《Free World Online》


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    I''ll use this to post updates or information.


    If you have any suggestions, post them here as well! I''ll consider them, and let you know if I decide to implement them.


    I thought of a better one. I''m not sure yet. Will post the link if I end up writing it.


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.IMPORTANT!! Just letting anyone who reads this know that I''ve been sick recently. I''ve also been working on some other stuff, but mainly the sickness has been keeping me from writing the next chapter. I can''t promise when I''ll get to it, but it should be soon. I haven''t stopped.

 Chapter 1: An Odd Choice

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


    ¡°¡­and it looks like we¡¯re almost out of time for this segment. As the owner of Free World Online, the first ever VR, are there any last words?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mary, I have a statement to make.¡± The man swathed in an expensive business suit looked straight at the camera, his face deadpan and menacing whereas moments ago it was vibrant and sparkling.


    ¡°For all of you who enter this game, I want you to be aware of what I¡¯m going to say. My game, Free World Online, is not simply another game. It''s a second life. Your choices, and actions, will have consequences. Remember this.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Wow. How exciting. I hope the VR lives up to everyone¡¯s hopes and expectations. That¡¯s all we have for the interview, thank you for tuning in.¡±


    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


    I put my headphones down, excitement shining in my eyes. That statement quickly became famous around the world. Many scoffed at what he said, but I felt he was speaking from the heart. At the very least, I hope he¡¯s achieved what he says he has. A second life. Perhaps that¡¯s what I need. Something to escape the rage I feel in my heart. To escape from the betrayal that shatters my heart every day. Well, I¡¯m about to find out. Free World Online is set to start in less than a minute. I quietly enter my capsule, and set it to Life Support Mode. One of the inbuilt safety features of the VR capsule, is that you can survive in it for over a month. I don¡¯t plan to leave it until I have to. It¡¯s not like I have anything to keep me here. I set the capsule to Start, and suddenly everything flashes white. The next time I opened my eyes, I was in an expansive dark grey area, void of anything.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Welcome, Crystal, to Free World Online!


    Please select your Gender!</td></tr><tr><td>Male</td><td>Female</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Normally I wouldn¡¯t found it odd that they knew my name, but once you get a VR you¡¯re registered for life. Any capsule you go into recognizes who you are. It¡¯s to stop people playing multiple characters. I select Female. I prefer my own gender in games.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Please select your Race!</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr></tbody></table>


    This time various figures start appearing before me, blinking in one after the other until a solid number of 18 was reached. There were many interesting races, such as elves and orcs and even titans, but there was only one that really captivated me. The race was called Draconite. They had the same form as humans, however the skin was replaced with scales. Along with this was a tail, swishing behind casually. The rest of them, however, looked just like a human! Hair and all. I absolutely loved it. The eyes got to me a little bit, as they constantly glowed. I¡¯m hoping that it was just to show off, and didn¡¯t do that all the time.


    [Crystal]: Show Race Draconite.


    Suddenly a screen pops up showing the differences between the other races. It seems in this game, the only difference between races is in their Racial Skills. I look through them.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr><tr><td>Celestial Understanding:</td><td>Large cognitive improvement.</td></tr><tr><td>Adaptive Body:</td><td>Body changes depending on the stats you choose. </td></tr><tr><td>Zero Start:</td><td>All stats, besides Health and Stamina, start at 0. Health and Stamina start at 1/5 of normal.</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Wow. That¡¯s horrible. Zero Start really makes me weak compared to the other races. Yet Celestial Understanding would be extremely useful. Being able to adapt to situations quickly will come into handy. Adaptive Body however¡­well, I¡¯ll find out when I start investing into stats. It may turn out to be OP. one can only hope. I¡¯m happy with the decision.


    [Crystal]: I¡¯ve decided on the race Draconite.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Processed.


    Please customize your Character!</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    I hate this part. You get a million options, most of them making very little difference to your character. Besides, it¡¯s a VR, so being as close to your own body as possible will benefit you.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    [Crystal]: Match my body.


    The Draconite body glows suddenly, its shape shifting until it matched mine. I looked at myself, or rather the Draconite version of myself. A little below average height, I had a slim build. I sigh at my lack of breasts, a sore point for myself, but I decide to keep it anyways. No use lying to myself. I glance at the tail behind myself, amused at the way it swishes in the air.


    [Crystal]: Change scales to purple.


    Again, the Draconite glows brightly. The scales change to purple. Really ugly looking purple. Purple is my favourite color too. I cry silently, in my heart.


    [Crystal]: Change scales to black.


    This time, the scales looked beautiful. When I looked into them, I felt myself sinking into unimaginable depths. I loved it.


    [Crystal]: Make my hair red and my eyes purple.


    I love red hair, and seeing it offset the black made it look just that much better. The purple eyes also fit well, I might be a bit biased to purple but I thought they suited my Draconite body. Especially when glowing, it almost looks divine. I shake myself out of my self-appreciation.


    [Crystal]: Accept character.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Processed.


    Please select your Class!


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


    Different versions of my Draconite body starts blinking in rapidly. I start looking through them all, seeing some iconic classes such as ¡®Warrior¡¯ and ¡®Mage, and some more interesting ones like ¡®NecroDruid¡¯. Seems contradictory, but interesting nonetheless. It wasn¡¯t until I got to the end, however, that I found a class that captivated me. I wielded a small sword, broken and dull. I had only tattered clothing on, as if I experienced severe hardship. When I looked closer, some information came up.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr><tr><td>Class:</td><td>Wanderer</td></tr><tr><td>Description:</td><td>Forsaken by the Gods, you must face the fate you have chosen. You start in an unknown area. Cannot interact with any players and most NPC¡¯s. Gods seek your death. You start with max Infamy.</td></tr><tr><td>Equipment:</td><td>Broken Shortsword: It''s useless. Why are you using this?


    Damage: 0


    Durability: 0/10


    Tattered Clothing: It''s useless. Are you a masochist?


    Armor: 0


    Durability: 0/10</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr></tbody></table>


    A¡­interesting class to say the least. I couldn¡¯t help letting out a mad laugh when I read it. No-one would accept this class. It was that horrible. I collapsed on the ground when I started to really think about it, tears in my eyes. I couldn¡¯t contain myself, I continued to laugh maniacally for quite a while. When I finally calmed down, I knew what I would do.


    [Crystal]: I choose the class Wanderer.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Processed.


    Please name your Character!</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    This class is a challenge. No, it¡¯s an adventure. The game might as well be putting up a sign saying ¡®I dare you¡¯. I prefer solo play anyways, and I¡¯m not one to take the easy road. I started laughing like a maniac again.


    [Crystal]: LET EVERYONE ELSE CHOOSE THEIR SAFE CLASS! NOT ME! I¡¯M GOING ON AN ADVENTURE!!


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Name denied!


    Please choose an appropriate Name.</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Phew, dodged a bullet there. There¡¯s no confirmations in this game, I really wouldn¡¯t want to be going around the game with a name like that. That¡¯d be embarrassing. Well, I¡¯ll choose the name I¡¯ve always liked. It is a fantasy game after all, let me fantasize.


    [Crystal]: Luna.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Name accepted!


    Welcome, Luna.


    To Free World.</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Everything flashed white, and I felt myself being transported¡­

 Chapter 2: A chance, or not so chance, meeting

    I blinked several times, hardly believing what I was seeing. They said it would be realistic, but this realism has blown me away. I could hear my own breathing, feel the texture under my hands. I started laughing, sheer joy overwhelming me. I spun around the room in a daze, just taking in my surroundings. I was in a dark grey room, the texture felt like granite but was hard as steel.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Congratulations! You''ve equipped the unique class Wanderer


    For being the first person to claim a unique class you gain 200 Fame


    For claiming the Wanderer class, Forsaken by the Gods, you cannot gain Fame.</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>You have equipped the title ''Forsaken by the Gods''


    This title causes the following effects:


    Cannot interact with an players, and most NPC''s. Gods seek your death. You start with max Infamy.


    This title cannot be removed.</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>You have discovered a unique location!


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


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>A mandatory Quest has been accepted!</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Wrath of Cronus</td></tr><tr><td>Reach Cronus, located in the deepest part of ???</td></tr><tr><td>Sucess: ???


    Failure: Impossible</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Well, ok then. Seems I have no choice in what¡¯s happening. Must come with the class. I looked around. The room was completely empty, except for something in the corner of the room. I headed over to identify it.


    When I got there, I gasped. Half in surprise, half in shock. It was a skeleton. Bone white, as if it¡¯s been there for centuries. Next to it lay a book with a soft glow. Everything else he once held seemed to have disintegrated. It was a wonder the book hadn¡¯t as well. I¡¯ve heard of this before, how touching a really old book can cause it to break up. Perhaps I should wait.


    I turned around to check the rest of the room. The only other thing I found was an exit. It went straight ahead and seemed to open up into an area. I should head there first. I should-


    Oh fuck it.


    I head back over and pick up the book. If the damn thing disintegrates, then that¡¯s that. Suddenly, the soft glow of the book turned bright and a loud thum could be heard. I panicked, quickly throwing the book away, but it wouldn¡¯t let go of my hand. I cursed my curiosity, hoping I don¡¯t get killed for it.


    Unfortunately, what happened was much worse. The book suddenly collapsed into itself, making a small glowing ball of light. This ball went at lightning speed into my head. I felt it reach my brain and dissolve itself into it. Pain seared through my mind. I collapsed, loud screams reverberating around the room. I blacked out.


    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


    Please let this work. This is my last ditch effort. I won¡¯t be leaving this place alive, but I hope this reaches the next idiot that makes it into here. I made it back to floor 1. Unfortunately, the Beast that¡¯s hunting me won¡¯t stop. It¡¯ll reach me here soon, so I need to give you as much information as possible.


    This is a dungeon and it¡¯s called Tartarus. I accidently happened upon it while scouting for my Guild. Unfortunately, once you¡¯re in here you can¡¯t leave. Any attempts to leave just puts you back at the starting point. My best guess is completing the dungeon allows you to leave, but even that might not be the case. Oh shit, I can hear it.


    Listen, I was a scout so I spent my time learning about the dungeon. I can¡¯t fight, but hopefully you can. You¡¯re situated on the first floor. I¡¯ve mapped out the first 10 floors, along with the beasts situated in them. I wasn¡¯t able to map out any further, but using some skills I was able to determine some small factors. There¡¯s 100 floors in total. Every 10 floors is a boss, and the half of that holds a smaller boss. Even in the 10 floors I¡¯ve seen, I explored very little. This place is horrifying, I get chills whenever I scout. Something¡¯s not right about this place.


    Oh god, it¡¯s here. Don¡¯t make the same mistake I did. Don¡¯t go further then you are ready for. This isn¡¯t a natural dungeon. It was made by someone, or something. It¡¯s not meant to let you progress. It¡¯s meant to kill you. As fast as possible. I hope you make it further than I did. Good lu- ARGHH!-


    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


    My eyes snap open. I flail about in a panic, the images all too real. I never saw the beast, but the screams he made are going to haunt me for a long time. Perhaps choosing this class wasn¡¯t the best option. I start to calm myself down as I realise I¡¯m safe.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>You¡¯ve learnt more about this unique location!</td></tr><tr><td>Tartarus (dungeon)


    Tartarus has 100 Levels.


    Tartarus cannot be left until it''s completed.


    While in Tartarus, attempts at leaving respawn you at your starting location. This includes death.</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Okay, so that¡¯s a lot of useful information. I quickly pull up my hand in a salute.


    [Luna]: You will not be forgotten, fallen comrade. I hope you rest well.


    I walk away grimly. Reaching the exit, I look through. There¡¯s a straight hallway, leading into some sort of open area. The important thing, however, is that in this hallway is a multitude of rat-like creatures. Looking closer, I realise that they aren¡¯t like rats. They are rats. Hmm. I inspect them closer, noticing that they seem to be walking around aimlessly. However, on further inspection, they seem to be walking as if in a drunken stupor. Odd.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Congratulations! From continuous attempts at identifying a creature you have gained the identification skill!</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Identification: Lv1 (0%)</td></tr><tr><td>By observing creatures, you can learn information about them. Amount learned depends on creature, and level of skill.</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    I quickly test it out. ¡°Identify,¡± I command as I look at one of the rats. A window suddenly pops up.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Small Rat</td></tr><tr><td>Lv 2</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Well, that¡¯s mostly useless. Guess I¡¯ll have to identify some more. I tread lightly as I walk a bit further into the room. Hopefully they¡¯re passive creatures. I wait a bit to check, and sure enough none of them makes a move. It¡¯s probably safe. I start identifying every rat I can see, attempting to raise my identification so I can learn more. A bit of trial and error told me that you can only gain experience from identifying something once. After identifying over 30 times, I get a popup.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Identification is now Lv2 (3%)


    Identification has improved! Can now learn more.</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Levelling skills up seems to be more significant in this game than most other games. I quickly identify the rat again.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Small Rat (passive)</td></tr><tr><td>This rat has become stronger from taking in the ambient energy around it, but it¡¯s reduced them to an instinctive state, being barely able to function.</td></tr><tr><td>Lv 2


    Health: 50/50


    Stamina: 24/24


    Rage: 8/8


    Skills: ???</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    So that¡¯s why they¡¯re acting drunk. They¡¯re barely able to walk. Well, let¡¯s get some fight experience. I open up my inventory and pull out my sword. Grinning, I slam it down onto one of the rats.


    -0 (50/50)


    Right. My swords useless. Suddenly the rat glows, barreling into me at a ridiculous speed. I try and defend, but it overwhelms me and slams me into the wall¡­


    And I wake up in the starting room. That shitty rat just one-shot me. COME ON. I GOT ONE-SHOT BY A LEVEL 2 RAT. I sigh, dejectedly picking myself up off the ground. Apparently I do no damage. However, the game wouldn¡¯t throw me in here if I wasn¡¯t able to do damage. I have to think of a way to beat the rat. I walk back to the hallway when a thought occurs to me. I sue identify on one of the rats.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Small Rat (passive)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>This rat has become stronger from taking in the ambient energy around it, but it¡¯s reduced them to an instinctive state, being barely able to function.</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Lv 2


    Health: 50/50


    Stamina: 24/24


    Rage: 8/8</td></tr><tr><td>Skills:</td><td>Magic Barrel ~ Gathers magical energy, using it to launch itself at an incredible speed into its enemy.


    Damage: 50


    Cost: 2 Rage</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr></tbody></table>


    So identification works off of experience as well. That¡¯s good. Now that I¡¯ve got that figured out, time to check my stat page.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Status Plate</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Luna</td><td colspan=''2''>Female</td></tr><tr><td>Race:</td><td>Draconite</td><td>Level:</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>Fame:</td><td>0</td><td>Class:</td><td>Wanderer</td></tr><tr><td>Infamy:</td><td>9999</td><td>Experience:</td><td>0%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''></td></tr><tr><td>Health:</td><td>20/20</td><td>Health Regeneration:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Stamina:</td><td>20/20</td><td>Stamina Regeneration:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>???:</td><td>???</td><td>??? Regeneration:</td><td>???</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''></td></tr><tr><td>Strength:</td><td>0</td><td>Vitality:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Might:</td><td>0</td><td>Endurance:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Dexterity:</td><td>0</td><td>Resistance:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Agility:</td><td>0</td><td>Defence:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Intelligence:</td><td>0</td><td>Sense:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Wisdom:</td><td>0</td><td>Luck:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Titles</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Forsaken by the Gods</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Status Effects</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>None</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Skills</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Passive</td><td colspan=''2''>Active</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Celestial Understanding: MAX


    Adaptive Body: MAX


    Zero Start: MAX</td><td colspan=''2''>Identification: Lv2</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Ah, this race really does make things hard. It¡¯s really good at the same time however. Normally I wouldn¡¯t be able to handle the situations coming at me so well. Celestial Understanding really is amazing. Hopefully Adaptive Body shows its merits later.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>??? Would like to offer you a deal. Listen to the offer?</td></tr><tr><td>Yes</td><td>No</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Surprised, I hesitate. Perhaps I shouldn¡¯t. Curiosity, however, inevitably gets to me and I say yes. Something appears in front of me. No ¡®poof¡¯, no magic. Just one moment there was nothing, and then suddenly there was something. This something turns out to be a human hidden by a dark cloak that covers him from top to bottom.


    [???]: GREETINGS MORTAL, MY NAME IS LUCIFER AND I HAVE COME TO OFFER A DEAL THAT WILL BENEFIT BOTH OF US!


    I winced, my ears ringing from the volume. Noticing my expression, he relents a bit while laughing.


    [???]: Sorry, sorry. I¡¯ve got to make an impression you know? I usually deal with tough customers.


    I nod my head, still befuddled. I quickly use identify to try and garner some information, but I get very little back.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Lucifer (Passive)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Lv ???</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr></tbody></table>


    [Lucifer]: My name¡¯s Lucifer. I offer a deal that may benefit the both of us.


    [Luna]: What deal?


    [Lucifer]: I¡¯m known as a ¡®Shadow Merchant¡¯. We¡¯re a group of merchants that specialize in serving one person at a time, until either the contract is revoked or they are dead. We help those who the Gods have forsaken.


    [Luna]: What are the benefits of this contract?


    [Lucifer]: Plenty. Those Forsaken by the Gods can no longer trade, sell or buy things from players and merchants.


    [Luna]: So you¡¯re my only option, then.


    [Lucifer]: Yes, but don¡¯t worry. If we charged exuberant prices, neither side would ever gain anything. I will trade anything you recover of value with an equal amount in Shadow Coins.


    [Luna:] Shadow coins? What¡¯s that?


    [Lucifer]: Coins that can be used to buy anything you wish from my store. As long as you have the amount needed, of course.


    [Luna]: Right, and I¡¯m guessing they¡¯re entirely useless outside of your shop.


    [Lucifer]: You¡¯re a quick one! I like you already. Yes, that is correct. That way, we both gain from this contract. So, will you enter into the contract with me?


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Accept the contract?</td></tr><tr><td>Yes</td><td>No</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr></tbody></table>


    I laugh and quickly accept the contract, it¡¯s a great deal and we both know it. The second I say yes, Lucifer starts grinning.


    [Lucifer]: Thank you for your future patronage. To celebrate, I¡¯m going to give you a tip. The next room holds the Key.


    [Luna]: What do you mean? Isn¡¯t that a little vague.


    I blink. He¡¯s gone. He disappeared just as suddenly as he appeared. Great tip. Well, there¡¯s nothing I can do besides going to the next room. Hopefully things will become clear when I reach it. Something glinted in my vision. I turned to see what it was, and found a crystal at the place where Lucifer once was. Identify.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Shadow Contract</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>This crystal validates the Contract between the Shadow Merchant Lucifer and the player Luna.</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr></tbody></table>


    That¡¯s it? How anti-climactic. Speaking of which, how the hell am I supposed to call Lucifer when I need him. Ah well, I¡¯ll think of that when the time comes. Time to head to that room he mentioned.

 Chapter 3: Past Memories

    It didn¡¯t take long to reach the room. I was careful of the rats, but they seemed to remain passive. I gasped when I entered the room. It was empty inside, about the same size as the last room. The walls, however, held intricate paintings. I didn¡¯t really understand the paintings, but perhaps I could figure it out.


    The four walls depicted a scene that flowed through from finish to end. It seemed to start at the left, from where I entered. It showed a giant figure being blessed by some sort of glowing light. Then the glowing light seemed to disappear, with shock and confusion evident throughout. The giant figure, however, simply settled down and went into a slumber. Eight other beings with glowing eyes, crept up on the sleeping giant. Suddenly they threw chains around him and threw him into some sort of chamber. The giant was filled with rage, but couldn¡¯t escape. It seemed as if he was cursing them. Fear seemed to capture the other eight, and they built a huge building around its chamber. Then it shows them leaving, and that¡¯s it.


    Before I could try to comprehend, I feel that same blinding pain I got from the dead scout. I fight it, but to no avail. I collapse, once again, unconscious.


    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


    [???]: Cronus, do you know why I have given you life?


    [Cronus]: No Master¡­


    [???]: I will disappear soon. Where, you will not know. What is important, however, is that this world maintains a balance in all things. You have been given life, so that you can watch over this world and ensure it maintains this balance.


    [Cronus]: As you command, Master.


    [???]: Good, now I must go. Remember your vow, my child.


    Those were the last words I spoke with the Creator. No-one knows where the Creator came from, only that he created this world and all that inhabits it. As his child, it is my duty to maintain this world. However, I do not wish to intervene on small matters. These beings were given free will for a reason. So I go into a deep slumber, only to be awoken at a time where the worlds balance is askew. I¡¯m tired now. I must rest¡­


    Where¡­am I? I remember falling asleep, but I do not sense a danger to this world. Why am I awake? I look around, struggling to come to grips with the pain. It seared me, from the inside out. As if my whole body was on fire. I felt pain beyond mortal comprehension, driving me mad. Slowly, however, the pain subsided until it became a dull throb. This was definitely Tartarus. Someone chained me to the Creator¡¯s prison while I was asleep. I know of only eight beings with that power. It was then that I looked up, and saw the eight Gods looking down upon me.


    [Cronus]: WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!


    [???]: We do not wish to be controlled, Cronus. We all decided this long ago, you no longer have the power to defy us.


    [Cronus]: YOU THINK I WILL LET THINGS END LIKE THIS?! HEAR ME NOW, YOU COWARDS WHO BRING SHAME UPON THE CREATOR!! I WILL SHATTER ALL THAT YOU HOLD PRECIOUS! CURSE ALL THAT YOU LOVE! DESTROY ALL THAT YOU OWN! I WILL NOT REST UNTIL YOU HOLD NOTHING LEFT EXCEPT DESPAIR! THIS I PROMISE YOU!


    [???:] You are weak. You have no power in Tartarus. What use are threats now?


    [Cronus]: Oh, I may have no power here, but that does not mean I do not still contain the power the Creator himself gave me.


    I sought out the Void inside of me, embroiling over my flesh. It was hardly a speck of what it was, but it would do. I called to it in a language unknown even by the gods, spinning it into a small ball that floated above my head. Then, through sheer force of will, I sent it flying to the only people I knew could achieve my goal.


    [???]: What did you do Cronus?! What have you done?!


    [Cronus]: You may have forgotten, Fallen Ones, but I have not. The Creator foretold of Travellers who could not die, and of the change they would bring. One of those travelers will pick up my mantle, will take my power and make it grow. Until they become a force that even you cannot stop.


    [???]: HOW DARE YOU?! WE WILL NOT LET THINGS GO YOUR WAY! MY FRIENDS, GRANT ME YOUR POWER!


    Suddenly, all the Gods glowed. Each one sent their power into the God of Life, Gaia, and from it she created a huge building. This building went on for miles, and had so many levels I could not count. I could hear screams from inside, and felt innumerous amounts of presence. They had built a huge Dungeon around my prison. I felt fear for the first time, as I felt beings that almost matched the Gods inside it.


    Though it did not come at a cost. All the Gods looked weak. It would take a long time to recover. They would not be able to enter this place again for many centuries.


    [Cronus]: You think this will stop the one who contains Void. Even you should know the power it grants, from the Creator himself. Tremble while you recover, Fallen Ones. Live the rest of your lives in fear. Because my successor will be coming. Not even your Dungeon can stop them.


    I wished to say more, to instill terror into them, so as to weaken them further. However, I could feel my eyes closing. I couldn¡¯t stay awake. I attempted to force my eyes back open, but they inevitably closed. I blacked out¡­


    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


    I wake up screaming, pain searing my chest. Dark, heavy pain. As if something from the inside was burning me. Slowly, the pain dissipated. As the pain disappeared, messages popped up.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>You''ve learnt the skill Memories of Time!


    You''ve learnt the skill Void Manipulation!</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Memories of Time (Passive): MAX</td></tr><tr><td>you gain the memories of anything with Memory Residue.</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Void Manipulation (Passive): MAX</td></tr><tr><td>Allows you to manipulate the Void you hold within you.</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Holy shit. So all of that was real. That just happened. I guess I now know why I¡¯m here.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Quest update!</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Wrath of Cronus</td></tr><tr><td>Reach Cronus, located in the deepest part of Tartarus, and listen to his plea.</td></tr><tr><td>Success: Reach Cronus


    Failure: Forsake Cronus</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    So I can fail this mission now. I guess choosing to go to the Gods side is what it means by ¡®forsake Cronus¡¯ but I have no particular interest in that. They seemed rather petty and, well, ungodlike. They¡¯d just betray me out of self-interest. Not to mention, I can relate to Cronus. Feel bad for the guy. I reckon I should help him. He is, after all, a brother-in-arms.


    I push that all aside for the moment, heavy as it is. Right now, I need to focus on what I gained. The first skill is called ¡®Memories of Time¡¯. It seems to be what caused that immense amount of pain. Also I saw some memories of the past, but mostly the pain is what sticks to me. Who wants to go through torture just to receive a few dusty memories? Damn game designers. Still, it is quite useful¡­and I admit I do need to know more¡­I guess I can use it when necessary.


    I also know the power I possess now. I¡¯ve been wondering for a while why I don¡¯t have any of the three types of resources this game has. I remember it was mentioned that the game had Rage, Mana and Energy as the resources used to fuel most types of skills. You can only have one of the three, each serving a different purpose. Rage is generated through giving and receiving blows. Mana is generated naturally, with a large pool but slow regeneration. Energy is regenerated naturally as well, but has a smaller pool and a quick regeneration rate.


    So this Void must be a unique resource. Well, first thing to do is to find it. Since this Cronus figure formed it into a ball, that ball should be hidden somewhere inside of my body. I sit myself down in the room, crossing my legs, going into a meditative state. I knew this form well, as I used it a lot to clear my mind. While it could never dissipate my anger, it would always help in keeping it at bay.


    I focused in on myself, searching for this Void. Nothing showed at first, but slowly I was able to grasp its position in my body. It seemed to be in the middle of my chest, just below my heart. I attempted to move the Void around, and succeeded in getting it to swish a bit. Nothing significant, but it confirmed the use of my new skill ¡®Void Manipulation¡¯. Hopefully by manipulating I can change it, or increase it.


    Oh right.


    I slap my head, forgetting the most obvious thing. I need to check my status plate! The changes should show up now.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Status Plate</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Luna</td><td colspan=''2''>Female</td></tr><tr><td>Race:</td><td>Draconite</td><td>Level:</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>Fame:</td><td>0</td><td>Class:</td><td>Wanderer</td></tr><tr><td>Infamy:</td><td>9999</td><td>Experience:</td><td>0%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''></td></tr><tr><td>Health:</td><td>20/20</td><td>Health Regeneration:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Stamina:</td><td>20/20</td><td>Stamina Regeneration:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Void:</td><td>1/1</td><td>Void Regeneration:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''></td></tr><tr><td>Strength:</td><td>0</td><td>Vitality:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Might:</td><td>0</td><td>Endurance:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Dexterity:</td><td>0</td><td>Resistance:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Agility:</td><td>0</td><td>Defence:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Intelligence:</td><td>0</td><td>Sense:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Wisdom:</td><td>0</td><td>Luck:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Titles</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Forsaken by the Gods</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Status Effects</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>None</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Skills</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Passive</td><td colspan=''2''>Active</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Celestial Understanding: MAX


    Adaptive Body: MAX


    Zero Start: MAX


    Memories of Time: MAX


    Void Manipulation: MAX</td><td colspan=''2''>Identification: Lv2</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Wow! So overpowered! A whopping 1 Void! Zero regeneration! Sigh¡­that must¡¯ve been what Cronus meant by diminished power. Guess I¡¯m starting at Ground Zero. Well, let¡¯s think on what other information I have. He formed the Void into a ball, and sent it skywards, I¡¯m assuming that¡¯s how this unique class was created. However, before it was a ball, it existed as part of him. It was part of his body rather than inside it, covering him. Perhaps I can achieve the same thing again. Maybe it just exists right now, and isn¡¯t directly linked to me yet? Well, enough guesswork. Let¡¯s try it out.


    This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    I gather myself, and start trying to move the ball again. This time I try and make it spin, as fast as possible. Why? Well, I¡¯m going to try and make it ¡®pop¡¯. Though it might be more of an explosion. Possibly dangerous. A malicious grin formed on my lips.


    But definitely fun.


    It took a long time. Over 4 hours had passed by the time I got it spinning fast enough to break. Of course, it didn¡¯t go rosy at all. It wasn¡¯t an explosion (thank god). Well, not a physical explosion. When it blew outwards, it expanded across all of my body, merging itself into my skin, tissue, bones, everything. It was excruciating to say the least. I think the game devs reallly like to see people get hurt. A thought occurred to me. One that might make me look incredibly stupid. I¡¯ll check it later though, for now let¡¯s see what the message tells me.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>You¡¯ve learned the skill Void Mastery!


    You¡¯ve learned the skill Focused Mind!</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Void Mastery (Passive): Lv1 (0%)</td></tr><tr><td>Void has merged with your body. Through focus and effort, you can increase its power.</td></tr><tr><td>Void +10</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Focused Mind (Toggle): Lv1 (0%)</td></tr><tr><td>Increases your focus and adds a minimal amount of intelligence, while in an active state. Cannot activate while engaged in other activities.</td></tr><tr><td>Increased Focus


    INT + 5</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Well shit, that worked better than I thought. I now have 11 Void, and a better version of my meditative state. However, it¡¯s still useless as I don¡¯t know how to use it. I assumed Void Manipulation would allow me to, but it only lets me manipulate its physical form. I can¡¯t actually do anything with it. Okay, let¡¯s go back again. He put it into a ball and sent it into the sky. Before that he took it from his body. What happened before that¡­


    Hmm¡­


    RIGHT!


    He called out in a strange language. The Gods had seemed befuddled when he spoke, but the Void responded to him. Perhaps those words allowed him to manipulate the Void. Which means, I gained Void Manipulation from hearing them? Or from him speaking them? Either way, that¡¯s my connection. I need to find more words from this language in order to use this Void. Still, that doesn¡¯t change that I do no damage. I have to figure out a way to use the Void without this language. Hm. I need to mediate on it.


    Focused Mind.


    So I have two powers related to Void right now. Void Manipulation and Void Mastery. Void Manipulation allows me to manipulate the physical form of Void, whereas Void Mastery increases the Void I can hold. Putting Void Mastery aside, I may be able to use Void Manipulation somehow. Now that the Void has merged with my body, I can no longer manipulate it inside of me. However, the skill still exists. Which means, if I can¡¯t use it inside¡­


    I put my hand out in front of me, palm facing up. Slowly, I envision the round ball that was contained in me before.


    Nothing happened.


    Must¡¯ve missed a step. Perhaps it needs a connection to go from the inside to the outside. I envision the ball again. This time however, I feed the Void inside of me into my hand and imagine it turning into a ball.


    Success!


    A small ball sits in my palm, half the size of my hand.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>You¡¯ve learnt the skill Sphere!</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sphere (Active): Lv1 (0%)</td></tr><tr><td>A materialized version of Void. Does nothing. It¡¯s pretty I guess?</td></tr><tr><td>Effects: None


    Cost: 3 Void</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Great. Incredibly useful. This is the first time I¡¯ve seen my Void. It was a mix of red, yellow and blue. They all swirled together, sort of misty in their colour. Co-incidentally, mana is blue, energy is yellow and rage is red. Yeah right. That¡¯s no co-incidence. However, I don¡¯t know what it means yet. I have an inkling though¡­well, let¡¯s discover that in due time.


    Time for the next experiment. I close my eyes and imagine this ball slowly feeding itself back inside my body. When I opened my eyes, it was gone. Quickly checking my stats, I saw I was back at max Void. So as long as I don¡¯t use my Void, I can recover it. Time to turn my Sphere into a weapon.


    I gather myself, performing the same steps as previously. Only this time I imagine it rotating, slow at first. Then letting it pick up pace until it¡¯s going at full strength. When I open my eyes, the Sphere looks truly frightening.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>You¡¯ve upgraded the skill Sphere to Rotating Sphere!</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Rotating Sphere (Active): Lv1 (0%)</td></tr><tr><td>A materialized version of Void. Spins at an extremely fast rate. Deals minimal damage. I guess it¡¯s something, right?</td></tr><tr><td>Effects: Deals 3 damage


    Cost: 3 Void</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    I grin, I¡¯m not done yet! I quickly feed it back into my body. When I¡¯m done, I envision the rotating ball like last time. However, I start condensing it, forcing it to go smaller and smaller. Finally, it reached a point where it could no longer go any smaller. Then I added a layer of Void on top of it, and started condensing it again. I repeated this until I ran out of Void. That¡¯s when I started to rotate it. However, not just one way. I made each layer rotate a different way, creating an incredibly fast spiraling ball.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>You¡¯ve upgraded the skill Rotating Sphere to Condensed Spiraling Sphere!</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Condensed Spiraling Sphere (Active): Lv1 (0%)</td></tr><tr><td>A materialized version of Void. This ingenious skill increases both the magnitude of power, and the impact of the ball, by a large factor while still maintaining a small form. Power depends on the amount of Void used.</td></tr><tr><td>Effects: Deals up to 100 damage. Every layer increases impact by a magnitude of 2.


    Cost: Up to 20 Void</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Holy shit. This skills op. Imagine what it¡¯d be like upgraded?! No, let¡¯s not get ahead of ourselves. There¡¯s a major flaw with this skill.


    It costs way too damn much.


    I can¡¯t use it right now, since I have no way to regenerate Void. Ah, while I¡¯m oddly reminded, I better remember to thank that merchant later. I would¡¯ve been stuck in the first room, without his help. But onto more important matters. I might have a way to use minimal Void, while increasing my damage enough to kill the rats. I turn Focused Mind back on and pull out my sword. I call for the Void, bringing it out of my body. I feed it onto the edge of my sword, having it run down the whole length. Opening my eyes, I see it coating the sword. It worked.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>You¡¯ve learned the skill Minor Dark Temporary Enchantment!


    You¡¯ve learnt the skill Dark Affinity!</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Minor Dark Temporary Enchantment (Active): Lv1 (0%)</td></tr><tr><td>Enchants a weapon, giving it a minimal amount of Dark power. Only lasts while Active.</td></tr><tr><td>Effects: 5 Dark damage


    Costs: 1 Void per minute</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Dark Affinity (passive): Lv1 (0%)</td></tr><tr><td>Increases the power of Dark-related skills.</td></tr><tr><td>Effects: 5% increase in Dark power. 1% decrease in Dark-related costs.


    Cost: None</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Well shit, that plans a no go either. I don¡¯t have the Void to keep it up. Interestingly enough, however, the Void seemed to have converted itself to Dark. It was even black. Did I do that? I don¡¯t think so. Odd. I sigh, starting to feed the Void back into my body. I had already lost one, and wasn¡¯t willing to lose anymore. At least I tried to.


    I frowned.


    The Void wasn¡¯t responding.


    I quickly opened my eyes and saw my weapon being engulfed by the Void. I felt myself being drained, quickly turning into a panic as I realized I was losing all of the remaining Void I had. However, I couldn¡¯t stop it no matter what I did. I could only watch on helplessly, as the sword seemed to consume the Void. Finally, after a few minutes, the sword gave off a small Thum sound. It was covered entirely in black, a contrast to the dull grey it once was.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>You¡¯ve upgraded the skill Minor Dark Temporary Enchantment to Minor Dark Enchantment!</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Minor Dark Enchantment (Active): lv1 (0%)</td></tr><tr><td>Permanently enchants a weapon, giving it a minimal amount of Dark power. Uses a Special Effect slot.</td></tr><tr><td>Effects: 5 Dark damage.


    Costs: 10 Void</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    What the hell.


    I didn¡¯t do this. When I tried to draw back my Void, I wasn¡¯t in control of it. It¡¯s like another will took over it¡­


    There¡¯s more to this Void then I realise. Regardless, it¡¯s a big help. While it did use up all my Void, I now have a permanent buff. I can finally fight. Before that, however, let¡¯s check out my settings.


    [Luna]: Settings.


    A window pops up detailing various nitpicks people like to change. I went to the part I was looking for, and found it¡­


    Odd. Pain threshold is 100%, but it should start at 20%.


    [Luna]: Turn pain threshold to 20%.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Processed.


    Unable to execute command.</td></tr><tr><td>Reason: GM Override.</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    ¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­.


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­..


    [Luna]: Tell the Gm to go fuck himself.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Processed.


    GM has responded.</td></tr><tr><td>Response: You look cute when you¡¯re angry ;)</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­.


    [Luna]: Tell the GM that I can file for sexual harassment.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Processed.


    GM has responded.</td></tr><tr><td>Response: Go ahead cutie, that¡¯ll make it easier to find you <3</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    .


    ..


    Sigh¡­


    [Luna]: Ask the GM why I can¡¯t change my pain threshold?


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Processed.


    GM has responded.</td></tr><tr><td>Response: This quest was directly created by the world environment. Because of the direct influence it will have, all unrealistic features have been disabled. If you are unhappy with this, you can simply talk with us and we¡¯ll cancel the Quest.</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Damn¡­Well, I¡¯m not one to quit. I guess I¡¯ll have to endure, you horrible uncompassionate GM¡¯s. Let me just wallow in self-pity for a second.


    ¡­


    Great! I¡¯m all better! Not really, I¡¯m still pissed. I quickly shake my head, bringing myself out of my stupor. Either way, things aren¡¯t going to change.


    [Luna]: Time.


    A clock showed up in front of me indicating I still had 30 hours in-game time (6 hours real time) before I had to sleep. Having a 5-to-1 time ratio in Free World sure is handy. I¡¯m surprised it hasn¡¯t been used for other activities such as learning. It would accelerate growth. Well, I assume that will start happening in the future. Now, back to the task at hand. I look at my sword.


    Identify.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Broken Short-Sword of Minor Darkness</td></tr><tr><td>Damage: 0</td><td>Durability: 0/10</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>A broken short-sword. It¡¯s almost useless. Luckily, a crappy enchantment was put on it so it does some damage. You could maybe, I don¡¯t know, kill a rabbit if you¡¯re lucky?</td></tr><tr><td>Special Effects:</td><td>5 Dark damage</td></tr><tr><td>Unique:</td><td>None</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr></tbody></table>


    So the Dark damage has been put under Special Effects. It didn¡¯t show this ¡®special effects¡¯ thing before, but ah well. It appears the weapon only had 1 slot and I filled that slot. That Unique part also interests me, but I don¡¯t know what it does. I change a few settings while I¡¯m in them, mainly which boxes pop up. Now if I level up skills, they won¡¯t notify me. I can check that myself. Well, that¡¯s that. I have a usable weapon now. Time to test it out.


    I pick myself up, and start walking back to the hallway, a creepy grin appearing on my face. It¡¯s time to hunt some shitty rats¡­

 Chapter 4: The Rat Massacre

    As I entered   the hallway again, I noticed something with a small shine on the hilt of my sword. On further inspection, I noticed that it was some sort of letter etched into the hilt.


    Identify.


    Nothing happened. I frowned. Either I needed a higher identification skill, or there was a reason it couldn¡¯t be identified. I¡¯ll figure it out later, when I raise the skill. Turning my focus back on the rats, I see them ¡®walking¡¯ again. God, it looked silly.


    Most people would, at this point, rush in and start attacking it. Then after dying multiple times, they would come to the conclusion that their stupidity is causing them to die, and formulate a strategy. Let¡¯s skip the stupid step and go straight to the strategy. I know the rats¡¯ attack, which is in the form of Magic Barrel. It seems to be a powerful move, but I can take a guess and say that the drawback is it can¡¯t be stopped.


    So, what do I do? I dodge it, and counter-attack while he¡¯s stunned from hitting the wall behind him. Additionally, since these guys are passive, I can go for a critical attack on the first strike. So I have three steps.


    First, a critical attack. Second, I back off and stand next to a wall. Third, I dodge Magic Barrel and then counter-attack. Seems simple enough. Executing it might be a bit hard however. Nothing to do but try.


    I walk up to the nearest Small Rat, studying it for a bit. It looked like every other rat, except for a small glow from its fur and its weird shambling state. I decide to go for the beck in the critical attack. Who knows, maybe I can cut off its head and kill it. Mustering all my strength, I bring my sword arm up and then down as quick and with as much force as I can.


    [Small Rat] -12 (38/50)


    I make it an inch into the neck before I¡¯m stopped. Which doesn¡¯t make sense, that sort of force would knock off a human head easily, let alone a rats. I quickly shake myself form that train of thought though, as I don¡¯t have time. I hurry over to a wall as the rat starts charging itself. I eye it, waiting until the last moment to dodge. Suddenly, it launches¡­


    And I dive to the side¡­


    Not fast enough¡­


    I forgot I had a tail. I curse myself as the attack clips my tail, causing immense pain. It seems it¡¯s a sensitive area for Draconite¡¯s.


    [Luna] -5 (15/20)


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Small Rat dazed for 3 seconds!</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    I quickly recover myself, gritting my teeth against the pain, and start my counter-attack.


    [Small Rat] -5 -5 -5 -5 (18/50)


    Three seconds pass in the blink of an eye, and the rat gathers itself again. I quickly back myself up against the wall, ignoring the dull throb from my tail. This time I bring my tail as close to my body as I can, as I watch for the rat¡¯s movements. There!


    I dive again¡­


    And make it out fine this time, I didn¡¯t get hit. I quickly turn around and finish off the rat.


    [Small Rat] -5 -5 -5 -5 (0/50)


    The rat collapses and lay there. It¡¯s stopped moving. I collapse, panting. The tension wore me out more than the exertion. It was a tougher battle then I thought. My lack of experience is really showing. I was low on stamina and had no way to increase it. Damn, I didn¡¯t think about this.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Unique event!</td></tr><tr><td>Because of your courage in the face of danger, you¡¯ve been granted a slight stamina regeneration!


    Gained: 1/5s stamina regeneration</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Unique my ass, they just knew I wouldn¡¯t be able to survive without it. I think I¡¯ve become a game to the GM¡¯s.


    [Luna]: No more help you hear me! It ruins the fun!


    I don¡¯t get a response. I¡¯m talking to myself¡­I¡¯m starting to doubt my sanity. Sighing, I look down at the rat.


    I frown.


    The rat should¡¯ve disappeared by now. When monsters die, they¡¯re supposed to disappear and some items be replaced. Even if the GM¡¯s are wanting this to be realistic, it¡¯s actually part of the game lore.


    Unless¡­


    If I remember correctly, this Dungeon wasn¡¯t made naturally. If that¡¯s the case, I might just know why. But first, I need to kill the other rats. I gather myself. Now that I know the strategy, killing them will just take time.


    6 hours to be exact. I sit their panting, staring at all the dead bodies around me. I counted at least 20. I¡¯d gained a couple of levels, but I decided to check on them later. After a quick rest, I picked myself up. Time to test my theory. I dragged all the rats back to the room with the paintings in it. I sat down, and waited.


    Waiting¡­


    I meditate for a while, trying to better understand the Void. I don¡¯t gain much information about it.


    Waiting some more¡­


    I really want to check my levels, but I decided to do it a bit later. Its fun anticipating what I gained.


    Waiting¡­


    Finally, the set amount of time (four hours) for normal monster spawning passed. I looked in the hallway, and saw that nothing had spawned in it. So my theory was correct.


    This is an ¡®artificial Dungeon¡¯ of sorts. Since it¡¯s not naturally occurring, nothing respawns in here. This is dangerous by itself. It means that I can¡¯t farm to get stronger. I have to continue on. I¡¯m just extremely lucky that the only person who got in here was that scout, who couldn¡¯t fight. I¡¯d be much worse off if I came in here and all the low level monsters were killed.


    There are also many more downsides to this information. Since this isn¡¯t a natural Dungeon, the creatures in here are considered ¡®animals¡¯ rather than ¡®monsters¡¯ and so you do not gain loot form killing them. Which means I need to loot manually¡­skinning¡­


    I feel a shiver run down my spine. Just thinking about it makes me feel icky. Besides, I don¡¯t even have the proper tools. How about we leave that for later. Right now, I have one last thing I need to test. Seeing as I¡¯m on a roll, I hope I¡¯m right.


    I pick up one of the rats and set it down a bit apart from the rest. I sit in front of it.


    Focused Mind.


    I gather myself. Instead of focusing on the Void in me, I focus on the rat. I try to sense the Rage inside.


    Nothing¡­


    I try again, but still no success. Damn, what am I missing? I was hoping this was the key to gaining Void. Wait, hold on. I need to ¡®sense¡¯ Rage don¡¯t I. Where have I heard the word ¡®sense¡¯ before in this game?


    I try to think back. It was a while ago. Something about stats¡­


    I quickly pull up my Status Plate


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Status Plate</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Luna</td><td colspan=''2''>Female</td></tr><tr><td>Race:</td><td>Draconite</td><td>Level:</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>Fame:</td><td>0</td><td>Class:</td><td>Wanderer</td></tr><tr><td>Infamy:</td><td>9999</td><td>Experience:</td><td>13%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''></td></tr><tr><td>Health:</td><td>15/20</td><td>Health Regeneration:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Stamina:</td><td>20/20</td><td>Stamina Regeneration:</td><td>1/5s</td></tr><tr><td>Void:</td><td>0/11</td><td>Void Regeneration:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''></td></tr><tr><td>Strength:</td><td>0</td><td>Vitality:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Might:</td><td>0</td><td>Endurance:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Dexterity:</td><td>0</td><td>Resistance:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Agility:</td><td>0</td><td>Defence:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Intelligence:</td><td>0</td><td>Sense:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Wisdom:</td><td>0</td><td>Luck:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Stat Points:</td><td colspan=''2''>15</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Titles</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Forsaken by the Gods</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Status Effects</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>None</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Skills</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Passive</td><td colspan=''2''>Active</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Celestial Understanding: MAX


    Adaptive Body: MAX


    Zero Start: MAX


    Memories of Time: MAX


    Void Manipulation: MAX


    Void Mastery: Lv1


    Dark Affinity: Lv1</td><td colspan=''2''>Identification: Lv2


    Focused Mind (Toggle): Lv2


    Condensed Spiraling Sphere: Lv1


    Minor Dark Enchantment: Lv1</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Oh right! There¡¯s a stat called ¡®sense¡¯. Maybe leveling this will let me grasp the Small Rat¡¯s Rage. Looking a bit down, I notice there¡¯s a new part to the status plate, showing the number of stat points I can currently distribute. I think on it a bit, before deciding to put 10 into Sense and 5 into Agility.


    If there¡¯s one thing I¡¯ve learned from my fight with the Small Rats, it¡¯s that I need to be quick on my feet. I¡¯m going to face many unknowns in this Dungeon, so I¡¯m going to (at least to begin with) go for three stats.


    Agility, Sense and Luck.


    Why luck? It¡¯s the most underestimated stat in video games. The sword that was meant to come crashing down on you, missed by a hairs-breath? Just lucky right? That¡¯s right, just Luck. Luck is an important thing, no matter who you are. But right now Sense and Agility.


    I sit myself down again, trying to¡­


    What the hell.


    My body felt lighter. Slightly. I wouldn¡¯t have even noticed it if I didn¡¯t heighten my Sense. Is this the effect of Adaptive Body? It might just be overpowered. It¡¯s not enough to make a difference now, but what about later? Well, we can only see. I focus my mind back on the task at hand.


    I try and ¡®sense¡¯ the rat again. I look at it, and feel something inside it. It seems to flow through its veins, a dark red. That¡¯s definitely Rage. It¡¯s time to test out my theory. I put my hand on the Small Rat and imagine the Rage slowly detaching itself from the Small Rat¡¯s body and flowing through into my hand and then inside my body, merging with the Void already flowing through my lanes.


    I feel something¡­


    It¡¯s kind of intoxicating, like I¡¯m a vampire sucking someone¡¯s blood. I don¡¯t know what that¡¯d feel like, but I can guess. Sh-shutup okay? It made more sense in my head.


    I felt the Void flowing through my veins take in the Rage, pulsing slightly before resuming its natural flow. I opened my eyes.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>You¡¯ve learned the skill Void Regeneration!</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Void Regeneration (Active): Lv1 (0%)</td></tr><tr><td>Allows you to transfer a dead creatures Rage, Energy or Mana for use as Void. This is the only way to regenerate Void.</td></tr><tr><td>Effects: Gain 1 Void for every 20 Maximum Rage, Energy or Mana taken from a dead creature


    Cost: None</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    I wipe my brow, feeling the sweat come off. I pat myself on the back. I¡¯m a Genius. I¡¯m a brilliant mastermind.


    WATCH OUT MORTALS!! BOW DOWN TO LUNA THE GENIUS!! FEEL MY MIGHT!!


    Oh, right, I don¡¯t have any might...I¡¯m still really weak. Still, it¡¯s nice to celebrate a bit. I¡¯ve discovered a lot in the short time I spent here. Almost all my theories ended up being correct too. I really am doing well. I quickly walk over to the other Rats, and rain all of their Rage as well. I ended up reaching maximum Void again, after finishing off the last one. All 11 of it. Watch out world!


    Now onto the next problem. Calling that damn merchant. He didn¡¯t tell me how. Stupid stupid stupid merchant.


    [Luna]: STUPID MERCHANT. STUPID LUCIFER YOU DUMB ASS MERCHANT.


    [Lucifer]: You called?


    Lucifer stood there with a grin on his face as he watched me fall on my behind. I got a bit mad.


    [Luna]: How the hell did you know I was calling you?


    [Lucifer]: oh didn¡¯t I tell you? You just have to call my name to summon me. Easy right?


    [Luna]: I hate you¡­


    [Lucifer]: Brilliant! So, what have you got for me?


    Sighing, I gesture over to the pile of rats. He picks them up and inspects them for a while, before turning to me.


    [Lucifer]: What would I want with this rubbish?


    [Luna]: What? I thought it would be of same value to you.


    [Lucifer]: Luna, I¡¯m a merchant. What possible use would I have for a dead rat? I sure as hell don¡¯t want to skin it, if that¡¯s what you¡¯re implying.


    [Luna]: Can¡¯t you, you know, sell it to fanatics. Or other people who want its skin.


    [Lucifer]: This rat¡¯s trash. I¡¯d have to PAY a fanatic to take it off my hands.


    [Luna]: But¡­but it¡¯s full of magic¡­


    [Lucifer]: *sigh* that¡¯s precisely the point. You seem to fail to grasp the concept, but this rat was severely corrupted by magic. What do you think would happen to someone who ate it? Precisely the same thing, of course. And its pelt is next to useless. The only reason someone would want it is for experience, and there¡¯s much better creatures to skin then this thing for that.


    [Luna]: So, you¡¯ll give me nothing for it¡­


    [Lucifer]: Well, let¡¯s not say I¡¯m entirely heartless. I¡¯ll give you a skinning knife! It¡¯s not the greatest, but I¡¯m sure it¡¯s a start for you no? You can then skin the rats and earn experience. Of course, as payment I¡¯ll be taking all those skins off your hands.


    [Luna]: I thought you said they were useless¡­


    [Lucifer]: next to useless. It wouldn¡¯t be worth the payment to skin them. But since you¡¯re doing it for free, I¡¯m sure I could get something for them¡­


    [Luna]: You¡¯re evil¡­


    [Lucifer]: No, I¡¯m just a businessman! Now, do you accept the deal?


    [Luna]: of course, it¡¯s still a good deal. Give me that skinning knife.


    He held out his hand, and I shook it. Suddenly, a knife appeared in his hand. He handed it to me, before walking over to a corner of the room and sitting down.


    [Luna]: Ah, by the way¡­


    [Lucifer]: yes?


    [Luna]: I¡­ugh¡­ wanted to thank you for the hint earlier. It really helped me out


    [Lucifer]: That¡¯s great! I¡¯m always happy to help my money mach-*cough* my friend out!


    [Luna]: Go to hell¡­


    Lucifer simply laughed. It was a quiet laugh, quite contrary to his booming facade. Makes me think it is just that, a facade. I look down at the knife he gave me, quickly identifying it.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Skinning Knife</td></tr><tr><td>Damage: 0</td><td>Durability: 99/99</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>A medium knife made for skinning the hides off of creatures. Made by a lesser craftsmen with a moderate amount of care.</td></tr><tr><td>Quality</td><td>Decent</td></tr><tr><td>Grade:</td><td>E</td></tr><tr><td>Special Effects:</td><td>None</td></tr><tr><td>Unique:</td><td>Skinning</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    Unlike the sword I started with, this seemed to have an item quality. I wonder why my beginning weapon doesn¡¯t, perhaps because it wasn¡¯t made. Also, the Unique slot is filled no by ¡®Skinning¡¯. Perhaps because the knife has a specific focus, the Unique slot tells you that focus? Possibly, I¡¯m not so sure. Well, let¡¯s get to work. Or rather, let¡¯s try and not throw up. I drag one of the rats over, setting it down into a resting position. As I go to cut it open, a message appears.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>You¡¯re about to attempt Manual Skinning!</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>If you wish, you can convert to Manual System instead of Manual.


    Manuel System provides a less realistic feel, but you can achieve the same results without the gore.


    Convert to Manual system?</td></tr><tr><td>Yes</td><td>No</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Oh thank god. You saved me system. Please, PLEASE let that GM pass this by. I don¡¯t want to have to throw up all over myself. I press yes.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Processed.


    GM override attempted!


    GM override failed!


    You are now use Manual System.</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Oh thank god. TAKE THAT YOU CONNIVING BASTARD! Someone else must¡¯ve overridden him. Or her. Either way, I¡¯m saved. I look down at the rat again, with the knife in my hand. This time I see an outline of where I should cut. As I cut in, I don¡¯t feel any blood and gore on me and realise that there is none. While I¡¯m shown where to cut, I don¡¯t get any help. So Manual System simply removes the gore and gives me a guideline to go by. That¡¯s actually really good. What a great system to implement.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>You¡¯ve learned the craft Skinning!</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Skinning: Lv1 (0%)</td></tr><tr><td>Greater accuracy and quality in skinning.</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Wait, what? A Craft, not a Skill?


    Hmmm¡­


    I quickly open up my Status Plate.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Status Plate</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Luna</td><td colspan=''2''>Female</td></tr><tr><td>Race:</td><td>Draconite</td><td>Level:</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>Fame:</td><td>0</td><td>Class:</td><td>Wanderer</td></tr><tr><td>Infamy:</td><td>9999</td><td>Experience:</td><td>13%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''></td></tr><tr><td>Health:</td><td>15/20</td><td>Health Regeneration:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Stamina:</td><td>20/20</td><td>Stamina Regeneration:</td><td>1/5s</td></tr><tr><td>Void:</td><td>11/11</td><td>Void Regeneration:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''></td></tr><tr><td>Strength:</td><td>0</td><td>Vitality:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Might:</td><td>0</td><td>Endurance:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Dexterity:</td><td>0</td><td>Resistance:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Agility:</td><td>5</td><td>Defence:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Intelligence:</td><td>0</td><td>Sense:</td><td>10</td></tr><tr><td>Wisdom:</td><td>0</td><td>Luck:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Stat Points:</td><td colspan=''2''>0</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Titles</td><td colspan=''2''>Forsaken by the Gods</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Status Effects</td><td colspan=''2''>None</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Crafts:</td><td colspan=''2''> Skinning: Lv1</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Skills</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Passive</td><td colspan=''2''>Active</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Celestial Understanding: MAX


    Adaptive Body: MAX


    Zero Start: MAX


    Memories of Time: MAX


    Void Manipulation: MAX


    Void Mastery: Lv1


    Dark Affinity: Lv1</td><td colspan=''2''>Identification: Lv2


    Focused Mind (Toggle): Lv2


    Condensed Spiraling Sphere: Lv1


    Minor Dark Enchantment: Lv1</td></tr></tbody></table>


    This damn game just keeps adding stuff when I discover it. Never before. Ah wells, least I know now how to get Crafts. Simply performing actions in the field grants me it, then I can improve it. Well, time to finish skinning.


    It took a few minutes for each Small Rat, so it was an hour or two by the time I was done. The whole time, Lucifer never moved an inch. He simply quietly waited until I was done. When I finished, he walked over to me with a grin on his face. He heads over to the hides without a word. I look at Lucifer, who¡¯s picking up all the hides on the ground.


    [Luna]: Lucifer, I have a favor to ask.


    [Lucifer]: Fire away!


    [Luna]: Can I get something to mine with, and gather herbs.


    [Lucifer]: you don¡¯t need anything to gather herbs. You¡¯ll need to learn herblore by identifying plants however, I¡¯ll give you a book on different types of plants. As for mining, a simple pick should do. Since I like you, I¡¯m going to be generous and give you an iron pick. Now, this doesn¡¯t come with no cost of course¡­


    [Luna]: *sigh* yes what do you want?


    [Lucifer]: Your body.


    [Luna]: *splutter* WHAT?!


    [Lucifer]: Just joking. Hehe. You¡¯re too easy to pick on.


    [Luna]: Go to hell ten times over¡­


    [Lucifer]: Oh stop it! You¡¯ll make me blush. What I want from you is¡­hmm¡­Luna, where did that sigil on the hilt of your sword come from?


    [Luna]: oh this? I¡¯m not sure. I was messing around with my power when the sword sort of consumed it. It used to be a dull grey, but now it¡¯s black and this sigil appeared.


    [Lucifer]: WHAT?! You have no idea what you¡¯ve got, do you.


    He quickly strode up to her, grasping her on both shoulders. Luna looked at him, a bit of fear tinging her eyes.


    [Lucifer]: You know that¡¯s enchanting right?


    [Luna]: Yeah, I got the ¡®Minor Dark Enchantment¡¯ as a skill.


    [Lucifer]: A skill? Ah, I see what¡¯s happened now. It¡¯s because you don¡¯t know what you did. It registered as a skill instead of a craft.


    [Luna]: Enchanting¡¯s a craft?


    [Lucifer]: Yes, an extremely rare one. Only a few people in the world are born with the innate ability to embed power into crafted runes. Strong enchanters are even rarer¡­


    Lucifer ended up explaining the entire system to me. Apparently, Enchanters are rare because they require an Awakening to become one. This is generally when another Enchanter inscribes a sigil for them. Someone talented to be an Enchanter can understand the process on a fundamental level. Unfortunately, Enchanters are extremely reclusive and protective of their sigils. So it¡¯s very rare for them to take apprentices, and even rarer for them to test people for their ability to Enchant. It makes all Enchanters unique, as they discover sigils and combinations on their own, but also extremely rare and so very coveted. Since I had no idea about Enchanting when the sigil was inscribed on the sword, I wasn¡¯t given the Craft at the time.


    [Lucifer]: It¡¯s odd though, it takes many years for an Enchanter to come up with a symbol. Did you get yours by luck? No¡­I don¡¯t understand¡­well anyways, this clears things up!


    Lucifer claps his hands in glee, making me shudder.


    [Lucifer]: I will waive the fee for now, if you enchant some items of mine in the future for free.


    [Luna]: How many¡­


    [Lucifer]: Hmm¡­how about we say 10 items of my choosing?


    [Luna]: Deal. But I¡¯ll need to learn Enchanting as a Craft to do it.


    [Lucifer]: You should¡¯ve learned it just now, as I explained the process to you. Besides, I don¡¯t mean straightaway. I¡¯ll ask this of you when your Enchanting skill is a bit¡­better.


    I nod my head. He waves good bye, as he disappears with the hides. I look down at the message that came up.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>You¡¯ve learned the craft Enchanting!


    You¡¯ve lost the skill Minor Dark Enchantment!</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Enchanting: Lv1 (0%)</td></tr><tr><td>Allows you to enchant any sort of equippable item. Requires knowledge of a sigil.</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Hmm¡­So I lost that skill. Which means I can gain the knowledge of the sigil. I study the sigil at the hilt, focusing entirely on it.


    Focused Mind.


    I pay attention to every detail, memorizing its layout perfectly so that I can replicate it with ease.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>You¡¯ve learned the sigil Dark Attack (Weapon)!</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sigil Dark Attack (Weapon): MAX</td></tr><tr><td>Gives a weapon an amount of Dark damage, related to the skill level of Enchanting.</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Interesting. I bring up my Status Plate again, to check the differences from before.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Status Plate</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Luna</td><td colspan=''2''>Female</td></tr><tr><td>Race:</td><td>Draconite</td><td>Level:</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>Fame:</td><td>0</td><td>Class:</td><td>Wanderer</td></tr><tr><td>Infamy:</td><td>9999</td><td>Experience:</td><td>13%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''></td></tr><tr><td>Health:</td><td>15/20</td><td>Health Regeneration:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Stamina:</td><td>20/20</td><td>Stamina Regeneration:</td><td>1/5s</td></tr><tr><td>Void:</td><td>11/11</td><td>Void Regeneration:</td><td>N/A</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''></td></tr><tr><td>Strength:</td><td>0</td><td>Vitality:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Might:</td><td>0</td><td>Endurance:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Dexterity:</td><td>0</td><td>Resistance:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Agility:</td><td>5</td><td>Defence:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Intelligence:</td><td>0</td><td>Sense:</td><td>10</td></tr><tr><td>Wisdom:</td><td>0</td><td>Luck:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Stat Points:</td><td colspan=''2''>0</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Titles</td><td colspan=''2''>Forsaken by the Gods</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Status Effects</td><td colspan=''2''>None</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Crafts:</td><td colspan=''2''> Skinning: Lv1


    Enchanting: Lv1</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Sigils:</td><td colspan=''2''>Dark Attack (Weapon)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Skills</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Passive</td><td colspan=''2''>Active</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Celestial Understanding: MAX


    Adaptive Body: MAX


    Zero Start: MAX


    Memories of Time: MAX


    Void Manipulation: MAX


    Void Mastery: Lv1


    Dark Affinity: Lv1</td><td colspan=''2''>Identification: Lv2


    Focused Mind (Toggle): Lv2


    Condensed Spiraling Sphere: Lv1</td></tr></tbody></table>


    This status plate just keeps on expanding. Seems I¡¯ll have to focus a bit of time into my crafts from now on. Well, I kind of expected as much. I look down at the items I requested, the book about plants and the pick. I wondered why I asked for this stuff, but I can only assume I decided on my instincts. It¡¯s true, in a place like this the most likely things I could get would be minerals and plants. Well, I hope I find some, or I just made a deal for nothing.


    I look around the room, trying to decide on the place to exit through. This room was a bit troubling, because there were three ways I could go. Left, right or forward. In the end I decided to go with my gut.


    Left it is¡­

 Chapter 5: The game changes, along with my clothes

    I entered a hallway again, this one much shorter than the last. This level seems to be made of the same material, some sort of greyish granite that can¡¯t be broken. I¡¯m wondering if later levels are the same, holding their own ¡®theme¡¯. That would be fun. I look into the next room once I reached the end of the hallway.


    It was smaller than the last. Inside were some skeletal figures wandering aimlessly.


    Identify.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Skeleton (passive)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Bones held together by a small amount of magic.</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Lv4


    Health: 30/30


    Stamina: 12/12


    Energy: 10/10</td></tr><tr><td>Skills:</td><td>Repel</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Okay. That¡¯s half the level of the rats I encountered. That doesn¡¯t make sense. Unless these monsters aren¡¯t corrupted by magic? Then the Small Rats were originally a much lower level. I¡¯ll have to be careful of any corrupted creatures from now on. I study the skeletons some more.


    They seem to be as simple as what the information described. They hold nothing, and walk around aimlessly. I don¡¯t know whether they¡¯re slow or fast however. And that skill ¡®Repel kind of worries me. Well, there¡¯s nothing to do except fight. I¡¯ll just have to be careful. I won¡¯t commit until I know what Repel does.


    I walk up to one of the creatures. I¡¯m not sure about their weak point, so I stab one of the legs.


    [Skeleton] -2 (28/30)


    I frown. I stab the same spot again, keeping an eye on the skeleton.


    [Skeleton] -6 (22/30)


    I quickly jump back now that I¡¯ve proven my theory. My damage has become variable. Why wasn¡¯t it before? I only ever did 5 damage, besides the critical. A message pops up, but I ignore it for now. The skeleton was angry and coming towards me.


    Slowly.


    I almost laugh. Really slowly. I keep my distance however. I let the skeleton get close enough to attack me, before jumping away from its swing at me. It pauses for a sec to gather itself, before coming after me again. That¡¯s my window. I do the same thing, baiting out its attack. When the swing finishes, I move in quickly and go to stab the skeleton.


    Before I can, however, it starts to shine. I try and pull back, but it was too late. My sword connects¡­


    And I¡¯m suddenly flung backwards¡­


    [Skeleton] -0 (22/30)


    [Luna] -10 (5/20)


    Luckily, I flew into open space. If I had of hit a wall I would be dead. I curse my stupidity. Even after telling myself to be careful, I make a wild swing like that. Okay, just calm down. It¡¯s still recovering.


    Identify.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Skeleton (passive)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Bones held together by a small amount of magic.</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Lv 4


    Health: 30/30


    Stamina: 12/12


    Energy: 1/10</td></tr><tr><td>Skills:</td><td>Repel ~ Reduces the damage of incoming attacks to 0, before sending the attacker flying.


    Damage: None


    Cost: 10 Energy</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Okay good. I need to act before he recovers all of his energy. I quickly activate my Trump Card, Condensed Spiraling Sphere. I let it grow until it reaches 20 damage. The impact should do the rest. It uses up 4 of my Void, but right now killing this skeleton takes priority. I could just die, but I¡¯m not ready to yet. I¡¯ll just die when I can¡¯t continue.


    I quickly race to the Skeleton, being careful to dodge backwards when it goes for a swing, and slam the ball home. I feel like screaming its name, but felt too embarrassed to. I felt the impact hit it, sending it spinning at first, before the skeleton is suddenly sent flying.


    Really fast.


    It hits the wall.


    [Skeleton] -35 (0/30)


    Well shit. I whistled, excitement in my eyes. I can create a critical by having it hit something. The impact magnitude increases it as well. Well, let¡¯s calm down. I¡¯m sure the fact that it¡¯s made of bone is what increased the damage so much. I¡¯m still stuck in the same dilemma. I drag the skeleton corpse to a corner of the room, quacking using it to regenerate what I could. 0.5 Void isn¡¯t great, but it¡¯s better than nothing.


    I wonder if there¡¯s something I can do with the bones¡­necromancy? That¡¯d be interesting. I¡¯ll ask Lucifer later. I finally notice the messages I ignored before. They must be important because they didn¡¯t get removed. I bring them up.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>New Update!</td></tr><tr><td>Due to player request, a small update has been put in place that makes attacks variable, instead of constant. The chance of getting a higher value, rather than a lower one, depends on your Luck.</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Tartarus (Dungeon) Update!</td></tr><tr><td>Dying in Tartarus automatically fails the Quest ¡®Wrath of Cronus''


    The Quest ¡®Wrath of Cronus¡¯ cannot be retaken</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    I collapse, exhaustion rolling over me. I mutter profanities under my breath about the stupid GM. I KNOW he¡¯s the one who made this happen. He¡¯s getting back at me for choosing manual System and getting overridden. I¡¯ve only got 5 health, no way to regain it, and a whole lot of monsters left. I look up, let¡¯s check the next room before I continue on. I move past the skeletons, and look inside.


    There¡¯s nothing in here. Confused, I walk inside. It really is empty, just like the first two rooms. There¡¯s another entrance as well. I walk over to it. It¡¯s full of¡­


    IT¡¯S FULL OF PLANTS!! This is exactly what I needed. Wait, I haven¡¯t learned alchemy. Dammit.


    Okay, I¡¯m getting ahead of myself. I¡¯ll go back to the plant room. I head back over. There¡¯s a few variety of plants inside. I spend a while looking through my book and trying to find one that matches. It took a while, but I eventually found what I was looking for.


    It was called Linx. It seemed to be one for the herbs required to create a basic health potion. In this game, instant recovery potions are extremely rare and coveted. General healing potions can only increase health regeneration. Same with mana etc. It¡¯s unfortunate, but makes combat fair.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>You¡¯ve learned the craft Herblore!</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Herblore: Lv1 (0%)</td></tr><tr><td>You can identify herbs and their quality. Greater accuracy and quality in gathering herbs.</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Oh. Right, these aren¡¯t plants but herbs. It¡¯s even called Herblore¡­forget I ever said plants. Did I say plants? I don¡¯t think so. I distinctly remember saying herbs. Well, let¡¯s check it out. I focus on the herb I just discovered.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Linx</td></tr><tr><td>A mottly brown herb. </td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Well, that isn¡¯t very descriptive. Maybe it¡¯s my low level? I guess. Let¡¯s try identifying the rest. In the end, I identify all four of the herbs in the room. Two of the others all give a short description same as the Linx. They were called Keal and Rixen. The last one, however, said that it was poisonous as well. That one was called Teax. I guess it tells you if it has a quality beyond its use as a medicinal herb.


    I end up gathering all the herbs into the room I was just in. It seems to be a bit like skinning, where it shows you the place to pull it out. It also identifies anything that needs to be removed. You can¡¯t replant, however, which is unfortunate. I put the three safe herbs in one pile, and the poisonous ones in another.


    Now, I need to think about what I need from Lucifer. I wasn¡¯t prepared last time, but this time I will be. I have Herblore now, so I can identify herbs. I need a book for basic alchemy potions, as well as an Alchemy set. Also I need one on how to learn new Enchantments. I was too rushed before, so it didn¡¯t occur to me that I don¡¯t know how to make more. What else¡­


    Perhaps getting the pick was a bad idea. Herbs seem to grow naturally, but minerals? I¡¯m not so sure I was thinking straight when I bought these things. I¡¯ll keep it for now though. What else¡­I¡¯ll have to ask about leatherworking. Otherwise skinning would be pointless. Okay, so let¡¯s go through what I need.


    -A book containing basic recipes for Alchemy


    -A kit that allows me to perform Alchemy


    -A book detailing how to create Enchantments


    -Information on whether I can mine in here or not (hopefully he has an answer)


    -Information on how to use the hides I skin.


    Simple enough. I have quite a bit of herbs, so I¡¯m hoping they¡¯ll be worth something.


    [Luna]: LUCIFER!


    Lucifer suddenly appears, giving me a small fright. I¡¯m getting used to it, but it¡¯s still damn scary.


    [Lucifer]: Yes? Have you got something for me?


    I gesture to the herbs. He picks them up, mulling over them for a while.


    [Lucifer]: These herbs are really shit. Did you pick them? I bet you picked them.


    [Luna]: w-It¡¯s not my fault I¡¯m a low level on Herblore! I did the best I could.


    [Lucifer]: nah, this is bad even for a beginner. Sorry to say, but you have no talent. Still, there¡¯s quite a lot. And they are worth something. I¡¯ll give you two silver Shadow Coins for it.


    [Luna]: How much is that worth?


    [Lucifer]: Who knows? It¡¯s not like you have a choice right? Hehe.


    [Luna]: ¡­


    [Lucifer]: heh.


    [Luna]: Fine. You win. Then I wanted to ask you how much each of these items cost. An alchemy set. A book containing basic recipes for Alchemy. A book detailing how to create Enchantments.


    [Lucifer]: First item would cost you 5 silver Shadow Coins. The second, 1 silver Shadow Coin. The third, 1 gold Shadow Coins.


    [Luna]: ¡­


    [Luna]: How does the currency work for Shadow Coins?


    [Lucifer]: Eh, ruining the mystery already. Okay, it¡¯s pretty simple. It¡¯s like general currency, there¡¯s bronze, silver, gold and platinum Shadow Coins. 1 Silver requires 10 Bronze. 1 Gold requires 100 Silver. 1 Platinum requires 1000 Gold.


    Okay¡­Shit. Guess I have to leave enchanting for quite a while. Is there any way I can reduce the cost for the Alchemy set and the book with Alchemy recipes.


    [Lucifer]: Yes, but only because I¡¯m aware of your low health. You¡¯re my precious money-*cough* I mean friend. I can¡¯t let you die.


    [Luna]: Yeah yeah. So what¡¯s the deal?


    [Lucifer]: This one time deal is simple. Give me everything you have.


    [Luna]: Everything?! Even my pick?! I haven¡¯t even used it yet!


    [Lucifer]: Nor will you. I had a good laugh after you bought it. After all, there¡¯s nothing to mine in this dungeon.


    [Luna]: ¡­


    [Luna]: I hate you.


    [Lucifer]: Those words sing to my heart!


    [Luna]: There¡¯s one problem however. I need my sword to fight.


    [Lucifer]: Right, this is true. I¡¯ll leave you the sword, but everything else is mine. Including those clothes.


    [Luna]: *splutter* WHAT!!


    [Lucifer]: You heard me. It¡¯s not a joke this time.


    I take deep breaths, trying to calm myself down. He wants me to GO AROUND GODDAMN NAKED. IS THAT EVEN ALLOWED?!


    [Luna]: Why would you want my clothes?! They¡¯re useless.


    [Lucifer]: I don¡¯t. This is a lesson in humility. I¡¯ve only been helping you out because you¡¯re an investment. I don¡¯t want you to get the wrong idea. This will be the last time I help you. From now on, its fair exchanges. No matter what. Hopefully, this will make you understand that I am not a friend. I am a business man. You are a business partner. No more favors.


    I sigh¡­he¡¯s right. I¡¯ve sort of come to expect his help. Seems he wants me to learn really fast that I won¡¯t be getting any from now on.


    [Luna]: Then one more question. How do I use hides I skin?


    [Lucifer]: That requires the Leatherworking craft. You¡¯ll need to read a book on the basics of the craft. It¡¯ll cost you 20 silver.


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    So that¡¯s something for later I guess.


    [Luna]: Am I even allowed to lose all my clothing¡­I¡¯ll be naked won¡¯t I?


    [Lucifer]: Not fully. You¡¯ll have a bra and panties on.


    [Luna]: Great¡­that makes me feel so much better¡­


    I can¡¯t believe I want to agree to this. This is so degrading. Stupid Lucifer. You could¡¯ve proven your point another way. I steel myself with resolve. I need that alchemy set.


    [Luna]: ¡­Fine. I accept the deal.


    [Lucifer]: Great!


    I feel everything from my inventory disappear, along with my clothes. The only thing I had left was the sword resting in my right hand. An alchemy set is sent to my inventory, along with a book on basic alchemy. I sigh in relief, I should be able to make some health potions now. I turn to give Lucifer a sarcastic comment¡­


    And he¡¯s gone. And I¡¯m almost naked. That guy gets on my nerves. Just leaves whenever he wants. Appears and disappears out of thin air. What the hell is he? I don¡¯t even care¡­I just want some clothes¡­


    Why did I accept this deal? I can¡¯t even make myself new clothes, because I need 20 silvers to learn Leatherworking. I hate my life right now. Things can¡¯t possibly get worse then this¡­


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>A GM has sent you a message!</td></tr><tr><td>Message: mmm lookin¡¯ good gurl ;)</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    I curl up in a ball. Things just got worse. Just block it out. No-one can see you. That¡¯s a breach of privacy¡­


    Suddenly, I snap my eyes open. WAIT A MINUTE. I never looked at my privacy settings. I quickly open them up and, sure enough, they¡¯re all set to public. No wonder they could see me wherever I was. Stupid GM¡¯s and their stupid abuse. I quickly set all of the settings to maximum privacy. Now no-one can see my in-game activity unless they¡¯re with me.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>A GM has sent you a message!</td></tr><tr><td>Message: Party pooper¡­Now all I have left are pictures.</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    *Shudder* goddamn pervert.


    [Luna]: Reply to Gm. ¡®Go to hell you sick pervert¡¯.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>A GM has sent you a message!</td></tr><tr><td>Message: You cute thing ;) don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll see you real soon.</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Oh god, what have I done. There¡¯s no way he can get in here. Even GM¡¯s can¡¯t cheat the game. Please, don¡¯t let me down Tartarus. Don¡¯t let that thing inside this place. No, there¡¯s no way he¡¯ll be let in. Absolutely no way. Let¡¯s just move past it. I need to learn Alchemy.


    Strangely enough, now that all my settings were at ¡®private¡¯ I felt oddly secure. As if I was enveloped in a safety bubble. I wasn¡¯t so upset at being nearly naked anymore. No-one can see me! Focusing back on what I got, the Alchemy set seems to be a small brewing station with a few starter bottles. It has a mortar and pestle with it as well. I start skimming the Alchemy book. It gives a rief description oif Alchemy before going into recipes. Apparently potion bottles can be reused, so you don¡¯t need that many. Right now I have 5, so that should be fine for now.


    How Alchemy works is simple. You use the mortar and pestle to grind down the herbs. Then, you mix the herbs into the brewing station. Different combinations give different effects. Finally, once the herbs are completely mixed, you pour them into one of potion bottles and put a stopper on it. Simple enough.


    The book contained 5 recipes. Health Regeneration, Mana Regeneration, Energy Regeneration, Rage Regeneration and Antidote. 3 out of the 5 recipes are useless¡­


    Well, I got what I wanted. How to make a health potion. As well as how to make an antidote. But I don¡¯t need that right now.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>You¡¯ve learned the craft Alchemy!


    You¡¯ve learned some Alchemy Recipes!</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Alchemy: Lv1 (0%)</td></tr><tr><td>Create various potions out of different herbs.</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Health Regeneration (Basic)


    Mana Regeneration (Basic)


    Energy Regeneration (Basic)


    Rage Regeneration (Basic)


    Antidote (Basic)</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Well, that was eventful. I guess this book is useless now. I¡¯ll put it in my inventory to sell back to Lucifer. Now I just need to use the herbs for Health Regeneration. I believe the combination was Linx and Keal. Wait a second.


    I just sold all the herbs.


    I cursed at myself, I keep making stupid mistakes. I flung my eyes around wildly, hoping that he missed some only to spot a couple of the herbs each on the ground next to me. I teared up slightly. He¡¯d left them there for me on purpose. He¡¯s a good guy after all¡­


    No! I can¡¯t fall for this trap! He made me take my clothes off! He¡¯s evil. But still¡­he¡¯s really saved me. I pick them up and start the process. First, ground them in the mortal and pestle. Second, mix them in with some water. Water¡­Ah! There¡¯s some water with the set. I¡¯ll need to find some more though, if I wanted to create more potions. Okay, pour it all in together and mix it. That¡¯s right¡­


    Slowly¡­


    I can see it starting to go red¡­


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>You¡¯ve created the potion Health Regeneration (Basic)!</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Health Regeneration (Basic)</td></tr><tr><td>Regenerates 20 health over 60 seconds.</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Hah, that¡¯s useless in battle. Still, better than nothing. It¡¯ll raise my health up to full in less than a minute.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Tartarus (Dungeon) Update!</td></tr><tr><td>Tartarus has become an official Dungeon! Due to the nature of the Dungeon, only an official loot system has come into play.</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Tartarus (Dungeon) Official Loot System!</td></tr><tr><td>Mini-Bosses and Bosses disappear after death, leaving behind loot equivalent to the difficulty level, with variance. Variance is affected by Luck.</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Oh wow! I get some loot for killing bosses. The side effect is I can¡¯t use them to get Void back, but I can live with that. Wonder what else I get¡­


    Nothing¡­


    What the hell is with the GM¡¯s, I think they¡¯re having too much fun with me. This is, after all, meant to be a world quest.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>A GM has sent you a message!</td></tr><tr><td>Message: We have been restricted. There will be no more GM interaction with your current quest and the dungeon Tartarus. That is all. Good luck.</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    A tear silently rolls down my cheek, whoever made them stop¡­


    Thank you¡­


    I have been truly blessed. I am finally free from being their plaything. Now I can have some real fun!


    ¡­I¡¯m still naked. That doesn¡¯t matter! Let¡¯s go kill some skeletons! I down the potion I made quickly, before making another two with the rest of the ingredients I had. Packing it all up, I store it back into my inventory.


    I head back to the skeletons, this time with little worry. I already know how to deal with them now. Simply dodge their attack and do a feint. Then wait for it to use Repel, before going in for the kill. Rinse and repeat, simple. It took me only 10 minutes to dispatch the other 8 Skeletons in the room. I make sure I identify each one before I do. Got to grind my levels.


    I gained 2 levels from them, putting me at 5. Strange that I gained more from the Skeletons then the Small Rats, but I put it down to them being corrupted. They mustn¡¯t have been worth much. I then dragged all the skeletons back to the main room, the one with the paintings, just in case I needed their body¡¯s later. Time to check my Status Plate.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Status Plate</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Luna</td><td colspan=''2''>Female</td></tr><tr><td>Race:</td><td>Draconite</td><td>Level:</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>Fame:</td><td>0</td><td>Class:</td><td>Wanderer</td></tr><tr><td>Infamy:</td><td>9999</td><td>Experience:</td><td>41%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''></td></tr><tr><td>Health:</td><td>20/20</td><td>Health Regeneration:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Stamina:</td><td>20/20</td><td>Stamina Regeneration:</td><td>1/5s</td></tr><tr><td>Void:</td><td>7.5/11</td><td>Void Regeneration:</td><td>N/A</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''></td></tr><tr><td>Strength:</td><td>0</td><td>Vitality:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Might:</td><td>0</td><td>Endurance:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Dexterity:</td><td>0</td><td>Resistance:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Agility:</td><td>5</td><td>Defence:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Intelligence:</td><td>0</td><td>Sense:</td><td>10</td></tr><tr><td>Wisdom:</td><td>0</td><td>Luck:</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Stat Points:</td><td colspan=''2''>10</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Titles</td><td colspan=''2''>Forsaken by the Gods</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Status Effects</td><td colspan=''2''>None</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Crafts:</td><td colspan=''2''> Skinning: Lv1


    Enchanting: Lv1


    Herblore: Lv1


    Alchemy: Lv1</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Sigils:</td><td colspan=''2''>Dark Attack (Weapon)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Alchemy Recipes:</td><td colspan=''2''>Health Regeneration (Basic), Mana Regeneration (Basic), Energy Regeneration (Basic), Rage Regeneration (Basic), Antidote (Basic)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Skills</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Passive</td><td colspan=''2''>Active</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Celestial Understanding: MAX


    Adaptive Body: MAX


    Zero Start: MAX


    Memories of Time: MAX


    Void Manipulation: MAX


    Void Mastery: Lv1


    Dark Affinity: Lv2</td><td colspan=''2''>Identification: Lv2


    Focused Mind (Toggle): Lv4


    Condensed Spiraling Sphere: Lv1</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Okay, so I gain 5 stat points every level. Must¡¯ve gained ten for the first level. I¡¯m still not fast enough right now, so I¡¯ll invest all 10 into Agility. I felt my body get a bit lighter again. It also felt a bit leaner, more flexible. Must be imagining it.


    I give myself a small break, taking the time to rest up a bit. A lots happened. Not even a day has passed yet. I feel as if everything¡¯s rushing by so fast, is it because I¡¯m having so much fun? I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m just enjoying myself. But I¡¯m sure now that I¡¯m grounded things will start to slow down a bit. I¡¯ve got most of my basics, now it¡¯s time for exploration. Levelling skills. Grinding.


    Well, not really grinding. You can¡¯t grind in this dungeon, at least not for long. Breaks over! I gather myself, then look around. I¡¯ve got two ways left. Forward, or right¡­


    Hmm¡­¡­

 Chapter 6: A victory....of sorts

    Better head right, I get an ominous feeling from forward. I head over. When I reach the area located to the right, I gasp in surprise.


    The whole room was covered in some sort of luminous green moss. Roots raced along the walls and ground, all joining together in the huge tree right in the middle of the room. It covered the entire center area of the room, the luminous moss glowing dully along its trunk. I couldn¡¯t see the top, so I had to assume it extended past this room, up into whatever exists above.


    When I looked around, I noticed a few small trees splayed around the outer area. Some small roots led to this, however no luminous moss glowed on them. I go to step inside, excitement and curiosity overwhelming me. I¡¯m about to jump in when I hear a small groan. Suspicious, I pause and look around. There was nothing there. It came from the direction of one of those small trees. Perhaps something behind it? Or maybe¡­


    Identify.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Trent (Aggressive)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Camouflaged as a natural tree, these Trent¡¯s wait until their prey is next to them before striking out at lightning speed.</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Lv 8


    Health: 100/100


    Stamina: 15/15


    Mana: 30/30</td></tr><tr><td>Skills:</td><td>Regrowth ~ crouches down, increasing outside resistance. Cannot be moved. Heals user for 40 health over 5 seconds.


    Cost: 15 mana</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr></tbody></table>


    I sigh in relief. I nearly made a huge mistake here. Now, how to approach them. I spend a little bit trying to formulate a plan, but I throw them all out. The problem is I don¡¯t have enough information. All I know is that their first strike is incredibly powerful, and they can Regrowth twice. So I reach its range, and then quickly dodge backwards. After that, I¡¯m on my own. Luckily, they¡¯re spaced out enough I can aggro one at a time.


    With determined eyes, I walk forward. I don¡¯t know their range, but I have enough agility now to be confident I can dodge. I walk slowly, readying my feet to throw myself backwards. One step at a time, I get closer and closer. Waiting for the moment¡­


    NOW!


    I jump backwards quickly, feeling the strong wind rush by as the Trent¡¯s arm flies through where I once was. I back up a little more, giving it space. Groaning, the Trent rips itself out of the ground, fixating its dark green eyes one me. At first, it moves very slowly, dragging its mass behind it. However, it starts to rip off that mass, eventually reaching a human-like figure. I grip my sword tightly, fear in my eyes. This will be my first real opponent.


    I ready myself, putting my sword in front and assuming a stance where I can dodge easily. Now I simply wait, as the Trent walks closer. Suddenly, it dashes, coming into my range. I nearly panic, before reigning myself back in. It brings up its right arm, and tries to take me down in a diagonal arc. I sway to the left, letting it barely miss me, before making a quick sweep with my own sword.


    [Trent] -10 (90/100)


    I see the Trent bringing its left arm up this time, I don¡¯t have time to make a clean dodge. I collapse my legs quickly, letting myself fall to the ground. The air rushes past my head, as I quickly gather my sword and swipe at its left leg.


    [Trent] -2 (88/100)


    Shit.


    It only made a small dent, the leg was like a trunk. I roll myself to the left to avoid the next arm sweep, before picking myself up and giving it some space. Since it hasn¡¯t done any other attacks, I have to assume its arms are its only weapon. Legs are too strong to attack, and its arms are similar so that¡¯s also an assumption. Its chest is where I did the most damage, and it¡¯s not a trunk like the others. It seems to be a collection of roots, forming a similar skeletal chest to Humans in that regard. I can deal heavy damage in that area.


    The Trent was suddenly upon me, quicker this time. It brought up its left arm and slammed it into my side. I was able to put my sword up as a defense however, and only got pushed back a little. I felt a pain in my chest.


    [Luna] -4 (16/20)


    Before the Trent could react, I grabbed my sword and jammed it into the middle of its chest.


    [Trent] -24 (64/100)


    This went on for a while, with me dodging its attacks and making a quick sweep or jab into its chest. At 40 health, the Trent crouched down and started Regrowth. Wary, I held back the first time, and was thankful I did. At the end of the skill, The Trent swung its arms away from its body, fluidly reaching anyone who was close by at the time. Knowing this, I continued to attack and dodge, backing away the second time it used Regrowth. I¡¯d taken small damage from close calls with some of its attacks, but was relatively unscarred compared to the Trent.


    [Luna] -1 -2 -1 (12/20)


    [Trent] 18 + 40 (58/100)


    I relaxed as the last Regrowth took effect. Thinking it was over, I almost made a fatal mistake. When the Trent finished its Regrowth, it didn¡¯t fling its arms outwards this time. Wailing loudly, the defensive trunk parts of its body fell off. Its dark green eyes turned on me, and it started running extremely fast. I panicked, the trunks must¡¯ve been weighing it down. I quickly bring my sword up to try and block it, but it changed direction and slammed into my chest. I got flung sideways, landing next to a wall.


    [Luna] -7 (5/20)


    A bit farther, and this fight would be over. Luckily, my arms and legs were ok. Unluckily, my chest was heavily damage. The accumulation of the previous wound and this one means I couldn¡¯t bend or move properly. Looking up, I saw the Trent searching for my location. I couldn¡¯t dodge anymore, this fight is over.


    No.


    I refuse to give up. If I can¡¯t dodge, I need to block. No, calm down. I can¡¯t block anymore. Blocking requires me to put all my strength into it, which means if it changes direction I can¡¯t react quickly enough. However, I took martial art training a long time ago. Part of my sword training was the ability to let blows flow off of you. Instead of just blocking, you guide the attack away from you. Okay, think. I close my eyes.


    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


    [Luna]: Why would I need to learn this? I¡¯d rather just dodge, and then pummel them to death! Take that training dummy!


    I felt something slam into my head, reeling in shock before realizing it was my Masters training sword.


    [???]: And what if you are too weak? Injured? What if you can see the attack, but aren¡¯t capable of dodging it? Do you think it¡¯s smart to limit yourself, because you want to ¡®pummel things¡¯? For one of a curious nature, you¡¯re very close-minded.


    Feeling the sharp pain on my head, I collapse into a pile of tears.


    [Luna]: I- *sob* I¡¯m sorry Master. Please don¡¯t hit me.


    The instructor softened slightly at the display, leaning down to pat me.


    [???]: You have to understand Luna, those who are rigid are the first to die on a battlefield. Fluid control, versatile knowledge and an adaptive state is what will keep you alive. You must be prepared to change at a moment¡¯s notice, otherwise you will fall. Now, take up your sword¡­


    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


    Laughing slightly, I force myself upwards. I was a silly little girl back then, and my Master was the best thing that had ever happened to me. I ready my sword, putting it into the Snake Step. It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve used my Masters teachings. The Trent was upon me, its arm swinging much faster than before. I drew my blade up, turning it slightly so that the attack would flow down its blade. I moved my sword, calmly and evenly, letting the attack change it¡¯s direct by small margins.


    Feeling my chest groan in protest, I let the attack flows through, hitting nothing but air as I twist myself around; turning the enemy¡¯s momentum into my own. My sword sweeps across at lightning speed, cleaving the Trent in half.


    [Trent] -45 (13/100)


    I looked down, my eyes widened with triumph. I had done it. All that was left was the finishing blow. I lean down quickly, and rip my sword through its head.


    [Trent] -15 (0/100)


    I sigh, collapsing onto the ground. I pause for a second, trying to hear something. Nothing moved however, letting me know I hadn¡¯t accidently stumbled onto another Trent. I just need to rest for a bit¡­


    It took 10 minutes or so for me to recover. I chugged my last health potion halfway through, recovering my lost health. My lack of stamina is really limiting me. I laugh a bit, remembering my Masters words. I¡¯d become rigid again, only focusing on the things I wanted. I can¡¯t invest into only three stats. Health and stamina are a priority now. First, however, the other Trent¡¯s.


    It takes a few hours to dispose of the other few Trent¡¯s, having to rest in-between. Using the Snake Stance, I didn¡¯t take any damage. When I finished, I¡¯d gained three levels. 15 points to spend. I open up my Status Plate, and frown. Now that I think about it, there¡¯s no information on what each stat does. Well, let¡¯s start with health. I quickly invest 3 points into Vitality.


    !!


    Oh wow, how fortunate. Vitality raises health as well as stamina. It¡¯s a two-for-one. I thought endurance would mean stamina, but apparently not¡­well, I¡¯ll figure that out later. I quickly spend the other 12 into Vitality, gaining 5 health/stamina per point. I felt my body change again, but I wasn¡¯t sure how. I was now at 95, feeling quite good about myself. Unfortunately, I¡¯m out of health potions. I¡¯ll have to figure that out later. My curious nature peaks up again, now that the enemies are gone I can explore this room for as long as I want.


    I start wandering around, checking things out. The luminous moss comes off, but it stops glowing when it does. Something must be making it glow, and the only thing that I can think of is the huge tree in the middle. I focus on the tree, feeling oddly intoxicated by it. It¡¯s as if it was calling me. I walk forward, my curiosity and desire getting the better of me. It draws me in, making me feel as if it was natural for me to touch it. Slowly, I reach out my hand¡­


    I touched it. Suddenly, I grow dizzy, before collapsing onto the ground. I feel my consciousness drift¡­


    Dammit¡­


    Must¡¯ve had memory Residue¡­


    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


    Seraph reaches down, picking up the broken figure of what once was a growing Trent Baby.


    [???]: Let it go Seraph, you know there is nothing you can do.


    [Seraph]: It doesn¡¯t mean I can¡¯t try. I¡¯m sick of finding these babies dead¡­


    [???]: I know, but that is the nature of this Dungeons existence. To kill.


    [Seraph]: But why. We were given life, an existence. Why are we programmed to kill? My Trent¡¯s simply desire to be in peace, but they are driven by their instincts to massacre anything that is not of the Dungeon. They even kill their own babies¡­


    [???]: That is our life. We do not know why we were created, but at the very least we must continue¡­for the creatures that live in this place.


    [Seraph]: You do that my friend, but I must create my own purpose.


    [???]: What?! No, you don¡¯t mean¡­don¡¯t do this, my friend.


    [Seraph]: I must. Sometimes we must choose our own path. Please give the Council my regards.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.I pick myself up, placing myself into the middle of the room. Speaking in an ancient language, I call upon the Creator. I feel myself slowly change. My roots grow thicker, my trunk more solid. I grow, and grow, until I cover half the room I existed in. Then, I grow again, only upwards this time. I shoot through the whole dungeon, reaching the top of it. As I pass through the top, I feel my consciousness fade¡­


    Using the last of my energy, I called to the Trent¡¯s. To come to this sacred place, and to sleep with me. No more will they have to cry. I sing, sing for better days. For a better existence. To sleep. Until someone rescues us from this horrible nightmare. I sing, until my very existence fades.


    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


    I gasp, swinging my body up. The pain comes again, but this time I¡¯m prepared. Gritting my teeth, I wait until it fades. This place is more than it seems. I walk back over to the tree, and touch its trunk. It faced a tortured existence, I truly felt for it. Something whispered inside, but I couldn¡¯t make it out. Confused, I leaned closer, placing my ear onto its surface.


    [Seraph]: Friend¡­


    [Seraph]: I beg you¡­


    [Seraph]: Let my kind truly rest¡­


    [Seraph]: Free them from this tortured existence¡­


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>You¡¯ve received a Quest!</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Seraph¡¯s Cries</td></tr><tr><td>Find the Trent on each level, and end their suffering.</td></tr><tr><td>Reward: ???


    Success: Kill all Trent¡¯s


    Failure: Go down a level without killing the Trent¡¯s</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    [Luna]: Of course I accept¡­


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>The Quest ¡®Seraph¡¯s Cries¡¯ has been accepted!</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    [Seraph]: Thank you¡­friend¡­


    [Seraph]: I¡¯m so tired¡­so very tired¡­


    After that, the whispers stopped. I back a bit from the large tree, before saluting it with a heavy heart. This place is a lot darker then I had first thought. I clench my fists tightly, the Gods did this. Who knows what else is crying in this demented Dungeon. I¡¯m going to have to start taking this more seriously.


    I frown, noticing the Reward part on this quest. Isn¡¯t Seraph dead, how would I get a reward? I guess I¡¯ll find out. Looking around, I noticed the moss had lost their glow. I looked at them closely.


    <table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Tigen</td></tr><tr><td>A green moss.</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Perhaps it might be useful. I gather the moss and put it next to the skeletons remains. For the Trent, I take each of their bodies and lay them against the large tree. Normally I would take their mana, but it felt wrong to do it. They almost looked like they were resting. It¡¯s decided.


    [Luna]: I name this tree Yggdrasil! May you rest in peace Seraph. I will be sure to end your companions suffering.


    I move past Yggdrasil, focusing my view on the next room. I enter it, the fearsome sight providing a contrast to the beautiful green behind me. I froze in terror. The ground and walls were littered with innumerous amounts of bones. Some shined, while others had become brittle with age. Stepping onto them, I feel them crack under my weight. Looking around, the room was almost completely empty. In the direct center of the room, to the farthest end, sat a skeletal figure on some sort of throne. This throne was also made out of bones.


    Identify.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Skeleton King (Aggressive)</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>A Skeleton who¡¯s been through many battles. It wields a terrifying sword, and its bones are hard to damage.</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Lv 9


    Health: ???


    Stamina: ???


    Rage: ???</td></tr><tr><td>Skills:</td><td>???</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Shit¡­


    Can I win this? Perhaps I should come back later. No, I will face many trials in the future. I can¡¯t back off here. But I cannot rush in blind. First, I need to practice. I back out of the room walking over to the room with the skeleton bones. I realise my sword won¡¯t cut it. Fine, I deal with that merchant before training. Then I train. But I don¡¯t have anything of value. Unless¡­


    I pick up the bones, inspecting them. I was right! Each one counts as a weapon. Which means I can enchant them. How did I enchant the first time? I didn¡¯t. The Void seemed to gather on the sword and do it for me. However, it was the sigil that had inscribed the power. Let¡¯s see if drawing it will create the enchantment.


    I pick up one of the bones, and shave it down until it has an extremely sharp edge. Then, grabbing another bone, I slowly draw the sigil. I feel power flow through me into it, a small amount at a time. When I was halfway done, my hand slipped. The sigil suddenly glowed brightly, before the bone shattered in my hands.


    [Luna]: -5 (90/95)


    Shit. I ripped out the bone that embedded itself into me. So making a mistake while enchanting can have dire consequences. I pick up the next bone, this time sitting down and placing the bone on the ground. Making sure it won¡¯t move, I try it a second time. A few minutes later and I finish, feeling a bit drained. The sigil glows brightly for a second, before going still again. Inspecting the bone, I see it¡¯s got some dark attack now.


    I do this for each one, reaching level 3 in enchanting by the time I get through them all. With level 3, the Dark Attack (Weapon) sigil has increased to 15 damage. It¡¯s time.


    [Luna]: Lucifer!


    [Lucifer]: Yes?


    This time I didn¡¯t react to his sudden appearance, making sure to show no surprise on my face. I need the best weapon I can get, so no weakness.


    [Luna]: I need a new weapon. Tell me what you can give me in exchange for these enchanted bones, and that moss.


    Lucifer walks over, taking his time to inspect each. When he sees the moss, his eyes widen slightly before he resumes his inspection.


    [Lucifer]: These bones are useless, besides their enchantment. Unfortunately for you, enchanting has become more common since Travellers have come to this world. I can get a bit of money for them, but not a lot.


    [Luna]: What about the moss?


    [Lucifer]: Now this is where you¡¯re in luck. Tigen is rare, and it¡¯s used for middle tier healing potions. It¡¯s worth quite a bit. I can get you a nice weapon for this, but¡­


    [Luna]: Yes¡­?


    [Lucifer]: You need some clothes as well. I guess you¡¯ve forgotten, but you¡¯re walking around naked. Any attacks are going to cause heavy damage.


    Looking down at myself, my face turns red. I¡¯d forgotten.


    [Luna]: Very well! Get me the best armor and weapon you can!


    [Lucifer]: Okay, but I need details. What weapon, and what armor?


    [Luna]: Get me a longer sword. As for the armor¡­something light that allows freedom of movement.


    [Lucifer]:  Okay, give me a second¡­.


    Lucifer disappears for a bit, before reappearing again with a smile on his face.


    [Lucifer]: You¡¯re in luck. While the armor is pretty common, and doesn¡¯t offer much resistance, its design allows for faster movement then you could have without it. As for the weapon, it¡¯s quite special¡­well, I¡¯ll let you see it.


    With a wave of his hands, the bones and moss disappear. In their place is the armor and weapon. The armor look is completely black, with no out of the ordinary qualities. It looked sturdy, seemingly made of leather, but nothing exceptional. I look closer.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Greave¡¯s Leather Chest</td></tr><tr><td>Defense: 10</td><td>Resistance: 10</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Armor made with the intent of easing movement.</td></tr><tr><td>Quality:</td><td>Excellant</td></tr><tr><td>Grade:</td><td>A</td></tr><tr><td>Special Effects:</td><td>Agility +3, Agility +3</td></tr><tr><td>Unique:</td><td>Reaction Time</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Greave¡¯s Leather Leggings</td></tr><tr><td>Defense: 5</td><td>Resistance: 5</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Armor made with the intent of easing movement.</td></tr><tr><td>Quality:</td><td>Excellant</td></tr><tr><td>Grade:</td><td>B</td></tr><tr><td>Special Effects:</td><td>Agility +3</td></tr><tr><td>Unique:</td><td>None</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Wow, this is excellent. What¡¯s this ¡®Reaction Time¡¯ on the Unique slot. I knew there was more to this Unique slot than it let on¡­guess I¡¯ll have to find out in the battle. I¡¯m hoping it is exactly what it says, better reaction time. I turn around to thank Lucifer.


    [Luna]: Thanks Lucifer¡­


    He¡¯s gone. I¡¯m never going to get used to that. Might as well start calling him Batman. Well, let¡¯s check the weapon next. My eyes widen, excitement filling me. It was a longer sword, but its color shone a deep blue. I looked closer.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Poseidon¡¯s Keeper</td></tr><tr><td>Damage: 30</td><td>Durability: 50/50</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Forged in the depths of the ocean. This weapon is fluid and fast, being quick enough to surprise even the owner of the blade.</td></tr><tr><td>Quality:</td><td>Perfect</td></tr><tr><td>Grade:</td><td>A</td></tr><tr><td>Special Effects:</td><td>None</td></tr><tr><td>Unique:</td><td>Tidal Healing</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Wow. Lucifer outdid himself. This sword is excellent. It didn¡¯t have the added Agility like the armor, but its description seemed to suggest otherwise. Picking it up, I took it for a few swings. Surprisingly enough, it was exactly like the description said. It felt like your sword was gliding through the air, rather than cutting it. With the lack of resistance, the sword flowed faster. Odd that it¡¯s a weapon from the ocean that¡¯s doing this. No matter, it¡¯s perfect for the Steps I want to learn. I set the sword down, and use the sigil to enchant its hilt. 15 Dark Damage on top of that, very nice.


    I quickly equip my new armor and pick up my sword again. Time to train. For now, I¡¯ll just focus on re-learning three of my Steps. The Snake Step, Leopard Step and Shadow Step. A step in my martial art is a single idea taking shape. The Snake Step was about taking the opponents power, and turning it into your own. The Leopard Step is about flowing from one attack to another. Without relenting, you overwhelm the opponent by never stopping. It¡¯s hard, and requires intense focus.


    The last Step, Shadow Step, is the hardest to learn. You constantly shift position and location, gliding through enemy attacks and only making quick ones of your own. By being in a constant state of movement, you strike from where they cannot see, causing confusion and fear in your opponent. In other words, the ¡®shadows¡¯.


    After a few hours of practice, I decided I had them down. I walk back to the room with the Skeleton King, entering it with dread. Slowly, I walk towards the figure on the throne, watching it become larger and larger. What I hadn¡¯t noticed before was a sword next to the Skeleton King. Completely black, it was as large as the Skeleton King himself.


    I was thinking of claiming the weapon afterwards, but I wouldn¡¯t even be able to wield it. When I reach halfway, I suddenly hear a roar. The Skeleton King stood up, its eyes glowing a deep red. It picks up the sword as if it weighs nothing, letting out another huge roar. It looks me straight in the eyes.


    [Skeleton King]: Come, let us Dance with Death.