《Polaris Dark》


 Polaris Dark - Full Glossary

    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    This section is a Glossary of different items. It will be updated when there is notable information available.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Poor items are of the lowest rating, consisting of mostly trash that even NPC shopkeepers will not buy. Most of them are usually trash but there are a few things that are hidden as this quality and requires some of sufficient skill to figure out their true worth.


    Common items are the most basic of all rarity ratings, making up over 90% of all items acquired and traded. Common items are what most people will have during their early game period and most normal NPCs will have these items on them.


    The next level up are the Uncommon items. These are rarer than the common rating, being better and can be considered as finely made/crafted regular items. In comparison, Uncommon rating equipment may have higher defense or offense ratings than the common rating version of the same type of item. Uncommon rating consumable items would have a higher recovery or healing rate than the same item of the common tier.


    After the Uncommon rating is the Rare rarity rating. Rare items are high performance items that can be considered as exquisitely made/crafted regular items with a stronger effect than the previous tier. From here on, items can have enchantments that exist already on itself that can be useful in all sorts of situations.


    Epic rarity items are typically stronger than the previous tier with all of them having at least one enchantment. Most Epic tier items have two to three enchantments and are stronger than Rare items. The only exception to this rule is when the Epic rarity item has a special ability instead of enchantments, then it will only have that ability instead.


    After the Epic tier is the Artifact rarity items. These are extremely rare items that have multiple enchantments as well as at least one special ability. Even a master craftsman cannot make these items without knowledge of ancient recipes and descriptions. Artifact level items are rare even among the upper class nobles as having even a single item from this rarity rating means that you are extremely wealthy.


    Legendary items are the second highest item rarity (not including Unique). These are elusive items that have gone down history as equipment and items that are powerful enough to slay dragons, destroy arch demons and explore places that are normally unreachable. Legendary items are so rare that most of them are unique and are one-of-a-kind. Legendary items have powerful enchantments as well as powerful special abilities that can turn the tide of a battle when used.


    Where the Legendary items are heroic and are based on mortal accomplishments, the Celestial tier of items is the top and most sought for items that seem not to exist... or at least, they are not owned by anyone. The only place that has an item of this rarity is the main Cathedral of Aina, one of the main religions in this world. Celestial tier items generally increases the base power of the character that has the item. Their special abilities are often blessings from the Deities or Deity-like individuals.


    Titles come in the same rarity ratings....


    --- --- ---


    Comparisons


    When comparing an average Fruit Knife...


    Poor Weapon - Attack: 2-4


    Common Weapon - Attack: 4-7


    Uncommon Weapon - Attack: 5-9


    Rare Weapon - Attack: 7-11


    --- --- ---


    When comparing a Basic Healing Potion...


    Poor Spoilt Healing Potion - Recover -100HP


    Common Basic Healing Potion - Recover 50HP


    Uncommon Basic Healing Potion - Recover 75HP


    Rare Basic Healing Potion - Recover 150HP


    Epic Basic Healing Potion - Recover 300HP


    Artifact Basic Healing Potion - Recover 600HP


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <hr>


    <hr>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Money. The world runs on money. Even Heaven and Hell runs on money. Well... at least, according to all those Xianxia novels. This will be a small list of currency that is used in the world of Eschaterra. There will be more currencies later on as the story progresses. The people in the game world will often refer to the currency by their names so this will make it clear for you.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Spoiler: information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    Continent of Aschena


    Copper Coin - This is the smallest available currency of this continent. The copper coin is known as the Raster and is two centimeters in diameter. It is made of pure copper with a strange engraved marking that cannot be counterfeited. This is the most commonly used and exchanged coinage for commoners.


    Large Copper Coin - A copper coin worth twenty-five copper coins. It is essentially the same as the Raster but is oval in shape, making it two centimeters at its smallest and four centimeters at its widest side. Understandably, the name of this coin is the Large Rasters.


    Silver Coin - The silver coin is the second smallest denomination of currency in this continent. The silver coin is called Istolte and is two centimeters in diameter of pure silver. The coin is engraved with the same mark as the copper coins. In comparison, it is worth one hundred Raster coins (Four Large Copper Coins).


    Large Silver Coin - Obviously there is the large version of the silver coin. With the same shape as the large copper coin, this large silver coin is aptly named Large Istolte. Not only is it the same shape of the large copper coin; it is also the same value in comparison as it is worth twenty-five silver coins.


    Gold Coin - Most RPGs will always have this iconic currency coin. In the continent of Aschena, this is the standard currency denomination of trade by successful merchants. This coin is called the "Cestine" as is rare among commoners (barring high-ranking adventurers and merchants). This coin is engraved with the continent''s official crest as cannot be counterfeited. The gold coin is worth a hundred silver Istotle (Four Large Silver Coins).


    Gold Medallion - Like the other two large coins, the gold medallion is of the same shape and same denomination as the silver and copper coins; being the same oval shape and is worth twenty-five gold coins. It is named Large Cestine for obvious reasons.


    Platinum Card - This is a small, half-centimeter thick, plate with a width of two and a half centimeters and a length of four centimeters. The platinum card is engraved with the continent''s official crest and is worth a hundred gold Cestine coins (Four Large Gold Coins). This denomination of currency is ironically known as the Platina.


    In short:


    100 Copper (4 Large Copper) -> 1 Silver


    100 Silver (4 Large Silver) -> 1 Gold


    100 Gold (4 Large Gold) -> 1 Platinum


    <hr>


    <hr>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Not like there is anything better to do first than to learn about the world you "live" in when you playing in a VRMMORPG right? Most people don''t give reading a second thought as they ready too many textbooks in real life in school already and are fed up with reading.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Library Reading Tiers


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    White Tier: The basic tier for a white wooden library pass. This is the initial library pass that allows the holder to read general history books, general skill books and other non-specialized reading material.


    Yellow Tier: The second tier for yellow wooden library pass. This is the second level library pass that allows the holder to read the up to the second tier books. Second tier books have more specialized information on history and there are few on basic magic history and spells.


    Green Tier: This is the third tier green metal library pass that allows the holder to read up to third tier books. The third tier books contain Rare Tier books that explains the basics of some crafting professions such as blacksmith, jeweler and alchemy. There are also books about spell weaving and basic magic circles in this tier.


    Indigo Tier: The fourth tier of library passes is the indigo and bronze plated one. This tier contains mostly Rare Tier and Magic Tier books. No other information is given on this.


    Black-Silver Tier: The second last (Fifth) library pass tier. The pass is a black metal card with it''s edge and design plated with silver. It also has inscriptions engraved in the same silver color. No other information is given on this tier.


    --- --- ---


    Royal Tier: This pass grants you the right to review the royal library at your leisure. It is a red metal card with the edge and design plated in silver. It has glowing inscribed runes on the card in the same golden color. No other information on this tier.


    Sage Tier: ???


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <hr>


    <hr>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Magic Inscriptions: Magic items and artifacts require a lot of time and patience to make. Some are easy to create while others combine both time and difficulty in a single package. The most important part of the magic item is the <Magic Rail System>. This system is what allows the magic items to carry mana from the source to the output (Think of this as logic gates or electronic circuits). The rails, when placed in certain orders and patterns, are also responsible for many of the desired effects.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    Standard Magic Inscription System


    Single-Railed Magic Line: This is the basic inscription lines that can be written with special ink or engraved (with mana) on to a material (preferably a good mana conductor). The Single-Railed Magic Line is a simple inscription that looks like a single line drawn or etched on the material. It appears as a single line that will glow a soft, red color when mana is running through it. Simple effect singled-railed magic lines are simple to make and only requires patience and time to write.


    Multi-Railed Magic Line: This is the advanced form of inscription lines. Multi-railed magic lines are written or engraved in the same way as single-railed magic lines are except the design is and effect is different. This advanced inscription line is formed by at least two interconnected single-railed magic lines that form a "system". The more rails there are (up to a maximum of five) the more complex it becomes. It appears in a similar to that of the single-railed magic line but glows in a different color with each "rail" added. Two rails glows in a pale orange color, three rails glows in a mellow yellow color, four rails glow in a light lime-green color while the maximum of five rails glow in a soft cyan color. The more rails there are in multi-railed magic line system, the more difficult it is to make.


    Formless Magic Inscription System


    Free System Magic Inscription: Free system magic inscriptions are powerful and complex, requiring a true master of inscriptions to make. Unlike the previous two systems of inscription, this one cannot be made with simple mana-infused engravings nor regular ink. Free system magic inscriptions require special materials to work as they do not require linear rails like the standard inscription system. The materials required for the desired effect changes from one to another, depending on what kind of effect you wish to have.


    Lost Magic Inscription System


    Cendrillon Magic System: It is only known that the Standard Magic Inscription System and Formless Magic Inscription System are originally a part of this magic system. There is supposed to be two other parts to this system but it has been forgotten to the ages. This is one of the two lost magic systems that have been rediscovered.


    Stolen novel; please report.Aleksandria Magic System: This is the second of the two lost magic systems that has been rediscovered. It is not understood at this time so it cannot be used.


    Elysien Magic System: Not enough Information.


    <hr>


    <hr>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Ascendancy Combat Terms


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    AoE: Area of Effect. This literally means a skill, ability or spell that affects a certain area rather than a single target (or multiple targets). Whether or not there are any targets in the certain area is not important.


    Critical Hit: Otherwise known as "Critical Strike", or simply "Critical!", this means that the person or creature attacking has struck the target with a blow that deals a large than normal damage to the target. Under hidden stats (unless unlocked by a player), Critical Damage (damage done when scoring a critical hit) is normally at 1.5x normal damage of the skill, attack or spell.


    Critical Damage: Connected with "Critical Hit", this term is used when a person or creatures successfully deals a blow that results in a critical. Critical Damage, as explained above, is normally 1.5x normal damage unless raised by special effects or a player has unlocked the critical damage stat, removing it from the hidden stats portion.


    Fatal Hit: Fatal hit, or Fatal Strike, is an attack that lands on a normally fatal zone. It deals 2-3 times more damage than a normal attack (not including a critical overlay on top of a Fatal Hit). Magic-Enhanced animals and monsters will receive this hit instead of being instantly killed by it like normal animals do. Players also receive Fatal Hits instead of being killed in one hit unless it''s a decapitation or being sliced in half (or into pieces).


    Miss: An attack that would''ve hit but is narrowly avoided unintentionally. This is one of the functions of the luck stat and can turn the tide in battle with just a single "Miss". Those with the agility and dexterity (or the reflex hidden stat) will not receive a "Miss" when intentionally dodging an attack (unless he/she tripped and the attack was avoided unintentionally like that).


    Status Ailment: When talking about "Status Ailment", it refers to status debuffs, rather than the opposite. A Status Ailment is an "abnormal" condition that affects the person or creature. A few examples would be: "Poisoned", "Cursed", "Frostbite", "Burn", "Slow", "Silence", "Blind", "Bleed", "Fracture", "Purify", "Enraged", etc.... Each is with its own negative effect, causing harm or having a rather problematic annoyance while playing.


    <hr>


    <hr>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Quest difficulty is separated by letter grades, types and can also be identified by the tier of quest it placed as. You can take quests above your level, but that is not advised as even when you are at the level of the letter grade (not including rank F and rank E, many quests requires multiple players of that level average to complete. The type of quest is the number after the dash (-).


    When there is an ''x'' after the quest type (ex. Difficulty B-2x), that means that the quest is much harder than usual, placing the quest at the higher portion of the level range. It is not difficult enough to warrant a rank up but is possibly one of the most difficult quests within that letter grade. There are only six different Tiers of quests and they indicate the general location or event rather than the difficulty.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Difficulty Letter Grade Approximation


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    - F: Level 1-10


    - E: Level 11-20


    - D: Level 21-50


    - C: Level 51-100


    - B: Level 101-250


    - A: Level 251-400


    - S: Level 401-500


    - X: Level 501-650


    - Y: Level 651+


    Quest Type


    - 1: General Quest (Non combat related - Ex. Gathering Materials, Crafting, In city Delivery, etc)


    - 2: Combat Quest (Requires fighting - Ex. Monster subjugation, Bandit hunting, Out of City Escort, etc)


    - 3: Escape Quest (Stealth or Speed related - Ex. Flee the region, Escape the Monster, etc)


    - 4: Puzzle Quest (Problem Solving related - Ex. Move the blocks, Figure out the Pictures, etc)


    - 5: Dungeon Quest (Multiple Type - Ex. Escape the Dungeon, Solve the trials, etc)


    - 6: Siege Quest (Defense or Siege related - Ex. Protect the Keep, Destroy and take over the Fortress, etc)


    - 7: Royal Quest (Given by Royalty - Ex. Build a Monument, Diplomatic Situations, Kingdom Management, etc)


    - 8: Religious Quest (Given by Religion - Ex. Destroy the Undead, Search for the Lost Holy Artifact, etc)


    - 9: Profession Quest (Profession-Related - Ex. Discover the rune for Fire, Build a house, Extend your Trade, etc)


    Quest Type


    Tier 1: General (Most quests are of this type)


    Tier 2: Chain (A few quests revolve around a plot that continues for several "phases")


    Tier 3: Prison (A quest that has something to do with a Prison)


    Tier 4: Naval (Quests that have to do with traveling on a body of water)


    Tier 5: Great War (Quests that given during times of War)


    Tier 6: World (Quests that have a huge impact on the world)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    These are the colors for representing special, multiple-objective quests


    Current Objective Pending


    Objective Completed Successfully


    Objective Completed Perfectly


    Objective Failed (Non-Critical)


    Objective Failed (Quest Failed)


    Objective Bypassed (Skipped)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <hr>


    <hr>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Monsters, animals, and creatures have their own ranking and rarity tiers as well; their names are color coded while Elite version of the same mob have an asterisk (ex. Spirit Dragon*) at the end of the name. The Elite mobs are at least three times stronger than the mob with same name.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Common Tier: The most common of mobs.


    Rare Tier: Often twice as strong as common tier mobs of the same name.


    Magic Tier: Often has a prefix in front of the name that suggests its ability (three times stronger than Rare Tier mobs of the same name).


    Epic Tier: Same as the Magic Tier but mobs are ten times more powerful than Magic Tier mobs of the same name. These mobs and bosses are usually named.


    Legendary Tier: Ultimate level bosses that have multiple special abilities as well as being so powerful, they cannot be compared to Epic Tier creatures anymore. Be careful, makes sure you have a raid team with every player higher than level 400 to be able to tackle the easiest legendary creatures.


    Divine Tier: Speculative Tier that has not been confirmed.


    ---


    ---


    Basically, normal animals and creatures that are killed normally like decapitation, cut in half, pierced brain, pierced heart, whatever else, will die from the fatal blow. These include bats, wolves, cats, lions, bears, deer and other regular animals that normally appear in the real world. Rare Tier animals are simply less common variants of such animals and have the same weakness as the normal animals. From Magic Tier and onward, the animals are "Magic-Enhanced" and even a fatal blow will not kill them outright but rather deal damage known as "Fatal Hit", which is a term explained in the combat terms section. All monsters will receive "Fatal Hit" instead of being killed instantly as well (such as goblins, slimes, chimeras, hydras, kobolds, etc).


    <hr>


    <hr>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Status Effects are conditions that a player, NPC or any creature can be placed in that boosts their performance or weakens them. It can have a negligent effect or can be a massive problem or a great asset. Usually, we attribute status "ailments" or "afflictions" as negative effects (debuffs) while status buff/boosts as positive effects. Be warned that there are some status effects that have to do with mature material as well so please read at your own discretion.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Status Effects: Positive</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">(Status) Up</td>


    <td colspan="3">A relatively standard stat boost effect that increases the target''s abilities by a certain amount that is listed on the technique or spell. Some <(Status) Up> examples include: <Attack Up>, <Defense Up>, <Agility Up>, <Strength Up>, <Vitality Up>, and others.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Impervious</td>


    <td colspan="3">This status buff causes the target to become immune to all status effects. Both positive and negative effects (aside from this status effect and a few special ones) will be removed upon receiving this status effect and the all incoming effects will be negated.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Cloak</td>


    <td colspan="3">The standard invisibility status effect that causes the target to vanish from sight. This status effect only affects the sense of vision and does not have anything to do with the other four senses. Targets under the <Cloak> status buff can still be hit by attacks and can be canceled if the target strikes an enemy. Missing the attack will not cancel the <Cloak> status.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Ethereal</td>


    <td colspan="3">This status effect causes the target to become intangible and translucent for a set duration of time. The target cannot be affected by physical attacks nor can the target inflict physical attacks on enemies. Magic attacks are not affected by this status buff.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Status Effects: Negative</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Burn</td>


    <td colspan="3">In Ascendancy this status effect is under the "Heat" hidden element status effects instead of being fire-based like many RPG games have them as. A creature or person afflicted with <Burn> will continuously take heat element damage over a set amount of time (or until removed). There are multiple stages of <Burn> and each has it''s own set of effects.


    <Burn I>: Target takes 1 damage per second


    <Burn II>: Target takes 5 damage per second


    <Burn III>: Target takes 15 damage per second


    <Burn IV>: Target takes 50 damage per second


    <Burn V>: Target takes 100 damage per second


    <Severe Burn>: Target takes 500 damage per second[/b]</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <hr>


    <hr>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Professions, is what Ascendancy uses to represent what "class" or "job" the player/NPC has attained. Each profession has its own unique skills, spells or abilities along with weaknesses that can be exploited during PvP (player versus player) combat. Winning in both PvE (player versus environment) and PvP will require both your own skill and the knowledge of the opposing profession(s)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ---


    ---


    ---


    ---


    ---


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Unsorted Information


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Basic -> Novice -> Apprentice -> Adept -> Expert -> Master -> Saint -> Imperial -> Exceed -> Deity ---> Endless


    Basic: Cleric, Warrior, Wizard, Marksman, Sigil Lord


    Prestige: Tactician, Infantry, General, Captain


    Variant: Dark Knight, Hermit, Arbalester, Battle Magus


    Hybrid: Paladin, Warlock,


    Unique: Eluvia, Mastermind,


    Legacy: N/A


    Incomplete: Clearmind


    --- ---


    --- ---

 Prologue - Ascendancy

    Prologue - Polaris Dark


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Welcome to Ascendancy, Izayoi Miyuki! This is where legends start and unfold, nurtured and developed. Ascendancy is where anything is possible as long as you are curious and inquisitive!


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Yes, this is the game that appeared from no where, taking out all opposing game corporations as well as other entertainment enterprises. It caused a major hit sensation within the gaming community, cinema businesses, and other non-entertainment sectors. Ascendancy, not the first nor the most expensive Virtual Reality Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (VRMMORPG), had something that other games of the genre and category did not have: Free Reign.


    Some games had you chose a class at the beginning, others reduced your options to choose abilities by strictly limiting the choices for each class. Ascendancy, on the other hand,. could be summed up with three words: it did not.


    To put it simply, Ascendancy is a fantasy, open-world RPG (Role Playing Game) that does not follow mainstream ideology. Instead, you dive into the game headfirst with nothing but some basic support. With no profession, class or starter skills, you make your way to the top from the very bottom. You acquire a profession (class) in game while traveling around the world, completing quests and exploring dungeons. The harder you work to find a good profession, the better chance you''ll actually get something worthwhile.


    This game is so complex that it broke the world record for realism and diversity within the first three days of gaming. Given that all the VRMMORPG use the same kind of technology, the RE Dive Capsule really puts the rest of the games to shame.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    My name is Aida, your character creation guide! I am here to help you start your adventure, to help you begin creating your own legend!


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Real Emotion Inc. developed this game as well as the Full-Dive Capsule for over ten years, making it one of the longest games to be developed in the history of entertainment and gaming. This greatly interested the rest of the world and when it was finally released, the storm of people buying was stifling... ...no, that''s not the correct word. It was pure, hell, murder. So many people in Asia bought the game it ran out of copies in a day or two, prompting more and more development and production just to satisfy the supply and demand. Soon after, the rest of the world got in on the action and sales skyrocketed so fast, it broke the record of the highest sales increase within a month of the release.


    Since then, a lot of girls and women started getting interested due to the complexity of the system and that it was not just a single play style; not all about fighting, not all about romance, not all about mystery and the rest of the genres. It was a virtual reality made for diversity, not limiting the game to combat but other forms of advancement.


    I was not one of the people who bought the game early on. Actually, I was "forcefully" given the dive capsule and game. Strangely, the serial number of the RE Full Dive Capsule I received is the same as the Real Emotion Inc. CEO Kisaragi Sakumo''s birth date. I dismissed this as a coincidence but left it inside my memory as an afterthought.


    My classmates, Nonomiya Kaori and Yamato Shizuka, are avid VR gamers that were also lucky beta testers for this game. These two gamer girls are actually a part of the top five hundred players in the world rankings, going by the in game names of "xDreamFairyx" for Kaori, and "GrandSylphie" for Yamato Shizuka. The two of them holds the world ranking of 325 and 324 respectively, making them famous and well known throughout the world.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Please note that gender changing is impossible due to the studies that show negative and/or undesirable effects on the mind when a player chooses the gender opposite to their own for prolonged times


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    It was a school thing really; the institution we are taught at is prestigious for its technological development research as well as traditional arts of Japan. Due to some unfathomable reason, all three of my instructors wanted to teach their classes in the game and had paid for all processing fees and game purchase for the students of their classes. Maybe it''s something to do with being able to use magic to teach quantum physics to create light shows as examples. Maybe it''s the ability to do live practice of gutting fish and cooking dishes without actually using real materials since the game mimics even the difficulty of making real food. Although the time to make the food is reduced, it is still much the same as reality.


    Well then, here I am creating my very first character in a game just for to attend class. I do not have many classes this term, with only three courses that run every week for a single day, I guess I''ll actually be bored enough to play something like this. Well, it''s still the holidays right now so I guess I''ll play around for a while and get use to this VR world. From what I have heard and seen on the game forums, I noted that all of the players hated three particular professions.


    Turns out, they hated those professions enough to warn new players not to pick those them if they come across them. Those "hated" professions are the alchemist, the summoner and the spirit healer. There were several people who tried becoming one of these professions before and they all ended up deleting their character after a while and restarting their progress.


    According to the analysis done by experienced players, it is too difficult level up the alchemist and the reagents often cost way too much to be efficient moneymakers. The alchemist just takes up too much money buying and creating potions that do not even heal enough or recover enough mana. Even the stores that sell basic supplies have potions that recover more than user-made alchemy potions.


    Summoners are able to summon monsters and creatures that help their summoner before disappearing after the summoner is finished with what he or she wants to do. However, the problem arises here is that the summoned monsters and creatures are only a fraction the strength of the summoner and this leads the the problem of battle strength when the creature dies (de-summoned) and leaves the summoner defenseless. And then the summoner soon follows their summons to the grave.


    The spirit healer took the worst hit out of the three "useless" professions. It seems to be a rather weak variation of the priest and healer classes; their healing spells and support magic do not have nearly as much effect than the two mentioned support classes and most of the spells they use require too much mana (or MP) to be efficient. This makes them have a harder time finding parties due to the priests and healers taking the spots as efficient and good support characters.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Let''s begin your character creation, shall we?


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Every time the message window appears in this blank character creation space, a rather mature female voice is heard as well, relaying out the message.


    Well, let''s see what we have here then...


    "Alright, I''m ready to begin Aida-san"


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Perfect, let''s start with your preferred name for your character


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    "Yukiara"


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Confirmed. Now, please choose your desired race for your character. There are hundreds of races and subtypes in the world of Ascendancy. At the moment, however, there are only a certain amount of starter races to pick from. Here is the list of races and the basic models of each race for you to chose from. Strange enough, no one seems to have gotten the chance of discovering new races even now, so there are only four available.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Four models of each available race appear in front of me, allowing me to look at each race''s physical attributes so that I can pick what I like best. The models are all female as I am a girl, which does not allow me to change genders to male in game. So only the default starter races are available right now. This makes wonder what the players are doing in Ascendancy, not even discovering and unlocking a new race in the past year the game was released.


    While browsing through the figures, I rotate the models around and look at each with a critical eye. Stopping at the human female with long red hair and sparkling green eyes, I ask Aida, the character creation AI, a question.


    "Please tell me the specific advantages and disadvantages of each available race. Include the physical appearance attributes as well."


    Yes, even physical appearance has an effect in the game. Especially when there is the mature content that is unlocked if you wished for it to once you are in the age of majority. In 2027, Japan had changed the age of majority again, moving up by one year so that it reaches 19. It was changed from 20 to 18 in the summer of 2015, but apparently, there was some conflict afterwards and so the government compromised, putting the age of majority in the middle.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Alright. We will start with the Human race first as you should be familiar with them. Humans are average in physical stature and capabilities, their mental aptitude also average. Basically, humans are the all-around race, capable of doing anything but unable to master their abilities without great difficulty. The true strength of the human race is that they can even learn abilities that may be exclusive to other races. The only limitation is that they cannot achieve the same level of expertise as the ability is not native to them.


    Humans have a bonus affinity to element fire, being the very first race who discovered natural fire and get bonus stat points every five levels. The majority of humans are, however, slightly disadvantaged against the element dark. Not counting the ones who have fallen to the darkness of evil, there are very few who are able to resist darkness, much less control and use it.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The model of the red-haired human female, wearing brown leather armor, boots and pants, unsheathed a sword from the left side with her right hand and spun once before slashing out, posing for a moment before returning the sword to it sheath before going back to her resting stance. I then turn to the female elf model. The elf was gorgeous, with her very long blonde hair trailing down to her waist, hands on her hips while smiling forward. Her sapphire blue eyes makes her look regal and determined to take on the world.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    That model is the Lana Elf, the most common of the Elven race and one of the basic starting races that you can choose to start as. These elves are more attuned to nature and the environment, giving them a boost in magical expertise and mental capability. They are quick, strong and flexible, capable of performing physical and magical feats that humans on the same level can never match. If you match the average human with the average Lana Elf, the elf will surely win if the equipment and supplies for both are the same. The Lana Elves are natural at using body enhancement magic, allowing them to further increase their abilities to match against powerful enemies without being disadvantaged.


    They have bonuses to elements water, earth and wind but are rather weak against fire and lightning. Their biggest elemental weakness is darkness: even a moderate dark elemental attack can cause severe harm to the Lana Elves. Because the body of the elves naturally use magic, if their supply of mana (MP) gets low, they''ll weaken both magically and physically, making them a liability in long periods of combat.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    The blonde haired Lana Elf model takes out a wooden bow from behind her back and notches an arrow from her quiver that is also strapped to her back. The elf wears forest green battle gear with brown boots, making her look even more natural in a forest setting. She pulls back the bow and shoots the arrow upwards before replacing the bow back behind her and return to the resting stance. The arrow fired disappears a moment later.


    Walking over to the short, slightly pudgy female model, it is clear that this is the model that represents the dwarven race. I note the dark brown hair that is tied into two braids, hanging freely down the sides of the model''s face as well as the sharp, slightly squinting brown eyes that seem to make the grin on the dwarven model''s face look like she is smiling deviously.


    "Hm... I would like to skip over the Dwarven race since I''m pretty sure I know what they''re strengths and weaknesses are. However, the two races that you''ve explained to me already have differences that are quite unique to this game. I will listen and read about the dwarves anyways to double-check."


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    But of course Izayoi-san. I pretty sure you know that the Dwarves are a short but well muscled race that are famous for many crafting professions, especially with metal and rare materials found underground. Basically, the dwarves are what they look like; physically powerful, steadfast and rather brash. They have lower mental capabilities and are terrible at magic. However, they are also fairly resistant to magic, no matter what type it is.


    The dwarves have an affinity bonus to fire while weak to the element water. They have even higher affinity bonuses to element earth, but are rather averse to wind and light. Although the element light does not affect them too much, they simply dislike the brightness of it and can become distracted by light elemental attacks.


    The uniqueness of the Dwarven race is their innovative abilities in terms of metalworks as well as being able craft items that receive bonuses when enchanted with magic. Unlike the Lana Elves and the Humans, the dwarves do not have any innate abilities that sets them apart, making them rely on their innovative creations to balance the races.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The brown-haired dwarven model brings up the large warhammer she is holding and lets out a deep, but feminine yell, swinging it with a mighty blow and then slamming the head on top the ground, creating a booming sound. The female dwarf model gets back into her resting stance, the shining silver plate-mail, leggings, greaves and gauntlets she is wearing clinking and clanking as the pieces hit each other slightly.


    I nod speculatively and finally turn to the last model that is quite similar to the humans.. The last race model is definitely a physical-type race with all that muscle and that large stature. This model is tall, muscular and very intimidating, with a mess of dark brown hair that hangs near the middle of the back and stormy grey eyes set on a face that was frowning slightly, this is definitely the one unique game races known as the Karok, a race of humanoids that are by average taller and built larger than the rest of the races.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    The last model represents the Karok, a humanoid race of largely-built "humans" that separated from the "humans" a long time ago. Unlike the rest of the races, the Karok has no aptitude for magic at all and have not much innovating ideas for creating things. They''re similar to the Orcs but are not as battle loving as those grey-skinned counterpart in this game. The Karok''s strength and agility far exceeds the other races but are rather clumsy when fighting one-on-one. The Karok excel when fighting against multiple enemies, wielding huge spears and staves to knock out the enemy.


    The Karok cannot use magic but have no weakness against magic as well, making them the most "balanced" in terms of magical defense. They do tend to have some affinity bonuses with the elements earth and water without having any weakness in elements. Other than that, the Karok do not have any unique traits that sets them apart from the other races. With their massive strength and agility though, they do not really need one to beat out the other races in a contest of power.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The Karok woman, wearing a heavy grey breastplate that does not cover the stomach area, armored short pants and metal greaves of the same dark grey color, slammed the character creation floor with a huge and heavy iron battle staff three times without changing her expression and then returned to the resting stance.


    Thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of the races I decided to make a request to see if something else was possible.


    "Aida-san, is it possible to request for a race pick that includes a few of the locked races?"


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Oh ho~ Finally! I cannot believe that no one asked about this before you did. Apparently, they were all too eager to try to become the best in this world and did not even bother with thinking outside the box.


    Well, Izayoi-san, normally I would not allow for another choice, but since it seems your RE Full-Dive Capsule serial number is "strangely" the same as the company CEO''s birth date, I will allow a random picker to run through the entire list of races in this world and when the picker stops, you can choose that stopped race or go back to pick one of the four starter races. Is that fine with you?


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The female voice that speaks out sounds a bit amused when she speaks of the "strange" coincidence of the serial number.


    I thought for a short moment and then nodded.


    "As long as there is a chance for something else, then that is fine."


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Alright, let''s start the random picker!


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    A light square appears on the floor behind myself and shuffle through a huge variety of female race models before slowing down after a moment of quick changing. As the picker slowed down, I noted a lot of demi-humans in the picker and even a draconian before the picker comes to a stop at a small, slender humanoid female with mysterious long white hair, a couple of bangs framing her small, perfect face. Her beautiful red eyes shine with an understanding light, mirroring my own pair of blue eyes. This female model was human enough, if not for the furry ears on top of her head and most interestingly, nine white tails swaying behind her to and fro in an hypnotizing manner. The model is wearing a sort of extravagant Japanese shrine maiden uniform.


    Already drawn in to the bewitching eyes of this race''s model, I ask about this mysterious looking nine-tailed fox girl.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    ...Well what do you know? It seems you''ve just drawn a race with the model that only allows one person to have it... it is an exclusive race. This, Izayoi-san, is originally a human that has been possessed by the Nine-Tailed Fox demon known as Yun. To figure out the history, you will have to play as this race so I cannot just tell you.


    Well, I can at least tell you that this race is far more difficult to play as than even some of the highly specialized races that can be unlocked. Not only does it require more time to gain experience as this character, it''s abilities are also rather low and skills are very weak until they are well above the average margin. You will have to find out the rest of the advantages and disadvantages to this race by yourself in game since this is not a race that a user is supposed to be able to use.


    So, will you pick this race?


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    "Interesting, something that has to be discovered by myself. I like it. Yes, I''ll pick this race."


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    This race is known as the "Kitsune" a separate race from the fox demi-humans of similar qualities. You, however, picked up the nine-tailed version of the "Kitsune", which is unique variant that is supposed to be extremely powerful. However, since you start at Level 1 as a new character... it makes this one much, much weaker than it is suppose to be in the beginning. One last thing, you are able to hide your ears and tails and change the way you look from human to your "normal" form as well. Just think of the form when you change or leave your appearance the way it is in game. Your human form will naturally be a lot weaker than your normal form, so be careful of the place you are in when your transform.


    Once you become stronger, your race will natural change to "Amatsukitsune" (Celestial Fox).


    The race "Kitsune" with the variant "Nine-tailed Fox" has been chosen. Please confirm your choice.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    "Confirmed."


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Alright, race confirmed. Would you like the change your appearance?


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    "I will stay as I look in human form."


    I have long, silky black hair that flows down to my back along with sharply contrasting cornflower blue eyes that frames a small, fragile-looking face. Most of the students in the school that have seen me seems to compare me to a character in a light novel. Apparently, I look similar to Shiba Miyuki from Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei. The teachers and professors here that read light novels also seem to be amused that I look similar to Shiba Miyuki and my first name is also Miyuki.


    I would change my rather petite height to a taller avatar, but it may get awkward to play as someone with a different height. Height differences in VR and the real world can sometimes cause one''s body and mind to forget which is which and mix up the neuron signals temporarily. This would cause the body to move awkwardly, as if it is not use to moving. So I guess I''ll just remain as I am at 155cm (or 5''1").


    "In the race''s normal form, I would like it so that the color of my hair, tails and fox ears to be the same white as the model."


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Alright, will you remain in your human form or normal form when you start?


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    "I will remain in human form."


    I can see the data surrounding me and "explode" into a flash of light, giving the "me" in this virtual room the abilities and stats of the race I have chosen.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Where do you wish to start?


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    A couple small models of the major cities and towns show up along with some descriptions of each.


    I look around a bit more before deciding on the main starting point for most human players that wants a diversity of shops nearby.


    "I would like to start in the City of Arvenus please."


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Alright, your starting point shall be the Glass Garden in the City of Arvenus. Do you wish to go through the tutorial?


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Well, it can''t hurt to go through something that could potential aid you in the long run.


    "Okay, I wish to go through the tutorial."


    I focus on my transformation ability first to prepare for the tutorial and find myself glow a warm white color before my hair turns to a snow white color. Furry fox ears appear on top of my head as well as I halt the appearance of the tails to just one single swaying fox tail. I already feel stronger in the form as I feel energy well up and course through my body, giving me a boost of confidence to take on the tutorial.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Tutorial is commencing... ready? Let''s go!


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The rather nondescript black world of the character creation area lights up and blinds me.


    <hr>


    <hr>


    {{Non-Proof Read Version}}

 Chapter I - War of the Tutorial

    Polaris Dark - Chapter I


    The blinding white light ebbs off into a soft whiteness that allows me to open my eyes. A Window pops up, indicating the start of the tutorial. Of course, for some reason , it does not turn out quite the way I except it to...


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Welcome to the tutorial, where you can work out all the kinks and stiffness of your VR experience! First of all we will start the movement pa...*zzt* ...*zzt*


    Error!


    Loading Error!


    Retrying data packet load... 3... 2... 1...


    Loading Failure...


    Retrying using backup data... 3... 2... 1...


    Loading backup success...


    Initiating... 3... 2... 1...


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I know that the RE Full-Dive Capsule and game should not have caused an error. I am not concerned with my own well-being as if the system is truly experiencing an error, it would have force-stopped and enter safe mode automatically before allowing me to get out of the capsule. It looks like the message is a part of the tutorial somehow and I guess I''ll just see what will happen.


    The whiteness fades away slowly, giving me time to adjust to the new setting...


    ...Oh my...


    What appeared from the whiteness caused me to squint my eyes. Before I was able to discern what my surroundings were like, I felt like I was hit by the JR bullet train or something because a gasp of pain escaped my lips while my ears are ringing from whatever that happened.


    I seem to be lying down on the ground at the moment so I rest there for a while, waiting for the blurriness in my eyes and ringing in my ears to subside as well as the feeling of being front-ended by a train. When most of my senses are back to normal, I life my upper body to a half-sitting position and taking in the chaos that surrounded me:


    Dead bodies lay strewn on the ground as if they were decorating the floor with ex-living flesh. Blood and gore are everywhere, nearly coating the entire ground with their dark and crimson glory. The resounding din of the clashing between thousands, if not millions of metal is deafening. Shouts, yells and screams harmonize with the clashing of metal to metal, creating the sound of what most people fear: the sound of war.


    Everywhere I look is full of death and decay, both the freshly killed and the older ones that died a while back. I can see a dark forest to the northeast of my position and a looming grey fort far off to the west. At this point, I can finally check myself to see what is going on.


    It seems that I am wearing a modified, female version of a segmented armor cuirass that is covered in black soot and some blood and grime. The silver gleaming beneath all the soot and blood makes me wonder if I was in Ancient Rome instead of the virtual game world. Underneath the cuirass is a woolen tunic dyed in a dull orange color. The blood that splattered on to the visible portions made it seem red instead of orange. Looking down, I see that I am also wearing studded leather sandals as well as a mid-length armored skirt that reaches to the middle of my thighs, with a pair of leather shorts underneath the skirt. Both were as grimy and as bloody as the cuirass.


    Seeing a rather clean silver shield nearby, I look into the mirror-like front and see that I was in my normal Kitsune Form; with my long white hair flowing down and furry ears on top of my head. Apparently, the dirt, blood and soot can never win against the cleanliness of my hair and face in here. I can feel my tail from underneath me as I am half-sitting, half-lying on top of it. I also note that I have a sheath strapped to my left hip, where a sword is resting secured and ready to be used. It also seems I can''t change to my human form at the moment as this window comes up every time I try to will it to happen:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You cannot change your form at this moment


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    While musing a little, I suddenly hear a tenor, masculine voice from behind.


    "Hey! You okay girl?"


    I turn my head around to face the speaker. It seems the "character" I took over in this battle is familiar with this voice and so the action was automatic instead of requiring me to move. The man that just spoke a moment ago holds his gloved hand out to me.


    It''s the character I... my direct superior; Squad Commander Liam. How do I know this? Well, there''s a window tag (otherwise, just a small window that displays little information) that shows the name of the soldier I now face. The name tag is in yellow, indicating that Liam here is a character important in a... quest?


    *Ding*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Story Quest: War of the Three Kingdoms</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Difficulty:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">C-3x</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Tier:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Great War</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Escape the Battlefield


    During a reconnaissance mission, your squad ran into a full-out ambush by the enemy to take Fort Rhelion. The fort was decimated with a prepared meteor spell used by the enemy. Your squad was hit by the edge of the meteor spell and is currently scattered. Your heroic attempt at protecting your squad commander caused you much pain, but in the end, it saved him from death by flying shrapnel from the explosion. The remnant of the noble forces in Rhelion still stand strong, fighting away from the fort to cover your squad''s escape to report the ambush and the meteor spell the enemy used. Go with your squad commander and escape this battlefield before the ally remnant forces are overrun and your escape is cut off.


    Quest Objectives


    - Escape the Battlefield


    - You must survive


    Quest Failure Conditions


    - You die


    Bonus Objectives


    - Find and rendezvous with the second reconnaissance squad nearby


    - Find and rescue surviving comrades and escape


    - ???


    This quest is mandatory and is automatically accepted</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Oh, there we go. But why is the mission level so high... I quickly throw that question out as my rational processing already figured it out. The character I am currently playing as - I am pretty sure I took over the original soldier''s existence - is probably around the level of the quest I am doing now. I try to will the status window to open but it doesn''t work, most likely it''s not available right now.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Status Information not available at the moment


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Figures.


    Before I did the full dive, I read a few basic terms from the manual and the quest difficulty of "C" is for players around level 100. At this time, most regular professions already have a Job advancement quest available. the "3" of this quest''s difficulty means that this quests is an "Escape" type quest. The "x" after the "3" means that this quest is substantially harder than other regular quests with the same difficulty. It is not up to the standard of the next level - for example, C to B, or B to A - so it is not placed as such.


    I shake my head and come up with a response to the commander that should fit with the story.


    "Sorry sir," I began in a pained voice, "I feel like I got hit by several siege rams and then run over by a run away horse-drawn wagon. Good enough to go though."


    I groan then grab on to his hand. As he pulls me up, I take a good look at him. Liam''s equipment is mostly the same as my own (in a male... or regular version) with several additional armor plates and a decorative stripe that indicates his post as a Squad Commander. Liam''s short brown hair really complements his chocolate brown eyes, making him look sharper and more dignified than he seems.


    "Girl, you truly amaze me you know? First, you were able to detect the meteor''s summoning, then you tackle me away from the blast and took the brunt of the explosive shock wave for me and now, you can still get up though looking like you''ll die in a second. I owe you one for saving me."


    Liam compliments me on my tenacity and pets my head. Hm... it seems that being a Kitsune gives me a bit of a liking to be petted or patted on the head. However, with the quest and the ally forces slowly being pushed back, I cannot enjoy this new sensation for long. I sigh and then speak out to Liam.


    "Li-err, squad commander, although I do enjoy the attention, we best be getting out of this area before the enemy breaks through the remaining Rhelion forces."


    "Indeed you''re right. We''ll figure out something after we get out of here."


    Liam pauses for a moment after responding.


    "Right," he starts, "we should also try finding our team as well as meeting up with the next patrol that is supposed to be coming here. The forest should provide us with some cover, let''s try escaping through it."


    I nod and with that, the both of us start heading towards the forest at a quick, but non-rushed pace. As we navigate through the body-strewn battleground, we finally come across the other four of our small reconnaissance squad members. They all wear the same equipment that I am currently wearing and look as haggard and tired as me. The four of them are my apparent team members and we are all best friends from the soldier''s academy days. Ah... so whenever I come across people or places that the original person that I took over have seen or interacted with, I also gain their memories of them as well.


    The shorter brown haired, tawny eyed man is Riley Henson, the scout within our group. Excluding myself, Riley is the shortest of us, standing at 162.6cm (5''4"). However, he is also the fastest; owing to his agility-based fighting style as well as his painfully methodical but effective way of training his speed. Riley is a regular commoner that had been a thief when he was a kid. The captain of the guard caught him multiple times but each time got harder and harder. The last time Riley was caught, the captain offered to take him under his wing, seeing his potential to become a scout.


    The next of the squad is another male, this time with dirty blond hair that is tied into a small ponytail. He is the tallest, standing at 172.7cm (5''8"). His eyes are a light blue and suits his look very well. Blondie here is Soren Elligar, who is our squad''s heavy-hitter, dealing damage like no other in our team. Soren is the son of a blacksmith family that has quite the reputation for making durable and strong weapons. Naturally, Soren is stronger and more durable than others of the same age but without the conditioning of helping out in the forge.


    Our third teammate is Mia Lockhart; a slender girl with purplish-black hair held back with a white hairband and emerald green eyes. Mia is an aspiring swordswoman from a minor noble family that stands at 165.1cm (5''5"). Unlike the other nobles, Mia is not arrogant to commoners and treat them as she would like to be treated. Although she would''ve been relocated to becoming a rear guard captain if she wanted to, Mia wanted to go from the bottom up and earn her place in army. So here she is, a part of my team.


    The last member of our squad is is the second tallest, a man with short, light-brown hair and dark brown eyes. His name is Rielle Merverish, another regular commoner similar to Riley. However, unlike Riley, Rielle is similar to Mia, however; his self-taught swordsmanship is much different than Mia''s. While Mia uses her family''s Phoenix Flower style - which is a reflex-orientated swordplay style that requires high flexibility with moderate speed and strength to evade and counter attack - Rielle''s personal style uses precision and nimble steps that target the opponent''s weaknesses and damages their strengths.


    "Alright, now that we are in the forest, we should be able to move faster without attracting too much attention."


    Liam tells us to move a bit quicker now that we are mostly hidden by the tall trees in the forest. We move as quietly and as quickly as we can through the dense trees with the five of us following our squad commander. We do not speak and quickly traverse through half of the forest when we were ambushed...


    An enemy soldier wearing the opposing Kingdom''s uniform and armor suddenly jumped out behind a tree to my left with his sword in motion, swinging directly right at me. Surprised, I do what most people would do when you do not have fighting experience: I freeze. I watch in horror as the enemy soldier''s sword swung closer and closer to my neck...


    ...and time suddenly slows down and stops. Everything around is now in gray-scale, with the enemy soldier frozen in mid swing and still in the air while my teammates and squad commander are also in the same way, though their heads are in the midst of turning towards the enemy soldier. My body was frozen, except my head.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Tutorial 1: Combat Tactics</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Difficulty:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">N/A</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Tier:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">N/A</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Combat Movement


    You have been ambushed! Well, we already think you would know how to move around in this world as you needed to move during the character creation area. Let''s see what you can do here... Think about "start" to restart the time.


    Tutorial Objectives


    - Counter the ambush using suggested methods


    - Avoiding ambush attacks


    Tutorial Failure Conditions


    - You get hit


    - You die


    Bonus Objectives


    - ???


    -</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I take a look around by moving my head. Three blinking red lines appear in my sight, each of them is a suggested method to deal with this ambush. The first one has a red line connecting to my sword sheath and aiming slanted upward at an angle. From physics and mathematics lessons from school, I can see that the angle of the sword draw will knock away the enemy''s sword and cause him to barrel into me. Not the best idea, but it works out as my squad mates are here as well.


    The second red line is directs my left foot into a spin kick that will connect with the enemy''s sword wielding hand and knock the sword away before he crashes into me. I don''t think that this is a good idea since I will be off balance as well once he falls on to me from his jump.


    The third line recommends that I do a sidestep that would cause the enemy to completely miss his sword swing. However, this may cause Mia who is directly behind me to get knocked over from the enemy missed attack. Since Mia is behind me, I should not let someone who can take initiative after an ambush be hit.


    All three methods are rather sketchy as they have problems. Each choice reduces my chance of being injured but has downsides that can reduce our combat efficiency. Taking this into account, I notice that there is another, much better way to deal with this enemy than the three suggested methods.


    I "start" time again and instead of following one of the three methods, I unsheathe my sword and make my body fall as low as possible to the ground - making the enemy miss his intention to cut off my head - before lunging forward with my feet in a burst of speed. I bring my sword to the side just before the lunge and slash from left to right, dealing immense damage from the inertia of my lunge as well as his momentum from his attack. I nearly bisected him from his waist with that sword cut.


    As the momentum of the enemy is slowed and deflected by my counter attack, Mia shifts her body to the left to avoid the enemy while dealing another slash to his neck, decapitating him for good measure. Everyone in the squad stops and raises their vigilance and carefully observes the area.


    "I know that you are there," Liam suddenly calls out, "no use hiding and trying for an ambush."


    Thirteen enemy soldiers appear from behind trees, bushes and one of and start laughing. Several of them are staring lecherously at Mia and I do not think they want to just take us on a romantic date. The enemy soldier with the slightly more lavish equipment sneers and just tells us up front to surrender and that they have more than double our numbers.


    Being seventeen years old and knowing what might... no, what WILL happen if women get caught by the enemy during a war - especially when we are currently in a historical-type world where the there is no U.N. to adopt the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1820. This resolution disallows the use of sexual violence as a tool of war and that "rape and other forms of sexual violence are to be considered as war crimes." It is on the level of "crimes against humanity" and is seen similar to "genocide".


    Basically this means that females could potentially be harmed more so than males. I doubt the game will actually do so to a player but Mia is definitely not one. After seeing the realistic style of this game world, I will not abandon people in this virtual reality as they are living just the same as us, even though they''re created from data.


    However, when the five of us are about to fight, several arrows come shooting out of the bushes from the left and fly straight towards the six of us causing us to get surprised yet again. Most of the arrows head towards Liam as he is the decorated soldier in this area. Even Liam is shocked and he was nearly skewered by five headed towards him... if I had not automatically tackled him down to the ground. The others were fine as the arrows were not concentrated on them. The four of them had recovered from the shock the quickest due to my automatic move and had dove out of the way.


    "Damn! Let''s get out of here," Liam yelled out, "Signal 1, form 2 now!"


    A formation code for escaping in a manner that will allow us to escape and meet up by splitting off. Liam quickly gets to his feet as the enemy soldiers advance reckless to try to stop us from escaping. The other four has already left the area and as Liam was about to leave as well, he took a look at me and his eyes widened in horror: I had been hit by three of the arrows meant for him a moment ago.


    That was not my plan at all, but I do want to try my best to save the rest of them due to my personality as well as the memories I''ve gotten from playing as this character in the time of war. I gasp in pain as I lay face-down on the ground with one arrow piercing my left arm, one in my left leg and another penetrating through the armor in my back.


    "G-Get out of here. commander, just leave. Y-You need to go, don''t waste this time..."


    I manage to speak loudly enough for Liam to hear and with tears in his eyes, he turns his head away and rush off as quickly as possible as a new set of flying arrows whistle past him.


    The enemy commander laughs coldly.


    "Soldiers, don''t let a single of them escape. Kill them all... ah, leave the other girl alive so we can have some more fun... GET TO IT! Razzal, Darson, you two stay here and bring this exotic beast girl to the leader. You may touch her but do not go too far; remember that the leader has a particular taste and if you ruin it for him, your lives are forfeit in the most painful way."


    I internally shiver from his speech and turn my head slightly towards the enemy. It appears that the two enemy soldiers named Razzal and Darson flinched when the commander of this group mentioned their "leader". As the two soldiers came over to my body, my already wavering consciousness faded away and my eyes closed, turning light into darkness.


    .........


    ......


    ...


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Tutorial path divergence detected, recalculating tutorial quest path. Maturity Rating content lock disabled. Full game content has been applied.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <hr>


    Unknown Area - Dungeon


    ...ow...


    Darkness.


    ....what...?


    Oh... my eyes are closed.


    I slowly wake up and open my eyes. So I was captured by the enemy after helping the rest of my squad and squad commander escape. I really hope that all of them escaped unharmed... even though it has only been an hour or so with them, I felt like I knew them forever due to the memories of the original character here.


    Ah... this predicament is going to cause me a lot of trouble. I move my head around, taking a look at the place I am in and also realize that I am currently naked, with nothing on me at all other than a few scant bandages that wrap around my injuries from the arrows. Wait, I thought that the mature content is not going to be unlocked until I reach the age of nineteen... what''s going on? Rather than dwell on that right now, I''d best be trying to figure a way to get out.


    Hm... so it seems I am chained to the wall by my arms and waist. The metal cuffs around my wrists are tight, but not too tight to hurt me. My arms are lifted above my head, where the chains attach my hand to the wall. All I see are grey stone bricks, some cracked, some a little mossy. There are iron prison bars blocking the opening with a door made of the same material has the iron bars. There are two other demi-human girls, just as naked, chained in here as well. One with curly brown hair and dull, lifeless brown eyes that suggests that it is too late to save her. This one has droopy brown cat-like ears as well as a thin brown tail that isn''t moving at all.


    The second girl is not as lifeless as the first but is rather frightened. She is a small girl, probably a bit taller than me, that has white rabbit ears and bluish-green eyes. She''s trembling in fright, since the dungeon here is not cold at all.


    *Ding*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Story Quest: Castle of Ebilon</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Difficulty:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">D-5x</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Tier:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Prison</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Escape the Dungeon


    You were injured by the sneak attack when saving your squad commander. Currently, you have been captured and taken to the Castle of Ebilon, the enemy''s forward command center. The leader of this castle, Duke Ashton III, is infamous for his exotic tastes in sexual pleasure and enjoyment. If you do not get away, you''ll be the next "dish" to be served to the Duke. Get out of here immediately!


    Quest Objectives


    - Escape the Dungeon


    - You must survive


    Quest Failure Conditions


    - You die


    - You are recaptured


    Bonus Objectives


    - Save the two captives in the room


    - Steal the castle''s barrier crystal


    - ???


    This quest is mandatory and is automatically accepted</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Tutorial Y: Escape Artist</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Difficulty:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">N/A</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Tier:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">N/A</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Lock Picking and Stealth


    In cases such as this, you should check every possible solution and try to find something to help you escape.


    Tutorial Objectives


    - Find something that can help you escape


    - Escape within 2 hours


    Tutorial Failure Conditions


    - You attract attention


    - 2 hours elapses and the Duke arrives


    Bonus Objectives


    - ???


    -</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    This... is not good. This is the tutorial and somehow I get thrown into trouble way over my head. I need to find a way to get out of here quick and save these two from such a tragic fate. My ears suddenly twitch as I hear a few voices outside of this room coming closer with each moment. I close my eyes and allow my head to hang limply while calming down my breathing to a sleep-like state.


    How do I know how to do this? Let''s just say that I have several skills in real life that I have learned that helps me meditate and calming down is one of them. Faking unconsciousness is actually quite similar to meditation state so doing so here works pretty well.


    Instead of falling to a meditative state, I extend my hearing, apparently much sharper than normal as I have fox ears, and listen in on the conversation. So there are two people, most likely guards... the one with the tenor, slightly squeaky voice speaks first while the second one with the lower, gruff baritone voice responds.


    "... ...know if there are any others out there, but those beast loving scum will all die."


    "I hope we are doing the correct thing..."


    "What is it with you anyways? Those uncivilized beasts should all be dead or slaves!"


    "Okay, okay... You know the Duke is going to be coming down to take his new.... toy right?"


    "Heh, that tiny bitch won''t last long, she''ll break like a twig. I just wish I can get a turn with her or the other two. The previous slaves all died from the brutal methods of the Duke and I do not want to be on the receiving end of the violent beatings."


    "There''s only the three in the next cell left..."


    The last response from the gruff voice man is kind of.. sad?


    Looks like this game just got edgier. Now how should I escape...?


    The guards pass by the cell holding myself and the two other girls and stopped for a moment, probably to make sure that no one was making a fuss or trying to escape before going back to their patrolling. As their footsteps and voices fade away, I open my eyes and take a look at my hands being chained to the wall above my head. I notice a small crack on each of the the hand cuffs. Looking carefully at the wall behind cuffs, I also note the sharp protrusion that is "coincidentally" placed at an angle that I can strike the cuff on.


    I then take a look at the chain wrapped around my waist, under my decent sized breasts (proportionate to my height). They are also cracked and old and will probably fall apart if I strike it with something. I look around again and this time, I see a small sharp rock just beside me. I think I can use it after I get my hands free.


    I guess this is still the tutorial then if there are such blatant escape methods and items.


    Hm...


    When I am sure no other guards are around, I bring my cuffed hands slightly off the wall and then smash the cuff on to the protrusion.


    A small tinkle and cracking resounds and the first cuff is split in half. I listen carefully to check if anyone heard it but apparently no one did. The bunny girl with the white hair, similar to my own hair color, twitches as her ears catch the metallic sound but does not respond and still looks frightened. The cat-girl simply looks dead and lifeless.


    I wriggle my hand and find that I can get myself out of the cuff and so I adjust the second cuff to the protruding surface of the wall and do it again. Another clinking and cracking sound and the same result occurs. No one cares or no one can hear it to care about that sound. Wriggling my wrists and hands free of the cuffs, I grab the small sharp rock and pry the rusty chain link and it easily gives away, freeing me completely.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Tutorial Y: Escape Artist Complete


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I get up and stretch out my limbs a bit and my fox ears flick cutely - not that I know at the moment - as I strain myself to detect any foreign sounds from outside the cell.


    I around the cell and see the bunny girl staring at me, her jaws dropped and eyes wide in disbelief and shock. I definitely know what she''s thinking right now: ''How in the world did you get free...?!''


    The cat-girl does not respond.


    Taking note of the situation I check every spot of the cell and find a small metal object. I facepalm in exasperation to see something so blatant. I pick up the metal object and a window appears.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Item Acquired: Unknown Metal Object


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Oh really, you don''t think I know this already? Ah, wait a minute, this is a part of the tutorial right?


    The world turns grey scale again and everything but my head and eyes freeze.


    *Ding*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Tutorial Y: Identification</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Difficulty:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">N/A</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Tier:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">N/A</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Basic Item Appraisal


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    When picking up unknown items, you can try to identify the object you have picked up. Of course, the basic identification command can only identify items of Common (white name) and Poor (light grey name) rarity rating. Anything above common rating must be identified using the Identification Scroll or have the <Appraisal> skill of the appropriate level. Strange Poor and Common quality items can potentially be unidentifiable by the basic identification command and will require specialists or the <Appraisal> skill of the appropriate level.


    Tutorial Objectives


    - Identify the Unknown Metal Object


    Tutorial Failure Conditions


    - N/A


    Bonus Objectives


    - N/A


    -</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I see, I didn''t know there would be a basic identification command we can use without the skill. Looks like I was a little too hasty on thinking I would know about such a basic item. Items in this world are rated on their rarity from Poor all the way to the pinnacle of rarity: Divine, or God-Like. I''ll have to go check the game''s glossary to find out what each rank consists and the approximate cost of such items.


    Holding the metal object in my hand I activate the command:


    <Identify>


    The world returns back to normal and a window pops up.


    *Ding*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Item Acquired: Fragile Lock Pick</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Rarity</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Common</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Level Req.</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">1</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">


    A rather ordinary lock pick used to manipulate the components of a lock without the actual key. This lock pick looks like it is going to break with a single use. This lock pick can be used in tandem with other instruments to perform more specialized tasks.


    Information:


    - Lock Pick Use: 1/1


    Uses:


    - Lock Pick the Door


    - ???


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    There''s another ??? on the details of use. This game has lot of hidden objectives and routes you can take. Well, I''ll have to see what I can do about the door lock first. I quietly creep up to the iron bar door and take a look outside. Checking for and not finding anyone coming over in this direction, I try the iron bar door and... it opens.


    "..."


    Can someone tell me why no one remembers to lock the doors? Or.. wait, there was that guy that sounded a little sad about what happens to us... did he?


    I slowly open the door and poke my head out a bit to check the hallway of the dungeon. Listening without the echo of the wall in front of me, I can hear faint noises off to the right of the cell. Looks like that is the way to out of the dungeon. Scanning to the left and right with my sight, I nod to myself as I prepare to escape this place.


    First things first... I walk back to the other two girls that are still chained up and take a look at their cuff locks and chains. Going up to the bunny girl''s set of chains and cuffs, I examine the general quality of the chains and lock, hoping they were old and cracked. Nope, these are new and sturdy ones, unlike the ones placed on me. The bunny girl did not say a word but stare at me in awe now. I study then study and prod at the lock mechanism before I get up again. I grimace as it looks like I will have to go steal the prison keys to open them. I speak up softly to the bunny girl, comforting her a little.


    "Hey, I''ll be back for you two. I need to go find the key to these cuffs. Yours can''t be broken that easily so I''ll need to open them with the key. Don''t worry, I will not abandon you two."


    The girl''s eyes widen even more and her facial features start softening and her eyes glisten with tears. She stutters a bit in a soft, nearly inaudible voice.


    "T-Thank y-you..."


    I smile and my silver tail sways a bit. I pat her head a for a moment and she closes her eyes in bliss.


    "Alright, I''ll be back as soon as I find the keys."


    I quickly race out the cell and turn right, towards the faint sounds in the in the distant. Passing a perpendicular hallway entrance, I arrive fairly quickly at the staircase leading up to the main castle. I flatten my self against the wall beside the stairway as I detect someone... no, three people coming down the staircase. One of three coming down the staircase seems to be struggling; I can clearly hear the muffled screams of the person, a girl, through some sort of cloth with enhanced hearing while the other two footsteps are much heavier.


    Can I take down the two of them and help the possibly captured or kidnapped girl? As the footsteps come closer, I tense up and hold my breath. No, I will not be able to take down two grown men even if they are carrying someone right now.


    I start calming myself down I wait until the two men passes my position with the tightly bound-up captive that has a thick tail of brown fur before I quietly run up the stairs without a sound. The men do not even notice a shadow disappear up the stairs.


    I hope that they don''t notice someone missing from the...


    ...


    Well, if they did notice, there would be shouting right now. Maybe they went into the perpendicular hallway of cells instead. At the top of the staircase, I sneak a peek from behind a pillar and note the one man in here, sitting at a table facing the opposite way. I can hear the scratching sound of a quill pen writing on parchment. Perfect. If it is only one person then I can probably take him down without being discovered.


    At that moment, I hear two footsteps coming from down the stairway. Oh crap, I forgot about the two soldiers that carried the struggling girl down to the dungeon. I sneak into the room quietly and hide behind a bookshelf, hoping for the best. As I listen to the sounds in the area with my fox ears flicking once in a while due to the very scratchy sound of the quill and parchment. The two soldiers pass by and exit the room without a clue of a break out. I strain my ears to check for any other people and find no one else nearby.]


    All these soldiers should be of the same rank or close since they are wearing the standard soldier''s gear of a dull grey mail (chain mail) with dark brown leather pants.


    Alright, let''s go....


    *Ding*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Tutorial Y: Ambush</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Difficulty:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">N/A</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Tier:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">N/A</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Planning an Ambush


    You have to be prepared to respond to ambushes the enemy uses against you. You also have to be prepared to launch ambushes against the enemy whenever possible to inflict the maximum damage without getting yourself or your allies hurt. Try your hand at different methods to take down this soldier without being detected or hurt.


    Tutorial Objectives


    - Take down the soldier doing paperwork


    Tutorial Failure Conditions


    - Get detected by the soldier


    - Get caught by the soldier


    Bonus Objectives


    - N/A


    -</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The world dims and turns into grey scale after the window closes. Several small windows pop up with suggestions of what I can do. The last window tells me to try anything else that may work.


    Looking around and carefully checking what I can use, I see a sheathed dagger on the table the soldier is work on. That will not help so I ignore it and check the other object that catches my eye: a spool of metal wire sitting on a small desk behind the soldier. Great, I think I can use that as a garrote wire.


    Checking the surroundings for any other sounds, I sneak to the small desk and grab the spool of wire. I then set the the basic identification on automatic.


    *Ding!*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Item Acquired: Spool of Thick Wire</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Rarity</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Common</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Level Req.</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">1</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">A spool of wire that is made of metal. Most likely iron or an alloy of iron. It has a variety of uses, with its main role as a material to craft other items and equipment, This wire is thicker than most and is used mainly to craft larger tools.


    Information:


    - Material</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I think this will work. I may not be trained as an assassin or something similar in real life but I have extensive knowledge in the field of human biology and physics from the courses I took from school. I pinpoint where the soldier''s neck is the weakest and carefully unwind a portion of the wire before wrapping it around my hands several times to reduce the pressure on them when I pull. I''ll only need to get this soldier unconscious since it really doesn''t make sense to kill him when I can get some information out of him later on.


    Creeping up on the unsuspecting soldier, I instantly lunge forward and pull the wire over his head and around his neck, causing him to almost yelp in surprise but is cut off by the thick wire around his neck. I brace against the chair while pulling the wire, stopping him from trying to relax and go with the flow and escape. I feel and listen to him thrashing around and slowly weaken as he cannot breathe then finally lose consciousness. Holding the wire around his neck for approximately two seconds more, I then release the wire but keep it with me in case I may have a use for it.


    I put my ear close to his nose and mouth to check his breathing. Good, he''s still breathing. I then search his pockets as well as the table cabinet drawers for anything useful and find a few things that could help me.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Tutorial Y: Ambush Complete


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    While listening to my surroundings to make sure no one comes in here while I''m searching the place, I find a couple rolls of bandage and a small pouch so I take them.


    *Ding!*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Item Acquired: Small Leather Pouch</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Rarity</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Common</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Level Req.</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">1</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">A small leather pouch on a string to be carried around the waist on a belt or similar. It can carry small and light objects up to 2 kg as long as the object is not sharp enough to cut through the pouch.


    Information:


    - Bag (Pouch)</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Item Acquired: Fine Cloth Bandage</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Rarity</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Uncommon</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Level Req.</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">1</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Treated and sanitized, these rolls of cloth serve as bandages to cover up and protect injuries from being agitated or hurt further. These are rather high quality and are more flexible than regular cloth bandages, allowing for better mobility when used on joint regions.


    Information:


    - First Aid Item


    - Fine Quality


    Reduces HP loss from <Bleeding> status ailment by 60%</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have acquired Fine Cloth Bandage x5


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I wrap two of the bandages around my breasts and groin area to cover up a little even if it is just bandages. After I scour the entire room while keeping vigilance and bring along several useful items, including a set of keys that I assume are for the dungeon. I place the potion vials into the second leather pouch to protect them from being demolished. I hold on to the keys so that they do not make a sound while checking if there is clothing that fits me and not hinder my movement.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have acquired Small Leather Pouch


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have acquired Small Dagger


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have acquired Set of Iron Keys


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have acquired Potion x3


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Looks like there is no clothing here that fits me. Opening the last drawer in the room that I have not opened, I find something that surprises me. I take it out and carefully examine it. Turns out it is labeled and so I can read its name.


    *Ding!*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Item Acquired: Panacea</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Rarity</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Rare</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Level Req.</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">1</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">A powerful cure for any status ailment. The Panacea is a light blue potion that glows slightly and tastes a bit like citrus fruits. As long as it is not a status ailment that is above Tier 4, this item will be able to cure anything from diseases to poisons. The Panacea does not work on magical debuffs and special ailments.


    Information:


    - Potion


    - Status Ailment Recovery


    Cures all status ailments up to Tier 4, excluding special ailments and non-physical ailments</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    This is not bad, but since I found it here, this means that there may be something or someone I need to use it on. I slip it into the pouch with the potion vials and then craft a makeshift belt with a piece of rope I found on the top of the desk and leave it around my waist, tying to the two leather pouches to the rope. I use the rest of the rope to tie up the unconscious soldier to the chair.. I also gag him with one of the bandage rolls wrapped around his mouth many times so that he cannot make a noise.


    I then drag the chair and soldier behind the bookshelf I was at before. No one is going to look behind the bookshelf at this angle. Hopefully he''ll be out for at least 2 more hours. I quickly head down the stairs again...


    <hr>


    --- --- --- Forty-Five Minutes Later--- --- ---


    Right now, I am standing in front of a secret door that the bunny girl, Rena Laos stumbled upon a moment ago. After I rescued the ex-frightened bunny girl, lifeless cat-girl and the freshly caught dog-girl that turned out to be a princess of a far off nationnot a part of the war. Yeah, this kingdom is going to get attacked on two sides now that they''ve kidnapped the princess of another nation. It turned out that the dog-eared princess was given... forcefully given a paralysis drug to stop her from struggling after reaching the cell and the panacea was perfect here.


    Rena was brought in a few hours before I arrived, she was taken while she was gathering some herbs in the forest my squad and I were in before my capture. It was about thirty or so minutes after getting abducted the attack on Fort Rhelion.


    The nekomimi girl - Anna Enstone is still very timid and lifeless from her the abuse she suffered for over four days of being chained there. She did not look like she had been abused as the Duke ordered his men to clean her up after every "session" he had with her. At least the she is complying with my instructions so that we can all escape without causing an accident.


    Princess Calia Cino Verandas is the girl that was kidnapped by the Duke''s soldiers a while ago. She''s a dog demi-human from the Kingdom of Haven where humans and demi-humans live in peace, similar to the kingdom - Kingdom I fought for. The differences between Haven and ours is that Haven royalty, nobles and majority of the population are demi-human while our kingdom is the vice-versa. Well, this doggy princess has lovely auburn curls that reach below her shoulders with pretty brown eyes. She was also the only girl here that was not stripped before chained to the wall.


    Anyways, after we''ve acquainted ourselves, we escaped the dungeons with no one any wiser as we all have enhanced senses. Rena supported Anna all the way and the cat-girl started to warm up a little to us. We were able to avoid most of the guards while taking down and hiding several them, taking some of their equipment away to use. After traversing several hallways and rooms, we are currently at this hidden doorway that Rena had stumbled upon a moment ago when she tripped over a switch that was under a carpet.


    Both Rena and Anna have their feminine bits covered up by four rolls of the cloth bandage I gave to the two of them. Rena the bunny-girl had and still is supporting Anna as she had been sexually abused to the point where she cannot walk properly. Princess Calia is standing here quietly, waiting on my instruction since I seem to make good decisions at all times. I think I''m just lucky.


    "So," I say, "should we go in?"


    "I say we should, there may something that the miserable pig of a Duke wants to hide if there is a hidden door here."


    The princess responds in a fairly dignified but non-arrogant voice. Being forcefully humbled by kidnappers does quite a number on your ego and pride.


    Rena nods while Anna just tilts her head slightly. I notice that Anna''s eyes seem to have a bit of fire in them now, like the thought of finding incriminating and/or useful information to turn this castle and the entire kingdom into one hundred percent oceanfront property.


    We head into the dark corridor of the hidden doorway and the entrance closes behind us, leaving us in a dimly lit hallway that leads to an old wooden door. We slowly walk to the door and open it, staying vigilant just in case there are people here. However, our vigilance was for naught: the room here is empty of people, just bookshelves, a couple of desks with ink wells, quills and parchment. There are also several cabinents as well as a large, dusty mirror on the left side, hanging on the stone brick wall.


    The four of us search this place for anything useful and information about the kingdom. Anna is still supported by Rena and it looks like the cat-girl here is able to read a bit so she''s the one looking through the documents while Rena helps her stand. Rena comes from a lower class family that makes a living by gathering and selling herbs and so she never learned to read. Calia is able to read as she''s literally royalty. I''m able to read because the language here is written in Japanese to my eyes... most likely because this is the tutorial and we can''t have a tutorial not make sense to the user.


    Hm... I wonder how many people actually started and completed the tutorial? From the game forums, it seems everyone just skipped the tutorial since there is no mention of a this "epic" tutorial that gives you the instructions during the scenario here.


    Pushing away those thoughts, I continue searching this room and come across a locked box in a hidden panel under one of the desks. There we go, something that is locked... this may be important. I carefully pick the box up and place it on the table. I bring the lock-pick I still carried and tried the lock a couple of times. After a few moments, I hear the click of the lock being disengaged and a snap.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Fragile Lock Pick has been broken. You have lost the item, Fragile Lock Pick


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I place the half a pick on the table, pry the other half out from the lock and also place it on the table. I then open the box and take out several items, including a document on secret dealings and blackmarket operations on kidnapping girls from Haven and two other kingdoms. Now the Kingdom of Haven will have to act against this transgression. Not only have these idiots crossed the line with black market operations outside of their kingdom, they even kidnapped the Princess of another country just to satisfy the Duke''s exotic tastes in pleasure.


    Looks like this Duke is a heavy supporter of the kingdom to have the royalty give him such... expensive benefits. I scan the documents and find myself appalled at the terrible things done in order to take the kidnapped girls to this castle. Two of the documents even depicted some things that the Duke plans on doing to the girl taken here... it''s too explicit for me to even try to finish reading.


    There is a list of how many girls have been taken here and I could see more than a hundred over the course of two years. This is just disgusting and depraved, I clench my fist in anger but keep it in check to avoid alerting anyone (even though we are probably in a sound-proof, isolated area, better safe than sorry).


    I then check on the other items and discover three memory crystals - small blue cards made of a special magic crystal that allows the 3-D recording of the area surrounding the crystal for a maximum of three hours - labelled with "Arya #1, Arya #2 and Luna #3". Since I do not have magic as this "character", I will not be able to view it. I do not think I would even want to see whatever depravity has been recorded here....


    There is also a large marble that sparkles with yellow and red light. This is...


    "Oh! Oh! That''s a Mass Transfer Marble!"


    The Princess exclaims at the marble in happiness while the other two look a little confused. I am slightly confused as well but I can understand the gist of the name "Mass Transfer".


    "At least keep your voice down Calia," I retort, "We might still be in hearing range if we are not careful."


    "Oops! Sorry, teehee~" Calia cutely apologizes while giggling.


    Anyways, if I am right, then the reason for Calia''s excitement is that this marble is some sort of teleportation item so I go ask Calia about this to see if I am right or not.


    "Calia... I''m guessing that this marble will be able to teleport us somewhere?"


    "Yep!" Calia responds, "We can use this to transfer us to Haven''s royal teleporter with my magic signature!"


    Apparently no one took Calia''s pendant hanging around her neck and she''s holding it out right now.


    Calia then explains that a the Mass Transfer Marble is capable of transferring up to 10 people near each other to an activated Teleportation Device. The Teleportation Device is a large machine that can be found in major cities and towns and is the best transportation method to travel between cities. Normally, it is fairly expensive and you must have visited the teleporter in that region before being able to teleport to that particular one.


    Teleportation Crystals are extremely rare as they could not be made by people and can only be found in dungeon raids, dropped by crystal-type mobs as well as finding them in treasure chests. A Mass Transfer Marble is literally ten of those crystals, meaning it is rare even for royalty.


    This Duke is really something to have something like this hidden here.


    Rena comes over while supporting Anna, holding several crystal cards with labels that have female names on them. There was one with Anna''s name on it and I just couldn''t hold all my tears back and a few fell from my eyes. This is the worst... even if this is just a game to someone like me, this is just too harsh of a world. Anna hobbles over to me, surprising Rena and holds me. Rena, Anna and Calia are all similar in height to me and so I reciprocate, embracing her as well.


    "Y-You''re much stronger than me," I tell the cat-girl while stuttering a little, "I would never be able to stay so strong after such... treatment."


    Anna simply hugs me gently and then after another moment of heartwarming cuddles, we separate and I wipe my eyes a a little.


    "Thank you... I needed that. Now, have we gotten every incriminating evidence with us?"


    Everyone nodded as I picked up the documents I left on the desk, the memory crystals, and the list of the missing girls.


    "Alright Calia, please activate the marble and do the transfer. Get closer and hold on to Calia for the marble to lock on to us as well."


    Everyone obeyed and soon the room filled with a ringing sound and bright light. Soon, the light reaches blinding white and I shut my eyes in discomfort.


    As the light fades, I open my eyes and realize everything is black.


    What happened?


    *Ding!*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    > Sequence Complete. Tutorial Secret Ending Reached.


    > Calculating Total Completion Percentage...


    ...


    ...


    ...


    ... Calculations Complete.


    > 92.5% Completion.


    > The last 7.5% cannot be completed due to hidden route...


    > 7.5% of progress now removed due to hidden route.


    ...


    ...


    __________________________


    > Congratulations! You are the very first player to complete the Tutorial!


    > Congratulations! You are the very first player to complete a Hidden Route of the Tutorial!


    > Congratulations! You are the very first player to arrive at the True Ending of the Tutorial!


    All tutorial achievements are recorded and will be calculated for bonuses...


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    That was extremely exhilarating yet disturbing. Containing so many realistic factors and ideas, it even shows the world at its ugliest moment... it looks like I''ll have a lot of things to discover in this "game" where the world looks more like a parallel universe instead of a game.


    *Ding!*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Calculations Complete!


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have acquired the Title: <Loremaster>


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have acquired the Title: <Seeker of Truth>


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have acquired the Title: <Virtuous Maiden>


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    For being the first player to complete the tutorial, you have acquired the spell: Summon Loremaster''s Tome


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    For being the first player to deviate from the normal tutorial route, you have acquired the item: Loremaster''s Staff


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    For being the first player to discover the True Ending of the tutorial, you have acquired the Special Ability: Sacrifice


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    For completing the tutorial, you will receive this set of equipment that is tuned to your gender to start your journey


    Explorer''s Set:


    - Explorer''s Hat


    - Explorer''s Blouse


    - Explorer''s Jacket


    - Explorer''s Skirt


    - Explorer''s Socks


    - Explorer''s Boots


    - Explorer''s Dagger


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ...Oh boy, and I thought I could just have a good time in the game and not worry about being strong or anything. All of this sounds overpowered but this game doesn''t seem to have a problem with things like that. I guess I''ll find out what they are after I''m actually in the game.


    I must have been in this game for several hours with a tutorial like this... I go and check the system time and my mind just stops. What? Even though I''ve been in the tutorial for this long, it was only ten minutes in real life time? I thought that the game runs at a time speed of 4:1, where 4 hours pass in the game where it has only been 1 hour in reality... ah, maybe it''s because of the tutorial.


    *Ding*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You are now ready for the world of Ascendancy! We will transfer you to your designated spawn point in 10 seconds.


    10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4...


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Well, since I''ve only played for ten minutes in real life I guess I''ll get started in the real game.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    3!


    2!


    1!


    Welcome to Ascenancy and please have fun~


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The world flashes into kaleidoscope of colors.


    <hr>


    <hr>


    {{Non-Proof Read Version}}

 Chapter II - Advent

    Polaris Dark - Chapter II


    The kaleidoscope of colors blend together and forms the world in around me. I look around and find myself in my human form, black hair, no fox ears or tail. The world is just as realistic and detailed as the war-like landscape of the tutorial. I am currently at a teleporter with stained glass sculptures around, decorating the brick road. Many users, I assume, noticed me and were staring... not that I haven''t been ogled at before. I quickly step away from the teleporter and hide away from the main street, down in a small alleyway. The beauty of the world here takes my breath away for a moment before I remember that I need to check on the things I''ve gained after completing the tutorial.


    First, I''ll have to check my status information... I call out:


    "Status Check."


    *Ding!*


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Status Infomation</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Name:</td>


    <td width="25%">Yukiara</td>


    <td width="25%">Profession:</td>


    <td width="25%">N/A</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Level:</td>


    <td width="25%">1</td>


    <td width="25%">Sub Profession:</td>


    <td width="25%">N/A</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Race:</td>


    <td width="25%">Kitsune</td>


    <td width="25%">Gender:</td>


    <td width="25%">Female</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Equipped Title</td>


    <td colspan="2">Virtuous Maiden</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Rank (Social Class)</td>


    <td colspan="2">Pioneer</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Fame:</td>


    <td width="25%">5</td>


    <td width="25%">Infamy:</td>


    <td width="25%">0</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Health:</td>


    <td width="25%">100 / 100</td>


    <td width="25%">Health Recovery:</td>


    <td width="25%">0.1 / Sec</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Mana:</td>


    <td width="25%">50 / 50</td>


    <td width="25%">Mana Recovery:</td>


    <td width="25%">0.05 / Sec</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Stamina:</td>


    <td width="25%">100 / 100</td>


    <td width="25%">Stamina Recovery:</td>


    <td width="25%">0.1 / Sec</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Strength:</td>


    <td width="25%">2</td>


    <td width="25%">Dexterity:</td>


    <td width="25%">16</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Vitality:</td>


    <td width="25%">3</td>


    <td width="25%">Agility:</td>


    <td width="25%">12</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Intelligence:</td>


    <td width="25%">13</td>


    <td width="25%">Wisdom:</td>


    <td width="25%">16</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Charisma:</td>


    <td width="25%">60</td>


    <td width="25%">Luck:</td>


    <td width="25%">5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Physical Attack:</td>


    <td width="25%">2</td>


    <td width="25%">Physical Defense:</td>


    <td width="25%">1</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Magical Attack:</td>


    <td width="25%">5</td>


    <td width="25%">Magical Defense:</td>


    <td width="25%">7</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Physical Modifiers</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Slash:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    <td width="25%">Pierce:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Crush:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    <td width="25%">Blast:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Elemental Modifiers</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Fire:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    <td width="25%">Water:</td>


    <td width="25%">110%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Wind:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    <td width="25%">Earth:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Ice:</td>


    <td width="25%">110%</td>


    <td width="25%">Lightning:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Light:</td>


    <td width="25%">90%</td>


    <td width="25%">Darkness:</td>


    <td width="25%">90%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Mind:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    <td width="25%">Void:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    So this is the race difference. It seems rather balanced in comparison to what I thought. It leans heavily towards speed and magic while power is much less than average. The Rank, or Social Class we players have that identify us as players and not NPCs is "Pioneer". Let me see what I have gotten from the tutorial.


    "Check Titles, open in detailed mode."


    *Ding!*


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Titles Acquired</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4"><Loremaster>


    The Loremaster is someone who has completed multiple historical accounts and followed the course of history. He/She would collect and write down information and evidence of events that occurred and continue to do so while he/she is alive. The Loremaster has extensive knowledge dealing with the arts of history as well as techniques and other specialties of the ancient era.


    Bonuses


    - Intelligence increased by 10%


    - Wisdom increased by 10%


    - Base Fame is set to 5


    --- ---


    When Title is Equipped, increases Intelligence and Wisdom by an additional 10%</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4"><Seeker of Truth>


    Not just accounting history in a single perspective, the Seeker of Truth wishes to discover the truth of how events came to occur. A war with one side victorious does not mean that the winning side is just. There are circumstances that may be hidden from view and the Seeker of Truth will not be deterred from finding the truth when he/she wants to know the truth.


    Bonuses


    - Passive Skill: Serene Mind - This skill allows you to stay clear headed at all times and not be confused or mislead by bad information or others who wish to lie to you.


    - NPC Librarians, Researchers and Magicians will be respectful towards you as long as you are respectful towards them.


    - Secrets and hidden messages in books and other written articles will sparkle in a small white light as a clue.


    --- ---


    When Title is Equipped, NPCs that are hiding the truth of something you wish to understand will grow nervous and may act out against you. You will also get bonus intimacy when you are interacting with NPC Librarians, Researchers and Magicians.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4"><Virtuous Maiden>


    Even though most feminine and quiet woman can be without virtue. Where those women and girls fail to act in times of desperation, you will act according to your caring and kind nature. You will even sacrifice yourself for those you care about, those you love and those that are right. You are the pinnacle of the female gender and the rest of them will look at you in awe and aspire to become like you.


    Bonuses


    - Charisma is increased by 100%. If 100% is less than 50, then Charisma is increased by 50 instead.


    - Passive Skill: Attraction Aura - This skill causes you to emit an aura of feminine charm that doubles your intimacy increase when interacting with NPCs (works both ways). This skill may also cause you to attract unwanted attention (beware of unsavory individuals).


    --- ---


    When Title is Equipped, All NPCs will be comfortable with you being around and will act friendly and respectful. NPC Clergy will gladly help you if you ask them for help (as long as it is not something that acts in opposition to your nature).</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I''m surprised that these titles are ranked as Epic and Celestial tier yet they are probably the most useless for combat in the entire game. For interaction and NPC familiarity though these titles are probably among the best. Let''s see... what else do I have?


    "Inventory. Oh, also, minimize the set items to single item mode."


    *Ding!*


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Loremaster''s Staff</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td width="25%">Staff</td>


    <td width="25%">Set Synergy:</td>


    <td width="25%">No</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Quality:</td>


    <td width="25%">Artifact</td>


    <td width="25%">Level Req:</td>


    <td width="25%">1</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">This is the staff that Loremasters are seen with. This staff is simply an ordinary wooden staff made with ascleia wood with an inlaid pink sapphire gem on top. The difference between other ordinary staves and this Loremaster''s staff is that it is beautifully carved and stamped using a Loremaster''s Brand. The branding stamp cannot be forged as it is an artifact that is one of its kind. The staff does give a small boost to magic attack as well as amplifying magical abilities by a small amount.


    --- --- ---


    Equipment Information


    Physical Attack: 4-13


    Magical Attack: 10-14


    --- --- ---


    Amplifies spell effect by 1%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Durability</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Staff:</td>


    <td colspan="2">120 / 120</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Explorer''s Set</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td width="25%">Set Equipment</td>


    <td width="25%">Set Synergy:</td>


    <td width="25%">Yes</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Quality:</td>


    <td width="25%">Common</td>


    <td width="25%">Level Req:</td>


    <td width="25%">1</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">The Explorer''s Set is given to those that have completed the tutorial. The clothing pieces are made of a durable leather material with cloth fringes for comfort when traveling. This set includes the hat, blouse, jacket, skirt, socks and boots. The explorer''s hat is similar to the sailor''s hat with a pink ribbon tied on the side. The hat is mostly light brown with three soft pink stripes around the hat. The blouse is light brown with soft pink decorative lines as well as a pink ribbon tied at the on the lower left side. The jacket is a dark brown with dark green stripes while the skirt is a forest green with a few crosshatching decorations of a light and darker green color. The socks are a soft brown color, reaching up to the mid calves. These socks are woolly and warm. The boots are a tough dark brown leather, decorated with soft brown stripes. These boots are of a standard size and are made for rougher terrains. The dagger is a fairly simple, an nine inch iron dagger in a light brown sheath.


    --- --- ---


    Equipment Information


    Hat: Physical Defense +5


    Blouse: Physical Defense +10


    Jacket: Physical Defense +15


    Skirt: Physical Defense +4


    Socks: Physical Defense +3


    Boots: Physical Defense +8


    Dagger: Physical Attack: 8-12


    --- --- ---


    Set Bonus: When having the entire set equipped, maximum HP is increased by 50 while maximum Mana is increased by 25</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Durability</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Hat:</td>


    <td width="25%">40 / 40</td>


    <td width="25%">Blouse:</td>


    <td width="25%">60 / 60</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Jacket:</td>


    <td width="25%">80 / 80</td>


    <td width="25%">Skirt:</td>


    <td width="25%">60 / 60</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Socks:</td>


    <td width="25%">30 / 30</td>


    <td width="25%">Boots:</td>


    <td width="25%">80 / 80</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Dagger:</td>


    <td width="25%">50/ 50</td>


    <td width="25%"></td>


    <td width="25%"></td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Waterskin</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td width="25%">Consumable</td>


    <td width="25%">Set Synergy:</td>


    <td width="25%">No</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Quality:</td>


    <td width="25%">Common</td>


    <td width="25%">Level Req:</td>


    <td width="25%">1</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">A simple leather-lined waterskin bottle of water to quench your thirst with. You can also use this water for other purposes but it would be waste as this water is potable. Contains enough for ten drinks.


    --- --- ---


    Consumable Information


    A single drink of water reduces thirst by 30%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Durability</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Waterskin:</td>


    <td width="25%">5 / 5</td>


    <td width="25%">Water:</td>


    <td width="25%">10 / 10</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Rye Bread Loaf</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td width="25%">Consumable</td>


    <td width="25%">Set Synergy:</td>


    <td width="25%">No</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Quality:</td>


    <td width="25%">Common</td>


    <td width="25%">Level Req:</td>


    <td width="25%">1</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">A type of bread made with flour and rye. This is much denser than wheat flour bread and can taste very sharp and tangy but rather dry and not so flavorful. This bread is a staple for most commoners and can be made with cheap ingredients. At least it is nutritious and it will fill you up when you are hungry.


    --- --- ---


    Consumable Information


    Each slice consumed recovers 10% Satiety


    Each slice consumed increases Thirst by 5%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Durability</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Consumable:</td>


    <td width="25%">10 / 10</td>


    <td width="25%">Slices:</td>


    <td width="25%">10</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Well, it looks like those items are not that overpowered at all. Even the artifact tier Loremaster''s Staff is simply a slightly better-than-basic magic enhancing equipment that is more of an expensive art piece than an actual weapon. The inventory size (pocket dimension) for each character vary with profession, a player with no class can hold up to 25 items in his or her inventory (regular consumables and material items stacking up to 10) before running out of space.


    I guess the spell to summon the Loremaster''s Tome is simply a recording book for me to write history down in so I''ll ignore that for now. I''ll also deal with the special ability "Sacrifice" later on as well. Right now, I''ll need to go see what I can do.


    Without bothering to equip the items I have gotten from the tutorial, I see that I''m wearing the basic clothing, pants and shoes and so I start heading opposite of where all beginners go to first when they login: the Beginner''s Adventure Center. This is a building that gives help to the beginners and also gives their first request, usually a material gathering request or a package delivery quest.


    I considered heading over there before, but I think I can do something else instead. For the first month in game, you cannot exit the city you spawn in. This is to prevent the new players from being killed so quickly by the higher level monsters that appear on occasion near the main roads. With the titles granting me additional NPC interaction bonuses, I think it will be better to talk to the NPCs in the city. I should also stop calling the people here NPCs... I think that they are alive in their own way, not just some random bits of data when we, the "players" are also just "data" while in the game.


    Thinking about my attire and how I should be dressed, I realize my starter clothes just won''t help make a better impression on the people that live here. I go back to the inventory screen and equip the Explorer''s outfit, including the dagger. I leave the staff out for now since it may attract a bit too much attention with the pink sapphire gem on top of it.


    After inspect myself, I walk out of the alleyway and a few users that notice me are stunned. I can probably make a good guess as to what they are thinking about right now... especially along the lines of "what kind of equipment is that"?


    Ignore some of the lecherous stares as well as some who are just confused as to what equipment set I have on that looks pretty fashionable. I''m also sure that the people that saw me on the teleporter are all gone already so the ones here won''t recognize my change of clothing. As I walk down the main path of the Glass Garden region of the city of Arvenus, I take notes in my head to remember where important buildings are and where I can find the church in this city.


    The Glass Garden region is the artists area of Arvenus; most of the public buildings - three stories tall - here are part of the artisan guilds while the rest are two story homes for the artists that run this area. This region of the city is in the west side, quite close to the wall but one of the more extravagant places in the city.


    Right now, I am at the commerce and market area of Arvenus, the central region, also known colloquially as "The Market". To my right, the right side of the street path are the buildings containing the general store, shops that sell swords and other bladed weapons, stores that sell ranged equipment, and a few other miscellaneous items stores. To the left are more stores selling different items as well as the blacksmith at the far left. The blacksmith is the place where you can get custom-forged equipment as well as have your current equipment repaired for a price.


    There is also a jewelry store near the blacksmith that sells gems, rings and other sorts of luxury goods. Of course, there is also the apothecary that sells medicine and potions just to the edge of The Market, right beside the entrance of the foods and grocery. This area is filled with open stalls that sell a lot of different kinds of food, restaurants that cater meals as well as food stores that sell ingredients and raw food goods.


    I walk to each of the stores in the market area, talking with the people that work there and introducing myself as a wandering historian that likes to hear about stories. Listening to some of the people''s stories, I eventually find myself at the Magician''s Guild in the eastern region, where the main guilds for warriors, mages, thieves, merchants and other profession guilds that are not related to the fine arts.


    I head into the guild building and take a look around; the are not many people in the Magician''s Guild at the moment. I think that most of the players are either hunting or questing at this time of day since the sun is still high in the sky, indicating that it is approximately noon in game. I find a rather non-descript elderly man sorting out books to my left and so I head over there and ask him if he needs help or not.


    "Hello there, would you like some help?"


    The old man turns to look at me with his storm grey eyes and a beard that every old sages would be proud of. He then replies in a deep and strong voice, slightly surprising me as his hunched-up appearance is completely opposite to his strong voice.


    "Ah, thank you young lass, I was going to place these books back in alphabetical order on the shelves. People these days just don''t remember to do so when reading from these shelves."


    *Ding!*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Racial ability has been discovered: Common, Elven and Spirit Language Comprehension has been unlocked and mastered. Also, as a result of obtaining the title; <Loremaster>, you have also unlocked the ancient language of Khahadrys (Intermediate). You are now fluent in writing, reading, listening and speaking the language you have mastered.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ...Okay, I guess that solves the problem with reading. I then realize that I have not introduced myself to the man yet. I smile as I start speaking.


    "Ah, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Yukiara, I apologize for my forgetfulness."


    The old man then gave a hearty laugh at this and introduces himself with a smile.


    "Gha ha ha! It''s been a while since I''ve seen such a well mannered young''un. No need to apologize. My name is Soren Makosigard, it is nice to meet you."


    We both shake each others hands firmly - he arches an eyebrow at this - before I get to work helping him checking and rearranging the books to where they''re supposed to belong. The books are all over the place and will definitely need to be shelved properly. Soren and I have a nice conversation while we are shelving the books in the proper places, from topics like food to bits and pieces of magic. Since the people here know that we, the players, are "pioneers" innately, Soren teaches me about how magic works in this world. He also seems to have a liking to taste new foods and I''m pretty sure he''s a connoisseur of different foods as he is very eager to talk about different kinds of edible food. I tell him about the food I have tried from the "outer world" (as I call my own world).


    After half an hour or so, I was about to replace the last book when the title of this one catches my eye. Taking a look at it more carefully, I find that this book is older and is dustier than the rest of the ones in the shelf. The title of this book translated to modern English is "Cynosure" and has a white star on its cover... remembering something from language arts classes, cynosure is means "something that strongly attracts by its brilliance" or "something serving for guidance or direction". Is this something related to the North Star?


    Hm... I open the book up and read a few passages of it. It seems to be the history of magic and the Archmage Hilde Greybourg. Due to the title <Seeker of Truth>, I notice a sparkle of white on some of the pages in the book.


    "I see this book has piqued your interest young lass."


    Old man Soren smiles as he looks over to me and says this.


    "Yes," I answer in a curious tone, "when translated to one of the languages we, the pioneers use, the title of this book is a term for something serving for guidance or direction. The meaning of this book... is it more than just a book on the Archmage Greybourg and his teachings of magic?"


    Soren grinned in a way that befitted a rather mischievous yet wise look in his eyes.


    "Finally," he says, "a pioneer that is interested in knowledge and mysteries, a young lass no less. Yes, this book is the original copy that Greybourg wrote during his later years while he is studying and teaching magic. Of course, being the curious researcher he is in the ancients and the origin of magic, he decided to try to uncover the secrets behind the truth of magic and how the ancient civilizations came to be and how they ended."


    Soren paused for a moment to let me digest the information before continuing.


    "Being near the age of final rest, Greybourg already knew that he would not be able to satisfy his interest in the ancient and so he wrote this book to record his findings so far and hoped that someone will be able to solve the mysteries he studied and researched for so long. However, no person would do so he wrote this book about the mysteries of magic he has solved and the research on ancient civilizations he has completed. There are hundreds of copies of this book in the world but none had the hidden messages he wrote in this one."


    "So," I finally respond to this story and ask, "I guess I am the only one that noticed something about this book?"


    Soren nods.


    "Yes, this is actually the first time someone, in this case you, actually picked up this dusty old book and is interested. Seeing that you seem to be interested in this book, keep it with you. This bookshelf won''t miss a book like that."


    Surprised I did not want to take this book away but the old man persisted and I eventually accepted. Upon placing the book in my inventory, a window appeared.


    *Ding!*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Lore Quest: Guidance from the Stars</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Difficulty:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">C-5x</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Tier:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Book</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Book of the Archmage


    Discovering a secret message in the original book that the Archmage Greybourg wrote in his later years, you decide to try to find his legacy and continue his work in your own way. When you have time, go to the Northern Yunifa Mountains and this book will guide you to the hidden caverns that house all the unfinished works of Greybourg. Who knows what sort of valuable information and items are stored there...


    Quest Objectives


    - Go to the Northern Yunifa Mountains


    Quest Failure Conditions


    - Unless you lose the book, there is no chance of failing.


    Bonus Objectives


    - N/A


    This quest is has already been accepted from taking the book</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    Okay, a C ranked difficulty quest right off the bat. Not only that, this is virtually the same rank and type as one of the tutorial''s quests, down to the little ''x'' that marks it as a high C rank quest. I guess I won''t be doing this one any time soon. I''ll put this one off until I get strong enough to defeat the monsters and animals in the mountain range by myself. Checking the time in real life, I see that it has not been that long so I thank Soren for his time while he thanks me for helping out.


    As I head out to open the door, said door suddenly swung open and knocked me off my feet, causing my body to fall backwards and land on the floor with a... huh? There''s no "bam" sound of hitting the floor? I also didn''t feel myself get hurt, as if something was cushioning my fall. Even though I am unhurt, that did surprise me as well as making me a little annoyed at the blatant ignorance and uncaring of others.


    Entering the magician''s guild was a rather portly, well-dressed man with two soldier-esque bodyguards at his side. The man looked down at me with contempt at first then seeing my face and body, he looked a bit thoughtful in an evil way before re-assuming his aloof, pompous manner. He then signals one of the bodyguards and the guy nods. The same bodyguard, he is closest to me actually had the indecency to kick my fallen body out of his path, causing me to hit one of the bookshelves and the newly shelved books topple over from the shelf and collapse on top of me.


    I try my best to hold in the cry of pain but after the bookshelf and books double-whammy, it just overtook my concentration and I let out a painful yelp.


    "Ow!"


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have lost 15 Health


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have lost 10 Health


    You have been dazed for 30 seconds


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have lost 10 Health


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Moaning, I notice Soren quickly rush over to me before getting the books off my body as well as pulling me up to a semi-sitting position against the bookshelf.


    "Are you okay young lass? Are you hurt anywhere?"


    "Other than the possibility of a head injury from the books" I speak softly, "I am fine Mr. Soren."


    The elderly man let out a rather frustrated sigh that conceals hidden anger, I can feel pressure from this seemingly harmless elderly man that suggests otherwise.


    "At least you are well enough to be concerned with your head. Rest here for now, I''ll deal with this myself."


    While Soren was attending to me, the well-dressed, bad-mannered man had apparently tried to blackmail the guild when one of the apprentices lent to that man had a spell misfire that burnt up two tables in his home. The problem here is that the the man was warned beforehand about apprentices but he ignored it as it was cheaper. Now he intends to get compensation for something he ignored as the receptionist is trying to explain and stop this man from cheating.


    At the moment when the man threatened to send his men here and take things as collateral, Soren walks there over slowly to confront them. I am very concerned about this so I try to get myself to stand up but fail to as I am still dazed. However, it looks like my concern is unnecessary because every step Soren takes, the pressure that appeared a while back increases dramatically.


    Even though the ill-mannered man had looked at Soren with disdain a moment back, now its the former''s turn to be miffed and unnerved by the overwhelming presence from the latter.


    All it took is the materialization of an old wooden staff and a loud slamming sound from the staff''s base to the ground to cause the man and his bodyguards to scamper out of guild in a hurry. After that fiasco, Soren helped me up and reintroduced himself as the current guild master of the Magician''s Guild and is the chief elder of the Magic Council. Looks like I''ve gotten myself a connection to someone important...


    Soon after, I leave the guild building after talking to the receptionist. As I exit the building, I check my health and my inventory to see what the guild master had given me before he left on official business.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Health: 72/100


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Item Acquired: Mana Prism</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Rarity</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Artifact</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Level Req.</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">1</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">A special crystalline prism that slowly collects and stores mana from its surroundings. When used, one can recover mana equal to the amount it has collected. It will continue to collect mana and store it until it is full or it breaks from durability loss. In a pinch, the user can use the mana collected in the prism and generate an explosive blast of mana at the enemy or object in the user''s way. This use would damage the crystal substantially though so should only be used in an emergency.


    --- --- ---


    Artifact Information


    Mana Storage Device: 42/1500


    Mana Burst: 200% Magical Damage x Mana Used (Durability -100)


    --- --- ---


    Capable of storing and releasing mana</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Durability</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">Crystal:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">500 / 500</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Another artifact tier item with a useful ability. Even though these items are very rare, they don''t seem to be that powerful when compared to the rarity rank at all. That mana burst sure does a number on the durability of this crystal. Like the description says, I should only use that option as a last resort.


    --- ---


    --- ---


    As I walk way, I decide to go to Emilia Forest to test my combat abilities. Emilia Forest is a beginner area to the southeast of the city; the creatures that live there are fairly weak but still formidable for beginners like myself. The forest itself is fenced off from the outer reaches so it is still a part of the city. This way, beginners will not die so quickly and will be able to train themselves and collect items to sell.


    The forest consists of three areas and the beginner dungeon <Emilia Cavern>. The first section is dubbed the "Outer Region", where the creatures and animals are around level 1 to level 4. The second region is dubbed the "Middle Region", where the creatures and animals are approximately level 3-7. The third and final area is the "Inner Region", having level 7 to level 10 creatures and animals.


    While passing through the regions, I attract quite a bit of attention, especially from the male players that I pass. I am glad that there is no one here that would act upon their other head than with the head that contains the brain. I reach the entrance to the forest in about twenty minutes and see quite a few beginners trying to find a party.


    "Level 5 Mage here, need a party!"


    "I''m a Level 4 Warrior, I need a party!"


    "Requesting a party invite! I''m a Priestess at Level 5!"


    I decided to sneak away quietly and enter the forest where there are no other players nearby so I can see how the animals and other creatures are and how powerful are they compared to a beginner at level 1 to level 10.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You are now entering the field dungeon: Emilia Forest


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Alright, before I set out for my first dungeon dive... sort of, I check my status and equipment and find everything in perfect order. Okay then, time to go and see how I fare against some of the animals and other creatures here.


    I walk into the forest, cautious while moving as quietly as possible. After a minute or so of trekking between trees, I spot my first target: Pale Shadow Bat...


    Wait what?


    How did I find a Magic Tier variant creature on my first try? The large bat is covered with a thin layer of white fur as well as beady red eyes, Without warning, the bat dropped from the roost in the tree and flew at me.


    Panicking, I try to draw my dagger but it was too slow, the bat swipes at my head with its sharp, crescent claws. It is only my luck and natural reflexes brought in from outside the game that keeps me from losing my head with a sidestep. However, since I am still in a panic while avoiding the bat, I fall over from overcompensating my balance from my sidestep. Landing on the ground face first, I turn my head to the side so I won''t break my nose. Before I can get up from the fall though, I feel a searing pain on my back as something slices through my clothing, and slashes my back, making me gasp in pain.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    -23 Health


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Ow! That really hurt! The pain ratio threshold of 25% of reality seems little, but when you think about this world, getting cut to pieces is far more common than accidentally hitting your elbow. I will have to get something to reduce or tolerate the pain, maybe a spell or skill will help.


    Hissing from the pain, I get up just in time to pivot my left foot and avoid another swipe from the large bat. I need to get out of here before this stupid bat kills me. I quickly scamper away, and somehow end up gracefully on my face again. Well, this time it''s my fault since I didn''t realize there was a tree root right where I was standing when I started running. Again, I get lucky as falling down caused the bat swooping down at me to miss yet again.


    This time, I roll myself on my back, ignoring the stinging pain on my back as it comes into contact with the grassy ground. The bat tries to slash me with the claws but while lying on the ground, I have the advantage as I can parry its attacks with the dagger and counter attack while making myself as small of a target as possible. On the first hit, I dealt to the bat, its health bar and level shows up.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have dealt 5 damage to Pale Shadow Bat Level 2!


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Pale Shadow Bat Health: 145/150


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Although lying down is much different than standing up in fencing, I can still predict the bat''s movements as it is very linear and has no variation to it''s swiping attack.


    Spoiler : <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    3 Damage dealt to Pale Shadow Bat


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    6 Damage dealt to Pale Shadow Bat


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    5 Damage dealt to Pale Shadow Bat


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    8 Damage dealt to Pale Shadow Bat


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    4 Damage dealt to Pale Shadow Bat


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ... ... ...


    ... ...


    ...


    After a two dozen or so passes, the bat falls to the ground from the multiple injuries it sustained from my parry and counters with my dagger. The bat screeches in pain as it thrashes around, trying to get upright. I use this opportunity to get back to my feet and attack the downed bat. The angry bat tries scratch at me but I deftly avoid the blows and stab the bat several times. After the seventh stab, the bat finally dies and lays still. After a moment, the corpse turns into inky black shadows and melt into the ground, disappearing for good.


    *Ding!*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have unexpectedly killed a Magic Tier creature with level higher than you as your first kill in the game!


    Fame is increased by 5


    Luck is increased by 5


    Title Acquired: <Fierce Beginner>


    Experience gained from this kill x3


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Hm... what''s this new title...?


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center">


    New Title: <Fierce Beginner>


    You should be proud of this achievement: not many novice players are able to get this title right from the very start. By striking down a creature with a Tier higher than <Common> before even reaching level 3, you have been given this title so that others will know of your heroic accomplishment even before you even experienced any kind of adventure.


    Bonuses (When Equipped)


    - Strength +2


    - Vitality +3


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    This title is very outstanding for beginner players like myself as it improves the character''s strength and vitality when equipped. The five extra points are enough to increase the player''s starting abilities by around 10% before including equipment. However, although my strength and vitality are sorely lacking, my focus is not on these two stats so swapping titles is pretty much useless right now.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have leveled up!


    Health is increased by 10


    Mana is increased by 15


    Strength is increased by 1


    Dexterity is increased by 2


    Agility is increased by 2


    Intelligence is increased by 1


    Wisdom is increased by 2


    You have 5 bonus stat points to spend.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    That was exhilarating... totally unlike me at all. Being in danger with my own life on the line actually made me feel excited. Of course, even though I treat this game world as another world, I cannot actually die for real and I am free to do as I wish without my strict traditional family controlling my actions. I shake my head, no, even though combat here makes me feel alive, it cannot be the first solution to any situation unless I am attacked like this or it is a required for a quest. I''ll act as myself and not "change" to another character like I wanted to try.


    Too bad the bat did not drop any items or money, but I''ll have to make do with the fact I leveled up already with a single kill.


    I should follow this race''s stat build since having a higher reflex (dexterity) can come in handy, however, I''ll also need the additional speed that agility provides so allot all five bonus points to agility, bringing it up to 17. After confirming the stat increase, I can feel a minute change to my body. It''s not much, but It feels slightly lighter than before. I''m not sure what profession I want to take at the moment so I''ll just continue on.


    Looking around for any other enemies before sitting down, my back is still stinging from the slash the bat inflicted. Just like in reality, the injuries don''t just heal after a battle. We heal at the same rate a normal person does if you are a human. As a Kitsune, I do not know how fast my injuries will heal. Though the pain from the injury will fade away fairly quickly after combat so you can continue fighting without any hindrances just like a regular video game. Of course, you can only be injured to a certain point before you get hit with an injury debuff.


    I carefully touch my back with my hand, wincing with the stinging pain before taking a look at my hand. Realistic it is; there''s a smear of blood on my hand now. I take out the waterskin and two slices of rye bread to replenish my satiety and reduce my thirst. Taking one of the bread slices, I gingerly bite into the bread and the somewhat tasteless but tangy flavor engulfs my taste buds, causing me to grimace.


    I quickly finish the two slices of bread so that I can get the weird taste out of my mouth with the water. Sighing, I get up and check my health.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Health: 93/110


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Looks like it is good enough for now. I''ll try to find and fight a few more animals or creatures here... and hopefully none of them are going to be as difficult as that magic tier bat that shredded my backside. I get back up, wincing a little and put away the waterskin. I continue my trek through the outer section of this forest.


    During my time in the forest, I pass over several cute White Rabbits without bothering them, kill four Foul Minks and two Muddled Rats. The Foul Minks are larger than normal minks that are fairly slow but has a nasty bite. One nearly bit my hand off when I was not paying attention. The Muddled Rats are... well, muddled. The rats are slow, clumsy and they look like they are drunk. That''s just how they are; their attacks are easy to avoid and they are easily defeated with one or two slashes.


    I pick up the drops and bury the corpses of the six kills. I also give a small prayer for their passing.


    Right now, I am starting to head back to the city, content with my current self and capabilities. Taking a look at my experience bar, I find myself about half way to the next level.


    I check the system calendar and time: December 14th... 1:00PM. So about an hour and a half has passed in real life. With no classes and nothing to do tomorrow, I think I can play a little more before I get ready to go and meet up my with parents. I have to go with my parents to a formal dinner with their business partners tonight and I cannot be late. It starts at 7:30PM though so I have time. I set the system alarm to 2:30PM to remind me to stop playing...


    ...as I close the system window, I hear a yell and a scream just head of me. I have a tendency to want to help others in need in reality, so I quickly dash towards the noise. Upon arriving, I see five wolves attacking four people, with three of them being male and the last one being female.


    The one in front of the rest of the party is a male with short, dark-brown hair and brownish-tawny eyes. Wearing some sort of rugged leather armor and pants, the boy in the front wields a bronze or copper sword and has a small metal-lined wooden kite shield. He is doing fairly well at fending off the five wolves but looks very desperate.


    The second person is holding a bow and shooting at the wolves whenever one of the mutts try to flank the first guy. The archer here has a head of dull red and eyes of a rather deep, forest green. He''s wearing a forest green and tan clothing and a hat that makes him look more like a forest ranger than an archer from an army.


    The third guy here is probably a healer, wearing tan and white priest clothing as well as wielding the standard priest staff the player gets from changing class to priest/priestess. This guy is kneeling beside the fallen fourth person, a girl clothed in the basic mage equipment; grayish-blue robes along with a wooden wand. The priest is currently healing her, using sustained spell that generates a yellowish aura around his hands.


    The girl has mid-length brown hair that reaches just above her shoulders and ruby red eyes, clearly customized from character creation. She has several lacerations and slashes on her body that looks quite painful. She''s groaning softly in pain at the moment but she''ll probably be fine as I can see the injuries closing slowly from the healing. That reminds me, my back can use some healing later on so it won''t annoy me anymore.


    Seeing that the wolves did not notice me yet, I slowly creep up to the furthest one, holding my dagger in a reverse grip. The two boys holding off wolves noticed me and changed their tactics a little to keep the wolves from noticing me. I calm myself down and slow my breathing, slowly, slowly, slowly...


    ... I lunge when I am within three meters of the target wolf. The wolf is startled by the rushing wind from my sudden movement and turns towards me but is too late: my dagger is vicious snake fang, buried right in the neck of the wolf. The mutt didn''t even have a chance to whimper as I deal a huge amount of damage to it.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Fatal Hit!


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have struck the Brown Wolf in a very vulnerable area!


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The wolf fell over, whimpering a little and then fall dead. Animals and common creatures are easily killed if you can hit them in the correct spot so it is very realistic in this way. However, when you reach Magic Tier and above, the creatures are more RPG-like and will only take critical damage and will continue trying to bash your head in, if not rip you to pieces.


    The other four wolves notice that something is wrong and turn to look at me, and that is mistake number one. The sword wielding boy immediately takes this opening and slashes at the closest wolf''s head, dealing a fatal hit and taking out that wolf. The three remaining wolves look uncertain now that two of their pack members are taken down in mere seconds, one after another. That''s mistake number two. At this moment, the archer here fires three arrows in succession, one arrow hitting the target wolf''s mid section while the other two hits the neck, stunning the wolf for a moment. One second later, a bronze gleam cut off that wolf''s head.


    That was the last straw and the last two wolves scampered away with their tails tucked under them. And that''s going to be mistake number three, you are out! One of the wolves scampering away did not notice that the girl on the floor readied a spell to intercept its path and is turned into burnt wolf steak before getting its head lopped off by the sword wielder. The last wolf is able to get away without being hurt and I ignore it as it is not attacking us anymore.


    The sword wielding boy sighs and then thanks me in an alto-tenor voice.


    *Phew, that was a close one, thank you very much for helping us out."


    The rest of the team follows suit and thanks me as well.


    "No, it''s okay," I reply, "I cannot just leave someone who needs up alone."


    After a introducing ourselves, the mage girl with the IGN of Sue_Fina12, persuades me to go with them for now back to the city. As the five of us walk back together, we talk to each other about how we feel about the game and what we want to do in game. I catch the sword wielding boy, kingTayu_IV, and the archer, RaizerXL, staring at my body several times during the walk back to the city. This is not missed by the only other female in the group and the two gets their heads whacked by her fist. The priest player''s IGN is MaguscovO and he''s the only one that did not stare at me at all. Either he''s good at acting like a true priest or he actually has such a good personality.


    We arrive at the fence separating the forest and the main part of the city and add each other on the friends list before going our separate ways. There''s still thirty or so minutes till the alarm at 2:30PM so I have approximately two hours in game. I think I''ll head to the library to see if I can get a head start on learning about this world.


    --- ---


    --- ---


    Ten minutes later, I arrive at the library entrance. As I enter the building, I find that there is no one in the library except the assistants and librarian. It looks like everyone is too busy fighting or doing quests to even try to do some reading. Maybe they''re tired of reading textbooks from school or something, but reading books about how another world works, to me, is something else entirely.


    I walk up to the librarian sitting behind a desk, his glasses glinting from the reflected light of oil lamps in this building. The librarian has a head of thick grey hair that flows off his head in curled tousles. Storm grey, piercing eyes not unlike the guild master Soren''s own eyes, stare into a book the librarian is currently reading. Where Soren''s eyes held wisdom, gentleness and warmth, the librarian''s eyes held mystery, depth and coolness.


    The librarian notices me and he widens his eyes a little.


    "Miss Yukiara, I see you''ve decided to visit my humble library."


    My own eyes widen at his low tenor voice speaking out my name.


    "Hello, it is a pleasure to meet you," I bow slightly in respect to the librarian, "please, can you tell me how you know my name?"


    The grey-haired man smiles slightly and then answers my question with a statement posed as a question before commenting on how he actually knew.


    "I may like to read a lot, but that does not mean I cannot have eyes and ears everywhere and anywhere, can I? Gossip is everywhere my dear and when something unusual occurs, it tends to spread out further and faster than the norm. I heard about a young female pioneer making her way around the city conversing with us citizens of the city without just asking for requests and rewards, it tends to spread just as fast as unusual information."


    We converse for a short while as I learn about this peculiar librarian. The librarian''s name is Theodore Alseic Cosenko, he is originally a noble from an empire from another continent but arrived here to learn and study other kingdom and empire''s perspectives in history and information. His family all went their separate ways, doing what they want to do in life without much obstruction from money or political influence.


    It turns out that Theodore disliked living so lavishly and ignorant and spend most of his money to get here before finding a nice job, a nice wife and even have three children. They currently live happily together, with himself working as the librarian of this city while his wife stays at home, content with raising their children. With his vast knowledge, Theodore teaches his wife and children about the world when he finishes his work.


    Money is not a problem for him as the leader of this kingdom himself, King Avanhir Brismeargo, funds the library and pays Theodore himself to run the library as the King loves knowledge and learns as much as he can as well.


    "So," Theodore says after the brief but enjoyable conversation, "out of all the pioneers that have arrived, only you have come to learn more about this world. Normally I would charge ten silvers to issue a library pass for those who have do not have one. However, I think that not only will you be able to use the knowledge in here, you will also be able to figure out some of the riddles in the higher tier books as well."


    The librarian takes out a black metal card-like object inscribed with some sort of silver plating and engraved letters>


    "I will give you the Black-Silver pass for free as long as you help me with a request of mine. It will require some knowledge in this library so this pass will give you access to the required books."


    *Ding!*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Quest: The Librarian''s Problem</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Difficulty:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">E-4</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Tier:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">General</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Back Pains are really a Nuisance


    The Librarian of Arvenus suffers from irritating back pains due to this age and his constant hunching over to read books. Using some of the general alchemy books found in the Black-Silver Tier section of the library, make something that can help ease the librarian''s aching back so that he can read and learn in peace.


    Quest Objectives


    - Create a solution for the librarian''s back pain


    Quest Failure Conditions


    - Unless you chose to quit, there is no chance at failing


    Bonus Objectives


    - N/A


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    "I will gladly help you with this request Mr. Theodore."


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have accepted the quest


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I check the system time and find that it is 2:26PM, 4 minutes away from the alarm. I may as well quit and prepare for the formal dinner now. I hurriedly tell Theodore that I need to go for now and ask him to keep the black-silver pass for me.


    "No need, I know that you will fulfill my request without running away. Just don''t leave for too long; you have no idea how irritating this back pain is and how much it disturbs my reading."


    He answers simply and place the library pass in my hands anyways. I thank him for his trust and then open up the system menu. Saying goodbye to the librarian, I click on Log-Out and then confirm the log-out sequence when it prompts me to.


    <hr>


    <hr>


    {{Non-Proof Read Version}}

 Chapter II Interlude - Dinner, Friends and Enemies

    Polaris Dark - Chapter II Interlude


    Sitting by the window of the limousine thinking about the upcoming formal dinner has gotten me in rather indifferent mood. On my mother''s side, I inherited the historical line of the Izayoi, meaning even if my father was not the owner of the Arsenault Firm, I would still be part of an extremely wealthy family descended from ancient royalty of Japan.


    Speaking of my father''s ownership of the firm, Arsenault is the umbrella name for six separate multi-million dollar companies that run independently but help each other with their work. One company researches and constructs defensive weaponry for the government and is famous for their non-lethal tasers made exclusively for girls who wish to have some protection.


    While the formal dinner is fancy and all, it is one of the people that will be attending that has me a little unwilling to go. You see, my parent''s business partners have children around my age. Two of them are my closest friends while another two of them are on neutral ground. The last one, however, is a problem. The last person has a penchant for ignoring social norms and is blatantly lecherous and will do anything to get what he wants.


    Although I dislike that last person, I cannot be selfish when this is a formal dinner arranged by multiple adults. During the ride to our destination, my parents and I converse about how I am doing at the private school I go to right now and how my studies are coming along. In return, I ask my parents how they are doing right now and how their work is going.


    My parents love and care about me a lot, some times a little too much. My mother even confesses to me that she really missed the days when I was little and adorable. Speaking of time passing too quickly, we soon arrive at the restaurant we have a reservation at. The chauffeur stops at the entrance driveway and opens the door for my parents and I to get out. My parents go out first and then I slowly follow them out of the limousine.


    As I step out, I fluff and brush my black formal dinner gown off to fix some of the folds. The gown itself is sleeveless, held together with white silken ribbons that tie the gown''s straps together on my backside. The black silk covers most of my body and reaches down to my feet wearing four-inch stiletto high heel dress shoes. The gown itself is a multi-layer silken cloth with two outer layers translucent while the three inner layers are opaque to cover up my body.


    Standing at approximately 165cm due to my high heels, I run a hand through my long silky black hair, fixed in a variation of the Hime cut where most of my hair is behind me with two long bangs resting in front of my shoulders, reaching down to the just above the center of my chest. I take a look around and see my reflection on the window, depicting how I look easily under the bright lighting of the luxury restaurant. I barely use any makeup even in such a formal setting, only a bit of soft pink blush, eyeliner and light-colored lipstick that is only a shade pinker than my normal lip color.


    My mother is wearing a similar formal dinner gown as me but the color is a deep violet instead of black with golden yellow ribbons instead of white. Her own long black hair is done in an elegant pony tail while her dark brown eyes shimmer lightly. My father is wearing an Issey Miyake tuxedo suit. Turns out, Miyake is also responsible for the black turtlenecks that Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, is known for. His head of short, cropped, dyed black hair is slick and gelled back, making him look like some sort of yakuza or mafia boss even though he is just another extremely wealthy person with several multi-million dollar corporate businesses under his control.


    As the three of us walk to the doorway, one of the doormen standing beside the entrance opens the door and welcomes us to the restaurant. My mother is standing at 171cm while wearing 4 inch heels, making her about 6cm taller than me. My father is 175cm tall without anything to boost his height, making him the tallest of our small family. My mother enters after my father while I enter after her.


    The main entrance hall of the restaurant is lavishly decorated with crystal chandeliers, glimmering quartz pillars and multiple spherical crystal aquariums containing many exotic fish that is suspended in mid air. To the naked eye, it appears that the crystal aquariums are floating in middle air without any supports. In actuality, this is just powerful electromagnetic forces at work. The top and the bottom of the crystal spheres have been embedded with a special magnetic plates while the cylinders at the ceiling and on the floor generate the electromagnetic field to suspend the crystal aquarium in the air.


    The three of us follow the attendant to our reservation tables quietly so we will not disturb the others in the front section of the restaurant. Soon, we arrive at our table where everyone except two of the business families that are having dinner with us. Everyone that are currently sitting at the table stands up and greet us with smiles and slight bows.


    There are nine guests at the table right now not including the three of us that just arrived. Six adults and three teenagers around my age. As the adults greet each other then sit down at the tables, the three teens and I happily say hello and follow suit. We then start talking to each other about what we are currently doing at school and what we do in our free time.


    After talking about the mundane, everyday things, we eventually reach the topic of Ascendancy as this VR game took the world by storm. Not only has Ascendancy taken over the MMORPG gaming community, they even have a TV series that follow one of the best players in the world.


    "So," the girl wearing a dark blue formal dress asks me, "I''m guessing that you still have not played Ascendancy yet?"


    The girl in question is one of my closest friends, her hair is dyed red and is done so that the front portion of the hair curls inward beautifully. She''s about 4cm taller than me when wearing her four-inch high heels, making her stand at 169cm. Her name is Miyagi Arisa, heiress to her father''s mega-corporate business firm "Angel Tears". This business produces and sells a multitude of perfume series and is one of the top five cosmetics companies in the entire world.


    "Actually," I reply to here, "I just started today... though it was a bit forced since my instructors required us to be in Ascendancy for the classes in physics and chemistry."


    The boy standing beside Arisa laughs quietly.


    "Miyu-chan, I think you lost the bet with Arisa-chan."


    I pout and wave his comment away. The boy''s name is Suzuki Kouta, son of the Suzuki Technologies Inc. CEO that worked along side with Real Emotions Inc. on the development of RE Full Dive Capsule for VR immersion. The Suzuki Technologies Inc. is also responsible for the development of multiple mechanical contraptions used in hospitals to help lift patients, administer medicine and screen patients.


    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!Suzuki Kouta is a boy standing at about 170cm with short, loosely cut black hair and a pair of inquisitive dark brown eyes. He is wearing a rather non-descript tuxedo that truly suits his appearance. Arisa and Kouta are my close friends from way back when I was studying at a regular public school (my mother''s decision so that I would not become arrogant and snobbish with so much money in the family). Apparently, those two''s parents had the same idea and the three of us became great friends.


    The fourth boy, Suzuki Yoshirou, is just an acquaintance; the child of one of the business partners that have a share in the technology department of Suzuki Technologies Inc. and my father''s Arsenault firm. His blond-streaked black hair is a little wavy and wild while his eyes, like most Japanese, are dark brown. Suzuki Yoshirou is a rather quiet boy that is rather shy to other people that are not his family or closest friends.


    Yoshirou and Kouta sounds like brothers according to their last names but that is simply a coincidence.


    After several minutes of conversation between adults and teens, the last two families arrive at the table. These two are not as wealthy or as influential as the families already here but control much of the important resources that other families'' require for their work. As everyone greets each other again, I notice one of them secretly leering at me.


    The blond haired, dark brown eyed teen doing so is the person I am slightly on edge with. Mori Shin stands at 177.8cm, a rather tall and handsome adolescent is seemingly well-mannered. When I say seemingly well-mannered, I mean that he only puts that facade up in the face of the public and his family.


    Although I do not have proof of his actions, I''ve personally seen him acting out of this "face" of his twice, both times were by accident. Luckily, I was not noticed either times so he did not know that his front has been seen through. Although we greet each other normally, I can tell that he is faking the respect in his voice and is actually more than willing to do whatever he wishes to if there was no else around.


    --- --- ---


    A while later, waters and waitresses starts bringing the appetizer course dishes to our table. The appetizer course has three separate portions for each person. First is a small green salad topped with high-class caviar from sturgeon along with two gold leaves and a special restaurant original sauce. The second part is a small bowl of garlic-butter lobster bisque with rosemary and marjoram herbs. The third and last part of the appetizer course is four finely sliced pieces of Jam¨®n ib¨¦rico with two small cubes of herb-Gouda cheese and a single marble-like ball of cheddar cheese infused with gold leaves and white truffles.


    When everyone is done eating the appetizers, the same waiters and waitresses takes away the empty dishes and utensils and replaces them. After a while, nine professional butler-like waiters comes in with large plates each covered by a single silver dome to keep the heat and quality of the food up. As each waiter placed the plates down in front of each person seated on the table, another set of nine waiters come in and do the same for the other nine-people. Once everyone''s plates are set on the table, the waiters take off and leave with the silver domes, revealing the delicious looking and smell food.


    When reserving the restaurant, the people in the reservation are called and are given the menu through the phone or internet to show what each entr¨¦e looks like before they order. The dessert is also done the same way. Now, sitting at the table, we have the entr¨¦e set before us. Everyone ordered a different entr¨¦e when asked as I cannot see any duplicate plates on the table. In front of me is the dish I ordered: a steamed halibut steak topped with bay-leaf, almond-cream white wine sauce with a dash of lemon. There are also a couple strands of carrots, beans, and corn kernels as well. The sweet and savory smell of this dish makes me blush faintly as I enjoy the wonderful aroma it is emitting.


    "Itadakimasu!"


    With those words, everyone starts to eat.


    There are not many interesting things that happen during the dinner except when Arisa tried to pierce a bean with her fork and it slipped and sent the bean flying at my face. I avoided it and everyone had a nice laugh; even though it''s a formal dinner, it isn''t exactly "professional". It was more like a casual dinner while wearing formal attire and eating with formal etiquette.


    After everyone finishes their main course, the same butler-like waiters come in a line to pick up the used dishes and silverware and places a set of dessert silverware to replace the previous settings. Depending on what kind of dessert we ordered, the silverware would vary from a spoon or fork.


    Again, everyone has different desserts brought to them. This time, it was a couple of professional waitresses that are dressed in the traditional french maid uniform... no, not the cosplay ones that you can see other teenage girls dress up in. The original french maid uniform seem like the cosplay ones but have skits reaching down to the wearer''s feet and do not have the lacy bits that get in the way of work.


    As the waitresses come in and place each diner''s desserts in front of them, each covered up with a small semi-transparent glass dome. When everyone has their desserts in front of them, the waitresses take off the dome and then retreat out of the room. As for myself, I ordered a "Sorbetto Trio" with three flavors of sorbet ice cream: Lemon-Lime, Strawberry and Pomegranate. I savor every small spoonful of the ice cream slowly to prolong the flavor in my mouth.


    Similar to the main course, it is rather quiet with only light conversations in between. Soon, everyone gets up and starts heading out with one of the attendants escorting us. Along with the reservation, we have already paid for the food and services before hand so all we need to do is come and enjoy then leave. While leaving, the parents talk quietly with each other while Arisa and Kouta happily chat with me. Arisa and Kouta both play Ascendancy, so they wish to meet me in the game when possible. Arisa and Kouta are together in another city at the moment so they will not be able to meet up that early on.


    Once everyone leaves the building, we all say our goodbyes as our modes of transportation arrives. There are three standard limousines that come over to the entrance of the building as well as a small sedan limousine. My parents take the same limousine back to our home while I take the smaller sedan limousine back to the private academy''s dorms. I''ll need to get myself cleaned up and ready for bed.


    Although I am cautious towards Shin, I never realized that he would be plotting something sinister against me, or rather, something that is going involve me in a rather... objectionable nature...


    <hr />


    <hr />


    {{Non-Proof Read Version}}

 Chapter III - Fate of the Princess

    Polaris Dark - Chapter III


    "System, login."


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Welcome back Izayoi Miyuki! Please standby as the system loads and connect your avatar


    ... ... ...


    ... ...


    ...


    Loading complete!, connection ready. Please enjoy your time in Ascendancy!


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I reappear in the library, right in front of Theodore.


    "Welcome back young lass."


    I do a small bow and say thank you to him.


    "Thank you Mr. Theodore."


    "Well young lass," Theodore speaks out, "just a small hint; the alchemy section within the black-silver shelves is to the left side of the shelf. Ah, the black-silver section is on the third floor."


    I thank him again before starting on this quest.


    I open the quest window up from the system and review what I need to do before heading to black-silver section. After getting to that area, I shuffle around, checking the book titles and find three useful ones. I take out the three books and then head to a small table and chair on this floor.


    I open the first book titled: "Rare and Magical Herbs" and start to read...


    ...


    ...


    ...


    Ten minutes into the book, I come across an interesting herb that catches my eye.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Deadzone Bluebell</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Rarity</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Rare</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Level Req.</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">1</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">A strange bluebell plant that grows on the decaying matter of plants and animals. It suppresses fungal growth and is planted in agricultural gardens and near trees for that reason. This flower requires very little maintenance but grows very slowly; releasing only three seeds per year. The reason for its dreary name is because of the abundance of these plants in a dangerous region called "Dead Zone". This region is full of dead and decaying material that spews toxic gases, making it uninhabitable to most living things. The flowers bloom there in abundance due to the material there, not affected by the toxic gases.


    --- --- ---


    Herb Information


    Used as a material for external poultices


    Primary Dosage: Stamina Reduction, Poison Damage, Health Reduction


    Secondary Dosage: Painkiller, Attack Speed Boost, Critical Rate Increase


    Tertiary Dosage: Fatal Resist, Curse Resist


    Special Dosage[/color]: N/A


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    That painkiller effect on the secondary dosage is really useful, I wonder... ah, that''s one of the ingredients that can be used for this quest.


    *Ding!*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have found one of the required material for the quest!


    1/4 Materials have been identified


    Materials Required:


    ---------------------


    6 Deadzone Bluebell petals


    ---------------------


    ---------------------


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Alright, one down, let''s find what the other three ingredients are for something against back pain. I continue reading the book, skimming through herbs that do not pique my interest or is not important for the quest. It takes another ten minutes or so for me to find another herb that can be used for the quest.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Frosty Star Flower</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Rarity</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Rare</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Level Req.</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">1</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">A plant that sprouts multiple star-shaped flowers that emit a cold, icy aura. The pollen of this flower also emits an chilling air that is refreshing and cool. This plant is only known to blossom in cold regions but are numerous in those areas. The flower petals are delicate in a physical manner but tough when faced with flames, making them fire resistant and impossible to burn at low temperatures. As an ice-attribute herb, it can definitely be used to produce ice resistance potions as well.


    --- --- ---


    Herb Information


    A material that has multiple purposes


    Primary Dosage: Chilling Effect, Ice Resistance III, Mana Restoration


    Secondary Dosage: Numbing Effect


    Tertiary Dosage: Magic Enhancement, Ice Attribute, Fire Resistance II


    Special Dosage: N/A


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    *Ding!*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have found one of the required material for the quest!


    2/4 Materials have been identified


    Materials Required:


    ---------------------


    6 Deadzone Bluebell petals


    3 Frosty Star Flowers


    ---------------------


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    There we go, that''s the second material required. Flipping through the rest of the pages, I finally finish the book in another fifteen minutes. I then pick up and open the next book titled: "Magic-Laced Medicinal Ingredients". Skimming through the book, I find that it is filled with medicinal ingredients from many sources, from plants, animals, rocks and even monsters. Although the sources are diverse, it only contains a lot of the more mundane ingredients found from not as dangerous monsters.


    This book has a lot of interesting materials written down in details , a few catches my eye include "Shimmering Glow Dust", "Cloudy Stone Fragments", and "Golden Pearl Powder". These three materials special material items can be used to make mana restoration items that have can have multiple beneficial effects. I also find one more ingredient to create something for Theodore to relieve his back pain.


    *Ding!*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have found one of the required material for the quest!


    3/4 Materials have been identified


    Materials Required:


    1 Small Vial of Star Shell Powder


    6 Deadzone Bluebell petals


    3 Frosty Star Flowers


    ---------------------


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    This book only takes up fifteen in-game minutes since it is thinner than the previous one and so I continue on to the last book titled: "Magical Medicine Found in Forests". This one doesn''t have anything to do with the quest I am on but did have some details on a rather interesting mushroom that has quite a slew of uses when combined with other ingredients. This Chromatic Mist Mushroom has the known effects of "Mana Recovery and Regeneration Improvement", "Health Recovery and Regeneration Improvement", "Stamina Recovery and Rejuvenation Improvement", "Physical Condition Improvement" and "Mental Condition Improvement".


    The first three are pretty self-explanatory: it allows the item being crafted to have an improved rate of recovery and regeneration rate for a certain duration. Physical condition improvement means that status buffing items with effects on the physical body (such as strength, agility and vitality) will be enhanced. Mental condition improvement does the same with the mental attributes (such as wisdom, intelligence, and leadership).


    I''ll be keeping an eye out for this mushroom in forests whenever I have something to do in a forest. It seems this ingredient can grow in any forest but rarely appears and even when it does appear, it wilts and disappears rather quickly as well.


    I close the book and bring along the three books I currently have out and walk about to the shelf I got them from. Replacing them in their respective spots on the shelf, I scan the shelf for anything that catches my eye and finally take out a book titled, "Aquatic Medicine and Obscure Ingredients". Maybe this book will have the final ingredient for the quest. I take another thirty minutes to finish skimming this book as well as finding the last required ingredient.


    *Ding!*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have found the fourth required material for the quest!


    4/4 Materials have been identified ***Complete***


    Materials Required:


    1 Small Vial of Star Shell Powder


    6 Deadzone Bluebell petals


    3 Frosty Star Flowers


    1 Wavy Black Kelp Frond


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have found all the materials required to make a medicinal poultice for Theodore''s back pain. Quest details have been updated.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Quest: The Librarian''s Problem II</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Difficulty:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">E-1</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Tier:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">General</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">The Apothecary


    Now that you have identified four useful materials for creating a solution for the librarian''s back pain, go to the apothecary and request the poultice to be made with the four ingredients. Remember to include the amount of ingredients for each of the four required materials.


    Quest Objectives


    - Go to the Apothecary and put in a request for Theodore


    Quest Failure Conditions


    - Unless you chose to quit, there is no chance at failing


    Bonus Objectives


    - N/A


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Okay, let''s go to the apothecary now since I just finished this quest... wait, why do I even need to do research if I am to head to the apothecary to put in the request? Does the apothecary practitioner not know how to deal with painkillers? I guess I''ll find out when I get there.


    I replace the book on to the shelf and head down the stairs, returning to the ground floor of the library. Theodore notices me and gives me a small smile.


    "Done with the research?"


    "Yes," I reply, "I will head to the apothecary to request a solution for your back pain."


    "Ah, that will be the best. Thank you young lass, I shall be waiting for you."


    With a small farewell, I head out of the library and walk to the central region of the city. The library is the closest to the castle walls, north of the central region where the marketplace is. It takes about twelve minutes to get to the main marketplace street and another two minutes to reach the apothecary. Along the way, there were some people that were looking my way, especially the male players. However, because of that, I gained a new stat just because there are a lot of people looking at me...


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    New Stat: Attractiveness


    When others start noticing you in a good way for your looks, it is sure that people will find you attractive. Attractiveness or Attraction of a person causes others to desire or become interested in him/her. This type of attractiveness for people in general is physical attractiveness. This stat can affect NPC interactions either way and have implications on quest routes one can take. This stat does not change your avatar''s appearance but instead changes how NPCs look at you. Attractiveness is purely a player-to-world stat and does not affect interactions with other players.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I guess this stat gives a bonus with interactions between myself and the world but does not include players. Checking the new stat, I find that it already having 20 points in it. I''ll see what happens when I interact with the NPC in the apothecary.


    Inside the apothecary is a large counter top for operating the business. To the walls of this building are shelves lined with potions and other medical items. Across from the counter top are three workers, each with a small line of customers waiting in line. There are both players and NPCs in the line unlike other games where only players will buy things, making Ascendancy much more realistic than most VRMMORPGs out there so far. It may not be the best, but it is the most realistic in terms of "living" in another world.


    I wait patiently in the line to the left, where a dark blond haired young man is working as consultant and clerk. The consultant here is around ten centimeters taller than me and has rather round and gentle brown eyes. While waiting for the three people ahead of me to get what they want and then leave, I check my inventory to see how much money I have on me right now... ah, it''s the basic starting amount of fifty copper pieces. With twenty, one can buy themselves a small meal of two pieces of rye bread and a barley soup with a glass of water.


    Taking note of the items in the store, it is finally my turn and I walk up to the counter and the worker here addresses me in a pleasant way.


    "Hello there miss, what do you require today?"


    "Hello, I need a custom ordered painkiller medicine for Theodore."


    Nodding, the clerk here rings a small bell under the table and then takes out a small card. He writes down something on the card before looking back at me and replying.


    "Please wait moment miss...?"


    "Yukiara."


    "Ah, thank you, please wait a moment Miss Yukiara, I have called the senior consultant to assist in the custom order. She''ll be here as soon as possible. Please step aside for the next customer, thank you very much."


    I nod to him before giving him a thanks before stepping away from the line to wait for the senior consultant. Not long later, about five seconds or so, the backroom door opens, revealing a woman dressed in the same robes as the clerks at the front counter: beige robes with white lining. The woman''s robes has a large green circle on the back and two green bars around the cuffs on the sleeve though, while the clerks are only plain white.


    The woman first goes to the clerk and takes the card from him, looking over it before going over to the side of the counter, closest to where I am waiting. opens the small door to the counter to the side and walks towards me with a smile, her long, wavy dull red hair giving her a rather lively look.


    "So you''re the young miss that requires a custom order. My name is Shara Winfield, senior consultant and the one in charge of the custom orders, pleased to meet you!"


    Her twinkling light green eyes make her look happy-go-lucky and energetic even though her presence gives off a rather mature, elegant aura from her rather voluptuous figure. A lot of the players in the apothecary are staring at her beauty and allure but it seems she doesn''t really care about them at all.


    I bow a little in respect and reply.


    "My name is Yukiara, it is nice to meet you Miss Winfield."


    "Ara~," Shara says with a hint of amusement, "such a polite young girl. I would rather you call me Shara, won''t you do so for me?"


    "If that is fine with you, then I shall Miss Shara. Please call me Yukiara, or Yuki for short if you''d like."


    "Thank you for understanding~ Well then Miss Yuki, let''s go to the backroom to discuss what you need, shall we?"


    I nod and Shara leads me behind the counter and to the backroom before closing the door behind us. The backroom looks like a living room with a coffee table in the middle with sofas around it. Shara takes a seat and asks me to sit as well, which I do so.


    "So," Shara begins, "what kind of custom order do you require?"


    "I have a list of four different ingredients that are required for a painkiller poultice for Theodore the librarian."


    "Interesting... we do not normally make medicine of that sort normally, so this is definitely a custom order. Alright, as long as you can tell me the amount and the ingredients required, I should be able to make it."


    I repeat the ingredients required as Shara takes out a small piece of paper and writes them down. When I am done reciting the ingredients and she is done writing them down, Shara stops for a moment before speaking.


    "Hm... we have all four ingredients here... that''s good. I can make it for you."


    "Ah," I suddenly remember something, "how much does it cost?"


    "Don''t worry about that Miss Yukiara, this is an order from Mr. Cosenko so it will be charged to his account."


    "Okay then, I think that''s all."


    "Okay, this should be fairly quick to make, so please wait here. I''ll be back in about ten or so minutes with the order."


    Shara has one of the workers make some tea for me while she goes to make the poultice for Theodore. Sipping on the tea, the taste of it is rather unique; something like the bergamot flavoring of earl grey tea with a hint of rose and lavender.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Due to the consumption of the tea, your Health and Mana regeneration rate has increased by 10% until you log out.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Oh? Unexpectedly, this tea has a special stat buff for the entirety of a single login. Maybe I''ll go fight some more after completing this quest. It takes me around ten minutes to finish the tea and just when I did, Shara comes out of another room from the door to another area with a package.


    "Alright, well I''m done with making the order. Here you go Miss Yuki."


    Shara hands me the package as I get up, taking it gratefully.


    "Thank you Miss Shara. Also, the tea was the most splendid; it is really good."


    "Ah, I see you like tea as well. Hm... come visit me when you have time, we can converse while having that tea."


    "Won''t that cut into your work schedule?"


    "Of course not! I do not have a set schedule. I can research to my own pace with a minimum requirement of making a hundred basic health potions and basic mana potions every week. I can make 20 of each potion in five hours a day so with seven days a week, I have a lot of extra time."


    "Oh, if that is the case, I would gladly visit you since it won''t bother your work."


    With that, I place the package in the inventory. Shara seems not to mind it disappearing on the spot; indicating that pioneers are not "rare" or "just arrived". We shake hands and then Shara leads me to another door, separate from the room she came out of and the one to the main reception area.


    "Head out from the backdoor, it will be less crowded and easier to get to the library as the path from the backdoor is closer to the castle."


    I give a thanks again and bow slightly while Shara smiles. I walk out of the doorway and start heading towards the library.


    --- ---


    --- ---


    Back at the library, I see Theodore still at the front desk with barely anyone in the building, again. The only people in here are the workers and Theodore. Looks like no one wants to come here to read as always.


    "Young lass," Theodore notices me and calls out to me, "You''re back."


    I bow slightly to him.


    "Yes Mr. Theodore, I have brought back something for your back pain."


    "Ah, finally! Now I won''t have to endure that annoying pain while I read and analyze works! Thank you for helping me out young lass."


    I hand over the parcel contain the poultice and he puts it in a drawer on the desk.


    *Ding!*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Quest: The Librarian''s Problem</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Difficulty:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">E-4</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Tier:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">General</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Quest Complete!


    Quest Objectives


    - Create a solution for the librarian''s back pain


    Quest Rewards


    - Black-Silver Library Pass


    - ???


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Okay, that''s done. So I get to keep the Black-Silver library pass as well as get something that is unknown to me...


    "Let me ask you a question young lass," Theodore starts, "what kind of career are you hoping to get? Please give me some general characteristics of what you are looking for."


    Hm... career, I think Theodore means what profession I wish to change to. I had thought about it in the beginning but I found most of the regular classes to have strengths and weaknesses that don''t really suit my liking.


    The warrior is too focused on physical aspects while archers are downright weak in close combat.


    Mages, even though they seem to be very powerful in the later stages, they can get taken down by Archers and Rogues without even knowing it. Being a nearly pure support class doesn''t appeal to me either.


    A priest''s advancements are mainly support, with only the cross-class advancements that lead to stronger magic or becoming a "holy" defender like a paladin.


    The bard... though not as bad as other games from the looks of things, it is not too useful as being the jack-of-all-trades with support music magic just seems a little useless.


    "Well..." I start to say, "I want something that capitalizes on efficiency when fighting one-on-one and has support capabilities... although the archer class appeals a little to me, it just doesn''t seem to have the on-one-one capability."


    The librarian closes his grey eyes for a moment, thinking about what I just said before smiling a little.


    "I think there is a profession that you will rather like... but it has a rather difficult trial. I wonder if you would be able to pass it... No, if it''s you, you''ll definitely be able to pass it!"


    I just stand there, a little confused while Theodore mumbles to himself.


    "Alright," the librarian starts talking to me, "young lass, I think there is the perfect profession for what you have told me. This, however will be rather difficult as it is rather obscure and does not follow a set path. I cannot tell you then name of the profession until you choose to accept it, do you wish to, young lass?"


    *Ding!*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Quest: Fate of the Ameryst Princess</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Difficulty:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">E-9</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Tier:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Chain</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Hidden Profession Trials: Start


    The Librarian Theodore has given some information about a hidden profession that has never been discovered. If you wish to proceed, please accept this quest and challenge the three trials that will indicate if you are suitable for becoming the successor to the profession of immense finesse. There are a total of three trials, each one testing a characteristic of yourself. With this, prepare for both ranged and close-combat. Hopefully you''ll find that using a bow is one of your strong points...


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Quest Objectives


    - Complete the three trials presented to you


    Quest Failure Conditions


    - You die during a trial


    - You fail one of the trials


    Bonus Objectives


    - Impress the trial examiners


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Wow, this is pretty cool. Although I do not know what kind of profession I''ll get from this, but it sounds like something to do with the hunter, which is one of the advancement choices of the archer profession tree with both ranged and melee options. As an Archer, you have to reach Level 100 before taking the test to see if you can advance to the next profession. When you pass, you can choose one of four routes: Marksmen, Magic Archer, Hunter or Scout. When you advance, you will be reset to Level 1 but will retain all stat and skills so it is like the player is at Level 101 instead of just beginning.


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    The Marksmen focuses on medium to long range combat and is essentially an improved version of the basic archer, increasing the effective range and the power of the arrows that are fired. It also gains a few support skills to help the player maintain distance from the enemy, act as fire support for a party and reduce aggro from attacking the target(s). The Marksmen can advance to Sharpshooter at level 100 to further improve on the archer''s abilities to cover in mid and long range combat.


    Magic Archers do not improve much on the archery skills but grants the ability to attack with arrows that are imbued with magic, dealing both physical and magic damage while adding elemental effects to the attacks. Some skills of the magic archer deal abnormal status effects to the enemy with the elements used, like <Burn> for fire and <Freeze> for ice arrows. Magic Archers can advance to Mystic Archer at level 100, improving their magic enchantments on arrow skills as well as increasing the variety of elements they can use.


    The Hunter is savvy in hit-and-runs and guerrilla warfare, bringing down pain and suppressing enemy advance with traps and ambushes. Along with being capable at silent, ranged attacks, the hunter is also capable with melee assaults, making them much more versatile with the combat abilities of the rogue and archer, balancing the two profession''s capabilities. At level 100, the Hunter can advance to Trapping Ranger, which increases their use of traps and introduces poisons to the mix as well as increasing the player''s ambush capabilities.


    Finally, the Scout is the best at long-range combat and support, taking down enemy after enemy with precision and powerful attacks. Unlike the other three paths, the scout focuses solely on taking down targets without being spotted or while being covered by allies. Using debilitating shots and powerful, piercing arrows, the sniper plays to its role perfectly as fire-support archer or a ranged assassin. The Scout can advance to Sniper at level 100, increasing its offensive ranged abilities even more and adding several support skills to avoid enemies.


    ---


    So the very first profession I get is something like a variant of the Hunter path of the Archer''s profession tree; I think this will be a good first profession to try out.


    "Yes," I respond after thinking for a while, "I accept."


    *Ding!*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have accepted this quest. Be aware that you will be taking the examination through using a preset character attuned to the basic abilities of the profession you are completing a trial for. It does not matter what your current character is, it will not be used in the trials to make it fair. The trial situation is randomized based on a set of scenarios along with your current character''s achievements.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    "Okay then," Theodore holds up a small silver pendant with an embedded emerald gem, "please hold on to this for the duration of the trials."


    I take the pendant from him and was about to wait for further instructions when the pendant started glowing a soft greenish light. I start feeling drowsy and sway, eventually fall over from the induced sleepiness. Before I hit the ground though, Theodore had already gotten out of his seat and caught my helpless body. Before my eyes closed and my hearing turned to the void, I can hear his final words:


    "Good luck with the trials young lass, hopefully you will be successful."


    --- ---


    --- ---


    I wake up to find myself on a soft, silken bed, underneath the pure white covers. Looking at myself, I see that my body has shifted from my own avatar to another character again. This time it seems my body has changed to whomever this character is supposed to be instead of throwing my normal form into the situation. Checking my body, I''m wearing a rather revealing white negligee that reaches above my snow-white thighs.


    This piece is a bit translucent but it doesn''t reveal the parts that matter. This causes me to blush as I have never dressed in anything so... risque before. I slowly climb out of the bed and brush past the very soft white, lacy curtains of the canopy bed, As I take a look around, I note elegant and soft colors of the room. It definitely looks like a rich aristocrat''s room, if not nobility.


    I walk over to the standing mirror to take a look at what I look like in this new place. Standing in front of the mirror, I can see that I look very different from my original avatar. My new face is slender and sharp, making me look more refined and authoritative. My eyes are a glistening emerald green while my hair is a light, pale golden blonde. This character''s is very long and soft, reaching down under my waist line, flowing downward in a smooth wave.


    I think this character is around 173cm (5''8"), taller than the average human woman... ah, wait a moment, taking a look at the lithe body, I think I''ve been turned into an Elf.


    "Open Status"


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Status Infomation</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Name:</td>


    <td width="25%">Celeste Fa Mercurius</td>


    <td width="25%">Profession:</td>


    <td width="25%">Ameryst Princess</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Level:</td>


    <td width="25%">45</td>


    <td width="25%">Sub Profession:</td>


    <td width="25%">N/A</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Race:</td>


    <td width="25%">High Elf</td>


    <td width="25%">Gender:</td>


    <td width="25%">Female</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Equipped Title</td>


    <td colspan="2">Princess of the Wind</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Rank (Social Class)</td>


    <td colspan="2">Princess</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Fame:</td>


    <td width="25%">35,000</td>


    <td width="25%">Infamy:</td>


    <td width="25%">0</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Health:</td>


    <td width="25%">875 / 875</td>


    <td width="25%">Health Recovery:</td>


    <td width="25%">0.88 / Sec</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Mana:</td>


    <td width="25%">1300 / 1300</td>


    <td width="25%">Mana Recovery:</td>


    <td width="25%">3.0 / Sec</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Stamina:</td>


    <td width="25%">100 / 100</td>


    <td width="25%">Stamina Recovery:</td>


    <td width="25%">0.1 / Sec</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Strength:</td>


    <td width="25%">36</td>


    <td width="25%">Dexterity:</td>


    <td width="25%">65</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Vitality:</td>


    <td width="25%">29</td>


    <td width="25%">Agility:</td>


    <td width="25%">68</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Intelligence:</td>


    <td width="25%">63</td>


    <td width="25%">Wisdom:</td>


    <td width="25%">62</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Charisma:</td>


    <td width="25%">150</td>


    <td width="25%">Luck:</td>


    <td width="25%">25</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Physical Attack:</td>


    <td width="25%">7</td>


    <td width="25%">Physical Defense:</td>


    <td width="25%">2</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Magical Attack:</td>


    <td width="25%">15</td>


    <td width="25%">Magical Defense:</td>


    <td width="25%">10</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Physical Modifiers</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Slash:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    <td width="25%">Pierce:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Crush:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    <td width="25%">Blast:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Elemental Modifiers</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Fire:</td>


    <td width="25%">130%</td>


    <td width="25%">Water:</td>


    <td width="25%">60%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Wind:</td>


    <td width="25%">60%</td>


    <td width="25%">Earth:</td>


    <td width="25%">60%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Ice:</td>


    <td width="25%">90%</td>


    <td width="25%">Lightning:</td>


    <td width="25%">90%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Light:</td>


    <td width="25%">60%</td>


    <td width="25%">Darkness:</td>


    <td width="25%">200%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Mind:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    <td width="25%">Void:</td>


    <td width="25%">150%</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ---


    So this is the character I''ve taken over for the trials. So I''ve experienced being a low-ranking soldier and now I''ll be doing the trials as a princess, it seems this game is more interesting than ever.


    *Ding!*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Quest: Fate of the Ameryst Princess</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Difficulty:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">E-9</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Tier:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Chain</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Hidden Profession Trials: Part A


    Head to the private archery range to complete your morning practice. The Archer is a dexterous profession without requiring much strength or agility. However, when dealing with enemies solo, one must not neglect movement and awareness so that they will not get struck down by an enemy approaching them secretly. Complete your morning practice to continue the trial.


    Quest Objectives


    - Complete the objectives of this trial presented to you:


    > Head to the Archery Range


    > Shoot ten arrows at a practice target (0/10)


    > Get at least eight of the arrows within the inner ring (0/8)


    > Shoot ten arrows at a practice target


    Quest Failure Conditions


    - You miss the target completely (0/2)


    Bonus Objectives


    - ???


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    *Ding!*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Navigation has been enabled for the trial. Please follow the cyan arrow to head towards your current objective.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    A cyan-colored arrow appears on the ground, pointing in the direction I need to go to to take the trial. Taking a look at my body again, I think I''ll need to go get something to wear outside of the room. I check the inventory and find a set of clothing. The set includes the <White Royal Dress>, <White Royal Sandals>, <White Royal Seal> and <Royal Circlet>. I quickly equip all of them and look in the mirror again and surprise myself to how beautiful this character is.


    The dress is a pure white, reaching down to the feet in smooth waves. The thread lining are golden and silver, making the dress look even more luxurious than it already is. The sleeves are crisp and clean, easy to move in and delicately made so as to not restrict the freedom of the arms. The circlet is a simple silver or platinum piece that fits comfortably on my head but otherwise not much to say about the design here. The sandals have multiple straps that reach up to the lower portion of my shin, all light-brown in color with a silver buckle to secure them on my feet. The <White Royal Seal> is actually a mantle-like silken white cloak that covers my shoulders and back like a very soft cloak or cape, translucent white in color and adds more style to the already luxurious design.


    I guess I''ll head over to the archery range now since I''m done looking at myself in this character''s body. After I exit the room, I follow the arrow to reach the range. Along the way, a few patrolling elven soldiers in silver armor greet me respectfully as I reciprocate. Not five minutes later I finally arrive and find a stand and rack holding the bows and the quivers of arrows. I walk up to the stand and rack and examine the each bow and quiver and find no difference in them so I pick one of each up and head to the marked area.


    Standing at the marked area, I look forward with the quiver at the left side of my waist. The bow, quiver and arrows are very finely crafted, painted a pure white color on the main body of both the arrows and the bow. The bow and quiver has silver reinforcement layers on the edges to help protect and increase its durability. This is a western style, symmetrical bow made for actual battle; the reinforced plating and grip is testament to the durability and reliability of this weapon.


    Speaking of archery and bows, I have placed second in the Japanese National Kyudo competition for both close range (28 meters) and long distance (90 meters), losing out only to my school''s Archery Society team captain; Yukimura Azumi. Unlike other school archery clubs in Japan, our academy''s Archery Society has both the traditional Japanese Kyudo Yumi (asymmetrical Japanese Bow) and western style archery bows as well. We use and practice with both of them so that we can truly be aspiring sports archers in the world.


    Before aiming at the practice board, I take a closer look at the bow in my hand and give the bow a couple of practice pulls to test the draw weight and the tension. I close my eyes while drawing the bow, getting a good feel of the weight as well as identifying kind of bow it is. From the feel of the weight and the pull, this is probably a composite bow with the outer layer made of wood. I do not know what the inner layers nor the core is made of but it is strong enough to to be used in combat.


    The target is approximately 50 meters away... compared to the long distance competitions, this is much closer so it will not hinder my accuracy. Looking back at the greenish-white target with rings painted on it, I take an arrow from the quiver and notch it, readying to fire. I bring up the bow and aim towards the target, finding that the inner ring is about half the size of the target itself. There''s a dot at the center, marking the bulls-eye point.


    Deciding the challenge myself a bit, I aim off center and release the arrow. The first arrow flies towards its destination and within a moment, the arrow strikes the place where the inner and outer circles are divided. Taking a look at the objectives, I note the number changed. This counts as a hit so I think I''ll continue to do this. The second, third and fourth arrow hit the target in a similar fashion, making a square design using the arrows.


    As I pull on the fifth arrow, I notice something strange motion from off to the side, a hidden shadow that seems to be watching me. Unlike other people who misses external factors when concentrating, I actually become extremely sensitive to my surroundings when I concentrate entirely on a certain point or aspect. Because everything else fades to become vague and immaterial-like, any motion that is out of the ordinary is attracted by my sight.


    Without warning, I turn towards the area I saw the movement in and fire an arrow in a moment''s notice, not even waiting for if the arrow hits or misses, I notch another one immediately and shoot again, angling slightly to the right, anticipating the shadow-like figure''s motion. Surprised, the figure dodges to the left... to his/her left, and ends up getting hit by the second arrow, making him - the voice is definitely male - utter a groan in agony. I follow up with two more arrows, one slightly left and right of the figure''s current position. The arrows strike the sides of the figure and pin him to the ground.


    *Ding!*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Quest Objectives


    - Complete the objectives of this trial presented to you:


    > Head to the Archery Range


    > Shoot ten arrows at a practice target (4/10)


    > Get at least eight of the arrows within the inner ring (4/8)


    > Shoot ten arrows at a practice target


    Quest Failure Conditions


    <del>- You miss the target completely (0/2)</del>


    - ???


    Bonus Objectives


    - ???


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    It seems the patrolling guards spotted the intruder when he was struck by my arrow and are now rushing to the figure. One of four guards head to where I am instead of apprehending the intruder.


    "My lady, are you alright?"


    I nod to him and point at the figure being dragged to us by the three other guards.


    "That intruder over there," I say with a melodic voice that surprises myself, "I think he''s going through a really bad day."


    The guard is about my height, wearing full silver plated armor and a helmet. He snickers a little at my small joke and responds.


    "I don''t think that a bad day is a strong enough term for being nailed down by the princess like a hunter stalking its prey... hehe..."


    I just shake my head with a small smile. Let''s see who we have here. After a small interrogation round with myself, the captain of the patrol as well as newly arrived elven soldiers, the intruder finally broke down and told us everything he knew. His name is Laenir from the human alliance. He had a high-risk high-reward contract to kidnap the Princess of Ameryst - For this trial, I am currently her - for the King of the Krisengarde Kingdom. Apparently, the King is an unscrupulous, fat slob of a human that forces beautiful girls into his harem and had set his sights on the high elf princess.


    If playing through the tutorial gave me any hints, I''d say that this trial is also based on historical events. Whether or not this plays out in the same way as the tutorial, I will just follow what I want to do in here and try to complete the trials the best I can.


    In the end, Laenir was locked into a windowless room as a "forced" guest. It was rather luxurious guestroom, but I told the guards not to throw him to the dungeons. Talking with the patrol captain, it seems the security in this area is very strict; getting through most of the patrol unnoticed is really an amazing feat. If the "prisoner" agrees, I will employ him as a counter-intelligence personnel under my own orders instead.


    After that is sorted out, a few of the guards escort the "prisoner" to the guestroom while the rest of the guards check the surrounding area for any more intruders or out-of-place objects. A window appears soon after the guards start working.


    *Ding!*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Quest Complete: Fate of the Ameryst Princess</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Difficulty:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">E-9</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Tier:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Chain</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Hidden Profession Trials: Part A


    You have successfully completed Part A.


    Quest Objectives


    - Complete the objectives of this trial presented to you:


    > Head to the Archery Range


    > Shoot ten arrows at a practice target (4/10)


    > Get at least eight of the arrows within the inner ring (4/8)


    > Shoot ten arrows at a practice target


    Quest Failure Conditions


    <del>- You miss the target completely (0/2)</del>


    Bonus Objectives


    - Notice the intruder


    - Take down the intruder


    - Take down the intruder without killing him


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Hm... I guess the first trial is complete then. When the rest of the guards leave the area after checking the area, a second window pops up but this time... it is preceded by a siren warning sound, startling and alerting me to a potential danger.


    *Warning Siren*


    <table style="background: Red">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Warning! Please prepare for the second trial. This trial requires the player to deal with high-level psychological and mental stress due to the high-intensity combat and maturity level it pertains to. Due to the fact your maturity content is enabled, the full scene will be shown and will further increase the difficulty.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    When did I turn the mature content on? Or rather, how did it turn on when I''m not of age yet? Although I do not get all squeamish about mature subjects, like what had happened during the tutorial, I''m pretty sure this is violating the law right now... well, whatever. I don''t really mind ever since Arisa accidentally opened up a website with actual porn on it while the three of us - Arisa, Kouta and myself - where trying to find something fun to look at. Kouta was laughing out loud when she did that while I had a giggle. Arisa''s face turned so red I swear she became a tomato.


    After all the laughing and giggling, Arisa and Kouta actually watched the videos while I simply followed their lead. Although the two of them did not actually try anything together, they were a bit aroused from watching. I, on the other hand, had a problem with it. You see, my mother and I are descendants of an old aristocratic family in Japan that practiced inbreeding several hundred years ago to keep the line "pure" and "untainted".


    For some reason, non of the children after those several generations had any mental defects but rather resulted in a relatively normal genetic coding with a certain mutation: yes, it some how shut off the nerves and the sense of sexual pleasure from both mind and body. We can feel pleasure from other sources, but nothing sexual in nature. This "defect" affected random generations and it seems my mother and I were hit by back-to-back mutations without skipping a generation.


    Not that it affected us much, but it is probably one "good" thing in life we probably lose forever... not that we would even know how it feels.


    In this case, I think the game has made exceptions for me. Since the virtual capsule does both a mental map and a physical scan of one''s body to check for abnormalities in the psyche or to compensate for those with disabilities, I think it detected my nonchalant attitude towards 18+ material and enabled it so that I can experience the full version of the game without any problems.


    Sighing, I wonder what kind of trouble I am going to get into for this...


    <table style="background: Red">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Second trial will start in ten seconds. Please get ready.


    10...


    9...


    8...


    7...


    6...


    5...


    4...


    3...


    2...


    1...


    START


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I close my eyes tightly as the surroundings flash to a bright white.


    <hr>


    <hr>


    {{Non-Proof Read Version}}

 Chapter IV - Reality of Invasions

    <table style="background: indigo">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Hello there, this is GMSnow! I am here to inform you about this chapter''s maturity rating. In the future, I will also open a window up here before the story starts to remind you of the rating of the chapter. The content with this rating is in yellow text and will be in spoilers, making the chapter look smaller than it actually is. A reminder is that every chapter barring non-story pages like the glossary, interludes, prologues and epilogues will be about 5k-10k words long.


    This chapter is rated at Adults Only 18+ or a very mature audience and has some, if not all of the following:


    - Blood and Gore


    - Fantasy Violence


    - Sexual Violence


    - Use of Alcohol


    - Mature Humor


    Please consider your maturity and age before reading. Not reading this warning and then complaining about how your innocence has been scarred forever is not going to be compensated nor will the staff care as you have already been warned. Other than that, happy readings~


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    --- --- ---


    --- --- ---


    --- --- ---


    --- --- ---


    --- --- ---


    Polaris Dark - Chapter IV


    My vision returns and I find myself sprawled on the ground, the same clothing from the previous trial now tattered and ripped in areas. Ouch, my head hurts. So did the princess fall over or something? That thought was dashed when I can hear the roar of fire from outside whatever room I am in right now.


    "Check Health"


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Health: 712/2250


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    What happened here? I can hear angry yells, frightened and agony-filled screams and shrieks, and some clashing of metal on metal periodically. I slowly get up and look around, finding myself inside some sort of cellar, behind a couple of barrels smelling of some sort of fruit wine. A window pops up and some very disturbing information.


    *Ding!*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Quest: Fate of the Ameryst Princess</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Difficulty:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">D-9</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Tier:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Chain</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Hidden Profession Trials: Part B


    The invasion force has broken through the castle and now there are scores of enemy soldiers as well as friendly troops in the vicinity fighting each other. The enemy forces are numerous and have a huge advantage while the elven soldiers are not as organized from the surprise attack.


    The High Elf king and queen have successfully escaped with a small detachment of elite elven soldiers when you volunteered (kind of forcefully) to distract the enemy and become a decoy with a few of your personal guards to draw the enemy soldiers away from the king and queen. The prince has the main army cannot make it in time to sweep away the enemy and so you must escape as well.


    Be careful not to get pinned down by enemy soldiers; they will rape you if you are not careful enough to avoid their grabs. Free yourself from their grapples the best you can so that you can escape from being raped. If you are raped three times, you will automatically fail the trial as you will be too exhausted to move any further. The exhaustion counter will be available when the trial starts.


    Be warned, you must fight with both your mind and body to be able to escape this situation. Ready your battle gauntlets, ready your bow and fight off soldiers that wish to take you for themselves! The trial will start once you exit this cellar, check the set of techniques and a single skill you have acquired to accomplish this task! A cyan arrow will show you where you need to go.


    Quest Objectives


    - Complete the objectives of this trial presented to you:


    > Take down at least two enemy soldiers with close-combat techniques (0/2)


    > Take down at least two enemy soldiers with ranged attacks (0/2)


    >


    Quest Failure Conditions


    - You cannot free yourself from capture


    - You die before this trial ends


    - Exhaustion Count (0/3)


    Bonus Objectives


    - Avoid enemy calling for reinforcements


    - Rescue three injured soliders (0/3)


    - Rescue three women (0/3)


    - Rescue one child (0/1)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    A cyan arrow appears on the ground in front of me and points towards the door of the cellar.


    So it comes to a real war-like situation where one side is losing badly and the other side is rapes, pillages and loots like barbarians. So that''s the reason why this trial has a warning on it. It seems that I really do have to be careful if I want to stay "clean" and escape without actually experiencing the downside of being female in a losing battle.


    I do as the window suggests me to and open up the inventory and technique menu to see what I have. I first equip the battle gauntlets that are in my inventory, making them appear on my hands while I examine them a little.These are silver-white battle gauntlets that resemble gloves more than gauntlets as they cover less than half my forearm along with my hand and wrist. It has metal knuckle protectors with a sort of flexible and soft cloth material lining the inside.


    I also bring out the bow from my inventory as well as a white-silver belt to hold the bow on my back but note the lack of arrows. The bow is of the same type and design as the one I used during the first trial, allowing me to be use to the draw weight and the size of the bow. The bow increases both my magical attack and my physical attack by 100 each, bringing up the total attack to 107 and 115 respectively. I equip the belt and place the bow on my back before I check on the skills I have to finish this trial.


    "List all techniques, list in two categories; melee then ranged, alphabetical order. Show new skill after the techniques."


    "Ding!*


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Techniques


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Aero Slash</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td width="25%">Offensive</td>


    <td width="25%">Proficiency:</td>


    <td width="25%">0.00%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Class:</td>


    <td width="25%">Connector</td>


    <td width="25%">Circle:</td>


    <td width="25%">Adept</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Mana Cost:</td>


    <td width="25%">10MP</td>


    <td width="25%">Rank:</td>


    <td width="25%">Initial</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">[Wind]</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">A wide-slashing kick that is enhanced by wind magic, causing glowing magic trials to follow the kick. This technique can be activated multiple times. The number of times you can active it consecutively increases as your proficiency with the technique improves.


    Current activation limit: 8


    Cooldown: 12 sec</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Technique</td>


    <td width="25%">Damage</td>


    <td width="25%">Max Hit</td>


    <td width="25%">Type</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Slash Kick</td>


    <td width="25%">128%</td>


    <td width="25%">1</td>


    <td width="25%">P-Crush</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Crescent Kick</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td width="25%">Offensive</td>


    <td width="25%">Proficiency:</td>


    <td width="25%">0.00%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Class:</td>


    <td width="25%">Counter</td>


    <td width="25%">Circle:</td>


    <td width="25%">Adept</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Mana Cost:</td>


    <td width="25%">60MP</td>


    <td width="25%">Rank:</td>


    <td width="25%">Initial</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">[Wind]</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Avoid the enemy attack and strike the enemy with an arcing back flip kick that generates a small, glowing green arc of wind magic that does multiple hits before it fades away. This technique can cause the target to bleed from the sharp wind crescent blade.


    Perfect Evasion: 1


    20% Chance of inflicting <Bleed II>


    Cooldown: 8 sec</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Technique</td>


    <td width="25%">Damage</td>


    <td width="25%">Max Hit</td>


    <td width="25%">Type</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Back Flip Kick</td>


    <td width="25%">84%</td>


    <td width="25%">1</td>


    <td width="25%">P-Crush</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Wind Crescent</td>


    <td width="25%">8%</td>


    <td width="25%">6</td>


    <td width="25%">M-Slash</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Mirage Drop</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td width="25%">Offensive</td>


    <td width="25%">Proficiency:</td>


    <td width="25%">0.00%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Class:</td>


    <td width="25%">Falling Strike</td>


    <td width="25%">Circle:</td>


    <td width="25%">Adept</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Mana Cost:</td>


    <td width="25%">150MP</td>


    <td width="25%">Rank:</td>


    <td width="25%">Initial</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">[Wind]</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Move at a speed that causes a fading afterimage to appear at the point of activation. Appear above the designated point and stomp downward, hitting the ground (and the target if present) with both your legs enhanced by wind magic while releasing a spiraling wind energy around your body. Striking the ground results in a small explosion of wind when you hit the ground.


    Drop Range: 3m


    Cooldown: 30 sec</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Technique</td>


    <td width="25%">Damage</td>


    <td width="25%">Max Hit</td>


    <td width="25%">Type</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Fall</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    <td width="25%">1</td>


    <td width="25%">P-Crush</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Wind Spiral</td>


    <td width="25%">11%</td>


    <td width="25%">5</td>


    <td width="25%">M-Slash</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Ground Stomp</td>


    <td width="25%">158%</td>


    <td width="25%">1</td>


    <td width="25%">P-Blast</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Wind Burst</td>


    <td width="25%">52%</td>


    <td width="25%">1</td>


    <td width="25%">M-Blast</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Reflex Anchor</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td width="25%">Support</td>


    <td width="25%">Proficiency:</td>


    <td width="25%">0.00%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Class:</td>


    <td width="25%">Hindering</td>


    <td width="25%">Circle:</td>


    <td width="25%">Expert</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Mana Cost:</td>


    <td width="25%">80MP</td>


    <td width="25%">Rank:</td>


    <td width="25%">Initial</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">[Wind]</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Shoot a magic arrow that causes the target to become entangled in magic wind threads that hinders the movement, reducing agility and evasion as well as staggering the target for a moment. This technique also interrupts whatever the target is doing at the time of the strike. This arrow is fired straight forward instead of following a ballistic arc, dissipating at the one hundred meter mark.


    Range: 100m


    Reduces target agility and mobility by 25% for 10 seconds


    Staggers and interrupts target technique or spell


    Cooldown: 22 sec</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Technique</td>


    <td width="25%">Damage</td>


    <td width="25%">Max Hit</td>


    <td width="25%">Type</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Magic Arrow</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    <td width="25%">1</td>


    <td width="25%">M-Pierce</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Anchoring</td>


    <td width="25%">15%</td>


    <td width="25%">1</td>


    <td width="25%">M-Blast</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Revolver Burst</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td width="25%">Offensive</td>


    <td width="25%">Proficiency:</td>


    <td width="25%">0.00%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Class:</td>


    <td width="25%">Multi-Hit</td>


    <td width="25%">Circle:</td>


    <td width="25%">Expert</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Mana Cost:</td>


    <td width="25%">30MP</td>


    <td width="25%">Rank:</td>


    <td width="25%">Initial</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">[Wind]</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Fire six translucent pale blue magic arrows at the target consecutively without any hesitation. The arrows fired with this skill fly in a straight line, dissipating after a hundred meters.


    Range: 100m


    Time in between shots: 0.5 sec


    Cooldown: 4 sec</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Technique</td>


    <td width="25%">Damage</td>


    <td width="25%">Max Hit</td>


    <td width="25%">Type</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Magic Arrow</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    <td width="25%">6</td>


    <td width="25%">M-Pierce</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    There is also a skill I have gained as well as these techniques for this trial.


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Mistral Arrows</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Skill Type:</td>


    <td width="25%">Basic Setup</td>


    <td width="25%">Proficiency:</td>


    <td width="25%">0.00%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Skill Class:</td>


    <td width="25%">Magic Arrow</td>


    <td width="25%">Circle:</td>


    <td width="25%">Master</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Skill Cost:</td>


    <td width="25%">Mana</td>


    <td width="25%">Rank:</td>


    <td width="25%">Initial</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">An archer should never run out arrows or else he or she would become defenseless in a battle. This skill gives you the ability to create arrows made of pure magic and use it to shoot at enemies for a small mana cost, allowing you to fight without relying on regular arrows. These arrows follow a straight line path instead of an arc, dissipating after flying for a hundred meters.


    Range: 100m


    Uses Mana to manifest magic arrows, using 5MP per arrow.


    Cooldown: N/A</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Skill</td>


    <td width="25%">Damage</td>


    <td width="25%">Max Hit</td>


    <td width="25%">Type</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Magic Arrow</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    <td width="25%">1</td>


    <td width="25%">M-Pierce</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    For all spells, techniques and skills, there are different ranks and circles it is associated with. The proficiency ranges from 0.00% to 100.00%. When the proficiency reaches 100.00%, the rank will decrease by 1. Ranks are separated into 5 stages, with 5 as the lowest and 1 the highest. When the rank is maxed at 1 and the proficiency reaches 100%, one must have a corresponding "Circle Manual" item to breakthrough to the next "circle".


    There are ten Circles of expertise, from the lowest to the highest: Basic, Novice, Apprentice, Adept, Expert, Master, Saint, Imperial, Exceed, and Deity. There is a rumored eleventh, pinnacle circle but that one has never been confirmed so we can safely ignore that one.


    Judging by the skill, it looks like the "missing" arrows are not missing at all but rather unnecessary. With these techniques and this skill, I should be able to deal with a small amount of soldiers in a single area.


    Alright, I check the condition of myself, confirm that there is no problems with this body, and then move quietly towards the cellar door. I open the door slowly and slowly move up the stairwell, vigilant to my surroundings and the multitude of sounds that permeate through the air. I reach the top of the stairwell and take a look at the area, hiding behind a pillar that is part of the doorway to the cellar.


    Beyond the stairwell is a small outdoor courtyard and it looks like a disaster area with both enemy and friendly soldiers'' bodies strewn around, bleeding out with swords, axes and arrows embedded in the corpses. The ground and walls are painted with crimson blood and dark lumps of gore, making it seem like a portrait of ruin and calamity. There''s a reason why all of the realistic death and destruction doesn''t get to me is a coping method that works very well during the time I see this, but would cause a lot of problems after the event.


    Even though my body and face shows a small bit of fright and concern, my mind is actually much calmer than normal. It''s like my brain and body telling me to get through the situation first before breaking down. After the event though, I will collapse and let out everything that I had been withholding; crying, anger, disgust and all other sorts of emotions. This was part of my training during my childhood to repress my thoughts and opinions in formal settings unless there is a problem with someone.


    As I am right now, I will have to deal with the rest of the problems later. I slowly reach behind my back and take the bow out as I slink out of the shadows of the pillar and move to where the cyan arrow on the ground is pointing towards. As I move, I can hear the shrieks and cries as well as lots of yelling and swearing. The louder sounds of cries, yelling and clashing of metal on metal cover up but not hide the softer sobbing and... is that moaning from the men?


    <18+ Alert>


    Spoiler: 18+ From Now On <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    I head into a hallway the arrow is pointing to and nearly get seen by two men when turning a corner. I quickly stop and step back, hiding at the corner before peeking out slightly. I can see a total of four human enemy soldiers over there along with one elven woman and I do not like what I am seeing: the elven woman is being held down by two men, both of them raping the poor girl at the same time. I can hear her desperate sobbing and crying, still struggling to get away while the other two men are watching their surroundings, probably waiting for their turn.


    I shudder and wince with each cry from the woman; this is different from dead or dying people as I can suffer the same fate if I get caught and although this is a virtual reality, it so realistic enough to feel the awkwardness and humiliation from being forced. Forcing myself to keep calm and look for a window of opportunity to strike down all four soldiers without being noticed.


    Speaking of which, stealth attacks can deal additional damage and puts the target into dazed state from the confusion and surprise of a sneak attack. This is the rogue''s specialty: their set of techniques and skills work with this in mind and can increase the power and efficiency of sneak attacks. Although I, as this character, am not a rogue, dealing sneak attacks will still be more effective than a frontal assault.


    Due to the lighting in this area, the soldiers cannot see me peeking around the corner and this gives me a chance to take them all down before they even notice. I estimate the distance from the group over there and my position to be around six meters or so.


    "Haah... Haah... You are one fine fuck bitch!"


    "Damn, that ass is tight and hot!"


    I wince again from the vulgar word and the sobbing of the woman being raped.


    I take a deep breath and do a countdown in my mind.


    3...


    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    The two men watching the surrounding area turn away from my location.


    2...


    "I''m going to breed you like the bitch you really are!"


    1...


    "N-No! P-Please don''t do i-it!"


    Time to act.


    I trigger the <Mistral Arrows> skill and pull on the bowstring, holding the bow horizontally and immediately activate the technique <Revolver Burst> while aiming at the two standing soldier''s heads three magic arrows each soldier. The glowing pale blue arrows made of pure mana shoot out quickly, striking the two soldiers three times each without them even noticing before it was too late.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Critical! Fatal Hit! Surprise Attack! 357 Damage to Krisengarde Kingdom Soldier A Lvl. 9


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Critical! Fatal Hit! Surprise Attack! 334 Damage to Krisengarde Kingdom Soldier A Lvl. 9


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Critical! Fatal Hit! Surprise Attack! 362 Damage to Krisengarde Kingdom Soldier A Lvl. 9


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Critical! Fatal Hit! Surprise Attack! 372 Damage to Krisengarde Kingdom Soldier B Lvl. 9


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Critical! Fatal Hit! Surprise Attack! 394 Damage to Krisengarde Kingdom Soldier B Lvl. 9


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Critical! Fatal Hit! Surprise Attack! 325 Damage to Krisengarde Kingdom Soldier B Lvl. 9


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    These enemies are definitely overpowered in terms of health. A level nine player, no matter how much of a damage-soaking tank he or she is, will never have about 900 health points. I am not sure about advancements, but this is pretty ridiculous if they are not advanced soldiers.


    Both of the soldiers here only have 900 health to begin with and dealing literally triple damage to each soldier with that technique killed both of them in three seconds flat. Even with their helmet, magic arrows don''t get stopped as easily as physical arrows. This is the deciding factor I came up with to go with this plan. The two soldiers fall over, all but living. Turning from living beings to corpses within three seconds.


    Without missing a single beat, I aim towards the soldier raping the woman in the ass and activate the skill <Reflex Anchor> before shooting a regular palish-blue translucent magic arrow at the same place. That guy is so into raping the woman when the two arrows hit him, he ends up in a daze. Changing targets, II turn to the soldier underneath the woman and by this time, four seconds have past and I activate <Revolver Burst> again, sending all six magic arrows at the offending man''s head, over-killing him while the one shot in the head with the <Reflex Anchor> technique to fall into a daze and stop thrusting his member inside the woman.


    I quickly dash towards the dazed soldier and pull him off the elven woman since he is still dazed before kicking him in the head eight times in succession using <Aero Slash>, dealing on average about eighty six damage per kick. Combining the damage from the two arrows and eight consecutive kicks, the soldier buckles and dies from the assault.


    The elven woman is still sobbing but she turns around, wondering what the sounds were and the magical lights that struck the man''s head underneath her. She quickly gets off the now dead soldier and sees me before bursting into tears and running to me. Her clothing is in tatters, making her almost completely in the nude. I quickly put the bow back on my back and catch her, embracing her and comforting her while she is crying from both happiness for being saved as well as sadness from being raped and humiliated.


    My own eyes are welling up in tears from this incident; this woman is going to be devastated from this. I shake away that feeling of crying right away: if I get distracted from this, not only will she get into trouble again, even I might get myself into the same incident if soldiers discover us here. I give the woman a moment more before I pat her should a bit to try to get her attention.


    "I know you are sad and you are hurt but please hold it in for now. We really need to get out of here before the enemy soldiers discover us here..."


    The woman can''t stop crying and is still holding on to me tightly, making me feel a little more tense as if soldiers really came in right now, this is going to suck. I quickly grab on to the woman''s shoulders and shake her more and she finally stops holding on to me and looks at me with tear filled eyes.


    "I know you are hurt and unhappy, but please, we really need to get away from here before someone discovers us here. Please, at least be strong for me...?"


    The elven woman sniffles a little and tries to stop her crying, making a rather shaky smile and nod to me. I quickly give her a quick hug before back away slightly to watch my surroundings.


    "Alright, please follow me and try not to make any sound; we need to find a way to get out of the castle without getting caught... I''ll ask for your name later once you feel a bit better."


    The women brushes her mid-length golden locks out of her greenish-blue eyes and nod to me again, a small sob escaping her lips. She is about half a head shorter than me so she will not be spotted as easily and can probably hide in spaces if it comes to that as a final resort.


    As soon as I get my bearings after saving the elf maiden, I follow the cyan arrow, navigating around obstacles with the woman following me. As we round a third corner, I quickly stop the woman from moving by raising a hand. An elven soldier is being cornered by three human soldiers. It seems the elven soldier is already injured from a previous encounter and now cannot fend off and escape the three soldiers entrapping him against the wall.


    "Please wait here for a moment," I quietly whisper to woman behind me. I look back and see her nodding, her sniffling already slowly stopping.


    Because the bow is not in my inventory, I manually equip it by taking it off my back. Although equipping the bow using an inventory requires no work, it takes about five seconds for the item to appear and you cannot do that while in combat unless you have a certain skill. Manually equipping items is easier though someone can interfere with it or knock the weapon (if a weapon) out of your hand before you can use it.


    Let''s see... I peek out of the corner and see that the three enemy soldiers are toying with the injured elven soldier, poking at him halfhearted way while laughing at his attempts to avoid the spear or block it with his sword.


    I analyze the situation carefully, taking note of every possible factor before deciding on a course of action. Heading out into the open area, I crouch down and aim my bow at the very left (my left) human soldier. As <Mistral Arrows> have been triggered, a translucent pale blue magic arrow appears, ready to be fired. Like before, I use the technique <Revolver Burst> again and fire the first three at the soldier on the left and then the last three at the soldier in the middle.


    All six arrows strike true and takes down the two soldiers in the three seconds of the skill. The third soldier, however, is skilled enough to not go into a daze and turn around. Even though he sees me, he does not falter and takes me seriously, holding his spear in a defensive manner while rushing towards me.


    His idea is good; normally an archer''s weakness is close-combat and rushing forward can startle him or her from shooting again. However, rushing towards me is actually not a good idea and there are two simple reasons that make this a bad idea. First, I cannot fumble a magic arrow, making it impossible lose my attack option instead of needing to back away. Second, the class I have currently isn''t an archer.


    It''s the second reason that breaks this poor soldier''s heart. When he reaches about five steps away from me, I use the technique <Mirage Drop> and disappear from his view, startling him. One moment later, I fall from about five meters in the air, my feet smashing into his head, knocking him down while wind energy spirals around me, dealing even more damage before slamming him into the ground. My feet then slam on the ground, causing a burst of wind magic that knocks his fallen body away.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Fatal Hit! 213 Damage to Krisengarde Kingdom Soldier C Lvl. 10


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    This one is a little stronger than the others but that doesn''t really matter too much right now. I am not going to bother with opening the rest of the damage logs, it will just be repetitive and not really useful. Anyhow, the soldier isn''t down yet as the total damage of 476 damage. The soldier struck by the technique recovers quickly and cautiously approaches me with his spear in a ready position, having been punished for his mistake of thinking that I am a simple archer.


    Not that I need to do anything anymore as he completely forgot about the injured elven warrior from before. The elven warrior had taken the initiative to sneak up on the enemy soldier while I pummeled the latter to the ground and in a single breath, he stabs the enemy in through the unprotected neck before I complete the set with a magic arrow through his forehead.


    The human soldier crumples to the ground as the pale-blue magic arrow disappears.


    The injured elven soldier comes up to me and tries to kneel but nearly collapses from his injured left leg. I stop him from doing so and support his body so he doesn''t crumple like the human did, albeit not dead.


    "P-P-Princess! Y-You are alright! I was worried that something happened to you..."


    "Thank you for your concern," I reply while remembering the situation on the quest window, "although my father and mother did not like it, I acted as decoy to draw away the enemy soldiers and succeeded. I hide in the cellar before coming out to find a way to escape..."


    I think the woman hiding feels that the enemies are all down, so she comes out from the behind the corner and surprises the soldier and he nearly falls over from her appearance, covering her breasts and crotch with her hands. Just a moment later, he immediately rights himself as he seems to recognize her.


    "A-Ashia! You''re here!"


    The woman''s eyes widen and her eyes are filled with tears.


    "R-Rien... Oh..."


    She chokes into sobs and run to the elven soldier''s arms and they both hold each other with the elven woman crying again while Rien, the elven soldier, holds her tightly while a few tears fall from his eyes.


    After a moment, the soldier remembers the current situation and comforts Ashia before looking to me.


    I bow my head down slightly and my mood drops a little from this exchange. It seems that Ashia and Rien are more than just normal acquaintances.


    "I''m sorry," I start, "I wasn''t able to get to Ashia quick enough..."


    Ashia backs away from the soldier for a moment and turns to me, bowing her head deeply and speaks to me, stuttering over a few words from her still crying a little.


    "N-No... Even t-though I was violated... your highness has kept me from being defiled by their seed... I am forever in your debt..."


    After a small exchange of comforting words and embrace, I quickly assess the situation and check the quest window to see that the bonus objectives of rescuing the women and injured soldiers have both reached (1/3).


    "We better hurry," I softly say, "We do not want to get hemmed in by the enemy if they are successful in taking over the castle."


    The two elves I saved nod and we all start moving again, with me following the cyan arrow while the two of them, whom obviously can''t see it, follow me. Along the way, the three of us pass a rather empty laundry area and end up finding something new for Ashia to wear to cover her body. Ashia also spies a small knife in the room and takes it as well just in case. I don''t change to anything else since the dress I''m wearing is only torn in places and not decimated to the point where it is revealing.


    Wait a moment, if I''m still wearing the royal clothing and accessories, wouldn''t the enemy realize that I am an important character and try harder to capture me?


    Checking the equipment and accessory on me right now, I decide not to change even if it draws more attention. The rare equipment and accessories provide some decent protection and when I compare it to regular clothing, it is nearly 30% higher in both physical and magical defense even though it is in a rather bad state of repair. It also has agility and dexterity boosts so I''ll take my chances.


    We finally reach the end of the hallway after ambushing two more pairs of enemy soldiers along the way. With my ranged magic arrow support and Rien fending off the spear-wielding enemies. The three of us hide behind the pillar marking the end of the hallway while I slowly peek around the pillar to take a look at the area.


    This area is a large room with a lot of broken furniture, blood, shattered metal and wooden pole pieces. There is nothing here but dead bodies and crimson blood paint on the floor. I then take a look at my two temporary companions, seeing their pale, fear-stricken face, I have to thank my parents for helping me stay calm in such psychologically traumatizing events, even if it is only a cover until I can rest.


    Making eye contact with the two of them to get their attention, I motion for them to follow me and they calmed down slightly and started following me. We move quietly across the room and pass the broken double doors on the other side. On exiting the broken doorway, a lump of something strikes me in the head, knocking me down and dealing a substantial amount of damage to me.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    -442 Health


    You have been knocked down and put into <Helpless> state for 10 seconds


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    That was unexpected and I panic a little while on the ground, stunned for a moment from the sudden hit to the head.


    The two elves following me are surprised as well, Ashia quickly stumbles to my side and kneels to check if I''m okay while the soldier rushes over to defend me against whomever that threw whatever it was. That action is not necessary though as it turns out that it is just something that was tosses over the wall. I turn my head to see what had hit me and find some sort of broken doll...


    I can hear the cries of a child on the other side of the walls of this outdoor area as well as laughter of men. I note the high pitch feminine cries and realize what is going on, my mind calms down automatically due to the training, giving me back the ability to think clearly. When the 10 seconds are up, I quickly get up to my feet and express some urgency in my words to the other two... not before surprising Ashia


    "That doll was thrown over the wall, you can hear a child on that side, we have to go help her!"


    The two of them nods and realizes the urgency of the situation and quickly follows me as I take a detour to the door at the far left of the outer wall. Reaching the broken down door in three seconds, I stop and peek around the corner to check on the situation without being found.


    There is a group of six human soldiers here surrounding a small elven girl, laughing at her while one of them are holding up a rather ragged doll of some sort of above his head, laughing and bullying the elf girl. They''ll probably take her away after they have their fun and sell her to slave merchants or something.


    I will stop that from happening at all costs; I do not want to see, or even imagine, a child harmed like this. I closely watch their movement and decide on a risky path of action. This plan will only implicate me if it fails though even then I should be able to escape with my high agility. In comparison, those soldiers over there should not be as fast as me, especially if they are only base-level 9.


    Telling the two about my plan, of course the two of them want to object, especially Rien as he is one of the elven soldiers that protect the royal family. I reply that there is no time for deliberation and insist that I''m the only one that can play the role of the decoy since Ashia is not exactly combat ready while Rien is still injured. In the end, they relented and we start the plan.


    Because the soldiers and I are much further apart than the previous fights, standing about thirty meters away unlike the ten to fifteen meter distance from previous encounters, I take careful aim the bow and walk out from hiding while the two of them prepare the save the child. I let out all six magic arrows of the <Revolver Burst> technique at a single target as I do not know what level these soldiers are at. They''re equipment looks better than the other enemy soldiers we''ve come across so far so I know that I should not be careless.


    Even though there is more distance, straight-line firing magic arrows shoot like guns: they won''t miss at this range. The six arrows hit their mark, surprising the other five soldiers as the enemy I chose as the target falls over, dead before hitting the ground. The remaining human soldiers draw their weapons and whip their heads around frantically, trying to find the culprit that killed their comrade. The elven child just stares in shock from someone dying but does not utter a sound.


    Before the five spot me, I manage to get off a <Reflex Anchor> on another human soldier and I start running in a direction that will allow me to move the furthest away from Rien and Ashia. At this time, the soldiers spot me and start shouting out obscenities.


    "Damn! That''s a noble, get her!"


    "That bitch! She killed Kren!"


    "Let me at her! I''ll fuck her till she loses her mind!"


    "Kill that bitch!"


    "Hey! Not till we have our fun first!"


    I turn around and fire the magic arrows of <Revolver Burst> at different directions, all facing towards the five soldiers that are now running at me, with one of them slower due to being affected by my the <Reflex Anchor>. The soldiers are a little stunned due to the glowing magic arrows that move in a straight line but like all veterans of an army, they are able to avoid most of them.


    The slowest soldier gets hit in the shoulder due to the lowered mobility and agility, knocking him to the side a bit, slowing him down a bit more.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    89 Damage to Krisengarde Kingdom Soldier C Lvl. 7


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I turn around and continue to run swiftly away, drawing the angry, yelling soldiers away from the elven child as well as Ashia and Rien. I slow my running speed on purpose so the soldiers can slowly catch up. If I outrun the soldiers too quickly, they''ll turn back and my plan would go astray. Ahead of me is an apple orchard the Queen loves and helps maintain with several gardeners.


    The orchard has not been touched, probably because the field and trees are at the back of the palace and the invasion did not start from the back. In the orchards, I glance back to find the human soldiers gaining on me, clearly still running after the bait dangled in front of them without caring about their previous endeavor. Putting on a small burst speed I dash behind a tree and disappear from my pursuer''s view.


    The soldiers are further angered by my disappearance and quicken their pace to catch me. As they are runner towards the trees, I pick a target and swiftly aim at him, revealing myself for a split second. By now, the soldier hit by the <Reflex Anchor> has his mobility and agility return to normal and is just slightly behind the rest of the soldiers. His view of me is blocked by another two soldiers and so he will be the target of my arrows.


    Six magic arrows, one after another, flies towards the soldier front of my intended target. The two soldiers blocking the last man''s view move avoid the arrows and shouts out more obscenities at me. The last man notices the arrows way too late and is put down by six magic arrows to the head, leaving only four angry men left chasing after me. I do not think I can fight off four people at once and so I vanish behind another tree, moving diagonally to obscure their view. I can still hear I lot of obscenities from them and they''re getting closer.


    "That fucking bitch is going to die in the most painful way possible!"


    "Forget killing her like that, I''ll f..."


    ...I''ll tune out of their swearing and fantasies of me that will never happen. I hope...


    I stop running from them and hide behind a tree as they spread out a little to try to cover more ground and to stop me from escaping to the sides. Like the soldier inside of the building, these four are making the same mistake of thinking that I am poor at close combat. This suits me just fine.


    As one of the soldiers get close to the tree I am hiding behind, I wonder if I can shoot the magic arrows while on the move. On the forums, a lot of players with the archer archetype profession have posted many articles on how moving while shooting has a huge accuracy penalty as well as sometimes fumbling an arrow or tripping due to lack of concentration.


    The higher level players report that the both the rate of accidents and the accuracy penalty are lowered as your character''s dexterity increases. They also discovered that the speed at which the archer moves is also part of the accuracy penalty calculations if you shoot while moving, All the posts were done with physical arrows though, so what would happen if I were to use the <Mistral Arrows> skill?


    I guess I''ll find out when I have the chance to. A see a shadow of the soldier coming past my tree and leap out and activate <Aero Slash>, sending an arcing kick imbued with wind magic at his chest, knocking him back a little and surprising him with the power of the kick.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Surprise Hit! 161 Damage to Krisengarde Kingdom Soldier C Lvl. 7


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I then execute the remaining seven consecutive kicks of the technique and send him to the grave without him even knowing how I took him down. I still have my bow in hand and so I activate <Revolver Burst>, aiming at the soldier that just appeared from behind a tree. two arrows strike his head while the other four embed themselves in his torso.


    Due to the surprise attack, one critical hit and two fatal hits to the head, the level 7 soldier is dealt with within the three seconds of the technique.


    At the moment, a something or someone grabs my arms, knocking the bow out of my hands and wrenches my arms behind my back, making me let out a cry of pain and surprise. I can see the other human soldier spotting me and heading slowly towards me with a very nasty smile. Right beside my right ear, I hear a cold, lustful whisper...


    "Heh... You are a dead fucking bitch..."


    Oh no, I completely forgot to watch for the other two soldiers.


    <hr>


    <hr>


    {{Non-Proof Read Version}}

 Chapter V - Escaping the Palace

    <table style="background: indigo">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Well, it looks like I''m here back to back. This is GMSnow reporting~ This chapter contains 18+ maturity material and... ooh... looks like the MC is in trouble.... The content with this rating is in yellow text and will be in spoilers, making the chapter look smaller than it actually is.


    This chapter is rated at Adults Only 18+ or a very mature audience and has some, if not all of the following:


    - Blood and Gore


    - Fantasy Violence


    - Sexual Violence


    - Use of Alcohol


    - Mature Humor


    Please consider your maturity and age before reading. Not reading this warning and then complaining about how your innocence has been scarred forever is not going to be compensated nor will the staff care as you have already been warned. Other than that, happy readings~


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    --- --- ---


    --- --- ---


    --- --- ---


    --- --- ---


    --- --- ---


    Polaris Dark - Chapter V


    <18+ Alert>


    Spoiler: 18+ <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    Being held down against a tree, I struggle with all my power but I find that I cannot break away from two soldiers at once. I don''t think that I can get away from one grabbing on to me either. Try as I might, I can''t get out of this situation without any help. Hopefully the two of them have taken the child with them. Even though they are both fairly weak combat-wise right now, a surprise attack can probably let me break free and attack the two soldiers.


    "Heh," the soldier in trapping me against the tree laughs, "just what the doctor ordered; a delicious elf bitch ripe for devouring."


    The second soldier grabs my breasts and gropes them roughly and scoffs before replying to him.


    "This bitch killed the other four, we should take turns fucking her until she dies from the trauma."


    Ugh. I think I''m going to break down after this ordeal. I shiver in disgust as the second soldier runs his hands all over my body, feeling up every inch of me with lustful delight. I have to say, Ascendancy is highly realistic down to the smallest detail. I bet some men and women would just make a character just to feel the sensations in here without any backlash or commitment.


    The human trapping me reaches down with his free hand, tears away the dress covering my back and legs and rips off my underwear. This causes me to flinch from the sting of the elastic material snapping on my bare skin. I can hear him dropping the armor leggings and pants, making me close my legs together as tightly as possible but knowing that that is not going to work properly since they''re already stronger than me.


    "Hm... this bitch isn''t speaking much... you gonna do her without preparing?"


    The second soldier asks the man directly behind while continuing to molest my body.


    "This bitch deserves it for killing four of us. I wonder how long will it take to break her body as well as kill her with my cock..."


    When he finishes that sentence, I feel the second soldier grab my thighs and force them open. I struggle futilely, but as long as there is a slight chance, I may still be able to free myself. As I continue my struggling, I fell something rubbing my against my private part, eliciting a muffled cry from me. As he continues to rub, I am getting desperate, hoping that a miracle can occur before I actually get deflowered.


    A few tear form in my eyes as I start losing hope as the soldier stops rubbing my crotch and something hard presses against the entrance to my body, making me squirm in horror. Even though I can resist crying out and breaking down when seeing someone else get violated - at least I can stop the perpetrator - having someone up against you intent on invading your body with great relish.


    My mental state is strong enough to deal with war, blood, and other psychologically traumatizing events, but having to deal with so many in succession and ending with myself getting raped has eroded my psyche enough to break my normally stalwart mind.


    To think that my innocence is going to be taken from in a game...


    As the pressure increased, my tears start falling freely down my face. I can feel his hard-on slowly penetrate me...


    *Thwack!*


    *Shiiiiing!*


    Suddenly, the pressure and the feeling from his penis entering me disappears, as if something pulled the soldier back.


    "Mother f... argggh!"


    "WH..."


    *Several more stabbing and blunt objects striking the head sounds*


    I vaguely hear two bodies falling to the ground with a thump and light clang.


    I slowly fall to my knees while I continue crying, this time in relief, realizing that I just had a close shave from having my "virtual" purity taken. My mind is still a wreck but is slowly recovering as the deed was not fully started. I flinch as I feel a pair of arms wrap around me but slowly relax, noting the feminine look and the gentleness that accompanied the hold.


    Rien, the soldier I saved, kneels beside me and bows his head in shame.


    "I-I''m so sorry princess... I could not reach you in time. For you to suffer such humiliation, I am deeply ashamed of myself for letting this happen."


    His words bring me back to reality and I shake my head slowly.


    "No, you did well enough Rien... even if you were late and these brutes already finished with their deed. At least I am not captured by them. Once is better than a life time..."


    Rien then goes on prattle about how even once sullies the pure, beautiful princess. Then he goes on about the pride and dignity of nobleman, noblewoman and royalty, causing me to giggle and lessen my sobbing. I sniff, gradually stop crying as I gather my already broken wits and calm down. The child the three of us saved pops her head out from behind a tree and notices that everything is done.


    The child is very bright; she notices that I am a bit distressed and she comes running over and hugging me like Ashia is doing from behind me, making my heart feel warm and fuzzy. If one can see us from in a video or movie, they would see the heart-warming scene of hurt, then comfort.


    After I am calm enough to get up, I do so, albeit unsteadily do to the frightening experience. Rien comes to help support me while the child and Ashia step back to give me some space. A while later, I am now able to move without being weighed down by the experience for now thanks to my mental ability slowly filtering out the feeling of it. I will never forget this and will probably suffer from some nightmares later on, but at least I''m back to a functional state.


    I look at the cyan arrow on the ground and start moving towards the destination with Rien and Ashia following me. Before we left the orchards, I found that the elven child''s name is Mischa and that she is the daughter of a noble family visiting the palace. Her parents left her here with other noble children visiting for a few days and is not around when the invasion started. At least we know that her parents should be safe for now as Mischa tells us that they''ve gone to visit a neighboring elf country in the plains.


    I check the quest objectives and see that I have saved the one child in the bonus objectives. As we approach the inner gate by moving beside the inner wall, Rien and I take down a few more roaming enemy soldiers that seem to be too dumb to live. Ashia is holding on to Mischa''s hand and is following the two of us to avoid getting in the way of our attacks. Ashia had wanted to help us fight but Rien and I talked her out of it and gave her the reason of protecting Mischa if an enemy gets past us. So far, that fear has not occurred yet.


    We reach the open gate and the four of us hide behind a bush ornament. I slowly creep up to take a look at the situation outside of the gate and find twelve enemy soldiers and a what appears to be a squad leader of the twelve soldiers. They have tied up two elven soldiers and are standing on guard, probably waiting for orders.


    How the heck can I save those two? It''s impossible to take on twelve enemies at once especially when there is an "elite" within the group. Against normal creatures or monsters maybe, but these enemies will try to grab me instead of attack. Even if I launch a sneak attack, I will just be handing myself to them on a silver platter when they rush at me.


    Even if I don''t save the two soldiers, this group of soldiers are in my way and I don''t want to ignore their presence only to get caught while trying to stealthily move around them. As if reading my mind, a window pops up the moment I finish surveying the area.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    In such a situation, you must find a way to eliminate all enemies by stopping their approach. Make use of this spell bestowed to you to become the deciding factor in this skirmish.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have acquired the spell


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Oh? What''s this?


    I call up the spell window to check this spell''s capability.


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Pressure: Gale</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td width="25%">Support</td>


    <td width="25%">Proficiency:</td>


    <td width="25%">0.00%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Class:</td>


    <td width="25%">Control</td>


    <td width="25%">Circle:</td>


    <td width="25%">Adept</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Mana Cost:</td>


    <td width="25%">200MP</td>


    <td width="25%">Rank:</td>


    <td width="25%">Initial</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">[Wind]</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Generates a cyclone of wind that constantly circulates in a select area, holding the target(s) in place and dragging all targets to the center of the storm. The storm circulates in a cylindrical field with greenish-translucent wind energy spirals in the area of effect. This creates the pulling effect as well as deal small amounts of constant damage.


    Instant Cast


    Activation Range: 2m


    Effective Radius: 6m


    Spell Duration: 12 sec


    Cooldown: 72 sec</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Spell</td>


    <td width="25%">Damage</td>


    <td width="25%">Max Hit</td>


    <td width="25%">Type</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Magic Gust</td>


    <td width="25%">15%</td>


    <td width="25%">24</td>


    <td width="25%">M-Blast</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    With this spell, I think that I''ll be able to contain the enemies, but first, I need draw them away from the two captured elven soldiers to avoid friendly fire. I creep back to the bushes and explain to Rien and Ashia about what I''m going to do and ask them to stay out of the sight to protect Mischa. Rien tries to object but this time I assure him I will not get into trouble and he relents.


    I look around for anything to help me with taking the twelve enemies down as well as check my mana reserves. At this time, my mana has recovered to around 90% so I should have enough to deal with them.


    Finding a suitable location to attack the group from, I carefully hide myself until I reach the destination and then hide behind a bunch of trees planted in the area. I aim my bow at the closest soldier at about fifty or so feet away and then activate <Revolver Burst>. The soldiers are facing the other way, including the leader, so they don''t notice my pale bluish magic arrows flying straight for the last soldier.


    They notice something wrong when the last soldier crumples into the ground lifeless. By then it''s a too late as a <Reflex Anchor> arrow, looking similar to the normal magic arrows, strike the soldier next to the dead one and at this point they finally spot me.


    I gambled that the squad leader and the soldiers are not smart enough to try taking the two soldiers hostage and this time, I''m just lucky. I couldn''t think of another way to deal with them so I tried to attract their attention. Looks like all of them are rushing over to try and catch me.


    I let them get closer while I fire magic arrows at them. Once the closest soldier is about five meters away from me, I cast the spell I just acquired a while ago, my body flipping backwards while shooting a greenish magic arrow forward, causing a whirlwind to whips up in front of me, right in the vicinity of the soldiers. The whirlwind spirals and forms a cylinder-like field of magical energy, dragging the soldiers into the center of the cyclone.


    Right after I conjure the field-control type spell, I start firing normal magic arrows and <Revolver Burst> arrows at the soldiers trapped in the cyclone, taking down eight of them before the spell dissipates and shoot down two more before the last three soldiers, including the elite, reaches me. These three were too angry to think clearly since I brought down most of them. They do not even try to grab me and instead start attacking with their swords.


    "Don''t think that you''re a girl so we won''t hesitate to bisect you!"


    "You archers are always sneaking around like thieves, now I''ll see you bite on cold steel!"


    Excellent; since they treat both women and men the same in battle but they still have the archer-archetype ingrained in their mind, they won''t know what hit them. I''m going to have to be careful of the squad leader though as when I hit him with an arrow, it revealed his level to be more than three times higher than the average soldier under his command.


    At level 29, <Krisengarde Squad Leader> has 1212 health remaining out of the maximum 1300 after one of my magic arrows struck him in the shoulder. I''ll deal with the two remaining regular soldiers before taking him on. With their levels at 8 and 9, I should not have much trouble taking them down even with the squad leader attacking me.


    With a small lunge, I avoid an overhead slash from the closest soldier and kick out with my feet, striking the soldier in the midriff and causing 42 damage and knocking him back. I immediately activate <Crescent Kick> to flip backwards and kick the soldier in the chin while the magic wind crescent forms and causes even more damage. It''s a shame that the bleeding effect did not activate.


    With that soldier staggering from the attack and the second man making a wide, horizontal slash at my body, I deftly do a back-step, just avoiding the sword before launching a kick at his head. My kick strikes the soldier''s helmet and dazes him a bit from the reverberation but only takes 21 damage because of his defenses.


    Trying to take advantage of my kick, the squad leader was able to land a slash on at my side, cutting my dress a bit as well as cutting into my left waist a little. This leaves a small bleeding slash that stings a bit but otherwise does not hinder my combat potential.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    -72 Health


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Ouch, I should be careful even though it only did a small amount of damage. The one thing I ponder about is that these soldiers have a huge amount of health for their levels although they''re not that strong.


    Avoiding another slash from the second soldier that has recovered from my <Crescent Kick>, I lure the three of them close to each other before disappearing from their sight using <Mirage Drop>. The confused trio looks around but are struck by my falling stomp, blasting them off their feet with the wind burst from the stomp. I take this time to launch six magic arrows at the two normal soldier''s heads, putting them down within the three seconds of technique <Revolver Burst>.


    The squad leader hastily gets up and lunges, trying to finish me off in a single hit by stabbing me but trips over his own feet in his haste, as well as my careful planning to get him in an awkward position with two bodies at his feet. Tripping was actually unintended as I only wanted to hinder his movement with the corpses of the two soldiers to stop him from dodging my next attack.


    While stumbling forward, my next kick hits him in the face and I unleash <Aero Slash> on him, kicking eight consecutive times, dealing a total of 702 damage to him. Looks like his defense is stronger than the other soldiers as it does less damage to him than the normal soldiers. Not like it matters though as once my final kick lands, I send a normal sidekick to knock him away from me.


    I prepare my bow to shoot him down but I miscalculated: the squad leader suddenly pauses mid-recovery, and a red-orange glow washes over the blade of his sword as he swings his sword around in an arc, ending up above his head. My eyes widen in surprise and my mind freezes as I find myself in the middle of notching a magic arrow.


    Oh no...


    "Taste my <Giant Slash>!"


    His overhead slash comes down hard on my right shoulder, slashing right through my body and knocking me away.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    -310 Health


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The bursting pain from being bisected at the shoulder causes me to let out a shrill cry of agony and surprise. The attack knocks me away for five meters before my body crashes heavily to the ground.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    -12 Health


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I-It... hurts....


    Even with the reduction of pain in this game, being sliced into two parts hurts a lot. You can imagine what would it feel like if the pain is set to 100% of reality.... Of course, unlike reality, unless the attack is meant to take off the target''s body part, the target will not lose their arm, leg or another part even if a sword cleaves at an area that would normally cut off something.


    Some tears form in my eyes from the pain but I resist crying; I have to finish this battle before he gets any other ideas! Although there is still Rien and Ashia for back-up, I don''t really want have an injured person and a non-combatant help just as a precaution so that they won''t get hurt.


    I pretend that I cannot get up and lie on the ground, groaning from the strike. The squad leader is not careless and proceeds to cautiously approach my fallen body. His vigilance is for naught: when he is close enough to touch me, I slide myself between his legs and hook my right leg around his left one and flip over, causing the surprised soldier to tumble over and fall on his face. He is clearly not expecting a maneuver like this and his body falls forward on to my body.


    At least, he would have fallen on to me if I did not move. I hooked my right arm around his plated waist and rolled a little, using his falling inertia as well as my roll to end up on top of him when he crashes to the ground. A moment later, I find myself straddling the man''s waist and also see Rien looking at me anxiously. It seems that he heard my cry and tried to come assist me when I flipped the man over.


    After looking anxious, Rien''s wanders over my body and the person underneath me and he instantly turns his face away. Huh? What... I look down at where I am sitting.


    In this rather compromising position, the squad leader was actually embarrassed enough to blush and look away from me. My face reddens as I realize why the man underneath me blush and I scramble off him.


    "Kyaaa!"


    I cover my mouth with both of my hands. Well, "highly-realistic" it may be, a game is still a game. I''m guessing the developers rather like to poke fun at the anime-esque accidental ecchi scenes that happen way too often.


    Rien just looks awkward and mutters something about the princess being too daring or something to that line of thinking.


    T-This.... My face overheats and my mind shuts down from the unexpected emotional overload.


    --- ---


    --- ---


    Opening my eyes, I find my head lying on something soft and warm.


    "Oh, she''s waking up..."


    That''s the first thing I hear; a soft, feminine voice directly above me. Said voice then giggles and I wonder what is that about.


    At this time, the squad leader is being detained by Rien and two other elven soldiers at the moment while Ashia is... Oh, she placed my head on her lap after I fainted. It seems that Rien and Ashia untied the two elves and had them help with guarding us in this area when I was unconscious.


    At this point, I remembered what happened a while back and blush. Just thinking about it makes me feel embarrassed...


    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    After recovering from fainting and assessing the situation we are in, I discover that the human squad leader knows when he''s defeated and agrees to become our captive.


    We question him on what he knows and he readily answers. Other than the information I already know from the quest window information and his name - his name is Herman Reviero, I also find out that about a fifth of the army did not want to go along with this invasion just to satisfy the greedy king''s lust for the elf princess...


    ...Huh?


    With the blank look on my face, Rien''s jaw drops in disbelief.


    "P-Princess... don''t tell you forgot that you were the target...?"


    Squad leader Herman Reviero''s jaw drops at this bit of knowledge. His face goes red again when he put this piece of information to me straddling him a while ago.


    "N-No... I...?"


    I try to retort but fail to as my face also burns up from embarrassment. Even though we are all still in a precarious situation, the mood in our group lightens while the child Mischa doesn''t even know what''s going on but goes along with it. Of course, we quiet down shortly as we still need to escape.


    After consulting with Rien and Ashia and the two new elven soldiers - one male and one female soldier named Lanus and Elena respectively - I allow our new prisoner Herman to come with us for now. We will sort out what to do with him later since he was just following orders from the upper chain of command.


    Now that we''ve sorted out this problem, I apologize for killing the rest of his squad but Herman waves it off, saying that if he did not stop his soldiers, they would''ve raped Elena already.


    We soon consider our options and decide to follow my instructions as I tell them that I know the best place to escape so that we will be undetected by the rest of the army but we may run into more enemy soldiers. Now that we have our goal, the group now follows my lead as I continue my journey, following the cyan arrow guide.


    On the way to this "best" destination, the Rien forbids me from acting alone again lest I get into another troubling situation while I argue against that. In the end, we compromise that when we encounter enemies, I will attack at a range while Elena and Lanus attacks at the front directly.


    Rien will protect Mischa and Ashia, placing himself in the rear. Mischa and Ashia will be walking ahead of Rien, following the two other soldiers and myself. I will be leading until we encounter enemies, then I will move behind Lanus and Elena, who follow me in the second position from the front. Our "prisoner" Herman here is actually grateful that we did not kill him and instead helped us by guarding the rear with Rien.


    To be honest, this battle-escort formation is pretty good for starters so my ranged arrows can do more damage while I am unhindered. We encounter a few more patrolling soldiers and deal with them easily as well in this formation. We soon reach a long hallway with several doors on each side leading to single rooms. The hallway is only has the occasional splashes of blood and exactly three corpses on the floor. All three of them are elven soldiers, making me wonder if there is something that needs to be guarded in this area.


    Before I can ponder more about this scenario, I hear a soft sniffling sound coming from one of the rooms to the left. I signal to the group to tell them to keep vigilant and assist me if there is any danger. Continuing to listen to the sniffles, I take a look in each room briefly before finally reaching the origin of the sound. In the second last room, I can hear a soft, feminine sobbing inside a closet with another female elf corpse leaning against the wall to the side of the bed, the corpse''s blood splattered all over the closet.


    I lower my head a bit, seeing the lower half of her body naked and clearly abused with all that white, not yet dry male sexual fluids on her as well as in her. Shaking my head I listen carefully and notice that the sounds are coming from... oh?


    Why is the sobs emanating from the wall... I touch the wall by accident and it shimmers before returning to its original state: a closet. I see... its a visual illusion spell...


    The quest bonus objectives did not register the dead women so it seems that she does not count in the 3 women that needs to be saved.


    It looks like someone is in the closet and was forgotten by the soldiers. Most likely, she tried not to let any sound out when enemies are in the room as well


    Thinking for a moment, I tell Rien and Elena to guard the room from in the doorway while Lanus stays outside to keep watch. Lanus will be able to watch for anyone approaching while Elena will be able to sneak attack anyone that tries to fight Lanus. Rien''s injury doesn''t let him fight as much so he''ll continue to protect Ashia and Mischa with Herman. Rein, Herman, Ashia and Mischa are in the room with me. Herman really helped us with defending our blind spots and earned our trust and so have finally relaxed our guard around him.


    Even though he is more comfortable around us as well, every time he looks at me, I notice his face blushing a little. This makes me remember what happened and makes my face burn up slightly every time. He''s probably remembering the same thing as me....


    I carefully move the women''s corpse aside before slowly opening the closet door. Inside, I find a small, girl, probably around my age if she is a human (she''s an elf of course), crying softly. Both Mischa and this girl have shoulder-length blonde hair but Mischa is shorter and definitely younger.


    The young girl notices me and freezes up before realizing that I have the typical long ears of the elves and that I am female. She jumps out at me with her arms out wide, crying harder and I catch her, causing me to fall backwards on to my bottom in a sitting position.


    My eyes soften as I pat the girl in the back.


    "It''s okay now... it''s okay..."


    The girl continues to sob into my chest, crying her heart out, albeit quietly. After comforting her, we learn of what had happened here. The girl''s name is Alia while the dead woman''s name is Rineah.


    Rineah is Alia''s older sister that protected her from the human soldiers by telling her to be quiet no matter what happens and not to come out of the closet while she cast an illusion spell to disguise the closet as a plain wall. She also used a sound-concealing spell to separate the closet and the room so that neither side can hear each other.


    It worked a little too well as the soldiers did not notice anything unusual at all and left after doing their deed in this room. The sound-concealment probably wore off after the soldiers left, allowing others to hear her crying. Luckily, it seems the only people to pass through this hallway was the soldiers, and now us.


    The girl soon stops crying and we explain to her what is going on. When she notices Herman, however, she falls back with a cry. Oops, I forgot to mention our "prisoner" that is wandering with us freely. Alia starts shivering and tearing up. I walk up to Herman and whisper something in his ear and then nods.


    As I walk back to Alia, Herman comes with me, wrapping his arms around my body from behind, holding me in an embrace. Alia looks at me, her jaw drops a bit and is stunned. Rien scratches his head while muttering something while Ashia giggles from the display. Herman and I suddenly remember what had occurred a while back and our faces heat up in embarrassment. He quickly moves and turns away from me while I do nearly the same in the opposite direction.


    "Uuu..."


    I cover my face with my hands and squat down, making myself tinier, trying to disappear from embarrassment. Alia starts giggling at the scene... at least I cheered her up... at Herman and my expense.


    We soon move out of the room and hallway, into the next section of the castle where there is no sign of battle or killing. As we continue on with Alia following us, we reach a closed doorway. I signal everyone to stop and hide at the sides of the door while I place my ear against the door and listen.


    <18+ Alert>


    Spoiler: 18+ <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    To my horror and disgust, I can hear at least four men talking and laughing while there are groaning, heavy breathing and explicit words being spewed out. Within the masculine voices I can hear a rather muffled, wet sounding coughs as well as the sound of somethin slapping skin to skin.


    Even though I have only heard about this a few times, I recognize this as "rape" and is probably forced on the unlucky person. I open the door slowly, making it open just a tiny crack. It seems the men doing whatever they are doing is not in my line of sight... I open the door wider until it is fully open. I peek around the door and find no one around, only a large room with multiple doorways...


    ...ah, the sounds are coming from the left most doorway to another room. Looks like we will have to deal with this once more.


    I signal the group to follow me and get ready for an ambush against the offenders. Rien and Herman stays back to protect Ashia, Mischa and Alia while Lanus, Elena and I go and hide near the entrance of our intended target. I peek around the edge of the entrance and observe the situation.


    It''s quite similar to how I found Ashia except more extreme; I can see a petite elven woman being raped in a three-way with a man lying beneath her, one behind while another is at her face. All three of them are busy grunting and thrusting their penis inside of her. Her body is covered in the men''s semen; a lot of the white fluid dripping down on to the ground it sickening globs.


    From my angle, I can clearly see the man at her face raping her mouth with relish, thrusting his penis in and out of her fast and hard, causing her saliva and sexual fluid to drip out and splash around. I shudder as I realize that this could have happened to me if Ashia and Rien were not quick enough to save me.


    Averting my eyes to the side, I see two three more soldiers talking and laughing while the ones busy raping the poor, crying woman jeer and says obscene to her.


    "Heh, even after several rounds of heavy pounding, you are still so tight!"


    "God you''re a fucking slut! Come on! Take my monster cock!"


    I wince as they shout whiel the three soldiers waiting have their own penis out, rubbing them as they prepare for another round. How many rounds passed for this poor woman, we will never have an idea...


    Closing my eyes and taking a deep breath I look at Elena hiding opposite to me and then signal Lanus behind me to get ready to ambush the men when they come out after I shoot at least two of them death. I nod at the two of them, beginning my countdown to save the woman.


    3...


    2...


    1...


    Let''s go.


    ... ... ...


    ... ...


    ...


    --- --- ---


    --- --- ---


    Lanus, Elena and I are resting in the large courtyard, outside of the room we found the woman being raped in.


    We were able to save her without too much trouble. The only problem was that one of the men unexpectedly threw his sword at me during the clash and it pierced through the left side of my waist, incapacitating me for the rest of the battle and making me lose quite a bit of health.


    Luckily, we already killed four of them and the last two were cut down by Lanus and Elena before my health drained away. When the battle is finished, I tell Lanus and Elena to go check on the rescued woman first, I can deal with this injury myself for now. The two of them reluctantly goes back into the room to help the woman while I try to find a way to take the sword out of my body without killing myself.


    This is the problem we have now; everyone is gathered around me while I lean against a wall. The woman we saved is also here, looking at me with a very concerned expression. Well, having a sword through your gut can make people worried so that''s normal. I check my remaining health, mana and stamina as well as any afflictions to them.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Health:</td>


    <td width="25%">241 / 875</td>


    <td colspan="2">Bleed I:</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Mana:</td>


    <td width="25%">350 / 1300</td>


    <td colspan="2">No Change</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Stamina:</td>


    <td width="25%">42 / 100</td>


    <td colspan="2">Bleed Exhaustion: -1 Stamina/15sec</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The reason why I am only affected by <Bleed I> is because the sword is still buried up to the hilt in my body. It''s slowing down the bleeding and reducing the severity. Elena says that she has two healing spells she can use but if we were to remove the sword carelessly, the trauma will kill me. Lanus and Ashia prepares to slowly remove the sword from me while Elena starts preparing the first healing spell.


    When everything is ready, I nod to Elena and she releases the spell and her hands glow in a soft greenish light. Even with the sword still piercing my body, I feel as though the stinging pain is slowly subsiding while my senses are becoming soothed with a warmness similar to being smothered by a giant hot-water bottle during a cold night.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    +300 Health


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Elena that starts channelling a sustained healing spell continuously heals me at a slow rate while Lanus carefully pulls the sword from my body. The cutting, stinging pain builds up as the sword is pried from my body slowly, making me cry out from the pain.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    -15 Health


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    -16 Health


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Ow! I-It hurts.... The pain fades a little from Elena''s continuous healing spell but it does not do too much. I check on the healing effect Elena''s channeled spell to see how effective the healing is.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You are under the effect: <Healing Wind>. While this effect is in place, you Health will be restored by 10 points every second.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Not bad, this will counteract most of the damage from pulling the sword out. Unlike other VR games, Ascendancy has a unique way of dealing with injuries. If one is to pull out a sword impaling a human or humanoid outside of combat(Beast-Kin, Elves, Dwarves, etc...), it will deal damage according to a rather complex set of calculations. During combat, a stab attack only counts the first hit, even when pulling the blade out after the attack.


    Of course, in the end, this is still a game to the players (reminder that players are called pioneers by the NPC populace) so during combat, unless specified by a technique effect, the removal of a sword or another weapon will not do as much as what I am experiencing right now. Lanus slides the sword out more as I grit my teeth and shut my eyes tightly to endure the pain.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    -17 Health


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    -13 Health


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Even with that pain reduction, this is extremely uncomfortable and painful to someone that has not experienced a stabbing incident in real life.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    -11 Health


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Okay, okay! I mentally turn off the windows as Lanus and Elena work on me. After an excruciating amout of time (my sense of time askewed from the pain), they finally finish removing the sword from my body and fully heal my both my health and cure the status ailment. They were careful enough to not aggravate the wound and increase the severity of <Bleed> so it never increased.


    Now that this problem is solved, we discuss or next move while I rest. Ashia and Rien are comforting the woman was traumatized from the multiple rapes.


    "I think we are close to the secret passage now that we are here, I there should not be any more enemy soldiers unless we are unlucky."


    Elena nods at my statement and replies.


    "You are right princess, there is a hidden passage closeby. Being the captain of the reconaissance squad gives me the privledge of knowing where hidden passages are. The one you are heading to should be codenamed "Violet Ring" and is just past the doorway in front of us, to the right side of the hallway there."


    Impressed, I nod and wait for my stamina to recover up to 75% before getting up. Seriously, if healing spells are available in real life, accidental injuries and other hazards could be dealt with much easier and quicker... too bad it just won''t happen.


    We spend some time with the woman we rescued and learn that she was trying to escape from the palace when she ran into the six human soldiers. The soldiers dragged her to this room here and... well, this is where we found and rescued her from a rather dreadful fate.


    The woman, Marielle, is thankful that we saved her, even though we were too late to stop the deed from happening. She says that at least, she''ll have her life back after escaping from this hell hole. We finally get back up as a group after I recovered at least 75% of my stamina and the group follows me as I follow the cyan arrow out of this large, but barren room.


    Reaching the place where the cyan arrow is pointing to, I take a look at the wall the arrow points to and feel the stone bricks there for something different on the wall. As I run my hand against the wall, my slender fingers come across something that feels like a nob. I push against the nob and the wall slowly moves inward, then it slides to the right. It reveals a fairly large, hidden corridor that seems to run forever in front of us.


    We start running slowly, with Lanus and Elena at the front as a precautionary measure. Herman is behind the two of them for backup while Marielle, Ashia, Mischa and Alia follow the human soldier that defected. Rien follows me while I end up behind the four females.


    As we run, my vision starts dimming. I am a little worried but I do not feel like I am losing consciousness so I continue running and the world fades to a black.


    *Ding!*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have completed Quest: Fate of the Ameryst Princess Part B


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Quest Objectives


    - Complete the objectives of this trial presented to you:


    > Take down at least two enemy soldiers with close-combat techniques (2/2)


    > Take down at least two enemy soldiers with ranged attacks (2/2)


    Bonus Objectives


    - Avoid enemy calling for reinforcements


    - Rescue three injured soliders (3/3)


    - Rescue three women (3/3)


    - Rescue one child (1/1)


    - Extra: Recruit a defected enemy soldier


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Examination - The Final Trial</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Difficulty:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">N/A</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Tier:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">N/A</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Hidden Profession Trials: Part C


    Well done. You have escaped the castle with while fulfilling the bonus objectives. Now that you have escaped the palace, it is time for the final trial to take place. This last examination consists of ten questions that reflect upon both your intelligence and wisdom. Be aware not every question has a right or wrong answer.


    You will have one minute to think of an answer. Once the minute is up, you will have to answer if you did not already before the minute ended. If you cannot answer, the question will be skipped and you will not get another chance to answer that question.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Final Trial will start in one minute. Please prepare yourself for the final examination and good luck.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    It looks like I passed the second trial. Let''s get on to the final trial before I break down from experiencing all of this...


    ... ... ...


    ... ...


    ...


    <hr>


    <hr>


    {{Non-Proof Read Version}}

 Chapter VI - Clearmind

    Polaris Dark - Chapter VI


    My black, empty surroundings begins to brighten with small white, red and yellow specks of light, making it seem I am currently in a star field. Taking a look around, I realize that I am back in my normal body... wait... I glance at my hair realize that I am in my normal form with my soft white hair. Patting my own head, I can feel two small, fluffy fox ears that twitch when touched.


    Wow... it really feels like those ears are my own. Ah, I also have my tail, swishing around as well. As I play around with my fluffy fox ears, a window appears in front of me...


    *Ding!*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    The final trial is going to start in a moment. When the question is given, it will be displayed in front of you for you to see. An hour glass set to one minute will also appear to show you the time you have left for the current question. Please answer the question either before the one minute period or answer within ten seconds after the minute counter is over.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Okay, let''s get this over with. I wait for the first question to be presented. Slowly, a glimmer of lights appear in front of me, forming letters and words in the air, spelling out the question with the iridescent lights.


    --- --- ---


    Question 1 - When fighting against a warrior, what is the most effective way for you to counter an overhead slash when one is unarmed?


    --- --- ---


    Thinking for a moment, I feel like this question is aimed towards a specific person.... Yes, this question is worded with myself as the target, so I will answer this question as myself and not give a general answer.


    "The overhead slash is the slowest and the warrior is the most vulnerable at the apex. I would slip into the warrior''s attack arc and deal a body blow if possible. If the warrior is much larger than me, I will strike at his or her joints, the best choice being the knees if possible."


    When I finish answering the question, the question starts to fading away and another set of words flicker into existence from the same iridescent lights.


    --- --- ---


    Question 2 - There are times when life becomes so bitter you really want to just end it. This is especially true when there is a war going on as you are caught in the middle of the two sides, being the innocent civilian in a bad place in at a bad time. When you are met up with a dilemma that gives you only two choices to pick from, which one will you choose? Give a small explanation as well.


    A) You are surrounded by soldiers that want you and cannot escape. You allow yourself be captured and made into a plaything for the duke in charge of the region.


    B) You are surrounded by soldiers that want you and cannot escape. You kill yourself so you will be spared from a fate worse than death.


    --- --- ---


    This....


    ...


    I cannot really imagine... ...my mind wanders to what I experienced just a moment ago... my mind blanks out for a moment before I shake it off. I close my eyes then breathe slowly in and out before I open my eyes and then answer the question.


    "I will choose A. My reason for this is that even when I am simply a plaything for someone, I am still alive and can still have a chance to escape or even undermine the duke from the inside."


    Though if I am talking in game sense, then being dead is better than becoming a plaything for some duke. I''ll just respawn after the lock-out penalty of two days... along with permanent proficiency and stat reduction.


    Again, the words disappear and another set of lights fade into view, displaying another question.


    --- --- ---


    Question 3 - Some battles are not decided by physical interactions but are fought with intelligence and a silver tongue. How will you win over the commoners under your rule - as the new ruler - when they are currently discontent with the previous king?


    --- --- ---


    Oh, this is something that my etiquette training can partially help with. First rule: When speaking with others rich or poor, be respectful even if they are not. It only makes the opposition look worse in the eyes of others.


    "First point - Be respectful even when addressing the commoners and tell them they are the core of the kingdom. Without them, there will not be a flourishing kingdom. Second Point - The nobility is the cream of the kingdom where the commoners are the bread. The commoners helps the foundations of the kingdom while the nobility helps the commoners with their problems.


    The nobility are absolutely NOT, better than everyone else even if they are born to such family. Where commoners produce the foundations, the nobles protect it; they are the guardians of the kingdom and must strive to protect the foundations and not exploit them.


    The royalty... well, they solve the problems on the kingdom scale and fixes issues that nobles cannot solve by themselves. They are the administrators for the kingdom and has the largest responsibility to protect their realm from foreign invasions and establish trade to other friendly nations..."


    I continue to answer the question for a while until I run out of ideas and stop. This cycle continues for a while; all the questions are all mainly about combat, knowledge of basic politics, communication and magic. Obviously, the questions are very general so that anyone can answer them without intricate knowledge. It is just our own opinion and answers with no right or wrong. Finally, I reach the tenth and final question of this "exam".


    The final question is as follows:


    --- --- ---


    Question 10 - Choose one elemental affinity that you''d think you would like to have and choose the second elemental affinity that you''d think you would be well attuned to.


    --- --- ---


    There is a window that appears with a list of elemental attributes, including hidden and special elements as well. There are the basic: Fire, Ice, Earth, Wind, Lightning, Water, Light, Darkness, Mind and Void listed here. There are also derivative elements of these basic elements: Heat, Cold, Pressure, Sonic, Magnetic, Humidity, Energy and Absorption (Mind and Void does not have a derivative).


    Combination elements are also present, like Lava (Earth + Fire), Steam (Heat + Water), Nature (Earth + Water + Wind + Light), Laser (Light + Energy) and Psionic (Lightning + Mind + Energy).


    There are even elements like Life, Wave, Space and others that I have no clue existed in this game. Interesting...


    For the first part of this question, I touch the element Wave while picking the element Mind for the second part.


    After this last question the iridescent words, star field surroundings and window fades away, leaving me in total darkness again.


    --- --- ---


    At this moment, my entire view becomes blindingly white, causing me to shut my eyes tightly and cover them with my hands. Slowly, my eyes get use to the brightness and I when I open them, I find myself in a pure white room with silver and gold decorations. Right in front of me is a slim, beautiful woman with light blonde hair that reaches the middle of her back. She has a pair of gentle, yet wise emerald green eyes that have a certain depth to them.


    She is currently sitting at a gold-rimmed white work desk, writing something on paper. There are a few small stacks of paper and three large books on the table as well. The woman looks up from her writing and sees me, titling her head a little before putting her writing utensil down.


    The woman smiles at me and starts to speak.


    "Welcome Yukianesa, the very first Pioneer to complete the profession-search with an <Ancient Heroic Testing Jewel>. It seems you have gone through the World-Tier event <Isereidyria''s Fall> as the examination. How do you feel?"


    It is at this point all the things that happened since the beginning of this event comes rushing back to me, causing my eyes to water while I lose my strength in my legs. I fall to my knees as tears stream down my face.


    The woman''s eyes widen and she quickly runs over to me and pulls me into a comfortable, caring embrace. She pats my back gently as I cry into her embrace, completely breaking down from the living through the hellish experience of an invasion. The two of us spend over thirty minutes on the ground, with me crying my heart out while the woman comforts me.


    When I finally stop crying, I sniffle a bit before apologizing to the woman. She simply smiles at me, telling me that you are safe and it''s going to be alright. Soon, I am coherent enough to talk...


    "Uuu... I''m sorry... I-I couldn''t..."


    The woman looks at me tenderly and places a finger to my lips, stopping me from talking.


    "It''s okay, I would have never guessed that the pendant would choose this trial for you to do... it must have been terrifying..."


    I rub my eyes a little, feeling a little better for the time being.


    "Well," the woman stands while helping me up, "let''s get comfortable before we converse about what happens now."


    With a wave of her hand, two white sofas appear facing each other. We both reach the chairs and sit down, facing each other and the woman smiles again. I note her simple but fitting white dress that leaves her fair, pale skin exposed. The rather conservative dress covers over her rather


    "Let me introduce myself," the woman bows her head a bit before looking straight into my eyes, "my name is Leticia, Archivist of Eschaterra. I am the record keeper of all events that have come to pass. This place we are currently in is known as the Memory''s Sanctum, my workplace for recording and observing the world without any distractions."


    Her voice is melodic and light, giving of a rather warm, gentle note to herself.


    "So..." I tilt my head slightly with curiosity, "...what I am here for?"


    "As you have completed a Heroic trial examination, you will be judged on how well you completed the trial as well as anything extra you have done in it. Although there are several of you pioneers that have completed Skill, Spell and Ability Testing jewels in the past, non of them have gone through the one you have done. The Memory''s Sanctum is where you can acquire a profession that is available to you through the examination progress."


    "Ah, so this is like the final review for the trials?"


    "Yes, in fact the results are just in now..."


    Several orbs, approximately the size of a baseball, appear from nowhere and float around me, each with its unique aura and color. Hm... this position doesn''t feel right. As if listening in on my thoughts, the orbs rearrange themselves into two rows, each row having four orbs each.


    "Oh," I ask before I examine them any further, "who are the examiners?"


    Leticia smiles again before answering my question.


    "I cannot tell you about what the examiners do, but I can give you their names if you''d like me to."


    "Okay, then I would like to know their names, please and thank you."


    Leticia laughs lightly, her voice sounding somewhat like clear, tinkling bells that makes me a little envious of her perfect voice.


    "Such a young and polite pioneer... very well, including myself, the other two examiner''s names are Valerian and Priscilla. Both of them do something similar to me but in other aspects. If you wish to know more try to find them yourself. I cannot guarantee that you will meet the two but good luck with that!"


    The blonde haired Leticia that starts explaining what I am supposed to do with the orbs in front of me.


    "With your accomplishments and fighting style with the equipment you are given the trial, it seems you have a total of eight professions that you can choose from. Touch the orb you want to check its description, advantages, disadvantages and signature spell or technique."


    I tap the first one, the top left orb that glows in a soft green light.


    *Ding!*


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Hidden Profession: Gracewind</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td width="25%">Combat</td>


    <td width="25%">Rank:</td>


    <td width="25%">Unique</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Class:</td>


    <td width="25%">Close-Combat</td>


    <td width="25%">Support</td>


    <td width="25%"> - </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">With the blessing of the wind, the Gracewind is a female-exclusive profession that is a force to be reckoned with in close quarters combat. Using quick, wind-enhanced kicks to pressure the opponent, she never gives the enemy any chance to counterattack before the enemy is taken down. Along with the high-speed kicking techniques, the Gracewind also has several support spells that further increase her mobility and attack speed, generate a field of wind that constantly damages the opponent as well as cast a regeneration spell to help heal herself while she continuously attacks.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">


    ----------Strengths----------


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Powerful, high-speed attacks</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Best at one-on-one combat situations</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li>High magic defense</li>


    </ul>


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">


    ----------Weaknesses----------


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Very few ranged options available</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Very high mana drain from continuous enhanced attacks</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Difficulty against opponents much larger than the player</li>


    </ul>


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Primary Signature Abilities</td>


    <td width="25%">Linear Whirlwind</td>


    <td width="25%">Triple Slash Kick</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Secondary Signature Abilities</td>


    <td width="25%">Ventus Lux</td>


    <td width="25%">Sana Aeris</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    So this "Gracewind" profession is an improvement to the close-combat techniques from what I have experienced in the trials. Let''s see what are the other professions I can pick. I close the window of Gracewind and tap the second orb, the one to the right of the first one. This orb is the same soft green color as the Gracewind orb but sparkles instead of just glowing softly. There seems to be a small, white crescent moon sigil inside the orb...


    *Ding!*


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Hidden Profession: Eluvia</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td width="25%">Combat</td>


    <td width="25%">Rank:</td>


    <td width="25%">Unique</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Class:</td>


    <td width="25%">Ranged</td>


    <td width="25%">Fire Support</td>


    <td width="25%"> - </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">As a female-exclusive profession, the Eluvia is a friend of the wind spirits and fairies, given the power of wind to protect nature and those she cares about. Using the wind with her expert archery, the Eluvia can shoot powerful, wind-enhanced arrows as well as non-physical arrows that are completely composed of magic. To further bolster her ranged attack, the Eluvia has a few powerful spells to bring down covering fire or siege an enemy position from a far.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">


    ----------Strengths----------


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Powerful, long-range shooting attacks</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Pure magic arrows causes flinch to most opponents</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Virtually immune to all wind-element effects</li>


    </ul>


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">


    ----------Weaknesses----------


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Very delicate; low physical and magical defenses</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li>No melee options at all</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Siege-class spells require enormous mana reservoirs</li>


    </ul>


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Primary Signature Abilities</td>


    <td width="25%">Wind Rail</td>


    <td width="25%">Ballistic Missile</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Secondary Signature Abilities</td>


    <td width="25%">Stinger Storm</td>


    <td width="25%">Siegebreaker Bolt</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    This class is completely focused on ranged attacks and support, making it an excellent combat profession in parties and raids. It even has high-powered siege-class techniques to take down enemies groups and fortifications. I don''t that I''ll choose this class as it does not even have a back-up plan for close-combat. Other than that, it seems to an improved version of the trial''s magic archer-like character.... Celeste, was it? I move on to the next orb with that thought in mind. This one glows bluish-white and seems to have a small cyan book-like sigil within the orb. I tap this on and the information window pops out.


    *Ding!*


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Military Profession: Tactician</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td width="25%">Strategic</td>


    <td width="25%">Rank:</td>


    <td width="25%">Prestige</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Class:</td>


    <td width="25%">Tactical</td>


    <td width="25%">Command</td>


    <td width="25%">Support</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">The Tactician is an intelligent, devious chess master at playing the field; giving allies multiple advantages while reducing enemy effectiveness. With his or her ability to manipulate the battle, the Tactician is well versed in light weapons such as the dagger, knife and small swords as well as being exceptionally proficient at magic. The Tactician''s strength is with groups of allies, casting multiple support spells to enhance ally abilities while afflicting the enemy with area of effect debuffs, debilitating the opposition. Do not underestimate his or her skill at close-combat either, with both magic and a sharp weapon in hand, they can take down opponents with out much trouble.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">


    ----------Strengths----------


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Multiple, overlaying ability enhancing support spells</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li>High dexterity for quick, close-combat engagement</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Wide-area detection spells to avoid ambushes</li>


    </ul>


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">


    ----------Weaknesses----------


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Below average physical and magical defenses</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Very few direct offensive magic options</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Average mobility makes easy target</li>


    </ul>


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Primary Signature Abilities</td>


    <td width="25%">Focal Rally</td>


    <td width="25%">Ignite Spirit</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Secondary Signature Abilities</td>


    <td width="25%">Magic Bolt</td>


    <td width="25%">Space Ripple</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    This profession looks interesting and unique in such a way that this Tactician is capable of both combat and strategic battles. I may choose this profession if the other ones I am allowed to pick from do not interest me. As I sort through the following profession orbs, most of them are either too specialized or not interesting enough for me. However, as I come across the second last orb, I note the absence of any glowing or special marking, making it appear as though it is a regular crystal sphere.


    *Ding!


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Unknown Profession: ???</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td width="25%">Unknown</td>


    <td width="25%">Rank:</td>


    <td width="25%">Incomplete</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Class:</td>


    <td width="25%">Close-Combat</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">This is a rather obscure profession with only a small portion of its capabilities known. Not only is there a limited amount of information on this profession, but it is also incomplete. As a result, there are very little usable techniques, skills and spells available for this profession. What is known about this nameless profession is that it uses battle gauntlets from the ancient era, capable of storing parts in a personal subspace when it is inactive to reduce carry weight.


    When you name this profession, it will slowly attune to the name itself as well as your activities as the holder of this profession.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">


    ----------Strengths----------


    <ul>


    <li>No applicable strengths noted without more research and experimentation</li>


    </ul>


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">


    ----------Weaknesses----------


    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Few abilities, techniques and skills due to incomplete status</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Too obscure and unknown; no other information available</li>


    </ul>


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Primary Signature Abilities</td>


    <td width="25%">Oscillation Shatter</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Secondary Signature Abilities</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    This profession''s description is very intriguing; so it implies that I have to do research and experiment and develop the profession almost from scratch. I think I will pick this one if the last orb doesn''t interest me...


    ... ... ...


    ... ...


    ...


    ...and done. The last orb is a rather nasty, dark-element magic type profession with both heavy prices and sacrifices required to optimize the massive darkness spell library it has.


    "Okay," I look back to Leticia, "I have chosen the profession I want."


    Leticia looks up from her book and smiles at me gently, she tosses a book she was reading a moment ago into the air, where it disappears from sight. Oh? I didn''t notice that she picked up a book... wait, since the book disappeared into thin air, she could probably bring it out of thin air as well.


    No matter, it isn''t really important here.


    "Which profession are you going to choose?"


    Leticia twirls her hand in a clockwise direction, changing the orb''s positioning to a form a circle in front of me and Leticia.


    I tap the one without any color at all and reply to her question.


    "I choose this one, the incomplete profession."


    Leticia''s eyes widen a bit, not really expecting that I would pick something as unknown as this for myself.


    "Are you sure," she asks me, "this profession is completely unknown... it''s incomplete to the extent where even I cannot make any headway into defining and exploring the use of this..."


    She doesn''t finish her sentence and her voice fades off. I think for a moment before nodding my head.


    "Yes," I confirm, "I really want this profession."


    Leticia sighs and rubs her cheeks a little.


    "Well," she begins, "here you go..."


    The blonde-haired archivist taps the transparent, colorless orb and it shoots straight at me, disappearing once it hits me.


    I have no time to react and I dumbly look at my chest where the orb disappear to.


    *Ding!*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have been given the Unknown Profession: ???. Please name this profession to begin reviewing and advancing this profession.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Coming up with a name for something so vague is normally difficult but I simply give it a name that comes to mind right away. I open my mouth and name the profession...


    "Clearmind."


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have chosen to name this profession, <Clearmind>. Are you certain this is correct?


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    "Yes."


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    This profession''s name has been applied. Word analysis has begun, please wait while the profession adjusts to the new name and calculates the path of advancement.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    My body starts glowing in a pale, bluish-lilac light that feels warm and comfortable. The system adjustments take about fifteen seconds to complete and once it was done a window pops up. I feel my body slowly adapt to the new profession, causing tingling, itchy feelings all over my body. This causes me to flinch while my newly acquired fox ears to flick and twitch occasionally. A dozen or so seconds later, the uncomfortable feeling goes away and I can focus on looking at the window that popped up a while ago.


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Custom Profession: Clearmind</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td width="25%">Imperator</td>


    <td width="25%">Rank:</td>


    <td width="25%">Custom</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Class:</td>


    <td width="25%">Research</td>


    <td width="25%">Support</td>


    <td width="25%">Close-Combat</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">This is a rather obscure profession with only a small portion of its capabilities known. Not only is there a limited amount of information on this profession, but it is also incomplete. The Clearmind is revealed to be a magi-tech researcher with the ability to create technology, Unlike most researchers, the Clearmind would rather spend time outside and experiment and discover lost research material and other new sources of magic power.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">


    ----------Strengths----------


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Capable of learning any magic (with limited effect)</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Research and experimentation required for additional information</li>


    </ul>


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">


    ----------Weaknesses----------


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li>All abilities must be learned through repetitive practice and testing</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Research and experimentation required for additional information</li>


    </ul>


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Primary Signature Abilities</td>


    <td width="25%">Oscillation Shatter</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Secondary Signature Abilities</td>


    <td width="25%">QS Mode</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Whoa, the profession changed in such a way when I named it. So this profession is pretty much a magic researcher with the ability to fight back. However, I don''t think that it is this simple since this is the very first step of the profession.


    "Interesting..."


    Leticia murmurs quietly while studying my profession, the details now written on a book she brought out from nowhere.


    "I think this profession has unlimited potential if you can research and upgrade it properly..."


    She continues reading for a moment before smiling.


    "Well, we''re done here. If you have no other questions, I will send you back."


    I shake my head and smile back.


    "I don''t think I have any other questions, thank you for allowing me to... well, at least one of the people to allow me to choose from several professions."


    The archivist waves her hand at me and giggles a little.


    "This is your reward for impressing us, Yukianesa, you should thank yourself."


    At this, my vision slowly turns white before it fades to black. As my vision fades to black, so does my consciousness...


    ... ... ...


    ... ...


    ...


    --- --- --- --- ---


    Ah... ...ouch.


    My head hurts... I slowly open my eyes to find myself in an unfamiliar bed. I slowly place my hand on my head, rubbing a bit to soothe the headache a little.


    "Oh," a worried man''s voice says as the door to the room opens, "you are finally awake."


    I turn my face towards voice and find myself looking at Theodore, the librarian that gave me the pendant that sent me to the Ancient Heroic Testing realm. He looks a bit concerned, his lips in a small frown.


    "Um... ...h-how long was I out for...?"


    I stutter a little from a sudden sting from the pain, also causing me to wince.


    "I heard from King Avenhir that this pendant''s memory quest should''ve only last for about thirty minutes..."


    Theodore replies in a thoughtful but concerned tone.


    "...but you were out of it for almost three hours."


    I grimace as I face the ceiling again, slipping my arm back under the covers. The ceiling is a plain brownish-tan of wooden boards, making me think for a moment about the difference in architecture of this library and the palace in the memory. Now that I am not running for my life, I can think more clearly about these finer points of what I''ve seen.


    I''m going to skip this for now since it''s not the time to think about decorations.


    Out for three hours, huh? So I was unconscious for six times the expected time frame.... I''m pretty sure the reason for this is because of the event chosen as well as my meeting with the Archivist Leticia.


    "I''m fine," I breathe out, managing to somehow speak with my recovering mentality, "The pendant gave me a rather peculiar memory that took a longer than I thought. But I''m fine, just a little winded from the memories..."


    I feverently repress the chaos and close-calls for now. I''m definitely going to get nightmares after this... hopefully I can clear them away as soon as possible.


    Theodore walks over to a wooden chair beside the bed and places the back of his on my forehead, surprising me a little.


    "Hm... the fever is gone already," Theodore quietly mutters, "it looks like it was the pendant''s fault after all."


    "I had a fever?"


    I ask Theodore with a slightly confused tone.


    "Yes you did," Theodore replies, "I was afraid that something went wrong or you had an adverse reaction to the pendant''s memory quest. Looks like it subsided before you woke up."


    Theodore removes his hand from my forehead and smiles.


    "So, how did you do in the memory?"


    Ah, here comes the questions. I answer the librarian earnestly but I do not tell him what I experienced, not wanting for the repressed emotions from that experience to overwhelm me again.


    "Well... I did complete the memory quest without failing a single objective."


    Theodore seems to have seen me twitch when he asked the question and he doesn''t press on asking me what happened.


    "That''s good! Well, what you gained in the quest is your own secret. If you have any problems later on, you can come to me to express them, I''ll see what I can do to help."


    "Thank you..."


    Theodore smiles gently and pats my head.


    "Rest well young lass, you deserve it after completing this memory quest."


    I nod as I cover my mouth, yawning a little before closing my eyes...


    ... ... ...


    ... ...


    ...


    Waking up, I check the system time and date.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    March 25th, 11:21AM


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    So about three and a half hours in real life has already passed. I think I''ll stop playing for today after I check my current status and the changes the profession gives me.


    I slide myself out of the bed slowly while giving a small yawn, feeling much better after resting. Fixing then covers and blanket, I make the bed as neatly as possible before performing a self-check.


    Let''s see...


    "Status Check."


    *Ding!*


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Status Infomation</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Name:</td>


    <td width="25%">Yukianesa</td>


    <td width="25%">Profession:</td>


    <td width="25%">Clearmind</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Level:</td>


    <td width="25%">2</td>


    <td width="25%">Sub Profession:</td>


    <td width="25%">N/A</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Race:</td>


    <td width="25%">Kitsune</td>


    <td width="25%">Gender:</td>


    <td width="25%">Female</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Equipped Title</td>


    <td colspan="2">Virtuous Maiden</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Rank (Social Class)</td>


    <td colspan="2">Pioneer</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Fame:</td>


    <td width="25%">5</td>


    <td width="25%">Infamy:</td>


    <td width="25%">0</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Health:</td>


    <td width="25%">155 / 155</td>


    <td width="25%">Health Recovery:</td>


    <td width="25%">0.05 / Sec</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Mana:</td>


    <td width="25%">145 / 145</td>


    <td width="25%">Mana Recovery:</td>


    <td width="25%">0.1 / Sec</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Stamina:</td>


    <td width="25%">100 / 100</td>


    <td width="25%">Stamina Recovery:</td>


    <td width="25%">0.2 / Sec</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Strength:</td>


    <td width="25%">14</td>


    <td width="25%">Dexterity:</td>


    <td width="25%">18</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Vitality:</td>


    <td width="25%">8</td>


    <td width="25%">Agility:</td>


    <td width="25%">23</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Intelligence:</td>


    <td width="25%">16</td>


    <td width="25%">Wisdom:</td>


    <td width="25%">16</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Charisma:</td>


    <td width="25%">60</td>


    <td width="25%">Luck:</td>


    <td width="25%">0</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Physical Attack:</td>


    <td width="25%">3</td>


    <td width="25%">Physical Defense:</td>


    <td width="25%">46</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Magical Attack:</td>


    <td width="25%">5</td>


    <td width="25%">Magical Defense:</td>


    <td width="25%">4</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Physical Modifiers</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Slash:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    <td width="25%">Pierce:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Crush:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    <td width="25%">Blast:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Elemental Modifiers</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Fire:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    <td width="25%">Water:</td>


    <td width="25%">110%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Wind:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    <td width="25%">Earth:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Ice:</td>


    <td width="25%">110%</td>


    <td width="25%">Lightning:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Light:</td>


    <td width="25%">90%</td>


    <td width="25%">Darkness:</td>


    <td width="25%">90%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Mind:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    <td width="25%">Void:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    It looks like the base stats changed from 60 to 80, making it an additional twenty points from the no profession state. One level added eight points to the stats with an original bonus of five extra stat points. The profession seems to override my race''s status bonuses, making it all reliant on the profession without the race affecting the stat bonuses.


    Ah... it dropped my luck to zero...


    It seems the elemental and physical modifiers are not affected by the profession change. Let''s see my ability list now since the profession them listed as the signature abilities.


    "Close status window, open technique list."


    *Ding!*


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Oscillation Shatter</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td width="25%">Tactical</td>


    <td width="25%">Proficiency:</td>


    <td width="25%">0.00%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Class:</td>


    <td width="25%">Armor Breaker</td>


    <td width="25%">Circle:</td>


    <td width="25%">Basic</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Mana Cost:</td>


    <td width="25%">50MP</td>


    <td width="25%">Rank:</td>


    <td width="25%">Initial</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">[Wave]</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Using magic to generate vibrations, this technique uses the waves in a metallic medium that causes damage to the armor of the target. This technique does not do extra damage to the target but rather attacks the target''s protection instead. If the target is equipped with armor, the durability of the protective gear will be damaged directly while afflicting a debuff on the target. If the target has naturally occuring armor plates (ex: dragon) it will simply be struck with a debuff.


    Armor Damage: -15% Durability


    Inflicts <Defense -8%>


    Requirement: Battle Gauntlet


    Cooldown: 45 sec</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Technique</td>


    <td width="25%">Damage</td>


    <td width="25%">Max Hit</td>


    <td width="25%">Type</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Vibrating Strike</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    <td width="25%">1</td>


    <td width="25%">P-Crush</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">QS Mode</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td width="25%">Support</td>


    <td width="25%">Proficiency:</td>


    <td width="25%">0.00%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Class:</td>


    <td width="25%">Battle Mode</td>


    <td width="25%">Circle:</td>


    <td width="25%">Adept</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Mana Cost:</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    <td width="25%">Rank:</td>


    <td width="25%">Initial</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">A powerful enhancement technique that clads the player in a complex, full bodied armour made of mana. Invisible to the naked eye, its neon-blue structure is only seen when struck. The visibility of the armor fades soon after the impact dissipates.


    QS Mode, otherwise known as Quantum Suspension Mode, reduces incoming attack damage from all sources. The intricate, interwoven mana strings, rods and plates that make up the armor nullifies all forms of impact (all physical modifiers). As a result, armor-piercing, armor-crushing and armor breaking attacks cannot affect this technique.


    All Incoming Damage -3.5%


    Magic Armor Duration: 60 sec


    Cooldown: 180 sec


    --- ---


    This technique can be improved upon with research and testing. Using it more often does not increase its proficiency.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Ooh... the second technique is going to be a rather nice trump card for me to use when things get tough. It looks like <QS Mode> improvement functions like technology does, requiring research and testing instead of building up proficiency with constant use.


    <Oscillation Shatter>, on the other hand, is pretty useful for taking down armored targets that physical-type beginners may have trouble with. I think it will be good to protect myself against other players that may wish kill me or my party when I am in one.


    Let''s see here...


    "Close technique list, open skill list."


    *Ding!*


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Magitech Analysis</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Skill Type:</td>


    <td width="25%">Identification</td>


    <td width="25%">Proficiency:</td>


    <td width="25%">0.00%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Skill Class:</td>


    <td width="25%">Analysis</td>


    <td width="25%">Circle:</td>


    <td width="25%">Expert</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Skill Cost:</td>


    <td width="25%">-</td>


    <td width="25%">Rank:</td>


    <td width="25%">Initial</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Through the mastery of technological research and magic experimentation to identify and evaluate unknown objects that has magic within it, even if it is just a small trace. By covering and/or injecting one''s own mana into the object of interest, the Clearmind can feel and examine the internal magic structure as well as the nature of the mana in the object. By doing this, one can identify and analyze the unknown object, allowing yourself and others to view the description and what the object entails.


    Amount of mana use depends on nature of object


    Cooldown: N/A


    --- ---


    This skill can identity items of any rarity. At the currenty proficiency circle, one can discover additional magic options at a 8% chance.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I think I will check my inventory later since I have to go out and meet up with my friends at the mall. I will also need to figure out what to do after this since the one-month in game grace period that prohibits leaving the starting city region for all new players is still in effect.


    "System Call, Log out."


    <hr><hr>


    {{Non-Proof Read Version}}

 Arc I End - Spark of Change

    Polaris Dark - Arc I Epilogue


    Eight Days Later...


    Real Emotion Inc. Main Building - Developer''s Lounge


    "You know, developing the professions system in Ascendancy was one of the more difficult projects we had to implement."


    A young, blonde haired woman uses her hand to brush a few stray strands of hair from her face. Her sparkling emerald green eyes continue to scan over in flux of data coming from the servers on her computer monitor.


    She is currently taking a look at the number of professions acquired and the hidden ones that have been uncovered. Her four colleagues were working on debugging minor NPC algorithms that have cropped up for a while. Right now, they are resting while the simulations deal with the newly fixed codes.


    Tapping her finger against the table, the blonde haired woman enlarges and changes the screen into a holographic display so that she does not have to focus on a small screen. Her co-workers turn to towards her when she spoke out, listening  and watching the holographic display.


    "Japan''s continent is the most developed out of the twenty two continents in the world because of the head-start. So far, we have over thirty million players and most of them have basic professions like [Warrior], [Priest], and [Archer]. This is around twenty-two million of the players plus or minus a few hundred thousand..."


    The woman does not finish her thoughts and brings up another holographic display instead. She then closes the other display before typing something on the holographic keyboard. This display shows the percentage of players in which Profession Rank niche. In this game, professions are separated into Basic, Prestige, Variant, Hybrid, Unique and Legacy.


    The basic rank is like what the woman listed; basic professions that one can easily find. This also includes crafting professions that are common to both NPCs and Players.


    The woman adjusts her statement to percent as well.


    "It''s 63.135% of the players that have the basic professions, with just less than a third of this population holding crafting professions are their main job in this game. The prestige professions like [Guard Captain], [Foreign Infantry] and [Demicus] are taken by 8.363% of the remaining players while 28.301% of them hold a variant or hybrid profession."


    The prestige rank is basically awarded professions from nobility and royalty. These ranks bring with them prestige, fame and infamy to one''s name, giving them more influence just by holding the profession.


    Variant professions are typically basic rank professions with suffixes or prefixes attached to them. These include [Dark Knight], [Arch Druid] and [Mage Killer]. Some of them may not have one but are still considered to be variant rank professions like [Arbalester], [Hermit] and [Enchantress].


    Hybrid professions are combination classes such as the [Paladin], [Spellsword] and [War Priest]. Where Paladin is cross-class [Knight] and [Priest] type professions, the [Spellsword] is technically a hybrid of [Mage] and [Swordsman] type professions. The difference between [Paladin] and [War Priest] is the latter is more advanced in healing and support abilities while the former is of a tank archetype for mainstream RPGs but have a few differences.


    "The second last 0.197%, about sixty-eight thousand players, have unique professions. These are special professions that have powerful abilities and are the rarest among the profession ranks. Only the last 0.004%, 1397 players, have the Legacy ranking professions that are not only obscure to the point where even one of them being found can cause a stir in the gaming populations though over half of Legacy-holder players have not revealed themselves to the public."


    Unique rank professions are given this rank due to their powerful abilities and rarity. These professions include the aforementioned [Eluvia] and [Gracewind] from Miyuki''s reward when she completed the rather unique memory quest. [Velcanto], [Mastermind] and [Death''s Watch] are also some of the unique professions available.


    Legacy professions, on the other hand, are heroic title professions and may be famous unique professions that have a prestigious name attached to them from historical records. [Crimson Rose], [Dreadnought], [Emissary of Dawn] and [Sky Raider] are a few of the Legacy rank professions that are known.


    "Rosalina-san," a short brown haired male co-worker says, "we know how important the distribution of professions in this game is. Why are you reiterating this in such a tone though? It''s as if there is something troubling you."


    "Arata-san," the blonde haired woman named Rosalina, "I am troubled by something..."


    Rosalina types in something in the holographic keyboard and then brings up a single line on the screen before pointing to it.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Custom Profession: 1</td></tr></tbody></table>


    At this, the room goes silent, staring at that single line that marks the beginning of a new and uncertain future...


    --- --- ---


    <hr />


    --- --- ---


    Hanakanmuri Girl''s Academy - Female Dormitories: C-Wing


    "Kyaaaaaaaaaa!"


    A rather lovely, soft but panicked voice cries out.


    *Crash!*


    *Bam!*


    A feminine voice with a higher-pitch sighs and calls out to the first one.


    "Mou... Shizu-chan, why do you always trip over the carpet exactly?"


    The higher-pitch, sing-song like feminine voice belongs to Nonomiya Kaori a student at Hanakanmuri Girl''s Academy, otherwise known as Flower Crown Girl''s Academy. Kaori is one of the top eight beauties in this school, voted by both Hanakanmuri Girl''s Academy and its twin, Asagao (Morning Glory) Boy''s Institute that is separated by the two walls surrounding both campuses.


    "Ara... I''m sorry Kaori-chan.... You know that I am rather clumsy when I''m relaxed..."


    The gentle, feminine tone that responds to Kaori belongs to Yamato Shizuka, Shizuka is also one of the top eight beauties of the two private schools. Where Kaori is more of the happy-go-lucky cute girl with her mid-length black hair tied into a side ponytail, Shizuka is the big-sister type with her gentle voice and features; her long black hair tied in a long pony. Both of them have dark brown eyes of the Japanese though Kaori''s eyes are rounder and bigger. Shizuka''s eyes are more natural and prominent, giving her a refined look to her face.


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    The two girls have just returned to their shared room in the female dormitories of the academy after half a day of swimming, sunbathing and relaxing at the swimming pool common to both academies. The two of them really turned heads at the pool by being there; both girls and boys looked at them with a variety of emotions. Some felt sensually allured by the two while others were envious because of their rare beauty and well-maintained bodies.


    *Crack!*


    *Pop!*


    *Sizzzz*


    "Ahhh... A soda after a nice swim is especially good!"


    Kaori sighs in content after drinking from a Ramune soda bottle. After strenuously swimming laps with small relaxing breaks in between, soft drinks are soul-soothing and a nice cooling treat. Shizuka opens a bottle of Ramune as well and takes a small sip.


    "Kaori-chan," Shizuka speaks out, "let''s login to Ascendency after we finish the soda. It''s been a while since we played this game due to the final exams."


    "Right," Kaori answers, "we also have to check in with the guild as well."


    Shizuka brushes her hair away from her face with her left hand before taking another sip of Ramune soda. She then walks to the room where the Full-Dive capsules are placed and hooked up. Setting up her personalized capsule, Shizuka checks over the machine as it starts booting up.


    Shizuka''s Full-Dive Capsule is like many others, but the outer skin design has her in game character <GrandSylphie>, a beautiful Lana Elf with pale golden blonde hair and sparkling electric blue eyes. At 172.72cm (5''8"), the Lana Elf is the same height as Shizuka and is very voluptuous, drawing attention to others easily.


    Next to this one is Kaori''s personalized capsule. Kaori''s capsule has her <xDreamFairyx> character imprinted on the machine skin design. <xDreamFairyx> is also a Lana Elf but has mid-length rose gold blonde hair and greyish-blue eyes. <xDreamFairyx> is 165.09cm (5''5") tall, the same as Kaori, and is very pretty in her own way.


    After booting up her machine, Shizuka wanders over to the other capsule and does the same. She then strolls to where Kaori is and finishes her bottle of soda. Kaori is already done with her drink and is currently changing her clothes in the bedroom section of the dorm.


    "Kaori-chan," Shizuka asks, "are you ready?"


    "Yep! I''m also done changing. Put your soda away for later Shizu-chan and let''s play!"


    As always, Shizuka did not finish her soda, taking only a few sips from it. She nods and goes to the private kitchen, using a stopper to plug the opening to prevent the carbonation from escaping before placing it in the refrigerator. Shizuka then walks back to the Full-Dive Capsule room and finds Kaori already in the capsule.


    "Mou... Kaori-chan, you didn''t wait for me!"


    Pouting, Shizuka carefully steps into her own capsules and lays down, getting herself comfortable before entering the system and opening the game.


    "System, Login."


    --- --- ---


    <hr />


    --- --- ---


    Hanakanmuri Girl''s Academy - Kyudo Range A


    A gentle breeze blows across the almost vacant Kyudo Range. On the far side, there is a row of standard Kyudo targets as well as a separate section for other forms of archery. The targets are mostly new and clean, with only a single kyudo target being used. There are several arrows embedded in this particular target; all of the arrows are in the center, with none of them touching each other.


    A lone figure with long, silky black hair can be seen at the starting position, facing the opposite end of the field. Holding an asymmetrical bow (Kyudo Yumi), the figure slowly moves her slender arms to the standard shooting position and aims at a target at the ninety-meter mark. A few seconds pass without any sound nor motion. Another few seconds pass before a clear "thunk" sound is heard. signalling the release of the arrow from the bow.


    Moments later, the arrow strikes the center of the target without touching the outer edge of the central circle nor any of the other arrows already in the target. A while later, two more arrows follow, striking the central circle without touching each other.


    The girl slowly returns to a standby position before relaxing. She walks off the starting point with the bow in hand before replacing it on the practice rack with several other bows. The girl brushes off the kyudo uniform she is wearing before heading to the change room and showers. Approximately forty minutes later, the girl walks out of the room wearing a rather elegant but comfortable school uniform.


    The uniform itself is fairly standard and is in some ways similar to the high-school seifuku for girls. However, this one is customized and designed exclusively for Hanakanmuri Girl''s Academy. The female uniform consists of a dress shirt, sleeveless vest, uniform jacket, skirt, socks and shoes.


    The dress shirt is a pure, clean white with silver and gold threads on the edges. The dress shirt the girl is wearing is designed for females and so it has a larger chest-to-waist ratio and a larger waist-to-hip ratio. The vest is a deep, red sangria with golden embroidered edges and buttons. The outer uniform jacket''s main color is a cherry red with garnet patches and the same golden embroidered edges as the vest. The buttons on the jacket is black with gold-plated sides.


    The base color of the pleated, slightly above knee-length skirt is the same as the jacket. Instead of the garnet patches on the jacket, the skirt has a lighter ruby red color scheme. The ruby colored patches are bordered by the same golden embroidery, creating an elegant, rich feel to the skirt.


    The socks that come with the uniform set is fairly standard but reaches just above the mid-line of the calves. With its pure white color and golden threads, the socks provide a nice touch to the lower body, complementing the soft brown Mary Jane-esque dress shoes.


    The girl closes her eyes and then yawns quietly, covering her mouth with a small hand. Openning her cornflower blue eyes, she walks out of the kyudo range. Before walking away, the girl puts up a sign that says "Requires Cleaning Up" on the door to the range. There is a team of cleaners employed by the academy that does rounds at certain times; they will come over and clean-up the used field when they see the sign. Otherwise, the cleaners will just move on without entering the range.


    The black-haired beauty stops walking for a moment to ponder a bit.


    I wonder what I should today after going back to my room... My friends are busy right now and I have no other obligation to fulfill... ...ah, I think I''ll go play Ascendency for a while. I can finally leave the starting city so there will be more quests available. I think I''ll go exploring the world now that I am able to leave.


    Deciding to go with this plan, the girl walks back to her dorm and closes down door behind her.


    <hr />


    <hr />


    {{Non-Proof Read Version}}

 Particle Physics - Arc II: Start

    Polaris Dark - Arc II: Particle Physics


    Arc II - Start


    The realism and curiousity for the virtual world got the better of me and so, in just two days of being afraid of Ascendancy, I hestitantly entered the world again two days after the traumatizing experience. In the end, the game''s fun factor overwhelmned my fear and I started to enjoy my surroundings as well as conversing with the NPCs.


    Over the past month in the world of Ascendency, I have been busy with helping out in both the commercial and the artisan districts. By the end of the one-month prohibition period, I have gained a good reputation with the NPCs in the area.


    During this month, I have received quite a few quests for helping out mundane tasks such as collecting materials for shops, delivering packages as well as fighting against rat infestations in certain food storage warehouses.


    Before I began the quests though, I checked over my new abilities again and finally opened my inventory. I found three items that I have gotten after changing to the <Clearmind> profession.


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Refurbished Tracer Gauntlets</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Magitech Gauntlets</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Set Synergy:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">No</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Quality:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Artifact</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Level Req:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">10</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Being a relic of the past, this piece of work was fairly dull and rusty. Now that it has been refurbished, many collectors would like to have such piece as a historical artifact for themselves. The pair of gauntlets are a magic artifact that is capable of reducing its size and form when not in use through Dimension Magic.


    Its standby mode is in the form of a silver-purple bracelet with a single lilac gem embedded at the top. The gauntlets themselves cover up to the middle of the user''s forearm with a grey and silver articulated metal plating. There are several centimeter-thick energy lines on the plating indicating that the gauntlets are in Active Mode. The glove portion is made of an unknown but tough, magic-conducting alloy to protect the hands as well as deal more damage to enemies when struck.


    --- --- ---


    Equipment Information


    Physical Attack: 22-35


    Magical Attack: 18-31


    Physical Defense: +13


    Magical Defense: +18


    --- --- ---


    Aftershock: When attacking, 15% chance of dealing an additional 5% P. Blast damage to target. This damage ignores all external effects, target defense (not physical modifiers) as well as temporary effects.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Durability</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">Left Gauntlet:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">250 / 250</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">Right Gauntlet:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">250 / 250</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Scroll of Divine Law - Courage</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Scroll</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Set Synergy:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">No</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Quality:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Celestial</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Level Req:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">1</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">An extremely rare scroll embued with the energies of the Divine Laws. When used, the scroll will disappear and send the power contained within into the user, increasing his or her strength by the amount proportional to the grade level of the scroll.


    --- --- ---


    Consumable Information


    Divine Law - Courage: Raises the user''s Level to 10 if his or her current level is below 10.


    Divine Law - Action Force: Alters the user''s base stats, modifiers and growth to an optimum efficiency according to the profession and race.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Durability</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">Scroll:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">1 / 1</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Variable Code Amulet</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Magitech Necklace</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Set Synergy:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">No</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Quality:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Artifact</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Level Req:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">1</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: left" colspan="4">


    A magitech accessory that originally belonged to an ancient empire''s princess. This amulet consists of an adjustable silver chaiin and a circular metal pendant imbedded with a lilac magic crystal cut into a diamond shape. There are small crystal tubes that glow with the same lilac light imbedded and connected to the diamond jewel but are incomplete at the moment.


    The emergency functions of this amulet is still available and will activate when the Health of the wearer reaches the critical zone (current health at approximately 18.2% of maximum).


    --- --- ---


    Accessory Information


    Magical Attack: +5


    Physical Defense: +5


    Magical Defense: +5


    SOS Recovery: Casts


    on wearer when his or her Health reaches the critical zone.


    restores 0.5% of maximum health every second for 5 seconds. This ability has a cooldown of 30 seconds.


    SOS Force Barrier: Casts


    on wearer when his or her Health reaches the critical zone.


    reduces all incoming physical damage by 15% for 5 seconds. This ability has a cooldown of 30 seconds.


    SOS Mana Barrier: Casts <Magi-link Dispersion> on wearer when his or her Health reaches the critical zone. <Magi-link Dispersion> reduces all incoming magic damage by 15% for 5 seconds. This ability has a cooldown of 30 seconds.


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Durability</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">Amulet:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">50 / 50</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Completion</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">First Form:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">20 / 250</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The Divine Laws Scroll is probably given so the player can equip the two basic profession-related items immediately. Maybe it''s just that this profession requires the player to start at level 10. The altering of the base stats, modifiers and growth values are very intriguing, there is a boost in growth in certain areas while a reduction in stats in others.


    As a magical technology researcher from this profession, I wonder if it would be possible in the distant future to create some sort of Divine Laws Scroll....


    After using the scroll and completing the various quests from the NPCs, I have sufficiently acquired enough experience of how NPCs and basic combat works and I have collected sufficient money to start my journey out of the city. Instead of a newbie, and I now officially classify myself as a beginner in Ascendency.


    According to the stat window, it looks like my elemental modifiers have decreased to an average base of 90% with only light and darkness at 80% each due to my racial attribution. So I am more resistant to elemental damage when the Divine Laws altered the modifiers.


    In total, I have completed 23 quests, each with its own set of difficulties and interesting parts. The first quest after leaving the library was a material gathering request from Melissa Claude, the resident Blacksmith''s daughter. I needed to collect 10 <Tapered Iron Shells> from <Iron Armadillo>.


    This was fairly easy to complete as the Armadillos have weak offensive capabilities and are fairly slow. The only reason the the job was a bit tedious is the high physical defenses the Armadillos have. This was made a bit easier with my <Oscillation Shatter> technique as well as the <Aftershock> ability of the battle gauntlets.


    The second quest is from the commercial district''s <Little Marie> Inn and Restaurant. The owner, Maria Rieze and her husband Joaquin Rieze, wanted the cooks to make a specialty dish but are missing three essential ingredients. I accepted the request and collect the ingredients easily.


    The items required were 10 leaves from the


    plant, 3 small crystals of


    and <Fresh Spring Water>. All three of this items can be found in Emilia Forest and are abundant in supply.


    The third quest was actually a small chain quest of five requests. To simplify this encounter, I had delivered a packed lunch from a woman to her husband that worked as a guard. In turn, the man gave me a parchment scroll to deliver: this scroll is to be given to the guard headquarter''s supervising officer and to no one else.


    When I completed this, the officer asks me to help quell a small rat infestation in one of the granaries. I accepted and finishes this request fairly easily as it is naturally a combat mission with Level 5 <Giant Rat> as the enemies. There was also a more tedious Level 7 rat variant called


    . It has a high defense and a special trait that prevents debuffs to its defense.


    The fourth quest was given after I reported back to officer. This request is to deliver an official document to the guard captain whom is currently at the military barracks located within the inner wall, just outside of the castle. I managed to get the document delivered without running into trouble. The guards at the inner gate do not allow anyone to enter without permission. Since the document I had carried has the official stamp on the package, the soldiers let me in without another question.


    Completing the fourth quest raised my intimacy with the <Arvenus City Guard> to the point the guards have a good impression of me. The intimacy rating is high enough that the guard captain started talking to me in a casual way. His name is Ashton Kordova, son of a minor noble - a baron to be exact - and an esteemed Master Knight of the Kingdom (*A. note: Knight rankings and nobility rankings will be placed in the glossary later on).


    The fifth quest was nothing like the previous four: the guard captain asked me if I would like some combat training since, as a pioneer, he deduces that I would leave the city soon or later. He says that; "as a pioneer, you will face a lot of difficulties in your travels. I know this sounds a like stereotypically, but this is especially true since you are a woman."


    The guard captain had a rather concerned look on his face that denoted his true feelings. I agreed to his invitation and so he and I worked out a training schedule for the times I am free that coincides with the fresh guard training program. The schedule ended up with me attending the basic combat training days of the program for three hours each day (in game) for the next twenty days. During those days, I would go and accept requests for smaller jobs then train with the guards.


    Most of the guards-in-training were quite friendly; they were happy to see a pioneer within their ranks, especially a female like myself. Although there are woman in the city guard and guard-in-training, the men to woman ratio is about 5:1. It''s like seeing a fresh, new flower bloom in a desolate wasteland where only a few flowers can survive in.


    When fighting, one cannot judge the opponent''s total strength simply by looking at his or her stature. While most of the male guards-in-training did not have this sort of problem, some of the more arrogant ones that are stronger than their peers learnt this the hard way. One of them called me a dainty rose and was rather haughty; saying that fighting is not for . He quickly learned that this "rose" has thorns that hurt him when he tried "picking it" during a sparring match. The others, including the guy who got his hands pricked, soon learned to be modest and we all started to get along well after that.


    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    During this time, my stats increased from the vigorous training as well as combat practice. Guard Captain Ashton Kordova had also taken my physique, strengths and weaknesses into consideration when he gave me the training. As a result, not only have my base stats improve fairly well, I also gained two new stats as well as three new skills to add to my list of abilities. In total, I gained 6 strength, 8 dexterity, 5 vitality and 10 agility over the past twenty days.


    <Reflex> is the first of the two new stats I gained. Reflex is an extension stat of agility and dexterity. Normally, reflex is a hidden stat that is improved upon increasing agility and dexterity. When unlocked, one will be able to improve this stat directly. Reflex is the innate, involuntary, nearly-instantaneous response to a certain stimulus. In a game like this, this is the response in combat to incoming attacks and other movement.


    <Endurance> is the second of the new stats I acquired. Endurance is an extension of strength and vitality. The hidden endurance stat is improved upon increasing strength and vitality. When unlocked, you will be able to improve this stat directly. Endurance is the ability to withstand external pressure as well as remaining active for long periods of time. This stat directly affects stamina as well as damage reduction properties.


    The three skills I received from the combat training are <Unarmed Combat Mastery>, <Slipstream> and <Shadow Chaser Form II>.


    Unarmed combat mastery is self-explanatory: it improves the attack speed, accuracy and damage for unarmed strikes as well as increasing muscle memory of offense and defense, allowing for greater efficiency when fightin while unarmed. Wearing battle gloves or a cestus is considered as unarmed combat due to having no additional extensions from the body.


    Slipstream is actually an unintended skill that was created while Ashton was trying to teach me his personal movement skill called <Wind Strafe>. Wind Strafe is a skill that utilizes a small amount of wind magic increase one''s natural agility and dexterity. This skill works by directing wind at a certain vector to control the movement.


    Slipstream is a variation of his Wind Strafe skill that uses less magic. Where Wind Strafe uses wind magic, Slipstream simply uses magic to raise and/or reduce air friction to control the direction of movement without any other kind of external interference. This skill is a trigger-type skill that allows the user to activate or deactivate it at will. Enabling this skill uses a small amount of mana while it is active.


    Shadow Chaser Form II sounds fancy but is simply the name given to the standard close-combat skill taught to the guards. This form is named for its technical aspects and specialty; Counter and Pursuit. Shadow Chaser Form II is for unarmed combat; focusing on quick-reaction counters as well as not allowing the target to escape.


    After the twenty days of training, my intimacy with the Arvenus City Guard was greatly raised. The guards and guards-in-training were already fairly friendly before the program; now they pretty much treat me as close friends, if not family. At the end, the fifth quest was completed and I received a badge indicating my status as a "Honorary City Guard", changing my rank/social status to the same name. I also acquired a new title called: Friend of Arvenus City Guard.


    Bringing up the status and skill screens I check them once over before getting ready for my new journey...


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    [td4]Status Infomation


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Name:</td>


    <td width="25%">Yukianesa</td>


    <td width="25%">Profession:</td>


    <td width="25%">Clearmind</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Level:</td>


    <td width="25%">15</td>


    <td width="25%">Sub Profession:</td>


    <td width="25%">N/A</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Race:</td>


    <td width="25%">Kitsune</td>


    <td width="25%">Gender:</td>


    <td width="25%">Female</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Equipped Title</td>


    <td colspan="2">Virtuous Maiden</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Rank (Social Class)</td>


    <td colspan="2">Honorary City Guard</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Fame:</td>


    <td width="25%">51</td>


    <td width="25%">Infamy:</td>


    <td width="25%">0</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Health:</td>


    <td width="25%">295 / 295</td>


    <td width="25%">Health Recovery:</td>


    <td width="25%">0.19 / Sec</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Mana:</td>


    <td width="25%">285 / 285</td>


    <td width="25%">Mana Recovery:</td>


    <td width="25%">0.28 / Sec</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Stamina:</td>


    <td width="25%">100 / 100</td>


    <td width="25%">Stamina Recovery:</td>


    <td width="25%">0.2 / Sec</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Strength:</td>


    <td width="25%">32</td>


    <td width="25%">Dexterity:</td>


    <td width="25%">41</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Vitality:</td>


    <td width="25%">21</td>


    <td width="25%">Agility:</td>


    <td width="25%">51</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Intelligence:</td>


    <td width="25%">35</td>


    <td width="25%">Wisdom:</td>


    <td width="25%">38</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Reflex:</td>


    <td width="25%">8</td>


    <td width="25%">Endurance:</td>


    <td width="25%">4</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Charisma:</td>


    <td width="25%">72</td>


    <td width="25%">Luck:</td>


    <td width="25%">0</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Physical Attack:</td>


    <td width="25%">11</td>


    <td width="25%">Physical Defense:</td>


    <td width="25%">46</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Magical Attack:</td>


    <td width="25%">9</td>


    <td width="25%">Magical Defense:</td>


    <td width="25%">5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Physical Modifiers</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Slash:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    <td width="25%">Pierce:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Crush:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    <td width="25%">Blast:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Elemental Modifiers</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Fire:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    <td width="25%">Water:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Wind:</td>


    <td width="25%">90%</td>


    <td width="25%">Earth:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Ice:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    <td width="25%">Lightning:</td>


    <td width="25%">90%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Light:</td>


    <td width="25%">80%</td>


    <td width="25%">Darkness:</td>


    <td width="25%">80%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Mind:</td>


    <td width="25%">50%</td>


    <td width="25%">Void:</td>


    <td width="25%">90%</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Unarmed Combat Mastery</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Skill Type:</td>


    <td width="25%">Combat Skill</td>


    <td width="25%">Proficiency:</td>


    <td width="25%">2.37%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Skill Class:</td>


    <td width="25%">Unarmed Combat</td>


    <td width="25%">Circle:</td>


    <td width="25%">Apprentice</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Skill Cost:</td>


    <td width="25%">N/A</td>


    <td width="25%">Rank:</td>


    <td width="25%">Lower</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">It does not matter who you are when it comes to a fight. In a pinch, you must return to your own body as a weapon if you happen to lack an armament at the moment. While some people use unarmed combat as a last resort, others focus on this skill to make sure that they are never without a weapon. The more proficient you are with unarmed combat, the stronger your strikes become when using your body to attack. You will become more precise and accurate, allowing you to easily punish your opponent(s).


    Special Traits


    <ul>


    <li>Striker: This skill will still be in effect while using the Cestus or Battle Gauntlets/Gloves</li>


    </ul>


    Circle: Apprentice


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Combat Offense: +3% Physical Attack (Base)</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Combat Precision: +2% Dexterity (Base)</li>


    </ul>


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Slipstream</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Skill Type:</td>


    <td width="25%">Movement</td>


    <td width="25%">Proficiency:</td>


    <td width="25%">61.42%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Skill Class:</td>


    <td width="25%">Manipulation</td>


    <td width="25%">Circle:</td>


    <td width="25%">Basic</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Skill Cost:</td>


    <td width="25%">Mana</td>


    <td width="25%">Rank:</td>


    <td width="25%">Upper</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">A special skill that allows you to manipulate air friction, increasing or decreasing it act will. Although the range is limited to a single centimeter around your body, this can drastically increase one''s movement speed, jump speed, height and distance. The more proficient you are with this skill, the more you can alter air friction to suit your needs. This is a trigger-type skill that uses mana as long as it is enabled. You can enable or disabling this skill with a thought.


    Special Traits


    <ul>


    <li>Trigger: The skill''s effect is enabled/disabled by the user at will. Enabling the skill will consume 5 Mana per second. The more proficient the user is with the skill, the less mana it takes to remain enabled.</li>


    </ul>


    Circle: Basic


    <ul>


    <li>Friction Manipulation: ¡À8.5% Air Friction</li>


    </ul>


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Spoiler: Information <input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Shadow Chaser Form</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Skill Type:</td>


    <td width="25%">Martial Arts</td>


    <td width="25%">Proficiency:</td>


    <td width="25%">5.19%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Skill Class:</td>


    <td width="25%">Counter/Pursuit</td>


    <td width="25%">Circle:</td>


    <td width="25%">Novice</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Skill Cost:</td>


    <td width="25%">N/A</td>


    <td width="25%">Rank:</td>


    <td width="25%">Middle</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">The Shadow Chaser Martial Arts Form, otherwise known simply as Shadow Chaser Form, is one where you focus on agility and reflex. It specializes in counters and pursuit, disarming the opponent and preventing him or her from escaping. Using pressuring maneuvers, this martial art forms an impenetrable barrier of the mind, causing the opponent to feel trapped and hopeless. This form is not intended for use against multiple-targets.


    Circle: Novice


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Combat Offense: +5% Physical Attack when applying techniques unique to this form (Base)</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Combat Mobility: +1% Agility, +1% Dexterity (Base)</li>


    </ul>


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <hr>


    {{Non-Proof Read Version}}

 Arc II: Chapter I - Discoveries

    Polaris Dark - Arc II Chapter I


    Sitting on a wooden chair fixed to the surface, I am currently riding with a group of passengers on the monthly merchant-run caravan group from the City of Arvenus to Frostmoon City. Unlike Arvenus, Frostmoon City is smaller as it is not one of the major hubs of trade and commerce. Instead, Frostmoon City''s main specialty is the development of technology and magic; the very reason I am heading towards this city.


    At this moment, I am tinkering with a couple of metal parts and a few small gemstones. I bought the parts and gems from a small magic store referred by Guard Captain Ashton. The pieces of metal are simply inscribed magic metal that have been scrapped while the gemstones were ruined magic jewels. I was able to buy them for a greatly reduced price - even though it is already cheaper as they are useless - since I was a friend of the guard captain. The bag holding the metal carries about sixteen small parts and nine medium pieces while the smaller pouch of ruined magic gems hold about fifteen colorful stones.


    It should also be noted that pioneers (players) are not allowed to use the caravan''s service. Ever since my social ranking changed from


    to Honorary City Guard, I was able to enjoy some privileges that the regular people of this world are able enjoy. Although the lead caravan merchant mistakenly thought that I was a guard on holidays, he was still happy to give me a private carriage space for a reduced price. Because the lead caravan merchant was a friend of guard captain, the actual price was reduced by nearly seventy percent.


    The rank (Social Class) on the status window was mostly ignored as people saw it as what class you are part of. The


    status is thought to be the natural identifier for the players so no one explored options of this rank. Even the manual and information given out says that the Rank status is just an identifier tag that reveals an NPC or creature''s status in its natural environment.


    Fiddling with the pieces of metal and ruined jewels, I use the skill <Magitech Analysis> to study and understand the inner workings of the metal and jewels, This skill is not just an identification skill; it also reveals valuable information about how it was made, what kind of magic is inscribed, the material''s composition as well as the estimated efficiency of the object when it was in a complete state.


    The journey to Frostmoon city will take approximately two in game weeks so I will have lots of spare time. With three bags of the metal pieces and two small pouches of jewels, I will probably be busy studying the magic inscriptions and figuring out its original use during the time on the caravan. Along the way, the caravans will stop by at two smaller settlements before reaching Frostmoon City, staying in each town for two days for trading and rest. It will take two days to reach the first one, four days from the first settlement to reach the second one and finally three more days to reach Frostmoon City.


    The guards of this escort are NPC adventurers and players with an average level of 30 in their first profession (no advancement). The adventurers numbers at approximately thirty while the players number at twenty-five. The adventurer and player escorts are separated into standard parties of five each. I guess the players think that everyone in the caravans are NPCs. Well, being only level 15 is quite low for a trip from city to city. From what I have heard, the quest given from the adventurer''s guild (both NPC and player can register and become a member) requires at least twenty players with a maximum of twenty eight and must be above level 30.


    Four hours into the first leg of this journey, nothing interesting happened, allowing the caravan to reach the first checkpoint without falling behind schedule. During these four hours of inside the carriage, I learned and continue to learn new things about the scrap metal and jewels. There are a lot of different metals with different magic inscription fragments, each with their own former use and each with a different complexity.


    I am currently separating the metal pieces into three smaller pouches I bought from the Apothecary. The first pouch is for metal pieces with simple, "single-railed" magic inscription fragments. The second pouch is for the ones with two or more "railed" magic inscription fragments. The third and final pouch is for the ones with non-railed magic inscription.


    (AN: the unknown terms will like "single-railed", non-railed and multiple railed will be explained in glossary later on).


    With the profession''s innate knowledge, I can understand what the inscriptions are for and how they interact with the material as well as with each other.


    Technically, a person can sleep while playing this game as it treats the mind as in a dream state. Most people would normally avoid this as it leaves the user tired in the morning as they really did "live" an adventure in their "dreams". Professional gamers and other less-savory characters (AN: You know, those people that make money through gaming?) tend to play at every opportunity.


    Spending the four hours just analyzing and studying the magic inscriptions is very tedious and boring to the average person. I, on the other hand, love discovering new things and reading. I find pleasure in learning new things, feeding my love for knowledge with the things I learn.


    During the next two hours, I succeed in making a rather crude but active <Crude Mana Reactor> that responds to my command, albeit delayed and inefficienct. The reactor is made from two ruined blue magic jewels roughly fit into a composite base of three metal fragments. It is welded together using a <Magic Fire Torch> I borrowed from the same merchant that allowed me to stay on the carriage for a lower price.


    The torch works like an antique blowtorch but is powered by a fire marble (a round magic stone). The bronze canister holds several fire marbles, each held in a separate container inside of the canister. Using the <Magitech Analysis> skill, I noted the magic rails inside canister, each line etched on the inside of the canister. If I have something to support this skill, I can probably view the object in a three dimensional object map and understand the functions and craftsmenship more clearly.


    The torch is used by traders to fix broken parts and is not that expensive to them as they are fairly rich from their trade. With my high intimacy rating with the <Arvenus City Guard> and the guard captain, the head caravan merchant lent it to me for free.


    Pairing this up with an idea of mine, I end up creating two theoretical techniques through the study of magic inscriptions. Apparently, the two newly created techniques are currently in "theoretical form" until I field test it.


    <b>Spoiler</b>: Information <input type=''button'' value=''Show'' class=''spoilerButton''>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Particle Ray</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Type:</td><td width="25%">Offensive</td><td width="25%">Proficiency:</td><td width="25%">N/A</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Class:</td><td width="25%">Precision Strike</td><td width="25%">Circle:</td><td width="25%">Theoretical</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Mana Cost:</td><td width="25%">N/A</td><td width="25%">Rank:</td><td width="25%">N/A</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">[Particle]</td><td width="25%">[Laser]</td><td width="25%">-</td><td width="25%">-</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>By condensing mana particles into a form similar to a beam of light before agitating the particles, you can control and fire the beam of mana at a single target, piercing through and dealing magical damage to every creature/player directly behind the target as well. The mana particles does damage by scrambling the magic power of the target(s) struck by the ray. Not only does it burn away a portion of the afflicted''s mana, it also dazes the target momentarily. This technique''s damage decreases as the distance of the ray increases.


    Experimentation Required to identify attributes and traits


    Requirement: Prismatic Mana Reactor</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Technique</td><td width="25%">Damage</td><td width="25%">Max Hit</td><td width="25%">Type</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">-</td><td width="25%">-</td><td width="25%">-</td><td width="25%">-</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <b>Spoiler</b>: Information <input type=''button'' value=''Show'' class=''spoilerButton''>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Distortion-Waveform Scan</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Type:</td><td width="25%">Support</td><td width="25%">Proficiency:</td><td width="25%">N/A</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Class:</td><td width="25%">Information</td><td width="25%">Circle:</td><td width="25%">Theoretical</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Mana Cost:</td><td width="25%">N/A</td><td width="25%">Rank:</td><td width="25%">N/A</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">[Wave]</td><td width="25%">[Mind]</td><td width="25%">[Psionic]</td><td width="25%">-</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Waves and mental energy can be used in a lot of abstract ways. This is only possible through experimentation and generation of theories. Combining the two elements here before releasing the aggregate in a wave packet allows you to sense and scan all targets within range of this technique. As waves are oscillation accompanied by the transfer of a certain type of energy through space/object (the energy here being mental energy), you can detect and analyze information of both animate and inanimate objects and learn of their properties.


    Scans and displays basic information on all objects within range.


    One can


    Maximum Range: 25m2


    Requirement: Magitech Analysis Core


    Cooldown: 15 sec</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Looking at the first technique, I wonder if the crude mana reactor I made out of the scrap metal pieces and three ruined red magic gems will be able to withstand the


    ''s activation and launch. I''ll have to wait for a good time and place to test this out. When I look at the second technique, however...


    ...it looks like I will have to prepare some equipment before I can even start testing <Distortion-Waveform Scan>.


    Another two hours pass in game without incident, allowing me to finish examining nine out of sixteen small metal pieces before something stops me from continuing.


    "Kuh, they found us out. Brothers! There must be riches in the caravans this time with so many guards! Kill all the men and take the treasures, women and children!"


    A rather muffled masculine shout pierces through the carriage''s walls, allowing me to hear them. It looks like the adventurers and players discovered a cluster of bandits hiding. The bandit''s voice sounded a little annoyed; they were probably found out before being able to set an ambush. Just by listening to the shouts outside, I can hear a metal clashing on metal, shouting and yelling around me. The adventurers and players are probably fighting with bandits at close-quarters from the noise.


    "No mercy! Kill the all the bandit scum!"


    "Protect the merchandise! Protect the non-combatants!"


    The first shout was from a woman with a very commanding tone to it while the second one came from a lower, softer masculine voice. The second voice is just as strong as the first even with the softer tone.


    A little curious, I lift the lower left corner of a fabric covering the glass window of the carriage and peek outside, taking note of the situation.


    Although the bandits are fairly weak and can be taken down with normally lethal strikes, they are decently skilled and are rather numerous. There are simply too many bandits for me to count but a rough estimate would be around eighty or so. Right now, we are on a clear path with tall trees on both sides, making it difficult to see the actual amount of bandits. Fortunately, the enemies don''t seem to have any ranged weapons other than throwing axes, making it much easier for the adventurers and players here to handle the bandits.


    Preparing in case of an emergency, I activate my <Refurbished Tracer Gauntlets> and reattach the newly made mana reactor to a pair of mana tracer (lines) on the right hand. A moment after the reactor is attached, the slightly modified magic rails on the metal disk starts to glow a dull cyan blue, indicating that the reactor is now active. The ruinned jewels, on the other hand, does not glow as the magic forced into it will dissipate immediately. I have to use the magic right away for the reactor to work.


    While the sounds of combat continue, I ready myself for intruders as well as keeping vigilance on the situation outside. A moment later, three bandits breaks through the player and NPC adventurer defensive line. As the road curves in my general area, I can see the carriages ahead of me as well.


    "Ha! Let''s see what is in the carriages!"


    One of the players immediately catch up to the slowest bandit and engages in battle but the other two are too quick for the guards. One of the enemies sprints to the carriage ahead of the one I am in and tears open the door but is shoved away by an NPC adventure with a large shield. The second bandit rushes over to my carriage and tears the door open soon after and he shouts in delight as he sees me.


    "Oi! There''s a swee-"


    He does not get to finish his sentence: thin, high-energy laser beam pierces straight through his head, striking more bandits further off without hitting any allies. Ironically, the "realistic" VR had to attribute the cliche laser beam sound to technique even though it should not have any noise at all. The bandit stumbles a bit and falls into the carriage from the sudden, the mana fluctuation and suddness of my action.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Fatal Hit! 312 Damage to Freslen Bandit ¡á Lvl. 23</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Freslen Bandit Health: 8/320</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Oh my goodness, the power of


    during a fatal hit is terrifying even without a critical hit. I immediately follow up with a punch to the head, causing the man to crumple. I kick the body off the carriage with a small sniff.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Theoretical technique


    has been identified and tested. This technique cannot be strengthened without upgrading the mana reactor component. Proficiency and rank will be disabled while the technique circle will be locked at <Master>. Mana Cost identified: 30MP each use</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <b>Spoiler</b>: Information <input type=''button'' value=''Show'' class=''spoilerButton''>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Particle Ray</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Type:</td><td width="25%">Offensive</td><td width="25%">Proficiency:</td><td width="25%">N/A</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Class:</td><td width="25%">Precision Strike</td><td width="25%">Circle:</td><td width="25%">Theoretical</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Mana Cost:</td><td width="25%">30MP</td><td width="25%">Rank:</td><td width="25%">N/A</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">[Particle]</td><td width="25%">[Laser]</td><td width="25%">-</td><td width="25%">-</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>By condensing mana particles into a form similar to a beam of light before agitating the particles, you can control and fire the beam of mana at a single target, piercing through and dealing magical damage to every creature/player directly behind the target as well. The mana particles does damage by scrambling the magic power of the target(s) struck by the ray. Not only does it burn away a portion of the afflicted''s mana, it also dazes the target momentarily. This technique''s damage decreases as the distance of the ray increases.


    Inflicts Mana Burn: -5% MP


    Inflicts <Daze> for 1 sec (First target struck only)


    Maximum Range: 50m


    Effective Range: 15m


    Requirement: Prismatic Mana Reactor


    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.Cooldown: 7 sec</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Technique</td><td width="25%">Damage</td><td width="25%">Max Hit</td><td width="25%">Type</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Mana Beam</td><td width="25%">330% ~ 75%</td><td width="25%">1</td><td width="25%">M-Pierce</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Figures. It seems many of the abilities will require material components to strengthen. This profession is truly like a scientist and mechanic, perfect for my love of knowledge and new theories. No wonder it did so much damage... a 330% damage with my battle gloves is deadly.


    While I slammed my battle-ready fist on to the dazed bandit''s head, the adventurers that noticed the laser were surprised for a moment. As veterans, however, they promptly turn their attention back into thick of fighting. The two players, on the other hand, were stunned for a few seconds while gawking at the source; me. At this time, I was kicking the bandit''s corpse off the carriage so I did not notice their stares.


    A shout quickly brings the two players back into the fray, defending against three bandits that are charging at the two players. While they fight, I step outside of the carriage to assess the situation properly. At this time, none of the adventurers and players have suffered any casualties nor do they have any serious injuries. The bandits may be skilled, but even they cannot last too long against battle-hardened adventurers and deadly players with powerful techniques and spells.


    During the skirmish, I was scanning the entire field as I readied my armament. With the crude mana reactor crackling, electric-like blue mana energy continuously outputting mana, I fired the


    technique whenever I find a region that needs some assistance. When the bandits noticed this, they tried to break through to keep me from doing more damage to their numbers. The adventurers and players realizes that someone is supporting their attacks and do their best to hinder the bandits. The former are naturally successful at stopping the bandits as the latter are either too focused on or distracted by me shooting at them from a distance.


    In about five minutes or so, most of the bandits are dead while the rest are fleeing in all directions, cursing their bad luck. In a matter of moments, the region becomes quiet again as the battle is finished. A few of the adventurers are injured while only three players are hurt. It is not very serious as they start treating their wounds and drink potions to recover health and mana. Lowering my arm, the crackling electric-like mana energy that surroudns the reactor slowly fades before the two jewels shatter to pieces.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>The <Makeshift Convergence Jewels>x2 on the <Crude Mana Reactor> are broken. Please replace the jewels for continued use of the reactor.


    The magic rails on the <Makeshift Reactor Base Plate> have been disfigured. Please repair or replace the base plate for continued use of the reactor.</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Ugh, the crude mana reactor is really living it up to its name. At least it lasted for the duration of the battle without breaking down. I take a look at the reactor and find it burnt out; the metal base scorched and blackened by the high-density energy. This ruined the magic rails on the metal that conducts magic to the jewel, rending it completely useless without repair.


    The rest of the scrap metal and ruined jewels are useless as the magic rails do not conduct mana in the correct way. The only reason I was able to create the reactor was due to the three compatible pieces with single-railed magic inscriptions. Using the torch I borrowed, I had carefully welded the three pieces together as well as two attachments so it can stay on the battle gauntlet.


    When the adventurers and players  confirm that there is no other threat, they turn their attention to the most peculiar person in the group: me. Who else is as peculiar as me right now? I fired a blue laser beam-like attack in a fantasy world, what else can beat that at this moment?


    As I inspect the broken reactor, the adventurers come up to me with eyes bright and curious. A woman, most likely the leader of the adventurers core walk up to me and give a slight bow to me. Her dark amber, mid-length hair falls over her shoulders in natural curls, giving her a rather gorgeous but commanding aura. Judging by our height difference, it looks like she is approximately 167.64cm (5''7").


    The woman is outfitted with a small, bluish-silver chestplate that fits over her upper torso. The chestplate is single piece, curved front with a few decorative engravings and raised metal strips. Unlike modern sculpted "boob plates'' and chainmail bikinis that seem to proliferate in both video games, anime and movies, the woman''s chest piece pretty much adheres to physics and science.


    She wears a single curved chest piece with room for blue and white padded cloth shirt underneath. covering the rest of her torso and splitting off into a wider and thinner, fluttery skirt like extension. that reaches to the middle of her thighs. The padded cloth has several hinged metal plates along the waist area for easier movement while providing decent protection. The padded armors covers her arms as well as her lower neck line. Jointed metal plates of various sizes cover the padded regions in certain areas to protect the body.


    Underneath the extension, the woman is wearing a pair of dark blue pants that is probably padded as well. The pants have articulated metal plates to protect the vital points of the legs from injury as well as reduce mobility restrictions of metal equipment. The woman also wears bluish-silver metallic boots that have magic inscriptions on it. The inscription lines are beautifully engraved, glowing a soft, greenish light that indicates its property of <Wind> element.


    I discover through my <Magitech Analysis> skill that the inscription generates a certain amount of wind magic when mana is injected into the boots, allowing the enhancement to lighten the weight and increase the wearer''s mobility for a certain duration of time. The boots are made of a metal that increases heat and wear resistance. Hm... I''ll need to construct something to supplement my <Magitech Analysis> skill and allow me to analyze further.


    On her hands is a pair of deep brown leather gloves with silver plates on the back to guard against attacks to the hand. On her head is a metal headband that holds her hair in place, topped with a blue-petaled, gold center flower decoration on the left side. This accessory piece gives her a touch of femininity that only makes her more attractive.


    She addresses me in a stiff, formal way. She probably thinks that I am someone important since I was riding in one of the carriages. The passive skill from my title <Virtuous Maiden> is probably active right now...


    "My name is Rebecca Essano, lead adventurer team for this trading caravan. Thank you for assisting us young miss; your unique magic was really helpful in keeping the bandits off our backs."


    I give a small bow to reciprocate before replying.


    "Your welcome Miss Essano, I should at least help out since I am here. My name is Yukiara; pleased to make your acquaintance. If my name is a bit awkward, just call me Yuki for short."


    I carefully remove the broken reactor and put it away before deactivating my battle gauntlets, turning the pair into silver-purple bracelets each with an inlaid lilac gem. I hold my right hand out to the woman with a smile on my face, wanting to break-the ice with her so as to remove the formality of the greeting.


    With this gesture, the woman''s eyes widen a bit and her stiff pose softens as she takes my hand with a smile of her own.


    "The pleasure is mine," she gives my hand a small shake, "it''s nice to see more women and girls taking an active role in combat."


    I nod at her, agreeing with her way of thinking. Although there are female adventurers, knights and guards, they are generally in the minority compared to men. At this point, a man at least two heads taller than me walks over and stands besides Rebecca. This man is wearing a full suit of bronze-colored basic plate armor. The armor, gloves, greaves and boots are all engraved with certain, low-level magic inscriptions that lightens the armor''s weight as well as strengthens its defenses. The man''s short brown hair compliments his honey-brown eyes really well.


    Giving small bow in respect, the man addresses me in with his strong, tenor voice.


    "Thank you for your help Miss Yuki, it is nice to meet you. My name is Vaniel Resrock, deputy leader of Rebecca''s adventurer team."


    Vaniel brings his gauntlet-wearing hand out towards me and I take it with my mine. We shake our hands firmly before letting go a moment later.


    "It is nice to meet you too. I''m only doing what I''m supposed to do."


    I replay to his greeting with a small, respectful smile. Other adventurers in Rebecca''s group start to crowd around us to introduce themselves to me happily. The players, on the other hand, watch the adventurers and I interactive from some ways apart as they have no idea what''s going on nor do they know how to react to my appearance. A couple of the players may be talking to each other about the laser fire though but are not comfortable with coming over to talk to me.


    Several minutes of interactions later, I re-enter my carriage and close the door behind me. The caravan continues on their way shortly after.


    ... ... ...


    ... ...


    ...


    <hr />


    Hanakanmuri Girl''s Academy - Female Dormitories: A-Wing


    *Psss.... Click!*


    The Real Emotion Full-Dive Capsule''s port slides open, revealing my room''s ceiling to my eyes. I slowly lift my head up a little and press a button on the side of the capsule. The machine emits a soft hissing sound and the contraption inside the capsule slowly moves my body out of the slot and into a sitting position. The machine then raises my body to the level of the capsule''s edge.  When it stops, I am at a fully seated position; only my legs are lying straight inside the machine. I yawn and stretch my arms a little before sliding my legs off the capsule. As I get off, the seat area lowers slightly before the hatch slides close, shutting with a small hiss.


    I go to the capsule and interact with the keyboard, saving the settings and turning off the system. The machine given to me and those without a capsule of their own is the newest models at this time. It is completely automatic and has comfort settings as well as other special controls. The capsule I have is the regular, futuristic-looking machine that has several glowing cyan blue lines when the machine is active. Other than my capsule''s color scheme of black with the glowing lines as the design, there are three other standard capsule colors as well. The first is the white with red lines, the second is grey with yellow lines, the third and final one is yellow with green lines.


    Sighing, I step out of the capsule room and enter the living room of my dormitory unit. My friends and I need to prepare for the outdoor camping trip a week after classes begin. We have planned to go shopping for some gear and other essentials and so we will meet up in the academy''s cafeteria. Eating lunch there, my friends and I will then head out to a newly opened mall in Shibuya. The mall is very popular for those who love the natural world. The retail stores in this mall sell equipment for outdoor activities that are not only high-quality but are also tough and resilient to the elements.


    I guess I will go prepare for going outside now. Checking the holographic clock on the wall, I walk back to my bedroom to change. Unlike the living room that has bland, cream-white colored walls, my bedroom walls are painted in a rather nice gradient of lilac-lavender.The ceiling is a pale blue color with five squares of transparent glass panels. The panels are near each corner of the bedroom as well as one at the very center in the ceiling. Behind the glass panels is the lighting for the room, controlled by a remote or the control panel on the wall.


    I head towards the dressing room on the left side of the room, passing by the soft-blue canopied bed with silky, translucent curtains that can be pulled around the bed. Opening the the sliding door to the dressing room, I turn on the lights with a snap of my finger. This room''s lighting is activated by sound; the sound can be customized via the bedroom control panel. I changed the activation to the snap of a finger so that it would be easily accessed without having to bother with clicking a button.


    Well, it''s time to change. I start sliding off my snow-white indoor dress, revealing a set of rather plain white undergarments with lacy edges. Placing the dress in a small box beside the mirror, I look at myself for a moment before unclasping my bra. I drop the bra into the box and take off my panties that are of the more modest boyshorts style. I drop that into the box as well before walking over to a set of automatic glass drawers completely naked. It''s not like there is anyone watching me right now.


    Standing approximately four feet tall, the compartment has three columns and rows of drawers. The glass drawers are colorless transparent with state-of-the-art computerized machinery for automatic opening and closing the chosen drawer. I touch a button on the top left drawer and it slides open, revealing several sets of new undergarments. This glass drawer contains the undergarments I wear when going outside of the academy. They are more durable and flexible for extended duration of movement as well as comfort. The drawer closes by itself after a moment.


    I pick up outer-most set of undergarments procede to wear them. This set is in the same pure white color of the ones I dropped into the small box but are not lacy. When finished, I take a quick look at the mirror to the left of the drawers and turn around to check if everything is in order. Satistifed, I press a button on the lower left drawer and pick out a plain, slightly pleated dull red skirt and wear it while the drawer closes afterwards. I then open the middle left drawer and take out a soft white blouse and put it on as well before looking at myself in the mirror again.


    I open the lower central drawer and take out a pair of white cotton socks that reach up to the lower shins. This should be comfortable enough for a day of walking. I casually put them on while thinking about what I should do next. Unlike many girls that take a rather long time dressing up and preparing, I am rather practical when there is not a need for formality.


    Well, that''s done with the main articles of clothing. I rarely use any makeup so I guess some moisturizing lip balm with a slight bit of color should be enough. Before that though, I should brush and straighten my hair. I walk to the furnished mahogany vanity table to  the right of the clothing drawers and open a small cabinent, taking out a delicate comb and brushing through my mostly straight hair. A while later I feel that my hair should not cause any problems now so I replace the comb and close the door to the cabinent.


    Now for the last touches... I open a cosmetics box on the table and take out small lip balm with only a bit of color. I bend over slightly to look into the oval mirror on the table and put the lip balm on before replacing the lid to the stick of lip balm. I''ll take this with me when I head on out. Looking at the vanity table, my eyes pass over a small clear transparent marble on a silver stand that seems to be rather unremarkable at the first glance. If you look at it carefully, however, you''ll find that there are nine bluish flame-like decorations moving around inside.


    This curious marble-like jewel is something I found a few weeks ago. It was lodged in a crack of a relatively old building. The surroundings and the clearness caused it to be unnoticed by people passing the area. If it wasn''t for my sharp visual sense, I would not have noticed it as well. This five centimeter ball of some sort of crystal or glass is fairly pretty so I took it and kept it here.


    Hm... I guess I''ll head out after I pick up a coat and handbag. I close the vanity box and turn around, heading to the closet opposite of the drawers and table. I open the closet and pick out a soft red cardigan and wear it before taking a small lilac-lavender handbag from the corner of the closet. I open the handbag and place the lip balm in a small pocket inside the bag before closing the pocket. I place the bag''s strap over my shoulder and then take a look at the large mirror to the right of the closet.


    Smiling, I clap my hands twice and the sliding door opens. I walk out of the dressing room and the door closes after a few seconds. All I need to get is my wallet and other necessities before heading out.


    Thinking about the game, I there should not be any problems that the adventurers and players cannot handle while I am gone. I should be back at night in time to check in before going to sleep. Nodding, I prepare the rest of the items I need before walking out of the bedroom, and heading to the front door. Double checking everything, I smile to myself and open the door. Let''s have some fun shopping today~


    <hr />


    <hr />


    {{Non-Proof Read Version}}

 Arc II: Chapter II - Plisse Village

    Polaris Dark - Arc II Chapter II


    Hanakanmuri Girl''s Academy - Female Dormitories: A-Wing


    "System, load virtual room."


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Welcome back Izayoi Miyuki! What would you like to do today?</td></tr></tbody></table>


    "Aida-san, please connect me to the Ascendancy Database Forums and search for items that are metallic in nature and can be used for magic inscriptions. On another window, please connect to the same web forums but run a search for magic jewels and regular gemstones."


    <table><tbody><tr><td>As you wish. Searching... accessing, connection complete. Loading windows...</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Because my friends and I were lucky enough to get a reservation for the extremely popular Tatsuyama (translated to "Dragon Mountain") restaurant. What makes this restaurant special is it the way it serves its customers as well as the many delicacies you can chose from. This restaurant only allows reservation seats so you cannot just walk in and get a seat. Spending the entire afternoon and evening outside was tiring but fun.


    The restaurant at the end made the walking worth it. One of the specialties of the restaurant is the wild fugu sashimi, otherwise known as raw blowfish (pufferfish). Not only does fugu have a dangerous reputation for killing those that consume products that are improperly prepare, it takes an incredible amount of skill, as well as a license, to be able to prepare this delicacy and serve it to customers. Fugu sashimi has a rather plastic-like consistency to the flesh, making it a bit chewy and tough. When raw, Fugu feels like rubber but I guess I rather like this consistency.


    The cooked fugu hotpot brought in after the sashimi I would recommend everyone to try it at least once. The pieces of fish become so tender when cooked in a clear soup, it''s hard to tell that it was rubbery and tough to begin with. Put in some enoki, shimeji and shiitake mushrooms, carrots, soft tofu, napa cabbage, shingiku (Tong Hao) and Japanese bunching onion (welsh onion) to the pot and you''ll have a grand feast.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Loading complete, displaying search results.</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Two cyan blue windows appear in front of me showing the search results in front of my virtual body. In my personal virtual space, I changed the basic cube-like bluish-layout of a virtual room to a peaceful, outdoor zen garden with a small koi pond. The pond has a couple of nishikigoi - otherwise known as Koi - fish swimming around inside. There are black, red, cream, golden yellow and white Koi in the pond from different sizes.


    Looking at the windows suspended in mid air, I bring them down after sitting down in a seiza position near the pond since it''s pretty much a habit from my traditional upbringing. I take a quick look through one of the windows, using my hands to scroll up and down.


    "Hm.... Aida-san, please filter out all items except for ones that are used for crafting. Crafting material should have a level range between one and thirty. Please group the items according to use of the material. Each group should be ordered in terms of cost, from lowest to highest. Thank you."


    The window sorts out the items quickly and is done within a second. I scroll through the items, checking each item for its cost, use and quality. It seems there is not much detail to each item, only giving the bare essentials and information that most players seem to value. I think I will have to research and experiment on the materials I gather so I will have a deeper understanding of the properties the materials contain.


    After checking both the gemstones and metals, I absent-mindedly toss a handful of virtual fish food pellets into the koi pond and watch the fish swim around, nibbling the pellets up. Smiling, I close the two windows and pick myself up from the seated position. With a single thought and small, sweeping hand gesture, the zen garden and pool breaks apart into millions of "data pieces" that are swept away like a strong wind blowing away snow. The background is now a pure black, with only thin, glowing white lines indicating the cube I am in.


    "System, log in to Ascendancy."


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Logging you in. Enjoy your time in the game!</td></tr></tbody></table>


    ... ... ...


    ... ...


    ...


    --- --- ---


    I open my eyes and find myself sprawled on inside the carriage I was previously riding in before I left to go shopping for new gear for the coming camping trip. Yawning, I peek out of the small window by lifting a corner of the curtain away from the glass pane. It seems we are nearly at the first village by the looks of things. If my reasoning is correct, this village''s specialty produce should be some sort of fruit on vines. I can see a wide expanse of farmland from the window. The land has many vines and fences, indicating the produce of this place should be grapes or similar if my eyes do not deceive me.


    As the caravan moves closer, I can see that my conjecture is correct: the fences are lined with grape-like fruits that have multiple drupelets that make the bunches look like a hybrid between grapes and blackberries. As the thought of grapes came to mind, my mouth watered a bit as they are my favorite fruit. A few minutes later, I can see the village in the distance. It''s quite unlike what I imagined a small village would be: instead, it looks like a town surrounded by a some sort of stone wall. It was only after the caravans moved closer that I can see what the village looked like.


    Unlike the walled appearance from afar, the village was actually fairly typical, surrounded by a wooden palisade with an open front entrance. The village has a cluster of wooden buildings in it with a few utility structures such as two water wells and an unwalled mill. The stone walls are built to keep several key buildings safe. The key buildings include the village "safe house", three large buildings that have specialized equipment for vinification and a supply house. Observing the number of thatched and wooden cottages and a few stone houses, there should be around six hundred or more people living here. Looks like it''s one of the larger villages that have a specialty produce for trade.


    As we enter the village, a crowd draws near our location, clearly wishing to trade with the merchants as soon as possible due to the excitement. As the caravan pulls over to a piece of land occupied by a large, unwalled structure with enough room for the horses and caravan units. The ceiling of this building is very high, maybe at least ten meters in height. This allows the entire caravan to park inside and leave room for standing and working on top of the units.


    As the villagers crowd around the caravans, the driver of the carriage I am riding in opens the door for me. The driver looks a little out of place; with his head of short, golden blond hair and dark green eyes that seem to command both respect and and aura of authority, I have a feeling something might be off about him. He hides most of his face under a rather large hat and dresses in a rather unassuming traveler''s get up that makes him look as mundane as possible. It is too bad his golden hair is a little too attractive to my eyes that brought his abnormal presense to my attention; most people would just ignore the color and put it off as simply unique hair color.


    Noticing that I am examining him, the driver''s eyes narrow slightly and gives me a small smile that seems to understand why I am looking at him. He then lifts his right hand up to my level, indicating for me to take his hand to help me off the carriage. My eyes widen a bit before I smile back, taking his hand and allowing him to pull me lightly off the carriage. I was about to talk to him when he puts a finger up to his own lips.


    Ah, I guess people will have some secrets to keep. I smile to him and he nods, gesturing to me to go and meet with the head merchant. I nod before walking over to the other carriage where the head merchant of the caravan is stepping out on to the ground. His face was very handsome and can nearly be called beautiful. This should make him stand out even more if not for his clothing and hat covering most of his looks. However, I completely miss the driver''s small smirk while thinking about this anomally while heading towards the merchant...


    --- --- ---


    1st POV - Golden Haired Driver


    That little Miss is sure observant, she even noted my presense and was examining me with eyes that says "I''m curious about this irregular presense" instead of "I''m falling in love with his looks!!!". It looks like she''ll be a nice person to get to know if we ever meet again... no, I''m sure we''ll be meeting each other soon...


    I straighten my hat a little before dusting off some dirt that got on to my suit jacket during the travel. Pioneer or not, she''s going to prove to be very interesting. With her demeanor and that magic of hers, I wonder if she''ll even be surprised to know who I am...?


    Well, we''ll leave that till later. Right now, I should go get some wine from the village chief...


    --- --- ---


    1st POV - Yukiara (MC)


    "Ah, Miss Yuki, thanks for waiting."


    The head merchant beckons me over after he finishes dealing with the crowd. He was directing the crowd to each caravan unit for the trades they wish to make. Each unit is managed by merchants that work under the leadership of this stout but charismatic man. The head merchant''s name is Tallon Markos, a well-known merchant that barters with varies goods as well as doing buy and sell services with currency. His leniency with bartering has made him much appreciated with the common folk while his shrewdness in currency handling has earned him a respectable reputation with the nobles and other merchants.


    Being a bit pudgy while wearing a medieval formal suit makes him look even more charismatic and wealthy. His formal wear is a dark brown color with broad yellow stripes across the front of his suit. Inside is a white tunic with brown straps to tie the front; this portion is not covered by the suit jacket and can be easily seen from the front. His pants and footwear are a dark brown leather. From observation, it should be a tough, durable material that is both comfortable and good for traveling long distances. He has a rather slick cap of dark brown hair that curls in certain areas and at the edges, making him look more like a Victorian Englishman more than anything else.


    As he waves me over, he opens takes out a small but well-decorated wooden case and opens it. When I get near him, he takes out a small package wrapped parchment and hands it over to me. Receiving it with both hands, I look at Tallon questioningly. With his mellow but pleasant voice, he explains what he just gave to me.


    "This is a small token of appreciation from myself. Even though you are a paid passenger in the caravan, you still assisted the guards with that amazing magic of yours."


    I gratefully accept his gift and glance at the package. It is fairly light and uniform, similar to a box that does not have any loose items inside.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>You have acquired the item Tallon''s Gift</td></tr></tbody></table>


    He tells me what the package contains.


    "There are two things in the package; inside is a box that contains the two gifts. The first one is a carved amethyst jewel that you can do whatever you want with. The second gift is a silver card inlaid with the mystic topaz gemstone, the stone that represents the Primrose Trader''s Union. This card will indicate that you are a friend of the merchant group and will give you a fifteen percent discount on your purchases in any stores and caravan traders affliated with the merchant group."


    I look at him in shock as I never realized he was a great enough figure give such an important item. From reading some online posts about the business and economy of this region, I read about the three main merchantile groups that runs the show.


    The first one is the <Golden Throne>, a large group that focuses on expensive, luxurious items for the upper-class as well as decorative equipment for high-ranking military officials.


    The second one is the <Merl''s Armory>, a collection of smaller crafting guilds that has an official council that deals with the selling of weapons, armor, and other metallic goods that are not magic-related.


    The final and largest group is the


    . This group is the "binder" for the other two as well as having it''s own operations in trade and commerce. This merchant group helps the other two with their selling and buying for a small fee while performing their own trading services. You can say that the Primrose Trader''s Union is the hub of this kingdom, if not the entire kingdom.


    Tallon smiles and bows his head towards me before reintroducting himself.


    "My name is Tallon Markos, head merchant and co-founder of the Primrose Trader''s Union. It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Yuki."


    <table><tbody><tr><td>You have lost the item Tallon''s Gift.


    You have acquired the item Primrose VIP Card.


    You have acquired the item Fine Cut Amethyst</td></tr></tbody></table>


    "The pleasure is mine," I reply, "again, I thank you for your wonderful gift."


    The first gift, the carved amethyst jewel, could be used to generate some capital for my research or be kept for testing. The second gift is probably worth the most for me: my profession clearly requires a lot of capital for research and experimentation projects. Being able to purchase things at a lower cost is a huge plus for me.


    "Oh," Tallon teasingly nudges my side, "if you can make magic equipment that can be used by other people, we''ll happily buy your products at a high price!"


    I giggle a bit before replying.


    "I''d be happy to, but don''t expect anything amazing for a while; I started my journey to create new technqiues and items not long ago."


    I suddenly remembered that I borrowed an item from Tallon.


    "Oh, here''s the item I borrowed from you. Thank you for lending me the torch."


    The head merchant gives me a hearty laugh before taking the torch from my hand.


    "Your welcome Miss Yuki, I''m glad to be of assistance. My friend''s friend will always be a friend of mine."


    After a bit of conversation, Tallon gives me a suggestion of lodging for these two nights. He recommends that I visit the Inn in this village and show the receptionist the card he has just given me. I tilt my head a little, wondering where this is leading. Tallon smiles at the apparently cute expression I have on my face and tells me that his company is one of the major associates to this nation''s Inns and other establishments for the weary travelers and adventurers.


    We head on our separate ways after a short farewell for now. At this time, two bolder players from the caravan guard team walk up to me curiously. They''re probably wondering if I am a player or NPC since I was allowed to be travel in the carriage. I do not like attention but I also don''t want to lie to others. I''ll see how it turns out and decide on what to do as we talk.


    "U-Uh..."


    Both players are human females that stand at least three centimeters or so taller than me. Looks like they''re a bit flustered on how to address me since I seem like a NPC rather than a player like themselves. I guess I''ll have to start the conversation myself. I smile towards the two females and bow to them a little. My explorer''s clothing set is similar to an academy uniform for aristocrats, making the adventurers cautious at first until the previous introduction to the team leader and vice-leader.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    "Nice to meet you, my name is Yukiara. Please call me Yuki if you don''t mind and thank you for your good work in guarding the caravan."


    The two girls blush from the praise and shake their heads furiously as if to cool-off their supposedly overheated heads.


    "N-No! No, we weren''t really that good. You''re the amazing one Yuki, you were able to assist with that las- erm... magic of yours!"


    The first player is has a head of mid-length brown hair tied in a small pony tail. She has several long sunstreaks that highlight her hair blonde in color as well as several bangs of hair framing her round, youthful face. Her hazel-colored eyes compliment her hair color as well as making her look younger.


    This player is wearing equipment similar to adventurer team leader Rebecca; consisting of a small chestplate of some sort of metal, most likely iron or steel. It is plain silver-grey and is fastened with leather straps to her back over a beige-brown padded tunic with forest green patched design on the arms and waist of the tunic. The tunic reaches down to her upper thighs, creating a miniature skirt like bottom. She compliments the tunic with a pair of pants of the similar material, color and style. The boots and gloves she wears are a soft brown color, probably made from leather. On her waist is a sword in a brown sheath, simple but well made by the looks of it. Strapped to her back is a long, wooden staff with a silver colored metal cap on both ends.


    The second player is slightly shorter than the first, with a head of fiery red long hair that reaches her upper back in a flowing, smooth style. Long bangs of hair frame her angled face, reaching down just above her chest. Her dark red eyes compliments her hair and dress, making her look more elegant and exotic due to the bright, vibrant colors.


    This player is outfitted with crimson red leather overcoat that reaches down to her knees. The coat has has patched black linear designs and opens up at the waist of the girl, allowing room for mobility and comfort. Underneath the coat, I can see a dark-colored - mostly black with a bit of red - soft-looking blouse matched with an equally red plaid skirt that reaches just under the middle of her thighs. Oh, she looks really cool with the small curved sword at her waist underneath the coat. She does not wear gloves like her companion and has a pair of dark red boots to match her style.


    Ah, they forgot to introduce themselves until the red-haired girl''s eyes widen. Seems like she''s figured that that out and blushes in embarrassment.


    "S-Sorry... we forgot to introduce ourselves.."


    The red-haired girl speaks up with a soft but modulated voice, stuttering slightly as she fumbles over her apology for a moment before calming down.


    "I am SeraphinaEine, a magic swordsman specializing in fire-attribute spells and swordplay. Please call me Seraphina, Sera or Aine if you''d like."


    The other girl is still flustered and unresponsive, causing Seraphina to nudge her sharply with an elbow, causing the brown haired girl to yelp and relax slightly. The pony-tailed girl stutters her introduction in an equally soft but gentle voice.


    "A-Ah! U-Um... hello! My name is AntheiaEine... err.... I-I''m a battle mage s-specializing in close combat and using e-earth attribute magic."


    So... fire girl here is "Burning Fire One" (Seraphina is a Hebrew name meaning "burning fire" while Eine is the German word for "one") while the badly stuttering shy one has the name of the Greek Charity (one of the minor goddesses) of flowers and wreaths. Pretty unique in that many people don''t think about other languages and mythos other than what they are familiar with or are interested in.


    Seraphina should be a <Spellsword> then since she has a specialty. She is probably one of the lucky players to have a Hybrid profession this early on in the game. The same applies to Antheia since she has the magic-heavy <Battle Mage>  Hybrid profession. The difference between a magic warrior and a battle magician is simply that the former relies on finesse and weaponry while supporting one''s self with magic. The latter fights up close and personal with a higher vitality and defense through the use of magic while supplementing spell casting with heavy melee strikes.


    "As I have said, my name is Yukiara. I am a researcher of lost magic and a rather avid bookworm. I like learning about new things and experiencing new things."


    A window appears in front of me to show the identity tag of the players in front of me. When players and NPCs communicate with each other, the identity tag will be shown. I ignore the window since I''m sure their rank is still


    .


    <b>Spoiler</b>:  Information <input type=''button'' value=''Show'' class=''spoilerButton''>


    <table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Name:</td><td width="25%">SeraphinaEine</td><td width="25%">Gender:</td><td width="25%">Female</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Rank (Social Class):</td><td colspan=''2''>Pioneer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Name:</td><td width="25%">AntheiaEine</td><td width="25%">Gender:</td><td width="25%">Female</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Rank (Social Class):</td><td colspan=''2''>Pioneer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Looks like they think I am an NPC since I have a Rank that isn''t a


    anymore. The reason they am not suspicious of my name is because of the existence of <Seichi>. <Seichi> is an ancient nation that was lost several millenia ago during the <Heaven''s Wrath> period where a series of disasters occurred...


    Hm... this "Heaven''s Wrath" interests me. Maybe I''ll be able to figure out what happened during that time of strife.


    ...and tore up the land. There are large clans of descendants from that nation that have survived even now and have names like mine in this world. Names like Kumiko, Sora, Akio and Naoki are commonly used in those clans. Although the descendants of the nation is rare, they are still around and are part of different kingdoms in this continent.


    <b>Spoiler</b>:  Information <input type=''button'' value=''Show'' class=''spoilerButton''>


    <table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Name:</td><td width="25%">Yukiara</td><td width="25%">Gender:</td><td width="25%">Female</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Rank (Social Class):</td><td colspan=''2''>Honorary City Guard</td></tr></tbody></table>


    The two of them are also headed towards the Inn here so the three of us walk together while conversing about small things in this game. When they said they are sisters in this game, I''m pretty sure they imply that they are also sisters in real life. The two of them will share a room for the night and help out the villagers if there is a need for adventurer-type work (Pioneers are counted as special adventurers - remember that adventurers are only NPC roles unless the pioneer gained a certain amount of intimacy in certain situations - but are without an adventurer''s guild identification card).


    We soon reach the Inn and find ourselves in front of a huge, surprisingly well-built building with the sign saying: "Berry Vine Inn". The building is probably around 5800 square feet or so in size, probably slightly smaller due to the extended porch. The three of us stare in awe for a moment before entering the Inn. Taking a brief look around: the building is quite well furnished and has a light-hearted atmosphere.


    As the three of us walk towards the reception desk, I notice the multiple tables and food service to the right and wonder if this place can be considered a tavern. There are a couple groups of people - probably adventurers; seeing a few familiar faces from the caravan guard here - currently, chatting and eating. A few people notice the three of us and frown a little... it''s probably because of me. Due to my explorer''s outfit being similar to an aristocratic academy uniform, I''m probably attracting some attention from the NPC adventurers that have not met me during the caravan trip.


    I note the small circular button-like object on the reception desk as we walk. We reach the reception desk where a man with a mullet-style (short in the front, long in the back) dark brown hair is at. His eyes are a lighter shade of brown to his hair and is sharp and steady, giving him a casual but attentive look. Wearing a standard medieval-like tavern uniform, he greets us with a tenor, husky voice that surprised the three of us. With his angular face with a beard similar to Hollywoodian-style, I would''ve thought he would sound a little gruffer.


    "Welcome to the Berry Vine Inn travelers, my name is Brenson Cliff, receptionist of this establishment. How may I help you?"


    Antheia fidgets bashfully while Seraphina looks around for a moment. I close my eyes and slightly bow to Brenson, and answer for the other two as well as myself.


    "We wish to rest and refresh ourselves when night falls. What is the price for two regular rooms for two days and nights?"


    Brenson recites the information from his mind while smoothing out some wrinkles of his working uniform. The uniform consists of a white tunic worn under a dark blue vest with silver-embroidery. I do not know what he is wearing on his legs and feet since the desk covers the lower half off the receptionist. The receptionist also brings up the information for food service after replying to my question for convenience.


    "Reservations for two rooms for a single night is twenty rasters. It will be eighty rasters for two rooms for two nights. Dinner and breakfast can be added on to if you choose to. A night with dinner and breakfast will be an additional eight rasters per person."


    The three of us discuss for a moment before I tell the reception what we would like.


    "We would like two rooms for two nights with dinner and breakfast for both nights please and thank you...."


    The receptionist gives me a small smile while I take the out the silver card I received from Tallon.


    "You are sure polite young Miss, it will be..."


    Brenson''s eyes go wide as I bring out the card. He quickly fixes his uniform once again before addressing me in a formal fashion.


    "P-Pardon me for my casual speech young Miss, I did not know that you are an associate of the Primrose Trader''s Union. Please forgive my insolence..."


    Haa...? This card possesses more influence than I thought. Seraphina and Antheia looks at me in slight shock; probably due to being close to someone who has some connection with this "Primrose Trader''s Union". I put away the card in the one of the buttoned pockets of my attire before turning to the brown-haired receptionist.


    I plead to Brenson not to talk any differently while Seraphina starts giggling at the funny scene. After several minutes, the receptionist relents and finally makes some small talk with us with casual speech. Soon, everyone gets comfortable and the receptionist feels alright again talking casually. Another minute or so of idle chat pass before we return to the main topic. Brenson tells us the price of the rooms and food service with the VIP card I have with me.


    "The cost for two rooms for two nights will be eighty rasters while the price for food services for two nights will be forty-eight rasters. The original total cost would be 1 istotle and 28 rasters. Since the young Miss has the Primrose VIP card, you and your friends will receive a 15% discount on the price. The total price is now 1 istotle and 9 rasters."


    Although I wanted to pay for them as well after being well acquainted, the two absolutely refused and wanted to pay their part. The receptionist finishes to the paperwork as well as receiving the money before handing Seraphina and I two small metal keys.


    "These will be your keys for the rooms you reserved."


    Brenson pauses for a moment and presses a button on top of the reception desk before talking to us again.


    "Please wait a moment; one of the workers will come over and direct you to the rooms assigned."


    As soon as he finishes his sentence, a young pretty maid-like female worker appears from around the corner of the stairs that is positioned to the left of the reception desk. She walks down the stairs gracefully, her light brown hair bouncing on her shoulders lightly from the impact of her steps. Her brown eyes shine with life and cheer, lighting up her face and complimenting her smile. I also note that she is at least five centimetres taller than me...


    "Please come this way," the worker addresses us in a cheerful voice, "I will take you to your rooms."


    We follow the rather young girl working her up stairs to our rooms. I glance at her outfit and realize it''s somewhat similar to the traditional European tavern maiden uniform. It consists of a white peasant''s blouse that is obviously designed for attracting customers with a dark brown vest over the top. A perfect blend of showing one''s figure as well as retaining modesty. The worker wears a layered skirt with the shorter, top layer a soft, leafy green color. The lower layer of the skirt is striped dark green and brown that matches the vest. On her feet are a pair of tan strapped sandals that match the tan ribbon in her hair.


    This Inn is very large in deed; the maiden takes us to the third floor and shows us our rooms. Our rooms appear to be adjacent with each other, making it easier for us to contact each other when needed.


    "Please enjoy your stay and have a nice day!"


    The cheery worker was about to walk away when she realizes something and stops.


    "Ah... does our esteemed guests require anything before I leave?"


    We all shake our heads before Seraphina replies to her.


    "We''re fine thank you."


    The girl nods and half-saunters back to work. Looking at our room''s doors, I turn towards the two girls that I am now closely acquainted with.


    "Why don''t we check the rooms out before finding something to do in this village for the day?"


    "That''s a good idea," Seraphina responds to me, "I need to figure out this village''s key points so I can get comfortable with this place."


    Antheia nods her head quickly to indicate her acceptance. This shy, bashful girl is going to be a fun person to be around. Maybe I should tease her a little when the three of us get to know each other more. I smile and bow my head slightly, probably because of my habit.


    "Let''s meet up at the front porch of the building when we''re done."


    The two girls nod and we all enter our respective rooms.


    --- --- ---


    <hr />


    --- --- ---


    Plisse Village Region - Outer Reaches


    "Eis shri krahton" (It is time...)


    "Llis''t kesc preish un'' skraha''a!" (We will kill of them filthy humans!)


    "Enn! kesc sk..." (Yes! We will kil...)


    *Bam!*


    A figure falls to the ground, hard.


    "No, you fool! We will destroy town, kill male and take female! Don''t kill all people, waste!"


    "Ya''ktoc fyuis plase triwef?" (Ya''ktoc wonders what prizes?)


    "No matter, all are for taking!"


    "GRAH''A! GRAH''A! GRAH''A!" (Slaughter! Slaughter! Slaughter!)


    A resounding chorus of rough shouting echoes through the plains...


    "Eis skea! Preish un'' Dharhak!" (Let''s go! It''s time to attack!)


    <hr />


    <hr />


    {{Non-Proof Read Version}}

 Arc II: Chapter III - Event Dash!!

    Polaris Dark - Arc II Chapter III


    Plisse Village Region - Plisse Village Center


    "Aahh... That was tiring..."


    I yawn and politely cover my mouth with a hand. The trades caravan is going to move out tomorrow afternoon and head towards the next settlement. RIght now, I am resting on a wooden bench with Seraphina and Antheia at the outside of the palisade walls.


    The three of us have just finished a request given by one of the villagers that work at the winery. The request was to help deliver several packages from the farmhouses outside the village to the main winery building. The packages are fairly light but fragile so the two girls kept it in their inventory while I held it in my hands to keep up with my "NPC" look. Being thought of as an NPC is amusing to me so I remain acting like one.


    Seraphina and Antheia are quite surprised to see me help them without any reparation and end up giving me a portion of the reward. We completed several small tasks given to us by the villagers before this request, giving us some knowledge of the village layout and buildings. The village has an approximate population of 822 people, more than my previous guess of 600 or so villagers.


    Although it looks well developed, it is considered a village as it does not have several key buildings and personnel that are a prerequisite for it to become a town. Two important buildings missing are the Town Legislation Hall and the National Bank. The Town Legislation Hall is where the governing body of the town reside and fulfill requests given by the townspeople regarding the town. The National Bank is where people can deposit and withdraw money, making it an essential economic structure for large populations.


    "We should go find another request."


    Speaking to us, Seraphina yawns adorably before standing up. The sun shining brightly today with only few wispy clouds scattered among the blue sky. Antheia and I also get up and agree with Seraphina''s suggestion. The three of us goes to the village''s notice board outside of the Adventurer Station building, placed strategically next to the Berry Vine Inn. The Adventurer Station is a small building that acts as the place to turn in requests in a small settlement. We wait for a small group of adventurers and players to move away so we can take a look. A while later, there is enough space for the three of us to see the notice board without our sight being blocked.


    "Hm..." the red-haired girl ponders for a moment before speaking.


    "Let''s do this one."


    Seraphina points to the notice that has the request written on it. I look at the page and read the contents of the request:


    ---


    Pest Control - Asterberry Worms


    There are always pests that try to eat up the leaves and berries of the crops before they can be harvested. At this time of the year, Asterberry Worms are prevalent and may suddenly appear in the fields outside of the village and farmlands. If the worms remain, they''ll eventually roam to the vineyards and devastate the fields. The guards of the village cannot be sent out as it would leave the village unattended. Please eliminate at least ten worms or as many as you can find to reduce the danger. Bring back ten Asterberry Worm Pincers to the Adventurer''s Station.


    A party of at least two members is recommended


    Request Requirements


    - Eliminate ten Asterberry Worms (0/10)


    - Collect ten Asterberry Worm Pincers (0/10)


    - Eliminate Asterberry Worms (0)


    ---


    It doesn''t seem too difficult for the two of them. I might be a bit low in level since the bandits themselves were all above level 20 or so. I might have a slight problem with


    Technique I recently made...


    --- --- ---


    After we settled down in the rooms yesterday, the two girls ended up dozing off so I went out to buy some materials and tools to work on recreating the mana reactor from before. With the amount of money I have after completing all those requests back in the City of Arvenus, it would probably last for a while since I did not need to buy any equipment until I start enhancing and creating need items.


    I bought a Magic Fire Torch, some plain metal plates from the local blacksmith as well as some metal engraving tools. This village has a jewlry and gemstome store so I also bought a few small, unwanted stones that the store owner didn''t want to keep. After the shopping spree for materials and tools, my money dropped from eight gold coins to eighteen silvers. This kind of spending at my level is huge and unnecessary for other players.


    The blacksmith was friendly and allowed me to borrow his forge and workplace. He''s quite interested to see what I was doing with the metal and gems.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Calstone Iron Plate


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Material</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Set Synergy:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">No</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Quality:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Common</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Level Req:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">1</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">A tough but ductile calstone iron plate made from a mix of calstone and a type of wrought iron. The plate is 9x4x2 centimetres and is fairly light. Calstone is a common mineral that is used to increase the tensile strength and ductility of metal materials. The reddish-grey color comes from the calstone being mixed with wrought iron.


    --- --- ---


    Material Information


    Tensile Strength: 95/1000


    Impact Resistance: 101/1000


    Fatigue Resistance: 92/1000


    Magic Conductivity: 820/1000


    Ductility: 713/1000</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Durability</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">Material Plate:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">300 / 300</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Useum Iron Plate</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Material</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Set Synergy:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">No</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Quality:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Common</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Level Req:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">1</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">A strong and hard useum iron plate made from a mix of useum and a type of wrought iron. The plate is 9x4x2 centimetres and is very light. Useum is a common mineral that is used to harden and strengthen the metal materials. The bluish-grey color comes from the useum being mixed with wrought iron.


    --- --- ---


    Material Information


    Tensile Strength: 150/1000


    Impact Resistance: 221/1000


    Fatigue Resistance: 185/1000


    Magic Conductivity: 540/1000


    Ductility: 40/1000</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Durability</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">Material Plate:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">300 / 300</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Magic Fire Torch</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Tool</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Set Synergy:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">No</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Quality:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Rare</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Level Req:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">1</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">A very common magic tool used for quick repairs and welding small metallic materials. It produces a quick burning yellow-orange flame that extends four and a half centimetres from the cylinder when the button is clicked and held on to. This tool uses fire-attribute magic gems as it''s fuel source that can be replaced when needed.


    --- --- ---


    Tool Information


    Flame Radius: 1cm2


    Flame Height: 4.5cm


    Flame Temperature: 1105.8¡ãR? (2096¡ãC/3797.6¡ãF)


    Flame Color: Yellow-Orange</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Durability</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">Torch Cylinder:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">60 / 60</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Misty Sapphire (Small)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Material</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Set Synergy:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">No</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Quality:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Uncommon</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Level Req:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">1</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">A semi-precious gemstone with a soft, bluish-white color. This is dull and nearly opaque, making it a rather inexpensive jewel when compared to other precious gemstones. The Misty Sapphire is a form of corundum with trace amounts of titanium and iron. The original transparent blue color of the sapphire cannot be found due to an unknown trace material other than the iron and titanium.


    --- --- ---


    Material Information


    Magic Storage Capacity: 75/1000


    Impact Resistance: 62/1000


    Magic Pressure Capacity: 120/1000


    Magic Conductivity: 763/1000</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Durability</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">Gemstone:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">75 / 75</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Watermelon Tourmaline (Small)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Material</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Set Synergy:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">No</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Quality:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Uncommon</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Level Req:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">1</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">A relatively rare, three-color tourmaline that is quite beautiful to behold. The semi-precious gemstone has three separate colors mixed in it: Pink, white and Green. This small piece of tourmaline shines with a translucent clarity, making it beautiful to look at while having a somewhat mysterious feel to it.


    --- --- ---


    Material Information


    Magic Storage Capacity: 113/1000


    Impact Resistance: 42/1000


    Magic Pressure Capacity: 200/1000


    Magic Conductivity: 635/1000</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Durability</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">Gemstone:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">60 / 60</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Basic Metalworking Toolkit</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Toolkit</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Set Synergy:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">No</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Quality:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Common</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Level Req:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">1</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: left" colspan="4">


    This is a basic toolkit that contains several essential tools for working with metals. The box set contains three files and engraving tools that can be used for metals that are have a ductility of 600 or higher. It also has two different hammers, a machinist''s square, two marking tools, three abrasive tools, a metal cutting tool and a whetstone stone.


    --- --- ---


    Tool List


    <ul>


    <li>Three Iron Files (Fine, Medium, Coarse)</li>


    <li>Three Engraving Tools (Fine, Medium, Coarse)</li>


    <li>Two Iron Hammers (Small, Medium)</li>


    <li>Iron Machinist''s Square</li>


    <li>Two Metal Marking Tools (Fine, Coarse)</li>


    <li>Three Abrasive Sandpaper (Fine, Medium, Coarse)</li>


    <li>Metal Cutter</li>


    <li>Sharpening Stone (Whetstone)</li>


    </ul>


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Durability</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">Tool Kit:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">200 / 200</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    In the end, I was able to make two different mana reactors and one incomplete one through trial and error, each with their own calibration and specifications. Most of the other tests failed and ruined the materials so I tossed them out. The profession has given me basic knowledge of how to create the starter items and enhancements but requires an astronomical amount of research, experience and experimentation to build up expertise. It is truly a scientific profession in a realm of magic and fantasy.


    The first reactor was given the name <Misty Mana Reactor>. This one uses two small Calstone Iron Plates and a single Useum Iron Plates. The calstone iron plates are used to make the inscription surface as it is very ductile and easily manipulated when heat is added. The foundation and structural framework of the reactor uses a single hard, tough useum iron plate.


    Inscribing the metal requires heat and magic: heat to increase the malleability of the surface and magic to engrave the magic-conducting lines (see glossary: Magic Inscriptions). Engraving magic inscriptions is not a difficult task; it just requires a large amount of patience and delicate work. By using the base knowledge I gained from attaining my profession and studying the inscriptions from the broken metal pieces, I can inscribe basic single railed magic lines.


    The <Misty Mana Reactor> has three single-railed magic lines running along the interior of the calstone iron plates. Each of the magic lines connect to another set of three single-railed magic lines that brings the mana to the reactor''s core: the Misty Sapphire (Small) that contains, stores and releases magic on command.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Misty Mana Reactor</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Mana Reactor</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Set Synergy:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">No</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Quality:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Artifact</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Level Req:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">10</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">A basic mana reactor made with calstone iron and useum iron. The misty sapphire gem at the center serves as the core of the reactor. This is a lost technology that allows one to inject mana into the reactor to control and mold the mana to generate special forms that cannot be done otherwise. This is a disposable basic reactor with only the essential components and inscriptions for general use.


    --- --- ---


    Equipment Information


    Mana Containment Capacity: 100MP


    Mana Manipulation Speed: 1.2MP/s


    Magic Pressure Capacity: 125MP


    Magical Attack +7</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Durability</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">Reactor:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">150 / 150</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The second reactor received the name <Balancer Mana Reactor>. Surprisingly, this reactor is far more advanced and powerful even though it is only my first attempt at properly building mana reactors (not with scraps). It probably has something to do with the watermelon tourmaline piece I used for the core. This mana reactor uses the same material as the first one but uses a staggered magic-line formation instead of the three, individual single-railed magic lines from the previous mana core. I cannot use this reactor yet as it has a level requirement much higher than level right now.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Balancer Mana Reactor</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Mana Reactor</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Set Synergy:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">No</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Quality:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Artifact</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Level Req:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">35</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">A rather special mana reactor that is with calstone iron and useum iron. The staggered inscription lines provide stability for magic control and manipulation. It can be seen as a mana fabricator that allows multiple complex operations to be held in parallel. The balancing function of this mana reactor allows more mana to travel and condense, increasing efficiency but reducing the power of the mana construct created using this reactor. This is a disposal mana reactor that cannot be upgraded nor refurbished due to the way it is constructed.


    --- --- ---


    Equipment Information


    Mana Containment Capacity: 150MP


    Mana Manipulation Speed: 2.3MP/s


    Magic Pressure Capacity: 175MP


    Magical Attack + 12</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Durability</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">Reactor:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">220 / 220</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The last mana reactor I was able to build is still incomplete; the materials I have isn''t enough to finish it. The window says that it is at 8% completion so I will have to find more resources to be able to finish the reactor. The blacksmith looked confused but amazed at the fine details on the metal that consists the inside of the reactor.


    In any case, I can only use the <Misty Mana Reactor> at this time as it is the second one has a level prerequisite of thirty five while the other is barely complete.


    The problem is that the


    technique is not compatible with the installed core and inscription of the <Misty Mana Reactor>. Because of the incompatibility, I cannot use


    and ended up theorizing a new technique that could be used in place of the laser-like mana attack. I was able to test it a bit and it shows some promise but will require a large amount of reconfiguration and experimentation to optimize its capabilities.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Accel Sphere</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Skill Type:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Basic Setup</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Proficiency:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Skill Class:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Mana Ball</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Circle:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Skill Cost:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Mana</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Rank:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">[Mana]</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">-</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">-</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">


    This skill produces bright cyan spheres of particle mana that moves towards the direction it is directed from in an arc. The spheres of mana have a radius of two and a half centimeters and will burst on contact, dealing damage to the object it comes into contact with. The burst effect causes a momentary flinch/hitstun from the target, allowing one to connect combination attacks or more particle spheres to the chain. The spheres do not need to be released immediately and will orbit around the user until directed at a target.


    Range: 20m


    Uses Mana to generate particle-attribute mana spheres, using 3MP per sphere


    Capable of generating 3 spheres at once.


    Requirement: Basic Mana Reactor


    Cooldown: 5 sec


    --- --- ---


    Can only be upgraded through experimentation and enhancements


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Skill</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Damage</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Max Hit</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Type</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Mana Sphere</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">18%</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">1 ~ 3</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">M-Blast</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    When I had completed my projects to the most I can do, I put away the excess material and gave the scraps to the blacksmith for him to recycle and reuse. He thanked me for allowing him to see the interesting creations I made. In the end, I helped the blacksmith with some of his daily work for allowing me to use the forge. In the end, I got some more money and increased the intimacy rating with the blacksmith as a result.


    After this, I went to sleep at the Inn, and woke up next morning, having the two girls who dozed off wake me up by knocking on the door. At this point the girls and I have breakfast to restore satiety before ending up where we are now...


    --- --- ---


    Plisse Village Region - Western Fields


    ...so right now, we are currently at the location where the request denotes. The field in this area have many large worm-like creatures that wriggle around.


    "...eighteen, nineteen, twenty..."


    Antheia counts the number of Asterberry Worms in the field ahead of us while we prepare ourselves for the hunt. Seraphina checks her equipment, fixing the belt and sword underneath the bright crimson cloak around her. Tossling her hair a bit, she finishes her preparations while I check on my Explorer''s Dagger and current status. Although not all quests give experience points, most of the ones I do have a moderate amount as bonus, bringing me up to level 23. The level increase is fairly quick pace but is already showing signs of slowly down. It turns out that after level 10, the set stat increase do not appear anymore and you must rely on the two additioanl stat points per level to increase one''s strength.


    This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Status Infomation</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Name:</td>


    <td width="25%">Yukianesa</td>


    <td width="25%">Profession:</td>


    <td width="25%">Clearmind</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Level:</td>


    <td width="25%">23</td>


    <td width="25%">Sub Profession:</td>


    <td width="25%">N/A</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Race:</td>


    <td width="25%">Kitsune</td>


    <td width="25%">Gender:</td>


    <td width="25%">Female</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Equipped Title</td>


    <td colspan="2">Virtuous Maiden</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Rank (Social Class)</td>


    <td colspan="2">Honorary City Guard</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Fame:</td>


    <td width="25%">58</td>


    <td width="25%">Infamy:</td>


    <td width="25%">0</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Health:</td>


    <td width="25%">375 / 375</td>


    <td width="25%">Health Recovery:</td>


    <td width="25%">0.19 / Sec</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Mana:</td>


    <td width="25%">370 / 370</td>


    <td width="25%">Mana Recovery:</td>


    <td width="25%">0.37 / Sec</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Stamina:</td>


    <td width="25%">100 / 100</td>


    <td width="25%">Stamina Recovery:</td>


    <td width="25%">0.2 / Sec</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Strength:</td>


    <td width="25%">33</td>


    <td width="25%">Dexterity:</td>


    <td width="25%">44</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Vitality:</td>


    <td width="25%">21</td>


    <td width="25%">Agility:</td>


    <td width="25%">53</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Intelligence:</td>


    <td width="25%">40</td>


    <td width="25%">Wisdom:</td>


    <td width="25%">42</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Reflex:</td>


    <td width="25%">8</td>


    <td width="25%">Endurance:</td>


    <td width="25%">4</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Charisma:</td>


    <td width="25%">72</td>


    <td width="25%">Luck:</td>


    <td width="25%">0</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Physical Attack:</td>


    <td width="25%">15</td>


    <td width="25%">Physical Defense:</td>


    <td width="25%">46</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Magical Attack:</td>


    <td width="25%">10</td>


    <td width="25%">Magical Defense:</td>


    <td width="25%">5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Physical Modifiers</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Slash:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    <td width="25%">Pierce:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Crush:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    <td width="25%">Blast:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">Elemental Modifiers</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Fire:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    <td width="25%">Water:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Wind:</td>


    <td width="25%">90%</td>


    <td width="25%">Earth:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Ice:</td>


    <td width="25%">100%</td>


    <td width="25%">Lightning:</td>


    <td width="25%">90%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Light:</td>


    <td width="25%">80%</td>


    <td width="25%">Darkness:</td>


    <td width="25%">80%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td width="25%">Mind:</td>


    <td width="25%">50%</td>


    <td width="25%">Void:</td>


    <td width="25%">90%</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The worms should be around level 30 or so, making it difficult for me to be effective against it if it was not for my newly created <Accel Sphere> skill. When I tested it yesterday, the three spheres would form around my body, circle once in three separate orbits before shooting at the target in an arc simutaneously. They hit the target I aimed at precisely at three separate locations all a the same time. When I hold on to the spheres, they continue to orbit around my body until I direct them to a target. They cannot be fired one at a time and only when the spheres move away from the orbit, the cooldown will start the countdown.


    "...twenty one, twenty two... and twenty three."


    Antheia finished counting when we are nearly ready to tackle this quest. I activate the gauntlets on my hands and attach the Misty Mana Reactor to the slot on top of the gauntlet. This increases my base physical attack to 37 ~ 50, magical attack to 34 ~ 48, physical defense to a solid 59 and finally my magical defense to 23.


    Seraphina unsheathes the small sword of hers, revealing it to be a simple, decorated backsword with a slim silver blade. There is a small red jewel inlaid on the guard, giving it a more refined look. Antheia takes the wooden staff off her back and gives it a couple of experimental swings before readying her stance. At once, I summon the three brightly glowing mana spheres, readying myself while waiting for the two girls to finish getting ready.


    Seraphina then sends a party request to me so that we will receive the commission as a group. Since NPCs can join a player party, accepting it won''t reveal me as a player.


    I accept the invitation with a thought and the three of us move towards our targets. The Asterberry Worms are large, three metter long greyish red worms that looks like some sort of oversized insect larva. The front end though sports a pair of large greyish black pinchers that look painfully if caught in between them. They''re slow moving so I guess we can kite each worm and avoid its attacks.


    "Let''s do this!"


    Antheia shouts out and the three of us dash at the first worm. Seraphina lands a blazing cut on to the worm, revealing the target HP as well as its tier.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Asterberry Worm Level 29 Health: 816/903


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    So its vitality is very high for its level... I wonder if we will need to be aware of any other strengths the worms might have.... Also, since that cut did not do a huge amount of damage like it would have done in real life, it should be classed as a monster, not a regular animal/creature.


    The worm emits a high-pitch squeak like sound and charges head on at the red-cloaked girl. The worm''s limited agility doesn''t let it catch Seraphina and the latter dances out of the way while Antheia slams a mid-sized rock on top of it with magic. The rock breaks apart on contact, dealing damage while crumbling away.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Asterberry Worm Health: 793/903


    Rock Crush: -15% Agility (12s)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    It doesn''t do much damage but it reduces its already pitiful agility even more. Well, my turn...


    I rush up to the worm''s exposed side as it is still chasing after one that dealt the most damage to it. I get up close and personal before sending the mana spheres around me at the worm. A wide arc is formed and each sphere bursts on the opposite side of the worm, causing it to cringe.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    7 Damage dealt to Asterberry Worm


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    8 Damage dealt to Asterberry Worm


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    8 Damage dealt to Asterberry Worm


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I follow up with four straight punches before kicking the worm, using the recoil to bounce away from the worm that just changed its target to myself after it recovered from the hitstun a moment after the spheres of mana burst.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    45 Damage dealt to Asterberry Worm


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    38 Damage dealt to Asterberry Worm


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    39 Damage dealt to Asterberry Worm


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    42 Damage dealt to Asterberry Worm


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    13 Damage dealt to Asterberry Worm


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Asterberry Worm Health: 593/903


    Rock Crush: -15% Agility (7s)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Within five seconds, the worm has taken over two hundred damage. I leap away while the worm charges at me. It doesn''t look like it has any other moves other than charging and attacking with its pincers.


    "Yuki, please get away from the worm."


    I glance at Seraphina who called to me just now. I see Antheia and Seraphina preparing something big; probably spells with area of effect or splash damage. Like reality, friendly fire is on: an archer cannot just shoot an arrow through a friendly and have it hit the target. Area of effect spells will hit anyone in the vicinity unless it specifically says that one can control what target it affects.


    "The two of us are going to cast stronger spells that have splash damage, please move away from there."


    Antheia finishes the instruction and so I comply.


    I skirt around the worm while it tries to get its pincer-like jaws on me, leading it towards Antheia and Seraphina. The two of them have finished channeling a powerful spell each and are waiting for the perfect shot. At once, I create three mana spheres that orbit once around me before arcing towards the worm and striking it.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    8 Damage dealt to Asterberry Worm


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    7 Damage dealt to Asterberry Worm


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    8 Damage dealt to Asterberry Worm


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The worm cringes at the bursts while I dash away, moving to where Seraphina and Antheia are. Seraphina calls out a chant to activate the spell she held on to.


    "Reduce to ashes, Impact Flame!"


    ...Did she really need to call out the spell name?


    The girl swings her backsword at the worm, creating a blast of orange-red fire that shoots straight at the target. The blast hits the worm dead center, creating an explosion of flames that incinerates the area around the worm as well as the target.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Asterberry Worm Health: 410/903


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Almost right after the explosion, a yellowish-brown magic circle about five meters above the worm appears. The circle drops a large boulder on to the worm before it bursts and crumbles away.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Asterberry Worm Health: 147/903


    Stun (2s)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    That last strike did almost three hundred damage in a single hit as well as apply a two second stun on the worm. The three of us rush over at different angles to finish the worm while trying to stagger our positions so that we would not get in each other''s way. It looks like the worm attacks the one that does the most damage during the most recent frame of time regardless of other effects. The agility reduction has expired and the worm regains its speed though not amounting to much. As the worm charges at Antheia, Seraphina draws in close and slashes at the worm twice with her sword.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Asterberry Worm Health: 79/903


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Asterberry Worm Health: 20/903


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Antheia and I strikes together at the last moment, dealing the final blow. Antheia bashes the worm charging at her with a horizontal swing of her staff while I launch one of the techniques I learned from training with the city guards. It is simply a sidestep hook punch with the left hand that uses the momentum from the step to power the hook. This technqiue is named <Step Hook> for how it looks to other people seeing it in action.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    39 Damage dealt to Asterberry Worm


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Asterberry Worm Health: 0/903


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The worm collapses in a heap, the body deflates as if it contains hot air, causing it to decrease to half its original size in height. The worms do not have any usable materials so we leave the corpse there for nature to take its course. Seraphina goes to the worm''s corpse and picks off the pincers easily, placing it into her inventory.


    The three of us turn to the next worm and move cautiously towards it. The worm can sense enemies around it but only if the person attacks will it fight back. It''s a sad thing really but since people need to grow their crops here and the worms are destroying the hardwork of raising the asterberries....


    This time around, I start the offensive and send more mana spheres at the worm when I am approximately two meters away. I rush towards the worm as soon as the mana spheres leave the orbit around my body, punishing the target with a quick jab and a straight punch, rotating my hip at the last punch. All three waves of attacks strike home as the worm cringes from the bursting spheres of mana.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    7 Damage dealt to Asterberry Worm


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    7 Damage dealt to Asterberry Worm


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    8 Damage dealt to Asterberry Worm


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    32 Damage dealt to Asterberry Worm


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Critical! 72 Damage dealt to Asterberry Worm


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Asterberry Worm Level 30 Health: 826/952


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    This worm is one level higher than the first one...


    Seraphina slices at the worm immediately after my final punch, searing the worm with a blade covered in orange-red fire. Ah, so this is probably a technique she is using. The worm flinches as small flames from the strike appear near the injury. She then chops vertically, dealing an additional hit before hopping back as the worm lunges in her direction, shifting targets quickly due to the damage difference.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Asterberry Worm Health: 748/952


    Blaze: Does 0.5% M-Blast Fire damage per second (66s)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Asterberry Worm Health: 668/952


    Blaze: Does 0.5% M-Blast Fire damage per second (63s)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Antheia moves behind the worm and smashes a rock on to its body, dealing damage and reducing its agility.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Asterberry Worm Health: 639/952


    Blaze: Does 0.5% M-Blast Fire damage per second (61s)


    Rock Crush: -15% Agility (12s)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Seraphina sidesteps the worm chasing after her, swinging her sword horizontally and slashing the worm with a deadly strike. The worm overshoots the red haired girl as it charges before it turns around to try and attack her again but gets t-boned by Antheia''s staff striking out a moment later, smashing the metal cap on to the side of its body. The worm gets knocked away from the straight line towards Seraphina.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Asterberry Worm Health: 541/952


    Blaze: Does 0.5% M-Blast Fire damage per second (58s)


    Rock Crush: -15% Agility (9s)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    A salvo of mana spheres detonate on the worm''s body, causing it to cringe from flinch, creating a window of opportunity for me lash out with my left leg, kicking it before Seraphina throws her sword at the worm. The sword flies straight forward with its blade pointing at the worm, indicating the use of a spell or technique. Swords thrown are not aerodynamic at all, which makes it impossible for it to fly like that without a technique/spell''s backing.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    7 Damage dealt to Asterberry Worm


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    7 Damage dealt to Asterberry Worm


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    8 Damage dealt to Asterberry Worm


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    32 Damage dealt to Asterberry Worm


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Asterberry Worm Health: 486/952


    Blaze: Does 0.5% M-Blast Fire damage per second (55s)


    Rock Crush: -15% Agility (6s)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The sword pierces the worm before exploding into flames, incinerating the worm while Seraphina moves closer to it, the sword she threw reappearing in her hand. She didn''t say anything about this spell or technique of hers, making me wonder if the previous "Impact Flame" spell she cast actually requires speaking out the name and blurb to activate.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Asterberry Worm Health: 311/952


    Blaze: Does 0.5% M-Blast Fire damage per second (53s)


    Rock Crush: -15% Agility (4s)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I check my remaing mana and find it decent enough to not require a rest after several more battles.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Mana 334 / 370


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    With the blaze status effect doing little damage, I wonder if it is calculated by the percent of damage from the burning slash Seraphina used or it is from her weapon attack. Either way, it does little but irritate the mob. In the long term though, it does do about 2% damage to the worm''s maximum health if the full duration elapses.


    As the worm continues to futilely charge at Seraphina, Antheia has a spell at the ready and is about to cast it. Noting this, Seraphina runs away while I hop to an advantageous spot in the grass and wait for Antheia. Soon, the sunstreaked brunette slams her staff into the ground, creating a small yellowish-brown magic circle underneath her while she kneels down on one knee. At the same time, a magic circle with a radius of two and a half meters and the same color appears underneath the worm. The circle glows and traps the asterberry worm for five seconds, disabling its movement and ability to attack (no ranged attack).


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Asterberry Worm Health: 310/952


    Blaze: Does 0.5% M-Blast Fire damage per second (49s)


    Ground Lock: Stops all target(s) within the magic circle (5s)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I do not have another technique or spell that works at a long range so I turn activate my <Accel Sphere> again and pummel the helpless worm with another three mana orbs.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    8 Damage dealt to Asterberry Worm


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    6 Damage dealt to Asterberry Worm


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    7 Damage dealt to Asterberry Worm


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Asterberry Worm Health: 288/952


    Blaze: Does 0.5% M-Blast Fire damage per second (47s)


    Ground Lock: Stops all target(s) within the magic circle (3s)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Seraphina casts five small fire balls at the worm with her left hand before speaking out again with her more powerful spell. The five fire balls strike the worm, dealing an average of thirty damage each after my faster moving mana orbs blast the worm.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Asterberry Worm Health: 286/952


    Blaze: Does 0.5% M-Blast Fire damage per second (42s)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Antheia stands up after the immobilization spell wears off. The worm is now free but it is too late: Seraphina finishes her final spell and calls out.


    "Reduce to ashes, Impact Flame"


    The same blast of flame appears and incinerates the worm as well as the area around it, finishing off the worm for good.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Asterberry Worm Health: 0/952


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Similar to the other worm, it squeaks before collapsing, reducing its height to half its original size from deflating.


    "Well that was quick intense..."


    Seraphina sighs after muttering something about the intensity of the battle. Antheia, contrary to her bashfulness, joins in and talks about how she felt. It looks like combat brings out her shining, happy-go-lucky personality that is quite the opposite to her normal shyness.


    "Even though we did not take any damage, kiting it took more skill than I thought," Antheia says with a wonderous voice.


    "It might be slow, but it''s charging attack and lunges are slightly unpredictable at times because of the timing."


    Seraphina scans the field for the other twenty one worms. The distance between them are quite far part so we can probably take them down one by one.


    "No wonder the guards cannot be sent to do this work, the worms are hardy and resilient enough to take more than twenty seconds to deal with even with three of us here," I muse.


    "Yep," Seraphina replies, "It''s definitely tedious and tiring."


    We deal with the other worms in the same way, resting a little in between fighting five or so worms. Recovering mana and filling our satiety and thirst with food and water. Antheia had brought along a large stash of traveller''s food and water pack and shares it with us. The biscuits are a bit bland, but much better than the slices of rye bread I still have in my inventory. The dried fruit the looks like slices of mango tastes like raisins while the texture is like that of a coconut. The water isn''t any different from other water other than being held in a finer version of the starter waterskin.


    After the last worm is defeated we take a shorter break to rest up a little. Antheia slowly reverts to her shy personlity while resting, amusing me a lot. She then returns to her outgoing personality while fighting, making her bright and cheerful. Finishing the rest of the worms, my level has reached twenty seven while Seraphina and Antheia increased their levels by one each. Oh, it looks like the spellsword Seraphina is level 34 now and Antheia is level 35.


    Collecting the last piece of the worm''s pincers, Seraphina speaks up again.


    "Let''s head back to the village now and hand in the request."


    The three of us agree and start travelling back to the village...


    ... ... ...


    ... ...


    ...


    --- --- ---


    Plisse Village Region - Plisse Village: Outside Adventuer''s Station


    We just finished handing in the request, giving us a base reward of ten silver coins. The thirteen additional worms we killed netted us another eight silvers and sixty copper coins, giving us a total of eighteen silver istotles and sixty copper rasters. We split the money three way and each of us receive six silvers and twenty coppers.


    "What should we do next?"


    Seraphina muses out loud for us to ponder.


    "Hm..."


    I think for a moment before answering.


    "I think we should..."


    Before I am able to finish the sentence, loud clanging of bells resound from the outpost tower on a hill outside the village, signalling something dangerous coming this way.


    "...wha?"


    *Ding!*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Event Quest: Varaug Raid</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Difficulty:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">D-6</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Tier:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Event</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Evacuate the Villagers!


    The sentries outside the village discovered a horde of Varuag raiders incoming! These twisted, corrupt version of the orcs are all but peaceful. They are coming to raid, destroy, capture and pillage this village! Defend the village at all costs and you will receive rewards equal to your accomplishments.


    As you are weaker than most of the Varaug, please assist the village and patrol in evacuating the villagers to a hidden shelter until the battle dies down. Be careful of the Varaug that may break through the front lines and stall for time if you cannot defeat it. Remember to protect the villagers before you do anything else.


    Quest Objectives


    - Assist and escort the villagers to safety (0/861)


    - Defend the villagers against the Varaug


    Quest Failure Conditions


    - You die or are captured


    - The village is eradicated


    Bonus Objectives


    - Assist the guard in repelling the Varaug


    - Kill a Varaug Lancer


    - Kill a Varuage Brute


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    What the in the world...


    <hr><hr>


    {{Non-Proof Read Version}}

 Arc II: Chapter IV - Raiders (I)

    Polaris Dark - Arc II Chapter IV


    Looks like the caravan is going to be postponed until this event ends and everything is settled down. So the objective is to kill the leader of Varaug, a twisted, corrupted form of the Orc Race in this world. The "corruption" isn''t because of some evil energy of magic but rather a mutation that caused them to become extremely bloodthirsty and warmongering. If my hypothesis is true, then the battle will end up in a brutal melee where one side tries to overwhelm the other.


    It seems that no matter what level you are, as long as you are in the vicinity of this village, a quest window will show up and show the player what to do. Since my level is not that high, it tasks me to help evacuate the villagers to a hidden shelter outside of the village. At Seraphina and Antheia''s level, they are given the event quest to help fend off the incoming raiders. Since there is a Shared Reward as well as the Individual Achievement Reward, the three of us decide to stay in the same party. I argued against using the <Equal Distribution> option since I would not be directly fighting the raiders. Antheia overruled it and says that we are a team; I will be protecting the innocents while they will be eliminating the threat.


    I guess the shy and bashful Antheia becomes all-happy but serious in battle mode. We head to a rapidly clustering aggregate of pioneers (players), adventurers and guards in front of the town hall. At the town hall, the village chief splits the adventurers and players into two groups. One group consists of those at level 30 or higher while the other group has the rest that are under level 30. The town guard consists of a separate force with an average level of 43, making them take up the job of acting as vanguards.


    For players, there is a substantial difference between Level 29 and Level 30 in power even though there is only single numerical disparity. When a player reaches level 30, the character receives a large boost in abilities and gains their first profession-specific <Unrestricted Ability>. Unrestricted abilities are special powers that are exclusive to each profession. The name scheme for these abilities is the fact that no external influence will affect the ability.


    For example; characters at level 30 with the basic warrior profession will receive the unrestricted ability: <Warrior''s Soul>. This is a trigger ability that gives the warrior a boost in certain stats for a set duration.


    Another example; character at level 30 with the basic mage profession will receive the unrestricted ability: <Focused Mind>. This is a passive ability that gives the mage increased mana recovery, magic resistance and intelligence.


    The players and adventurers form an <Event Team> with each group, giving the members the event-only mini-map. The mini-map shows allied party members as light blue dots, allied teams and people as light green dots, neutral or unassociated individuals as yellow dots while hostile enemies are displayed as red dots. Bosses are displayed as larger, blinking dots with its affiliation being the color previously mentioned.


    In essence, there are four regular forms of groups in Ascendancy that can be formed.


    The first one that can be formed is the standard


    . This group has minimum requirements, allowing people to solo party-restricted quests if desired... unless it has a member-requirement of course. The maximum number of people that can join a standard


    is eight players.


    The second group is known as the <Collective Party>. This one can only be formed and joined by members of a faction or guild which is collectively known as <Unions>. The only difference between a faction and a guild is that the former usually has an important group or person it is supported by (sponsored) while guilds are free-lance groups. This group has does not have a minimum requirement, allowing union members to solo union-restricted quests (other than member requirement). This group has a limit of eighteen people.


    The third type is known as the <Raid Party>, known to many gamers as large dungeon clearing groups. Raids can be formed parallel to standard or collectives, allowing a two-way association between party leaders and the raid captain as well as the party leaders transmitting commands to their members. In this case, only the party leaders and raid captain can use a short range telepathy system to keep in contact with each other. The <Raid Party> has a minimum requirement of sixteen people (being in a parallel party is not necessary) with a maximum of seventy two people.


    The fourth regular group is known as the <Event Team>, the one that is being used now. This event team does not have an assigned leader and can only be used in Event-Tier quests like the one we received now. Other than having a maximum of a hundred twenty players with no minimum requirements, the <Event Team> allow players to obtain the use of a mini-map, making it easier to see which area needs what kind of assistance. The mini-map display can be called up at any point in time and will enlarge itself to the player''s needs. It will disappear, shrink or move to wherever the player desires so it will not hinder gameplay.


    With that being said, events are usually a mass of confusion. Luckily, this particular event happens to be a defensive battle led by the stronger NPCs, reducing the amount of confusion by delegating whom is to do what. With the first group heading out to reinforce the guards that are already heading towards the village fringes, the rest of us in the second group start following instructions from the NPC guard in charge of the evacuation assistance group.


    The first group has around one hundred and sixty or so adventurers and players while second group consists of eighty two lower level adventurers and players.


    The second group leader separates us into sixteen teams of five with one extra in two of the teams. I am placed in a team with four others and sent to evacuate the villagers from on the north-western home complexes.


    Fortunately, raiders are coming from the western region where there are stone walls protecting a portion of the village. The emergency shelter, crops and important buildings are all at the south-east of this village, making it safer to evacuate from that region.


    We introduce ourselves to each other while on the move, heading towards our destination to start our job.


    My temporary companions are as follows; two adventurers named Ezschiel Guines and Sarah Guines, two players with the usernames Altoray2 and Zenophilex.


    Ezschiel Guines is a tall man standing at 178cm. With a head of frazzled, greyish-white hair and storm-grey eyes, he looks very sharp and steady, a true veteran adventurer with lots of experience. He is a swordsman with a penchant for defensive maneuvers and counters.


    Sarah Guines introduces herself as Ezschiel''s daughter. She is 160cm tall, boasting a head of middle-length light brown hair and a pair of storm grey eyes. Following her father''s art of the sword, she is learning the defensive abilities of swordplay while training her body.


    Altoray2 looks quite familiar; a head of short, orange-red hair and blue eyes. He is about 167cm tall, carrying himself with an imitation aura of authority like he is some sort of noble. He''s probably a hardcore role player.... Being brought up by the upper-class allows me to note these minute differences in demeanor quite easily. Altoray2 is a <Warrior> focused on technical swordplay and finesse.


    Zenophilex is a short, frail-looking man standing at 158cm... ...he''s still taller than me... ...with black hair in a ponytail. His dark-brown eyes makes him look even weaker than he may be. Zenophilex is a <Mage> focused on lightning magic.


    Since I introduced myself as a researcher, the four of them probably thinks that I cannot fight. Unlike Seraphina and Antheia who saw me first hand, these four have no clue of my combat capabilities. We probably won''t have to do too much fighting if the defenders do their job properly.


    Passing by several sections of the village we can see several groups of villagers huddled together at their emergency gathering locations, waiting for the assigned escort team to arrive. We soon arrive at our assigned area and find a group of twenty or so villagers together. They vary from small children to strong adults to elderly seniors.


    "Alright," Ezschiel calls out, "we are the escort team assigned to assist your evacuation."


    The evacuees nod and begin following the orders of the senior adventurer. The players in our team and Ezschiel''s daughter has no qualms with the man taking the lead since he obviously knows what he is doing. I have no objections either so we follow his instructions, heading towards the emergency shelter outside of the village.


    The emergency shelter is about one kilometre away from the village, built into the ground and hidden from sight. Since we are farthest away from the shelter, Ezchiel hastens the pace of the villagers. Fast enough to not lose any time while slow enough so that the elderly and children can follow without moving too quickly. Unlike the seniors of today, the elderly in this era aren''t as weak due to their constant field work. Their bodies do not deteriorate as quickly as people of the modern era due to their constant work in the fields.


    The first clash of metal and roars of battle resounds through the air, coming directly from the west. Shouts, screams, bellows, metal crashes, thumps and other sounds of battle become ever so prominent as the defense of the village proceeds.


    We reach the central market area in five minutes, keeping vigilant just in case. Several other groups of villagers are in the same place, heading towards the designated emergency shelter as quickly as the slowest person can move. At this time, a shrill shriek cuts through the air from behind us. Glancing back, I discover the reason for the shriek: a large, burly creature head appeared from behind a house, chased by two people from the first group.


    "Damn it! Don''t let it get to the villagers!"


    The creature looks like a large, hulking orc with pale, reddish skin. This Varaug can be compared to the standard green-skinned orcs with large lower fangs and a brutish face. True to the fantasy genre, this twisted version of the orc is a bit similar to the physical appearance of orcs in the Tolkien fictions but is much, much bulkier. It''s as if a mad scientist crossbred the red version of the Incredible Hulk and an orc, making a giant behemoth of a monster. Despite its terrifying appearance, appearing at this level means it is not too strong and can be defeated by those around level 30 to 40.


    This Varaug is wearing only a tattered, dirty loincloth and a leather belt around its waist, making it look even more brutish than it already appears.


    The varaug spots the villagers and a wicked gleam appears in the creature''s eyes. It roars and charges towards us, raising the large, cracked axe in its hands, readying for a broad slash to slaughter to helpless villagers.


    That is when three glowing cyan spheres strike against the bulging head, causing the Varaug to stumble. Yes; that was my doing....


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    6 Damage dealt to Varaug Plunderer


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    8 Damage dealt to Varaug Plunderer


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    7 Damage dealt to Varaug Plunderer


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Varaug Plunderer Level 34 Health: 967/1680


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The two people chasing the Varaug catches up with it and deal two sword blows on to its unprotected back. The Varaug bellows with pain and anger, twisting around with its large axe in tow. The spin creates enough momentum to deal massive damage with the horizontal swing. The twisted Orc has no luck though; its targets have moved away before it was able to spin, causing the broad swing to miss by a long shot.


    One of the pursuers start attacking the Varaug at once, using his unique purple-bladed sword to slash at the creature''s legs. The pursuer, a man with short, smooth, dark green hair, strikes true and cuts the Varaug''s leg. With a glint in his deep green eyes, he slashes again while the mutant orc tries to right itself.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Varaug Plunderer Level 34 Health: 773/1680


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    A single slash to the legs doing almost 100 damage is quite powerful in my terms. Because I hit the Varaug with an attack, I can now see the status of its health while the others attack it. I estimate that the purple sword wielder is about level 40 to deal that much damage to the Varaug.


    The second pursuer takes the opportunity to strike the Varaug''s right arm using a sword with a wide, steel-grey blade. This pursuer, a women with long, straight grey hair, slashes upward in an arc to strike the arm with her sword glowing in a dull yellowish light.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Varaug Plunderer Level 34 Health: 697/1680


    Impair: -15% Right Arm Mobilty (10s)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The Varaug yells and tries to swat the two pursuers away but stumbles again when three mana spheres hit its back, bursting upon impact. The Varaug''s arms flail a little from the impact to his back. While the villagers continue fearly continue to on their way at the urging of the escorts, I move to the back of my group and support the two attackers with my <Accel Sphere> skill. Due to the low damage output and the distance from the Varaug, the creature does not even notice my presence even though my skill causes it to get hit-stunned for a moment.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    7 Damage dealt to Varaug Plunderer


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    7 Damage dealt to Varaug Plunderer


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    8 Damage dealt to Varaug Plunderer


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Varaug Plunderer Level 34 Health: 779/1680


    Impair: -15% Right Arm Mobilty (6s)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Since the <Accel Sphere> skill''s damage is not being visibly reduced, I can assume that the creatures I have fought against (the Asterberry Worms and now the Varauge Plunderer) have little to no magic resistance. With the red-skinned orc mutant momentarily stunned by my skill, the two attackers take advantage of the hitstun.


    The first attacker slashes at the Varaug, his sword glowing orange steadily, leaving a glowing trail of yellowish-orange light that indicates the use of a technique. The technique strikes the target''s torso, dealing a substantial amount of damage while knocking the Varaug backwards.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Varaug Plunderer Level 34 Health: 603/1680


    Imparied: -15% Right Arm Mobilty (4s)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The grey-haired woman quickly sidesteps and unleashes a devastating blow against the creature''s exposed side. It is a huge wide horizontal slash similar to what the Varauge tried to do. The difference here is that the sword glows in an orange light, identical to the first attacker''s technique.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Varaug Plunderer Level 34 Health: 429/1680


    Impaired: -15% Right Arm Mobilty (2s)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Before I am able to launch three more spheres, two windows appear in front of me.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have received 35 experience points


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have received 33 experience points


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Looks like Seraphina and Antheia are doing their job properly... I better do my part so that I won''t drag them down. I activate my <Accel Sphere> again and send the three mana orbs arcing at the Varuag. Two spheres strike its torso and one bursts on the red-skinned head.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    7 Damage dealt to Varaug Plunderer


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    6 Damage dealt to Varaug Plunderer


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Fatal Hit! 9 Damage dealt to Varaug Plunderer


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Varaug Plunderer Level 34 Health: 407/1680


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have received 46 experience points


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    The Varaug stumbles again from my skill, allowing the man and the women to attack the creature four more times with their swords. This effectively wipes out the rest of the Varaug''s health, killing the mutant orc.


    "Hm... that went well..."


    I muse for a moment as the two pursuers walks over to me. The man speaks to me in a relatively calm voice.


    "Thank you for the assistance, that fight was much easier with your support. We must not tarry anymore and head back to the front lines to keep watch for any Varaugs that break away from the defensive lines."


    The the green haired man and grey-haired women bow to me before rushing off in the opposite direction. The rest of the villagers and escort teams continue their way with me catching up a moment later. With the Varaug out of the way, the villagers and their escorts leave the vicinity, heading towards the hidden shelter in the south-east.


    The din of battle is still quite loud but is steadily reduced as we move away from where the battlefront is. Arriving at the edge of the village, I can see several pairs of adventurerers and players from the first group scattered among this region. They are probably here to make sure the Varaugs that break away from the defensive lines are taken care of.


    The last of the villagers are now streaming out of the village, with my team and our charges lagging slightly behind as we are one of the furthest away from the destination. Sarah moves to the back of the group we''re escorting, moving beside me and smiling.


    "That was cool there Yuki! Those glowing blue spheres are really pretty and they hit hard!"


    Sarah compliments me on the help I provided to the pair of pursuers while we continue our journey towards the shelter. Ezschiel, Zenophilex and Altoray2 take a triangular formation, with Sarah''s father taking the lead, the lightning mage on the left and the red-headed swordsman on the right.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have received 32 experience points


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The villagers and escorts ahead of us have slowed their pace down a little now that we''re out of the village. We follow their lead and also slow down as well. The fields in this area are green and full of life; the grasses here sway with the the soft breeze, soothing and calm. This is unlike the mood of the defenisve battle that is taking placing some distance away. Above us are a couple of white, fluffy clouds strewn across the blue skies.


    A moment later, several shouts echo from behind us causing the villagers and the escorts - whom is usus - to turn around. Three red-skinned mutant orcs have escaped the front lines and are running quickly towards the closest group of villagers. This means that our charges are the ones being targeted by the three Varaugs that are bellowing right now.


    "Oh no.... Incoming!"


    Sarah cries out as the three large, two-meter tall orcs come tearing down the grasslands behind us, clutching their large but badly maintained weapons and bent on tearing the helpless villagers apart.


    Two pairs of adventurers and players from some distance away noticed this and hurries over to deal with the three Varaugs. They won''t make it in time if we do not do something to delay the three rampaging mutants. Ezschiel quickly runs to the back, signalling for Altoray2 to come with him. Zenophilex stays at the side of the villagers, readying to cast spells on command.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have received 29 experience points


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Ugh... I should close off all notifications unrelated to combat.


    System, hide all notifications unrelated to combat.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Hiding all notifications. Exception: Combat Notification.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Ezschiel motions to his daughter to prepare herself for a defensive fight to stall for time. Altoray2 moves to the left of Ezschiel, drawing a straight sword from the sheath of at his left hip. The sword is of a standard length and width but has a silver edge blade with a golden, decorated center. It seems to be imbued with some runic power... possibly a low-level magic inscription from the looks of things. The golden runic designs at the center of the blade glows a soft red, indicating the possibility of a fire-element inscription.


    I cannot separate the three mana spheres so I fire them towards the Varaug on the right. Sarah lunges forward to attack the one I just attacked with my mana spheres. Ezschiel rushes forward to deal with the mutant orc in the center while Altoray2 dashes over to the red-skinned mutant orc on the left.


    The one in the center raises its warhammer, readying for combat. The Varaug targeted by Altoray2 wields two large axes, making it slower but far more deadly. The one I attacked carries a large, rusty cleaver-like blade that nearly fell out of its hands when my mana spheres struck it.


    The mana spheres burst on impact, causing the Varaug struck by the orbs to stumble forward.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    6 Damage dealt to Varaug Chopper


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    6 Damage dealt to Varaug Chopper


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    8 Damage dealt to Varaug Chopper


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Varaug Chopper Level 32 Health: 1401/1530


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    This Varaug has not taken much damage... Sarah and I will have to deal with this one on our own.


    Ezschiel''s daughter surprises me by lunging at the stumbling mutant orc while partially unsheathing her own sword. Jumping up into the air, her knee connects with the stumbling Varaug''s face, slamming its head backwards.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Varaug Chopper Level 32 Health: 1379/1530


    Aimed Stigma - Head Strike: Dazed (2s)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    While still in the air, Sarah moves past the Varaug after the slamming her right knee into its face, her partially drawn sword glowing in a light blue color. In a single smooth motion, she unsheaths the sword and swings the sword backwards horizontal to her orientation in space. The blade slashes the Varaug''s head, dealing a large amount of damage from the fatal hit.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Varaug Chopper Level 32 Health: 1248/1530


    Aimed Stigma - Head Strike: Daze (1s)


    Aimed Stigma - Critical Drop: Takes +15% Critical Damage (6s)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Sarah lands nimbly on the ground behind that Varaug, twirling around before dealing a regular slash to the Varaug''s back before it recovers from the daze.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Varaug Chopper Level 32 Health: 1201/1530


    Aimed Stigma - Critical Drop: Takes +15% Critical Damage (5s)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    By the time Sarah knees the Varaug in the face, Ezschiel reaches his target and begins his initial assault, deftly parrying the warhammer slamming down on to the ground with a slight flick of the sword. The veteran adventurer uses the hammer''s momentum to strafe to the right without wasting any energy. Unsheathing his own normal-looking sword, Ezschiel slashes the mutant orc in the arm, causing it to bellow in pain. The orc tries to swat Ezschiel away but misses when the greyish-white haired adventurer stepped into the Varaug''s arm reach and slashes the side of the Varaug, dealing even more damage.


    Ezschiel kicks the creature in the face to jump away from the incoming hammer, which smacks right into the Varaug''s chest. The red-skinned mutant tried to smash his hammer into Ezschiel''s skull; a rather irrational thing to do but is expected of creatures similar to orcs. They clearly don''t have enough intelligence to consider logical reasoning in combat.


    While Ezschiel avoided the hammer blow, Altoray2 stepped into fray with his unsheathed sword. Without even waiting for the Varaug with the two axes to get closer, Altoray2''s sword shines with a strong red light, indicating a technique activation. Suddenly, a sharp orange light ring glints from his body for a moment as he raises his sword up to chest with the blade facing upward. The ring of orange light dissipates quickly after expands a little. Surprised, I glance Altoray2 right when he starts moving. The red-headed player thrusts his sword forward while lunging, leaving behind several red-tinted illusory afterimages of himself.


    Altoray2 lunges straight through the Varaug as if he was just a ghost, passing through the Varaug without a hint of a clash. At least, that is only for Altoray2 himself. His body stops one and a half meter away from the Varaug, the red tint and light fading away. When the image of the red-headed player passed through the creature was struck by the sharp energy produced by the tip of the sword. The Varaug is knocked backwards from the blow, causing it to bellow in agony. Altoray2 immediately leaps backwards to deal a powerful slash to the mutant orc''s back.


    That must have been a special skill taught by a master. This player must have encountered a swordsman that taught him this special technique. The orange glinting ring indicates a special ability outside of the profession system, making it unique and rare to be able to obtain the ability. The fact that Altoray2 acquired a technique unrelated to the profession system under level 100 is already considered one in a million.


    Taking a quick glance behind me, I check the situation to see if there are any other changes. Zenophilex is still with the moving villagers, protecting them from any other mishaps. They are about fifteen meters away now and are protected by a second group that slowed down. The second escort group decided to temporarily take over the escort duty until we are relieved from delaying the Varaugs. They slowed down to allow the villagers from our group and Zenophilex to catch up and merge for the moment.


    Although the escort team I am in is able to take care of single mutant orcs, a battle with over a hundred on either side is too much for players under the level of 30, much less adventurers.


    As five seconds pass, I create another three mana spheres with my <Accel Sphere> skill and hold them in orbit around me.


    I turn my attention back to Sarah, Ezschiel and Altoray2. At this time, Ezschiel''s daughter is unable to deal much more damage since the first hit she dealt was an unexpected frontal attack. She is able to distract it with small hit-and-run tactics that leave the Varaug enraged and confused. Ezschiel, on the other hand, is fighting a straight up battle of offense and defense, relying on his parrying skill to avoid attacks while striking the Varaug''s arms and legs. Altoray2 keeps dancing around the Varaug as if he is toying with it, dealing swift blows that stagger the mutant orc occasionally.


    Noting Sarah''s struggles, I fire the mana orbs at the Varaug when Sarah backs away from the creature''s wide slashing attack. The three orbs shoots towards the Varaug in an arc, two of them striking the Varaug''s head while the last one hits its right arm.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Fatal Hit! 8 Damage dealt to Varaug Chopper


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    7 Damage dealt to Varaug Chopper


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Fatal Hit! 9 Damage dealt to Varaug Chopper


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Varaug Chopper Level 32 Health: 1012/1530


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    "Take this! "


    Sarah yells and takes the opportunity to use a technique to cut at the Varaug''s lower abdomen.


    "Three!"


    Her sword glows with a brownish-yellow light, slashing the Varaug''s side and belly horizontally from right to left before arcing around. The Varaug flinches from the blow, possibly a hitstun effect from Sarah''s technique.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Varaug Chopper Level 32 Health: 969/1530


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    "Way!"


    The sword moves in a small arc, leading to a diagonal slash upwards from left to right. The trail of brownish-yellow light follow the slash before slowly fading as the sword passed through the air and Varaug. The mutant orc is struck with hitstun again, causing it to stagger slightly.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Varaug Chopper Level 32 Health: 921/1530


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    "Slash!"


    I suddenly got the urge to cough as I stared at her, eyes slightly wide in disbelief.


    Is it just me... or did she just call out her attack?


    Disregarding the rather fictional occurence, I continue to watch as the slash arcs around and ends up slicing downwards diagonally from left to right. The result is a brownish-yellow triangle of light that gradually fades into nothingness. The technique ends up knocking the large, weighty Varaug down on to the ground.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Varaug Chopper Level 32 Health: 878/1530


    Three-Way Slash: Knockdown (1s)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    At this point, the two pairs of adventurers and players from the first group arrives and takes over the fight. Ezschiel, Sarah and Altoray2 backs off quickly and efficiently to avoid clashing with the new team. Hm... Altoray2 seems to have good critical thinking and logical reasoning skills: he struck the Varaug with one last attack that caused it to stumble, allowing the incoming adventurers and players to attack.


    The four of us quickly return to the group we are escorting. The merged villager evacuation group remains merged when Ezschiel and the other team leader decides to allow it to remain this way. After a few minutes of quick walking, I notice the landscape change from short, regular grasslands to a plain of long, yellowish-green grass. There are a couple of hills here full of the long grass, with a few small trees appearing in my line of sight.


    Soon, we reach the destination and start filing the villagers one by one through a small doorway hidden by the long grass in this area. I enter the shelter with Sarah to sort out the villagers and allow families and friends to separate from the rest of the villagers. The shelters are large caverns artificially built into rolling hills. The ceiling and pillars of this cavern are crafted from wood and stone. There are multiple caverns like this in the general area hidden from sight, only visible if you actually mean to get to the entrance. I wonder how in the world the shelters have never found by other people....


    Screams and loud bellowing shouts outside causes Sarah and I to rush out of the shelter as quickly as possible with hindering the progress of villagers. As we reach the outside, we see Ezschiel, Zenophilex, Altoray2 and four other escorts fighting against five larger-than-usual Varaugs that are equipped with some sort of metal chest plate and armored pants. The five Varaugs each wield a giant double-headed battleaxe that keeps knocking the defenders away, trying to get through and attack the villagers behind the line.


    The attacks and magic from the escorts cannot even cause these five mutant orcs to flinch and are having a lot of trouble trying to keep up with the Varaugs'' surprisingly quick and powerful attacks. Ezschiel''s parrying is not working properly as the battleaxe swings are too powerful for him to fully defend against. Zenophilex''s multi-targeting bolts of lightning magic aren''t doing much to hinder the Varaug''s mobility. The other four are in the same situation; their techniques, spells and skills are unable to seriously injure them.


    Where in the world did these three mutant orcs come from?


    As if this terrible situation was not enough, I spot three more Varaugs trampling the ground in the distance, obviously rushing to where we are in a linear dash. The two Varaugs to the left and right of the central one are similar to the ones the escorts are fighting against right now, wielding giant double-headed battleaxes and armored. The Varaug in the middle is what concerns me....


    This one stands a head taller than the other two beside it. Its body bulges with large, rippling muscles that could probably make Arnold Schwarzenegger green with envy. This Varaug wears only an armor-plated pair of shorts that glints in the sunlight, reflected by the shiny silver plates that contradict its brutish looks. This Varaug dual wields greyish-silver claymores larger than the ones a typical human being would wield with two hands.


    *Ding!*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Event Quest: Gro''shshkar the War Chieftan!</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Difficulty:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">C-6</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Tier:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Event</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Hold off the Varaugs!


    Seven <Varaug Destroyers> and <Gro''shshkar the War Chieftan> have somehow broken through the defensive lines! They tracked down the evacuated villagers to the hidden shelters! You have to hold on for ten minutes until the town guards are able to get here to take care of the raiders! This is going to be a difficult battle but do your best!


    Quest Objectives


    - Protect the Villagers!


    - Hold on for ten minutes against the incoming Varaugs!


    Quest Failure Conditions


    - You die or are captured


    - The Varaug breaks through and kills the villagers (0/300)


    Bonus Objectives


    - N/A


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Oh, come on...


    <hr><hr>


    {{Non-Proof Read Version}}

 Arc II: Chapter V - Raiders (II)

    Polaris Dark - Arc II Chapter V


    This is impossible....


    Not only is are the Varaug powerful enough to take hits without flinching, their attacks are also powerful and earthshaking! The escorts are already at the limits stalling for time. Lasting even five minutes would be a blessing!


    Even when Altoray2 uses his special technique, all it does is cause his target to flinch slightly before swinging its weapon at the offender. The red-headed player is forced to roll away from the dangerous battle axe, taking a small scratch to the back.


    Where are the other escort teams? Did they notice this dangerous situation or are they all inside the shelters as well? Maybe they did not receive this extra quest....


    My mind goes into overdrive at the impeding crisis. Although this is only a game to us players, the virtual reality is extremely realistic. This makes things harder to separate it from reality during heated confrontations like this one. As a result, my rational thinking starts entering a new state, one that processes things faster than what I brain would be capable of in reality. Later on, I would realize that this is the very reason why many schools used this virtual world to teach classes.


    Sorting out all the plans in my head, I come to a conclusion that the situation only had two possible solutions. The first plan is to try enraging the Varaugs enough to cause them to only think of killing the nuisances and forgetting their goals. The second plan is less viable but will have better results: kill off at least three of them before the ones in the distance arrive.


    I use a single second to decide on my plan of action.


    The first plan is probably better as it will not only preserve the villagers'' lives as well as give us a chance to survive the confrontation. Adversely, this plan may not even work out if the Varaugs don''t act accordingly to the plan. I am also not sure if we can even annoy them enough with the barely adequate scratch damage that doesn''t even cause the mutant orcs to flinch.


    The second plan is requires both precision and timing. My escort team does not know about my close-combat abilities so I will have to improvise. Since they are wearing armor, I will be able to use the <Oscillation Shatter> technique to reduce the Varaug''s defenses.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>The town guards have been alerted to the impeding disaster in your general area! They will arrive at your location in just less than ten minutes.


    Time remaining: 9 minutes 52 seconds</td></tr></tbody></table>


    There is one escort still hurrying the villagers into the doorway so it should be fine for Sarah and I to attack the Varaugs.


    Very well, let us begin.


    Sarah is about to rush over to help her father but is stopped by me.


    "Sarah, I know you want to help your father, but rushing in without a plan isn''t going to help."


    "B-But...!"


    "Let me explain; I have a plan but I need your help for it to have a chance of success."


    "...o-okay."


    I explain to her my plan in less than ten seconds, giving her some time to digest the information without taking too long. The Varaugs in the distant are still fairly far away, probably requiring another three minutes or so to arrive.


    I signal to Sarah and she rockets off at the closest Varaug, helping the person having the most trouble with it. I follow her closely, summoning three mana orbs and having them on standby. Sarah reaches the Varaug that is currently attacking an escort who has just been knocked down. The Varaug notices Sarah and casually swings his giant axe at her, not caring if it hits or not. Sarah ducks the horizontal sweep and rolls into range for her sword strikes. At the same time, I release the mana orbs in orbit around me. The spheres shoot in arcs around Sarah, striking the Varaug in the head, arm and chest simultaneously.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Fatal Hit! 9 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>6 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>7 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Varaug Destroyer Level 38 Health: 2361/2581</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Its armor is completely physical in nature, making magic damage pierce straight through without being reduced. The Varaug''s magic resistance doesn''t seem to exist... instead, it seems to disregard pain and just continue to attack without bothering defensive options.


    If not for my <Accel Sphere> skill''s special hitstun effect, my plan would not work properly. The Varaug stumbles as the mama orbs burst on impact, giving Sarah a free shot at dealing moderate damage without the mutant armored orc responding with a chop to the neck before she recovers.


    Sarah does just that and slashes the Orc''s exposed right leg.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Varaug Destroyer Level 38 Health: 2328/2581</td></tr></tbody></table>


    The Varaug grimaces in annoyance as Ezschiel''s daughter was able to actually hit its body properly. As it recovers, Sarah slashes the other leg before dodging backwards, the giant battle axe just missing her slender neck.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Varaug Destroyer Level 38 Health: 2295/2581</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Right away, I slip into the fray, activating my battle gauntlets with a flash of purple light. The energy lines on the gauntlet glows purple and I punch the Varaug in the chest while using <Oscillation Shatter>.


    *Crash!*


    My gauntlet-covered fist causes a small kinetic explosion on impact, dealing damage to both the Varaug and the armor it''s wearing.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>26 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Varaug Destroyer Level 38 Health: 2302/2581


    Oscillation Shatter: -8% Defense</td></tr></tbody></table>


    The Varaug tries to smash me with a fist but misses due to my nimbleness. In Ascendancy, there is no penalty for fighting against people, creatures and monsters higher than your level. Unless they have certain abilities that requires their level to be higher than yours by a certain amount, level difference will not carry any penalties.


    I''m going to have to construct a device for my <Magitech Analysis> ability later on so that I can scan the target to check their status....


    From my probing, the Varaug is fairly unintelligent, using only powerful swings that are fast and strong. The attacks are all linear and clumsy due to the apparent lack of dexterity, making them akin to berserkers that fight primarily with strength with mediocre agility.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>31 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>25 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>33 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Varaug Destroyer Level 38 Health: 2302/2581


    Oscillation Shatter: -8% Defense</td></tr></tbody></table>


    I avoid the heavy-handed swings using purely dexterity and agility, striking the Varaug here and there to continue probing for flaws. I also notice the defense debuff applies to both magical and physical attacks and it does not have a duration limit. Although the amount of defense reduced is fairly little, the permanent nature of this debuff makes it worthwhile.


    When changing professions, the player will receive knowledge, muscle memory and boosts in abilities to match their job. Warrior professions gain some form of combat training regardless of their previous abilities. Archers become proficient at using the bow regardless how well they use the bow before changing professions (those that already have archery proficiency will receive extra proficiency experience).


    Without a profession, players will only receive small bonuses to their character for what they do in reality. A person with proficiency in dexterous arts (requiring certain levels of fine-motor skills) will have small bonuses to their dexterity. An athlete that runs regularly will get bonuses towards their vitality and agility. Martial artists might receive a free combat skill at the beginning while teachers may get additional intelligence as a bonus.


    I received something other than the knowledge and technique to analyze, create and deconstruct magic inscriptions and artifacts. What was imprinted into my character''s "mind" is the innate sense to test for weaknesses, strengths and enemy abilities. It seems this includes basic hand-to-hand combat knowledge for this profession as well since my attack-move technique has changed slightly from the training I have done with the city guards.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>38 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>34 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Varaug Destroyer Level 38 Health: 2230/2581


    Oscillation Shatter: -8% Defense</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Sarah slides into the fray and deals a few hits of damage while the Varaug is trying to chop me up. The escort that had fallen has finally gotten up. He runs towards another Varaug to help the one trying to fend that one off.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Varaug Destroyer Level 38 Health: 2104/2581


    Oscillation Shatter: -8% Defense</td></tr></tbody></table>


    I pick out the Varaug''s weak points after prodding the mutant orc with short jabs and kicks. The mutant orc''s weak points are its wrists, ankles and neck. It looks like attacks striking those points will cause it to flinch. No wonder the other escorts aren''t doing much to hinder it; they''re all focusing on the torso since the head is too high up. The Varaug also guards against magic attacks to his head using his arms.


    I narrowly avoid another horizontal axe swing by ducking before springing upward, dealing a heavy-handed uppercut to the Varaug''s chin.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Critical Hit! Fatal Hit! 236 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    The mutant orc stumbles and falls over, landing flat on his back with a loud thump.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Varaug Destroyer Level 38 Health: 1868/2581


    Oscillation Shatter: -8% Defense


    Stunned (2s)


    Knocked Down (5s)</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Having discovered this creature''s weaknesses, all abilities with the <Homing> function will be able to target the weak spots if you wish for it to. Attacking the weak points will now result in a


    that deals 1.2x damage. <Auto-Targeting> Profession Innate Ability has been unlocked. It will be available after this battle is complete. Note that not all abilities can be used with <Auto-Targeting>.</td></tr></tbody></table>


    This is perfect; I was not expecting a bonus for identifying the weaknesses of a creature. The <Auto-Targeting> ability I received should be helpful, I''ll try it out after this battle.


    Turns out, the Varaug is clumsy and slow when knocked down, making it extremely vulnerable to attacks while being unable to get up. Sarah rushes into the fray, using one technique after another on the downed Varaug while I continue my own attacks.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Varaug Destroyer Level 38 Health: 1768/2581


    Oscillation Shatter: -8% Defense


    Stunned (0s)


    Knocked Down (3s)</td></tr></tbody></table>


    I am able to deal substantial damage to the Varaug with consecutive gauntlet-assisted strikes as well as point-blank mana spheres to the head.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Fatal Hit! 45 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Fatal Hit! 42 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Critical Hit! Fatal Hit! 57 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Fatal Hit! 8 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Fatal Hit! 9 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Fatal Hit! 9 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Fatal Hit! 46 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Critical Hit! Fatal Hit! 55 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Varaug Destroyer Level 38 Health: 1497/2581


    Oscillation Shatter: -8% Defense


    Knocked Down (0s)</td></tr></tbody></table>


    The Varaug clumsily tries to get up only to get when Sarah knees his face down with one of her techniques.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Varaug Destroyer Level 38 Health: 1476/2581


    Oscillation Shatter: -8% Defense


    Aimed Stigma: Head Strike - Dazed (2s)


    Knocked Down (5s)</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Sarah''s sword glows in a light blue, slashing the Varaug in the neck.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Varaug Destroyer Level 38 Health: 1342/2581


    Oscillation Shatter: -8% Defense


    Aimed Stigma - Head Strike: Dazed (1s)


    Aimed Stigma - Critial Drop: Critical Drop: Takes +15% Critical Damage (6s)


    Knocked Down (4s)</td></tr></tbody></table>


    This is... they really are slow and clumsy when fallen....


    Oh! I see, this quest is not just about straight-forward fighting but also requires tactical skill and deductive reasoning as well. In this case, the difficulty of this quest is not as high as I thought. It''s a C-rank quest, meaning that there might be something else that makes it a quest for players from level 50 to level 100. Well, at least I was able to solve one of the problems.


    After a few second of free attacks, the Varaug is able to get up on to its feet, not before Sarah and I manage to take his health points down below a thousand. The mutant orc is now enraged, probably because it sees us as annoying insects and the "insects" just dealt substantial damage to it. Roaring, the Varaug rushes towards me as I was the one who knocked it over. With a stroke of luck... well, an unfortunate event for the Varaug, Sarah ends up tripping the Varaug when she fell over while trying to slash the Varaug''s leg.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Varaug Destroyer Level 38 Health: 862/2581


    Oscillation Shatter: -8% Defense


    Knocked Down (5s)</td></tr></tbody></table>


    ... *giggles* ...


    I giggle in my mind before running over to the downed  (again) mutant orc and kicking it in the head, still trying to clear my mind from that hilarious scene.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>29 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Sarah gets up quickly and continues her sword-swinging onslaught, this time at the Varaug''s head. I hang back for a moment, thinking of a way to finish the Varaug as quickly as possible. It''s just over half a minute and we''re able to deal this much damage...


    Oh, I know! How about channeling mana into my right hand like martial artists in movies do with some sort of energy... I forgot what it was called. Never mind that though...


    I focus on my right hand, trying to figure out how to channel mana into only my right hand... and fail. Honestly, it isn''t going to be that easy. I have no clue how to manipulate mana by msyself at all, much less direct mana flow from one place to another. I don''t even know what "mana" feels like...


    Wasting only a moment of thinking, I continue punching and kicking the downed Varaug''s head while Sarah uses her sword.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Varaug Destroyer Level 38 Health: 107/2581


    Oscillation Shatter: -8% Defense


    Knocked Down (0s)</td></tr></tbody></table>


    As the mutant orc struggles to get up, Sarah uses her <Three-Way Slash>, this time without shouting out the name, to finish it off.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Varaug Destroyer Level 38 Health: 0/2581</td></tr></tbody></table>


    With an agonized bellow, the Varaug crumbles to the ground after getting up for a second.


    "Alright!"


    Sarah cries out in excitement. Being able to cut down such a large foe bent on chopping you to bits is definitely a great feat. Glancing at the current situation, I conclude that the <Varaug Destroyers> here are not actually that strong at all for a level 38 rare monster. They possess high strength, endurance, vitality and a mediocre agility, making them tough but not slow. That''s it though; they lack the attributes that would make them truly dangerous.


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    They''re tenacious alright, but nothing that tactical knowledge and logic can''t beat. What worries me is not these Varaugs but the other one: The named Varaug is an Epic-Tier creature, making it approximately thirty times stronger than the the <Varaug Destroyers>. It will really depend on the difference between the two types to see if we can actually hold on for the seven or so minutes.


    There is a reason why Altoray2, Ezschiel and the other escorts are not able do much damage to the Vraug. The rest of the combatants are not as agile as Sarah, making it difficult to counterattack while avoiding enemy strikes. Although I am not as mobile as Sarah, I am close to her level of speed from the looks of things. I also have the combat knowledge given by my profession that focuses on counters and mobility.


    Although Ezschiel, Altoray2 and another escort are able to hold their own, they cannot gain an advantage over the Varaug while fighting one on one. A pair of escorts fighting against the last one has a slight advantage over the mutant orc they are fightning. The escort we rescued earlier is one of two people with the advantage of a Varaug. Right now, the four remaining enemies are still going very strong. Sarah and I will have to hurry up and take down at least two more mutant orcs before the other three arrive.


    I note the distance between the individual battles; it seems they drifted farther apart.... This should be the reason why they did not notice the new red-skinned corpse on the ground.


    Sarah moves to my side and nudges me with pleading eyes. Sighing and nod to her with a smile. Sarah grins and prepares herself for the next battle, checking her sword for any wear and/or tear. I check my status, finding that my mana is at about thirty percent. Ugh... I should''ve gotten some mana recovery items ready before hand.


    Ezschiel''s daughter notices my frown and somehow understands my situation. When I glance at her, she brings out a small glass vial filled with a bubbling, transparent light-blue liquid.


    "Here you go! It''s a <Vial of Mana Soda>, enough to recover 150 mana. This potion is really weird but quite effective."


    She hands me the vial with a smile. I try to refuse her but she stands firm on her decision.


    "You''ve helped out so much and even allowed me to kill one of these giant monsters. Just take it; we''re a team! We need everyone to be in top shape!"


    I reluctantly take the vial and thank her before popping the cork off the top. I catch a whiff of a soft, flowery fragrance emitting from the vial before delicately tilting the contents into my mouth. Contrary to the fragrance, the bubbly mana soda has not much taste whatsoever. It''s like someone mixed perfume into club soda but forgot about taste. Finishing the vial of potion, I close the cork and hand it back to Sarah, whom takes it and places it back in a small pouch tied beside her sword sheath.


    I also tell Sarah about the Varaug''s weak points so that we can fight more efficiently. Sarah nods at the information, giving herself a once-over before readying herself.


    I check my remaining mana and the new <Auto-Targetting> ability before heading off with Sarah.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Mana: 250/370</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <b>Spoiler</b>: Information <input type=''button'' value=''Show'' class=''spoilerButton''>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Auto-Targeting</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Ability Type:</td><td width="25%">Auxiliary Assist</td><td width="25%">Proficiency:</td><td width="25%">-</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Ability Class:</td><td width="25%">Targeting System</td><td width="25%">Circle:</td><td width="25%">-</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Skill Cost:</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">Rank:</td><td width="25%">-</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''><Auto-Targeting> enables the user to automatically aim for the target''s weak points using the ancient magical ability to track and sense mana and energy. Although it allows the user to sense mana and energy well enough to track the identified target, it is not powerful enough to be used as a full sensory ability.


    Range: 15m


    Cooldown: N/A</td></tr></tbody></table>


    I nod to Sarah and she reciprocates.


    "Alright, let''s go!"


    Sarah cries out and charges towards the Varaug her father is holding off. I follow behind her closely, generating three mana spheres around me. The Varaug attacking Ezschiel tries to cleave the latter in half with a horizontal swing but Ezschield narrowly avoids it using his parrying technique.


    Sarah slips into the fray, moving behind the Varaug while readying her sword. I send my mana spheres arcing around Sarah, testing the <Auto-Targetting> ability to see what it can do. The spheres flies towards the Varaug, bursting upon impact. One mana orb strikes the Varaug''s right wrist, another hits its head, the last one bursts on its right ankle. This knocks the Varaug slightly forward as it is not expecting an attack from behind.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>8 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Fatal Hit! 9 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>8 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Varaug Destroyer Level 38 Health: 2038/2627</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Ezschiel''s eyes widen for a moment before taking the opportunity to deal a powerful blow to the Varaug''s raised right arm. Sarah leaps forward and arcs her sword downwards, slashing the Varaug''s left ankle from behind.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Varaug Destroyer Level 38 Health: 1810/2627</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Sarah rolls to the left, avoiding the surprised Varaug''s backwards swing with his hand. The mutant orc turns around, trying to see what hit him from behind. As soon as the Varaug spots me, I move right into its minimum range, ducking low with my gauntlets raised upwards similar to the muay thai stance. I turn my gauntlet covered right hand and spring upwards, catching the Varaug''s chin with a vicious uppercut.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Critical Hit! Fatal Hit! 219 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Varaug Destroyer Level 38 Health: 1591/2627


    Stunned (2s)


    Knocked Down (5s)</td></tr></tbody></table>


    As I expected: the mutant orc falls over from the uppercut, crashing backwards into the ground.


    Ezschiel is shocked at this development and he promptly stops moving for a moment. Sarah charges at the downed mutant orc and delivers several powerful cuts to the head while I strike the other side of its head with hard-hitting punches... not before I crush its defense with the <Oscillation Shatter> technique.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Varaug Destroyer Level 38 Health: 1358/2627


    Oscillation Shatter: -8% Defense


    Knocked Down (3s)</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <b>Spoiler</b>: Information <input type=''button'' value=''Show'' class=''spoilerButton''>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>32 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>34 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>35 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>29 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>31 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>37 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Varaug Destroyer Level 38 Health: 1160/2627


    Oscillation Shatter: -8% Defense</td></tr></tbody></table>


    The Varaug tries getting up in the same way as the one Sarah and I defeated. As his head rises up, Sarah slams her right knee in its face before slashes its head with her sword. The light bluish light leaves a trail of particles, dealing damage as well as placing a debuff on the Varaug.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Varaug Destroyer Level 38 Health: 1342/2581


    Oscillation Shatter: -8% Defense


    Aimed Stigma - Head Strike: Dazed (1s)


    Aimed Stigma - Critial Drop: Critical Drop: Takes +15% Critical Damage (6s)


    Knocked Down (5s)</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Ezschiel shakes his head before taking the opportunity prepare a powerful technique. He gets into a low stance with his legs in a partial lunge-like position, holding his sword in front of his body in a reverse grip. Ezschiel closes his eyes, showing that he trusts that we can keep the Varaug in check.


    Sarah and I continue our aassault on the Varaug''s head, dealing substantial damage to the fallen mutant orc. Sarah executes four more techniques before she seem to run out of mana. I continue to use basic attacks with my gauntlets as I do not have any usable techniques that do larger amounts of damage. I will save <QS Mode> for the named creature if needed.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Varaug Destroyer Level 38 Health: 682/2581


    Oscillation Shatter: -8% Defense</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Ezschiel rushes towards the Varaug while it is in the midst of getting up. His sword is glowing in a fierce reddish glow, leaving behind a trail of red light that causes the air to shimmer and cause minute distortions. Upon reaching the Varaug, Ezschiel makes a gigantic horizontal cut, rending the air in front of him, as well as the mutant orc.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Varaug Destroyer Level 38 Health: 112/2581


    Oscillation Shatter: -8% Defense


    Vorpal Sweeper: Armor Break (3s)</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Roaring in agony, the Varaug stumbles backwards as it is dealt over 500 damage in one blow. To top it off, the transparent combat window that pops up displays a new status effect that I have not seen before. Sarah quickly deals two more slashes while I punch the Varaug in the back before it can respond to the attacks. This brings the mutant orc''s health down to zero.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Varaug Destroyer Level 38 Health: 0/2581</td></tr></tbody></table>


    This Varaug crumples like the previous Varaug did. Falling to the ground, becoming motionless. As soon as Ezschiel catches his breath from using such a powerful technique, the three of us hurries to the closest mutant orc battle. Glancing at the grey-haired adventurer, I can tell that he is itching to ask us about our tactics. However, Ezschiel can also tell that this is not the correct moment to ask: we still have to take care of the Varaugs in this place before we can relax.


    Sarah takes a vial and downs the light blue bubbling liquid inside before replacing the now empty vial into her pouch. Ezschiel does the same as his daughter but drinks a light greenish potion instead. With the veteran adventurer here, I may not need my <Oscillation Shatter> until we deal with the named Varaug.


    Nearing the next Varaug, Ezschiel follows the two of us from behind since his daughter and I are capable of limited teamwork. As Sarah takes up the vanguard role with me following closely behind. Reaching the mutant orc, we find the escort having some difficulties defending against it. This escort is blown back several meters before landing in the grass on her back. At the same time, I generate three <Accel Spheres> and send them at the Varaug.


    The mana orbs strike the Varaug''s weak points while the hitstun activates. The mutant orc stumbles in mid stride, allowing Sarah to slip in from the side and slash horizontally. This slash causes a critical hit; the mutant orc staggers over and bellows.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>7 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>8 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>8 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Varaug Destroyer Level 41 Health: 2202/2414</td></tr></tbody></table>


    The combination of being hitstun by the mana spheres and Sarah''s crtical hit knocks down the Varaug.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Varaug Destroyer Level 41 Health: 2202/2414


    Knocked Down (2s)</td></tr></tbody></table>


    At this point, everything repeats itself accordingly. Sarah deals some damage to the Varaug while I harrass and knock down the Varaug as much as possible. With Ezschiel''s heavy damage support, the mutant orc is defeated much quicker than before.


    I take a look at the incoming orcs and realize that we may have a chance of taking down all five of them if we are fast enough. The female escort we just saved hurries with us to the second last skirmish, leaving battle with two escorts last. The three mutant orcs will probably arrive in just over a minute if my estimate is correct.


    The person defending against this Varaug is a human man using a short sword and a buckler. From my deductions, he probably has the highest defense rating out of the escorts I have seen up close. No wonder this escorter seem calm and collected while defending easily against the Varaug attacking him.


    When this sword-and-shield defender spots us, he furrows his brows and starts inching forward. This keeps the Varaug''s attention on him while slowly pushing the mutant orc backwards. Instead of sending mana orbs out, I rush ahead of Sarah and send the Varaug starggering forward with a flying side kick. The escort notes my speed before I my leading foot connects with the Varaug''s body, sidestepping and slashing the mutant orc with his sword.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>36 damage dealt to Varaug Destroyer</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Varaug Destroyer Level 41 Health: 2108/2395</td></tr></tbody></table>


    The female escort wields a large axe with a copper-colored axe head and a wooden handle. With this escort and Ezschiel doing the heavy damage while Sarah, the sword-and-shield escort and I harrass the Varaug to the keep it from targeting our heavy-hitters. Within fifteen seconds, this mutant orc falls over and dies from our assault.


    As the three incoming Varaugs reduce the distance between the defenders and themselves, Ezschiel, Sarah, the male and female escort attacks the last Varaug. The mutant orc here is being held off by two escorts and looks ragged and slow in comparison to the orcs we have defeated. The last Varaug is defeated in less than ten seconds with Ezschiel striking the mutant orc using the Vorpal Sweeper.


    The last two escorts are magic users that are capable of unleashing elemental magic. Because close-combat is not their strong point, they''ve been having some trouble dealing with the Varaug. With the rest of the two teams here


    Before the three new Varaugs arrive, everyone here prepares for the final battle. I feel that the <Varaug Destroyers> are too weak to be considered for the C-tier quest.... We take up a makeshift battle formation to fight against the new threat: Ezschiel is a meter to the left of the sword-and-shield warrior while Sarah is three meters behind the defensive warrior. The female warrior with the large axe stands a meter to the right of the sword-and-shield warrior, mirroring Ezschiel''s position on the left. As a support and skirmishing "warrior", I stand off to the side with my mana orbs at the ready. The two mages are at the back, preparing magical attacks and support spells.


    As soon as the new Varaugs come within twenty five meters, the central Varaug with the shiny armored leggings suddenly burst forward with tremendous speed. A glint in its eyes appear and it leaps forward, catching everyone by surprise. However, the Varaug does not leap straight into the formation: instead, this giant mutant orc tears through the air directly at me! Catching me off guard, I try avoiding the charging lunge to no avail: its body smashes into me, sending my body tumbling head-over-heels before crashing into the ground with a dull thud.


    My vision fades to quickly to black while the crushing pain spreads through my body.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>You have lost 256 health!</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Because you have lost over 50% of your health in a single attack, you have been knocked unconscious for thirteen seconds. Upon regaining consciousness, you''ll experience dizziness and weakness for eight seconds.</td></tr></tbody></table>


    ...With all the possible attacks and techniques available, I just had to get tackled by a humanoid monster truck...


    *sigh*


    I black out after sighing internally...


    <hr />


    <hr />


    {{Non-Proof Read Version}}

 A Condensed Semester (Not Chapter)

    Since my school term for May and June are condensed, my work load increases by a lot. I may not be able to write chapters from 1-2 weeks on. It will be extended to 3-5 weeks for two months.


    I apologize for readers that like my writing, but courses are just too much when condensed. I will be free two months later though and I''ll make up for it by posting at least one chapter every two week from July and August.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Ciao~


    ~cynzfirefly


    <hr>


    <hr>


    ~~~~~ -> It turns out my final cooperative research project with the faculty of biology and chemistry lasts till near the end of July. This is a major problem and it turned my writing time into a melted paste of amorphous slime. I am so sorry for this but I guess this story will be kept in a hiatus until then. I will not stop writing like before but I''ll will be away for this month as well.... *bows deeply* sorry >.<

 Arc II: Chapter VI - Raiders (III) [Teaser]

    Polaris Dark - Arc II Chapter VI


    Ugh... my head....


    I slowly open my eyes only to shut them tightly when the world spins around me like a blender. Moaning, I shift my head little and feel something under me.


    "Ah! Yuki, you''re awake!"


    I hear a soft but relieved voice call out my name somewhere above me. Struggling to open my eyes, the spinning finally stops and I find myself facing Sarah''s half-concerned, half-relieved face.


    "You were knocked out by that larger Varaug after it charged right into you..."


    Ugh... my head hurts....


    Lifitng my right hand up to hold my aching head, I glance towards the resounding din of metal clashing with each other. It seems that <Gro''shshkar the War Chieftan> ignored me after knocking me unconscious; looks like it thought that I would be out of order for the rest of the battle.


    The war chieftan is easily knocking Ezschiel and the sword-and-shield warrior back with casual swings of the two great swords. The other two Varaugs are being hemmed in, distracted by the two mages and the axe wielding woman.


    Although the escorts are barely fending off the mutant orcs, they are not in trouble at the moment. I quickly take this time to check the notifications and skim through the useless ones. I come across several notification windows that pique my interest...


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td><Shadow Chaser Form> has entered the Apprentice Circle of comphrension!</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>You have leveled up! You are now Level 28.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td><Unarmed Combat Mastery> has entered the Adept Circle of comprehension!</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>You have leveled up! You are now Level 29.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center">You have reached the pinnacle of Level 29! To level up further, please choose your first profession research path from the list. The available paths have been calculated and compiled through your combat movement, skill usage, tactics and current abilities. All experience points you acquire during this point will stored temporarily. Once you have picked and confirmed your research path, all experience points stored will be released to your character.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Ah... I hope I get enough time to strengthen my character before I get cut in half by that greatsword....


    "Sarah, please protect me for a moment, I need some time to prepare."


    Sensing an incoming plan... which is not quite incorrect, Sarah nods quickly before helping me back on to my feet. I sit in a seiza position as it is the most familiar and comfortable position for me to think in. Concentrating on the window that tells me about picking the innate ability, the window blinks before disappearing. Several new windows appear in its place:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Innate Ability - <Mana Circuit Computer> is now active.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="3">Mana Circuit Computer


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">System Type:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Innate System</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Proficiency:</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">System Class:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">System Display</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Circle:</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">System Cost:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">N/A</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Rank:</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="3">


    The Clearmind''s innate ability are known as "System Abilities" since all of them have to do with magic computers and electronics. <Mana Circuit Computer> gives the Clearmind a much-needed heads-up display to efficiently manage his or her abilities while collecting and sorting data. When active, the HUD displays a small transparent health bar (in red), mana bar (in blue) and stamina bar (in green) in the upper left corner of the user''s vision. It also allows the user to sort through information and data without having to call up the opaque system windows.


    The MCC system also allows the user to absorb residual magic particles to charge an auxiliary battery. This battery has four sections to it and can be used to boost or change the nature of other abilities (indicator next to the health, mana and stamina bars). The boost and change of abilities depend on which mode the user is currently in.


    Additional MCC Attributes


    <ul>


    <li style="text-align: left">Electronic Distribution (Casual): +15% Mana recovery outside of combat</li>


    <li style="text-align: left">Electronic Distribution (Critical): +50% Mana recovery during combat</li>


    <li style="text-align: left">Energy Discharge system: All magic attack power +2%</li>


    </ul>


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Please choose a corresponding ability that suits your needs and/or likes.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">System Refit - Aggressor


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Ability Type:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Mode Shift?</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Proficiency:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">0.00%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Ability Class:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Offensive/Rush</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Circle:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">N/A</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Ability Cost:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">N/A</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Rank:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">N/A</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">


    Along with the <Mana Circuit Computer>, the Clearmind will need to specify his or her experimentation and upgrades to maximize combat and non-combat research. Aggressor Mode allows the Clearmind to shift its system specifications to a new combat mode. <System Refit - Aggressor> increases the user''s mobility, physical power and magic resistance, allowing the Clearmind to rush head-first into a battle. This mode focuses on aggressive rushes and powerful beat-downs to dominate the opponent. Never stopping nor relaxing, Aggressor Mode gives the Clearmind an overwhelming edge in close-combat.


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">


    ----------Strengths----------


    <ul>


    <li>Increased close-combat capabilities</li>


    <li>Powerful, relentless attacks that extend combos</li>


    <li>Quick, strong burst damage techniques</li>


    </ul>


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">


    ----------Weaknesses----------


    <ul>


    <li>Very few ranged options</li>


    <li>Lacks effective defensive techniques</li>


    <li>Below average normal attack power</li>


    </ul>


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">Primary Signature Abilities</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Particle Crash</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">Secondary Signature Abilities</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">System Acceleration</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">System Refit - Imperial


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Ability Type:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Mode Shift?</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Proficiency:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">0.00%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Ability Class:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Tactical Command


    </td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Circle:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">N/A</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Ability Cost:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">N/A</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Rank:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">N/A</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">


    Along with the <Mana Circuit Computer>, the Clearmind will need to specify his or her experimentation and upgrades to maximize combat and non-combat research. Imperial Mode allows the Clearmind to shift its system specifications to a new combat mode. <System Refit - Imperial> gives the user the ability to control and manipulate mechanical drones, automated weaponry and other mana-reliant machinery. The Clearmind with Imperial system refit has sharply increased wisdom and dexterity to control multiple automated weapons and drones at once. This allows the user to summon and manipulate machinery to attack or defend.


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">


    ----------Strengths----------


    <ul>


    <li>Heightened versatility at ranged combat</li>


    <li>Continuous and siege ranged fire support</li>


    <li>Great against both single and multiple targets</li>


    </ul>


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">


    ----------Weaknesses----------


    <ul>


    <li>Below average physical defensive capabilities</li>


    <li>May become distracted from dangers during drone deployment</li>


    <li>Below average close-combat abilities</li>


    </ul>


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">Primary Signature Abilities</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Static Lock-on</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">Secondary Signature Abilities</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">System Configuration</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">System Refit - Dominion


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Ability Type:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Mode Shift?</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Proficiency:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">0.00%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Ability Class:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Tactical Control


    </td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Circle:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">N/A</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Ability Cost:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">N/A</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Rank:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">N/A</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">


    Along with the <Mana Circuit Computer>, the Clearmind will need to specify his or her experimentation and upgrades to maximize combat and non-combat research. Dominion Mode allows the Clearmind to shift its system specifications to a new combat mode. <System Refit - Dominion> changes the user''s abilities to those that focus on field control and restrictions. The Clearmind with this system refit will gain access to abilities that impedes and weakens enemies while allowing allies to remain at their best. With the research focusing on energy prisons, fields and other manipulation tools, Dominion mode becomes a lethal asset within a party.


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">


    ----------Strengths----------


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    <ul>


    <li>Powerful field control and manipulation related abilities</li>


    <li>Strong resistance to negative status effects</li>


    <li>Extremely effective against groups of enemies</li>


    </ul>


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="4">


    ----------Weaknesses----------


    <ul>


    <li>Below average direct combat capabilities</li>


    <li>Very few offensive techniques and skills</li>


    <li>Requires high amounts of mana to operate</li>


    </ul>


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">Primary Signature Abilities</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Optical Field</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">Secondary Signature Abilities</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">System Overcharge</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    So I get to choose between a close-combat specialist, a ranged support fighter or a field control mage-like profession. I take note of the current situation and quickly make my choice.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>System Refit - Aggressor has been chosen</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    A silvery light shines from my body as the system implements research path I have chosen. Within two seconds, I can feel my character''s body becoming more agile and stronger.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center">You are now Level 30 as you have picked your first research path. Your status window will change in accordance with this new profession system. You have received 5 bonus stat points as you have reached Level 30.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>You have leveled up! You are now Level 31</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>You have leveled up! You are now Level 32</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>You have leveled up! You are now Level 33</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I quickly open my status information to add the additional stat points before going over the changes. I should allocate the 23 additional stat points to suit this situation. It looks like my abilities rose considerably after I switched off the notifications; after placing the additional points into the stats, my combat capability is now greater than before the changes. As a bonus of the profession path advancement, the pain from being bulldozed by the varaug has disappeared while my health and mana has been replenished.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Status Infomation</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Name:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Yukianesa</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Profession:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Clearmind</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Level:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">33</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Class Path:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Aggressor</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Gender:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Female</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Research Tier:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">I</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Race:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Kitsune</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Sub Profession:


    </td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">N/A</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">Equipped Title</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">Virtuous Maiden</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">Rank (Social Class)</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="2">Honorary City Guard</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Fame:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">58</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Infamy:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">0</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Health:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">475 / 475</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Health Recovery:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">0.23 / Sec</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Mana:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">470 / 470</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Mana Recovery:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">0.47 / Sec</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Stamina:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">100 / 100</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Stamina Recovery:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">0.3 / Sec</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Strength:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">45</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Dexterity:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">61</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Vitality:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">25</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Agility:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">67</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Intelligence:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">52</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Wisdom:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">52</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Reflex:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">10</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Endurance:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Charisma:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">80</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Luck:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">0</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Physical Attack:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">43 ~ 56</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Physical Defense:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">66</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Magical Attack:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">37 ~ 50</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Magical Defense:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">31</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Physical Modifiers</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Slash:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">100%</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Pierce:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">100%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Crush:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">100%</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Blast:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">100%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Elemental Modifiers</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Fire:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">100%</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Water:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">100%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Wind:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">90%</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Earth:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">100%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Ice:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">100%</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Lightning:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">90%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Light:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">80%</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Darkness:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">80%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Mind:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">50%</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Void:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">90%</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Well, my level is not high enough to utilize the <Balancer Mana Reactor>. I will have to rely on the <Misty Mana Reactor> for now. Let''s see what the two new abilities I have recieved from this advancement.


    *Ding!*


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">Particle Crash


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Type:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Offensive</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Proficiency:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Class:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Magic Burst</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Circle:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Mana Cost:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">15MP</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Rank:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">[Mana]</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">-</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">-</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">


    Throw a heavy punch reinforced by mana particles that glow with a luminous lavender purple light. On impact, the mana particles that power the technique disperses in a convex lens pattern, forming a barrier like shape before vanishing. This technique The punch will stagger the target unless the target is able to resist it. The number of times you can active it consecutively increases as you research and improve upon this technique.


    Current activation limit: 3


    Requirement: Basic Mana Reactor


    Cooldown: 8 sec


    --- --- ---


    Can only be upgraded through experimentation and enhancements


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Technique</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Damage</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Max Hit</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Type</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Reinforced Punch</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">160%</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">1</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">P-Crush</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Particle Dispersion</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">35%</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">1</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">M-Blast</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">System Acceleration


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Skill Type:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Support</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Proficiency:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Skill Class:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Enhancement</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Circle:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Skill Cost:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">N/A</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">Rank:</td>


    <td style="text-align: center" width="25%">-</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="text-align: center" colspan="4">


    System Acceleration enhances and streamlines magical energy use to boost the activation speed and power of techniques and other skills that require the use of mana. Because of the steramlined and sped-up mana flow, this skill also allows the use of special accelerated combat abilities.


    ---Skill Information---


    Magic-enhanced attack speed +2%


    Magic-enhanced techique activation speed +2%


    <ul>


    <li style="text-align: center">Particle Spike: has a 0.5% chance of generating an additional particle burst that does 15% magical damage.</li>


    <li style="text-align: center">Mana Reroute: has a 0.5% chance of converting 50% of incoming magic damage into usable mana..</li>


    <li style="text-align: center">Electronic Tracer: Enables the use mana-powered movement in short bursts (max range: 0.75 meters).</li>


    </ul>


    Requirement: Basic Mana Reactor


    Electronic Tracer Cooldown: 7 sec


    --- --- ---


    Can only be upgraded through experimentation and enhancements


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The primary signature ability is an active technique that gives me a new close-combat option.


    will let me deal nearly twice the amount of damage in short bursts as well staggering those I attack. The secondary signature ability is a passive skill that gives me more freedom in movement as well as a couple of fairly weak (at this time) special abilities. Even so, this will give me a better chance at holding off <Gro''shshkar the War Chieftan> long enough for the reinforcements to arrive. If only I can use the <Distortion-Waveform Scan> technique to analyze the armored war chieftan for information....


    Okay, I don''t have time to consider anything else. Standing up, I find Sarah staring at me. I think the she noticed the silverish light that emanated from my body during the advancement and was surprised. I quickly take note of the current situation and ready myself for battle. I should test


    <hr><hr>


    {{Non-Proof Read Version}}