《Alteratio》 Chapter 1. Nils Waltz Nils Waltz was checking if he didn¡¯t left anything important in his room, It was his last day in that apartment. While trying to close his overloaded suitcase, someone entered the room. ¡°You know that you don¡¯t have to move out?¡± He didn¡¯t know how many times during last month he heard this sentence. When stubborn zipper finally gave up and suitcase was closed, Nils turned around. At the door was his aunt Kate. Only 12 years older than Nils, she looked like fashion model or actress. About 1,8m in high, nice slender body, long blond hair and big blue eyes on beautiful face. In addition to gorgeous looks she was also a genius, she graduated from university with economy degree when she was only 19, in age 23 she got her PhD and she was already working for biggest international corporations to gain experience. She would probably get her second PhD, but accident from two years ago changed a lot. In that moment she got worried look, which was often guest on her face for the last month, since Nils became eighteen and came up with idea to live on his own. ¡°I know Kate, but I fell like it is a right thing to do.¡± To be honest, Nils didn¡¯t believe in his words, but he spend last month on repeating them, so he sounded confident. Nils didn¡¯t know if it was right to move out and live on his own, but he definitely needed a change in his life. Seeing that his aunt wasn¡¯t exactly happy with his answer, he moved closer to her and embraced her in awkward hug. ¡°Don¡¯t worry Kate, everything will be alright. I feel much better now and I can take care of myself.¡± Another well trained line came from his mouth. Nils took two steps back to create some distance, he and his aunt were both a kind of socially awkward and rare family moments were little embarrassing for them. No wonder why Kate couldn¡¯t find herself a boyfriend if even hug from her nephew made her fluster. Nils could understand his aunt, for the last two years she became closer to him than any other person before, she was his only family. He knew, how much effort it took, to manage everything, after death of his parents. Yes, his parents were dead. Two years ago, he and his parents had terrible accident, some drunkard driving loaded truck hit their car with high speed. Even their family SUV couldn¡¯t stand a chance against 10 ton machine. As a result both of his parents died and he lost his legs. Everything below his tights were crushed and even best doctors couldn¡¯t save it. First two weeks Nils spend in coma recovering from operation. When he finally woke up, only person next to him was his aunt and he already knew , just by seeing look on her face, that he was the only one who made it alive. Next few months were very hard, not only for Nils but also for Kate, even if she was kind of surprise child for his grandparents, she was 15 years younger than Nils father, they were very close to each other. In addition Kate had to take charge of whole family company. Waltz family was very rich, everything started when Nils great-grandfather started small transport company and after almost 3 generations Waltz Corporation was huge holding with dozens of other companies under it. Fortunately Kate was more than well prepared to manage family business. From the other side, looking after sixteen years old boy who lost his parents and became cripple, was quite a challenge for her, but Kate didn¡¯t gave up. With titanic effort, she was managing hundreds of millions worth company and taking care of her nephew. People say, that we don¡¯t know value of things, until we lose them and Nils has learned it the hard way. His parents presence was something obvious and natural for him, but after their death, he noticed how much he missed them. It took countless hours of talk, with therapists and his aunt, until he finally was ready to accept his death. Rehabilitation was another great challenge for Nils, but once again his aunt was there to help him and to encourage him. With help of best specialists and most advanced prosthetics technology he was able to walk normally. It was impossible to notice that Nils was using prosthetics if you didn¡¯t know about them, that¡¯s how modern technology works, of course if you have enough money. Year after accident Nils was living with Kate in her apartment in city center, all doctors said that he was alright, but he didn¡¯t wanted to return to his high school, he just didn¡¯t felt ready, instead he started to learn in home. Accident have changed him, he wasn¡¯t the coolest guy in area before, he got few friends and he went for few dates with girls form his school, but in that moment he didn¡¯t really wanted to meet with other people. Firstly, his aunt wasn¡¯t much against his studying in home, she understood that he need more time to return to society, but after few months she started to worry. Nils was aware that he shouldn¡¯t cut himself off from other people, but it took him almost year to change his situation. It was his eighteen birthday, he was eating dinner with her aunt in luxury restaurant, when he told Kate what he decided. First thing was about his finances, Nils was eighteen years old and he had full access to his assets. Savings and properties wasn¡¯t much a problem but shares in family company were serious deal. For past two years Kate was managing his assets as legal guardian. Together with her own shares she got about 60% of a company, which was enough to be CEO. Nils wanted it to stay that way. Second decision was to return to high school. Nils thought that he spend enough time away from other people. And finally, he wanted to live on his own. First two matters wasn¡¯t a problem to Kate, to be honest she was very happy when she heard that Nils wants to return to the high school, but his desire to move out make her worried. Next month was full of arguments and hard talks, but when Nils bought himself an apartment without Kate knowledge, she gave up on trying to convince him, to stay with her. When Edward, Kate''s personal driver has dropped him in front of his new apartment, Nils was still emotional. His new place wasn¡¯t even that far from Kate''s, but he and his aunt were little overreacting about this situation. He said good bye to Edward and with his suitcase in hands he entered building. When Nils became eighteen and he made his decision about moving out, he started to take interest in his financial situation. He was pretty sure that his aunt told him earlier how much money he got , but he didn''t care about that time. When he finally saw number of zeros on his account, he was pretty surprised, his family and was really rich but, amount of money that was still stunning. Knowing that he could afford much luxurious place, Nils decided to not spend his money like a immature kid and he bought nice 2 bedroom + living room apartment in newly build building near city centrum and Kate''s place. Probably that choice stopped Kate from trying to convince him to stay with her. Nils entered hall with lodge and was welcomed by janitor sitting behind his counter. ¡°Good afternoon mister Waltz, are you finally moving in?¡± Middle-aged man with rather big mustache and 1,8m in high, greeted Nils with friendly smile on his face. ¡°Yes, all furniture are already in apartment, by the way, than you for your help Henry, I really couldn''t make it yesterday.¡± ¡°No problem mister Waltz, I am happy that I could help.¡± Day before, last transport of ordered furniture was scheduled to be delivered, but there was some unexpected delay, so Henry needed to receive it, instead of Nils who was on a dinner with his aunt. When Nils arrived at his new apartment, everything was just like he wanted. Furniture in rather minimalistic design were standing in right places. Spacious living room with wide panoramic window was connected to an open kitchen. Two bedrooms and two bathrooms were all on left side of apartment coming connected with short corridor. Furniture''s in all rooms were in rather simple shapes and mostly in black, grey and white colors. Everything clean and organized, just like Nils liked it. The only exception, that was really standing out was full immersion virtual reality capsule, which was standing in one of corners in living room. It''s futuristic shape and blue color was heavily contrasting with apartment design. Virtual reality capsule was one of moat important tools in his rehabilitation. With maximum 3:1, virtual reality time to real time ration, it seriously speeded his recovery time. Time spend in virtual reality helped a lot in overcoming not only his physical but also a mental problems with using his prosthetics. Event after his rehabilitation ended, Nils was using capsule at least few hours a week, just to make sure that his synchronization with his highly advanced prosthetics was in best order. It was already evening, when Nils ended unpacking his stuff, when he noticed that there was one thing he forgot about, he didn''t buy any food yet. He grabbed his jacked, and after quick chat with Henry, Nils got basic idea about convenient stores and supermarkets in area. Shopping took him much more time then he thought, his experience with shopping was rather limited, so he spend a lot of time deciding what he needed to buy. In addition, he was almost sure that he could feel stares of other people on his back. His suspicions were confirmed when he saw girl about his age, she didn¡¯t even trying to hide that she was staring at him. At least she was quite pretty, with long brown hair and big chocolate colored eyes. On the way back to his apartment, Nils still was thinking about why those people were looking at him, of course he could have some paranoia, he spend last two years, mostly sating in Kate''s apartment. Admitting to himself that he may be a little oversensitive about other people Nils returned to his place. First morning in his new apartment was rather ordinary. Nils woke up at 5:30 am and he headed to building basement where gym open for all residents was. After his accident and rehabilitation Nils decided that while he lost his legs, at least rest of his body should be in perfect shape, so he was working out almost every day. After an hour spend on exercising his body, Nils returned to his apartment, took long refreshing shower and ate his breakfast. He still got some time before he needed to head out to his highschool, so he spend it on surfing into net. Nils new high school was about 15 minutes walk from his place, in addition there was bus stop in front of his apartment, so event in rainy day there was no problem with commuting. Under ordinary name of, 12th Capital City Highschool was rather standard educational facility for high- middleclass students. Nils didn¡¯t wanted to go to some snobbish highschool for rich kids, in addition 12th highschool got great scores on University exams. Before accident Nils was first year highschool student, but while studying in home he already learned whole material for first and second year. Unfortunately for Nils, some ridiculous education laws, didn¡¯t let him pass two years of highschool just in writing exam, so he was obligated to started on the second year. When the time come, Nils was ready to head out to school, he took last glance at the mirror before leaving his apartment. Fortunately in 12th Highschool there was no tradition of wearing uniforms, so Nils could were his ordinary outfit, jeans, black t-shirt and some cool sneakers. Looking at his reflection in the mirror, he noticed that visiting a hairdresser is rather good idea. His hair already about 10cm long were in serious mess. Nils her wasn¡¯t blond like the rest of Waltz family, he got dark almost black hair, after his mother. Form the other side his eyes were in intense blue color just like his aunt''s and father''s eyes. The only reason that could make Nils standing out from crowd a little, was his height. He was very tall, like 2 meters tall and he hoped that he won''t grow any taller, readjusting his prosthetics every half of a year was real pain in the ass. Unfortunately Nils wasn¡¯t worrying much about his looks, the real problem was that, it was already a month since semester started and he was starting as a awkward ¡°transfer student¡±. Nils arrived at school about 20 minutes before his first lesson, it was enough time to do all paperwork which was left in school''s office. When everything was done, he was introduced to middle-aged female teacher who was supposed to be his homeroom teacher. Nils was pretty nervous when he entered classroom with about 25 students in it, felling very uncomfortable, he was introduced to class as new transfer student. Trying to sound as less awkward as he could, he introduced himself to his new colleagues. ¡°Hi, my name is Nils Waltz, I had some accident two years ago and I have spend a year on home studying, but I am still a year older than you. I hope we will get on really well with each other.¡± Awkward, awkward, awkward, Nils knew that it wasn¡¯t best introduction ever but at least he could imagine it much worse. Trying not to notice, curious glances from other students he sat on a place showed by teacher. On, his way to the desk, he found out that, the strange girl from yesterdays evening, when he went shopping, was one of his classmates and she was staring at him just like before. Rest of hour, went normally without nothing special but when lesson ended he was surrounded by other students, they were asking him where he lives, what kind of music is he listen, what kind of books he likes, just standard questions, at least Nils thought that. Nils focused on answering questions and trying to remember all names and faces but he always got some problems with it. At least he didn''t worried much about it, no one was expecting from him to remember all names after one day, right ? Everything was going well, when someone asked him, what is his level in Warring Kingdoms Online. WKO was super popular VRMMORPG, which players could play by using VR capsules, just like one he got in his apartment. Nils heard about it, but he never felt a need to try it out. ¡°Sorry, I don¡¯t play this game.¡± Everybody around Nils, made some weird faces, like he would same something insane. ¡°So, you don''t have VR capsule?¡± Guy who asked about game was trying to figure out, why I wasn¡¯t playing. ¡°No, I have one, but I mostly use it to some sport simulation games, or to watch some VR movies.¡± In that moment, Nils officially became new class weirdo. Questioning took rest of a break and when next lesson was about to start, everybody left Nils alone. Nils wasn¡¯t bothered by his classmates for the rest of a day and he was glad about it. When Nils returned from school to his apartment he was rather bored than tired, he already knew all material which was on lessons and he spend all that time reading book on reader hidden under his desk. After quick meal, some frozen stuff heated in microwave, Nils was about to find himself some new book when he remembered about that game his classmates were talking about.Warring Kingdoms Online, Nils quickly bought game and started to load it to his VR capsule. He decided to at least try to play it, he will have at least one topic to talk about with his new classmates. While game was still loading, Nils was checking some info about it in net, apparently it was classic fantasy MMORPG with elves, dwarfs, orcs and all that kind of stuff. For the next half of an hour Nils was going trough countless guides an tutorials for beginners. Unfortunately all info that he found, made him more confused than he was before, apparently there were dozens of ways to gather abilities and classes and players were always arguing about which method was better. But there were few things which Nils tagged as important, apparently one person could have only one character which was permanent and couldn''t be deleted or reset. In addition if you choose class in game, it couldn¡¯t be changed, only exception from this rule were class upgrades and special events. There was also death penalty after players reached level 10, after dying player lose Exp stat points and skill mastery progress. Nils was rather surprised by amount of players despite such a sever rules. When his VR capsule made sound which was announcing finished task, Nils immediately went inside the device and logged in to the Warring Kingdoms Online. After familiar flash of light all view in front of his eyes went black, only to be replaced by dim blue light after few seconds. Nils waited another short moment when suddenly message window appeared in the center of his vision.
Welcome to Warring Kingdoms Online. New player detected, ID. 964511176 Nils Francis Waltz. Character creation module loading.
In next moment, Nils was transferred to different space with his mirror reflection in front of him. His mirror copy was following all his movements and has ¡°human¡± name tag above his head. ¡°Welcome to character creation module, please choose your race.¡± Clear, definitely robotic voice filled air. Next to his mirror reflection another message window appeared with description of current race, basic information and list of starting locations. Nils spend another 15minutes by checking different races and its descriptions, only to return back to human. Apparently only human race have possibility to choose any from all classes and in addition had racial ability called Quick Learner, which gave humans 10% bonus Exp and skill mastery points. After confirming his choice twice, Nils encountered something, which was rather problematic, creator was letting him to change his appearance. Nils was thinking about improving his looks a little but almost countless number of options and changes that could be made, scared him off, so he left his real life appearance unchanged. When Nils confirmed his choices and read all warning messages, another window popped up:
Due to user''s unordinary health condition, all of data about lower limbs will be downloaded from other software detected on VR capsule. If permission won''t be granted, user will be obligated to go trough additional synchronization process.
Nils knew how synchronization looked like, he had clear one before he could use his sport simulation games. He didn¡¯t have good memories about it, so he decided to let WKO use data from other software. When his race and looks were all set, Nils had to choose his in game name and starting location. Choosing location wasn''t much problem, to be honest Nils got some basic plan how he wanted to play this game. Following simple logic that he should use all potential of this new world, he decided, that he want to became some kind of mage. Obviously there was no magic in real world and learning how to fight with sword or other weapons wasn''t much a problem if you had time and money, so if you wanted to try something truly unique in game, magic was way to go. Nils already knew, which city he will choose, while his little research, he found some quite interesting tip about Rosenblum Kingdom and it''s capital city Kingsport. Apparently in that big, port city was magic guild, and after some simple series of quest you were able to became mage much faster than in other locations. So, Nils choose Kingsport in Rosenblum Kingdom as his starting location but there was still problem with his character''s name. After 10 minutes of silent brainstorm with himself, Nils typed short and rather simple name.
Ged
This name wasn¡¯t even his own creation, he just took it from his favorite fantasy series, but at least Ged from books was powerful mage so that name should fit. After another avalanche of message windows and warnings character creation was completed and Nils was ready to enter world of Warring Kingdoms Online. Character called Ged appeared in the center of huge medieval looking city. On the large plaza with gorgeous fountain in the middle, enormous crowd of people was chatting, trading and doing everything which large crowd should do. Ged was rather surprised by the scale of a buildings inside of a city. Right next to central plaza which he was standing on, Great Cathedral was located. Enormous construction, which could astonish great masters of gothic architecture. In the opposite direction of cathedral was wide alley heading up the hill where royal palace was located, it was another great building on enormous scale. Ged noticed that he was looking rather stupid, staring into buildings with his mouths wide open, so he decided to find himself some quiet place in order to find out how game interface worked. After few moments Nils found some free bench, located under cathedral walls. After another 5 minutes, he figured out all about how interface worked. He didn''t even bothered about many social options, friends, guilds he didn¡¯t have any in that moment. There was also quest log, which was obviously empty. Next thing that Nils checked, was his game inventory. To his surprise he found 10 pieces of bread and 1 silver inside it. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. Bread in his inventory made him little suspicious, so Nils decided to do some research and he quickly found his satiety and thirst bars. Thing about money was rather obvious because next to the number was image of silver coin, in addition there were also images of gold and copper coins with zeros next to both of them. The last thing that Nils checked was his status window, when he choose right icon a huge window appeared.
NameGed
Level1(0/100)
TitleNone
ClassNone
Health100Mana25
Strength10Agility10
Stamina10Intelligence10
Wisdom10Luck10
Obviously he got only basic beginner stats and no skills. When Nils knew everything he needed, he started to play with interface customizations and after few another minutes he decided that, voice commands were only reasonable choice. Rising from stone bench, Nils started to wander around the plaza. Besides crowds of people and huge fountain, there were also many stands with various goods. After 15 minutes of walking, Nils has seen almost every kind of goods that could be sold, from vegetables and meat, trough weapons and armors, ending on strange alchemy ingredients. One thing made Nils worried, all kinds of equipment were really expensive, to buy simple iron dagger you would need 1 gold coin which was apparently 100 silver coins. Fortunately food was much cheaper, you could buy single apple for 5 coppers, while bread was worth 2 coppers. With his 1 silver Nils was able to buy enough bread to not die from hunger, at least in next two weeks. Deciding, that he saw everything that was interest in enough, Nils headed out to find magic guild. After asking one of a city guard for directions and almost hour of struggles, he finally arrived in front of magic guild building. Nils was rather disappointed with how magic guild looked like. It was a tower made form ordinary, gray stone. Build on the plane of wheel with one single gates as an entrance. At least it was quite a big building, its base was about 60 meters in diameter, but only half of it in height. Nils was expecting something far more flashier than simple stone construction. Some pillars of light or blue flames rising from a rooftop would be good. Still concerned how pity guild building as looking, Nils walked up to the gates and knocked on the wooden gates. Silence¡­ He knocked one more time and waited few minutes but there was no one coming. Nils was ready to leave when small window in the center of gates opened. He couldn''t see who was standing other side of gates, apparently room behind hates was very dark. ¡°What do you want?¡± Unpleasant and filled with anger voice came from little window. Little surprised by how rude that person was, Nils answered. ¡°I am here to learn magic.¡± Person, behind gates made some weird, unrecognizable sound and asked another question. ¡°So, you fulfilled all requirements?¡± Nils was surprised, internet guide didn¡¯t tell anything about it. ¡°What requirements?¡± ¡°Arrrgh, bloody adventurers, always the same, are you blind? There is bloody note, on the wall next to gates.¡± Nils, looked to his left and found piece of paper pinned to stone wall. ¡° You found it? Good, now get your ass out of there and came back when you got everything from the list, or don''t came back at all, it would be even better.¡± Rude doorkeeper shut his window loudly, leaving Nils dumbfounded. Feeling that his magical career was getting farther and farther from him, Nils decided to read note on the wall. When he got closer, message window appeared in front of him.
Magic guild recruitment. All those who want to learn arts of magic are obligated to pay 10 gold coins to guild. In addition future recruits need to bring novice magical staff and clear quartz crystal with them and pass series of magical trials in guild. Quest level- Basic class quest Reward- magic related class Requirements - 10 gold - Clear Quartz Crystal - Novice Magical Staff
Nils felt tricked, it was supposed to be basic quest, but now he found out that, it could be much harder. Firstly he had to obtain 10 gold coins, which was apparently 1000 time more than he had on him. Additionally he didn''t know how he was supposed to find crystal and staff. Still standing in front of magic guild building, Nils started to look around hoping that he will find something that will help him. He was ready to return to central plaza to ask local traders about items he needed, when he noticed small building standing strangely close to guild tower. When Nils come closer to suspicious building, he found out banner hanging over the entrance. Simple drawing of magical wand crossed with something reminding typical wizard hat cleared all Nils doubts, it could be that simple, right? When he entered shop with magic equipment, Nils was welcomed with by old lade sitting on a single chair in the middle of store. Around shopkeeper were many shelves filled with hundreds of books, jars full of ingredients and equipment. One stand cached Nils¡¯s attention, it was filled with long wooden staffs with metal socked on one end. Next to the stand was opened chest full of rather big whit crystals. Nils were furious, those greedy bastards from magic guild where making money on their novices. Nils was pretty sure that items he needed wasn¡¯t cheap. After short exchange with old shopkeeper lady, Nils knew that he will need to work his ass to became mage. Novice Magic Staff cost 2 gold coins while Quartz Crystal was little cheaper, only 1.5 gold. After leaving shop, Nils returned to main plaza, to think about his options. Apparently there was a rule that players were obligated to stay first two week in city to gain basic skills ,equipment and game knowledge. So basically, he was made to earn those money by working in a city. Nils decided that it couldn''t be too hard to earn few gold coins in two weeks, so he started to looking for job. Once again guided by guards, Nils found himself in front of huge wooden board filled with notes and commissions. Most of them were mister hunting quests for more experienced players, but after few minutes Nils found few jobs offers. Unfortunately all Nils felt after reading them was shock and disbelief. Apparently daily wage of unexperienced worker was between 5 and 8 silver coins. DAILY! In addition Nils needed to take care about his satiety bars, would only increase his need for money. Slightly sulking, Nils was trying to found some solution to his problems, after half an hour siting near the great fountain and wondering about many ways to became rich, enlightenment struck him. He didn¡¯t need to buy equipment from shop, he could make those items by himself, at least partially. Nils realized that wages for new workers were so low, probably because skills and crafting abilities they were about to learn while helping more experienced craftsmen''s. Once again, Nils found helpful city guards, after explaining that, he want do find some jewelcrafter who would hire him, guards had rather troubled looks on their faces. ¡°Sorry young lad, I don¡¯t think that any of jewelcrafters with stores on plaza will hire you. Jewelcrafters and their guilds are very closed groups and it''s really rare event when they hire anybody outside family or guilds.¡± Once again Nils felt disappointment, he thought that his plan was really good and will help him became mage. He was ready to thank guards and leave when other guard spoke. ¡° But don¡¯t worry lad, I think I know someone who will hire you. He is a jewelcrafter but not associated with any family nor guild. Obviously his works are little different from stuff that jewelcrafters on main plaza do but I think it will suit your needs.¡± Ping. Message window appeared.
Jewelcrafter''s apprentice. One of main plaza guards may know someone who can hire you. Quest level ¨C basic Reward ¨C job as a jewelcrafter''s apprentice. Requirements- none
Without hesitation Nils accepted guards offer and following his instructions, he found himself walking trough poorer part of city. When he arrived at place which guard told about, he saw solid two-story house with first floor made from stone and second, build with wood. Everything looked solid and made with care. Nils knocked to doors made from thick wooden planks and reinforced with iron. After short moment doors opened and short man in his sixties appeared. ¡°How can I help you young man?¡± Nils thought about how different this situation was from welcome he got in magic guild. ¡°Hello, my name is Ged and I was told that you may hire me as a jewelcrafter''s apprentice.¡± Old man showed troublesome look on his face. ¡°Who told you about me?¡± ¡°It was one of main plaza guards, unfortunately I dnt know his name.¡± Old man sighed with relief. ¡°Oh, I had to be Malcolm if he send you to me then there shouldn''t be any problem.¡± Ding.
Jewelcrafter''s apprentice completed. + 50 Exp
Nils was quite enthusiastic about completing his first quest, it was specially hard but still, he felt like he was progressing on his path to became mage. Nils focused on old man in front of him, he started talking again. ¡°Come inside my friend, lets talk about this jewelcrafter thing.¡± Nils walked trough doors and found himself in some kind of workshop. Large room, probably covering whole first floor, was filled with tables and various stands. In one corner was even small forge with anvil. Everything was clean and left in order. Old man showed chairs standing next to one of a tables, when both of them sat down, old man started to speak once again. ¡° My name is Oliver and as Malcolm told you I can teach you about jewelcrafting, but first, told this old man why do you want to learn this craft?¡± Nils quickly explained about his circumstances, while he was speaking Oliver was only nodding and watching him carefully. When Nils ended, old man closed his eyes for a short second and started to talk. ¡°I understand now, that magic guild was reaping new novices from their money for years now. Unfortunately there is no alternative, only they can teach new mages or you would need to travel to other cities. But don¡¯t worry, your idea is right, if you learn basic jewelcrafting skills, you will able to craft both, staff and crystal.¡± Nils was happy that something finally worked. ¡°As you already know, local jewelcrafters are guarding their secrets rather hard and they don¡¯t want to share them with strangers.¡± Earlier euphoria turned in to suspicions, there was something uneasy on old man''s voice. ¡°You see young man, officially this place is simple engraver workshop. Engraving is only part of jewelcrafting I can do legally.¡± That was rather surprising, Nils started to hesitate a little, he wasn¡¯t sure, if he won''t get in to some trouble. ¡°Everything because 20 years ago I stood out against local jewelcrafters and I was teaching people form outside. I lost my workshop and was banned from working in my craft, in act of mercy mayor and guilds let me do engraving, mostly because no-one wanted to do it, as it is much less profitable job.¡± Finally Nils understood Oliver''s positions, but he was still little hesitant about braking the law. ¡°So you need to break a law in order to teach me?¡± Rather dim smile appeared on Oliver''s face. ¡°I fear that it is your only choice, if still want to learn my craft. Don¡¯t worry to much about city guards, it''s not like they are hunting and checking on me and even if they somehow found out that someone is working for me, we just tell them that, this needs some help.¡± ¡°So there is no risk?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t said that there is no risk, if someone will be willing to punish us we won''t stand a chance but is highly unlikely.¡± Nils was almost sure that he want old man to teach him, when he realized one thing. ¡°What if I want to sell anything I created? I told you I need 10 gold to became mage.¡± ¡°You are smart, you want be able to sell your craft on normal terms, all stands are controlled by guild and guild checks if all items have been created by its member. But there is place where you can sell all goods without guild control, I can introduce you to some man working in such a business.¡± Nils was seriously hesitating, selling goods without guild permission and taxes on some kind of black-market, it was something very important, but then a single thought stuck in his mind, it was just a game. Oliver seeing resolve in Nil''s eyes asked. ¡°So young man, do you want to be my apprentice?¡± PING! Message window appeared!
Jewelcrafter''s apprentice part 2. Old man Oliver want''s to teach you his craft even though law forbids him to do that. Do you want to learn from old man Oliver? Quest level-rare crafting quest Rewards- Jewelcrafting connected crafting skills Restrictions-Must be introduced to old man Oliver Penalty- If your secret will come out into open, you will be branded as a criminal and chased by guards in Kingsport city.
Without further doubts Nils accepted quest. With bright smile on his face, Oliver stood up and with official tone in his voice said ¡°I greet you, as my new student. You can call me your master now, of course if there is no one around.¡± Just like proper apprentice, Nils was given place to stay in Oliver''s workshop. He was told that his term will start tomorrow. When Nils left Oliver''s workshop it was already evening. He spend about 6 hours in game now, which meant that with 3:1 time dilatation it was only 2 hours in real time. Nils decided that was enough of WKO for the moment and he logged out. When Nils left his VR capsule it was about 5 pm in real world, he felt a little tired, just like always after playing with time dilatation, his sports simulators have this option too. Knowing that the best cure for dilatation tiredness is little workout, Nils headed out to gym. One hour later, Nils was standing under hot shower. Sounds made by stream of water and pleasant heat made shower best possible place for Nils to think and all he could think about was WKO. Nils was really surprised how fast he got into the game and how much it was to play that game. He already know that he will spend a lot of time playing it. When Nils was done with cleaning his body, he set his alarm clock on 9pm, it should be morning in WKO by this time, and went to sleep. Nils woke up refreshed and in great mood, few hours of sleep was enough to rest a little bit. Immediately after leaving his bed, he went to his living room and entered VR capsule. Standing in front of Oliver''s workshop and watching how sun was rising over a city was a nice experience, unfortunately Nils couldn''t enjoy it for much longer when he heard Oliver''s voice. ¡°What are you doing boy? We don''t have time for you to watch how sun is moving on the sky all day. There is work to do.¡± Apparently while working, Oliver was turning from nice old man into true master crafter. Fro almost whole day Nils was cleaning, bringing things, learning and cleaning even more. Old man was little obsessed with keeping everything clean in his workshop, even while working. Nils was little afraid that someone will just walk in to the workshop and put them in to jail, but old man was right no one care about old Oliver getting some boy to help him with work. Another surprise were Oliver''s customers, moat of them looked like nobility, or were very rich. As probably, only engraver in a city, or at least only one with such a high quality skills, his craft was highly demanded. Apparently, nobles loved their crests and signs, in addition they wanted to have them on almost everything, from plates to armors and weapons. While keeping his prices low to not catch attention from guild, his work schedule was full and he was making decent amount of money. When day ended Nils was given 10 silvers for his hard work, it was already more than he would get from other crafters. Asked about it Oliver explained, that even if he was working as engraver, he still was earning more than other crafters, he also told Nils that, if he was working as a proper jewelcrafter master apprentice, he would be making about 20 silvers per day. It was another reason why jewelcrafters guild didn¡¯t wanted people from the outside. Before Nils could log out there was one more thing he needed to talk about with Oliver, next day in WKO was exactly when Nils should be in school, so naturally Nils couldn¡¯t work that time. With smile on his face Oliver explained, that he knew about that the adventures are sometimes disappearing for some time, and it''s not a problem. Nils logged out from WKO and throw himself on his bad. Chapter 2. Miss Straightforward Next morning, Nils overslept. He wasn¡¯t used to set his alarm before sleep, he was always waking up by himself very early, but after playing WKO late in the night, made his internal clock fail. While skipping his morning workout session, Nils ate breakfast took fast shower and headed out to school. Walking with fast pace, he wasn¡¯t worried about his prosthetics, it was really high end gear and even running wasn¡¯t much problem for him. When Nils arrived on his classroom it was 5 minutes before first lesson, without saying hi to anyone he took a sit on his place and took out his e-book reader. The day was about to be as boring as day before when women unexpected happened while he was eating his meal in school cafeteria. Nils was sitting alone at the table, eating spaghetti which was surprisingly tasty, when some on sat next to him. Nils surprised looked at that person and recognized one of his classmates, unfortunately he didn¡¯t remember her name. With shoulder length blond hair, blue eyes and round face she looked quite pretty, or at least would thought that if she wasn¡¯t so short. He noticed earlier in class room that this girl couldn¡¯t have more than 1,55m in height, it wasn¡¯t that small but next to Nil''s 2 meters she looked like hobbit. She also was well curved, not plump but you couldn¡¯t call her fit. All of that make Nils think that she looked like a cute little bunny. Nils didn¡¯t wanted to be jerk, so he managed to say an awkward greeting. ¡°Hello?¡± Apparently bunny girl was waiting for this, because she immediately started to speak. ¡°Hi, you probably still don¡¯t get all names, so let me remind you, I am Alice, class president.¡± Ok, Nils decided that class president name was worth to remember. Nils focused on his spaghetti again, but after few seconds he felt that someone was staring at him. When he looked at Alice again, he could see her blue eyes directed at him. ¡°You are not really sociable guy, are you?¡± Once again Nils didn¡¯t know how he should answer. After few seconds of silence Nils decided that he should say something. ¡°How can I help you?¡± Alice, who was staring at him without a break, brightened while wide smile appeared on her face. ¡°I am glad you asked! You see, school director thinks that we are still in elementary school and events like sport festivals are so much fun for us. Unfortunately, student council wasn¡¯t able to change his decision and such a bothersome event will be taking place next week.¡± Nils was little confused, he had exemption from PE lessons so why this bunny girl was bothering him? He wanted to say something but Alice was continuing her monologue. ¡°So, every student is obligated to take part in competition and that is exactly why I am here. What kind of competition you want take part in?¡± The truth is that Nils could play some sports, he got special pair of prosthetics and was even encouraged by hi doctor to try, but he got his own reasons to not to. ¡°Alice you know that I have exemption from PE classes?¡± Alice made angry face. ¡°I know but I thought it was because you didn¡¯t want to bother with it.¡± ¡°And why you may think that?¡± Nils was rather oblivious to how he looked like, while working out almost every day for a year, saying that his body looked good, was huge understatement. Hearing his question, Alice became little red on her face, but still she answered without hesitation. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that someone who looks like you can''t do sports.¡± She said that a little louder than she wanted and few faces of other people sitting in cafeteria turned around to look at them. Nils was about to explain to her that he has good medical reason to not take part in that stupid sport event, when someone else came to their table. Nils was surprised when he recognized another girl from his class, it was strange girl from supermarket. Without any introduction she moved closer to Alice and said: ¡°Give it a rest prez, you have to be blind to not see that he got prosthetics in place of his legs.¡± Nils was like struck by thunder, how did she know? It wasn¡¯t that obvious like she said, to be honest it wasn¡¯t obvious at all. But Nils wasn¡¯t wondering how she recognized that he was a cripple, he felt that he needed to leave this place immediately. ¡°Sorry, I have to go.¡± With quick excuse, Nils left his unfinished spaghetti and school cafeteria. Nils walked in to his class just to grab his bag and headed back to home. While walking through school entrance he was stopped by that strange girl. ¡°Why are you running?¡± Nils wasn¡¯t in the mood to talk in that moment, all he needed was to think about what happened in his apartment. He tried to pass next to girl but she stood in his way. ¡°Could you just let me go?¡± He asked a girl standing in front of him, but she didn''t move at all. ¡°No until you tell me, why are you running.¡± Nils started to be angry, why that girl was doing this to him, he couldn''t understand at all. ¡°Why are you running?¡± She asked again. He tried to force his way a little, but she raised her arms and hold his shoulders with them. ¡°Why are you running?¡± Nils couldn¡¯t stand it anymore, with face full of pain he said. ¡°Because I don¡¯t need anyone''s pity¡± After he said that, girl just left him go. Nils came back to his apartment, 15 minute walk calmed him down enough for him to understand, what he did. He was so ashamed of himself, he couldn''t understand why he immediately run away when someone found about his legs. He came through the many different scenarios of this situation earlier and he was sure that he could handle it like a normal person. But instead of facing the truth, he just run away. When Nils decided to return to high school, he knew that finally everybody will know about him being a cripple and he thought that he was alright with it. Apparently he was wrong. The thing that Nils was afraid of was that after people will know, they will start to feel pity for him. Nils couldn''t stand that, it was making him fell weak and useless. He couldn¡¯t stand other people, looking at him like at the broken thing. Everything started when he woke up in hospital, the way that his aunt and doctors were looking at him was stronger than words. He wouldn¡¯t feel so bad if they didn¡¯t pity for him. He was feeling worse and worse when something happened on one of the rehabilitation sessions. That day Kate found some time to see how his rehabilitation was going and she was watching him exercise. The way she was looking and him working hard, there was no pity in it anymore, it was filled with pride and that gave him strength to work even harder. His aunt really save him that time, but unfortunately for other people who didn¡¯t know him, he was still pitiful cripple. That''s why it took him so much time to leave apartment. And that day everything happened to fast, he wasn¡¯t ready to handle all his new classmates, looking at him like at something broken. He didn¡¯t think that they will find out that fast. But there was that weird girl too, she wasn''t looking at him with pity, her chocolate eyes were looking at him with curiosity and some unknown fire in them. Nils never experienced something like this before. Anastasia POV Once again I had to buy some groceries because fridge was empty, my parents were working late like always. Fortunately supermarket is really close to our place. Moving slowly along shelves filled with food, and tossing what I need into a cart, I don''t pay much attention what I buy, just safe minimum to not end up with cornflakes for a dinner. What absorbs my attention is my hobby or rather addiction. I watch people, not just to look at them, but I watch people in the way that lets me reveal something about them. As far as I can remember I was strange girl, other kids didn¡¯t like what I was talking about, even thought it was all truth. Even adults looked at me with anger when I told them, what I saw in them. With years I understood that people don¡¯t like truth about themselves and I needed to stop speak it out loud or I would end up in trouble. When way I acted changed, people were nicer, but it doesn¡¯t mean that it was easier for me. Why should I be nice to neighbor in next apartment, when its obvious for me, that he is cheating on his wife? Why should I play with other kid when I know that they laughing at me behind my back? It wasn¡¯t fair, when only I was feeling bad, when it was others fault. So I decided on telling truth to other people again. At the beginning it was hard, people were angry, other kids were bulling me, but with time, they understood that I won''t stop and it will only be worse. So, I became that ¡°weird girl who knows stuff about people and you should not fuck with her¡±. I should be feeling rather sad about it, but I am not. At least people are not trying to lie to anymore. So, while doing my shopping, I watch people in supermarket. There is one guy who is clearly an alcoholic, he is pushing his cart back and forth in alley with snacks which is next to alcohol stand. I can see that he is fighting with himself, I hope that he I strong enough¡­ Never mind, he filled his cart with cheap beer. I can''t really see anything interesting, just simple people, with their boring secrets. While going to cashiers, my eyes finally find something interesting. Oh my, he is tall, he has to be at least 2 meters in height. He is wearing just simple black T-shirt and jeans but it suits him so well. With messy rather dark hair and blue eyes he is totally my type. I know, that I am that weird girl but it doesn''t mean that I have no interest in boys and this one in front of me is totally hot. But hot or not, back to business. I look at him and it is obvious that something is wrong with him, he often glares around like he was afraid of something, maybe he is stealing? No, his cart I full, and his phone looks very expensive. He is intriguing me, I look at him a little longer and I notice that there is something wrong with the way he walks. His every step looks normal, but there is that one moment, when his feet is about to meet the ground, it is just fraction of second. It looks like he is hesitating to connect his feet with ground. I think about it for a second, when I suddenly realize why it looks so familiar. He is like Uncle Jamie. Brother of my father, Uncle Jamie was a soldier and he lost his legs by stepping on land mine. Thanks to army help and high insurance, he was able to obtain really high tech prosthetics, which made him walk like a normal person again. This boy walks just like him. I am wondering what to do with such knowledge, there is also that thought try hit on him, but something unfortunate happens. The main rule of watching people is to not get caught, and in that moment our eyes meets. At least he is about my age, maybe he will think that I am trying to hit on him? It wouldn¡¯t be so bad, but he immediately turns around his cart and runs to cashiers. Yes, something is definitely wrong with him. Third person Nils wanted to play WKO badly, but it was still early for him to enter the game, there was middle of the night in Kingsport and he didn¡¯t have much to do on the nighttime. Nils decided to take a little nap, he was still little bit sleepy and he needed as much rest as he could, if he wanted to play two, full, in game days. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.Woken up by his alarm clock, Nils ate quick meal from microwave and logged in to the game. That time, Nils couldn¡¯t watch sun, rising over a city, because he logged directly inside Oliver''s workshop. Looking around familiar interior, Nils heard voice from behind. ¡°You are here, good.¡± Old man Oliver, greeted Nils with little grin on his face. ¡°Let''s get to work. I will teach u some real skill today, so you can help me with proper work.¡± Nils was slightly excited about gaining new skills, so started to work full of energy. I took half a day of standard cleaning and carrying stuff before Oliver called Nils to him. ¡°It''s time to start your proper education, young lad. Tell me, what do you know about engraving?¡± Nils searched his memory for any information about engraving. ¡°Not much, I know general idea of making symbols and writings on metal items and I think I heard something about using some chemical substances to do that.¡± Oliver got rather disappointed look on his face, after hearing Nils answer. ¡°Ok, listen carefully. I don¡¯t want repeat myself¡­ For the rest of a day Nils learned about different metals, tools and methods used in engraving. Earlier Nils noticed enormous number of hammers, chisels and many different tool in Oliver''s workshop, but he would never thought that every one of them had its own way to use. At the end of a day, Nils got his chance to put all this knowledge in to use. Oliver gave him simple bronze plate with simple sketch of rose on it. ¡°Here, take this plate, I have drowned a simple pattern on it so it will be easier to engrave it. In addition I got this simple set of basic tools for you.¡±
Compact set of jewelcrafter''s tools. Set of basic tools used in jewelcrafting, it was made especially for you by old man Oliver. All items made or improved with use of this item will have 5% boost to its quality.
¡°What are you looking at lad? Get your ass back to work, you will have to make 100 of this plates perfectly before I will teach you other jewelcrafting skills.¡± Nils took out hammer and one of special chisels from his tool set and started to engrave bronze plate. After few seconds Nils found out that it was much easier than he thought. Apparently there was some crafting support system implemented in game. Nils was glad that such a solution was used in game, thanks to it, with swing of his hammer simple rose was slowly appearing on metal surface. When Nils was done, message window popped out in front of him.
New skill obtained!
Engraving Ability to decorate items. Depending on type of item and items can obtain various permanent bonus effects. Beginner lvl. 1 (0%)
When Nils showed his work to Oliver, old man got somehow confused look on his face. ¡°It''s surprisingly well made, I guess adventurers are indeed gifted people.¡± Nils wasn''t surprised by Oliver''s reaction, he understood that without system assistance he wouldn''t be able to do it even halfway done. ¡°Good, good, it seems I will have a little more help in you than I thought, but it''s enough for today and don¡¯t even think about doing anything at night. This old man needs his dose of healthy sleep and sound of your hammer isn''t exactly a lullaby¡± After logging out, Nils noticed how good he felt. Of course he was a little tired, he spend full 12 hours day of work in game, but all his worries about his classmates from before disappeared. Having a lot of free time before he could log back to WKO, Nils decided that he will cook a decent meal foe himself. He couldn''t live on frozen food forever. Unfortunately Nils wasn''t very talented cook, his attempt to make spaghetti with meatballs, he felt somehow unhappy about living his meal unfinished in cafeteria, it tasted really good, ended up really badly. After making enormous mess in his kitchen and turning on smoke detector twice, he was left alone, against his monstrous creation. Nils couldn¡¯t understand why, but his pasta ended up as a one huge blob, which could be cut with a knife. Meatballs and sauce wasn¡¯t looking much better, meatballs were a little crispy and sauce was definitely too salty. Nils made true manly decision and with help of large amount of ketchup he ate, everything he prepared. Feeling not exactly sure, if his meal won''t be having some bad effects on his health in future, Nils spend rest of time, before logging in on reading a book. His next ingame day was lacking in any interesting events, Oliver did like he said earlier, crates filled with bronze plates were waiting for him outside the workshop. When day ended Nils was sure about one thing, he want be able to look at roses in any of forms for the next few months. But hard work paid off, his Engraving level raised to Beginner lvl.3(57%) and gave additional 4,5% to boost to quality of engraved items. Additionally, after fifteenth plate engraved, message window appeared.
New statistic obtained.
Art Gained by looking or creating work of art, art stat, boosts quality of crafted or improved items. If equipped by its crafter, bonus to item quality will be doubled.
Not only new spells made Nils into good mood, old man said that he will teach him rest of jewelcrafting skills next time, what means that he will be able to make some serious money soon. Napping in the middle of a day definitely helped, Nils woke up normally, just before 5am, but good mood from last night, has disappeared completely, when he realized that he need to get to school and take care of that awkward mess he did day before. After finishing his morning routine, he got a little bit spare time, before he needed to head out to school. Nils decided that it was worth to check some more WKO guides. After 20 minutes of research he found out terrible truth, Kingsport was one of the worst spots to start the game. As a one of biggest ports on the eastern coast of continent and important trade point, made it truly craftsman city. It may sound like a good opportunity for new players but truth I quite opposite. Apparently strict craftsmen guild''s rules and high taxes made almost impossible for new players to sell items they made. In addition starting gear prizes were also much higher than in more remote regions. Nils was scolding himself in his mind, if he would only search more carefully for information last time, he would avoid all that trouble with making money. Fortunately, or rather unfortunately, Nils hadn''t much time to cry over his stupidity, because there was more bothersome matter waiting for him in his school. When he arrived in classroom, all of his fellow students were already there. While walking to his desk, Nils realized that at least one thing he was worried about became truth, most of students were glaring in his direction or rather in direction of his legs. Curious looks on their faces and whispers made him feel real bad. Trying to ignore a panic growing in his chest, Nils focused on his daily dose of fantasy novels, stored on his reader. Fortunately his classmates weren''t tactless enough to straightforwardly ask about it, of course with one exception, but weird girl was absent that day. Nils managed to find out that the girls name while teacher was checking attendance list. Anastasia Joly, it sound a little cold, but it fitted her straightforward attitude. When it was lunch time, Nils hastily headed out to cafeteria, memories from his last attempt to cook made him crave for decent food. When hot slice of pizza entered his mouth, he felt its blissful taste. After devouring his first serving he immediately rushed for a repeat. When he returned to his table his pure joy of eating tasty food disappeared. There was class tonight resident siting at his table, feeling that he should avoid it he sat on his place. Just like once before, Nils focused on eating, when he heard, bunny girls say: ¡°I am sorry¡­¡± Nils looked at Alice to see that she was actually sulking. ¡°Don¡¯t be it''s not your fault.¡± Going trough different scenarios of this talk in his mind, while walking to school earlier in the morning, paid off. ¡°B-but you obviously wanted to keep this for you, and I was so pushy¡­¡± ¡°Like I said, it''s not your fault. I already knew that people will find out about my circumstances, the only reason I acted like yesterday, was that I didn¡¯t thought that it will be so fast.¡± Nils was little surprised how smooth this talk was going, when he realized one thing. ¡°But how, the rest of class found out?¡± Alice, who was once, relieved after Nils assurance that she wasn¡¯t guilty anything, made sulking face again. ¡°I-it may be my fault too..¡± Nils started wondering how someone like her became class president. ¡°Don''t tell me, that you were babbling about my legs on right and left.¡± ¡°No! It was a coincidence! I was really worried that I might hurt you or make you seriously angry and Julia is my best friend, but I forget that she is such a blabbermouth¡­ I am so sorry!¡± Nils sighed with resignation. ¡°Like I said, don¡¯t be.¡± ¡°You are not angry at me?¡± To be honest Nils was a little angry at her or at least annoyed, but swing that out loud won''t help with anything, so: ¡°Not at all.¡± Immediately, wide grin appeared on her face. ¡°So about that, sport festival¡­¡± Nils was flabbergasted, he thought that it was pretty obvious that he didn''t want to take part in such a thing, but he couldn¡¯t say anything, because already familiar voice could be heard from behind him. ¡°You should participate.¡± It was her, that weird girl named Anastasia. Once again without even simple greeting, she started to talk with them with stoic look on her face. ¡°Why should I do this? And hello Anastasia nice to see you too.¡± Now look on her face became annoyed. ¡°I don¡¯t know, maybe because avoiding fucking sport festival will make you look like there is seriously something wrong with you? After what you said yesterday I thought that, it is exactly opposite what you want.¡± Nils was surprised how aggressive she was and her reasons were right, if he could show people that he could do anything they could, wouldn¡¯t it changed how people will look at him? ¡°If would participate, what kind of competition I would had to take part in?¡± Nils once again turned to Alice, who was watching their talk with wide opened mouths. ¡°Eee¡­ there are open spots in tennis and some running competitions.¡± Without any hesitation Nils just said: ¡°So, tennis it is.¡± Alice just nodded, still not exactly knowing what just happened. ¡°Are you happy?¡± This time question was directed to Anastasia. ¡° I am delighted¡± She said, with wide grin and sparkling eyes. Chapter 3. An offer you can鈥檛 refuse. On the way back to his apartment, Nils started to have some doubts. He wasn¡¯t sure if his participation in sport festival was such a good idea after all. Firstly, vision of whole school looking at him while he would play, was rather scary. Basically, he agreed only because Anastasia was teasing him. In addition there was also the thing that he didn¡¯t played tennis for over two years, if time spend in sport simulators didn¡¯t count. Finally, Nils decided that he still got almost a week to sport festival, he will find a way to train a little. After all, Nils was in a good mood, his classmates'' curiosity stayed on moderate level and after talk with Anastasia and Alice in cafeteria, no one bothered him for the rest of lessons. When Nils returned to his apartment he immediately logged in WKO, like it was perfectly normal. After closing wild barrage of different messages, informing him about patches and similar stuff, he appeared in Oliver''s workshop like always. Old man greeted him with familiar smile and took care of his own tasks, while Nils was left to do his daily routine of cleaning. It was about noon when Oliver called for Nils. ¡°Ok lad, it''s time for you learn rest of jewelercrafting, sit down and listen carefully¡­¡± When old man ended his lesson, it was already getting dark, for a half of a day Nils was just listening and watching Oliver working. Differently from last time, he didn¡¯t have to create item to gain skills, old man''s tutoring was enough.
Jewelcrafting, Basic crafting skill, used to create various types of items. Beginner lvl. 1 (0%)
Gemcutting Basic crafting skill, used to cut raw gems in more splendid forms. Beginner lvl.1 (0%)
Smelting Basic crafting skill, used to melt and refine raw metal ore or metal scrap. Beginner lvl1. (0%)
Nils was happy, he was finally able to start making money and move forward with his character development. Obtaining smelting skill was especially worthy, if he could gain mining ability too, he could reduce cost of his crafts to almost nothing. After Nils cleaned all workshop after all day of work, he was about to log out as usual, when Oliver¡¯s hand on his shoulder stopped him. ¡°Wait a minute lad, it is time for me to keep second part of our promise.¡± Nils was confused, second part? What was old man talking about? ¡°Your crafting skills are useless, if you can¡¯t sell your goods. I promised to introduce you to person who could help you with that matter. Take this two rings and go to Flower Inn next to the main plaza. Show those rings to the barkeeper and he will guide you further.¡± Oliver handed him two golden rings, which he made, while showing Nils jewelcrafting skils. DING
Jewelcrafter¡¯s apprentice part 2 Completed! +50 Exp.
Level up!
With unexpected quest completion, Nils gained his first level up. He also gained 5 additional stat points to distribute, but he decided to wait with it until he will get his class. From the other side, Nils was quite disappointed, he expected old man¡¯s task was additional quest or quest chain, but there was no message window about it. After saying good bay to Oliver, he left workshop. Kingsport at night was totally different form its daylight version. Streets were empty, only single persons with faces hidden behind hoods and guards patrols could be found. When Nils arrived at the place where Flower Inn should be, only dim light piercing trough windows and muffled sounds of drinking party helped him in reaching right place. When he opened the doors, everybody inside the inn were too much interested in their drinks, songs and chats with other to notice him entering. Nils was little surprised how crowded in was contrasting with empty streets. While plowing through crowd of partying people, Nils found out that he could have some problems with completing Oliver¡¯s task. Behind inn¡¯s counter were four different bartenders. Confused and still working hard on forcing his way to the counter, Nils noticed that one of bartenders was little different form others, he was taking orders from customers, but much less than other three. As a confirmation, that he was the right guy, one of customers left nice looking pouch o the counter, without taking any drinks. Suspicious bartender took it without any words. When Nils finally made it to the counter, he took out two rings, which Oliver gave him and put them on the counter. Bartender looked at rings with little surprised look on his face, but after a second he took them both and showed at wooden doors located next to counter. Nils didn¡¯t need any further encouragement, he followed strange bartender. When both of them arrived in short corridor behind doors, Nils suddenly felt like hydraulic press was breaking his neck. Suspicious guy was holding Nils by his throat, with Nils back pressed to the wall. Nils was standing on the tips of his feet, struggling to breath, that guy was so strong. ¡°How did you get those rings?¡± Nils thought that his oppressor wasn¡¯t a genius, how Nils was supposed to talk if he couldn¡¯t even breath. ¡°How did you get them!?!¡± Thug was getting angrier and with pressure on his throat getting stronger, Nils could saw his HP bar getting shorter and shorter. Suddenly, from the other end of corridor, deep female voice filled with annoyance could be heard: ¡°For fuck sake Pete, leave this kid alone. Another few seconds and he will suffocate to death.¡± After hearing that, Nils was released. While falling on the floor, he could feel how fresh air was entering his lungs. After few minutes of laying on the stone floor, Nils was able to stand up on his own. When he finally could look at his savior, he was pleasantly surprised. In a doorway on the end of corridor women in her late twenties was standing. Nils was dumbfounded by her looks. ¡°Do you like what you see boy?¡± Nils couldn¡¯t deny. With waves of red hair on her head, and curvy figure she was surely a defiant beauty. With black, knee high leather boots and short, black skirt showing slender, pale thighs. Her upper part of the body was covered only by black leather corset which was featuring her breasts nicely. For a second Nis thought that she was looking like a stripper, but he quickly realized that it wasn¡¯t a truth. Maybe her outfit was a little to revealing, but it wasn¡¯t important, the thing which impressed Nils was her aura which she emitted and of course, strippers don¡¯t have swords by their belts or daggers in boots. Nils realized three things while looking at her, she was important, powerful and dangerously attractive. ¡°Oh, my. It looks like our young guest is stunned by my beauty, who knows maybe he will be able to steal my heart too?¡± DING!
Path of love Make mysterious beauty fall for you. Quest level ¨C unique Reward ¨C You will become mysterious beauty lover.
What kind of quest was that? And it was unique level quest, Nils was confused, but he accepted the quest, there was no penalty and time limits, so there was no harm in taking such a silly quest. ¡°Oh common boy, it¡¯s flattering, but I don¡¯t have whole night for you to look at me.¡± After hearing those words, Nils finally returned to reality. He stood up and moved closer to women. When he was only few steps away he noticed wild green eyes and horizontal scar on her left eye. Scar wasn¡¯t blemishing her breathtaking face, it was bringing out more of her dangerous beauty. ¡°So, as you are finally conscious, tell me how did you get those rings?¡± ¡°I am working as an apprentice for Oliver, he told me that if I find this place and show those rings to the right people I will able to sell my craft without gilds knowledge.¡± The women¡¯s face, which was already smiling a little, brightened with a wide grin. ¡°Ha, so that old man finally found someone to teach. My name is Scarlet and I am boss in this place. I have to admit boy, you got my interest, its rare thing for Oliver to take apprentice.¡± DING!
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Path of love You found out that, mysterious beauty is a boss of Kingsport¡¯s underground and her name is Scarlet. As, she is powerful and dangerous person, to catch her interest you need to rise to the peaks of power or authority. Quest level ¨C unique Reward ¨C You will become Scarlet¡¯s lover.
Nils felt more and more awkward about this quest, it¡¯s true that his love life was nonexistent, but dating simulator in virtual reality, surely wasn¡¯t his thing. Once again, her deep and tempting voice woke him up from his thoughts. ¡°So boy, are you going to tell me your name, or should I think of on my own?¡± ¡°Sorry, my name is Ged. When you told that you are boss, you mean¡­¡± ¡°Black market! Isn¡¯t it obvious? Common boy think about it a little.¡± It wasn¡¯t the best day for Nils, he was little tired after his school, in addition he spend whole day working with Oliver, so unexpected appearance of this unordinary women, was a little too much to handle for hid young hearth. ¡°I guess I need to give you some lesson about how things are working in my city.¡± Scarlet invited Nils, with her hand gesture, to enter the room on the end of corridor. Interior of the room was shockingly contrasting with plain corridor with bare wooden walls. Thick carpets, exclusive looking sofas, paintings sculptures and huge desk, made that place looking luxurious. Scarlet sat on the other side of a desk in huge chair with leather cover and showed Nils plainer, but still extravagant chair in front of her, then she started to speak. ¡°From dozens of years, Kingsport is trade canter of Rosenblum Kingdom, city is the biggest port and capital so it¡¯s only natural. In addition, Kingsport it last stop for trading ships before they enter Northern See and Ironguard Empire ports located on it. As you should know, Ironguard Empire is one of a biggest powers on our continent, fortunately mountains between our borders and constant attacks from Undead Kingdom make impossible for them to conquer our little kingdom. Surprisingly, empire which should be our greatest threat, is main reason on Rosenblum Kingdom wealth and prosperity. Constant state of war and huge market for various goods makes Ironguard Empire one of best importers and here is where our kingdom and Kingsport step into. As a last link connecting east part of continent with Ironguard Empire, Rosenblum makes enormous profits on tariffs and taxes. Unfortunately, Kingsport is exactly in the center of this whole mess which makes things a little tricky. Guilds and city council over the years made taxes and prices so high that, only people connected directly to them are able to live in this place. About thirty years ago local people started to act against this state of things and they asked my father for help. You may ask why him not someone else? You see, where are high amounts of high quality, expensive stuff, persons who want to obtain those goods unlawfully appears. And my father was a chief of biggest thief organization in Kingsport. So, for the next thirty years, our black market where with lower prices and taxes was growing. With a time our interest changed from stolen goods to illegally crafted. We are everywhere, for every gold coin going through official trades, there is 50 silvers traded under the table. So, tell me boy, do you understand what kind of business I am talking about?¡± Nils understood, he also realized that the women sitting in front of him wasn¡¯t just a little, local boss, who is making some shady trades in the crowded inn. He realized that the women in front of him, was someone who was shaking whole Kingsport¡¯s underground. Nils was feeling more and more confused and All his thoughts formed an unwittingly uttered question: ¡°What am I doing here?¡± After hearing that sentence, Scarlet laughed loudly. ¡°That¡¯s a good question boy, so why are you here?¡± Nils didn¡¯t really know why Oliver send him to such a place, but at least main reason of all his actions remained clear. ¡°I want to be a mage.¡± Scarlet face, which was showing only some strange amusement, became full of understanding. ¡°I see now, you became Oliver¡¯s apprentice in order to make money for those scums from Magic Guild. It¡¯s not about crafting, you just want money.¡± Scarlet was thinking about something, I took few seconds, but Nils was surprised when she loudly started to talk again. ¡°Good! Listen carefully boy, I may have some proposition for you. In the morning I will give you all stuff you need to became mage, in return I will have some task for you, don¡¯t worry I am sure that it won¡¯t be much trouble for adventurer like you.¡± Nils was feeling fear growing in his guts, he honestly didn¡¯t know if accepting Scarlet¡¯s proposition was a good idea. ¡°I wish I could think about it for a moment, it is¡­¡± He was instantly interrupted. ¡°Boy! I think you don¡¯t understand one very important thing: People work for me, or they won¡¯t be able to work, ever again .¡± After what Scarlet told him, message window appeared in front of him.
An offer you can¡¯t refuse. Scarlet, boss of local underground , proposed you an offer. She will give you all items need to enter Magic Guild, in return she wants you to complete her task later. Quest level ¨C unique Reward ¨C all supplies needed to became mage. Penalty ¨C after refusing or failing given task, you will expose yourself on Scarlet¡¯s anger.
Another unique quest, Nils didn¡¯t know what to think about it, but he know one thing for sure, he can¡¯t fail it. After he accepted Scarlet¡¯s offer, she stood up from her place and guided him back to the door. ¡°All items needed for Magic Trial will be waiting for you in Oliver¡¯s workshop in the morning. I hope that you understand that hiding or running is impossible?¡± Nils quickly nodded. ¡°Good, now boy go. I am a busy women you know?¡± Nils was about to turn around and leave through the open doors, when Scarlet moved closer to him. Her face approached his, she was almost as tall as he was. Nils could feel the touch of her cheek on his face, his nose filled with tempting fragrance. "Do not disappoint me, boy. It would be a pity, if such a sweet thing like you, would end up badly hurt, by me." Nils could hear her whisper directly in his ear. Feeling that he face was getting hot, he turned around and left through the doors. The sound of loud female laugh was filling corridor. Still confused, Nils was almost running through dark streets, he didn¡¯t know how should he feel about this whole situation. After getting part of his composure back, he decided that first thing he should do was to talk with Oliver. Barely able to find his way on lightless streets, Nils arrived at Oliver¡¯s workshop. He was surprised when he saw dim light in the workshop¡¯s window. When he walked through the doors, which weren¡¯t locked, Nils was welcomed by Oliver. ¡°So, you are back, how did it go?¡± Nis was little angry at him, he didn¡¯t wanted to get into any trouble, but thanks to old man¡¯s recommendation he became indebted to the boss of local underground. ¡°Let me think. I was almost strangled to death, seduced and got task I don¡¯t really want to do.¡± Oliver made dumb face after hearing Nils words. ¡°What are you talking about? What kind of trouble you got yourself into?¡± Nils quickly explained what happened in Flower Inn, when he told about meeting with Scarlet, Oliver¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°You meet with Scarlet?¡± Nils was surprised. ¡°It wasn¡¯t what you wanted me to do?¡± ¡°No, she is most dangerous person in this city, why should I wanted you to meet with her?¡± ¡°But I gave your rings to bartender and he showed me the way¡­ Don¡¯t tell me I gave them to the wrong guy?¡± ¡°I am sorry but it looks like you did, but I need to apologize to you, it was also my fault, I didn¡¯t know that she will be in that inn.¡± ¡°So, what should I do now?¡± ¡°I am afraid that, there is not much that could be done. If I were you, I would do as Scarlet says, as long as you won¡¯t disappoint her, everything should be all right.¡± With rather uneasy look on his face, Nils logged out from a game.