by M E Robinson
The man’s speech was fired off in a rapidfire and practiced manner, he also seemed to lack the accent that Tom, Tarn, and to a lesser extent Flen, had all had. Eric quickly nodded when he realized that the speech was over.
“Understood! Is there any way for me to prove that I’ve hunted the monsters?” he asked quickly.
The grey-haired man nodded, “Simply kill them and your status stone will log the kills by absorbing the essence left when they die.”
“Status stone?” Eric inquired curiously.
The old man rolled his eyes, “That black gem on your pouch. It’s a status stone. Let’s you know your current status, how much mana you have, and the skills you’ve learned, among other useful things.”
Eric looked down at the inventory pouch that Calyn had given them. There was indeed a small black gemstone adorning the drawstring of the pouch that he had not noticed before.
“So I just kill a monster and this gem will absorb the essence?” he asked, pointing to the pouch.
The old man nodded, “That’s the gist of it yeah. Now take this and get going. I don’t have time to waste talking to a greenhorn. The monsters have begun to move,” he muttered, shoving a package into Eric’s chest before quickly retreating inside and closing the door.
Eric stood there stupidly for a second before coming to his senses. He’d gained quite a bit of useful information from this brief encounter. Looking back down at the status stone, he noticed that it was now shining. Curiously, he focused on it. As he did so, the quest screen suddenly emerged from the stone to fill his vision.
[Quest Log]
- Hunt monsters in the vicinity of Tonbura Village.
Reward: Increased favour with village residents. Pay based on monsters killed. Possibility to earn skills if degree of completion is high enough.
- Purchase a better weapon from Tom, the village blacksmith.
Reward: Better weapon. Increased favourability with Tom. ???
- Visit the Mage Academy in Filoketh.
Reward: Possible admission to the Mage Academy.
- Investigate the recent monster resurgence.
Reward: ???
Examining his quest log, Eric saw that he’d completed the original quest, but gained three more since arriving in Tonbura Village. The quest to investigate the recent surge of monsters intrigued him; however, looking at his quests, it was definitely best to ignore that quest and start with the monster hunting quest. If he did well enough hunting monsters, he could then purchase some better weapons from Tom: two birds with one stone!
Closing his quest log with a quick swipe of his hands, Eric grinned. It was finally time to go hunt some monsters! But first, he should probably check out the package he was still holding. Opening the package, Eric was greeted by a nondescript wool shirt with long sleeves and a reinforced chest. Noticing a new notification flickering at the bottom of his vision, Eric quickly opened it.
[Reinforced Wool Doublet]
Armour: 2
Description: A reinforced wool shirt. The fabric is much thicker than usual to absorb minor blows and help stop projectiles. It won’t save you from much, but it’s far better than nothing.
Eric grinned. So it turned out the old man did care for him after all, at least a little. Equipping the armour, Eric began to move at a quick jog, making for the nearby gateway, his quest for fame and fortune was finally underway!
- Chapter Nineteen -
Astrid’s Questions
Watching Eric disappear through the portal, Astrid turned back to Calyn.
"You wanted to speak with me?"
"Yes, just give me a minute to get these last few trainees out of the hall and we can talk," Calyn replied, observing the small handful of players who were agonizing over their names.
Under Astrid's impatient gaze, the remaining players slowly one by one began to press their quills to the scrolls, finally deciding upon their names and leaving for the portal. After what seemed like the longest five minutes she'd ever endured, the last player finally scribbled down their name, looking up in surprise to find that they were now alone in the empty hall. Grabbing the scroll, they hurried towards the door as Astrid looked back at Calyn.
"Are we good to talk now?" she asked.
With a wordless smile, Calyn walked towards a small doorway behind the pulpit at the end of the room, motioning for Astrid to follow. Grumbling internally, Astrid followed Calyn into a small room, devoid of decoration except for a desk and a couple chairs. Sitting down, Calyn motioned for Astrid to follow suit. Just as Astrid was about to burst into a flurry of questions, Calyn opened her mouth.
"I bet you're wondering why I asked you to meet me here rather than sending you directly to Nasvencia."
Astrid nodded. "Yeah I really wanted to jump right in now that we're done with the training. But I figured you had a good reason for me to stay. Mind telling me what that reason is?"
Pausing, Astrid watched in disbelief as Calyn grabbed a teacup from the desk. Waving her finger, she drew a serpentine rune resembling a capital S in the air. As the rune was completed, it flashed before bursting into a spray of cool water that filled the cup. Did this woman have no sense of urgency whatsoever? Astrid wondered as the spray of water came to an end, the cup filled nearly to the brim.
With a satisfied look, Calyn sipped the water before looking back at Astrid. "As instructors, we have been given permission to recruit trainees that show talent. Each instructor can give as many trainees as they please an introduction letter to one of the factions they represent. For me, that faction is the Rothlorien Rangers."
"Does that mean you think I have talent?"
"I'm not going to beat around the bush, I believe that you are the most talented person in this group. And one of the most talented archers I have ever seen."
Astrid nodded, blushing slightly and more than a little shocked at this sudden development. She knew she'd done well at the archery training. Only Eric had even managed to come close to hitting the bullseye as many times as she had. But she hadn't expected Calyn to give her such high praise.
"I thought that that was all due to the system assistance. Now that I've turned that off won't I go back to normal?"
"If the help of the Gods could allow anyone to have your talent then we would not need the help of you otherworlders. The Gods would simply grant the residents of this world the power to repel the darkness. But unfortunately that's not how it works. After all, even with the Gods’ help, that half-orc was still hopeless as an archer. Was he not?"
Watching Astrid's reaction with an amused smile, Calyn continued, "There are a few different recommendations I can hand out. For you, I want to give a recommendation letter that should allow you to become a direct student of the Ranger lord. This is the highest possible reward I can give an otherworlder. I wasn't expecting to have to give any of you trainees this recommendation for weeks."
"Ummm-" Astrid began. "I don't really know what to say."
"Just say thanks."
"Thanks! Did anyone else get something like this?"
"The half-orc spoke to Firin. Isagiri also told me that she gave a recommendation letter to a woman who excelled in her class."
"Isagiri?" Astrid asked with a confused voice.
"The etiquette teacher."
"Ah. I didn't pay too much attention in etiquette…" Astrid mumbled awkwardly.
Calyn smiled, "I'm aware."
"What about Eric? Did he not get one? I thought he was pretty skilled." Astrid asked. From her perspective, Eric had done well at everything. Well everything except etiquette anyways. He hadn't been the best in any of their lessons except for the magic class. But he'd always performed well above average.
"The half-elf? Arthal pulled him aside. I'd imagine he received a recommendation at that time," Calyn informed her.
"Cool. So this letter. I take it to the Rothloli Rangers-"
"Rothlorien Rangers. Yes. It might take you a few weeks before you're strong enough to safely trave
l there. But once you're able to, just show this letter to the guard and you should be allowed entry. You can gain great benefits from this, but it all depends on the work you put in. If you're lazy or slack off, they will dismiss you. Even with this letter," Calyn warned.
"Mmmmh. Could you show me an example of the skills I'd be able to learn? I mean we got to see higher level magic. And Firin had that enormous sword. But you didn't show us anything special," Astrid asked, looking at Calyn with bright eyes.
Calyn shook at this, at first Astrid was afraid she'd gone too far and angered her. But then she heard the low laughs escaping Calyn's mouth as she attempted to cover it with her quivering mug. Calming down, Calyn coughed lightly, looking at Astrid over the top of her mug with an expression of mirth.
"I keep forgetting that you aren't from this world. No one from the kingdom of Novanalba would even dare ask a Rothlorien Ranger to demonstrate their skills in order to prove they should join the rangers. They would most likely just join on the spot after fainting from joy." Calyn's eyes grew hazy as long lost memories stirred. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she grabbed her fishing rod and stood up from her chair.
"Follow me," she said to Astrid as she left the room. Scrambling from her chair, Astrid followed the elven ranger outside.
Making for the hill, Calyn stopped by the willow pond. Catching up, Astrid panted slightly as she gave Calyn a questioning look. Smiling wordlessly, Calyn took her fishing pole and attached the hook to a groove at the base of the handle. Twanging the string experimentally she stamped her ring in the air, leaving a glowing rune behind. Glowing brightly, the rune morphed into the shape of an arrow which Calyn then plucked out of the air and placed on her string.
Sighting down her fishing pole-bow, Calyn took aim at a willow tree. The conjured arcane arrow glowing softly against her cheek.
"Watch closely," she warned. Breathing out, the gems on her fishing pole began to glow. A riotous array of colours suddenly staining the sunlit grass with their light. As Astrid watched, transfixed, the arcane arrow on Calyn's bow began to glow more vibrantly, strands of blue and green energy wrapping around the length of the shaft. As the light of the crystals reached its peak, Calyn loosed the arrow.
Speeding towards the willow tree, the arrow blurred. As Astrid watched a watery arrow suddenly split off from the arcane arrow. With each meter it traveled another arrow split off from the original arcane arrow. Some made of water, some of leaves. As the arrow struck the trunk, fifteen other arrows also slammed into the willow tree, embedding themselves deeply into the trunk and branches of the willow.
Looking at Calyn in excitement, Astrid was about to cry out when she saw Calyn raise her hand. "Wait," she mouthed, closing her fingers into a fist.
Staring back at the willow, Astrid watched in amazement as the arrows suddenly shattered. The water arrows exploding into mist while the leaf arrows exploded like glass, tiny leaves flying everywhere. As the mist and leaves cleared, the once tall willow had disappeared. The only clue to its previous existence being the stray willow branches floating in the pond.
"Please give me that letter. I want to be a ranger," Astrid said, her eyes gleaming as she watched the remains of the willow slowly sink beneath the surface of the pond.
Calyn's only answer was a knowing smile.
- Chapter Twenty -
First Blood
Emerging from the village, Eric was greeted by a rough dirt road leading off into the forest surrounding the town. Along the roadside, a number of fields could be seen, with a handful of small farmsteads dotting the plains. A few farmers could be seen working the fields, pausing their work to warily watch him go by. They were most likely preparing for the upcoming harvest, Eric supposed, giving them each a small nod as he passed by.
From what he had seen, the villagers all seemed nervous. With the exception of the local leadership, Flen, Tom, and Alistair, and the girl he’d embarrassed with his wave, most of the villagers had looked at him with a mixture of wariness and mistrust. It seemed he would have to grind out reputation if he wanted to be accepted by the villagers.
Along the way, Eric checked out the UI elements, curious to find out more about the game. Discovering a status window, he opened up his character page.
[Status]
Erick Kystfyr - Level 1
Health: 100/100
Mana: 100/100
Title: None
Weapon: Rough Maple Short Bow (20 Rough Goose-feathered Stone Arrows)
Rough Bronze Dagger
Armour: Reinforced Wool Doublet
Skills: Basic Magic (Arcane, Fire)
Militia Spearmanship
Militia Swordsmanship
Basic Archery
Basic Herbalism
Basic Speechcraft
Active Skills:
Sword Technique - Guard
Seeing his skill list, Eric raised his brow a little. He’d gained more skills than he’d thought in the tutorial. He even had an active skill. Interestingly enough though, his various magic spells did not count as skills. Or at least they weren’t displayed on the status page.
Closing the status page, he noticed a small book icon next to the status icon. Bringing it up, the icon transformed into a beautiful book with Kystfyr’s Spellbook emblazoned on the cover. As he looked at it, the book flipped open to reveal a page with all three of his spells written upon it. Detailed engravings of the runes took up much of the page. Refreshing his memory of the runes quickly, Eric closed the book and looked up. Snapping out of his reverie, Eric realized that he’d almost reached the forest.
Stillwood Forest itself was a riot of various trees and foliage, the local plant life in full bloom in what felt like early autumn weather. From afar, it all seemed to blend into a singular shade of green. However, as Eric approached the treeline, the colours became more distinct, revealing a rich mixture of various greens and browns. The occasional squirrel could be seen jumping from bough to bough, while birdsong intermittently pierced the silence of the forest.
As he walked along the path, he could see the ruts in the mud left by wagons, delivering shipments or travellers to the village. Some of them were fresh, filled with a small layer of water from what looked to be a recent rainfall, judging from the dewdrops hanging off the wildgrass at the side of the road. As he approached the forest edge, a shape detached itself from the treeline. What he had first taken to be a small tree was actually a wooden sign, hanging off a post that had been hammered into the hard dirt where the road entered the forest.
Getting closer, Eric took a look at the words on the sign, scrawled roughly in what he hoped was red paint.
Caution!
Monsters roaming the area!
Avoid travelling alone!
Eric smiled. While the sign definitely was meant to warn travellers, it was not the monsters he needed to be scared of. Rather, it was the monsters that should soon be afraid of him.
Entering the forest, Eric soon found himself once again caught up in the incredible majesty of the forest. If he didn’t know better thanks to the minimalistic HUD elements, he would have assumed that this was reality. So caught up was he in enjoying nature’s beauty, that he failed to notice the creature approximately the size of a small dog eyeing him from beside the path.
Gazing up at the trees, Eric was caught unawares as the creature slammed into his side, embedding its sharp horn in his thigh.
“Yeaaargh!” Eric roared, stumbling backwards as he did so.
“Motherf***er that hurts!” he shouted.
Looking down, Eric felt a sudden urge to vomit. His pant leg had been torn wide open, blood coating the frayed edges of the large hole in his now ruined pants. Inside the hole was a massive wound in his thigh, where blood oozed out from a mess of torn flesh and fabric. Wincing, he attempted to favour his leg, only to realize that there wasn’t actually too much pain, merely a dull stinging sensation where the creature had torn open his leg.
Makes sense, he thought to himse
lf. If the game caused players to actually feel the pain of being stabbed, shocked, or set on fire, it was unlikely that players would continue to play, especially if some unlucky soul suffered all three at the same time injuries at the same time, he thought ruefully.
Refocusing himself, he quickly turned to look at the beast that had inflicted his first wound in Fate. Standing on all fours and uttering a low growl was a ferocious beast with a horn emerging from its forehead; below the horn glowed two red eyes which were enclosed on either side by an enormous pair of rabbit ears.
“Wait really? My first injury in Fate is getting shanked by a rabbit?” Eric quickly swore to himself that Jun would never hear of this incident before desperately throwing himself to the side as the rabbit charged him again.
Rolling to his feet, Eric unslung the bow from his back and drew an arrow which he quickly nocked to the string. Sighting at the rabbit, he was forced to once again hurl himself gracelessly to the side as the rabbit repeated its charge.
This time, Eric didn’t spring to his feet, but instead rolled into a clumsy kneeling position, sighting quickly he loosed the arrow at the rabbit as it turned to observe its target.
Schwiiiii. The arrow screamed through the air, soaring far over the rabbits head and disappearing into the forest. For a moment, Eric watched dumbfounded as his arrow vanished into the undergrowth, only to be jolted back to reality by a charging mass of fur rapidly approaching him.
“Tch," he clicked his tongue as he dodged the rabbits charge again. This time, he rolled back to his feet, grabbing another arrow from the quiver as he did so.