a new notification appeared before Akuma while another flash of light, this time gold, flowed around his figure.
The Quest [ Join the Battle! ] has been completed
* You received 100 Experience * You received 10 CopperThe author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
You¡¯ve Reached LEVEL 2 * New Ability available * 5 Attribute Points available for distribution
As the change occurred, Instructor Gronk immediately regarded Akuma with an appraising look. ¡°Well, it appears that you have experienced a great reward. I see that you are already level 2. This is a momentous achievement! Come! Come! Let me see what skill you possess with the blade.¡± Without waiting for Akuma, Gronk trundled off toward the bustling training ground. Helpless, Akuma trailed behind at a much slower pace. Minutes later, he arrived to where Gronk stood stiff near a wooden dummy. Fatigued from the constant and painstakingly draining walking, Akuma approached weary yet without showing a hint of the tiredness in him. He was never one to show such weaknesses, and wouldn¡¯t start now. ¡°Come Akuma. Let me see what your level of skill reaches. Before one can grasp at the power instilled by the Ancient Gods, one must have a solid foundation. Only by being as steady as a mountain, can one reach the peak. Steady yourself, ready your stance, and perform a thrust.¡± As Gronk spoke, he demonstrated what he wanted Akuma to do. With precise yet slowed movements, Gronk positioned himself before the training dummy. Feet hip-width apart, with his dominant foot forward, knees slightly bent, chest more forward than his knees but head up, Gronk stood calmly in a basic attacking stance. He held it for a few moments, allowing Akuma to assess his form, before he lashed out. With an explosive speed that would shock anyone watching, the behemoth warrior instructor flashes his sword sword forward in an impeccable thrust to the training dummies chest.
- 844 HP
Backing off with ease, Gronk stood to the side while motioning for Akuma to demonstrate his own thrust. Instead of jumping into the action like almost every other player of the Warrior class, Akuma paused. With a minor grimace and a ¡®tsk¡¯ of his mouth, he approached in the hobbling way that was his nature. This action wasn¡¯t out of discomfort or unwillingness however. No, instead it was of a critique to the instructor that Akuma refrained from voicing. To Akuma, the thrust that Gronk performanced was perfect, yet it was basic. A simple, spartan thrust. One that even children could perform with practice. He himself could do it in his sleep, but instead of speaking such words, he swallowed them and approached to demonstrate the same action. In the same stance as Gronk, Akuma let his shaking legs wobble and tremble as they moved to a position of immense mental discomfort. With an iron will that could batter back tsunami waves, Akuma remained steadfast in his action, forcefully commands his legs to remain steady. Then, once prepared, he struck. His blade wasn¡¯t as fast as Gronk, yet it held a beautiful grace. The blade appears as if guided by divine hands to be pulled to the training dummy. Air appeared to part before the blade as it moved like a viper through the space between Akuma and his target. In a flash, it was over and the sword drilled into the training dummy and displayed the damage done.
You dealt: -5 HP
¡°Well, well, well! Well done young brood of my Order. There is hope for you yet. Come! Come! Again! This time use a overhead slash to strike the head.¡± Already in his stance, Akuma struck out before Gronk could demonstrate once more. The blade, crude and simple, cut through the night air with a fairy¡¯s grace before it cut deep into the wooden dummies head.
You dealt a Critical attack: -8 HP
¡°Good! Good! It appears that you indeed have the qualifications to join our Order. Now remember, strikes to the vital areas of an opponent will result in a Critical attack. Such an attack with cause your attack, whether a normal strike or one powered by an Ability, to deal 50% additional damage.¡± Stepping back as the man¡¯s scarred face broke out to display yellow teeth in a grim smile, Gronk continued. ¡°You are familiar with the blade, but that is not all a sword offers. Step closer, this time striking the head with the pommel of your sword.¡± Once more, in a flash Akuma performed the basic action with a hidden skill that none would be able to notice. Even Gronk, the NPC instructor programmed to witness the movements of players, did not find anything exemplary about the well performed action.
You dealt a Critical attack: -5 HP Your blow has crippled the target. Target stunned for .5 seconds
¡°Hahaha! Good! Good!¡± Clapping his hands together, Gronk once more spoke in a gruff voice that was hinted with amusement. ¡°Now, while a strike by a pommel or handle of a weapon will not be as damaging as a blade or weighted object, it does allow for opportunity. For example, crippling the target can be accomplished by damaging your opponent in a specific way. A blow to the head could stun, a strike to the eyes can blind, while a cut to the throat can bring an opponent to shock, or cleaving one¡¯s tendons can slow. These are manners in which a target can be crippled. Now, if you¡¯re quick enough, you can launch another strike on a crippled target, dealing a Ruthless attack. If you land a Ruthless attack, your strike with experience a 50% increase in damage.¡± ¡°Furthermore, if you cripple a target and land a Critical attack to the target''s crippled area, it will result in a Devastating attack. Such an attack will deal an additional 100% damage. For you Traveler¡¯s assisted by the Ancient Gods with your ¡®automatic mode¡¯¡± Gronk said while spitting at the ground in disgust, ¡°this is all up to chance. However I see that you are a true warrior, and have set forth on the path of using your own skill and strength.¡± As Gronk finished speaking, he stepped forward to stand before Akuma. Beyond the mass of horrific scars that marred his face, a gleam of anticipation could be seen in his eyes. ¡°It appears that the Order of the Warrior is the proper fit for you, young Akuma. In celebration of such a marvelous display of skill, let me grant you your first Abilities.¡± As the words land on Akuma¡¯s ears, Gronk raised a meaty stump of a hand missing one of his fingers. Placing it dead center in Akuma¡¯s chest, two flashes of gold light ignited between Gronk¡¯s palm and Akuma¡¯s chest. Immediately afterwards, two notifications appeared.
You have been granted the Warrior ability, Heavy Strike
Heavy Strike Rank 1: 0.00% 20 Rage ??????????Melee Range Instant Cast ????????3 second Cooldown Description Strike an opponent, dealing 200% Physical damage
You have been granted the Warrior ability, Basic Sword Mastery
Basic Sword Mastery Rank 1: 0.00% -????????????- Passive Ability?????????- Description Increases damage done when wielding a sword by 1%
¡°Now! Now,¡± Gronk shouted over the flong of instructors and players all trying to progress through the strikes, ¡°Let me see just what you can do against a true opponent! Come! Come! The fun begins!¡± With a laugh more at place from a villain, Gronk stepped away from the training dummy and to a rowdy area of jeers and shouts. On his scarred face, a maniacal grin that showed only enjoyment at the show to come, appeared. Chapter 6 ¡°Are you ready Boy¡¯o? I have big hopes for you now. Big hopes,¡± Akuma regarded Gronk with a neutral look. In it, reflected none of the excitement that thoroughly poured out from Gronk. With a smile that made his scarred face morph into something fierce, Gronk continued talking while thumping Akuma on the back. ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous. Relax. Just relax. The goal of the Trails is to test your ability to handle a true opponent that can fight back. You challenge the Trails as many times as you want, choosing to stop when you are satisfied with your performance and the ensuing reward for said performance. Still, there are only three Trial Arenas, so you¡¯ll be waiting for your chance if you want to go again. Luckily, it provides us,¡± he brought his arm around to nearly crush Akuma in a squeeze, ¡°the opportunity to indulge in some well deserved entertainment! Come! Come! Let us watch.¡± As Gronk spoke in a near delirious enjoyment, both he and Akuma turned to regard the fight taking place in front of them. As the 11th player in line, the pair were placed in the middle of a line waiting for one of the Trial Arenas. Before them, as players and their instructors stood waiting impatiently, began the start of a new Trial. Lithe and petite at 5ft, a wispy figure of a female warrior pounced forward toward her opponent. Equipped with the same equipment as everyone else, her single sword scrapped low against the dirt as she darted forward with shoulders hunched. Her opponent, a wooden mannequin donned in the same armour as the players, readied its short sword between both hands. As the distance closed to five feet between the two, the mannequin made its move. A sharp, if not simple, dart forward followed by a perfectly executed thrust of its sword aimed to impact the shoulder of the female warrior. As if she foresaw it coming though, the woman dropped even lower, letting the thrust skate over her shoulder padding and past her head. In response, the mannequin made to retrieve its sword to defend itself, but the action was too little, too late. Overextended from the thrust and without an option to defend itself, the woman landed five lightning fast attacks on the mannequins body. The strikes were crude and underpowered, but they served to do the job. Damaged and caught flat footed, by the time the mannequin warrior got its sword back in a defensive position, the woman held too much of an advantage. Five quick and well placed strikes later, and the fight was over. As soon as the mannequin¡¯s health was fully depleted, the dummy dropped to the ground and kneeled in defeat. In turn, the woman who actually appeared to be a girl around fourteen with raven hair that drifted all the way down to her waist, began pumping her fists excitedly in the air and jumping around. It wasn¡¯t until moments passed and a number of calls of congratulations rang from the line of spectators that the girl abruptly stopped her actions before blushing a rosy pink and darting off with her instructor in tow. With the girl gone and no longer continuing the Trial, a new challenger stepped forward to the newly restored mannequin warrior that looked as fresh as can be. ¡°Watch this boys and girls. Let me show you how a real man fights. Don¡¯t miss a thing, caus¡¯ ya¡¯ll will regret seeing a true warrior in action.¡± Sauntering forward, a brutish man at 6 ft and in the prime of his dad-bod physique, lazily swung his sword in the air as he stepped into the Trial Arena. In the face of his confidence, jeers and shouts and mockery were flung at the man who weathered it all with a cheshire smile and a bob of his head to some music only known to him. ¡°Oh¡¯right now. Let¡¯s get this show on the ro-¡± The sentence he tried to speak was never to be. For while the man was sauntering into the Trial Arena and kept his attention on the crowd watching, the mannequin attacked. Once someone stepped into the Arena, the fight had begun. Most mannequins, especially at the Beginner Trial level, were more defensive than offensive and would wait for the player to strike. Still, there were exceptions to every rule. With swift steps that showed a player¡¯s level of movement and control, the mannequin warrior easily strood forward with steps not too fast nor too slow. It was fortunate for the crowd watching, as it ensued that just as the brutish man turned to focus on the mannequin, the attack was already delivered to his unprepared self. A swift and damn near perfect low-high kick swept through the air, before impacting the brutish man¡¯s balls. Among the crowd watching and the players standing in line, groans and hands involuntarily clutching their own ¡®packages¡¯ could be seen among all the male players, while even females winced. All was quiet then as people felt near physical pain at watching the act. In the quiet, the sound of a wheezing breath emitted from the brutish man, before he toppled over and fell. While only 1 / 10th of the man¡¯s health had fallen, the sheer shock and pain of the attack had crippled the player. It did little to cripple those watching on the side though. A surging tide of laughter that sent tears spilling from players eyes rang loud in the 3rd Trial Arena as people tried to gather some air into their lungs that ached sore from laughing. ¡°Oh my god....Oh...my...god. I can¡¯t breathe. Hahahahah! Holy fuck, hahahah!¡± ¡°Pretty sure he isn¡¯t a man now.¡± ¡°A¡¯mia righttaa?¡± The sounds of fists bumping together emitted just in front of Akuma as the spectating players all watched through teary eyes as the brutish man¡¯s instructor literally picked the man up with one hand before carrying him toward a middle-aged man in white and silver robes that marked him as a Priest. Following that, it took nearly a minute for the following player to finally pull himself together enough to commence his own trial. Unlike the previous two performances though, there was nothing noteworthy about his Trial. Blows were exchanged clumsily and with an unfamiliarity that showed the player just learned how to wield a sword. Even with the System Assisted ¡®Automatic Mode¡¯, fighting in Ascension Online was easier said than done. Nearly two minutes of sluggish and ill-managed fighting followed before the mannequin disarmed the player and sent his health to 1%, thus winning the fight. After the man that lost, came 7 more players who fought in the same cookie cutter and unfamiliar manner of swordsmanship. Still, their progress in only a short amount of time was impressive and three of the seven passed, with one doing it on her first try at the Trial. Only winning by a hair, all three players stepped down after winning their Beginner Trial and accepted their reward of some potions and a piece of Crude Equipment. It wasn¡¯t until the 8th opponent, the one directly before Akuma, that a true challenger of worth appeared. Lean in figure, a man in his low-20s walked into the Trial Arena with a distinct ease in his step. Everything about him seemed average, almost unnoticeable among the crowd of players that flaunted their individuality in any way they could to stand out. The only notable feature of the man, was his ice-blue goatee and matching hair that was tied in a ponytail and flowed to his shoulder blades. Still, as the man strutted forward, Akuma¡¯s eyes narrowed as he paid attention to the fight to come.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Once in the Trial Arena, the fight started fast. Like the brutish man from before, the mannequin warrior aimed to strike first. Yet just as the mannequin closed half the distance, the blue-haired warrior struck. Shocked faces from the crowd watched as the man¡¯s sole weapon, his [ Crude Sword ], streaked with startling speed through the air before striking the mannequin in the chest. Stumbling backward from the unexpected attack, the mannequin slapped the imbedded sword out of his chest before directing its attention to its opponent. It never saw the blue-haired man. With beguiled steps, the man appeared like a ghost behind the mannequin¡¯s back. A series of rapid elbow strikes to its head and neck, followed by the twist of the mannequin¡¯s head, ended the fight. As the man picked up his sword and walked back to the entrance of the Trial Arena, there was a noticeable swagger in his steps. Much like the brutish man from before, many players were throwing various insults and mocking words at him. In line, and directly facing the swaggering man, Akuma watched with a mild pleasure at the display. While others couldn¡¯t see, Akuma saw the true skill of the blue-haired man. The perfect throw that was hidden by his body until the last moment, the fast and nimble steps, the crippling blows to the mannequin¡¯s body. All of it was executed well and smoothly. If there was any critique he could identify, it was in the hectic movements and exaggerated actions he took. Akuma realized though that is was because the man''s mind was moving too fast for his in game body to keep up. Almost as if he was reduced to 50% of his true ability. Watching the man as he went to address his personal instructor, Akuma focused above the blue-haired man¡¯s head.
[ Ruth de Truth ] [ Level 2 Warrior ]
The name itself was interesting, and Akuma found his normal placid mind halt as he tried to comprehend its meaning. Was it french? A nickname? A play on words? Stupidity? As the thoughts crossed his mind, Ruth turned around to look upon the crowd that had gathered. Ruth¡¯s crystal blue eyes, like his hair, crossed Akuma¡¯s own golden ones as the two regarded each other. Akuma in neutral and minor appreciation, while Ruth in a roguish calculation. Then the connection was cut as Ruth continued to trace his gaze around the gathered crowd. Soaking in their attention and smiling his crooked white teeth before he once more stepped forward back into the Trial Arena. Having completed the Beginner Trial with ease, Ruth now attempted the Intermediate one. As he stepped forward, the smirk on his face lessened as a testament to his concentration. Eyes narrowed into slits, he focused on the foe before him. The same mannequin as before, now decked in chain-mail and plated armour that covered the most vital body parts. In its hands, rested a long sword of immense length and weight that measured four feet long. This was a true warrior. This was a true opponent. Unlike the previous mannequin, as Ruth stepped into the Trial Arena, this mannequin began walking forward at a medium pace while keeping its stance and sword pointed toward Ruth. In turn, Ruth began walking near the mannequin but in a circular motion that caused the mannequin to shift to keep Ruth in its sight. Together they circled each other, predator watching predator, as they sized one another up. The air between them hung heavy as the spectators held their breath, not daring to miss the start of the exchange. Sadly, one spectator in line behind Akuma spoke words of annoyance loud enough for everyone to hear. ¡°Are you going to fight or fuck? Get on with it!¡± Ruth¡¯s exaggerated eye roll followed by flipping the player the middle-finger showed his appreciation for the comment. Still, Ruth loved to please the crowd. As the finger fell, so too did his shoulder as he abandoned any type of defense for a rapid assault. Feet carried him in a zigzagging motion while he began ¡®juking¡¯ the mannequin in front of him. As Ruth moved to 15 feet, he pumped his arm forward to throw his sword once more. Unlike the last mannequin though, this one immediately skated to the side and raised its sword in defense. But the sword was never thrown. With a fake throw, Ruth continued running. At 10 feet, he once more motioned to throw his sword, but the mannequin ignored it. This time however, the sword came streaking like a meteor toward the mannequin warrior. With a rough parry, Ruth¡¯s sword sparked against the mannequins before digging into its shoulder. Then, before the shocked faces of all, Ruth showed his true skill. Pulling on the thin leather strip that was attached to the sword handle, Ruth whipped the sword back into his hand as he closed to 5 feet. As the mannequin moved to strike, a kick of dirt appeared like a curtain before the mannequin as it was blinded by Ruth¡¯s move. With quick steps, it immediately backed up, but already Ruth struck. The sword whirled through the air as Ruth swung it around by the leather string. It dug into the mannequin¡¯s calf and crippled its movement. Then Ruth closed the distance, loot drops from the Corrupted Animals he just killed were flung at the mannequin''s face as a distraction. Unlike a normal foe though, it weathered the distractions and cleaved the bastard sword to split Ruth. With a dive, he appeared directly at its legs, where quick hands darted to punch ruthlessly at the mannequins nonexistence balls. Rapidly, its health dropped by 50%, before the mannequin stomped on Ruth and lashed out with brutal and efficient strikes of its own. Gone with any sort of strategy or swordsmanship, Ruth and the mannequin squabbled in the dirt as both tried to bring weapons and gauntlets to bare. Tricky and lithe though, Ruth quickly stabbed his fingers at its eyes and wet-willied its ears before viciously ramming his sword into its head. With only 10% health remaining, Ruth struggled to his feet, before noticing the crowd around him watching in looks of pure disbelief. Instantly, he seemed to jump up and press down his wrinkled and dirtied clothes. ¡°Ah friends. Truly you are kind to watch my performance. A great spectacle it was, if not hard fought and won. But alas, my time here is done. The call of my loins needs to be answered. So...toodalu.¡± Flowery words spoken with a slick familiarity sprung from Ruth¡¯s lips as he darted off to the Instructor. A short discussion followed before the Instructor smiled a mega-watt grin and handled Ruth a [ Crude Equipment ] and a gold medallion that released an aura of golden light around it. Immediately, the surrounding players became riled up at seeing someone receive a Skill Point for just completing the Intermediate difficulty. Akuma was not one of them however. With slow, struggling steps, he walked the short distance from his spot into the arena with Gronk in tow. ¡°Ready Boy¡¯o? Now, just go out there and show these people the true warrior that I¡¯ve raised. Just bash its wooden head in real good, and you¡¯ll be set. Got it? Good?¡± Nodding at Gronk¡¯s fast-paced and slurred words, Akuma felt his legs struggle to carry him at anything faster than that of a snail¡¯s speed. Still, the distance was small and he had time to spare. Yet by the time he walked into the Trial Arena and locked his gaze on the readied mannequin, so too did the spectators. ¡°Oi! Woudja look at this poser? Must think he¡¯s some kinda ¡®Akuma¡¯ like in the CSA.¡± ¡°Wadda fool.¡± ¡°I bet 25 Copper he dies in the first 10 seconds.¡± ¡°The first 20 seconds!¡± ¡°The first 5 seconds!¡± Ignoring it all, Akuma advanced. All the while with a grin that would make the devil himself piss his pants. He would show them a true warrior. He would show them the terror of the one known as Akuma in the Combat Sports Association. Chapter 7 With slow, yet deliberate and steady strides, Akuma entered the Arena under the gaze of hundreds of players who shouted and taunted at his slow pace. In the face of their jeers however, Akuma remained ignorant. Around him, a kind of darkness became superimposed on the crowd and even the sky, blocking out everything. All that remained, was the mannequin before him, the sword in his hand, and his own figure. Even the sound of the crowd dimmed, as Akuma focused his entire being in the fight to come. From Akuma¡¯s perspective, nothing mattered or remained besides the mannequin. From the crowd¡¯s perspective however, Akuma¡¯s demeanor and feeling dramatically shifted. From a stoic and marine-like stance of utmost discipline, Akuma turned into something far fiercer and violent. A near palpable bloodlust that assaulted the crowd¡¯s senses sprung forth and encompassed the rowdy crowd. The change in demeanor even affected the mannequin. Having sensed the violent intent of Akuma, the Mannequin no longer waited. Instead, wooden legs carried the Mannequin forward in a quick darting movement as its simple sword hung tight and poised to its side in preparation for a thrust. Akuma, hobbling forward with steady steps, watched the Mannequin move. A sinful smile split his face as his golden eyes watched the Mannequin. He watched as the right foot of the mannequin overextended. As the mannequin¡¯s center of balance dipped to the bottom right a few degrees. His eyes foresaw the sword strike that would weakly split the air in a poorly executed thrust. Before him, nothing was hidden. As the Mannequin closed the distance and struck out with a viper-like thrust to Akuma¡¯s upper chest, Akuma¡¯s feebly walking form transformed as the killing intent billowing in him swept outwards. His sword flew from the sheath, the pommel striking and knocking the Mannequin¡¯s sword off-target. Overextended and defenseless, Akuma¡¯s sword brutally stabbed forward in a series of crisp and devastating strikes
You dealt a Critical attack: - 8 HP Your blow has Stunned the target stunned for 1 seconds
You dealt a Devastating attack: - 11 HP Your blow has Stunned the target stunned for .75 seconds
You dealt a Devastating attack: - 10 HP Your blow has Stunned the target stunned for .5 seconds
You dealt a Devastating attack: - 10 HP Your blow has Stunned the target stunned for .5 seconds
You dealt a Devastating attack: - 11 HP Your blow has Stunned the target stunned for .5 seconds
As the Mannequin¡¯s health fell from 50 HP to reach 0 HP, it slumped down and ¡®died¡¯. As it did, the darkness that Akuma placed on his senses also slowly vanished. As his sense of sight and hearing came back in full bloom, Akuma watched satisfied as the gathered crowd of hundreds of players all looked upon his form dumbfoundedly. ¡°W-what? How did he kill the Mannequin so quickly?¡± ¡°Dude, what the fuck! He was playing us the whole time with that grandpa act. I can¡¯t believe I fell for it and lost 10 coppers on the bet.¡± ¡°Did you see his moves? It looked....almost like he¡¯s actually killed someone before.¡± Whispers turned to shouts and then jeers as people once more began yelling at Akuma. This time though, there were a number of cheers in his name to offset the accusations of cheating or ¡®conning¡¯ the other players to lose their bets. ¡°What a fine show boy¡¯o! What a fine show!¡± As Akuma separated himself from the Mannequin, Gronk came forward with a peep in his step and a constant shaking of his shoulders in excitement. ¡°Truly, I picked a student that is able to learn so well from myself. Now! Do you wish to continue and fight the next Mannequin for a chance at a greater reward? What you just killed was the Beginner Mannequin, but the Intermediate Mannequin will be harder.¡± Breaking free from Gronk¡¯s enthusiastic hand clapping on his shoulder, Akuma, only gave a simple nod to show he wanted to fight. With a grin that split his scarred face, Gronk clapped his hands happily together as he sauntered off towards a gathering of other AI Instructors. Immediately after his foot left the Arena, a flash of change appeared where the resting Mannequin laid. As the pale light died, it revealed a bulkier Mannequin decked in chain-mail and some plated armour that covered its chest and parts of its legs. With a saunter of a person, the Mannequin stepped forward and drew its longsword with one hand, directly pointing it at Akuma in a challenge. As Akuma saw his opponent, a fire hidden deep in his eyes ignited. Smoldering eyes that turned his golden irises into scorching suns drilled into the Mannequin. Facing the foe, Akuma¡¯s tongue wet his lips as the thrill of battle once more called to him. Steps, slow and hobbled, impacted on the dirt floor of the Trial Arena as Akuma moved towards the Mannequin that stood firmly and readily in place. Each step brought the self-inflicted darkness of senses to descend, leaving only a 150 foot radius of vibrant life and light around him. In this zone of 150 feet, Akuma was God. Hyperaware senses told him of the shift in air, the sound of a butterfly flying 30 feet behind him, the smell vibrant life that littered the area. This ¡®Domain¡¯ was merely one of the reason why Akuma was so renowned in the CSA. While others could perform the same trick, none could do it to the degree of Akuma. None could sacrifice that much of themselves, their senses, like Akuma could and still remain sane. In this Domain, Akuma powered forward as he finally reached the armoured Mannequin. Longsword still raised in challenge, the Mannequin awaited Akuma. In response, he stepped closer, bringing his own [ Crude Sword ] forward to settle on the Mannequins own. Together, they remained in that position, locking eyes and sharing an appreciation for their opponent. Then, the peace was shattered. In a whirlwind strike, the mannequin kicked out with one leg to force back Akuma as it rotated its body around in a fierce twist that brought its longsword whistling through the air. The the steel longsword that glinted under the mana infused lamps, split the fresh and chilly pine air as it rotated a full 360 degrees. Instead of striking an off-guard opponent, the sword merely brushed past open air. Confusion, as much as possible on its wooden and fixed face, appeared on the Mannequin¡¯s human-like visage as its opponent disappeared. From behind the Mannequin however, Akuma, silent and deadly like death itself, reaped the life of the Mannequin with surgical precision.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.
You dealt a Critical attack: - 8 HP Your blow has wounded the target, causing a Bleed for 10% of initial attack
You dealt a Devastating attack: - 10 HP Your blow has Stunned the target stunned for .5 seconds
You dealt a Devastating attack: - 13 HP Your blow has Stunned the target stunned for .5 seconds
You dealt a Devastating attack: -12 HP ..................................
.................. ......
Then, just as quickly as the flurry of attacks commenced, they halted. As still as a statue, Akuma paused in his assault before slowly reforming his composure. As he tidied his clothes and allow the sword to slide back into its sheath, Akuma turned his back on the now slumped and dead Mannequin. Instead of satisfaction though at defeating the opponent, Akuma only felt resentment. Resentment at his weaknesses. Anger at an opponent that couldn¡¯t push him. Dissatisfaction at not being able to live in the thrill of battle. As these emotions swirled beneath the surface, Akuma let none of it show on his face. Instead, he barked out an order. ¡°The next difficulty.¡± As the heated words filled with a hidden power rang in the air, the rowdy crowd settled down. Now, no one made any disparaging comments. Instead, they stood transfixed by the man before them. Watching his moves. His ability. Watching the show of true battle. Anticipation built like a wave as it surged through one person to another. Immediately, screams for fighting and blood ignited as the crowd demanded for the fight to commence. They didn¡¯t have to wait long. Once more, the pale flash of light encompassed the armoured Mannequin. As it faded though, a new scene appeared. Two Mannequins now stood across the Trial Arena. One, donned in additional plated armour that covered its head, legs, chest, and arms, strutted forward as it placed its gladius in a defensive position. Behind it, stood a giant of a Mannequin, reaching a little more than 7 feet tall. Unlike the first, only chainmail covered its figure. However the two-handed hammer in its hands showed the true threat of the duo lay in its appearance. One in front, one behind. Both, creatures designed to smash any opponents into the ground and show them their place in this new world. It could only be said to be ill-fated then, that they met Akuma. For before Gronk even spoke the words to initiate battle, Akuma moved. His steps, quicker and more sure than before, graced his feet with movement across the Trial Arena. It didn¡¯t take long for the Mannequin duo to move in tune and dart across the ground with clunky steps. As they closed, the hammer Mannequin slowed for a gap to appear before it and the Mannequin before it. Once Akuma struck the first Mannequin, the hammer one would follow up with a devastating attack that would allow its brethren to join the fight and kill their challenger. However, it was not to be. Stepping forward into the first Mannequin¡¯s attack, Akuma parried the strike and allowed the force of the blow to accelerate his own sword to lodge itself in the Mannequin¡¯s neck.
You have dealt a Ruthless attack: -8 HP Your blow has wounded the target, causing a Bleed for 10% of initial attack
Instead of pulling the weapon free though, it remained lodged in place as the Mannequin gripped the sword¡¯s keen edge with his hand and forcefully restrained the blade. Shock bloomed in Akuma¡¯s eyes as he bore the smug-look that the wooden Mannequin tried to give him. In turn however, Akuma bared his teeth in a fanged smile. Attached at the sword, Akuma nibbly turned his body and threw himself towards the ground. With his body hanging by the sword that was attached to the Mannequin, Akuma strained with his 15 Strength and sent the Mannequin off-balance. Off-balance and tumbling directly into the path of the second Mannequin¡¯s immense hammer. Tracking the steel forged weapon with the appreciation that a practitioner of weapons should hold, Zero watched as the brick of finely crafted metal struck the first Mannequin. With a sundering and deafening blow, the hammer carrened through the first Mannequin, fully lifting it off the ground and sending it skidding a few feet away. More than just demolishing his own partner though, the hammer Mannequin also freed Akuma. With his sword free and one opponent out of the picture, Akuma brought his frenzy to bear. Nimble steps carried Akuma behind the dazed and shocked hammer Mannequin. Two quick slashes ruptured his foe¡¯s achilles tendon, bringing the mountain of a Mannequin to head level with Akuma. It was all he needed. With the ferocity that left the crowd gawking in awe, Akuma unleashed his skill, [Heavy Strike], and a torrent of basic attacks
[Heavy Strike] dealt an attack: -12 HP
You dealt an attack: -7 HP
You dealt a Critical attack: -10 HP Your blow has wounded the target, causing a Bleed for 10% of initial attack
You dealt a Ruthless attack: - 9 HP Your blow has prolonged the Bleed effect for 1 seconds
You dealt a Ruthless attack: - 9 HP Your blow has prolonged the Bleed effect for 1 seconds
You dealt a Critical attack: -8 HP Your blow has Stunned the target for .75 seconds
[Heavy Strike] dealt a Devastating Attack: -23 HP
You dealt a Critical attack: -11 HP Your blow has Stunned the target for .5 seconds
As the Mannequin''s health dropped from 100 to 0, it kneeled in submission towards Akuma who stepped away from the defeated enemy. Silence reigned as the crowd of players and NPCs stood numb at the display of dazzling swordsmanship. It....it looked so easy. In all but five seconds, Akuma had shredded through an enemy that would¡¯ve made the rest of the players look like children playing at battle. Which was what they were. Akuma was a fighter though. A killer. A champion. It was evident in the way he carried himself. In the slow and easy steps he struggled to take that brought him and the remaining Mannequin together. In the whirl of his sword that acted as a Siren¡¯s call, one to tear men¡¯s souls apart and send them to Hades. There was no wasted movement as he struck once more. Slow this time, parrying and defending rather than attacking. It was almost more terrifying than the previous display against the hammer Mannequin. It was like a joke, a game to him, facing an opponent that could tear apart a dozen normal players. But those cold eyes that burned with a golden heat and the canine grin that flitted in and out of existence spoke of a deadly seriousness. Of a joy for combat that could be seen in every action he took. Sadly, for both the crowd and Akuma, his opponent was but a cripple before Akuma¡¯s power. In only 30 seconds of mocking swordplay, the first Mannequin¡¯s health dwindled down to 0 and ended the fight. As the Mannequin fell to its knee to offer its submission to a worthier foe, the crowd too watched in respectful silence. It was not that didn¡¯t want to speak, but rather that they couldn''t. The skill, the ease of victory, the demeanor of the man they mocked. It suffocated them as the blinds on their eyes were removed to allow them to see greatness. But while they stood deaf and dumb, another voice spoke. ¡°Hahaha! Good boy¡¯o! Good my boy. Very good.¡± Darting across the Trial Arena with a surprising speed, Gronk moved to face Akuma. On his scarred and grizzly face, eyes of dazzling joy and cheshire smile told of his appreciation towards Akuma. ¡°To finish the Advanced difficulty with such skill, such bluster and poise! Truly, my keen eyes have not betrayed me in finding such a suitable candidate for the Order of the Warrior. But...¡± he paused and showed a toothy grin to Akuma, ¡°do you want another challenge? The Advanced difficulty may be hard, but there is one more of true challenge. One, that only the best may test their strength against. So, what say you? Interested in the Nightmare difficulty?¡± While the crowd was mulling over the words and whispering to each other about them, Akuma¡¯s voice broke through their chaotic voices. ¡°And what do I get if I win?¡± The sentence, so simple and spoken in an offhand manner, contained a domineering attitude of absolute victory. As if this entire trial was nothing but a warm-up. Not only was the crowd stupefied by the words, but even Gronk paused as his eyes glinted in a strange lit as he heard those words. ¡°Hehehehe...¡± A fit of coughing choked Gronk¡¯s laughing as he pounded his chest with his fist before addressing Akuma. ¡°Well Boy¡¯o, you¡¯ll have to win to find out. But, it should be most...enticing.¡± A twitch of a smile lifted Akuma¡¯s lips, as the thrill and call for battle pounded his heart faster and faster. Eyes like the sun emblazoned gloriously as Akuma pulled free his sword. He would end this quickly, but not too quickly. Where would be the fun in that. Afterall...it was a game... Chapter 8 Under the silent and shocked gazes of players and NPCs alike, Akuma walked forward with the slow creep of death itself. Behind him, the bodies of four Mannequins kneeled in submission and respect to their better. Under the watchful eyes of hundreds, Akuma merely looked inward as his smile slower settled into place. Happiness, true excitement, bubbled within him. Even now, as the fight finished, Akuma couldn¡¯t stop the twitch of his fingers that longed to release his sword from sheath and fight again. Afterall, the Mannequins had brought him something he hadn¡¯t felt in much too long a time. The ability to fully and totally let himself loose. Still, to Akuma, the battle had shined a light on a number of defects that he would soon have to remove. Bad habits and inability of action built up from his time in shallow suffering. Yet while Akuma felt only disappoint in his ability, the crowd saw nothing but perfection. The positioning of his body, the deadliness of his blade, the grace of his steps, and the mocking smile that gleaned with something much fiercer... They didn¡¯t possess the words to describe his ability, so they watched. Numb and dumb. ¡°Hahahaha! Did you see? Did you see my boy? My recruit? Hahahaha!¡± Darting forward with lumbering strides, Gronk ran to meet Akuma at the entrance of the Trail Arena. Behind him, gathered the rest of the NPC trainers who looked warmly upon Akuma. While Gronk was proud to uncover such a gem, the rest of the trainers were merely happy that one with so much potential was in their Order of the Warrior. ¡°Truly a great spectacle boy¡¯o. A great spectacle indeed. Many will not soon forget your prestige that has graced this arena floor.¡± Gronk, giddy like a schoolgirl as he bounced from toe to toe in excitement, beamed a dazzling smile at Akuma before he began violently pounding on his back with his large mitts. It only lasted for a brief moment before Akuma¡¯s already weakened form was nearly sent toppling. Seeing it, an embarrassed smile graced his scarred face before he stopped his actions and turned serious. ¡°Akuma, my young friend, your efforts and actions have showed your prowess and ability. As is customary, here is your reward for your mastery and achievement. Everything is as you earned for overcoming the hardest challenge.¡±
The Quest [ Training for Dummies ] has been completed
* You received 950 Experience * You received the item [ CopperClaymore ] * You have received the skill [ Cleave ] * You have received a Skill Point
You¡¯ve Reached LEVEL 3 * 5 Attribute Points available for distribution
After a flash of gold enveloped Akuma, signaling the fact that he increased in level, Gronk came forward once more. This time, in his hands, rested an envelope with the sigil of the Order of the Warrior. In the center of the wax seal, glow in dark light was a shield with a sword behind it. ¡°Take this young Akuma, and deliver it to Captain Monty. He has been looking for a talented young recruit to assist in his duty here. Do not fail and bring shame unto our Order.¡±
The Quest [ Oh Captain, My Captain! ] is available
Quest Description Deliver the letter to Captain Monty of The Guard Quest Difficulty F Rank Quest Reward 50 experience Unknown
Accept ??????????Decline
Akuma, glad to have a sizable reward even though the battle itself was reward enough, nods to Gronk with the utmost respect while accepting the quest. As he raises his head, he salutes Gronk in the same manner that he has seen the other NPCs do, with a clenched fist over his left chest. ¡°I will deliver it. Thank you Instructor Gronk, for your teachings.¡± As Gronk heard Akuma¡¯s voice devoid of emotion, yet sincere in his words, the serious visage that Gronk maintained all but disappeared. With a bashful wave of his hands and a heart laugh Gronk merely laughed merrily at the comment. ¡°Hahaha, boy¡¯o! It was all you! All you. However, you are correct to praise the mighty me. But, before you go, you must promise me to come back boy¡¯o. Once you reach Level 10, return to the Training Grounds. Your talents would be wasted otherwise. Promise me now.¡±
The Quest [ Gronk¡¯s Promise ] is available
Quest DescriptionThis content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Once you have reached Level 10, return to the Town of Hayton and reunite with Instructor Gronk. Quest Difficulty F Rank Quest Reward Unknown
Accept ??????????Decline
Accepting the quest, albeit with a little confusion as to what Gronk could want, Akuma nodded to the instructor before he trudged off. Watching in satisfaction at having his quest accepted, Gronk smiled all the more happily as he walked back to the group of NPC instructors with some more peep in his step. The same satisfaction though, could not be had for the surrounding players. ¡°Ah! You! You! Mr. Swordsman, don¡¯t go yet!¡± ¡°Bro, you have to teach me. I will call you Master or Sensei or Daddy...whatever you want. Just teach me bro! ¡°Hey handsome. Looking to group up with anyone? I would love to see you in action...¡± ¡°Akuma! Do you have a guild? Join ours, the Hundred Hands guild. We are a fun and loving guild that-¡± ¡°Piss off peasant. He don¡¯t want to join no Hundred Hands. You should join our guild, The Burning Raven of Dauntless Achievement, Victory, and Piracy¡± ¡°Is...is that even a guild name?¡± ¡°Who knows brotha.¡± Annoyed, at the pest like people that swarmed and mobbed him with their comments and needs, Akuma remained stoic as he moved forward through the pushing mob of people. Luckily, Ascension Online doesn¡¯t allow for other players to restrict or control another¡¯s movement unless the player agrees to go along with it. That being said, Akuma simply walked forward and the game mechanics pushed the people out his way. As he moved forward, driving a path through the growing crowd of players that were made up of all Class types and Levels, Akuma couldn¡¯t help but reaffirm his hate for crowds. Still, one step at a time, he trudged forward. Outside the Majestic Duck¡¯s Inn, Akuma hobbled forward with gritted teeth. For over thirty minutes now, he had followed the yellow arrow in front of his vision towards the location of Captain Monty. For thirty minutes, he agonizingly moved his feet in a shuffle across the dirt and cobblestone roads of the Town of Hayton with single minded focus. It was not the actual walking that was grating on him. Rather the mental strain. Ever since the accident, he hadn¡¯t even taken a single step. Now though, in a single day, he had walked more and done more than most people do in a week. It was more than he had done in a single year! But where others would¡¯ve quit, he only sought more. He wanted to walk, to run, to dash and charge across a field of battle. But, nothing of note or worth was ever accomplished with ease. One step at a time, he would reach that level of strength once more. For now though, he stubbornly moved forward. Eyes ignoring the constant stream of blinking notifications from random people. It wasn¡¯t until another five minutes passed in arduous movement that Akuma turned a corner off of one of the main streets. As he did, he saw his prize. Fifty armoured men and women, equipped in varying degrees of high-level equipment that were all painted blue and grey with the symbol of a blue sparrow painted on their tabards. It was the symbol of the Town of Hayton, and the symbol which recognized these fifty as members of The Guard. Seeing his target, Akuma continued his trek forward, moving through the street before he entered their ranks. Before he could pass the through the wooden gate that separated The Guard¡¯s barracks from the rest of the town though, two figures appeared from thin-air. Clothed in grey leather that overlapped in a typical rogues attire, the duo¡¯s armour left wisps of smoke and ash hovering in the air as they leveled their daggers at Akuma. ¡°¡°You are trespassing Traveller. Speak your business or move on.¡±¡± The two, one man and one woman, spoke simultaneously as they watched beneath their ninja-like hoods. In turn, with nary a flicker of fear or emotion, Akuma showed the letter that Gronk had given him as he spoke reassuringly. ¡°I was sent by Instructor Gronk to speak with Captain Monty.¡± As Akuma showed the letter, the duo looked it over before looking over Akuma himself. ¡°¡±Enter.¡±¡± Finished speaking, the two disappeared once more. Turning invisible without a single trace of their existence, even Zero couldn¡¯t feel their presence around him. However as he walked forward, he faintly spotted the depression in the grass as the two mirrored his movements. In a sense, it was comforting. For as he walked through the barrack grounds filled with hardened killers and their steads, the rest of the The Guard merely stepped aside without impeding Akuma. It wasn¡¯t until he reached a lone wooden and concrete building that the duo of Rogues appeared once more with their blades criss crossing in front of Akuma. ¡°¡°Mind your tongue when speaking to Capt. If not, you will lose it.¡±¡± Their warning was useful, if not irrelevant as Akuma had no plans to anger the man. In fact, he briefly wondered if anyone would actually anger an NPC that would no doubt be one of the main powers in this town. Unperturbed, Akuma entered the lone building. In it, he found the man known as Captain Monty. Surprisingly though, instead of a Warrior or Hunter or some other combat class, Akuma was greeted by an elderly looking man in Priest robes. Standing before a table that had an immense map of the area on it, the man¡¯s bald head glistened in the glow of the Mana Lamps within the home. ¡°Ah?¡± As Akuma entered, Captain Monty raised his head to glance with a peaceful expression towards him. Seeing Akuma, a homely smiled appeared on the man¡¯s lips as he stepped forward. The robe, embedded with pieces of metal that conformed around the man¡¯s thin frame, clattered with a wind chime¡¯s harmony. ¡°Hello young Traveler. What brings you to my humble home?¡± ¡°Greetings Captain Monty. I am Akuma, and was sent by Instructor Gronk.¡± Formal, yet with the everpresent frosty and chilly tone that pervaded his speaking, Akuma greeted the Captain and presented the letter. As he did so, Captain Monty gingerly took it before opening the seal. Nodding as he read, Captain Monty finished the letter in a few brief moments. ¡°Well,¡± his grandfatherly voice broke the silence as a white light illuminated in his hands and burned the letter to a crisp, ¡°it seems that Instructor Gronk of the Order of the Warrior has spoken highly of you. So highly in fact, that he believes you are fit for the mission I am in dire need of. The question is though, my young friend Akuma, do you think you are?¡±
The Quest [ Oh Captain, My Captain! ] has been completed
* You received 50 Experience * Quest continuation available
The Quest [ Forest Reconnaissance ] is available
Quest Description The Town of Hayton is being pushed back and overrun by Corrupted Creatures. Captain Monty and the leader of the town, Count Dray, believe that the increase in activity is a result of magic corruption from some unknown forces in the Corrupted Forest. You are tasked to investigate the increased number of creatures, by traveling into the Corrupted Forest and finding the source of the spawns Quest Difficulty E Rank Quest Reward 2,000 Experience Increased Reputation with the Town of Hayton [ The Artifact of Corruption ]
Accept ??????????Decline
¡°So, what say you Akuma? Interested?¡± Akuma only smiled in response. Chapter 9 Real Life As the warmth of the sun faded and existence flashed to oblivion, Akuma vanished as Tyler Mori¡¯s eyelids fluttered to life. As they lifted and Tyler greeted the world once more, an inexplicable sense of loss filled him. He never paid it any mind before, but the emptiness of his room and the silence of the house that haunted him like a ghost pressed on his being as he suffocated on reality. Removing the helmet, his gold irises took in the room around him, murky and dark even as torrents of light poured in from the cityscape outside. But even the silent room paled in comparison to his lifeless legs that rested on the bed. It tore at him, removing himself from Ascension Online and the ability to walk, fight, and be free, only to return to this desolate life. Thus, with shaking hands that trembled in a cold anger, Tyler pathetically dragged his body towards his wheelchair with practiced ease. His movements, normally refined and fluid, were hurried as he shuffled with a passion to exit from this reality and return to Ascension Online. Still, he had already played in the game for over 12 hours. While the time-acceleration of the game made it so only 4 hours had passed in real-life, food still needed to be consumed and facilities needed to be used. Thankfully enough, the use of NeuroWear allowed for the brain to be placed into a deep sleep, allowing for a well-rested mind on only three to four hours of sleep a night. It was a benefit that Tyler put to use as he manually pushed his wheelchair with precision down the empty hallways and towards the kitchen. Hands, scarred and fragile, moved him into position as he made an onion and sausage omelette. Just as with his fighting style, his movements in all things were fluid and filled with a divine finesse. Fingers glided through the air as his withered muscles worked diligently. Through it all, his focus remained on Ascension Online. Hungering for the NeuroWare helmet that would allow him to live. It was ironic in a sense. Tyler Mori, eldest son and only living member of the famed Mori Clan, was renowned for his unwillingness to use technology. Even now, his actions and beliefs spoke of antiquated desires. Automated and mechanical wheelchairs that were accompanied by a Third Gen M.A.I.D. who¡¯s AI programming was to assist their user was standard practice for healing patients and disabled individuals. Additionally, Tyler¡¯s deterioration of muscle, figure lined with scar tissue, ill-mended and set bones, and lack of ability to walk were all defects that could¡¯ve been treated with proper Rejuvenation treatments and the use of robotic prosthetics. Even his cooking, done over a superheated microwave stove with a pot and spatula, was a more or less dead tradition. Yet through it all, Tyler declined such resources and tools that he deemed as extravagant and damaging. However, even with such an antiquated ideology, few laughed or mocked him. For who could mock a man who sought struggle and discipline with such fierce desire? Who could demean a man of such righteous and strict behavior? Only a fool mocks a lion for its desire to hunt a worthy prey instead of a wounded one. Yet, fools there were plenty in this world. Luckily, so too were there hungry lions...
Ascension Online Within Ascension Online, in the area known as the Corrupted Forest that bordered one of the Starting Zones for new players that was designated as the Town of Hayton, a lone figured backpedaled slowly as his prey cornered him. Akuma, holding the [ Copper Claymore ], watched with a smirk as the three Corrupted Panthers crept closer. His critical eyes of gold shone clearly beneath the shade of the towering trees that blocked out the dual sun¡¯s light. Feet, barely able to rise off the ground, tapped lightly on the loose and rocky earth as Akuma found his footing. Before him, the prowling Corrupted Panthers hissed and clawed at the air in taunting motions towards Akuma. As they did though, he merely let his weapon sway easily in the air. He remained as he was, waiting for his moment. It didn¡¯t take long for it to appear. To his left, one of the Corrupted Panthers hissed loudly as it darted forward. However the move was merely meant to capture Akuma¡¯s attention as the other two Corrupted Panthers darted forward silently to tear apart their distracted prey. Sadly for them, Akuma saw it coming a mile away. With a flick of his sword, a rock from the ground was launched to the leftmost Panther that initially attracted his attention. Like a bullet out of the gun, it hurtled through the air before striking the Corrupted Panther centermass. Startled, the creature backed off rapidly from its assault. It was all that Akuma needed to butcher the cats. Remaining rooted in place, like the trees that towered over him and remained unyielding to the elements, Akuma allowed the two Corrupted Panthers to come to him. As they pounced, fully leaving the ground and its protection, Akuma struck. The [ Copper Claymore ], a bastard of a sword that required two hands and supreme skill, lashed out with chilling precision. Before the leftmost Panther had recovered, it was already over. Its two kin, aglow with white lines that marked were Akuma¡¯s sword struck them, fell dead to the ground. The third Corrupted Panther soon joined them, under the Reaper¡¯s hymn that Akuma sung with his sword as the instrument.
You have Slain a Level 2 [Corrupt Panther] * Gained 25 Experience * Gained 1 Rough Fur
You have Slain a Level 1 [Corrupt Panther] * Gained 15 Experience * Gained 2 Rough Fur
You have Slain a Level 2 [Corrupt Panther] * Gained 25 Experience * Gained 1 Smooth Fur * Gained [ Belt of the Beast ]
You¡¯ve Reached LEVEL 4 * 5 Attribute Points available for distribution
Dismissing the screens with a glance, Akuma looked at the sword in thought. ¡°Bulky,¡± Akuma muttered to himself as he stared down at the sword in his hands, ¡°and a bit unwieldy. Still, the balance and edge... If only all weapons were made with such quality.¡± If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
[ Copper Claymore ] Copper Equipment
Attack: 4 - 9 Equip: +1 Strength Durability: 19 / 20 Requirement: None
Looking at the information of the weapon with a genuine satisfaction, Akuma minimized the screen before flipping the sword over. Golden eyes glazed over as he ran his thumb across the sword edge. Although no blood was drawn, the slight pain that flared on his thumb and the -1 damage that appeared told him all he needed to know. The weapon truly was a thankful aid to his endeavor. Already his damage had nearly doubled, and once he added the new Attribute points... ¡°Status¡±, Akuma called out to no one but himself.
Character Status Screen
Name Akuma Race Human
Level 4 Class Warrior
Health 100 / 100 Health Regen + .25 / sec
Stamina 92 / 100 Stamina Regen +.5 / sec
Rage 22 / 100 Rage Regen +1 / sec in battle
Constitution 10 Endurance 10
Strength 21 (20) Agility 11 (10)
--- 10 Dexterity 10
Intelligence 10 Wisdom 10
Luck 1 Charisma 1
Equipment Skills Talents Reputation
As his eyes swept over the Status Screen, the smirk that seemed to find its place so easily on his lips now once more appeared. The Attributes were truly depressing. Barely a third of Akuma¡¯s true ability could be displayed with his current Agility, Dexterity, and Endurance. The only consolation so far was that his Strength had improved to sizable degree, especially as he dumped in the available 5 Attribute Points he had and brought his Strength to a total of 26. Instead of being depressed at his inability to truly free himself, he was instead...giddy. It was a feeling he hadn¡¯t felt in much too long a time. However, the thought of what kind of Skills and power he would wield through his Attributes as he increased in levels... Smiling lightly and shaking his head at the thought, Akuma minimized the screen as he adjusted the [ Copper Claymore ] that attached the his new belt, [ Belt of the Beast ]. With a final look at the dead Corrupted Panthers, Zero continued his trek forward. Shaky and ill-equipped legs powered forward through the dense forest floor of roots, rocks, and vegetation of countless varieties. Away from the green foliage of lush life that was abuzz with birds, bees, and foreign creatures, he continued forward in his unyielding march. The further he crept into the forest, dark and gloomy with tree foliage that blocked out the dual Sun¡¯s warmth and light, the more glaring the devastation of life appeared. Trees, once strong and towering, were afflicted with rot of a dark and corrosive substance. Each shuffling step he took ended in the brittle snapping of leafs and grass that had died and withered away long ago. Animals, once cute and vibrant in energy, transformed to hidden creatures of deformities. And yet still he continued. Crimson hair spooling down to converge on his shoulders and back. Clothes and armour, black and grey, melded into the surroundings as Akuma eyes gleaned in an excitement that left his smile growing. It was a smile, feral and canine in nature, that grew only as he traversed further. His eyes, unnaturally brilliant and alive, scanned his surroundings with an appreciation for the Corrupted Forest that few NPCs dared to venture into. Yet it wasn¡¯t the dull and darkened canopy which allowed the gnarled and twisted trunks of corroded trees to be caught in his blinded eyes that shone as the false darkness settled. Rather, as his hearing heightened under the near paranormal silence that weighed heavily, his breathing echoed for only his ears. Breath, hot under the chilled surroundings, huffed out in a gust of icy blue. Deeper he went, his brooding form with one of the forest. Deeper, shuffle by painstanking shuffle, until his breath echoed out with the heavy panting of four more. The panting of Corrupted creatures that charged blindly to a source of food, only to fall by the wayside under Akuma¡¯s deadly slash. Deeper he went, his smiling figure one at odds with the forest. It wasn¡¯t until thirty minutes of arduous adventuring passed with the uneventful slaying of Corrupted creatures, did the first change of scenery occur. Strips of light, bleeding their orange and red embrace through the thinning canopy, illuminated the way before Akuma. Their glow brought light to the darkness, turning darkness to a pitched violet that settled on the frosty glade. Ice, armoured thick on the ancient trees that bent under age and corrosion, littered the ground that Akuma walked on. As his shuffling form weaved throughout the glade of trees packed tightly together, his [ Novice Warrior Boots ] rattled and slide across the floor. It was almost pleasant, peaceful under the myriad of seasons that merged together in that area, until a gust of wind whipped through his location. With the arrival of the chilling air, came the noticeable smell of poison, and the iconic high-pitched scream of any woman in any horror movie ever. A scream carried out by a person¡¯s dying breath. The same scream that he heard before, and which haunted him in his dreams. Thus, with heart lurching in his throat and hands grasping for his [ Copper Claymore ], Akuma waddled as fast as his legs could carry him. In a mad hobbled sprint, he darted past the rejuvenated forest that glistened with renewed life. Finally, as he stepped past a thicket of trees and underbrush, did he find the source of the scream. Located in the middle of an open field that was bathed in the heavenly glow of the dual suns of Ionia, Hoth and Raejus, a clearing of life was birthed in the Corrupted Forest. Atop, near the peaks of the trees that reached for the two Suns, zipped past birds and magical creatures which tittered and cackled in gleeful amusement. Beneath them though, on the ground of the lush emerald grass, roved and prowled a pack of ten [ Corrupted Wolf ]s, with a much larger and silver wolf in their lead. Facing them, atop the dead forms of five [ Corrupted Wolf ]s, swayed two figures. It was all Akuma could make out before the lead wolf, the LVL 5 [Corrupted Silverfang Wolf], howled in hungrily dominance. It¡¯s call, a call heralding the demise of their foe, was answered by ten more who moved with purpose towards the two figures. In the face of their howls though, a lone voice, gruff with age and filled with scorn, mocked the charging pack of beasts. ¡°Well git¡¯on with it you mutts. Daddy can¡¯t wait all day now can he?¡± Chapter 10 Head low and shoulders hunched, Akuma fell and tumbled rather than ran, as he moved down the forest¡¯s slope with an unstable and uncoordinated movement. Even now, as he moved faster than ever before, his mind nearly tore as the phantom pain from his legs anchored themselves in his mind like needles that drove unforgettable memories and hardships into his psyche. Yet, as a frighteningly real sensation of danger and fear pervaded Akuma, the same could not be said for the duo of Players that he was racing towards. Mocking laughter, harsh and haggard as the speaker damn near coughed up a lung from laughing at his own joke, filled the enclosed field. In a brittle voice that growled with uncontainable glee, the taller of the two stepped forward as he twirled his daggers with mesmerizing ability. ¡°Well, if ya¡¯ll ain¡¯t coming to Daddy... Then Daddy is coming to ya¡¯ll!¡± In a banshee¡¯s howl of battle, the man streaked forward. Black overlapping cloth and leather armour flared behind the rogue as he bore a vicious grin at the Corrupted Wolves and their pack leader. Even in the light that shone through the open forest canopy, the man was a shadowy blur. All weapons and bared teeth as his mocking words turned to peels of laughter. Then, he was gone, diving into the midst of the surging monsters. Akuma, head up and eyes scanning the scene before him, felt a bit of loss and confusion as he watched the man throw himself into battle. Afterall, while fighting may be fun for some people, the pain received from countless bites and claw attacks would cause many to shy away from such actions. However, as he trekked forward and tumbled down the final bit of space, he saw that the rogue was still alive as he held back multiple [ Corrupted Wolf ]s at a time. What he also noticed, was the second Player that remained latched onto one of the trees. He had the look of a boy-next door. Medium height and thin, the boy¡¯s mop of brown and blonde hair that dangled just before his long eyelashes and honey-colored eyes would make any girl jealous. He had the kind of cute and innocent look that would have girls friendzoning him for years. Or rather, would¡¯ve, if not for his shaking form that huddled against a tree of the Corrupted Forest. Eyes, askant and wide, watched his rogue partner that literally dived and jumped about in the midst of the thrashing pack of wolves. Lost in the mosh-pit of fur and claws that moved in frantic motion, the rouge¡¯s obnoxiously loud laughter was the only sign that showed he was still alive and kicking even now. Turning away from the mosh-pit that was only building in intensity and fury, Akuma swept his gaze back towards the second player. As he did, the boy¡¯s eyes met his own and the two shared a moment of recognition of the other¡¯s presence. Akuma merely watched with a critical eye as he analyzed the weaponless figure before him. The boy in turn, drew a queer and halting smile at Akuma as his eyes rapidly switched between looking at Akuma and looking at the wolves. Akuma, watching his actions, couldn¡¯t help but smile to himself as he saw the concern in his eyes. Here he was, a random person showing up in the midst of danger, and with a brooding demeanor that spoke of no ill-fuckery. To the boy, it must¡¯ve seemed like he was another wolf, just in the form of a person. Recognizing the sentiment, Akuma¡¯s inner smile grew to form on his lips. His sword, ringing free from the leather sheath, twirled in deadly anticipation in his hands as he turned his attention to the true battle. Now at a fervored pitch only a short distance away from him. Legs, wobbly and slighted wounded from the fall down the slope, dragged across the forest floor as Akuma advanced into their midst. His sword, humming its song of death, plunged itself forward as Akuma released attacks and abilities in a violent display of power.
You dealt an attack: - 12 HP
You dealt an attack: - 13 HP
You dealt a Critical attack: - 18 HP Your blow has crippled the target. Target is rooted for 2 seconds
[ Cleave ] has dealt: - 12 HP
[ Cleave ] has dealt: - 12 HP
[ Cleave ] has dealt: - 12 HP
...................
Akuma¡¯s strikes, powered by his newly enhanced strength, shredded through the Health Bars of the Corrupted Wolves. Their howls of greed and hunger were abruptly changed as pain flared among all the wolves due to the AoE ability of [ Cleave ]. Yet the skill was merely the beginning of their misery. Akuma¡¯s [ Copper Claymore ], wielded in his divine hands, graced through the air upon invisible wings as it cleaved and crippled the monsters before him. The large two-handed sword struck out multiple blows every time Akuma swung it. His Strength, now more than double its starting point, wrought death to the wolves as it simultaneously deflected and parried the constant streams of attacks. In moments, Akuma had already considerably thinned the pack of Corrupted Wolves, slaying four of their number and dealing a noticeable amount of damage to the others with his new skill, [ Cleave ], and various harassing strikes. Finally, as he cut down his 5th opponent, he saw the reckless rogue from before. The rogue¡¯s outfit, layered coverings of dark colored cloth and leather armour, were ravaged from the innumerable claw and bite attacks from the monsters. Damaged and nearly ruined as it was, the wrecked attire did little to quell the rogue¡¯s enthusiasm that painted itself across his face. Unnaturally pearly white teeth highlighted across the man¡¯s dark, mocha toned skin. The man, aged in his years at over 70 years old, was riddled with countless scars and naturally healed wounds that reared their head beneath the man¡¯s ripped clothes. However, it was not the man¡¯s age or scar covered form that shocked Akuma as he came within reach of the man. Instead, it was his actions. Knee deep in dead Corrupted Wolves, the old man blasted out a crazed laugh as he spoke in a native Irish accent. ¡°Hehehe...come yer you mutts. Daddy has a hankering for some meat and you look to be fat and full. Let¡¯me just take a piece off your rump. Just a piece. A nibble. A slice!¡± The man¡¯s voice, aged and raw like whiskey, growled out an almost pleading call to the Corrupted Wolves. However the wolves, practically pissing themselves as they watched the man, remained stocked still as their heads pivoted to look for a possible way out. With a banshee¡¯s howl though, the man gave them none as he actually launched himself at one of the wolves. The wolf, frightened and scared, bucked like a horse as the man rode it. ¡°Git it girl! Git it! I haven¡¯t had this much fun since Operation Snake Eyes. WoooHooo! Git it!¡± The fun, as much as it was for the man, lasted for only a moment before the pack of wolves pounced on him and his mount, sending the battle once more into a scrum. As he went down though, Akuma joined him. The duo, choking on wolf fur as claws sought to make them mince meat, erupted with their skills and strength as they fought valiantly. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. In only a minute of fighting, the two had clambered out of the pile of Corrupted Wolf bodies. Each, gasping for breath as they took in the sweet and fragrant forest¡¯s scent, literally dragged their bodies out of the mess before standing. Akuma, wobbly and with his sword as a crutch, watched the rogue do a kip-up that sent the permanent smile on his face to widen even more as the crow feet near his eyes crinkled. ¡°Now that,¡± the man thundered between his gruff laughter, ¡°was a good showing mate. A damn fine showing!¡± Akuma, almost stumbling from the rapid and harsh strikes to his back from the rogue¡¯s enthusiastic patting, rolled his eyes in exasperation before obviously clearing his throat to grab the man¡¯s attention. When the rogue stopped his celebration and turned to regard Akuma with tears of laughter in his eyes, Akuma motioned with his free hand to the monster in front of them. Growling, low and dangerous, the [ Corrupted SilverFang Wolf ] hunched its shoulders as it snapped its fanged teeth at the duo of warrior and rogue. In turn, Akuma and the man next to him shared a knowing look at each other. ¡°Well,¡± the rogue next to him spoke in his heavy accent as he twirled his daggers, ¡°do you wanna go? Or...? Hell, fuck it. I don¡¯t like the look of the doggie. BATTER¡¯S UP!¡± And like a bullet from a gun, the man was off as he charged headfirst into the creature¡¯s maw with his dagger¡¯s shredding through the monster¡¯s large health pool. Akuma, at a loss for the man¡¯s lack of strategy or tactics, watched as the Irish warrior assaulted the Corrupted SilverFang Wolf with a fury. Shaking his head, Akuma joined in on the fight, launching his two skills, [ Heavy Strike ] and [ Cleave ], before pummeling the monster to submission with the rogue.
You have partially slain a [ Corrupted SilverFang Wolf ] * Gained 28 Experience * Gained 3 Copper Coins * Gained 1 Smooth Fur
It was only as the beast died, howling to the sunlit sky one final time, did the remaining pack of Corrupted Wolves flee towards the shrouded forest. Blurs of dark fur that surrendered themselves to the Corrupted Forest dispersed from Akuma¡¯s view as the pack of surviving wolves ran. As they did, the once rowdy fighting grounds stilled. Akuma, still gripping his sword in hand, turned to regard the old man and the young boy as they gathered together. As they stoodd apart, Akuma caught his breath and he took in the duo with a greater eye for detail. The Irish man, with dark skin that was scarred and damaged from numerous injuries, was taunt and rigid as his muscular form fidgeted constantly. Taller than Akuma at around 6¡¯2, the man¡¯s lively yellow eyes flickered constantly in erratic motion while his hands taped and touched his twin daggers with a gentle caressing motion. It was the same motion with which he stroked his impressive and well manicured mustache and goatee. As Akuma watched him, he couldn¡¯t help but feel the man was a bit...abnormal. His well groomed and clothed figure clashed with the wild and constant fidgeting motions he made. Still, of all his characteristics, the deadly air that hung around his form like a cloak was one that Akuma would never miss. The man was a trained killer, and that one lived far longer than most others in such a career.
[ Leo the White ] Level 5 Rogue
In sharp contrast, was the boy that beamed a welcoming and jovial smile at Akuma. Small in height at 5¡¯8, and with a thin form that highlighted his childish face, the boy was filled with youthful innocence. Boundless joy seemingly radiated from the teen as he stepped forward towards Akuma. However the motion, carried out by a beaming smile, came to an abrupt end as the teenager tripped over his long and flowing attire. Stripes of colorful cloth that wrapped itself over his thin frame and acted as a shoddy robe, became tangled in his feet. Just as he was about to fall though, Leo¡¯s hand shot out to grab ahold of the boy by the scruff of his neck. His eyes never left Akuma as he did so. Instead, they sized him up. Similarly to how one would compare a piece of clothing or shoe.
[ TimTam ] Level 3 Minstrel
¡°Ah...¡± The awkward and cracking voice of a young man going through puberty came from the colorfully clothed TimTam as he patted himself and greeted Akuma with a beet-red face. ¡°Thank you, sir...Akuma. You really saved us there, and uh...well, uh... Thank you?¡± The squeaky voice of uncertainty brought a hidden smirk to Akuma¡¯s face. He wondered, did he ever sound like that when he was a kid? As he pondered on the question, his small impish grin disappeared as depression sunk in. He still was a kid. Just...one that was alone now. And childish actions and thoughts had no place in his world now. Shaking his head and dispelling the dark thoughts, Akuma gazed at the two once more before merely nodding his head and moving away. Slow yet grounded steps carried Akuma away from the duo and towards the location that the pack of Corrupted Wolves ran towards. However, before he could only take a few steps, a blur of black flashed past his right side as the Rogue, Leo the White, appeared with a smirk that paired so well with his mischievous eyes. ¡°Have trouble walking sonny? You a bit broken inside? Na, na. Don¡¯t answer, I already know it. The awkward twist of your hips. The overextension of your knee. The fucked up gait you have. It¡¯s your first time walking in a while. What was it?¡± he continued nonchalantly as he stared directly into Akuma¡¯s shocked gaze. ¡°Brain damage? No... can¡¯t be. You¡¯re eyes ain¡¯t crossed. Hehehe. So what? Prosthetics in real life wouldn¡¯t have such an issue. So....spinal damage. Am¡¯I right? HA! Of course I¡¯m right. Hear that Timmy! My brain works just fine thank you very much! Don¡¯t need no Personal Caretaker like you following me around in real life or in Ascension Online.¡± ¡°Sir...¡± TimTam whined as his shoulders fell in defeat. Ignoring the boy, Leo continued analyzing Akuma for a few brief moments before he stepped forward with an odd glint in his eyes. ¡°Let me tell ya something,¡± he began in his deep and gruff voice that strained from years of yelling and no doubt heavy drinking. ¡°Many of ma friends are in the same boat. Able to walk, but refuse to. It is a choice afterall. But, Daddy has the solution. All you need to do is...¡± Then, swifter than the Corrupted Wolves retreat, Leo brought his foot forward to kick Akuma in his shin. Immediately pain, mild yet persistent, flared on his right leg. As the pain throbbed, a flash of anger appeared in his mind as Akuma readied his sword to force back Leo. As he turned his vision to Leo though, the anger in him died as he faced the happily grinning Irish man. Leo, sporting a shit-eating grin from ear to ear, laughed heartily while he spread his arms wide in a Christ-like symbolic action. ¡°The secret sonny, is to simply feel. If you can feel the pain, it means your leg is still there. Still attached and able to be moved. The only thing stopping you from your freedom, is the prison that you trap yourself in mentally. Break free from it, or let it contain and belittle you. It is your choice.¡± Akuma, hearing Leo¡¯s words of wisdom, felt stupid as he heard the older man¡¯s basic yet mindopening knowledge. It was as if Akuma was using a tool for years now, and finally saw someone use it properly and in a way he wasn¡¯t doing so before. Momentarily lost in his mind at the implementations of the knowledge bestowed to him, Akuma grounded himself back in reality as he turned to thank Leo. The man though was no longer next to him. Instead, a maniacal grin split his face as he raced and leaped across the many dead monsters on the ground to claim the loot. Watching the man as he transformed into a kid in a candy shop, Akuma helplessly shook his head. Mentally thanking the man and remembering his name, he would not soon forget the kindness of the man. Still, there was much to be done and he would see it through no matter how difficult. So, with slower yet noticeably longer and smoother steps, Akuma concentrated on his movements and on the phantom pain of his legs as he strood forward and toward the dark of the Corrupted Forest. Yet he didn¡¯t make it more than fifty feet before the ruffled sounds of people behind him joined his own steps. Turning, warrily and with his hand hovering over the hilt of his blade, Akuma saw Leo effortlessly dragging young TimTam by the scruff of his neck. The boy, TimTam, who looked no older than 16 or 17, had a helpless look of acceptance on his face as he allowed himself to be dragged by Leo willingly. The older Irish man in turn had what could only be described as a hyena¡¯s grin as his head swiveled left and right. It wasn¡¯t until the trio of people were within arm¡¯s reach did Leo halt his walking, and direct his yellow cat-like eyes towards Akuma. ¡°What,¡± he spoke in a far too chipper tone. ¡°What?¡± Akuma, beguiled by their actions, spoke for the first time since meeting the strange and unlikely pair. ¡°Are you heading in the same direction? Or just looking for a way out?¡± ¡°Nope,¡± Leo purred as he leaned closer with a tilt of his head, ¡°I¡¯m following you. And Timmy here is my lackey. So where I go, he goes. And I am going where you go. Fun isn¡¯t it! Having a lackey I mean. I¡¯ll let you be lackey number two. But Timmy is lackey number 1, so unless you fight him to the death, you are stuck at number two.¡± Akuma, with a confused look on his face, regarded both the energetic and oblivious Leo, and the puppy-like TimTam, as he remained rooted in his spot. ¡°No,¡± he began once more in his monotone and stoic voice that brokered no nonsense, ¡°that¡¯s not what I¡¯m asking. I meant, why are you following me?¡± ¡°Oh!¡± Leo, speaking in a voice that only harbored nonsense, backed off as he continued to drag TimTam by the scruff of his neck. ¡°Well obviously because you¡¯re a fun guy. Plus, I¡¯m always interested in seeing what trouble can be reached. So, what trouble and mischievous are you making here in the heart of the Corrupted Forest? No lambs come this far, which makes you a wolf. So, little pup, what are you hunting? And can Daddy take a bite out of it?¡± Akuma, statuesque and unmoving in his stance, broke his stoic facade as a small smirk blossoms on his face. It sooned bloomed into a feral grin as Akuma regarded the man that smiled back in his canine grin that matched his cat-like eyes of mischief. ¡°I¡¯m hunting something...dangerous. Want to join?¡± Akuma¡¯s smile transformed to match the feral one that Leo had. Between the two, TimTam looked helplessly toward the sky in a silent plea for salvation. Chapter 11 Deep in the heart of the Corrupted Forest, a trio of figures moved in tandem. In front, a crippled Warrior whose face bore intense concentration. Behind him, a childish Minstrel whose head turned at every possible sound. Taking up the rear was a jovial and mischievous Rogue who threw rocks far off into the forest to make sound and attract monsters. They were of course Akuma, TimTam, and Leo the White. In the middle of the group, between the two hardened individuals that were walking as if it was a stroll in the park, TimTam jumped in fright at the sound of a branch snapping echoed out. The snorting laughter that emitted from Leo though told him that it was the Rogue, rather than a monster, that caused the sound. ¡°Leo,¡± TimTam huffed in budding anger that seemed half-hearted to say the least. ¡°Can you please stop doing that? We don¡¯t know what¡¯s out here. Who knows if we can survive was may come. We haven¡¯t even gotten any skills or equipment since starting as you charged directly into the forest when entering the game. Plus, Mr. Akuma is concentrating on-¡± ¡°Oh hush up Timmy. You better lock those fears down. Ain¡¯t no place for bitching and moaning out here.¡± Leo, rolling his eyes as if he was a child that had just been scolded by his parents, waved off TimTam as he dropped the remainder of the pebbles in his hand. After he did so, he skulked forward in the quiet and predatory walk of his that left nary a sound of movement. Akuma though, with his senses heightened from utilizing his Domain, heard Leo approach from behind. ¡°As for you though sonny,¡± Leo¡¯s husky and hoarse voice seemed to surround Akuma, ¡°what did Daddy tell ya about yer walking?¡± Roaming around Akuma as the latter walked in a struggling motioning, Leo tapped and prodded at Akuma¡¯s hips and legs with his fingers as he tried to direct him. ¡°Stop thinking so much. Let go. Yer body knows what it needs to do. Your mind is merely blocking that. Set it free. Like how I set Timmy here free from his boring and doomed life in the real world to enjoy the game. With me!¡± Behind the two, Timmy mumbled quietly to himself. Still, Akuma caught glimpses of some words about ¡®deal with the devil¡¯ and ¡®slavery¡¯. But where Akuma was fine with ignoring the words, Leo was not. ¡°What was that Timmy? If you¡¯re gonna moan, moan loudly! What¡¯a yer got to say to me? Hmm? Hmmmm?¡± As Leo spoke and left Akuma to pester TimTam, rancorous laughter erupted from the two, one mischievous and the other with a mixture of laugher and cries. Disturbed by the sounds, Akuma, usually oblivious to their antics, paused in his steps as he glanced behind him. As he did, he witnessed Leo, taller than TimTam by half a foot, literally wrapped and clinging to TimTam''s thin frame like a monkey. Yet the truly disturbing part was the maniacal grin that split Leo¡¯s mustached face as he tickled TimTam with frenzied action. Yet, as he watched the two go down in a heap of bodies and clothing, Akuma remained as he was with only a small twitch on his lips the only indicator of his emotions. Of all the things he had seen today, this was just one of the many antics that Leo and TimTam partok in. It was entertaining, and even reminiscent of some of his more fond memories back when he ravaged the Combat Sports Association. Watching their antics for only a brief moment, Akuma returned to his task at hand. Focusing his attention around him for any signs of danger, he trusted in Leo¡¯s guidance as he once more tried to let go of consciously moving. Afterall, Leo was right. One does not normally think about breathing, or blinking, or swallowing, or walking. Yet everyone does it with ease. Only when people focus on the actions, does it feel off or incorrect. Still, the idea of allowing himself to not think about walking was much, much easier said than done. However, as the minutes passed and the trio continued further into the Corrupted Forest, the once disastrous movement of walking had transformed. In merely three days of in-game time, Akuma had transformed from shuffling his feet across the earth at a snail¡¯s pace, to being able to lift and move his legs in a hobbled manner that looked stiff. If anyone were to see the actions, they would think that he had metal bars in his legs, or a rigid cast around his lower body, that restricted his actions. But, it wasn¡¯t enough for Akuma. Nor was it enough for Leo as well. ¡°Oi! Pick up yer pace Sonny!¡± Far ahead of Akuma and TimTam, was Leo as he sprung from shadow to shadow in the forest. The air, now with a hint of a pungent smell in it, drifted visibly in a pale purplish color in front of the two as they approached at a slow pace. Around them, the trees had fully corroded to death as their trunks were scarred and twisted in unnatural angles. Beneath them, the ground that was only broken and cracked rock was bare of anything besides brittle and fragile foliage that broke into tiny particles of dust as they stepped on them. All around them, life was sucked out of the forest. And in front of them, more death appeared. Leo, leaving a trail of dead monsters in his wake, sprung and pounced in near invisibility as he continued to clear a path before them. Even without any skills or equipment, the man was like a plague to any Corrupted monster that stood before him. From afar, Akuma watched with his golden eyes as the Rogue moved and struck with deadly precision. His actions, so fluid and free, could only be achieved through the [ Manual Mode ]. It was why Akuma was so surprised. Every single one of Leo¡¯s strikes were meant to maim or kill. No action was wasted, no attack made without full commitment and force from the man. And then, just as silently as Leo would appear to deliver death, so too did he fade away as if he was never there. All of it, left a firm impression in Akuma¡¯s mind. While TimTam could not see it, nor see the man for was he was, Akuma could. Leo was more than just an old man. He was a killer. A seasoned veteran of conflict and battle whose crafted had been honed into an art. He was an assassin. One so accomplished, that he would probably be a match for any in the Master League of the Combat Sports Association. In fact, Akuma pondered, the man might be able to qualify for Akuma¡¯s own league. The Champion League. The man, Akuma decided firmly, was an anomaly. An enigma, and one that - ¡°Oi! Hurry yer asses up! I found something to help us solve the Quest. So git a move on. There is much killing to do and blood to spill. Daddy has a need!¡± As Leo¡¯s words echoed out in front of Akuma and TimTam, the duo paused briefly as they shared a knowing look between each other. Merry at the thought of the Quest being solved though, the two picked up their pace as best they could. In a minute, they finally broke through a number of uprooted and strewn trees to see Leo. Sitting atop two dead LVL 6 and LVL 7 [ Corrupt Bear ] bodies, Leo whistled a lively tune to himself as he spun his daggers. Behind him, a surging river that was dyed a dark purple raced and roared as it snaked through the decaying land. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°Gather round my adorable lackeys. Gather round.¡± Waving over Akuma and TimTam, Leo stood up from his perch as he finished looting the two dead monsters. ¡°Little A,¡± Leo began in a serious tone once Akuma and TimTam reached him. Shockingly, the once playful yet dangerous man had transformed into a disciplined figure that spoke in a commanding tone. ¡°The Quest you shared said that the leaders of Hayton think that some force is tampering with forest and the animals in it. I think so too. Based on the intel and the information acquired on our hunt here, I¡¯ve noticed a number of anomalies. The poison seeping from the ground. The rabid animals and their frenzied attacks. The various markings and identifiers throughout the forest.¡± ¡°Now though, I can confirm my suspicions.¡± He continued as he walked away from the deceased [ Corrupted Bear ]s and towards the river behind him. ¡°The river water here is much darker than the water in town. Yet, this river travels directly toward Hayton and is their supply of water. Additionally, this river runs underground and acts as the supplier of nourishment and life to the forest and the animals in it. As such, my hypothesis is that the foreign force is dumping some chemical or magic in the river, using it to affect the animals and the forest itself. Meaning, we follow this river deeper into the Corrupted Forest, and we¡¯ll run into the enemy.¡± As Leo finished his speech, the vigilant image he embodied disappeared. As it did, the deadly trickster personality came to the front once more as Leo twirled his daggers expertly and looked between Akuma and TimTam with a feverish gaze. ¡°So, want to follow Daddy? Or will I have to gag and bind you? Either option works for me. Either option.¡± TimTam, frightened by Leo¡¯s wild eyes, backed away as he moved to stand behind Akuma. In turn, Akuma released a smirk as he waved Leo forward. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary,¡± Akuma began in his monotone voice, ¡°even if you carrying me would make us move faster. Still, lead the way. We will follow. But...how do you know all of this?¡± The curiosity in Akuma¡¯s words ignited his golden eyes as he stared critically at the eccentric old man before him. All he saw though, was a cheshire smile that didn¡¯t reach Leo¡¯s eyes. In turn, Leo gave the two a toothy smile before he darted off once more to the shadows. The only indicator of his presence was his whistling that played an unknown jaunt. Behind him, Akuma and TimTam followed. Still focused on his actions of walking, Akuma remained fairly oblivious to his surroundings. Similarly, with protection from Leo, TimTam let himself revel in the world around him. While dark and mysterious, the forest that surrounded the players was beyond comparison with the real world. Thus, in a forest of death and corruption, TimTam jubilantly trotted, head bobbing in tune to the Leo¡¯s whistling while a smile graced his boyish features. Following the winding river, the trio of players walked nearly undisturbed on their Quest. The once previously lively forest had become desolate with no Corrupted creatures of any sort making an appearance. In the absence of animal life, the corrosion of life in the land was much more noticable. The deeper they traveled, the greater the smell of poison became. With it, the blackened and dead forest and foliage had taken on a new shade. A sickly grey that was nearly white, with streaks of purple, colored the landscape as the trio of players moved under Leo¡¯s supervision. Finally, eighteen minutes into their travel, the first signs of life appeared. In the wake of the calmed river, a faint sound of grunting and snorting could be heard. The sounds, faint but distinct in the dead and desolate land, were like a distant gunshot that grasped his attention. ¡°Well, well, well... Lookie at that, eh lackeys? Looks like Daddy was right.¡± As Leo¡¯s voice, accompanied by his sudden appearance from a tree appeared, TimTam audibly groaned as he addressed his charge. ¡°Mr. White, sir. Can you please stop referring to yourself as ¡®Daddy¡¯. It....it frankly makes me a bit uncomfortable sir. What would your daughter think of-¡± Before he could finish though, Leo¡¯s booming voice erupted outward and he slapped his hand roughly on TimTam¡¯s back. ¡°Stop mumbling Timmy!¡± After being nearly sent tumbling from the back pat, TimTam looked morosely at the ground as he mumbled to himself. This time, Akuma couldn¡¯t hear it. ¡°Enough of your nonsense Timmy. I didn¡¯t serve this country to only have a child take care of me. Rather just put the bullet through my bioengineered head then suffer a slow death in those hospitals like the rest. Now, grab your dick with both hands, or one hand... You know, however much hand you need. AND! MARCH TIMMY! MARCH! MARCH! MARCH!¡± Shocked into movement, TimTam parade marched across the forest as Leo the White trailed behind and poked and prodded the poor boy into a proper stance and movement. What made it all the more weird for Akuma, was the childish grin that Leo bore as he began chanting some vulgar cadence song for the boy to march in tune with. Watching it from his now rooted position, Akuma couldn''t help but question once more how he got himself stuck with the duo. Not that he was complaining. They were unique and good company. A welcome change from the constant looks of pity. So, with heavy and rigid steps, Akuma followed after them. With a complete lack of grace or subtlety, the trio moved in a line as they moved directly where the sound originated from. As they marched deeper into the now fully darkened and gloomy Corrupted Forest, the sounds of grunting came more frequently and louder. They were like squeals and extremely hoarse grunts. But done in such rapid sequence, it seemed as if people were somehow communicating in the sounds. It soon became apparent to Akuma and the others as to why. As they crested a final series of fallen trees and clambered atop an upraised portion of the forest, did a scene straight out of a fantasy book enter their vision. Orcs, creatures that towered from 6 to 7 feet with bulging muscles and tribal tattoos that covered their pale grey and green skin, scattered the land before them. More than a hundred of the creatures, each equipped with a deadly arsenal of arms and spiked armour, moved with purpose in massive ditch in the earth. From their vantage point at the rim of the downward sloping bowl, the trio saw many of the Orcs preparing defenses and structures. Noticeably though, were the figures that weren¡¯t moving. Eight cloaked figures, each guarded by an Orc that had silver tribal tattoos instead of the black ones of the rest of their kin, held staves and books in their hands as a purple substance was generated between their eight forms. The substance, a mass of writhing purple liquid, steamed and bubbled as the cloaked figures drew a measure of the substance apart and directed it toward the Hayton River that flowed gently just below it. It was as he saw the cloaked figures and their actions, that three notifications appeared before Akuma and the duo as well.
The Quest [ Forest Reconnaissance ] has been completed * Speak with Captain Monty to attain your reward
The Quest [ Forest Reconnaissance ] has been updated New Quest Available
The Quest [ In for a Penny, In for a Pound ] is available
Quest Description You have found the source of the problem that has plagued the Town of Hayton, and its surrounding land. But you have yet to truly understand your foe and their objectives. As such, you have the opportunity to distrupt the actions of the foreign force as best you can and acquire information on their purpose to better prepare Captain Monty and his forces to best vanquish this foe. Quest Difficulty E Rank Quest Reward * Varies depending on achievements accomplished
Accept??????????Decline