《DEVOUR: SHIVER ONLINE》


 Prologue:

    PROLOGUE


    ¡°RING RING RING!!!¡±


    Heard annoying rings and felt vibrations on my desk. I reached out my hand and stopped the alarm clock. I sat and stretched out both hands pushing the air. Wiping my eyes while staring out my window, it¡¯s already sunny outside. Smiled and stood up to take a bath. Stripping my clothes as I walk, I opened the door of my Comfort Room and took a shower.


    ¡­


    ¡°That was refreshing.¡± I mumbled while drying my hair. I put on clothes and walked downstairs to eat my breakfast


    Mmm, Smells some food! I bet it¡¯s my mom¡¯s cooking because it smells delicious. Excitedly ran and sat down on the chairs of our dinning. I picked up the Spoon and Fork as I stare at Newspaper in front of me. From a distance, my eyes captured few words from the news article. It says ¡°Alliance Online is now ready to play!! Check it out now in your browser and enjoy the Adventure the game offers¡±. My eyes widen and lips can¡¯t stop smiling.


    ¡°Food is ready! Time to eat¡±


    Those words made my head to twist and wait for mom to walk by. Carrying the food that she prepared I stood up and approached her.


    ¡°Let me carry it for you Mom.¡±


    Mom smiled at me and laid her left hand on my shoulder. I gently laid down the tray and sat down with mom. We prayed before digging out the food. It¡¯s already in our daily routine. Mom asked a question while I¡¯m eating.


    ¡°Seven. Are you sure you want to enroll for college? It will not be that easy you know¡± She raised her eye brow while asking and took a few drink of water.


    ¡°Yes Mom.¡± I replied gently and hold her hands tight.


    She smiled at me and eyed the food in front of me signaling me to eat. I nodded and started to eat.


    This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    ¡­


    After eating I sat down on my chair and turned my PC on. After waiting I searched the game Alliance Online and a browser game appeared in a blink of 0.8 seconds. The Browser game is well designed. I reached out my mouse and clicked the play button.


    ¡°Welcome Player 4799¡± She paused. 17 minutes had past and I¡¯m still waiting for her to continue while enjoying the thrilling music. Suddenly I saw a small sentence on top-right corner of my monitor and it says Press any key to continue. What the F***. Stupidity strikes again. I reached out my mouse and tapped on the left button. The girl continued to talk¡­


    After Two years


    Those are the memorable memories I had with my mother when I left Lactar. My name is Seven Sigmund. What an uncommon name, isn¡¯t it? Even I don¡¯t know what lies upon my name. Mom is a great chef and a caring mother. She filled out everything when my Father left us behind and started to make a new family with her B*tch. But I¡¯m still thankful because he still supports me in my studies and nothing more.


    Here I go again, Can¡¯t stop thinking sad thoughts when I¡¯m walking alone the streets of ¡°Quind¡± the city where I live in right now. Its already two years, yet still don¡¯t have friends. I¡¯m bad at making one. All I have is my mother. I¡¯m already satisfied for what God has given me.


    I stretched my hands and reached my headset. Put my headset on and opened my cellphone and tap on Random Music.


    (Music Playing)


    _____________________________________________________________________________________________


    Proofread by Cheldrine Pilarta

 SO 001

    Chapter 1: Shiver Online


    (Music Playing)


    ¡°Deeeeeeeeeeeng!!!!!¡±


    Walking alone downtown, warming both hands inside my pocket. My temper constrained me to shift my gaze to the expeditious cars passing by the street beside me. Maximized the volume of my iPod, yet can still hear the annoying beeping cars. Thanks to the Class A earphones I bought yesterday near the coffee shop where I used to waste my time on.


    As I shifted my gaze upwards, the curled cotton shaped clouds moved across the sky. A drop of water from the dark clouds touched my pale skin, it started to rain. The trees around me swayed with the chilling zephyr carrying dozen bits of rain water. This sudden change of weather is disturbing. Unplugged my earphones and ran to a waiting shed.


    Bowed my head down and combed my wet brown hair with my slender fingers. Slowly took a look sideways. In the distance, I saw a glimpse of a girl silently seated on the wooden chair. Her face was covered by her Black long hair. I guess the girl is 5.5 FT tall. I sighed and took a deep breath. Slowly, I walked and tried to accost with the girl. I widely wore a smile even if she can¡¯t see my face.


    As I walked, the other half of the girl¡¯s face became visible. She was so beautiful and stunned me. Her face was at 9 points while her chest and legs was at 9 points. This girl was gifted. Clearing my throat I spoke.


    ¡°Hi¡­ Miss¡­¡± I clenched my fist waiting for her reply. Slowly, she raised her head and her black almond shaped left eye appeared. She gave me a killer stare as her right eye was covered by her hair.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    She paused and lips still parted as she stares at me badly. Clearing my throat i once more spoke to her. ¡°Aha¡­ wooden chair is free for all right? Can I seat beside you?¡±


    ¡°Nope, Sorry seats are taken¡± She smiled while lifting her bag and laid it down on the chair.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    I turned around with my apathetic face. Lacking the guts to stay under the same waiting shed, I made my decision. I continued to walk through the rain in adverse. Pushed myself against the strong wind trying to resist the cold bits of water¡­. damn.


    I¡¯m a proud student of our school South Lion University. My mother hoped that one day I¡¯ll be a successful man. I want to help my mother. I can¡¯t afford to lose her cause she¡¯s all I have. My life became bitter since the day my father left us.


    Moreover, I have trouble on making friends in school. I had friends before but they¡¯re online. All I can do to kill my boredom is to play games online. The best game I ever played is the Alliance Online. It¡¯s just a browser game it was awesome. Yet, other people don¡¯t like it. News scattered all around the city that Alliance online will be released again but this time it will be in VRMMO.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    VRMMO really changed the everything. People became too idle, weak, and grossly fat. Some manners changed too but I won¡¯t discuss all of that. The active city of Quind horribly became a ghost town all of a sudden. The VRMMO Company captured everyone¡¯s attention when they released the news. That after Shiver Online will be Alliance Online. They¡¯re so obsessed to the game. Remembering, I had a ranking of #3 in the game since it shutdown. It¡¯s like a drug to me. Playing games the whole day makes me feel alive, better and free.


    After 30 minutes¡­


    ¡°Dag!!¡±


    I closed the door and took a step. I dropped my bag on the couch and sat down for a while. I stretched my hands upwards and yawn. It¡¯s been a rough day thou. Shifting my gaze toward my favorite swordsman action figure standing on my desk in front of my computer¡¯s monitor, I named him ¡°Ace¡±. Smiling even thou my house was a little messy. It was stormed by my laziness. I stood up and walked heading to my room, entered and changed my clothes. Changing of clothes, I saw the picture of Mom hanging on my dirty wall. I miss you mom.


    Suddenly a game came to mind, the game that mom bought for me. Quickly, I ran and ducked to look down under my bed. At the distance I already saw the Golden Treasure Box fully covered with web and dusts. I love treasure boxes, especially the ones with color gold.


    Reaching out, I held its handle and pulled the chest toward me. It was quite heavy thou. I wiped the dusts and webs covering the chest. It revealed a gold lock. I sat down and leaned on the wall while pulling the Silver necklace that my Mom gave to me. Removed it and laid the key on my palm. Took a deep breath and sighed. Opened my eyes and inserted the key to the lock. Twisting the key, it made a sound.


    ¡°Tuck!¡±


    Removing the lock and opened the chest. I pushed the other half of it and saw the CD of the game ¡°SHIVER ONLINE¡±. Beside the CD I saw a ring. It was a gold one with a gold eye on it. I picked it up and wore it. Guess it¡¯s my mothers. Since Alliance Online is not yet released. I¡¯ll play this game while waiting for AO to be opened.


    Shiver Online offers 87% realism, where AO offers 98% of it. I can¡¯t even imagine how cool AO will be. I¡¯ve never touched a VRMMO game. It will be my first playing one. This vacation will be awesome. Shiver Online is a well known game worldwide. Since the company released just a few copies, Shiver Online raised around 3.6k players, so few. Still it¡¯s a VRMMO, no one can tell on what¡¯s the difference between the two.


    Quickly, I played dead on my bed after opening the PC while the CD is in. The monitor became black for a while. After around 5-7 Minutes of waiting. The game loading was successfully completed. I wore the Nerve Gear. My sight was changed in to Darkness. After a while, the game completely loaded.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>SHIVER ONLINE</td></tr></tbody></table>

 SO 002

    Chapter 2: Wandering Newbie


    The silence of the game got me bored. Until voices of a young lady from a far was clearly heard. After the darkness, light came. It blinded my sight and revealed a beautiful garden. Guess it¡¯s the Garden of Creation. I tried to feel my body, yet still can¡¯t feel it. Guess I¡¯ll have to wait for a NPC to drop by then.


    Looking around, a welcoming NPC dropped by. She¡¯s so beautiful. NPCs like her, makes the game Exciting. She showed a wonderful smile and greeted me. She¡¯s the one printed on the CD cover of the game. Just look at those set of legs she has, Heaven! Sadly, she¡¯s just a program. If I could just take you home young NPC, enough with the pervy thoughts.


    I stood up and replied a smile. The NPC suddenly made a sound. Obviously she spoke. ¡°Welcome to Shiver Online player 3678! Please tell me your designated name. This will be the one you will use upon playing the game.¡± Of course, I gently replied to the NPC and said the name ¡°AceNomo¡± the NPC once again replied.


    ¡°Okay AceNomo!¡± She smiled at me and winked.


    Whoa! What a glorious wink. It was like a spell that can make me feel my nose on the other side spilling blood. Thank you for the genius who programmed beautiful ladies here. I hope Alliance Online will be the same, or better. Suddenly, The NPC raised her hand and casted a Spell. Time to time my body began to be covered with flashing lights and my vision began to turn into a very dark surface. It was so dark like I was blind.


    A light that gives darkness, Magic!  Seconds past, the darkness turned into a peaceful city. I was teleported on the city nearby, Holy! I forgot to ask her name¡­. Damn! Moving on, I walked and wandered around the city. It¡¯s a large city with soldiers guarding the gates. I also noticed that player seems to be few in this city yet the servers says that 2498 players are online right now.  I checked the map and saw a beeping red light. So I¡¯m in the Kingdom of Haven Light.


    I shifted my gaze upwards and sunlight dazzled my eyes. I blinked once and stared on the big castle. The light fades time to time and also reveals the enormous kingdom. The game was not as bad as the players say in the forums. I guess it¡¯s worth a play.


    Staring at the castle, a player came out. Inspecting his golden armor set, I suspect he¡¯s one of the top players arround here. The name is Kin¡¯OI, what could make a ranked player wander in a level 1 floor?


    Ignoring the famous player. Gently, I patted my super mini bag hanging on my belt inorder to open it. As I can see, it contains nothing as for now. All I have is a lump of bronze coins. I think it¡¯s the game currency, Gold > Silver > Bronze. A hundred bronze is equivalent to one Silver and a hundred of silver is equivalent to 1 Gold. Closed my bag and continued to walk barefoot, the game entertains me so far.


    While walking, a loud voice silenced everybody in town. He was the Game Moderator. Reminding everyone to be kind to everyone, he also announced that beginners can claim a Gift Box on the center of the kingdom. After hearing such a news, i wasted no time. I ran as fast as my Avatar can.


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    The kingdom became alive. Players online rippled, everybody ran towards the fountain surrounded by mobs where the Gift Box giver is. Everyone is running, dodging and shoving to get themselves a precious Gift Box except for one. A beginner who looks exactly like the player I saw in the castle with the Golden Armor set, but with the name "Kai¡¯OII" I am sure as hell that I saw his name as "Kin''Ol" in the castle. But how''d this happen? A total coincidence? Thinking this matter is no big deal, I continued my pursuit for my Gift Box. I pushed myself into the mob, swinging my elbows from left to right, nudging everybody who is on my way.


    After having a hard time, I claimed my Gift Box successfully. It felt like I won a war among these players. I stood up straight and opened the Gift Box. It contained a weapon of my choice coupon.


    Grabbed the coupon and read its description. ¡°Show it to a nearby Blacksmith shop and choose to what weapon you like to forge¡± I think I saw one while I was running my way here. Nearly closed my eyes and looked around, in the distance, I saw the blacksmith shop. The shop looks messy and abandoned, reminds me of my house. I walked by and entered the shop, tapped the bell and it made a sound. Ting!


    Lights were turned on and a Young Girl with apron came out. She was stunning, her body and slender white set of legs in full display. Smiles and says. ¡°How can I help you sir?¡± I was stunned for the whole 2 seconds and lit a smile and showed the coupon. The girl took it and asked.


    ¡°What kind of weapon would you like to craft sir?¡±


    What kind of weapon? This question kept repeating through my mind. Let my chin rest on my hand while thinking. Suddenly, my favorite swordsman action figure passed by my imagination. Okay! It¡¯s all set. I warmly replied to the girl and said.


    ¡°Craft me a Beautiful Sword like you my lady, give all your strength and let me watch you while you bath in perspiration¡± Then winked. Who cares? This girl isn¡¯t conscious. I kneeled my elbow near her lump and closed my eyes while smiling.


    Heard three Tang! Sound, my curiousity made me opened my eyes. The NPC is finished creating the sword. It was wonderful, its color was black as the charcoal and silveryblue on the edges of the sword. The girl handled the sword and walked.


    ¡°Here¡¯s your Sword mister Pi! Also don¡¯t worry, I named it for you. Behold the ¡°Sword of the Perverted Swordsman¡± well you know this sword is one of a kind.¡± After speaking, she lit a smile with murderous intent beneath it.


    ______________________________________________________________________________________________


    Proofread by Chelds Pilarta.


    I''ll try to post a new chapter on sat. Hope you enjoyed this chapter! Thanks!

 SO 003

    Chapter 3: Battle Cry


    In the blacksmith shop, my heart pounded faster, realizing that this girl is conscious. Felt a quick change of temperature. The scenario over here is pretty awkward. Quickly, I apologized.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry Miss Blacksmith, I thought you¡¯re one of those NPC in the town.¡± I lowered my head while waiting for her reply.


    ¡°You¡¯re correct, I am an NPC. But still, the moderators gave us consciousness and self awareness¡± She grabbed my hair and pulled it upwards, revealing her beauty. She was so close to my face allowing me to examine her even more! Her almond shaped blue eyes, and pinkish thin lips. She raised her brow and continued to talk. Of course after seeing a wonderful view it left me shock.


    ¡°Okay, I forgive you. Still, pervert!¡± Ouch! She freed my hair and turned around planning to go back.


    Displaying the smoothness of her snowy white back. This girl is a perfect 7 star with that apron dress! Should be an artist or something, made me curious, I threw a question. ¡°Before I could continue my journey, can we exchange names young blacksmith?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Lorena, the blacksmith of Haven.¡± Ended her introduction and took a step. Quickly, I replied. A reason for her to stop.


    "That''s a nice name miss Lorena. By the way, I''m AceNomo." As I say those words, I caught a glimpse of a preposterous looking iron helmet displayed in a glass box inside the room where the door is wide open. I think it''s where she came out from when she came to attend to me. The helmet had big round holes for the eyes, but it had no nose and mouth holes. So out of curiosity, I asked her, "Uhh.. Don''t wanna be too curious or anything but umm.. Who owns that helmet in that glass box?" She turned to give the helmet a quick look and set her wonderful eyes back at me and gave me a murderous, yet melting stare.


    "Nobody."


    "Then why is it placed in the room and not with the others?"


    She grunted and said.. "Ask me one more question and I''ll grab that sword I just made you and stab you straight through your rib cage."


    "I don''t mind." I answered as I smiled at her like a cat being rubbed in the belly by its owner. She rolled her eyes and slammed the door of the room where the helmet is, then said "Please.." pointing to the way outside. I smiled and headed outside. The light of the sun showered the whole kingdom.


    ¡°Why do girls act like I¡¯m a criminal? They¡¯re so cold they could even live in the further North Atlantic. Is it because of my pervness?¡± I mumbled to myself. Even though it was still memorable, it was my first time talking to a girl even if she¡¯s just a NPC. I stopped in front of the entrance and sighed a relief. But before I could take one more step, Lorena replied and made me gaze at her.


    ¡°You can visit my store any time you want you know¡± My body trembled for a bit and made me gaze at her. Seeing a young girl smiling and waving at me. This is also a first time a girl smiles at me. I replied while smiling


    ¡°Aha, sure miss Lorena! I will pay you a visit¡± waving back and continued to walk. Planning to go to the Wolfy plains of the kingdom where monsters are.


    Managed to go outside, I ventured an entire kilometer. A man wearing a white shirt, passed and continuously ran into the kingdom¡¯s stall stopping for no one and arrived in the Wolfy Plains near the Kingdom¡¯s barricades in time.


    Wind blows softly letting it pass through me while staring at those wolfy. Lacking the guts to charge in the group of Wolfy¡¯s. I stretched my head from left to right until a lone wolfy appeared. It was like he abandoned his group for unknown reason.  While giving the monster a killing stare, a dialog box appeared right in front of me.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Ting!</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Wolfy Lv.1</td></tr><tr><td>ATK</td><td>0-25</td><td>HP</td><td>100%</td></tr><tr><td>SPEED</td><td>¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î</td><td>Special Skill</td><td>--</td></tr></tbody></table>


    This wolfy¡¯s pretty tough compared to me, a level one newbie. The lone wolfy found me looking at him, walking one path to my direction. Preparing for his attack, I raised my sword and the monster stopped.


    ¡°Ha! Scared little fellah?¡± I stood up straight teasing the wolfy waiting for his charge. Suddenly a red shaded outline covered his body and charged. I prepared a battle stance where I lowered my knees and gave my sword a tight grip. Waited patiently for the right time to attack.


    The wolfy is now 3 meters away from me. Focusing on his eyes refraining from blinking, I felt my sword. It glowed red and jumped in. Waiting for the attack, I dodged it by dashing left, Leaving the wolfy to be confused. Taking the chance, I stabbed him right at the back and his HP decreased to 31% which turned red.  Then it viciously growled at me showing its sharp white fangs.


    But this won¡¯t intimidate me. So I took a step and tried to slash the wolfy with rage, but it managed to dodge my attack and jumped back that made me to shift my stare to the monster. The time I was able to see him it¡¯s already too late. His blade sharp nails are already an inch before landing on my face, he managed to follow it up with a claw attack. All I can do now is to close my eyes and suffer the pain.


    After a sec, I opened my eyes and checked my HP. It decreased by 12%, weird. It didn¡¯t dealt pain through my face. My adrenaline made me feel nothing, so i


    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Took a tight grip and prepared a strike. ¡°My turn little fellah!¡± so I gave the wolfy a quick slash through his neck, Shing! The wolfy cried in pain as blood spilled from his wounds, leaving him suffer the agony and dropped dead. A dialog box opened right after wolfy died.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Congratulations!</td></tr><tr><td>Money</td><td>3 Bronze</td></tr><tr><td>Experience</td><td>13 Experience</td></tr><tr><td>Drop</td><td>--</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Not bad.


    Stood up straight and found another lone Wolfy behind. The wolfy, sited on the bushy green grass of the plain, gave me a sympathetic stare. ¡°What? Too brutal? Wait till I cut your head off!¡± But then the wolfy ran towards a nearby hill.


    Of course I chased after it with rage. Then it stopped on the top of the hill. ¡°There¡¯s nowhere to go now boy!¡± I taunted as I catch my breath. But the wolfy paid no attention to what I have said. Instead, it took a really deep breath and howled


    ¡°AWOOOOO¡­..¡± It echoed all throughout the plain. Then seconds later, a series of howls followed as response to this wolfy which I thought was a lone wolfy. Moments later, I heard four legged footsteps from the other side of the hill. The scenario over here made me gulp once. Oh crap! This wolfy called on its whole pack!!


    My body trembled as the wolf-pack slowly walks in. Hands shaking, while eyes spying like a night shift security guard. Recklessly, I charged in with my sword. Slashed my sword right to left, wolfy after wolfy. Dialog boxes didn¡¯t stop from popping, and I didn¡¯t give a look.


    At the middle of my berserk, I realized that my HP dropped to down 4%. If I will continue and be like this for the whole 1 minute, I¡¯ll be dead for sure. Looking for a way out, a small space between the pack of wolfy is wide open. Taking the chance, I quickly jumped out. Rolled over the grassy ground and ran as fast as I can. Lacking the guts to look back, I continued to peer forward.


    After running from a far, it took me 4 minutes until I managed to get down the hill. I sat down letting my body rest for a while. What a long run. The wolfy pack returned to their stable and peaceful life, ignoring the newbie me who tormented them. No worries all of them are just compressed data.


    Shadow from above covered the sunny skies. A large cotton shaped cloud rolled excuses to pass by. Sitting without disturbance, the large cloud threw a large bead of raindrop. It landed right in front of me, splashes and a Magi came out.


    My body won¡¯t stop shaking once I saw the magi. He was 3 meters tall, companying with a floating golden sword and while wearing a giant golden shield. Life bars showed one after another, a total of 3 life bars. Examined the Magi but the dialog box does not show. He released a deep roar that made my body shake even more. My Heart pounded faster with a tight grip on my sword. Giving the magi a coward stare.


    In a distance, a sudden Tik! Tak! Sound was clearly heard. They we¡¯re footsteps of grouped men charging. The magi was distracted, again I took the chance and ran but not that far, waiting for the group of men to arrive.


    ¡°There He is! Go charge!¡± a yell from the leader.


    Quickly, I ran to a nearby tree and hid myself. Pushing my back against the trunk while spying, waiting for the Magi¡¯s HP to decrease. Also took the advantage to learn, this group of men know how to fight.


    From a far, all I can see are some stickman figures carrying axe attacking the Magi in harmony. Too late for me to realize that this Magi is a Boss level monster. A good reason for me to wait right here and let myself heal. Opened my backpack and saw 56 Bronze. My experience bar also rose up to 56%. Now that¡¯s what you call a berserk farming!


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Ting!</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>System Notice</td></tr><tr><td>Description</td><td colspan=''3''>Congratulations, you have completed the Risky Dive Training! You have created a skill. As result, when you engage a fight,


    your Movement Speed and Attack Speed will be increases by 10%. Please choose a name of your skill!</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Name your skill here</td></tr></tbody></table>


    ¡°Cool! How about ¡®Battle Cry¡¯ Yea¡± Tapped the blue box and inserted the name. Sent it and another message came


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Ting!</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>System Notice</td></tr><tr><td>Description</td><td colspan=''3''>Congratulations!!! Skill Battle Cry is now in your skill tab.</td></tr></tbody></table>


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


    Proofread By : Cheldrine Pilarta


    Note : Made this chapter long enough :) i''ll be making chapters with atleast 2000 words now. Enjoy reading!

 SO 004

    Chapter 4: Event Boss Defeated


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>System Notice</td></tr><tr><td>Description</td><td colspan=''3''>Congratulations!!! Skill Battle Cry is now in your skill tab.</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Staring at the box made me lit a smile. Upon closing it, i heard loud growls coming from my back. I took a quiet look and saw the Magi turning red. Hp down to 1 bar at 56%. Quickly, standing up and prepared my Sword. My Hp increased to 46%, enough to take down a Supreme Boss with those skilled men.


    The tactful me dashed in and joined the fight. Felt a slight change of speed, the skill ''Battle Cry'' activated. Focusing at the boss with his hp down to 3%. Quickly, gave the Magi a quick slash simultaneously with the group of men that made him growl. A blinding light showered the boss coming from the ground. The boss stopped and slowly disappeared. Leaving the group to stop and rest.


    "Boss, Look! I received a pile of gold, Alright!"


    "Yeah me too!"


    The group of men received their rewards, as for me, i didn''t. Staring at their cheering looks it made me smile. The leader suddenly patted my shoulder and talked to me.


    "You know, that''s our hunt." Smiled arrogantly "Sorry pal, today isn''t your lucky day."


    The leader left me faced down, he joined his group celebrating for their success. All i can do is to stare at the bushy grass. All of a sudden, a ting sound captured my attention. Sounds familiar! Raising my head and shocked me for what i saw.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Ting!</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Congratulations!!!</td></tr><tr><td>Money</td><td>2 Gold, 58 Silver</td></tr><tr><td>Experience</td><td>--</td></tr><tr><td>Equipment</td><td>Deep Sea God Golden Ore 1*</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>System Notice</td></tr><tr><td>Description</td><td colspan=''3''>Congratulations, you have completed the Snatching Training! You have created a skill.


    As a result, loots dropped by monsters you''ve attacked will be automatically be in your bag.


    Please choose a name of your skill!</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Name your skill here</td></tr></tbody></table>


    "Alright!!!" I yelled as loud as i can, the result of my dive. Inserted the name ''Looting'' then entered.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>System Notice</td></tr><tr><td>Description</td><td colspan=''3''>Congratulations!!! Skill ''Looting'' is now in your skill tab.</td></tr></tbody></table>


    With this skill on my side, grinding will be much faster. Noticed that the noise made by the group of men became silent. I felt a creepy chill at my back. Turning my head, seeing the group of men staring at my loots face full of anger.


    "That''s not fair! You didn''t do anything you cheater!" a yell from an angry grump. Grabbed my shirt trying to raise it above.


    Lucky me i landed the last hit on the boss. The grump released his hand after hearing a laughter from behind. It was the same man whom i accost earlier, he''s the leader.


    "Enough! Young man, you can give the loots to use. Or we''ll kill you and give the credit to the Monster we faught earlier!" Saying while raising his brow. I replied


    "No thanks"


    After letting the arrogant word from my mouth, i ran. My speed is ridiculously higher than theirs, thanks to my Custom Skill Battle Cry! Accidentally, my left foot Got stuck in a tree vine and fell unexpectedly. The group of men catched up fast, stopped and incircled me while gasping.


    "Let him stand up and fight!" Fight?! a Lv.1 Newbie like me can''t win against a battalion of theirs. Standin up, shaking off dirt from my shirt and talked to the leader. Ding! A noise made by swords banged agaisnt each other. The leader didn''t let me say another word.


    Pushing his sword i jumped back. Another man striked, i blocked the attack from behind and followed it with a powerful kick. The man was pushed, but he managed to strike again. Left me with no choice.


    I pulled and pushed my sword penetrating his chest, draining his life until it reached 0%. The man turned into ashes, letting the wind to carry him, he disappeared. He dropped 2 bronze, ignoring it I turned arround, seeing the angry face of their leader. Charging in, i prepared my sword for his attack.


    Raised his sword down to my head Ding! I blocked it. The leader pushed my sword high, which made my guard down. He striked and striked until i died.


    In the plains, my sword dropped along with my body. Wind blew passing through me. Laying on the ground, I died.The soundtrack changed into a lonely music. Vision turned to gray, The leader took my sword and raised it, claimed it as his trophy. I will never forget the name of the man who killed me, Xymedron.


    Stolen story; please report.


    ...


    Lights invaded my sight and invaded me for the next 5 seconds. I was resurrected in front of the Fountain standing in the middle of the kindom. Staring at view for a moment, colors from gray came back to normal.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>System Notice</td></tr><tr><td>Description</td><td colspan=''2''>You we''re killed by player Xymedron. As result, your level decreased by 1.</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Damn!


    The golden ore that the magi dropped made me curious. Wasting no time, I walked in a single path heading to Lorena''s store nearby. After a few steps, I arrived at the entrace of her shop. A wooden door and hanging curtains welcomed me. I stopped, took a deep inhale and exhaled, then I continued to walk. Upon entering the shop, I already saw the beautiful blacksmith of Haven, Lorena.


    My footsteps made Lorena look to find out who entered, seeing my self proclaimed noble face, she greeted me.


    "Hi! Welcome Ace! What gives you a visit?" Smiled, noticed that my sword was not with me.


    "Wait, where''s your sword of pervness hmmm?" Uhh, she annoys me when saying those teasing words.


    "Please don''t call it pervness, Well it dropped when i got attacked and died" Right after i finished my speech i followed it by a question.


    "This ore dropped from a Magi nearby the Wolfy Plains. Can you examine it for me? Don''t know what it does" Handed the ore to Lorena''s hands.


    After examining the ore, she gave me a stare. "I don''t know what this ore does Ace, I''m sorry. But we can try creating a weapon with it, what do you think?" Moving her head closer to mine then smiles.


    Right, all i need now is a really good weapon. Since i can''t do anything without one. I made my decision. I replied to Lorena''s question. "Okay do whatever it takes Lorena! Give it your best shot, let me watc..... Hehe just kidding" that was close!


    Clang clang clang!~


    The uproar of the hammer banging against the anvil. Made me turn to look, the rocky form of the ore suddenly changed into a Golden metallic stick forming three Golden pointed edges. It was a Trident! Staring at Lorena secretly, I can say that she was also shocked of what she created today.


    "Lorena, please give the trident''s a name. Let it be ''Golden Trident of the Sea Gods'' sounds awesome isn''t"


    Lorena lit a smile. "Ace, you won''t believe this. Here''s the stats of this Trident of YOUR sea gods"


    Lorena passed the stats, this view was shocking for me. It made me aghast, can''t stop smilling on what I''m staring right now.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''5''>Golden Trident of the Sea Gods</td></tr><tr><td>ATK</td><td>391-947</td><td>Durability</td><td colspan=''2''>Not breakable</td></tr><tr><td>SPEED</td><td></td><td>Special Skill</td><td colspan=''2''>Chance to total ignore the target defense</td></tr></tbody></table>


    This trident is a red tier, it means its 2 level away from a God weapon. I can''t believe it either other players won''t believe this. Imagine a level 1 newbie wielding a Red tier weapon.


    Lorena offered the weapon with a price. "Ace, the price for this weapon is 50 Gold. It broke my anvil, see?"


    "But I don''t have that much, take all my money and i''ll keep the weapon."


    "No, don''t bother ace. Since your a changed man, here''s the weapon. I''ll charge you nothing, well i still have a few anvils over there."


    "Thank you Lorena"


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Player Lorena offered a deal.</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Accept</td><td colspan=''2''>Decline</td></tr></tbody></table>


    I quickly accepted. She gave the Trident via trade, both of us accepted the deal.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Deal Completed!</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''>Golden Trident of the Sea Gods Obtained! Would you like to equip it?</td></tr><tr><td>Accept</td><td>Decline</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Of course i''ll accept it. The trident slowly appeared infront of me, took a grab. It''s a quite heavy thou, but i''ll get used to it. This baby i''m holding right now is realy nice, what a comeback! A total comeback! "Hey Xymedron, be ready for my return." I mumbled to my self.


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


    Proofread by : Cheldrine Pilarta


    Note : I''ll try to upload the next chapter by Sunday or Monday. A busy me will work to earn this Saturday. Enjoy reading!!!

 SO 005

    Chapter 5: I am locked!


    Leaving the neat shop of Lorena, can¡¯t remove my glare on this beauty lying down on my hand. The exterior was exquisite, decorations and all. Face won''t stop from smiling, people might see me and call me a lunatic. Anyways, let''s see what this thing over here can do.


    Dashed through the tiling of the kingdom and through the dirt path of the forest. In the distance, I could barely see a vast of wolfy''s wandering in the plains. Firmly holding my trident, I charged in. Raising my trident, preparing to strike a poor wolfy.


    Slung!


    Gave the Wolfy a quick swing, it vanished right after my attack. Ignoring the dialog box appeared in front. My speed changed a little, Thanks to my custom skill, with this bad ass over here I could be unstoppable, atleast for now I guess.


    Turning around and charged in again. Continued to massacre the Wolfy''s around, it took almost a half an hour. Sweat dripping from my forehead down to my eyelashes and stung my eye.


    "Ouch!"


    I felt a slight change in my body, this isn''t normal. I quickly paused and gave all the Wolfy''s a good swing. All of them died, lying down in agony. As a result, my level raised to level 2. Well, that¡¯s good enough for today. Checking the time at the world clock it¡¯s already past 7 pm. Oh, it¡¯s late already! Guess I¡¯ll end here for awhile. Dinner time!


    Tapping the air, the menu box appeared. Scrolling it down, noticed that my logout button is missing. My body trembled in fear and my heart pounded nervously. This can¡¯t be happening! I mumbled to myself while bathing in my own sweat. Quickly, I ran all way back to the kingdom searching for help.


    Fearfully asking everybody around the city. Nobody gave an effort to turn. Ignoring me like I''m not around. I was hopeless, but not giving up. I dashed my way back to the shop of Lorena. Pushed the door hardly and a paranoid me showed up. Lorena turned, only to see a crying me. Her cheeks burned into crimson red and ran heading in my direction.


    Firmly seized my arms while asking what happened. Staring at her speaking but no sound can be heard. Her soft comfortable hands wiping my tears away with my fear. My consciousness came back, finally can hear here speak.


    "Hey Ace are you okay?! What happened?!" She nervously asked.


    "My logout button was gone. I think I''m stuck in this crazy world forever!"


    She released my arms and glared at me badly.


    "Hey don''t abuse words that much, this world is not that bad! Go double check your menu button, maybe your abrupt mouth made you mistook it"


    Ouch! I opened the menu box, scrolled down and the logout button was still missing, I replied with a frown face.


    "Sorry for my words Miss Lorena, my logout button is still missing. please help me."


    "It''s okay, next time use kind words if your asking for help. Well, to be honest I can''t help you now. I''m not like the AI who controls this world Ace, I''m just a young girl who owns a small shop you know. But I know the right man who can fit for your issue right now troublemaker."


    My eyes got bigger. "Where could i find him?"


    "Far away across the uncountable mysteries of the lands outside this Kingdom, you can find the Tower of Dreams. The tower is so high that no one made it to the top. Rumors say that at the top there is a wisp who gives wishes to be granted." She replied while fingers drawing on the air.


    "This will be a piece of cake!"


    Lorena stopped from drawing while staring at me, shocked. Smiles and said.


    "Ha! The tower is guarded by vast of powerful high level guards and each floor is ruled by bosses. Those challenge made players to leave their track. Forget about it! You won''t win"


    "I see, okay! I''ll be heading out now Lorena. Thanks for your help!"


    My hopes and fighting spirit came back to me all of a sudden. I turned my back and walked. A snow white hand reached out my shoulders and pulled me to turn around.


    "Ace, take this compass. The AI who ruled this world gave it to us. It''s a teleportation orb, the AI designed it as a compass so that players won''t bother stealing it."


    Smiling at her, I grabbed the Compass.


    "Thank you Lorena!"


    "Glad I can help Ace, good luck!"


    In the Kingdom''s market.


    "How much will it cost me for 300 life potions?" I asked the NPC at the stall.


    "For a handsome young man like you, I''ll go give it for 2 Gold coins."


    I gave the gold in exchange for the Potions. What a quick trade, in addition she called me handsome that forced me to buy the potion. That NPC has a talent on business talk.


    ...


    Walking at the kingdom near the gates, a crying child captured my attention. Walked in a hurry, only to accost the child crying. I knelt my left knee and patted his head. Asked the kid in a gentle manner.


    "Hey what''s wrong buster?"


    The kid stared at me. Reddish eyes full of tears, shaking hands wiping it. A dialog box appeared right in front of me, seems to be his reply.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''6''>Mission</td></tr><tr><td>Description</td><td colspan=''5''>My dad promised me that he will be back today.


    He was gone three days ago, looking for herbs and stuffs that a kid like me dont know.


    I think He said that he will go to the Dungeon of Gladius.


    A dungeon full of scary monsters.


    Please find my Father and bring him back to me.</td></tr><tr><td>Reward</td><td>2 Gold Coins</td><td>1499 Exp</td><td>Tiger Skin Boots 1*</td><td>--</td><td>--</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''>Accept</td><td colspan=''3''>Decline</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Congratulations</td></tr><tr><td>Description</td><td colspan=''3''>


    New location unlocked! Dungeon of Gladius.


    </td></tr></tbody></table>


    After reading, I stared back at the kid. Well what choice do I have? Tapping on accept, he smiled. Wiped his tears he said with a smile.


    "Be safe brave man!"


    "Sure"


    Waving at me, I turned and walked. To be honest, it wasn''t the kid who tempted me the most. You''re right, it was the Gold and Experience the mission will reward me. The burst of this mission could level me up to 3 in just one click. Plus, a new location was unlocked that made me dashed out of the Kingdom''s gate.


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Walking the path heading west. Opposite the route I used to grind, the Wolfy plains. Tall trees standing in a line both sides of the path. Leaves falling caused by the windy weather. Dancing flowers standing on the peaceful lawn-green grass. This passage is surely comfortable to travel with.


    A shadow conquered the bright light from above. Taking a look upwards while walking at the same time, it was an enormous cloud moving across the sky. The cloud was not like the large cloud I have encountered before. Guess it''s just a normal cloud. But then, things started to get creepy. My surroundings became dead quiet for 15 seconds, then I heard mumbles which came deep inside the thick pile of oak trees.


    So I took a few steps to sneak a peek. Who wouldn''t? You heard mumbles from the creepiest place you''ve ever been in your life and you wouldn''t spare a chance and take a look? Come on! Anyways, here''s what I saw which made my eyes explode. It''s the two identical people from the kingdom, Kin''OI and Kai''OII!! Now all those questions in my head are answered. I think they are identical twins.


    They kept on speaking but it''s all inaudible. Until I crept closer. Now I''m about 2 meters away from these creepy dudes. Heard them speaking about a legendary helm of umm... I didn''t hear it clearly. But I''m sure it''s about a legendary helm of something. But realising that''s not my business for now, I crept away but as I do so, I stepped on the tail of a bloody squirrel. "SQUEEEK!!", It went.


    Which startled the creepy dudes. "Who''s there?!" They shouted. But I did not panic, so I successfully crept back to my path without being seen. Then a few seconds of silence, the light and the surroundings came back to normal.


    While in my pace, my barefoot accidentally stepped on a pointed rock. Ouch! I really need the boots right now. The path became rocky all of a sudden, trees became darker and the cheerful leaves where all gone, wind blew harder than before. Maybe the Dungeon is now near. Tapped the menu button just to see if my logout key appeared already, no luck it didn''t. Upon closing the box, i accidentally tapped one of the selections in the box, another box appeared it made me to refrain from walking.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''6''>AceNomo</td></tr><tr><td>Level</td><td colspan=''2''>2</td><td>Experience</td><td colspan=''2''>56%</td></tr><tr><td>Class</td><td colspan=''2''>--</td><td>Title</td><td colspan=''2''>--</td></tr><tr><td>Attack Points</td><td>391-947</td><td>Defense Points</td><td>0</td><td>Health Points</td><td>100%</td></tr><tr><td>Attack Points Ranking</td><td>No. 13 out of 3679</td><td>Defense Points Ranking</td><td>No. 3679 out of 3679</td><td>Level Ranking</td><td>No. 3677 out of 3679</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''6''>Equipment</td></tr><tr><td>Weapon</td><td colspan=''2''>Golden Trident of the Sea Gods</td><td>Armor</td><td colspan=''2''>Plain T Shirt</td></tr><tr><td>Pants</td><td colspan=''2''>Plain Shorts</td><td>Headgear</td><td colspan=''2''>--</td></tr><tr><td>Gloves</td><td colspan=''2''>--</td><td>Boots</td><td colspan=''2''>--</td></tr><tr><td>Ring</td><td colspan=''2''>--</td><td>Shield</td><td colspan=''2''>--</td></tr><tr><td>Costume</td><td colspan=''5''>--</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Woah! I didn''t thought that I have one of these things in my Menu Box. Seeing my characters stat, it made me shudder. Thanks to this weapon, I managed to rank up to 13 in attack points ranking.


    Moving on, after a 20 km walk. In the distance, the dungeon''s entrance can already be seen. I was surrounded by solid rocks and dried dark trees and crows fluttering around. Ignored all the scary things that stops players from coming in.


    ...


    I officially entered, walking on large solid rock tiles. Torch light was the only source of light I have. Trident on my hand ready to slay. My feet refrained from walking after seeing a glowing  red eye from afar. It was so red floating up and down. Examining closer, the eye charged.


    Stepping back waiting for it. The light of the torch revealed him. A red bat fluttering continued to charge 8 meters away from me. Then suddenly, a dialog box came out.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Familiar Lv. 5</td></tr><tr><td>ATK</td><td>56-63</td><td>HP</td><td>100%</td></tr><tr><td>SPEED</td><td>¡ï¡ï¡î¡î¡î</td><td>Special Skill</td><td>--</td></tr></tbody></table>


    A level 5 monster. Now I know why players can''t beat this dungeon a reason for the kid cry for days. Giving it a swing, the familiar died. It crashed and crawled to death. This weapon made this dungeon a piece of cake.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Congratulations!</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Money</td><td colspan=''2''>6 Bronze</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Experience</td><td colspan=''2''>18 Experience</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Drop</td><td colspan=''2''>--</td></tr></tbody></table>


    That was a quick experience over there. Grinding in this dungeon can make my Level burst, but can''t waste my time here. I have a Father to save!


    Quickly, I ran in a single aisle. Familiar''s spawned, and a colony of Familiar''s charged in. Glaring at them, I charged. My movement speed change a little. Thanks to my custom skill. I swayed my trident left to right while running and after killing a colony of Familiar. I became exhausted which forced me to sit down and rest for awhile.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Congratulations!</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Money</td><td colspan=''2''>1 Silver 45 Bronze</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Experience</td><td colspan=''2''>173 Experience</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Drop</td><td colspan=''2''>--</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Can''t say that it was an easy fight but the experience I gained removed my tiredness away. In addition, this Trident is quite heavy thou. Continued to walk, managed to arrive on a dark staircase directing down. I took a step and suddenly lights showered the dungeon.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>A player activated the light from below. As results, all floors will be showered with light.</td></tr></tbody></table>


    What?! A player already settled here? I quickly ran all the way down in order to catch up with him/her. The staircase ended and a tired me ended down in another floor. In the distance, another staircase going down can be observed. As I run, familiar''s shown and started a bloody fight again.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Congratulations!</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Money</td><td colspan=''2''>97 Bronze</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Experience</td><td colspan=''2''>85 Experience</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Drop</td><td colspan=''2''>--</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Easy exp! Lacking the stamina to run, I walked. That''s the energy my body can do? Oh please come on!


    ...


    I was in the middle of the staircase while walking. In the distance, the sounds of swords clashing could clearly be heard. Walked and arrived down to the last floor of the dungeon. The scenario shocked me and made me grip tightly on my Trident.


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


    Proofread by : Cheldrine Pilarta


    Notes : Errors? Rephrase? please comment down all your concerns :) Thank you!

 SO 006

    Chapter 6: The Dungeon of Gladius


    A man wearing a silver plate and a black gloves wields a black edged sword with the same group of men that I encountered once before appeared, my temper immediately began to erupt. I would not forget the shame they brought upon me, except for the new face carrying a hammer. Glaring at him badly, Xymedron noticed me.


    "Hey guys look what we have here"


    The group changed their gaze upon me, staring dazed and confused. But once they finally realized that it was I, from our previous meeting, they immediately began to approach me and yell out at me:


    "Hey there, little fella. What are you doing here? Hope you haven''t wet your pants yet."


    I gave him a look straight in his eyes and said, "Not yet, mister. But when I do, you''re gonna wash them for me."


    "Ooooo... this little punk thinks he can answer like a man. Good for you."


    "Yes, it is good for me. What''s not good is you standing in front of me making me feel sick."


    After that, this man lost his temper and said, "Watch it, punk!"


    But then Xymedron interrupted the conversation with a mighty yell, "ENOUGH!!" He stared at my weapon and smiled with a murderous intent beneath it. Raising my sword that he stole, using it to taunt. I was not about to fall into any trap or tricks that they were trying to set.


    "Hey brat! I am really getting the hang of this sword that you was so gracious to rewarded me. Can''t believe I got this from a whimp like you! Hahaha. Now, let me take a guess, you want it back?"


    Looking down, I said..


    "Nope. You can keep it. I got a better one. Besides, I think you''ll need it more than me."


    Insulted, he ordered his men to attack. It would be easy for me to take all of them with my new weapon, but I kept quiet and remained in a low profile. Staring at their HP, they''re almost dried up, Only Xymedron managed to stay at full health. Maybe he used his crew to tank all the monsters earlier. With that tactic, they won''t stay long enough, for this dungeon bears a strong boss, or did they manage to take it down already? The answers, I still don''t know.


    Half of the crew slowly walked towards to me, smiling arrogantly. Right before they could reach me, I spoke.


    "Please cut it out and save your level"


    After hearing the tone of my demand, they broke into laughter that made me notice the new face isn''t laughing, weird. Not following, they continued to pace in. One man charged and the rest followed. Xymedron, with two bodyguards sat down and watched.


    "Go and get me that new sword boys! I''m gonna love using that one as well."


    Hearing those words made me reply. "Like I''ll let you take it from me!"


    I jumped backwards dodging the attack from one of them and prepared my fighting stance, I looked like a Karate master with a Trident. Suddenly, my battle cry skill activated.


    "I warned you but you didn''t listen"


    They continued to laugh hard, acting tough like Bruce Lee. Swayed my trident left to right followed it with a straight strike. It punctured the man''s chest and died.


    Clang!


    A sound made by the sword dropped on the floor. Ignoring the sword, the crew of Xymedron unconsciously stepped back while I was walking towards them. The leader stood up with his bodyguard and left the new face behind. His arrogant face suddenly changed into a pissed one.


    Glaring at my name, a man whispered to Xymedron. He whispered in a very lowered tone. Tss.. this dumbhead didn''t even realize we''re in an enclosed dungeon. His whisper echoed. Aahh.. music to my ears.


    "Boss, he''s the brat who ranked up so fast in the attack points ranking. He out ranked thousands of players"


    After hearing, Xymedron''s face became red, body trembled and fists clenched. Pissed him off really bad. Pointing his sword towards me. Signaling his men to attack, all of them obeyed his foolish order.


    Prepared my battle stance again, not the karate thing okay? Made them halt. They stopped and faces were shocked as if they''ve seen a ghost. They walked backwards and retreated. They used a teleportation scroll in order to withdraw.


    "We aren''t done yet AceNomo! Next time we meet, I''m gonna make you pay for what your barbaric mouth just said"


    Glared at Xymedron straight in his eyes, they vanished like bubbles in the wind. Made me stand and sighed a relief. Suddenly, a loud growl from behind me made my hair shudder. Turning my back, seeing a 3 meter tall dog standing with two feet. Wielding a giant silver flail and a wooden shield in off-hand. Two HP bars was floating above his head. Behind him was a battalion of Elite Gobolds.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Gladius the Gobold Chieftain Lv. 10 (Boss)</td></tr><tr><td>ATK</td><td>113-120</td><td>HP</td><td>200%</td></tr><tr><td>SPEED</td><td>¡ï¡ï¡ï¡î¡î</td><td>Special Skill</td><td>Spawn Elite Gobold</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Elite Gobold Lv. 7 </td></tr><tr><td>ATK</td><td>113-120</td><td>HP</td><td>100%</td></tr><tr><td>SPEED</td><td>¡ï¡ï¡î¡î¡î</td><td>Special Skill</td><td>--</td></tr></tbody></table>


    The Elite Gobolds wield rock hammers and nothing else. Not giving the first move, I dashed and charged in and started the clash. I murdured everything in sight but the boss kept on spawning limitless Gobolds. With this kind of tactic I''m doing, this battle won''t end.


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Dashed backwards, planning to change my fire. This time I''ll focus on the boss. A fearless me rushed towards the boss ignoring all the gobold''s attacking me. Managed to land in front of the boss till my HP decreased to 14%. Consequence of my 0 Defense.


    Reaching out to my bag, I drank three Small HP potions that helped me increase my HP back to its full capacity. Charging in, I swayed my trident with full force, cancelled his summoning.


    The huge damage dealt by the boss pushed him backwards, HP down to 167%. A level 10 Boss was hurt with my attack, out leveled me for 8 levels and in addition, its a blue tier boss type monster. Well, it didn''t shock me in the first place.


    The interrupted boss managed to return back to its post. This time the boss released a color red aura. Gave me a quick swing that I didn''t handle to dodge. The powerful attack pushed me back to the Elite Gobolds. It made my Chartreuse colored HP back to red.


    Drank a few potions, I dashed again letting my Trident spark by grinding it on the floorings and gave the boss another powerful swing. The boss endured my attack and kept his two feet standing, Hp down to 124%. Playing his flail, swinging it in a circular motion and finally released it. Its giant flail landed on my weak body and damaged me.


    Pain can be felt like it was true. Forcing my body to stand up but it refused. Glaring at the boss with my HP down to 37%, I was stunned! Drank another bottle of Potion and rose my HP up to 86%. Not enough to withstand a powerful boss.


    Before he could manage to land his next attack. My body finally came back to its normal self. Quickly, I stood up and gave him a quick swing! With my battle cry skill activated, my attack landed first.


    This made his attack miss and got pushed away. Not letting it to stand back again, I followed it with an effortless swing and decreased its HP down to 37%. Effort doesn''t change anything in this game, or is it because of my weapon that I managed to damage his life with ease?


    He remained silent while seated on the ground in agony. Changing his gaze at me, I walked towards him. Raised my trident and penetrated the boss¡¯s stomach. The boss held my trident and slowly, he laid back down. Gobolds around me died with him.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Congratulations! Dungeon Cleared!</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Money</td><td colspan=''2''>79 Silver 58 Bronze</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Experience</td><td colspan=''2''>1945 Experience</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Drop</td><td colspan=''2''>Gladius Shield</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''3''>Congratulations!!! You''re now level 3</td></tr></tbody></table>


    At last, a drop from a monster! Also, it raised my level up to 3!


    Equipped the shield I looted and the middle aged man with the group of Xymedron came out clapping his hands.


    Clap! Clap! Clap!


    "You have some skills young one, I''m Darius"


    Gave the man a frightening glare while raising my trident up.


    "Are you with the lunatics earlier?"


    He laughed hard and replied.


    "For that I disagree young man."


    The speech of Darius made me sigh, Gave him a smile.


    "Sorry bout that pops.?"


    He nodded saying. "It''s getting dark already, I''ll accompany you on your return to the kingdom, for you will obtain great rewards back there"


    Quickly, I walked after hearing him. My eyes gleamed with the light. Body trembled with excitement. "Let''s go!"


    ...


    After a long walk, we finally reached the outer part of the dungeon. It was already dark when we arrived. The moonlight crawled slowly towards the path in front of us. Oak trees danced with the cold gale. The grass swayed in harmony. A countless stars floating in the sky made my hand to reach them.


    The breeze of wind passing through my body made me shudder. Terminating my vision for a short while, feeling the wonderful nature around. Music of insects and hiding animals from a far merged in with the priceless view. This made my devotion to the game burst even more.


    Radiance of the moon passed through my sealed eyes while listening to the melody of this beautiful nature. The refreshing resonance washed away my weariness. I was like bathing in a fountain of life loaded with roses. A warm thing crawled on my shoulder, realized that it was a hand.


    "Wonderful, isn''t it?" He said as he stares at me while I stand in front of him with my arms wide open and breathing the air in and out.


    "Check this out." he whispered to me before he headed towards a birch tree nearby. After a few seconds of looking up, out came a raccoon. It jumped onto his palm then looked at me saying, "This raccoon has been spying on us since we came out from the dungeon."


    "Really? How did you know that?"


    "He told me."


    Things became weird so I looked ahead and continued walking. After talking with the raccoon for a few seconds more, he let it go back to the birch tree where he found him. Then he caught up with me.


    The gargantuan blue moon with millions of stars accompanied us in our walk. Feeling the soft blow of wind behind making my short hair to sway with it. Sparkling light from a far reached the skies above us, It was so beautiful.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    Thanks for the proofread: Cheldrine Pilarta and Imteshal Karim! :)

 SO 007

    Chapter 7:


    After a long walk, the kingdom''s golden gate opened. Blinding light from the community welcoming our return. The kingdom was actively alive. Lights showered the people smiling. Stalls standing strong at both sides of the kingdom''s walking lane. Group of players wandering around the kingdom, enjoying the beauty of the place.


    A kid running towards me full of energy. Wearing blue shirt, brown shorts and a pair of sandals. Arms wide open ready to caress someone. Cheerfully smiling and blue rounded eyes creating tears, making its way through his eyelashes, dripping down to his cheeks, stopped from his chin and finally let itself go. The kid softened my legs making me kneel. Joy lifting my wands ready to accept the warmth of the kid.


    He passed through me and loudly cried from behind. I was stunned knowing that it was not me who make him feel so happy. The interesting quality behind called me to turn.


    I turned and saw the kid crying on the man who accompanied me. My eyes got bigger and quickly came to normal. Cheeks quickly burned in crimson red. Tears filled my eyes, which made my vision blur. Wiping it, I didn''t let it drip. I felt my heart. It was like being pushed away.


    The beauty of love made me so soft. The view made my mind picture my father while hugging me. My heart full of emotion, wanting to release every single pain it recieved. Can''t bear the heartache, I turned back.


    Sighed, removing all the thoughts in my mind. I came back to my normal state. A warm hand touched my shoulder letting it relax on me. Not looking back, a warm whisper full of gratitude from behind that I heard.


    "Thank you Ace" Looking all down below, clenching my fist. Eyes moving side to side. I let the man hear my reply.


    "Your indeed welcome" Quickly, I released my self from his hand and walked silently.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''6''>Congratulations!!! Mission Accomplished!</td></tr><tr><td>Reward</td><td>2 Gold Coins</td><td>1499 Experience</td><td>Tiger Skin Boots 1*</td><td>--</td><td>--</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''6''>Congratulations!!! You''re now level 4</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''6''>AceNomo</td></tr><tr><td>Level</td><td colspan=''2''>4</td><td>Experience</td><td colspan=''2''>16%</td></tr><tr><td>Class</td><td colspan=''2''>--</td><td>Title</td><td colspan=''2''>--</td></tr><tr><td>Attack Points</td><td>391-947</td><td>Defense Points</td><td>27.4</td><td>Health Points</td><td>100%</td></tr><tr><td>Attack Points Ranking</td><td>No. 13 out of 3679</td><td>Defense Points Ranking</td><td>No. 3679 out of 3679</td><td>Level Ranking</td><td>No. 3677 out of 3679</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''6''>Equipment</td></tr><tr><td>Weapon</td><td colspan=''2''>Golden Trident of the Sea Gods</td><td>Armor</td><td colspan=''2''>Plain T Shirt</td></tr><tr><td>Pants</td><td colspan=''2''>Plain Shorts</td><td>Headgear</td><td colspan=''2''>--</td></tr><tr><td>Gloves</td><td colspan=''2''>--</td><td>Boots</td><td colspan=''2''>Tiger Skin Boots</td></tr><tr><td>Ring</td><td colspan=''2''>--</td><td>Shield</td><td colspan=''2''>Gladius Shield</td></tr><tr><td>Costume</td><td colspan=''5''>--</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Equipping the boots from the mission. A glamerous blue-white light conquering my barefeet from below dazzled me. Seconds elapsed, my vision recovered from the blinding light. A comfortable exquisite shoe decorated with orange and black stripes protected my feet. It fits perfectly with my toes. I decided to look for a place where I can spend the cold night.


    Few hours later...


    A disturbing foul smell. Annoying floorings full of dusts and dirt. Bothersome spider webs hanging on the ceiling. Scratched walls and a broken window, loud noise made by the players in their stalls was clearly heard. I turned around and accost with the NPC.


    "How much for the room?" clenching my fist while giving the npc a straight look to its eyes.


    He smiled at me while raising its brows. Turned his hand and palms were revealed. She replied. "Furniture all around, a bedroom and a strong foundation. It will cost you 1 Gold coin for a night"


    "Whoa! That''s too much, look at the state of this place." Shaking my head, arms folded.


    The old woman''s eyebrows knitted. "Your choice, you wouldn''t like the ice cold temperature outside" Lips bended.


    I walked up to the window. The hole on the window made the ice cold wind to enter. Touched my arms and crawled upwards into my shoulders. What a weather.


    "Okay I''ll take it! Thank. You. Very. Much!" Giving the old woman a bad stare.


    "Much appreciated!" Said in a sarcastic manner.


    She threw the keys on the floor and walked away while murmuring. Reached out for the keys and laid it down on the wooden table. The strong wind closed the door slowly for me making a super disturbing creaking sound.


    Cleaned my dirty bedroom, Hopping in. Laid on my bed, my head on my arms. Dust dropping down to my bed. The ceiling is poorly constructed or because time made it brittle. Footsteps from above became the official sleeping music I had until I fell asleep.


    Unwanted sounds from my surroundings penetrated my ears. Dust from above kept falling into my face. Coldest wind I''ve ever felt slowly crept into my body. My back''s suffering from my rough bed. This night will be the most challenging night I had in my entire life.


    Door creaked for a second. Crik! noise made by the old wooden floor. My bed shaked for awhile like there''s someone seated on it. What? I raised my body to look. Too late to notice a stripped woman trespassed into my room.


    My body was paralyzed after seeing the view 2 meters away from me. She seductively smiled and ordered her hand to crawl closer to me. My legendary weapon has risen from its sleep.


    The girl continued to seduce me. Until she moved closer and closer, enough for me to feel her warm breath. Her hands rubbing my chest down to my legendary weapon. The girl sat on my stomach and took my hands away from me.


    Suddenly loud banging distracted us from making love. The girl disappeared quickly. Damn! I''m going to kill whoever waked me up from my sexy nightmare.


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Knock! Knock! Knock!


    I didn''t even get to sleep without interruptions? Rubbed my eyes with my fingers lazily and walked towards the door to open it. Without even reaching it, the was door opened by the old lady.


    "Hey Kid, this guy right here needs a place to stay too." Pointing his fingers on the kid.


    Out came a teenage-looking guy with brown curly hair, round nose, and large front teeth. Don''t wanna be mean, but he looks a little dorky. He came in with his head facing the floor. The name floating above him is Arnel14 and his in level 1.


    "But there''s only one bed." Saying while pointing the bed.


    "Well, one shall sleep on the couch."


    The couch she meant is a couch that looks ages older than me. It creeks even louder that this bed does.


    "But I paid you a Gold coin!" Reaching out for my trident.


    "Yes, you did. But he paid a Gold coin and 3 silver coins."


    "That''s not fa.."


    She didn''t even let me finish my sentence and slammed the door shut. What a jerk. The kid and I were left alone in this crappy room. We were both pretty quiet for about a minute. Then, I thought of ways to make him sleep on the couch and not me. This bed is bad enough, don''t want my spine broken when I wake up on that couch. Umm... what should I say? Maybe I should say "Hey Kid, I came here first. I should sleep on the bed." But then I thought, he''d just say, "But I paid her a Gold coin and 3 Silver coins. You paid her only a Gold coin." So I need another one. Hmm... Oh, how about, "Hey Kid, I''m the older one here. I should sleep on the bed." Yeah! That''s it. I finally thought of it. Now, the execution...


    Cleared my throat, and...


    "Uhhh.. Hey Kid..."


    Then, he looked at me with his brown adorable eyes. Darn it! This wasn''t as easy as I thought in my head. But I continued..


    "Ummm... I''m the.. o-older one.." Knitted my eyebrows and silently waited for his reply.


    "Its ok, sir. I''ll sleep on the couch."


    Well, I didn''t expect that.


    "Are you sure?"


    "Yes."


    "Ok well, let''s go to sleep then."


    He didn''t answer after that. He just sighed heavily and laid on the couch to sleep. Excitedly hopping in my bed and fell asleep while smiling.


    ...


    Sunlight conquered the darkness of night. Rays of the wonderful sun penetrated the broken window of my apartment. Morning dew was everywhere. Hands wiping the bluriness of rest and faded away. Lifting my body up, I pushed my hands up high and stretched. Noticing that the boy isn''t around, I smiled with relief.


    Preparing my self to start the day.  Stopped in front of the window where the old woman was sitting, I gave her a look that she will not forget. Finally, I departed. As I walked outside, a weird feeling from behind bothered me. Turning to look, only to see the dorky from my room followed me.


    Short curled hair protecting its head. Two over sized teeth spying at me and an army of black heads on his cheek. Wearing the same plain white tops and shorts, but wields a different weapon. Seems to be that this player just created his avatar last night.


    "What are you doing?" I asked in a bothered manner.


    "Following you." Eyes rolling while his brows are knitting


    "Why? What do you want." Puzzled me, I asked.


    "Sir, just let me follow you wherever you go for now. Then, I''ll tell you everything for you to understand. I promise. Please just bear with me." Observing how sincere he is as he say those words, I let him follow me.


    ...


    I decided to move-out. Leaving the kingdom and ventured on the ground of the forest after the dungeon of gladius. The chill of the soft wind touched my arms. Birds fluttering high in the sky. Giant trees with enormous trunk''s around us blocking the beam of the sun. Pacing on the dried leaves makes a sound. This world is better than the reality outside. It is only mom who makes me want to go outside and besides being stuck here forever sucks.


    Turning my head slowly, my left eye spying at Arnel14. He''s swaying his hand while staring at the fluttering birds. Wishing that someday he''ll become one of them. Returned my gaze to the forest, facepalm is all I can give to this dorky behind me.


    Suddenly, a hand pulled me hard in order to stop. Removing his hands off me.


    "What''s your problem?!" Pushing my lips together, shoes once stomped.


    He bent his body and looked behind me. "What is that?" Pointing something from behind.

 SO 008

    Chapter 8: Inside the puzzle


    Eyes shrunk a little and brows knitted along, lips parted but no sound came out. An action of total confusion. Staring at him, all I can see is his eyes sparkled with excitement. His mouth wide open while pointing at my back, which made me turn.


    A view from a far made my body tremble. A lonely wind passed through me and sorrow was felt. The wind was like crying for help. My ears suffered the silent soundtrack. I can''t hear a single noise or sound once I turned and gave the place a look, on top of that, I''m already talking.


    Here''s the vision. It was an entrance of something dark and horrible. Signage warnings the players who dares to enter. Leafless trees with creepy branches circled the place around. The shiny morning weather was quickly covered by dark clouds and made the place more creepier.


    Bones of dead animals and crows fluttering above the entrance in a spheroid rotation. Asking myself, where''s the pumpkin and ghost stuffs? More like Halloween to me. While on my sightseeing mode, the kid from behind walked with courage. Acting tough, I joined his pace towards the entrance.


    Few minutes later...


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Congratulations</td></tr><tr><td>Description</td><td colspan=''3''>


    New location unlocked! The Lost Labyrinth.


    </td></tr></tbody></table>


    Stopping in front of the creepy entrance, screams from the underworld can be heard from hear. My legs suddenly became weak, stopping me from moving forward. No, I can do this. Lifting my feet, I continued to walk. For the second time around. The kid stopped me from walking. This time, I didn''t get annoyed knowing that his ways on stopping me means a lot.


    "Look a man in a black hood" Pointing his finger towards the man.


    I took a look and returned my sight to the kid, nodded and walked towards the man. He was tall yet slender, covered with a black cloak and eyes was blinded with a scarf.


    Walking slowly, my boots stepped on a dried leaf making a sound. The man moved his head and smiled.


    "Ahh a brave one, tell me your name Venturer. For you are the first to enter the labyrinth." talking while standing still.


    "What name do you want to know creepy man?" I replied with a crooked voice.


    Hearing my reply, scratching his head being puzzled and continued to refrain from moving. I guess my reply made him confuse. Wondering what name I supposedly give. My real name from the reality or my character name here in this magical world.


    Moving on, we officially entered the labyrinth. It was indeed dark, time over time the darkness of the place faded. We are walking into a single aisle showered with light. Handled my weapon and slowly walked, preparing for sudden attacks or ambush.


    The kid with me walked normally and did not show any frightened state. You can keep acting tough kid, I mumbled to myself. His pace was interrupted and stopped by a sound coming from nowhere. Quickly, he reached out for his wooden sword and signaled me to prepare for a battle.


    To be honest, it is hard for me to trust the kid who accompanies me. First, he¡¯s a new player in the game. Second, he¡¯s a dork. Yet, he knows more than I do that makes me trust him. Agreeing with his signal, I took the sword and prepared a battle stance where my knees bent.


    ...


    Waited for nothing, I decided to continue my walk. A hand from behind suddenly stopped me.


    ¡°Sir, please don¡¯t continue. I can feel a presence here.¡± Staring straight to my eyes.


    Ignoring him, I continued my walk. The kid accompanied me again, guarding me from behind. After a few steps, a shovel suddenly appeared in front of my face and slammed me straight. The impact made me sat down. My HP decreased to 97%.


    ¡°What the hell was that!!¡± Asking, while seated on the rock-solid flooring, showing a shocked face.


    The kid didn¡¯t replied and jumped in front. ¡°Told ya¡±


    Quickly, I stood up and became alert. What was that? Asking my self while being puzzled. Is it a trap? Moving on, I started to walk slowly while holding on my trident. Beads of perspiration dripping down my cheeks down to my chin. It suddenly became hot.


    While being toasted, a smoke forming a figure of a goblin appeared out of nowhere. After a few seconds, it became a true goblin. It weilds a rusty shovel, wears a construction helmet. Staring straight on his shovel, it''s the same shovel who hit me before.


    "It''s him!" The boy Shouted while wiping his sweat.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Golbin Worker Lv. 10</td></tr><tr><td>ATK</td><td>118-298</td><td>HP</td><td>125%</td></tr><tr><td>SPEED</td><td>¡ï¡ï¡î¡î¡î</td><td>Special Skill</td><td>--</td></tr></tbody></table>


    My arms trembled in anger after seeing the monster who attacked me indirectly. I aggressively charged in without hesitating. Few steps I took, a dozen of goblins appeared. But it didn''t made me to stop from charging in.


    Finally arrived in front of the monster. Giving it a quick blow, the goblin was pushed backwards and died. A big CRITICAL HIT word showed up once my trident hit the monster.


    The goblins around suddenly transformed into a reddish and bigger ones. Their sudden change of appearance made me to take a step backwards. Turning around, only to see a clean aisle. Damn! The boy abandoned me. Lead me no choice, I dashed in. Killing all the monster in sight, my hp dropped to 9% and the worse, the goblins I killed was just a few.


    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    The army of goblins continued to march. Quickly, I reached out for the HP potions and drank a few. It raised my HP up to 86% nearly full. This is not enough to take the army. Having a powerful attack is awesome but having the weakest defense sucks. Exhausted and desperate, I took another charge.


    "Take this!" Raised my trident, swaying it directly agaisnt the face of the goblin


    Slash after slash I went. Not noticing how fast my HP decreases. Until I was pulled from behind by someone. Turning to look, the kid who left me alone with these crazy goblins came back. He took me in a corner and we hid.


    "Where were you?! You don''t just leave your companion alone like that! What if I died in there?!" Murmured with anger.


    "I did not leave you alone. Listen, I figured that if these goblin workers wield shovels, they may be working on something that includes soil. Now, what took me so long is finding water." Raising his hands showing his palms, brows bent while eyes closed. Acting like a genius


    "What do you need those for? You wanna make a pot or something?" Giving the kid a direct stare on his eyes while arms folded


    "No. Soil plus water is equal to..." Eyes opened


    Cutting his mid sentence, I quickly replied "Mud. Mud?! You went to all that trouble just to make mud?! Unbelievable!" Shifting my gaze sideways, refraining to see the kid


    "Just hear me out. Okay? You can underestimate everything about these goblins except for one thing, their speed. Now, take that away from them, there''s no way they can even touch you." Held my arms making me to realize


    "Ow. Now I get it." Gave the kid a sarcastic nod while smiling.


    "Great. I placed the soil in that large container but I don''t know how to carry it here. The water will come from that tube attached on that stone wall. All we need now is a plan." Staring at the wall while explaining


    The plan made me curious "I got one. I''ll lure them into the middle part where they will be compressed in front of the water tube. After that, use that wagon to pull the soil and bring it to me. Then I''ll give you the signal to push it over and drop all the soil on the goblins, while I go and cut the water tube open spraying water onto the soil and creating the awesomest, baddest and stickiest mud pile ever. Sounds good?" Palms showed. Smiling. Neck bent while staring at the kid.


    "Let''s make it happen." Nodding, he quickly ran towards the goblins.


    "Here goes nothing" Giving my trident a hard grip, I dashed in toward the wagon.


    Pulled the heaviest wagon, blocking the way of the goblins. They stopped and stared at me 6 meters away. The kid continued to run and left me again. What a moron!


    Crag! Crag! Crag!


    Sound from the feet of the marching goblins against the linoleum of this dungeon. Nervously turning my head from left to right like a night-shift guard finding some water. The goblins were a meter a way from me now. Lead me no choice, I gave the hard wall a heavy slash.


    The impact pushed me away, found myself silently seating. Back rubbing against the other side of the wall. Wagon fell down along with the soil. A crik sound from the wall was heard.


    Rubbing my head, opened my eyes. The plan worked!!! The water pushed the goblins away and merged in with the soil. Goblins tried to move but no luck, they can''t. Quickly, I ran killing all the goblins in sight in my mind.


    I found myself in a berserk mode. Strength and brute is overflowing in my body. Can¡¯t stop myself from slaughtering the poor goblins. Swayed my trident from left to right, making them not to move forward. The ones who courageously walked forward were knockback. With this kind of strategy, I''ll surely win this.


    On the Staircase...


    Tak!... Tak!... Tak!...


    Noise made by my drained legs while walking upwards, hands reaching for a stair handle in order for me not to faint. Unbearable staircase makes my perspiration drip from my scalp down to the flooring step by step. Ghastly wind blowing and saying that I should not continue.


    I felt a quite change. My feet suddenly felt numb and couldn''t take a step anymore, felt weak and exhausted. Slowly authorized my body to lay. Terminating my sight resting my self from the exacting battle and from the highest staircase I''ve ever taken.


    A horrible thing quickly conquered my left hand, pulling me hardly. The strong thing made me to arrive on the 2nd floor. All four down, opening my eyes slowly. Giving myself a vision of the solid flooring. Dust and dirt were pushed by my breath. My exhausted body giving zero effort to take a look what pulled me.


    "Hey! Are you okay? Looks like those goblins earlier gave you a hard time" The familiar sound from behind made my body to reach its full energy capacity.


    Quickly, I stood up and wiped all the dirt in my shirt. Turning, only to see the kid who left me behind. I gave him a horrible smile with murderous intent beneath it.


    "No, not at all. The staircase was so high that''s why" Giving the kid a straight stare.


    The kid bending his lips and continued to walk. "There is a secret path here where can lead us into the boss chamber" Pointing at a wall in front of us.


    A secret path? Is there such thing in this game?


    ____________________________________________________________


    Sorry for the super late upload guys :( Got myself busy from college. Anyways, Enjoy! :D I hope you like it!

 SO 009

    Chapter 9: The Secret Path


    Got my vision stuck at the blank blue-ish wall, being puzzled all of a sudden. Curiosity lit up within those words. Took a step forward and scanned the wall by knocking. It made a not-so loud tone, trying to knock the wall in the other side it made no sound.


    "It is a hollow wall. There should be a passage behind it" Fingers touching my chin while thinking.


    "Try to break it." A not so sure answer by the kid from behind.


    Turned around, giving him a blank monstrous stare. He shifted his gaze while brows crooked and continued to talk, panting his excuses.


    "You see... the weapon of yours is way more powerful than mine, obviously. Just suggesting" Arms locked at his back while whistling.


    Concentrated back to the wall, I made my decision. Took a three step backwards and sighed. Raised my trident and prepared for a strike. Quickly, I jumped in along with my heavy trident and swayed it from behind, it successfully landed.


    Jumping backwards, as results the impact made the strong wall to crack. The fragments of the wall fell down one after another. Destroyed, it showed another path, it was darker and creepier. Stepping across with full of courage. Lights opened and revealed a super long aisle. It was so long I can¡¯t visualize the end of it.


    "Woah! What a long way ahead!" A loud and irritating voice from behind.


    I locked my arms, waiting for his face to turn shocked because of my damage output, but not. I expected a long and cheerful compliment from him. Too much expectation may hurt.


    Back to reality, the kid walked while head turning from left to right, enough for me to say that he is amazed, but not because I dealt a heavy damage and destroyed the wall. Moving on, I started to walk. Accompanied by the kid while giving my trident the hardest grip I can give. It will be the best being prepared for incoming fights.


    With a slow pace, shifting gaze from side to side. No strange thing I felt. Walking on the same blue-ish stone carpet of this dungeon, the same ghastly wind blowing out of nowhere, the same walls from earlier that contains hidden passages.


    Stopped from pacing, turning my body 180 degrees to right. Touched and inspected the wall. Did the same thing, hitting it hard with my powerful blow, the wall broke and revealed another aisle leading to nowhere. The atmosphere of the dungeon began and turned creepier and strange in a higher level. Again, turning my body around and gave the wall a heavy slash. It broke and revealed another aisle.


    Strange, what kind of dungeon I put myself. Contains dozen of hidden passage leading nowhere, full of deadly and horrifying traps that could easily decrease my level down, generating crazy goblins with shovels is the most weird thing,  a scary aura all over the dungeon made it worst. Obviously, it was a total maze.


    Amazing! Got myself stuck in this game for once and now I¡¯m here stuck again. I turned around. ¡°Hey kid! We got a problem here. You know... We got ourselves stuck in this Labyrinth¡± Crooking my eyebrows.


    ¡°...¡±


    The kid gave me a no response and continued to walk. The far away dead end, our footsteps echoing around us became the official soundtrack of our puzzle solving adventure. The wind passing-by showed no change. Lifting my head up, seeing the solid ceiling. It was still the same like before.


    ...


    The dead end stopped us from our pace. A wall loaded with ancient scriptures, golden decorations and a circular puzzle at its middle. Realizing, it was a door. Pulled the kid and spoke in a decent manner ¡°Your turn kid, solve this puzzle.¡± Arms folded.


    A tired sigh let out by the kid and remained silent, eye lids shrunk a little, fingers playing with his chin. The circular puzzle being twisted from left to right, head moving closer and closer. I found a detective. He punched the puzzled before he could straighten his body. Sweat flooded his equipment from head to toe.


    "You must be joking! This thing doesn''t have a solution." Catching his breath slowly, being pissed off.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    Replied nothing and went ahead to inspect the puzzle. Comparing it from before, it turned into the clueless and unsolvable puzzle ever. I made a wreck decision. Giving the puzzle to the kid was a total wrong idea. Clearing my throat, I decided to work on it. ¡®Here goes nothing¡¯ I tried my best to unlock the mystery behind it, made my temper to burst. Clearly, it is not that easy. Now I understand the smarty from behind. The puzzle just continued to eat our time. Giving up, I decided. I raised my trident with full strength. Aiming at the mysterious circular puzzle, I gave it a quick swing.


    Cha!


    The puzzle cracked a bit, it released a scream of terror, legs and hands sprouted out, shocked while seeing it standing in pain. I realized that it was a total door-monster, I think.


    Jumping backwards, preparing my weapon was my only choice. The door just fell down and hit against the floor. The impact cleaned the dust from my tiger skin boot. It all took a single hit in order to solve it. Now, peace can be with me again. Knowing that no one can really solve it, sometimes brute can help.


    Dusts carried by the wind, formed into a smoke that blocked our vision. Light pierced the brownish cloud shaped dust and touched my pale skin. Not having second thoughts, I made my way in. I pushed myself against the dirt along with my right arm, protecting my eyes from its dust. A strong wind passing through me joined the challenge. I continued to protect my eyes, even though they were total closed.


    After fighting the strong blow of wind, I slowly got my vision back and blurriness from the hard wind continued to disappear. It revealed an aisle but not like the others. Golden walls, golden lamps, golden flooring''s and golden ceiling, all I can see was gold. The golden hallway showered us light along our way. My eyes kept and remained in shining. The sudden change of appearance disturbed me, like we were summon and brought into a dimension full of gold. At the end of it was a room, a big room.


    The light from the shining decorations of the entrance of the door touched my eyes. Being dazzled by the light, I raised my hand to block the beam. Before I could take another step, the kid interrupted my moment.


    "I''ll go back. I think I heard something." Turned around. Making his escape.


    "Suit yourself"


    Ignoring him, I walked across the golden gate and stopped for a moment. Disappointment took cover, the room was conquered by rust and dust. A tik sound made by the water dropping from the ceiling. Strong metal rails all around the room and a treasure chest sitting peacefully on a large pillow-like handle down on the floor.


    Curiously, I walked and got nearer with the treasure. Reached out for it, noticed that a lock securing it. I hate situation like this. Raised my weapon, giving the lock a quick blow. My trident landed directly to the lock and broke it. Greed over came me.  Right after my attack, the rails from before multiplied and captured me like a rat. I turned around and returned my gaze to the treasure. It contains a shining scroll. Good to know that it wasn''t a bait. And again locked myself, but now in a stinky room. Amazing!


    Reached out and grabbed the scroll.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Congratulations</td></tr><tr><td>Description</td><td colspan=''3''>


    Scroll of Powers Obtained 1*.


    </td></tr></tbody></table>


    Earthquake made the message alert to disappear. My unstable stance, hands ready to hold on anything, legs shaking trying not to fall. Solid rocks from above fell down along with dirt. Shifting my gaze up, a 4 meter high person from above jumped down. His landing made the whole place to erupt.


    He let out an angry roar that stopped the quake. My right hand pushed my knees helping myself stand up. I survived the earthquake! Going back to our topic. The man was not normal. He was huge, armored and full of muscles. A not so well groomed long black hair highlighting his straight scar across his left eye. He took three steps nearer and kept giving me a crazy stare.


    ¡°What¡¯s with the look?¡± I shouted from the distance. Right hand gripping my weapon hard and my left hand slightly raising my strong shield.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Titan Loria Lv.16 (Boss)</td></tr><tr><td>ATK</td><td>598-598</td><td>HP</td><td>300%</td></tr><tr><td>SPEED</td><td>¡ï¡î¡î¡î¡î</td><td>Special Skill</td><td>50% Chance of landing a 300% Damage Output.</td></tr></tbody></table>