《True Death》


 Chapter 1: Scene in the Bathroom

    Chapter 1


    Daniel searched around the group and couldn¡¯t help but hide a grimace. Each of the stoney faces he saw looking back at him normally focused in on his infectious smile and upbeat happiness.


    Tina and Dave each looked away uncomfortably. No one likes to stare at the gimp. I have seen military action in four separate countries, seen friends die and disappear, seen my family look at me with reverence, seen my loved ones look at me with pity, watched children¡¯s bodies lay on the side of the road, witnessed families suffocate from biological warfare whilst my unit could only watch and I still cringe and tense up from my friend¡¯s squeamishness.


    I am less than a man; I am a half man. And yes I understand that I am not as cool, charismatic or caring as a certain midget lion.


    Fighting my way to the front of the restaurant near the bathroom I move forward slowly, carefully not to run over any of the wait staff scurrying underfoot. The building is older than most in the city, which means that it is anything but ideal for a cripple like myself.


    As usual, I sit here waiting for a man to finish shitting in the only wheelchair accessible stall. Plastering a grim expression on my face, I fantasize about how good it would feel to go back to just a year ago where I could have kicked. I murmured in appreciation a the idea... yes kicked right through flimsy stall wall and literally beat the shit out of this guy for the humiliation. There were four stalls all told in the bathroom, but this guy had to take mine.


    Waiting there fantasizing about good old fashioned beatings, the man finally walked out of the stall. he took his time leaving and almost seem to slow down as he saw me. I gabe him my best frosty expression and he returned a smirk. Fantasy aside, this guy really needed to be taken down a peg or two. Before walking all the way past he put his hand, unwashed hand might i add, and murmered, ¡°warmed it up for you boyo¡±.


    ?Without much thought I grabbed his shit stained hand, okay there wasn¡¯t any visible stains on it, twisting his wrist until he yelped in surprise. Holding his arm at an impossible angle I twisted his arm until his back was turned to me and I knew that I had the power to fully break his wrist. without breaking his wrist I pulled him into me so that I could whisper into his ear. He naturally fell down to one knee on the ground so that he was completely level with me in my chair. I reached down and grabbed his balls viciously.


    He screamed bloody murder as I held him in a vice grip. There was nothing to be said at this point because he went hearing it anyway so I released his balls and he dropped to the ground. I politely rille around his righting body and proceeded to take the best shit in my entire life.


    Sitting there on my favorite chair, I pondered how truly gruesome what I had just done was to those who have never seen war. The man on the ground still whimpered from the ground and he was probably wondering when the pain would ever end. Have you ever been kicked in the balls before. I think the body warns you psychologically for hours if you are stupid enough to let someone injure you there. Its like a defense mechanism protecting the most natural form of immortality, procreation.


    Back at the Table Mike and Tina looked at me funny as I returned. The smile on my face belied the sense of excitement I was experiencing and I slipped into the stall with a renewed vigor. ¡°Food¡± sensing my excitement they nodded enthusiastically and dug in. Tina reached down, pulling her red hair away from her face and murmured something into Mike¡¯s ear. I pretended to ignore this and Mike finally set down his cheeseburger and stared me down.


    ¡°Was that the greatest shit in the world or did somebody give you a bj in the bathroom?¡± he smiled at the wittiness of his accusation. Tina colored a little at the bawdiness, but her snort seemed real and brought my smile even wider. Setting down my own burrito, I looked up deadpan in Tina¡¯s eyes to defend myself, ¡°best shit ever¡± my voice resonated and attempted to stop the contest there.


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    Mike and Tina laughed at my response. Both of them knew me well having served with me over in Afghanistan and both represented two of my best friends in the world. Tina and Mike were high school sweethearts and both of them served in the medical side of the corps. Tina was a physician and Mike was a nurse. One of my happiest times with Serene was when I was stationed in Japan. Serene and I were enamored with this younger couple and we spent much of my rec time getting to know each other and building a solid friendship. You can never underestimate the value of couple friends to a strong marriage. I think this is especially true where your in the military and stationed in another country with a different and distinct culture.


    ¡°Earth to Danny!¡± Tina¡¯s voice broke my concentration and she smiled. Her smile never reached her eyes as she saw what I must have been thinking about. Keeping up the fun I try and change the subject, but come up short and sit there with my mouth hanging ajar. Not to be undone I bring my burrito up and proceed to stuff my face.


    ¡°So tell me about this game you just bought Daniel¡± Mike looks to change the topic and I can¡¯t blame him at all.


    ¡°True Death Online¡± I supply mulling over how much Mike and Tina really want to hear about how I am planning to spend life as a widower and cripple locked up in a virtual reality. ¡°According to the videos and information I found online its supposed to be completely lifelike.¡± Looking down at my legs I remember that I am still scared about the prospect of feeling their effect again because it will fill me with regret and make me realize how helpless I feel. ¡°The launch is in just a few days.¡± My hand absentmindedly strokes the metal replacement I have for a left kneecap and continue somberly. ¡°I will be running through a cheap version of middle earth from the hobbit or some such nonsense by next week.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me sir¡± a weak voice breaking with fear gives off to my right. Its not quite a little girl¡¯s voice, more like that of a teenage boy. Turning I see my friend from the restroom again with a red face like he has been crying. Well I guess I knew he had been crying. Giving him a death stare and placing my left hand, the one I reckon he renamed ball crusher, on the table for him to see. My eyes look down slowly at my left fist which has begun closing around air. My smile is finally back as I look him back in the eye.


    ¡°I waa-nt to-to apologize for the way I behaved earlier.¡± there was a moment of silence as Mike and Tina looked at me with confusion and tried to fathom who the hell this idiot was  trying to apologize to me and looking ready to piss himself. Behind him, our waiter came up with a new round of beverages. Stepping aside to let the waiter in, the man turned and introduced himself to Mike and Tina. Shaking hands he finally turned back to me and I noticed his hands has calmed and my drink was refilled.


    ¡°Jimmy Benson, I hope these drinks are enjoyable and I bid you all a great evening.¡± It was strangely formal, but it seemed to work for this guy who goes back up to someone who kicked his ass and buys them alcohol. This guys not half dumb.


    Tina is just happy for the beverage. ¡°Would you please join us Jimmy, I am sure that Danny won¡¯t mind.¡± I look at her funny and shrug my shoulders. Jimmy seems really happy and plops down in the chair at the end of the table not considering asking me to scotch down the bench.


    The conversation started out awkwardly as Jimmy was asked all of your typical stupid questions like a strange questionnaire. When he mentioned that right now he was really excited about the launch of the new virtual reality both of them looked at me like this idiot was going to be my new best friend or something.

 Chapter 2: Welcome

    <table><tbody><tr><td>        Welcome to True Death      </td></tr></tbody></table>


    The message was a tad creepy. My headset was connected and I stood there in what you would picture a white room to look like in an insane asylum. This place just gave me the creeps. I don''t think you properly heard me a moment ago. I mean I stood there in this white room. Bending my knees, my hands gently poked and prodded at my legs and the way they now currently held up and supported me.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>        Are you ready to begin?             </td></tr></tbody></table>


    "yes" my reply was short and abrupt expressing my fascination with my new knees and legs.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>        Commencing bioscan, please wait for us to provide you with our approved race, statistics and randomized starting point.            </td></tr></tbody></table>


    ¡°WAIT!" Where the hell are all of my options and shit.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>        Please hold. Aggressive behavior identified. Such belligerence will  affect your gameplay. Please hold¡­ Please hold¡­ </td></tr></tbody></table>


    I wonder if the Beta players had to deal with this shit. ¡°No sir the beta players did not have to deal with this ¡°shit¡± as they were respectful in reverent of this opportunity to experience another world and experience. I see that you are neither so I will be sending you on your way to a special place where belligerents like yourself will be welcome.¡± The erie voice made my skin crawl. Have you ever imagined what it would be like to hear god? Have you ever imagined what it would be like to hear god as the voice of the sexiest actress (or actor) you can imagine. Well its not as sexy as it sounds.


    <table><tbody><tr><td> Good Luck </td></tr></tbody></table>


    I was on the ground. My heart let out and I shuddered in fear that my legs were gone in the damn game. running my hands down my legs I realized I was there. Tentatively I moved my legs and toes feeling the wonders of my shoeless muddy feet and I was just glad I had pants on at the moment.


    Rain had started coming down pretty hard and noticed several men cursing. They were standing off to the side of the pathway through the sea of tents as I sat blocking everything. One of them roughly pushed aside a running boy and screamed out ¡°Noob¡± get your ass up. Belatedly I realized that I must have been a part of some sort of military procession.


    ¡°Whats your Name idiot?¡± I looked down and tried to remember what I had chosen. My thoughts we''re broken up as another hand richest to hit me again. This time I was ready for him, but I wasn¡¯t used to my body or I wasn¡¯t high enough statistically to avoid the swat and his meaty paw took me in the nose instead of my ear.


    Blood oozed down across my face and I screamed out in pain. F&^% that hurt. Face down in the mud, I started crying. I am not proud of it and I wouldn¡¯t admit this stuff if someone were to actually read this, but I cried. I will have you know that your tear ducts are naturally located next to your nose and it is easy to create tears. I must have sat there ont he ground longer than I imagined because my friend kicked me violently in the side. F(*%


    <table><tbody><tr><td>   You have been Kicked by Sergeant Tine: -40 HP   </td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>  Warning, your life has fallen below 10% </td></tr></tbody></table>


    ¡°I asked you what your name was maggot and I expect to hear it from you right now or I will end you now!¡± I hate this a&&hole.


    ¡°My name is Mason, Sarge!¡± shouting out it like I was back in boot camp or something. Everyone must have been watching this spectacle because there seemed to be a silence that came over the rain. I think I even managed to sense that Tin¡¯s boot went back down onto the ground  so I relaxed a little not expecting another blow so soon.


    Strong arms grabbed me and dragged me to my feet. ¡°Throw this idiot in with the deserters because he looks like he might try and run.¡± Before I could say anything I was being brought over away the rest of the group I was with previously. Is this shit for real?


    The camp was even larger than I initially realized. I couldn¡¯t see an end in sigjt to the tents as I looked off to the South. Wait. How the heck do I even know which direction South is right now? Thinking furiously I tried to take in my surroundings and I was trying to delay wherever I was going right now. I let my wonderful new legs give out and I made my weight completely dead.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Avoid the Gallows Crew</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Type:</td><td width="25%">Chain</td><td width="25%">Time Limit:</td><td width="25%">10 Minutes</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Conditions:</td><td colspan=''2''>Don¡¯t let the chain around your neck</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Rewards: Not dying</td></tr></tbody></table>


    What the hell? Thinking fast I realized that I only had a few minutes until I would be put in some kind of a slave chain gang. Why the hell would people even play a game like this where you can just log out any moment. How the hell do I log out? Shit focus you idiot!


    I started trying to take in as much information as I could about the tents. My two captors were smaller than me, but both were strong because they were dragging me along with ease as we went through the camp.


    My right arm friend was skinny, but wiry and he stood probably a few inches shorter than me at about 6ft even or so. His was wearing basic chainmail  with no breastplate or anything to slow down his moments. He had a fine cloth shirt over his mail and it made him look like he was some kind of NCO because the majority of soliders had crappy weapons and certainly no mail or fine cloth. These were not your typical solider or farmer given a swords; these were hard men accustomed to war and the use of a weapon.


    Speaking of weapons, my friend on the right was wearing a daggar on his left leg that would slowly rotate towards me as he brought his leg back. I could feel it slap against my dead right arm every so often. Timing it perfectly I realized that if I pulled down slightly my arm would hit it like clockwork every fourth step towards my doom.


    Lefty was a different sort. He seemed like the farmer type that may have worked hard for a lviing, but probably wasn¡¯t a killer. He seemed to be scared for me about my fate and his eyes were wide as I was dragged forward towards the South. He war pants that were exactly the same as my own resembling the muddy ground I had wallowed in jut moments earlier. I didn¡¯t try to even attempt negotiating or talking my way out of this mess because I knew it was useless with the thug on the right side.


    Taking a few moments to compose myself before my escape attempt, I started analyzing the makeup of the camp. It seemed like I was experiencing deja vu as the camp seemed to consist of a symetrical breakdown for every cluster of tents. The Mess, armorer and horseflesh were in the center with a cluster of the tents for soldiers along the outside. Between each cluster was small lanes where a group or two horsemen abreast could make way through the camp. We stopped several times during this process and I ended up sitting in the mud for the riders to pass.


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    I am not sure why I decided to pray at the moment. You have to understand that a man like me that loses his wife, his legs and his comrades doesn¡¯t have much to live for in this life. virtual reality was probably the most exciting thing to happen to me since I lost my other half.


    Dammit I am crying again. What the  F(^$ is wrong with this game. I have only been here a few minutes and I am balling like a little girl. It was time. I started balling even harder sobbing out everything that I had to get me out of this situation and just enjoy my new found escape form being a cripple without being killed off or enslaved on day 1. Murmuring under my breath with all my soul, I am not sure whether this was a genuine cry for help, but I made it any way and literally begged right then and there for some assistance.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>New Skill</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Prayer</td><td colspan=''2''>You have rayed out to god. God has been known by many names in many worlds and he listens to those who call upon him. Even a mustard seed of faith shall move moutains.</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''3''>Effects</td><td width="25%">+10 to basic stats for duration</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Time</td><td width="25%">10 minutes</td><td width="25%">Growth</td><td width="25%">+1 minute per skill level</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>        Do you wish to select a religion?            </td></tr></tbody></table>


    Yes


    <table><tbody><tr><td>        Please name your religion?             </td></tr></tbody></table>


    Christianity


    <table><tbody><tr><td>       We do not recognize that religion, would you like to start a new religion?           </td></tr></tbody></table>


    Yes


    <table><tbody><tr><td>       You have founded a new religion. You receive + 10 to all stats! You have access to a secret class: Apostle.  would you like to accept this new class?  </td></tr></tbody></table>


    What the hell. Yes


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Apostle</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Type:</td><td width="25%">Hidden</td><td width="25%">Level Bonus:</td><td width="25%">+2 Constitution,  +2 Intelligence, +2 ???, +1 ???</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Requirements:</td><td colspan=''2''>Found a Religion, meet a prophet, or meet god</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Skills: Ordain, Preach, Crusade</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Skill Name:</td><td width="25%">Skill Rank:</td><td width="25%">Skill Level:</td><td width="25%">Skill Experience:</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Ordain</td><td width="25%">Advanced</td><td width="25%">Level 1</td><td width="25%">0%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>You are the chosen one of the lord. You have the ability to spark a thirst for the lord. Those who you speak to about the lord shall become your followers. You can give out the job of priest and Missionary for the lord.</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Wow, so does that mean I can start a cult or something. That is sounds like I am St. Peter or the pope. This is amazing. Now I only have to survive. How to I toggle to the next box?


    <table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Skill Name:</td><td width="25%">Skill Rank:</td><td width="25%">Skill Level:</td><td width="25%">Skill Experience:</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Preach</td><td width="25%">Beginner</td><td width="25%">Level 1</td><td width="25%">0%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>This is a basic skill. You currently lack the necessary fervor to sway people towards the lord. If you use this skill on someone of another albeit erroneous faith, then they will become hostile and attempt to kill you where you stand.</td></tr></tbody></table>


    How on earth or wherever I am can I ordain someone, but not even get them to become a follower? This stuff doesn''t make any damn sense and why am I a prisoner ten seconds into this stupid game. Is this some kind of lottery cheat where i have found some kind of secret to dying before anyone else?


    <table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Skill Name:</td><td width="25%">Skill Rank:</td><td width="25%">Skill Level:</td><td width="25%">Skill Experience:</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Crusade</td><td width="25%">Beginner</td><td width="25%">Level 1</td><td width="25%">0%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>You are the chosen one of the lord. You can cast crusade to fully debuff fear, curse, paralysis or stun from all those under your command. Any effects cast upon your party after cursade is cast will be rebounded back with a 10% chance of being effective. This costs 500 Mana and lasts for ten minutes</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Wow that is an awesome skill, but I don''t even know how much Mana I have much less how to even use such a thing. Alright, here goes nothing.


    My hand gripped the dagger and pulled it form its sheath. I immediately berried it in the back of the left knee of righty. I have to say that it was erie. I have never stabbed anyone in real life despite serving several tours in actual military combat. It just never came up for me during my active career. However, I imagine that the way the blade slipped into the back of his knee and got stuck grinding against his kneecap was pretty damn realistic.


    Righty dropped like a sack of potatoes screaming bloody murder. He turned towards me just to see the blade in his peripheral enter his temple.


    Lefty wasn''t even around when I turned towards him to finish the job. All around me farmers with crap weapons started throwing down their weapons and running away from me. Immediately, I retrieved my knife from that idiot''s temple and started dressing appropriately for my new promotion. I needed to find out what was going on.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>    Quest Complete  </td></tr></tbody></table>

 Chapter 3: Worship

    <table><tbody><tr><td>       You have assassinated Sergeant Tine        </td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>       You have gained a level        </td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>       You have gained a level        </td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>       You have gained a level        </td></tr></tbody></table>


    Holy cow, this game is awesome. Pulling on the last of my clothing I tried to look as calm as possible. I wasn''t sure exactly what the situation was in the army camp, but I figured that most people probably shouldn''t know each other in something this large. These men must have been dragged from the fields and slums because they looked scared to be here and I saw fear in their eyes.


    I walked up to the only group of men that didn''t look fearful of what was happening. These NPCs were incredibly lifelike as they each had specific mannerisms and reactions to the way in which I had dispatched that idiot Tine.


    One man in particular stood a foot taller than many of the other men visible to me at the moment. He looked like he wanted to say something about what had just happened.


    I walked directly up to him and just stood there. His dark gray pants were common to most of the army men, but it looked like he had literally had some woman sow together from several hides and drape them across himself. It didn''t offer much in the way of protection from steel, but I imagined that poor knives and stone arrows would not break the material.


    He looked back at me and his grin seemed to grow with my brazenness. He may have been tall, but I could tell that he probably was only a teenager despite his apparent girth and size. "What is your name boy". I didn''t flinch as much as I imagined as the idiot hesitated.


    My right hand reached up I palmed him directly in his nose. It was a precise hit that took him off his balance and he started breathing profusely.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>      You have delivered 20 damage and stunned Little Lenny. Little Lenny is stunned for 3 seconds. Any attack will have a 33% chance of causing critical damage.       </td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Skill Name:</td><td width="25%">Skill Rank:</td><td width="25%">Skill Level:</td><td width="25%">Skill Experience:</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Palm Strike</td><td width="25%">Beginner</td><td width="25%">Level 1</td><td width="25%">0%</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Palm Strike is used to cause the enemy to become stunned. This attack is rarely a critical hit, but is deftly used to created a combination attack to place your opponent at your mercy.</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>    +2 Agility for learning a new skill  </td></tr></tbody></table>


    I stepped back away from the bleeding manchild and put my hand on my sword. "Listen here idiots" I let this sink in because it I was not getting the respect I wanted. "I needed a few things to happen right now. "


    This body in the field needs to be dealt with ASAP. This man right here was a deserter. He was caught trying to steal horseflesh. On his deathbed he has granted me and a select few the opportunities to visit some of the camp followers." I bowed my head out of respect for our departed friend.


    There was a Guffaw from somewhere in the camp, but I didn''t actually bother to look up and see.


    Thinking about my class and its responsibilities I decided it was time to throw caution to the wind. "Dear heavily father, we stand here to beseech you to take care of your misguided son here who lays before us. We pray to you and ask that you do not judge him to harshly for he is a man who faced war and death."


    I let the silence fill up the moment. Peeking slightly, I looked around to see that a majority of the men there present were bowing their heads respectfully as well.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>      You have converted 2 followers to the faith      </td></tr></tbody></table>


    What! Looking around now in shock, I noticed that there were two men openly weeping at my words and their faith. I doubt they knew anything about god or christ, but they seem to have embraced my words.


    Both men started making a strange glow about them. It was almost as if they were connected to me somehow and I could understand their prayers.


    "Come forth brothers" I let my voice remain flat and calm as they moved forward.


    We silently circled the dead man and I prayed as I had been taught:


    Our Father in heaven,


    hallowed be your name.


    Your kingdom come,


    your will be done,


    on earth, as it is in heaven.


    Give us this day our daily bread,


    and forgive us our debts,


    as we also have forgiven our debtors.


    And lead us not into temptation,


    but deliver us from evil.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>      You have converted 9 followers to the faith      </td></tr></tbody></table>


    I couldn''t help but smile. I took the time to lay eye contact on each of my new brothers. "Brothers, I need you nine deal with the bodies. We shall return for each of you. Carry forward for christ."


    I dismissed the nine and looked to my first two followers and noticed the Lenny had regained himself. He stood away from the crowd and looked angry. Ignoring him I grabbed my two followers and went in search of the camp followers.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Avoid The Gallows Crew</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Type:</td><td width="25%">Chain</td><td width="25%">Time Limit:</td><td width="25%">Completed</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Conditions:</td><td colspan=''2''>Met</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>You have successfully talked your way out of ending up a slave in the "gallows crew" for deserters and undesirables. You are awarded a new quest</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Take Control of the Camp followers</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Type:</td><td width="25%">Chain</td><td width="25%">Time Limit:</td><td width="25%">N/A</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Conditions:</td><td colspan=''2''>Varies</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Rewards: ???</td></tr></tbody></table>


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    My first follower was actually a fairly older man and looked to be closing in on sixty. "Where are you from honored elder." Why not be respectful?


    He smiled at my statement replied in kind, "My name is Jonathan Black and this is my nephew Jeb. We hail from a small city to the South called Shellport. Our city was recently ceded to the Duke.


    I nodded, not understanding exactly who or where he was referring to at the moment. I would have to check the forums at logout. I decided to check in on my stats and see what I had attained with my strange class.


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


    Name: Mason


    Class: Apostle


    Title: Founder of Christianity


    Race: Human


    Level: 4


    Points Available


    HP: 160/160 ((level*10)+(Constitution*10)+ 100)


    MP: 160/160 ((level*10)+(Intelligence*10)+100)


    Strength 15


    Agility 17


    Stamina 15


    Endurance 15


    Constitution: 15+(8)


    Intelligence 15+(8)


    Luck 15


    ???: ???


    ???: ???


    ???: ???


    ???: ???


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


    "I have never had the pleasure of going to that fair city, but its renown for its trade." I had seen as much in the information I reviewed prior to joining. "Friend, are most of the men who were with you from that same city?"


    Jonathan nodded his head and continued,"you will fine that most of the men hear are from either Shellport or one of the surrounding villages and small communities. The Duke as you know hails from Marquine and is the son of the King. We currently march to bring low our brothers and sisters in Versaille." He paused in thought at that point and turned back towards me with an inquisitive look.


    "I hail from up north and I am on a pilgrimage for my faith. I seek to bring forth the work of christ to these lands. Would you like to hear more about him?" I don''t think that I adaquately answered his question, but he still seemed genuinely excited about what I had to say so he dismissed my deft change of subject.


    Jeb actually saved my bacon. He reached around to go to my other side and whispered, "These Ducal scum deserve to die. These bastards killed my paw and most of the soldiers of Southport during the Siege." He rubbed at his eye and seemed to hiss. "Paw was working the fisher boats during the Siege to bring in extra food since the grain was being rationed. We were starving. Him and his fellows were slaughtered by the Naval blockade."


    We had stopped walking forward at this point. I Can''t believe how real these people feel. I think that my own heartstrings were feeling strained at this outpouring of emotion.


    I found myself bowing my head yet again. Its a funny thing about faith. With my down luck, I had pushed away the lord because of my anger and frustration. There really was no excuse. The words were out of my mouth and they held a conviction I faintly remembered from my father who had truly been my rock until he passed.


    "Lord we ask they you bless us and guide us on your path. We live in a world full of sin, anger and hatred, but we respect that you are the one who deserves are respect and deference to you holy will. It is through the fruits of your labor that I can enjoy this blessing of life and reach towards you."


    My hand had been beside both my new brothers and suddenly they were each granted new classes.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>      Jonathan Black and Jeb Black have been ordained with a new class "Missionary"    </td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Missionary Class</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Type:</td><td width="25%">Paladin</td><td width="25%">Level Bonus:</td><td width="25%">+1 Strength, +1 Constitution, +1 Intelligence</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Requirements:</td><td colspan=''2''>Faith in Christ</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>These men and women have given up thier worldly possessions to focus on bringing the glory of the lord to the world. They will be strong of mind and body. They have access to "prayer" and "faith" skills. They work to defend and expand the faith at all costs.</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>     You have used Ordain and Christ supports your choices you receive +1 to all stats.    </td></tr></tbody></table>


    I never intended that to happen, but it just felt right to bring them into the flock. I finished the prayer somberly "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." This world seems incredibly real to me even more so than much of my life. I never imagined getting closer to god.


    "I have some coin from Sergeant Tine, Lets spend some of it" I really didn''t care for the idea of dirty camp followers, but realized that men would flock to the whores in this time of war. They were just waiting for an entrepreneur like me to step forth. This would help convert followers as well. I imagine that we could start sermons and the like. This was going to get interesting.


    Jeb was particularly excited and I caught him adjusting himself. Ahh the vigor of youth.


    Jonathan was leading us forward, but I was concerned that he didn''t know exactly where he was going. "You know Mason, with that chainmail you could probably take your pick of the camp followers. Are you planning on becoming a guard for the Duke or is that a convenient way to move without question?"


    They were good questions and I had to think before I answered.


    "I was thinking along the same lines with the respect and authority of my new colors providing us standing, but I am not married to the thoughts of keep myself gelled to being a guard." He nodded and I continued " I expect us to establish ourselves in this camp and I don''t want the death of Tine hurting us or marking us for death."


    This time he nodded again and Jeb seemed to have lost a bit of his swagger.


    I slapped him on the shoulder and smiled forcibly, "don''y worry young buck, this is war and there are probably thousands of men in the camp. The nobles don''t care about guards so long as they point there swords in the right direction and bow and scrape. The lord doesn''t suffer such fools and they shall not love long when he comes forth."


    These words seemed to ignite a strange reaction from my missionaries. Faith is a funny thing and it takes time to fully enter ones stoney heart. These men had lived under the noble class for so long that they couldn''t yet get past the idea that these hanging words rang with truth and conviction.


    We made it into the trade district after about fifteen minutes of walking and the solemn expressions were being exchanged for the wide smiles of merchants, traders and whores.


    _______


    Please provide feedback. I know the chapters are not long, but I like the shorter snapshots. If this is horrible, then I could consolidate them and post less often. My goal is at least 1 post per week at the tune of about 1500 to 2000 words. These first chapters were a tad on the short side. Thanks everyone for enjoying my writing.

 Chapter 4: Men and Boys

    I realized that I somehow needed to gather information properly form the whores. I wanted the men to feel enabled by me in how we went about making things possible. Camp followers in this world didn¡¯t have a bad reputation or basis. They were just a fact of life. The sad truth was that many of these men would never go home. They were NPCs and a sword in the stomach would take them out of this world and regeneration wasn¡¯t in the cards.


    The world here is not cut and dry or black and white. I post war Iraq, American soldiers were patronizing Iraqi women for eight dollars. There were many stations like CNN and publications like Newsweek that brought these items to light as another war crime. But is that truly a war crime? One quote I remember laughing at surrounded the thought of the a westerner founded organization for the liberation of Iraqi women. She hinted that she would marry off her 13 year old daughter instead of letting her enter into prostitution.


    There is simply no understanding the idiotic notions people create. Life is what it is an we must strive to provide the greatest amount of freedom juxtaposed next to the greatest amount of protection. The church and other non-governmental entities are best suited to preparing and establishing societal protections without unnecessary bureaucratic and governmental constraints. This is what I was thinking as I walked up to a particular endearing whore¡­


    Exiting the tent I realized that my young friend was already unoccupied and sitting speaking with several other farmers. I called them farmers because they had that same wide eye look shared by Jeb.


    ¡°Mason! this is the man I was speaking to each of you about.¡± He looked at me with a wide grin and I returned it unabashedly as I wasn¡¯t worried about what just happened. It was a natural progression of the military. Especially in a world where women were not cultivated for their martial prowess but their marital prowess.


    I really needed followers and these boys seemed to fit my bill. ¡°How are each of you doing gentlemen?¡± I looked each one of them in the eye to make certain they felt my stare properly and were competent enough to return the look.


    Several grunts were my response and hardly any actual eye contact. Maybe there is something in this society about eye contact. I had heard about other civilizations in the real world that utilized posture and hand gestures to represent societal customary greetings. I made my disarming smile even greater and spoke to the smallest boy or man. ¡°How have you enjoyed the ladies of the camp?¡±


    He blushed violently and mumbled something about not having the coin. ¡°Whats your name boy!¡± I spoke firmly and absolutely in a drill instructor like tone.


    ¡°Adman- sir.¡± He spoke clearly, but i still didn¡¯t get the desired eye contact.


    ¡°Anyone else still a boy because they were missing a few coppers?¡± I received two other half-ass responses and I knew I hit the jackpot. I pulled out my small moonshine or somekind of rudimentary liquor and passed it to Adman. ¡°Do you want to be a man boy?¡±


    He looked up hopefully and gave a curt nod. When my eyes shifted to the other two, I received a yes and a HELL YES to my delight. They were hooked.


    Jonathan finely joined us and I realized that I needed to take my time more next time. I must have been excited about my first time in virtual reality or something. ¡°Gentlemen¡± looking around again to everyone for effect, ¡°I need some men to protect me and further a holy cause for the lord. The lord rewards his followers with wives, sons and strength. Are you prepared to earn these items from the lord?¡±  There was discerning looks at the change in subject, but Jeb took my speech with a shout at the top of his lungs. AIIIIHHEHEEEEE.


    I was a little astounded, but what the hell because the entire group broke out with AIIIIIIIHHHHHEEEEEEE.


    To save a little money I only paid one lucky lady to handle all the boys. Remaining with just a few coins, I realized that I needed to get rid of the vest as it was a dead man¡¯s. Jonathan and I walked over to an armorer and we discussed selling the vest to him.


    ¡°Hello kind sir.¡± I smiled politely and he smiled right back. We probably both though the other was a sucker. Gotta love capitalism where the one who can¡¯t see a sucker is the sucker.


    ¡°Right back atya boss.¡± I didn¡¯t bother to engage in banter, but eyed his wares and noticed a few pieces that garnered my interest.


    First and foremost I wanted a shield. It would provide me with the ability to defend myself. ¡°What type of shield would you recommend for a man unaccustomed to one. It would also be nice if I could find something for my knife like a boot sheath or belt.


    He pondered the question for a moment and dug out a strangely small shield. It was only about the size of my forearm or roughly 18 inches. It was wooden and light. I was conceder about its ability to actually block a sword blow. ¡°Buckler?¡±


    He smiled and nodded. ¡°As you know my lord this here is for blocking swords and not necessarily missiles or arrows. In particular this one has a sheath for a dagger. Lend me yours for a moment please.¡± He was in full sale mode now.


    Taking out my dagger I handed it over carefully. It was kind of a moment to me. ¡°Wow this is impressive¡± he looked at it intently and I tried to do the same.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''> Elite Guard Dagger </td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Type:</td><td width="25%">Melee</td><td width="25%">Durability:</td><td width="25%">07/24</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Quality:</td><td colspan=''2''>High</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Quality Dagger that boosts the Agility (+8) and Stamina (+4). Attack of 9-50.</td></tr></tbody></table>


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    I decided to try something before spending coin. ¡°Jonathan do you have a dagger or weapon?¡± He seemed startled as he too was starting at my dagger. He pulled out a knife that was considerably smaller than my dagger, but would probably get the job done if used properly. I took it into my hands and concentrated on it.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Crude Knife</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Type:</td><td width="25%">Melee</td><td width="25%">Durability:</td><td width="25%">04/07</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Quality:</td><td colspan=''2''>poor</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>Poorly made knife that is made from metal ore with many impurities. Attack of 4-10</td></tr></tbody></table>


    "Dear heavily father, We, your humble servants seek your blessing as we bring forth the faith into this sinful world." There was a slight flash of light as the blade seemed to glow slightly.


    I decided to try something before spending coin. ¡°Jonathan do you have a dagger or weapon?¡± He seemed startled as he too was starting at my dagger. He pulled out a knife that was considerably smaller than my dagger, but would probably get the job done if used properly. I took it into my hands and concentrated on it.


    <table><tbody><tr><td colspan=''4''>Humble Servant''s Knife of faith </td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Type:</td><td width="25%">Melee/Faith</td><td width="25%">Durability:</td><td width="25%">99/99</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''2''>Quality:</td><td colspan=''2''>poor</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>A Poorly made knife that is made from metal ore with many impurities. It has been gifted with the power of faith and grants the user plus +5 to all stats. Utilizes 10 Mana per use. Requires relationship with Christ to utilize. Attack of 24-30</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Wow that is impressive. Everyone seemed to be speechless at the result. ¡°Your an enchanter my friend!¡± the shopkeeper was astounded. ¡°Is that impressive?¡±


    I raised the question awkwardly and I don¡¯t think that he actually bought it for a moment, but he humored me adequately. This was definitely elite stuff. If that garbage managed to increase in purpose exponentially, then what would it do to my team of followers or his lords team of followers. This was getting exciting. Furthermore, my ordain stat would really make my army beastly.


    "Yes, enchantment is not something seen often in this region. I am not familiar with anyone, but nobles affording a knife like that." This means my army would be unstoppable. Hmm. I can''t mess this up.


    "Whats your name sir?" He wasn''t taken aback at my change of topic and he extended his hand amicably which I returned.


    "Bronson is the name and I specialize in short swords like the one on your side." I subconsciously ran my hand along the Sergeant''s short sword. "Are you a man of faith and if so to which god or goddess do you pray." I visibly cringed at this, but responded kindly.


    "I follow the one true god who sent his son, Jesus Christ, to be our savior." He seemed confused as he clearly had never heard of this god. Before he could ponder anything further I continued with, "other guards are, but men and demons with limited capabilities." He nodded politely and I had probably offended his honor or religion. "You will learn more of him over the next few years as his name shall rein above all others." I said this deadpan in such a way as to brook no argument or doubt on such an outcome. "Don''t let the other priests hear such words as they may take affront."


    "Anyway my friend and brother, how would you like to learn about my faith and join Jonathan and myself as we spread the lord''s word. We could use a quartermaster. We already have eleven members of the faith and we could use another."


    Bronson clearly wasn''t one to jump into anything. "Are you asking me to work for free?" This wasn''t unexpected and I nodded in understanding.


    "Of course not brother. You will be compensated properly by our lord. In the interim, you may request assistance from two of my missionaries for the lord. Do you accept?"


    Yes


    You have reached a level to open the religion overview tab


    <table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Religion Name:</td><td width="25%">Followers:</td><td width="25%">Religion Level:</td><td width="25%">Wealth</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Christianity</td><td width="25%">104</td><td width="25%">Infancy</td><td width="25%">150 G 30S 13C</td></tr><tr><td colspan=''4''>This is a brand new religion. Widely chosen by Travelers it has been in existence for less than a day</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Where on earth did all that gold come from? this is amazing. I wonder if I can spend that gold. "Bronson, do you know how to access gold from the religion?" Bronson grinned stupidly and I couldn''t help but smile.


    "Why of course my friend. There are bankers who accept and give out letters of credit against large organizations. I believe the requirements are 1000 followers or members to receive credit. This put a damper on my mood, but maybe all wasn''t lost.

 Chapter 5: Back to Reality

    Ding!... Ding!... Ding!...


    "Ehhh" I was too tired to be angry. I grabbed the connectors and disconnected myself.


    "Hey Daniel its Tina." Opening my eyes I realized that I must have missed something. I was still in my chair built for the True Death, but I somehow was logged out. "are you just waking up or something." How late were you in VR?


    I meant to say I don''t know, but it must have came out wrong or groggy because she laughed pretty hard and told me I had just ten minutes till they dragged me out of the chair for some food. We decided to meet up at one of those southwest style burrito places.


    I slowly looked around and decided that the shower would have to wait. In the mean time I rolled over to the dresser and removed my clothes.


    I still remember the amazing feeling of walking around and especially the amazing feeling of rolling around with the camp follower. Tears built up in my eyes like pools of rain and cascaded down running across my cheek and onto the floor. Unable to do anything about it I realized that now was not the time to get stuck up on the past. My wonderful wife was gone and I needed to move forward once and for all.


    Tina was waiting for me downstairs and we went over a few blocks. Dave was already at the burrito place with seats and I realized that I was starving. Being the VR world I must have forgotten to log out and eat or drink. The lack of food was killing me. Now I am happy the machine forced me to log out and at least let me rest for a while. I wonder when I actually logged out.


    "How was the game Daniel?" I looked up at him dragging my mouth away from inhaling the last quarter of my second burrito. He smiled knowingly as I grunted impatiently, but fought back my rude responses and smiled back.


    "It was great." I didn''t want to get into details about what I was doing or my extracurricular activities.


    "Have you guys gotten into the game? I think you both would really enjoy it and I could use the support on my way to world domination lol." They laughed and nodded.


    "We ordered the game and are logging on this evening. We really should meet up eventually. " I don''t know how to really talk about the game with people who have yet to experience it. I don''t want to sound too excited like a nerd or fanboy or something so I keep myself restrained.


    "you love it don''t you. I can see your already addicted." Daniel smiles at his insight and I grunt in response, but cannot hide my smile.


    "so I think I already found a cheat." this drew Daniel''s attention, but Tina seemed to not understand the gravity of what I had said.


    "I created a religion..." there was silence. Not sure how I anticipated this being accepted. "In the game everything is so weird, and you know how I am always taking the lord''s name and cursing or praying right?."


    "well I kind of created christianity..." Daniel looked confused and Tina frowned. "explain, now."


    Tina was the type of person who took her faith seriously and Daniel wasn''t much better than her. There was an awkward silence broken only by a special bulletin on television.


    "jihadist attack church in Michigan." I turned my chair so I could better see the commotion.


    "It looks like the terrorist was a young man who attended a local mosque near Anne Arbor. He was attending the University of Michigan and was enrolled in their political science program. " the young woman looked visibly shaken as she continued. "ten people were killed and there are numerous others in critical condition at the local hospital. Keep them and their families in your prayers."


    It seems that the young man, who is an avid gamer, recently began playing True death the newest game for VR. This same young man found out that christianity had spread to the video game. " We are still sitting there with everyone else in the restaurant in shocked silence.


    "It seems that this was punishment for western heretics daring to distribute their heretical ways to what he called "his perfect world"." I am cycling between anger, sadness and incredulity.


    "There have been several other outcries from teenagers in the Middle East and Africa about death to christians in True Death and in real life."


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


    "Americans are warned by the state department to not reveal their identity should they get involved in a virtual reality war of faith. This is Melissa Oulette reporting from Detroit, Michigan.


    "Lets not talk here and lets go to my place." they both nod and we realize that I have stumbled into the middle of something dangerous.


    "I really need both of your help." they looked at me expectantly for more information. I decided to open up and tell them everything from how amazing the experience was to how it felt having sex in VR. I left nothing to shame.


    Ding...Ding...Ding...


    I stopped my story and went to grab the telephone. "hello?" Why do I and most people say hello like when they know someone is on the line because it stopped ringing?


    "Is this Daniel?"


    "yes"


    thank lord its you. I need you to immediately pack your things. We have reason to believe that you location has been compromised and terrorist may be on route to your home. We have a team on route to attempt to extract" I wasn''t have any more of this and I interrupted.


    "Screw off and try your BS with someone with time to waste."


    Click.


    I set the phone down and restarted my story. Dave and Tina were looking terrified as turned the news back on again. It was one of those awful interview where three people and a cohost had a yelling contest to determine the winer. No one actually debated, just repeated catchphrases and delivered zingers.


    _____


    <Sexy thirty year old blonde conservative>


    "virtual reality is going to lead to world war three. look at this terrorist from Michigan. There has never been any secret that these Muslims desire our deaths."


    <30-60 year old Black Man>


    You can''t make those generalizations Sandy. The Muslim American populations cannot be generalized in such a manner. That being said, there have been countless attacks in the virtual world on followers of christ and security is being implemented at churches where none was necessary before. Many of our Muslim and Christian American brothers are against such violence.


    <handsome 40 something moderator - liberal most likely>


    Why do people care so much about virtual reality. This shouldn''t change anything.


    <Muslim woman in a burka - age unknown>


    "The global jihad espoused by Osama bin Laden and other contemporary extremists is clearly rooted in contemporary issues and interpretations of Islam. It owes little to the Wahhabi tradition, outside of the nineteenth-century incorporation of the teachings of Ibn Taymiyya and the Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah into the Wahhabi worldview as Wahhabism moved beyond the confines of Najd and into the broader Muslim world.


    <Sexy thirty year old blonde conservative>


    That boy was a killer and I am glad he is dead! We need to protect our children and families and right to bare arms!


    ______


    Ding...Ding...Ding....


    "Stop calling"


    Click


    Ding...Ding...Ding....


    Ding...Ding...Ding....


    "Is this Daniel" this voice was new and it sounded foreign. I didn''t recognize the broken english or the voice.


    "yes..."


    Knock, knock, knock


    "Daniel open up! this is father Samuel and I am with the security team sent by the archdiocese of Detroit. We believe the terrorist will be here any moment." this is the voice from the phone.


    Tina was sacred now, but Dave was already breaking out my guns and handing each of us an ammo clip and an unloaded semiautomatic pistol. Tina took hers, still shaking, and ran through a proper gun check by clearing the chamber and stepping up into position.


    I was nearly useless here so I pulled myself into a flanking position and let Dave move towards the door. No matter how light his footsteps were I could have heard it down the hallway with my relatively empty living room and the older, but nice hardwood floors.


    He peeped through the lookout and opened the door.

 Reader Feedback Chapter

    I created this for a place to receive reader feedback. Please let me know what you think about the book thus far. I really didn''t expect the religious aspects to take this turn, but it just kinda made sense. Is this book offensive? please let me know. I think that a true VR experience would bleed through a number of different aspects of the real world: socioeconomic status, sexuality, morality, religion etc. I have not seen an actual world religion bleed into the game. I don''t in anyway mean to demean christianity or islam. I am personally a christian and my faith is important to me. However, I think that it is important to consider how my faith and other''s beliefs would impact a game should it ever effectively permeate the entire world''s or a significant population therein''s population.


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Interesting thoughts:


    the relative value of the economy for specific countries should the game allow for international movement


    - Sweat shops, slavery, globalization, racism, nationalism, political systems


    Please post a comment or review the book. I am going to try and continue several posts per month. I can still reign in the real world aspects of the novel should they be too controversial.