by Paul Bellow
“Wow,” I said. “That must’ve been a big rat.”
“It wasn’t small,” the boy said without missing a beat. “Can you help us kill it? Please?”
“You’re in luck,” I said. “Killing rats is my specialty.”
The boy’s face lit up.
“Really?” he asked.
“No,” I said. “But I can take care of them.”
New Side Quest: Kill Ten Rats.
You will get 500 xp for completion of this side quest.
“That’s great,” the boy said. “I want to be a soldier like you when I get older and kill as many goblins as I can.”
He stepped forward and grabbed my hand.
“Come on,” he said. “I’ll show you the barn.”
The boy led me across me the field.
While I wouldn’t get paid much—if anything—for killing the rats, I wanted to check out the combat system in the game.
As I walked, I thought about Sarah and Josh. Were they having as much fun as me? Or had they already logged out of the game? I pushed the real world thoughts aside as I reached the farmer on the far edge of the field.
The boy let go of my hand and ran to him.
“Well met,” I said, giving him a quick nod of my head.
“Can you help us?” he asked.
“Yes,” I said, adding, “no charge. The practice will do me good.”
He narrowed his eyes.
“You’re not going to rob us, are you?”
“What?” I laughed. “Why would I rob you?”
“You’re wearing hobgoblin armor,” he said. “I haven’t seen a set of that since the Great Wars...”
His voice faded as if remembering something horrible.
“Not all goblins are evil,” I said. “But I’m not a goblin.”
“I don’t care about your politics,” the farmer grumbled. “These rats have got to go. If it was ten years ago, I would’ve dealt with the problem myself, but I can’t do it anymore, and the boy is too young.”
“Not a problem,” I said. “But before I do this, I need something from you. Can you help me?”
“You want me wife?” he asked. “You can have her.”
He laughed as if he’d told the funniest joke in the history of humor.
I coughed then said, “No. I need something to ride to Fishguard. Maybe a horse and cart?”
“I see how you are,” the man said. “You offer to do this for free then you hit me up for an expensive horse and a cart.”
“Okay,” I said. “You can find someone else to kill your rats. I’ll be on my way.”
I turned and took a step away.
“Stop,” he said. “I’ve got an old cart and a horse that might have one more long journey in her. If you get rid of all the rats, they’re both yours.”
I resisted smiling as I turned.
“We have a deal,” I said, offering my hand.
The farmer stepped forward, spat in his hand, then shook mine.
“I’ll show you the barn,” the boy said.
Time for my first encounter, I thought with nearly as much excitement as the boy as he led me further onto their property.
Hope it goes better than the rabbits.
Behind their rundown house, a huge barn that looked like it might collapse at any moment came into view.
Maybe I should have asked for more.
“This is it,” the boy said, stopping a few hundred feet away.
“Stay here,” I said, then added. “Even better, go get that horse and cart ready for me. This won’t take too long.”
“Yes, sir,” the boy said then scampered away.
The two wooden doors stood wide open, and I stared into the darkness as I pulled my blade. A cat-sized rat scampered out. I lunged forward and stabbed it on top of the head.
Your pierce HITS the rat for 8 damage.
The rat is dead!
After killing a second, I saw something scurry across the interior of the barn. I stepped inside, and my eyes adjusted to the dim light.
Something squealed nearby. Two more rats ran out of a pile of moldy hay. I danced forward with my perfect legs and slashed.
Another rat died by my blade. I attacked again. Number four.
As I continued deeper into the dark barn, I saw a pair of red eyes.
Here we go. I kept walking forward, ready for a fight.
Before I reached the corner, a huge hefty rat ran toward me. I stopped as it rushed forward across the straw covered floor.
I swung and hit.
Your slash GRAZES the giant rat for 7 damage
Uh oh. Less damage.
The rat lunged and gnawed at my leg.
The giant rat’s bite SCRATCHES you for 2 damage.
You have [10/12] health remaining.
You have been POISONED.
That can’t be good, I thought as I attacked again.
My sword plunged into its matted fur. It squealed in pain as I delivered another five points of damage.
How tough is this stupid rat?
It attacked again.
The giant rat’s bite GRAZES you for 4 damage.
You have [6/12] health remaining.
You have been POISONED.
Poisoned again? Am I double-poisoned or something now?
I felt faint as the effects of the poison kicked in.
“Die, dirty rat,” I screamed as I stabbed again.
Your pierce DECIMATES the giant rat for 12 damage.
The giant rat is dead!
Combat is Over!
You get +125 xp
Quest Complete! (Kill Ten Rats)
You gain +500 experience points!
You have 625 xp.
You need 2,375 xp for level two Rogue
If the poison doesn’t kill me, it might’ve been worth the effort.
Still hyped up from the battle but feeling weak, I stumbled out of the barn. The small boy ran over, stopping a few feet away.
“You don’t look so good, mister knight,” he said. “Everything okay?”
“One of the rats bit me,” I said. “Go get your father. Hurry.”
I fell to the ground and closed my eyes.
Pain coursed through my body.
What a way to die, I thought. Here lies Drex; killed by a rat on level one.
5
What’s that Strange, Sour Smell?
SARAH
A black bear roared as it emerged from the trees.
“Kali, we should go,” Evan said.
Out of mana, but I’ve got these arrows.
“Hold on,” I said as I pulled back the bowstring.
Twang. I let one of the arrows fly.
Critical Miss!
Your arrow totally misses.
Additionally, your bowstring snaps.
Evan grabbed my hand and yanked.
“Come on, Kali,” he said.
I frowned, so confused and wanting it all to stop.
The bear growled and moved forward as I turned and ran into the woods. Evan and Ewen ran past, darting in between giant tree trunks.
My heart pounded faster as I attempted to keep up with the brownies. Quick-footed, they easily outran me. I heard the bear growl behind me.
“Stream ahead,” Evan yelled.
I saw a wide, rapidly flowing river.
“That’s no stream,” I said.
We stopped at the edge. I turned and heard the bear getting closer.
“Across the river,” I said. “We might have a chance.”
“I hate water,” Ewen grumbled.
“Last one across is a rotten egg,” I yelled then ran into the water.
I glanced over my shoulder and saw the strong current almost take one of them away.
They kept on smiling.
“Hold, strong,” I yelled. “And keep moving.”
The bear stopped and roared before getting in the water.
I stopped on the other side and cast Fish Slaying. Dozens of dead fish floated to the surface, getting
the bear’s attention.
Evan and Ewen struggled onto the riverbank near me.
“What happened?” Evan asked.
“He was just hungry,” I said, nodding my head.
The bear feasted on the recently deceased fish.
“Great job,” Evan yelled, getting the bear’s attention.
“Be quiet,” I hissed. “Let’s go before he comes after us.”
“He won’t after that feast,” Ewen said. “Good idea.”
Evan stepped in front of him.
“You’re so smart,” he said. “I’m so happy you’re helping us.”
“No problem,” I said, loving my NPC followers.
With only two of twenty four mana points remaining for the day, anything bigger than a small creature would likely kill us.
“Stop here,” I said after we made it to a fallen tree.
The trunk—nearly ten feet high on its side—gave us good cover.
“We’ll rest here,” I said as I sat down on the ground.
“Kali, we should go,” Evan said, glancing around. “It’s not safe here in the forest. Back to the path.”
“Not yet. I need to...”
Don’t go OOC, I reminded myself.
“...rest and refresh. Do you understand? No more magic.”
“Oh,” Evan said, his head bobbing up and down.
The ever present smile on his face freaked me out. According to the game’s help files, it was the main reason brownies only worked at night.
After humans went to sleep, the brownies came into their houses to clean and tidy things up. I loved the depth of the Tower of Gates.
Evan walked over and plopped down on the ground beside me.
“Kali?” he asked.
I glanced over.
“Yes, Evan?”
“I can help,” he said.
“Oh, you can?”
I smiled politely, nodding my head.
“No, really,” he said. “I can.”
“Don’t give her the potions, bozo,” Ewen boomed.
Evan reached into a sack on his side and fished around.
“I have potion to heal, a potion to restore your magic, and...”
He smiled even wider. “A love potion.”
“Let me see the love potion,” I said.
He pulled out a red glass bottle. After handing it to me, I examined the magical item closely. Could I trust the brownies?
You Learned a New Skill!
Identify Magic Item - Basic Level 1 of 10
Another notification informed me the potion would only work on someone with an intelligence score of forty or lower. That gives me an idea, I thought as I grinned. With a bit of luck, I could teach the little Romeo a lesson about love.
“Don’t drink it,” Ewen warned as I raised it to my mouth.
A few drops of liquid came out, hitting my tongue with a sweet and sour taste. I opened my eyes wide.
“Oh,” I exclaimed, getting to my feet. “I love you, Evan. We must go to Thyananore, get married and have fifteen children. You’ll need a full time job or two to feed us all. Maybe you can work in the mines where it’s dark and cold. You don’t mind, do you? I love you so much.”
Evan’s eyes opened wider, but he kept smiling.
“I’m kidding,” I said, chuckling. “Come here, you.”
He backed up as I bent to hug him.
“Not funny,” he said, crossing his arms over his chest.
“I’m sorry,” I said. “Can I please have a mana restoration potion? We’ll make better time. You want to go to Fishguard, right?”
Evan raised an eyebrow inquisitively.
“You want to marry me?” he asked.
Ewen shook his head. “She was faking, bozo.”
Evan kept smiling and handed me three tiny blue potions.
“One will restore your magic completely,” he said. “Concentrated.”
I opened one and sniffed, smelling spinach.
“Thanks,” I said. “Here’s hoping it tastes better than it smells.”
Evan giggled as I downed the contents.
You feel rejuvenated!
You have [12/24] mana remaining.
“That’s better,” I said, smiling.
“We go now?” Evan asked. “Long way to the city.”
I waved for them to follow.
“This way,” I said as I headed back toward the path.
We skirted the black bear. I knew my limits.
* * * * *
Thirteen wolves, forty five rabbits, two bears, six giant lizards, thirty five badgers, and several hours later, we neared the southern edge of Shockly Forest.
What a crazy adventure.
I almost had enough experience for level two. Would I get more spells? Skill points?
The anticipation was building as I got closer to leveling. Still, I was starting to miss Eric and Josh.
Were they okay? Had they found the quit option?
I loved huge game worlds, but I hated adventuring solo. Spells of Warcraft was never as much as fun when I played with Eric.
Evan and Ewen, a few steps ahead of me on the trail, whispered to each other as we walked. They were two of the most intriguing NPCs I’d ever met in a game, and I’d played a lot over the years.
I checked my stats as we walked. With twelve of twenty four mana and more than half my health, I wasn’t looking too bad. Not for a low level mage.
I couldn’t believe I was holding up so well.
“Do you have any more healing potions?” I asked.
“Yeah, yeah,” Evan said. “Coming right up.”
“Let me pay you for it,” I said.
I reached into my pouch and pulled out two gold coins.
“Here you go,” I said, holding out my hand. “Wish I could give you more, but I need to equip myself for the journey ahead.”
“I wish you could give us more too,” Evan said, grabbing a coin. “This is more than enough. I made the potion for three copper.”
“Be quiet, fool,” Ewen hissed.
He grabbed one of the gold pieces and stuffed it in a pouch.
“We’re coming to the southern edge of the forest,” I said. “Maybe we should stay among the trees one more day.”
“No,” Evan said in a whiney voice. “We need to keep going. You need to find your friends. Remember your friends?”
“You’re right,” I said then sighed.
I would’ve had enough xp to level after killing a few more woodland creatures, but the others might be in trouble. My NPC companion was right. I needed to find Eric and Josh.
More than forty eight hours after starting the game, I found myself fully immersed in the Tower of Gates. Reality had slipped away a little more with each passing moment.
The simulation did have its positives. Even as NPCs, the brownies had made the last two days a bit more enjoyable. I’d gotten to know my game character a lot better too during the two days alone.
Evan tugged at my arm, breaking me out of my thoughts.
“Kali, look,” he said.
He pointed toward the edge of the forest.
“What?” I asked, seeing nothing.
“Sunlight,” he exclaimed then laughed hysterically.
“Cut it out,” Ewen said in a serious tone. “There’s gnolls in the area.”
Somehow, I knew gnolls shouldn’t be in the forest. Was it another side quest to distract me and keep me playing?
Evan rushed forward with Ewen struggling to keep up. I kept walking at a steady pace, still amazed at the reality of the simulation.
When I emerged from the trees into the sunlight, I shielded my eyes with my hand. The dirt path widened as it continued toward the walls of a city barely visible in the distance.
“Thank you, Kali,” Evan said. “We’ll be safe from here.”
Quest completed!
You gain +500 experience points!
Nice. Why no level gain?
> Stats xp
You have 2,9
95 experience.
You need 5 experience to make it to level two.
I sighed. Just my luck.
“We’re going now,” Evan said.
The two brownies took a few steps.
“Hold on,” I said. “Maybe I’ll go with you.”
“It’s not necessary,” Ewen said.
Why are they so anxious to get away?
To my right, on another road, I saw a cart also traveling south.
“Never mind,” I said. “You guys go. I’ll catch a ride from that guy.”
Evan looked to Ewen.
“Don’t even think about it,” the latter said. “We’ve got to go.”
“Fine,” Evan said with a twinge of disappointment in his voice.
I smiled, loving the brownies. They would be missed.
As Evan and Ewen walked south, I ran toward the slow-moving cart. Knowing Eric, he’d already leveled up to three or four already.
The wagon slowed down as I approached. I smiled, ready for a ride into the city. A man with dirty clothes sat in front, staring at me.
“Hello,” I shouted, waving a hand.
The man stopped the wagon, still clutching the reins.
“Hold on, elf,” he said in a nasty tone.
“I need a ride to the city,” I said. “How much for a ride?”
“This realm’s going nuts,” the man said. “First, it’s a guy with goblin armor who needs my help, and now I have to deal with you.”
“A guy with goblin armor?” I asked, ignoring his insolence.
The rustic man stood and scrambled into the back of the covered wagon. I heard him mumbling as I walked around to the back.
When I reached the rear opening, I saw a tall man in strange armor on the floor, writhing and groaning. I looked up at the old man.
“Where did you find him?” I asked.
“Does it matter?” he asked. “I’m tired of the lot of you.”
I watched in horror as he kicked the body, causing it to roll over the edge. The armored man smashed onto the road.
“That’s no way to treat an injured man,” I said, getting more upset.
“Eat me,” the old man said then moved to the front of the wagon.