《Death Incarnate》 1. Embark on a new world Imperial Capital ¨C Center of former Russia ¨C Year 2XXX The lingering light was obliterated by the rapidly falling night. The once salmon and purple sky transformed into a vast expanse of jet-black that engulfed the world. The rainy night sky combined with a foggy atmosphere made it almost impossible for the light to reach out from the center of the city, to the more rural areas located miles away. The rain kept pouring down from the heavens without any sign of stopping. The outskirt of town was not covered in tough pavement; instead hardened mud still covered these empty streets. As soon as the mud came in contact with the flooding water, it softened and softened until it was nothing more than a runny thick substance. Not even ten meters from a rundown house, which appeared almost scorched from the outside, laid a man face down in the dirt. The man panting loudly as he was crawling closer and closer in the direction of the rundown house. He was currently wearing a black rain coat covering up most of his appearance. Tears kept crawling down his cheeks mixing with the dirt below, he pushed with all his might as he was ever getting closer. The back of his coat had a clear tearing, and a mixture of dark red substance came pouring out from the hole. The red substance mixed with the dirt below creating a breathtaking substance not many people had laid eyes on. Five meter¡¯s behind him a man approached in a calm matter, one step at a time. Matching the man crawling on the ground, this man also wore a rain coat. The rain coat was once again covering most of his body, the difference being that he currently wore a hood covering most of his face. ¡°Please, forgive me! Please I have a family!¡± ¡°I will pay you, so you can feed your family for a lifetime!¡± The crawling man said with tears constantly running down his face. His voice shaken. As the rain kept pouring the hooded man stared down at him in response. Not letting anything leave his mouth. The gaze as cold as ice, his expression plain. There were no sign of hatred, no sign of jealousy, only one thing reflected of his face, nothing. Reaching into his coats inner pocket the hooded man withdrew a white shiny object. Without any delay he stabbed the shiny object into the crawling man¡¯s throat. A second of struggling could be heard before, Complete silence. ¡°May you rest in peace¡± The hooded man said with a painful expression. The hooded man then proceeds to pick up a tiny machine from his pocket. Placing it in his hand¡¯s he wrote Sender: Yuri Message: ¡°It is done¡± ----------------- Imperial Capital. In consequence of the ever growing social gap, were the rich got richer by feeding of the weak and unfortunate, a common saying came to be: Your fate is decided once you are born. This saying might have carried some weight hundreds of years ago but now it could actually be seen as the law of society. The poor and weak would often turn to the underworld in hope of grasping on too opportunity, knowing that the government had long left them behind. Fourteen billion human¡¯s was the most recent estimate of the current world¡¯s population. Far above what scientist would agree being the ideal population. The amount people did not only consume the earth¡¯s resources at an astonishing rate but also laid ground for terrifying business competition. Climbing the social and economic ladder of society had become so dauntingly hard that people would often not even dream of it. In consequence ever increasing darkness spread across the world. Assassination, robbing, stealing and even more dreadful task grew like weed. Since the government had literally left the lower-class in the dirt, conditions for the middle class and upper class had increasingly flourished. With middle-class and upper-class humans distancing themselves further and further away, many had turned a blind eye towards the darkness. Evolution, adapting and surviving is cruel. Thirty three years ago the poorest 5% in the world was estimated to consist of 90% criminals, an estimate some considered whole heartily wrong. Majority of citizens in the Imperial Capital believed this plausible, a consequence of a recent skyrocketing in criminal activity. People across the city would day in and day out complain to the government that they couldn¡¯t even leave their house of fear of getting robbed or even worse, killed. In response the government declared a rule, a rule used in Indian culture in a distant past. The law said as followed: Every citizen living in the nine districts of Imperial Capital that do not have a yearly income of at least XXXXX during the time of agreement must vacate the city immediately. These people were called, the undaunted, the untouchables, and the outsiders. Twenty miles from the borders of the Imperial Capital, laid a small village. The village consisted of mostly run downed shafts. Their condition so bad that a strong wind might even break them down. The village was built upon a small hill, with house¡¯s surrounding its decent. In one particular sturdy house compared to the other ones in the proximity, two brothers¡¯ lived. ¡°Hey brother, when¡¯s food ready?¡± A young man screamed as he lay in a rusty old bed. Darren not getting a response couldn¡¯t help standing up firmly with a rather annoyed look on his face. Darren wore black hair that fell down to his shoulders together with an almost yellow pair of eyes. Mysterious and handsome was the vibe he would have given of if he had better looking clothes on. Both his jeans and shirt were dirty to a disgusting degree which completely overshadowed his mysterious appearance. ¡°Hey Leon! When is food?¡± ¡°Earth to Leon, food, when?¡± Just as Darren was almost getting angry Leon his big brother entered. Shorter hair, black, with those almost yellow eyes. Basically an older and mature looking version of Darren. The resemblance would definitely make people instantly realize that they were brothers. But there was a big difference; Leon¡¯s eye¡¯s was cold as ice. His expression overly calm and plain. ¡°I¡¯ll make dinner soon¡± ¡°Hurry up, I am hungry¡± ¡°If you are so hungry run over to Mr. Han¡¯s house. Like you always do, you little thief¡± Leon said with a small smile creeping up. Mr. Han was an old man that lived a couple of houses over, who were usually really kind to children and would often give them food when they didn¡¯t have some themselves. ¡°Huh, no thanks. That old guy gives me the creeps¡± ¡°This one time, he told me to sit in his lap. Then I told him that my brother would kill him and he got all sweaty. It was rather funny¡± Darren said while smiling. ¡°Really?¡± Leon¡¯s voice turned deadly cold as he starred back at this brother. ¡°Haha stop getting so serious, I was kidding obviously¡± Darren said while sticking his tongue out teasingly. Leon began cooking shortly after while Darren lay in bed leisurely ¡°Hey brother, how does it feel to end someone¡¯s life?¡± ¡°Shut up stupid little brother¡± ¡°Asking question like that is so unbecoming for someone your age¡± ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you go out and play or something like a normal thirteen year old?¡± ¡°Playing? Haha brother I am too old for that shit¡± ¡°Cursing again, hum. I really suck as a parent it seems¡± ¡°I agree¡± Darren couldn¡¯t help teasingly laughing. Time passed as nighttime was closing in ¡°Good job making dinner big brother¡± Darren said with a thumbs up. ¡°Thank you¡± ¡°Too bad we are out of money again haha¡± Leon said not knowing whoever to laugh or cry. ¡°Brother go kill some fat greasy fellow from the Capital and you would probably get lots of money¡± ¡°Shut up, I can¡¯t understand how a thirteen year old can speak of such thing in a trivial matter¡± Leon said rather pissed off. The dinner alcohol he drank during dinner had slowly taken effect; emotions therefore quite easily emerged from his face. ¡°You know why, because we live in such shitty conditions that¡¯s why¡± Leon couldn¡¯t help nodding as the two brothers sat there in silence. The silence prolonged for a long time, deep in thought. Their conditions had only grown worse and worse lately. ¡°Hey, are you crying¡± Leon shouted rather annoyed. ¡°No¡± Darren said sobbing. ¡°I don¡¯t allow any crying in this house. Since father and mother died you have to be strong, okay?¡± ¡°If you cry again, I¡¯ll throw you out, understand?¡± ¡°Yes, brother, I understand¡± The world had gone to shit. There were no room for crying, no room for pity, no room for doubting yourself. Depression would only lead to, death. Keep pushing forward; keep surviving that was the only thing that lingered on Leon¡¯s mind. As the thought kept lingering on Leon¡¯s mind, his phone vibrated inside his jacket pocket. ¡°Huh, contract already¡± Leon felt this was rather odd. Usually there wasn¡¯t more than one contract every two weeks in average. The money provided living expenses for those two weeks without any job so it was a day by day survival based. If a contract did not appear in say three weeks, Leon and Darren would by definition starve for one week. This job was cruel, but in the eyes of the untouchables obviously a very large sum. [Sender: Yuri] [Subject: New Contract] [Message: I Yuri Maklov sincerely invite Leon to take part in a business opportunity never seen before. The pay will be very high and the risk low. If you are interested come by the drunken mermaid by Monday at midnight to discuss further details.] Leon couldn¡¯t help frowning ¡°High pay, low risk, never heard of such a thing¡± The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.It was not only that sentence that kept bugging Leon. The way it was written almost seemed copy pasted to some degree. Suspicious was what came to mind. Yuri Maklov, one the most notorious criminals in the entirety of Imperial Capital, extends a sincere invitation.. That was highly doubtful ¡°If there actually is a chance of something great going down. Well, I have to hear about it.¡± Yuri knew that even if he wrote the message coy and luscious a poor man could never refuse a chance at a break. Their conditions were so bad that most people would usually do anything. The days went by in wait for the ¡°business meeting¡±. Leon couldn¡¯t help getting a bit nervous of the content of this meeting. The content could very well be his execution, but during the two year he had worked together with Yuri he had never failed a contract. He had never doubted or argued with his employer. His trust in Leon had gone so far that he had put him on his personal speed dial for every important mission coming up. They pay had not increased in consequence though; Yuri knew Leon would work for breadcrumbs and obviously he took advantage of that. Drunken Mermaid ¨C 23.52 This establishment was located at the border of the Imperial Capital. Citizens from all corners of the social ladder would usually come here in pursuit of partaking in illegal activities such as gambling. A dangerous yet familiar place to every borderline criminal across the wide spectrum of people in Imperial Capital. This establishment together with about four others was exclusively run by the notorious Yuri. Not many people had seen this mysterious and dangerous man in real life, but his reputation and cruel methods had spread wide across the country. Yuri would never partake in business himself unless some important character reaches out to him. Yuri¡¯s right-hand man Mr. Kolt would usually take care of every non-important matters. ¡°Mr. Leon welcome, you look good as always¡± A fifty year old man said. The man in front of Leon was so thin that his bones actually became visible under his black suit. His expression carried an experienced weight as he spoke in a kind tone. ¡°Mr. Kolt a pleasure as always¡± Leon said while slightly shaking. Not in fear but, pure disgust. This kind old skeleton was just a cover he wore, he was usually very cruel and malicious almost to the point of scaring an experienced assassin. ¡°If you would please follow me¡± As the sounds of drunken gambling and heated tension continued to ravage the establishment, Mr. Kolt approached the backdoor behind the bar. Only people who had direct contact with Yuri would gain access to this underground basement. The door was guarded with heavy armed guards twenty four seven. After going straight down a pair of crooked stairs Leon finally arrived at his location. Yuri¡¯s room was actually a stage, which before he brought it was used for underground shows, the theme, erotica. The smell of sweat and tears still lingered in the air even if the area was meticulously cleaned. ¡°Mr. Leon please wait here for the time being¡± Kolt said as he proceeded up those crooked stairs once more. Leon not knowing where to go leaned against one of the walls in wait of the notorious business meeting. Two minutes later Mr. Kolt once again came down those crooked stairs. Closely behind him were two men, both unique in their own way. As soon as Leon saw those men, he knew, this was probably the assassination mission of a life time. One of the men walked directly after Mr. Kolt with his hand behind his back. His pale skin could only be described as daunting. His outfit consisted of a well-tailored suit, perfectly and symmetrically going along with his appearance. His hair was short and white, even though he did not appear to be over 30 years old. Both his beard and hair was meticulously groomed and every stride he took conveyed an air of absolute certainty. David Conel, the assassin of the red rose was a man that always strode for perfection. Rumors said that if everything in his own vicinity was not in perfect order, only death awaited. ¡°This smell. Is disgusting. ¡° Conel said with a still calm expression. ¡°My apologies¡± Mr. Kolt said as he signaled the servants to fetch an air refreshing spray. The man behind him did not walk quite like a normal man would. He had his hands behind his head as he whistled cords to the newest pop song. Appearance wise he look no older then eighteen and bore a kind and inexperienced expression. Ken, as he was called had many nicknames. The smiling death was the one that usually stuck. Ken turned towards with a bright smile on his face before speaking up ¡°Ahh, Senior Leon. Long time no see :)¡± ¡°Hey¡± This kind nature had always put Leon on tilt. Knowing the deeds that he had done and the gruesome manner he had executed those deeds would make any man dumbfound. Just as Ken once again was about to open his mouth a huge gorilla of a man entered the stage. If someone saw him for the first time they would have doubt regarding his species, he was simply too big to be considered human. His face was covered with tons of knife scars, together with an unkempt beard. ¡°Welcome guests¡± Yuri said with powerful strength. ¡°Little Yuri looking as fearsome as ever!¡± Ken said with a big smile on his face. Normal people seeing this spectacle would be greatly surprised that an eighteen year old child would converse with this monster in such an away. But Ken reputation was so great that not even the notorious Yuri would needlessly anger him. Both Ken and Conel were considered peak Assassins of the world, both of them does not even originate from Imperial Capital. They are Assassin¡¯s for hire, not under anyone¡¯s thumb. Just as Mr. Kolt was going to speak up in protest Yuri raised his hand. His eyes, said: its fine. ¡°Ken as lively as ever, I see¡± ¡°So why have you summoned us to this cold continent¡± Ken said with the same bright smile on his face. Yuri took a seat on the stage and meanwhile a butler came running on with warm tea. Yuri took one big chunk of the tea before once again speaking up ¡°Ken, David Conel and Leon are by my assumption the most proficient assassins of our time¡± David Conel, looked over at Leon and just frowned. This was their first time meeting and Leon was by no means known outside the borders of Imperial Capital. It was therefore quite understandable that the well-known David Conel had never heard of the name. Yuri seeing Conel¡¯s distress in the matter spoke up ¡°Conel I guarantee this man¡¯s efficiency¡± Conel only nodded in response, quickly letting the matter go. Yuri word still carried undeniable weight. He had Imperial Capital¡¯s underworld under his thumb and was therefore quite a big figure in the underworld. ¡°The reason why I have brought three top tier Assassin¡¯s over today, is to present an unremarkable business opportunity for your trade¡± Everyone in the room nodded in wait of the continued explanation ¡°You are all Assassin¡¯s and should therefore not know of this information¡± ¡°But tomorrow night, the biggest virtual reality game ever created is being released across the world, in Russia, the European Union, China, everywhere.¡± Confusion struck across everyone face. Why would an assassin care about virtual reality games? The word virtual reality game was although widely known. During the previous fifty years the economical income of the gaming industry had skyrocketed, the reason, virtual reality games. People across the globe fought for their life to get their hands on one of the limited copies currently in circle. Even if virtual reality games quickly became popular, the gaming industry had no way to meet up on the demand. It therefore became common knowledge that virtual reality gaming was for the rich and the fortunate. ¡°I understand that you are all very confused, haha.¡± ¡°Let me explain it like this. Player versus player combat has become widely used in recent games. This basically means killing each other inside the game.¡± ¡°Killing players inside games makes them drop items, basically equipment. The rich snot¡¯s of the upper-class pay shitloads of money for assassination at the purpose of getting to these items¡± ¡°Haha, can you grasp the opportunity here?¡± Leon was the first to speak up, knowing a bit about the virtual reality genre ¡°There is potential there, sadly the gaming equipment is too expensive and 70% of the world¡¯s population can¡¯t afford it. This combined with a limit on how many players can play at the same time does not make it profitable¡± This thought had gone through Leon¡¯s mind before. Items of a variety of quality went for high real life money though the auction house that most games used. There was only one problem; the gaming equipment was too expensive. A single virtual reality unit would cost more than Leon¡¯s annual salary. David Conel actually turned around immediately after Leon¡¯s explanation and walked towards the crooked stairs. No sound left his mouth as he proceeded towards the door. ¡°Conel, not interested¡± ¡°No, something as trivial as games does not interest me at all. I am guessing I am free to keep the money?¡± ¡°Yes, that was pay for coming here¡± Leon couldn¡¯t help feeling rather startled. Conel had actually gained money for just getting here. Yuri once again opened his mouth, this time his voice echoed with even greater strength as the words spread across the room. ¡°What if I told you more than 50% of the population will definitely play and the pay will be in the millions?¡± --- comments are encouraged. 2. Omen of death A satisfied grin grew on Yuri mouth as the words left his mouth. His eyes appeared tranquil yet fierce as he continued to gaze in Conel¡¯s direction. The room went so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Moments passed awaiting a response; Conel came to a stop for a bare second before continuing towards those pairs of crooked stairs. As he had traversed the first step along the crooked stairs he calmly turned around facing the awaiting crowd before him. ¡°Games have never interested me. Neither do I believe the premise that there is millions of dollars up for the grabbing.¡± Conel once again began traverse upon the crooked stairs determined to leave this establishment behind. As he approached the final stair step his tranquil voice spread across the room ¡°Clean up this room next time. Otherwise I will not be trilled.¡± Conel not turning around quietly stepped through the door at the top of the staircase. Yuri¡¯s tranquil smile bloomed and develops into a crude laugh. Tiny amount of saliva left his mouth as the laugh grew louder and fiercer. After a session of intense laughter Yuri reached into his inner pocket, took out his rough handkerchief and proceeded to clean up the consequences. ¡°David Conel, a whim of iron without match.¡± ¡°Fine then. Ken and Leon that leaves you.¡± Yuri¡¯s loud and fierce voice resonated across the enclosed space. Determination returned to his gaze as he beamed across the two young assassins faces. ¡°Obviously both of you are still rather doubtful so let me explain¡± ¡°A new virtual reality unit will be released in unison with the game. This unit¡¯s price is presumed to be a tenth of the price of current units, 1000 dollars.¡± As Leon heard the price his face grew grimmer by the moments. Yuri¡¯s keen eye sight caught a glance at Leon and saw the color drain from his face. Sweat was dripping slowly across his face, as the worry grew. Such a rare opportunity carried great emotional weight especially on individuals that was drained of wealth. ¡°Leon do not worry. This unit and the game are obviously paid entirely by me.¡± ¡°And obviously you can collect items yourselves in the free time which surely will have good value.¡± A coy smile once again crawled up on Yuri. Wealth was more precious than life for those born undaunted and forgotten. Opportunity was a godsend and would always be welcomed with open arms. As light returned to Leon¡¯s face the skeletal human of a man Mr. Kolt strode towards Leon in a direct manner. In his hand was a single page of white paper and words scribbled across the page. He handed over the paper piece towards Leon and waited for him to receive it. Leon quickly picked up the paper and read its content ¡°I Leon hereby agree to the following rules 1. Carry out every mission given by your employer. 2. You as the employee will receive 20% of the mission¡¯s payload. 3. You may under no circumstances give up a contract half way. Employer Name: Yuri Maklov Employee Name: _________ ¡° As soon as Leon read the last sentence he was handed a marine ink pen. Mr. Kolt¡¯s precision and keen eye was almost a godsend. As Leon received the ink pen Mr. Kolt proceeded to hand over an identical white paper to the youthful man known as Ken. As he received it with a serene smile Yuri¡¯s fierce voice once again resounded across the room ¡°Look over the contract and sign if you wish so. Otherwise the door is obviously at the top of those stairs.¡± Yuri said while nodding towards its direction. Ken¡¯s everlasting smile continued to bream across his face. Without much thought he moved his hand in a swift manner, clearly demonstrating his fast and precise hand movements. ¡°Games are always fun¡± Ken turned towards Leon in a casual manner. He put his hand steadily on the back of his head as he normally would. As he fiercely scratched the back of his head he once again opened his mouth ¡°Senior Leon will you accompany me on this fun journey¡± Leon knowing what abyss laid behind that casual yet cheerful smile couldn¡¯t help but twitch. Any game that involved the demon with an everlasting smile would decidedly end up in a twisted and cruel bloodbath. The path of carnage was clear, blood would be spilled and dreams would be destroyed. Although Leon¡¯s current situation would by many be considered even worse, the thought beckoned in his mind. ¡°Of course¡± In spite of Leon¡¯s emotional turmoil not a single strand of emotion had left his inner self. As he faced Ken he spoke with external overbearing confidence. Doubt a thing left behind. Showing equally masterful hand movement Leon signed. As his last stroke left the paper Yuri¡¯s coy smile evolved into brightness. ¡°Good! Good!¡± ¡°So here is the deal. Tomorrow morning my people will set you up with the proper equipment. You are free to leave your current locale here Ken. Since I assume that you are not currently stationed in the city¡± Ken kept his cheerful smile as he nodded lightly in response. ¡°Instruction regarding missions will go through my organization and then I will transverse the contract information.¡± ¡°As in any virtual reality game, this will be time consuming. But profit equality attractive.¡± ¡°Take these brief instruction manuals which will explain the core concepts of virtual reality gaming.¡± As the words echoed out, a bony hand appeared with the manual in question mere seconds after. Leon took hold and could only grasp in its lightness. Knowing the technical difficulties in creating a complex virtual reality game and machine, Leon sighed at how little information was needed to actually utilize the hardware. Yuri as on queue turned around his gorilla body and strode of the stage. As he took the last of the five steps his powerful voice echoed ¡°You are dismissed¡± Leon signaled a goodbye towards his ever smiling junior before he traversed toward those crooked stairs. Moments later he appeared in an ever bustling hut of activity. Loud noises of heavily drunken middle aged men spread in the atmosphere. Screams of ecstasy of the few winning residents also travelled in the air. As Leon opened the door, the colds of Russia hit his face sending a shrill down his body. It was an unpleasantly cold winter''s night; dark, mystifying, the moon was sheltered by the murky looming clouds. Cold winds swept the lands as they hit against Leon¡¯s thin dark coat. After an hour¡¯s walk Leon finally reached his fragile hut, warmth spread as he stepped inside the door. ¡°Brother, welcome home!¡± Darren face beamed with light as he stepped into the warmth. A light in an everlasting darkness was what kept many undaunted travelling. Such was the case for Leon his first couple of years, but once you grow accustom to the total absence of light many find sanctuary in the darkness. Live with something during a long period of time and eventually it becomes one with your being. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°So what was the offer about?¡± ¡°A virtual reality game¡± Stating the word game out loud was all but unfamiliar to both Leon and Darren. However the thought always daunted Darren, knowing that other children his age had such luxuries. In consequence Darren face sparkled with an even stronger beaming light as those words left Leon¡¯s mouth. ¡°Really?¡± The brightness in his voice spread across the roam as his smile grew ever wider. Leon seeing his excitement growing showed a hand sign for the purpose of calming his young brother down, but to very little effect. ¡°Okay listen. It¡¯s like this I met Yuri¡­. --------------------------------------------------------- The world is as silent as if it ended in the night. The sun is still resolutely below the horizon and the street is as dark as some old-school black and white movie. As Leon closed his eyes he felt the heady pull of dreams, beckoning him back to play. Like a little kid at the swings who''s been told its home-time, he turned begrudgingly to the light switch and flicked it, immediately the room is bathed in that unnatural electric glow. But the cool blue strip light was free with the room, along with the rising damp and the cockroaches. Bear moments later, a heavy knock slams against the front door. Opportunity has come knocking and the lands of dreams will have to be postponed. Quickly getting dressed Leon opens the door eagerly. Outside a fifty year old man with gruesome facial scars comes into light. Without letting a sound escape he hands over a rather large box which presumably contains the virtual reality set. Leon willingly accepts the package and the man hastily takes off. Yuri¡¯s thugs and men was usually men with few words, which usually intervened perfectly with the assassin crowd. Darren is still fast asleep, heavy snores escapes his nostrils. Before opening Leon gathers his thoughts about what he had read last night in the manual. Sovereign Online. There are six races, Humans, Elves, Dwarfs, Beast men, Demons and Northlings. Every race contains several sub-species. Information regarding how to obtain these sub-species is currently unknown. Every race gets a unique racial passive at the start of the game. The games theme is modestly inspired by middle age European architecture and culture at least for Humans. Swords, bow and magic is the conventional way to engage in combat a fact that made Leon excited. Classes are determined in the early parts of the game depending on player choice. Death means loss of great amount experience and equipment. The world size is larger or equal to the real world. The world is currently not explored, and many unexplored areas are therefore open for players to venture in. Killing is permitted by the game rules to appear anywhere but if caught under the supervision of town guards strife will occur. Leveling is the conventional means to measure power. Behind leveling are stat points, which are given naturally at every level up through the ten attributes points given after every level. However players can also level stat points if an action correlating to an attribute is done the correct or numerous times. Skills are naturally given to every player once they pick up a class. However as with attributes points, skills can be created on the players own accord. The virtual reality unit is designed to simulate a real world experience, and currently holds a 90% realism factor. Naturally there were other key elements which the manual mentioned but those were the once that seemed to be the most vital. Leon overwhelmed by the amount of elements and complexity the game was built on. As a single drop of sweat swept Leon¡¯s face as he began tearing up the well tucked package. The technological content made Leon immediately grasp, by the outlet of the package he assumed the unit would be massive in size but to his surprise what laid in side was a rather small piece of headgear. Leon was intrigued and therefore chose not to wait until his brother left the land of dreams. They had made a pact the day before, not to engulf in the magic that is virtual reality until both of them were awake. However Leon was by trade a viscous assassin and therefore treacherous by nature. Knowing that his brother was as deceptive, he put on the headgear with a clear conscience. As the headgear came down on top of Leon¡¯s head the atmosphere and his view changed. Everything turned jet-black and quiet. Leon heard his own heart pounding as the world was turning ever blacker. The noise reduction on this unit was both mesmerizing and scary as the only thing you could hear was your own body beating. As the jet-black had settled all-around a deep and determined voice spoke out of the darkness ¡°Welcome to Sovereign Online. As the servers have not opened yet you cannot enter the game. If you wish to create your character beforehand please confirm this message¡± ¡°Yes¡± Leon¡¯s voice resounded out into the jet-black darkness. The recognizable tone brought Leon both comfort and amazement. ¡°Which race would you like to choose?¡± ¡°There are currently six available races, Humans, Elves, Dwarfs, Beast men, Demons and Northlings.¡± ¡°State their name and further information will be provided¡± Leon had analyzed this choice before and leaned against the demon race. Demon¡¯s was notorious creatures of the night a characteristic that went well with his personality. The racial passive was said to be related to night creatures and other notorious dangers. ¡°Demon¡± ¡°Demon are notorious creatures of darkness and strive from the¡± ¡°Skip¡± Leon had no interest in the backstories. This was work and not play, realizing the difference was one of the initial steps in making money. ¡°Will you accept demon as you race?¡± ¡°Yes¡± ¡°You¡¯re starting location will be randomized inside the demon¡¯s domain.¡± ¡°Please state you¡¯re in game name¡± ¡°Leon¡± ¡°Name not taken. Name accepted.¡± ¡°Your character¡¯s appearance will be based on real life appearance as stated by the law of Misdeemed conduct in virtual reality games. Do you accept?¡± ¡°Yes¡± ¡°Character is now being created.¡± Second¡¯s past as Leon stared into vacuum. As the voice disappeared sounds of his heartbeat and pulse once again echoed in his mind. After a whole minute, the voice again resounded across the jet-black atmosphere ¡°Character Created. ¡°Name: Leon Species: Banshee¡± ¡°Banshee?¡± Leon couldn¡¯t help saying out loud. --------------------------------------------------- Comments, critisms and other things are more then welcome. 3. Forest Of Anguish Time passed by in a flash. The bright light of the sun crept down from the heavens. Leon and Darren consumed in discussion waited in anticipation. Anticipation to begin a new journey, a different life. The stars in the sky were nonexistent, as between them arose puffs of gray. Those balls of cotton seen during the day shifted into streams of gray the color of ash and soot. They blanketed the sky, hiding the full moon in its full glory behind them. But the moon fought, oh how it fought to shine its light on the earth. But the clouds stretched over the sky, giving it a hazy ominous feel. Along this engulfing of the night voices blabbed happily like a mountain river. The hour of prime fell as the game¡¯s starting time approached ever closer. Before Darren and Leon knew it, time had come to emerge into the new world. ¡°Are you ready?¡± Darren said as his face grew brighter ¡°Obviously¡± Leon said as some happiness crept onto his face. The thought of this being work grew farther and farther to the back of his mind. The constant chatter and discussion had sparkled a flame not often seen in those deemed undaunted. A feeling of happiness and anticipation for a better life and an exciting journey had emerged from the pit of emptiness. ¡°Then what are you waiting for! Put on the head gear!¡± Darren voice echoed loud across the barren hut. The unstable table shook slightly in accordance to the might of the wind on the outside. ¡°Okay!¡± Leon picked up the light soft helmet and treaded it over his head. The head ware was comfortable; the soft material weaved perfectly against his rough yet tender face. The jet-black darkness once again engulfed Leon¡¯s vision as he laid himself against the hut¡¯s wooden floor.
The game server will open in: 50 SECONDS Your starting location will be determined depending on race chosen. Equipment will be the same for every character entering Sovereign Online. Enjoy your journey. Seek for sovereign and change your fate.
50 seconds later Leon¡¯s vision blushed. The blue window indicating the countdown disappeared and he was transferred elsewhere. Leon could fill the chilly air beating against his skin and what seemed like a forest appeared before his eyes.
Welcome to Sovereign online. Starting location: Forest of Anguish
¡°What a forest?¡± Leon couldn¡¯t help stating out loud. The manual stated that you generally began your journey in a village. A village that provided both safety and reassurance which would mole the player toward this world¡¯s harsh landscape. The first levels were meant to act as a tutorial into an unknown world, but the feeling this forest gave away was not pleasant to say the least. The forest was dark and foreboding, but there was peace in its sullen ambiance. Leon¡¯s eyes flickered over the thick, dark trunks of the trees that rose steadily into the sky, its branches interlocking with its neighbors like giant¡¯s arms linked together protecting their home. The trees were densely packed together, leaving just enough space to allow someone to maneuver through. Leon pressed his palm against its rough bark, and breathed in the scent of the forest. The musty scent of leaves after rainfall, the warm soil packed against the earth by scurrying animals, the scent of things in different stages of blooming and growth. The smell of life and death. The forest was teeming with it. As Leon was about to embark his journey from his surprising beginning, from the darkness came sounds of heavy limbs being dragged across the forest floor. Whatever it was, it was massive. Either it dragged its feet or a tail through the undergrowth. Every once in a while would come a cracking noise like bone on wood, or at least that is what Leon imagined it to be - a thick skull crashing into a trunk. This beast was neither lithe, graceful, or blessed with night vision. Blue chattering lips and trembling muscles and just sitting there became a non-option. Sooner or later his involuntary noises or his smell would lead this predator right to him. He tensed up ready to spring forwards, facing the dreadful danger ahead. Excitement grew stronger every step he took across the moist forest floor. Step¡¯s later Leon laid eyes on the massive creature. Its stench invaded his nostrils as he gazed upon the monster, his stomach reacted in accordance growling and screeching. Slate grey powdery skin, flaking, three meters tall, body bumpy like a sack of rocks, incongruously small head with scrubby sparse lank hair, an effluvium of rancid lard, legs like tree trunks, great warty feet with hairy toes. Upon his head floated a text in a bright red color: ¡°Forest Troll Level: ??¡± Before the troll could face Leon a message suddenly appeared before his eyes. Showing what he already feared once grazing upon the beast.
Danger: Forest Trolls are at least ten levels above you. Tread carefully.
The gruesome forest troll didn¡¯t seem to have caught Leon¡¯s scent as it kept gazing in a different direction. Underneath its feet was what could only describe as a bone yard. Bones of different lengths and size spread underneath¡¯s its warty feet and fresh blood kept dripping down its bumpy body. Letting onlookers know that it had just engulfed itself in bloody slaughter. Leon closely watched the Forest Troll as he kept still. No emotion of worry lingered only determination and excitement. Leon kept thinking challenges are what make any life interesting. Leon glanced down on what was equipped on his body.
Bronze Sword
Damage:1-5Durability:100 / 100
Quality:Grey
A sturdy bronze sword crafted to suit the needs of inexperienced adventurers.
Ragged Hide Armor
Type:OutfitDurability:100 / 100
Quality:Grey
A sturdy Ragged Hide Armor that covers the whole body crafted to suit the needs of inexperienced adventurers. +1 Defense Rating
Those values was underwhelming was the thought that came to Leon¡¯s mind. Leon¡¯s first plan therefore flew out the window. It stated, engage the gruesome troll and use superior battle knowledge to emerge victorious. Reading the game manual had provided him enlightenment regarding monster and player battle encounters. Stats had great influence on movement, damage and generally everything regarding battle, even if he possessed superior battle sense and experience winning straight up would be a hassle. The Forest Trolls menacing muscles radiated power, emitting the wide difference in stats. A kill would never be initiated unless one process one hundred percent certainty of success. Leon head kept tilting in different directions as he was scouting the terrain. The tangled pathways between trees were both narrow and hard to maneuver. Bringing the Troll treading across those paths would definitely hinder its movement and in consequence its battle power. Leon knew having killed many men of large stature that maneuvering was always a weakness that came hand in hand with size. The question that beckoned inside his head was, would these narrow pathways provide him opportunity for victory. Not knowing the enemy he couldn¡¯t be certain and therefore decided to tread away from the gruesome creature. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Leon walked across the narrow paths to right side of the Troll, only minutes later he came across a daunting mountain pass. Moss and lichen covered boulders sprawled in the rockery of Mother Nature. There was no trace of civilization in this wilderness apart from a worn out path that snaked through the blanket of rocks. The path was so cramped that even Leon thought walking there would bring hardship. As soon as Leon laid eyes on the narrow path, an idea grew like a fire catching dry wood. Minutes later Leon once again stood before the gruesome troll. Meter¡¯s away from his sight was an opening leading onto the Forest Trolls abode. The troll was located in an opening, not to get caught in the narrow pathways of the forest. Leon gripped the stone he had picked up as he made his way there; he clenched his arm muscle as he released the stone in the Troll direction. Movement¡¯s later the stone ricocheted off the gruesome Trolls head. ¡° -2 ¡° As the yellow number displayed across the Trolls small head it exploded in a gruesome rage. Lifting its head to the sky it released what Leon thought was the growl of death signaling to every living creature in its vicinity that he and only he would kill this attacker. As the troll head faced against Leon their eyes met, this yellow almost red eyes starred straight back. Moments later his body flew toward the narrow forest, every step travelling twice as fast as Leon could currently run. As soon as movements were spotted on the Trolls body Leon dashed towards the narrow mountain path. A mere minute later he arrived; he positioned himself right before the opening and turned around facing the enraged monster. Taking backward steps Leon slowly wandered inside the narrow mountain path in hope that the enraged beast would follow his ascension up the valley. As he grazed the Troll no sign of stopping could be seen on his body as rage had overcome reason. Two meter¡¯s from the small opening the Forest Troll lunched itself in the air ready to descend onto Leon¡¯s fragile figure. But as soon as it grew closer the rocky slopes of the narrow mountain path met up against the beast in resistance slowing down its descent. The massive body didn¡¯t come to immediate stop though which was what Leon predicted. Instead rock residue flew about as the mountain pathway crumbled around the troll¡¯s massive body. The Trolls reaching arm grows closer and closer to Leon fragile body as he kept backing further down the mountain path. Even if the mountain path gradually slowed the Trolls descent locking it in a steadfast still position his arm continued to advance. BOOM The Trolls hand grazed across Leon body. Its fist a third of his body size, flew deeper into Leon stomach as he clenched for air. ¡° -59 ¡± A big red number lingered over Leon¡¯s head as he began to cough up small amount 0f blood. Leon slowly rose to his feet mere centimeters from where the fist now was locked, the Trolls body had lunched several meters into the mountains path and was currently struggling to get free. ¡°That¡¯s quite the punch you¡¯re packing¡± Leon said as he removed the last amount of blood from his mouth. A slow descended fist had actually inflicted 59% of Leon health. Leon¡¯s frown grew wider as he imagined what a full force punch would have inflicted. ¡°I got to be even more careful next time. Creatures of this game seems to go against the norm to say the least¡± ¡°I need to adapt. Or surviving is going to be rough¡± Leon said out loud as the enraged Troll continued to struggle against the narrow mountain path. Stone residue was continuing to accumulate and Leon knew that the time to go for the kill was now. As he side stepped the immobile hand and approached the gruesome troll¡¯s small head its struggles continued to escalate. A pray of minor strength was so close to it but it could actually not hurt him, the feeling echoed across the troll mind as he continued his struggle. Leon gripped his sword and plunched it straight through the immobile Troll¡¯s eye ¡°-45¡± ¡°So the eye does 45 damage¡± ¡°How about the brain¡± Leon once again clenched the sword hilt in his hand as he lunched the swords sharp peak inside the creature¡¯s brain. ¡°-185¡± ¡°Holy fuck¡± There were no mentions of different points of damage depending on what vital point struck in the game manual. Leon couldn¡¯t help but let a smile brew across his face as he made this vital discovery. ¡°But it¡¯s still not dead..¡± Leon once again lunched his sword inside the now almost lifeless troll. ¡°-20¡± The troll breath stopped as the body slowly began to disappear. ¡°250 health points damn¡±
Ding! +500 Experience +Level Up +Level Up +Level Up You are the first player to defeat this enemy and words of your conquest will therefore spread across the land! +5 Fame Your superior battle knowledge and braveness have managed to defeat an enemy of superior strength. Tales of your bravery will be spread across the land! +50 Fame Title received for defeating enemy of superior strength: The Brave Would you like to activate this title?
Titles were a means to get extra stats. Receiving them was determined on player actions taken. Knowing the benefits of equipping a title Leon didn¡¯t hesitate ¡°Yes¡± The red green name above his head changed instantly emitting an even brighter glow. ¡°Leon the brave¡± Were the words that hovered above Leon¡¯s head. ¡°Titles¡± Leon¡¯s voice echoed inside his head as he brought up the title information page.
Title: The Brave As a warrior with superior perception and bravery your name will echo across the mind of those who lies eyes on your name. +10 to all stats
Leon smirked in response to the information given by the title information window. 10 points to every stat was something which would carry across every level from now own. Ideas of gaining furthered titles came to mind but Leon put them in the back of his mind as his thought sprung towards something else. "Skills" Leon''s class was something heard in ancient tales, a being of death, and omen of death. The racial skill or ability that came with it must come with great strength.
Omen Of Death (Racial Passive Skill) Banshee''s usually seen as an omen of death and a messenger from another world. In legend, a banshee is a fairy woman or man who begins to wail if someone is about to die. As an omen of death your senses are heighten in its presence. +100% damage when enemy is below 20% health.
As soon as the window diapered from Leon''s sight an archaic voice came forth inside his mind. "You have 30 unspent stat points. Please open up stats menu to delegate points or voice your preference inside your mind." "30 points in agility Leon knew beforehand that agility would provide the maneuvering ability he needed to gain advantages inside this forest. These narrow pathways were the perfect killing zone for those with an agile body and agile mind. ------------------ Super short chapter, but just felt reasonable to end it here. Things will begin kicking soon. Thanks for the support.