Path of Light

by A P Gore

  Chapter 48

  The guard jumped down from his horse and stood next to Hiren.

  “Lord, please stay back. I'll handle these creatures.”

  “Wait.” Jon glanced at the imprint on the back of his hand and jumped down from Hiren's back. “I can handle them.” From the moment he gained the first imprint, he’d been wanting to try the spell out. Now was his chance.

  Jon charged the nearest panther.

  The panther too charged at Jon; its breath ragged.

  Jon felt the eyes of the two wounded warriors fixed on him as the distance between him and the panther decreased.

  Opening its mouth, the panther flashed its sharp, bloodied fangs at Jon. For a moment, Jon wondered if he had made the right decision, charging into death's mouth.

  Too late now.

  Reaching with his right hand, Jon cast Vine of Light. A white light glowed around his palm.

  Sensing the danger, the panther tried to stop in mid-charge, but it was too late. Jon's hand slapped against its neck, sending pulses of light magic inside the monster's flesh.

  The monster howled in pain and tried to swipe at Jon's palm, but Jon sidestepped the claw and imbued more light magic into the monster. His Spirit drained like a water tap left open, but with 50+ recharge per second it didn't bother him much.

  -200, -400, -400 damage started building over the panther's head, and after a few seconds the panther dropped on the ground with a fierce growl. Before the final blow, Jon triggered his Amulet of Chance to increase his Chance by 3.

  The other panther was in the middle of charging at Jon, but it stopped upon seeing its partner's condition. It turned back and ran away. But the guard had expected this and was positioned behind it. With a single slash of his sword, the guard killed the panther.

  Bending, Jon picked up the loot dropped by the panther he’d killed. Of course, the guard pocketed the loot from the other panther. Jon didn't mind.

  “You...” The burly man came forward, eyes shooting daggers at Jon. “You’re a light mage! Why didn't you help us first?”

  “Marcus, don't fuck this up,” the tall man shouted, red in the face. “I'm sorry, Mr. Jeremy, for my teammate’s impudence. I'm grateful for your help. If it wasn't for you, my team would have been wiped out completely.”

  Jon nodded before glancing at the spellgem in his hand.

  Spellgem of Light

  Tier: 3

  Level Required: 10

  Socket in a spell socket to covert 60% damage to light element.

  What the heck was this thing?

  “What a good harvest. The monster dropped a spellgem.” Marcus eyed the white crystal in Jon's hand greedily.

  The tall man smacked Marcus's head. “If you say one more thing, I'll kill you right here.”

  “Alexis. What—” Marcus started to complain, but shut his mouth when the tall man's expression darkened.

  The tall man, Alexis, stepped forward. “Mr. Jeremy. I'm sorry once again. I have a proposal for you.”

  Jon raised his brows. “First, tell me what you want with Epic village.”

  Alexis's eyes hardened, and his posture tightened. “We’re searching for a low-level player, but are you acquainted with the village?”

  “No. I'm heading there too for a quest.”

  Alexis's jaw relaxed. “Do you want to help us with the Dungeon of Arthia? I can ask the leader to allow you to choose any of the mage drops you like.”

  Jon stroked his chin. This was the second time someone had asked for his help in the same dungeon. What was it about this dungeon? “Do you have a thousand player team?”

  Alexis nodded. “I have my guild and Zeolite guild’s players ready in the town to run dungeon. If we gain the help of a great light mage like you, we will definitely clear it on the first try.”

  THE MYSTERIOUS MAGE Jeremy took a deep breath but didn't reply right away. He pulled out a water skin and gulped down fresh-looking water. When he pulled down his cloth wrap a little to do so, Alexis spotted fair skin.

  “Why are you buttering up that jerk?” Marcus growled in his ear. “He didn't even help us.” His shoulder rubbed against Alexis's, and he reeked.

  Alexis rolled his eyes. “Will you shut the fuck up?” Trying to control his rage, he bit his lower lip. If he could, he would kill this bastard right away. Didn't he have a single lick of sense in his brute head? Was it filled with mud and meat?

  Light mage. An expensive class name in the game. Their usefulness had gone way up after the Abomination Continent expansion opened up. When the game announced the expansion, it released few short snippets about the expansion to the player community, and one of the snippets talked about the innate skills of the monsters. All the fucking monsters in Abomination Continent had darkness type powers. They either did darkness damage or possessed darkness spells, and darkness was the bane of all the players in the game. Frankly, darkness and light magic were both unreachable objects.

  The main issue darkness turned out to be bane was the rarity of darkness resistance items. No enhancer or blacksmith crafted darkness resistance items. Not even NPC masters could craft that attribute, and only a few dungeons dropped darkness resistance items. Well, previously it worked well, because only a few monsters/dungeons had darkness monsters, and players avoided them completely. Not anymore.

  Other than darkness resistance items, a player could always use light magic to defeat the darkness type monsters, but light magic was another rare commodity in BlackFlame Online. The Church of Light, which ruled over the Continent of Light, owned the light magic type. Every light mage had to register with the church and fight against the demons the church faced for a thousand years. It was a rule set by the god of light who controlled the all light magic, so no player could go against it. And why would they? They enjoyed hefty benefits in the Continent of Light and earned more gold than ever. So, whoever got a unique class quest done for light mage happily teleported to Continent of Light and served the church. If a guild wanted to hire light mages, they had to pay a hefty sum to the Church of Light. Right now, all super and large guilds had paid hundreds of thousands of in-game gold to rope in few light mages to their side.

  The guilds who couldn't get their hands on light mages were targeting the dungeons which dropped darkness resistance items. Death March being one of them. So, if they got this light mage on their side, it would be a boon to their guild.

  Marcus moved closer, but Alexis pushed him away and stared at Jeremy. How could he make Jeremy join his side? He didn't seem to like the idea. Well, if he was Jeremy, why would he join an unknown guild? It’s not like Jeremy was a low-level player seeking a guild for protection. From the way he’d demonstrated his magic, he had power, and he seemed to be at least level 40 since Alexis's high-level perception didn't work on him at all.

  “How about this? “Alexis said, intent on sweetening the deal. “You get all the rare resources we find inside the dungeon. We only need darkness resistance items.”

  Jeremy blinked at him.

  Marcus interrupted him again. “Alexis, they’ve found Epic village and are asking for permission to attack.”

  Jeremy coughed. “I’ll join you if you don't destroy that village right away.”

  Alexis stepped back and reached for his sword.

  “Don't worry,” Jeremy said. “Once the dungeon is cleared, I'll help you destroy the village. It's just that I have a quest to do and I need that village to remain standing for the next three days.” Jeremy's piercing black eyes stared at Alexis. “If not, I must fight your team for it.”

  The guard standing next to Jeremy reached for his sword.

  That guard was a level 44 guard and no way could Alexis beat him. Even if he had brought one hundred level 24-28 players from his guild, it would still be difficult to beat that guard. The level difference was too high.

  Alexis sighed. “I’ll have to ask my leader.”

  “Go ahead. Tell him that, no matter what, I won't let that village get destroye
d for the next three days.” Jeremy’s voice held an undertone of threat.

  Alexis stepped aside and dialed Rob on the communication crystal. He quickly told Rob the whole story and how Jeremy had killed the panther in one strike.

  “Are you sure he’s a light mage?” Rob's voice sprouted with excitement. Now that was a real leader, someone who understood the potential of a light mage.

  “Yes, boss. He's the real deal, and he even has a level 45 guard protecting him. I assume he's not less than level 40 himself.”

  “And he would join us if we leave that village alone, plus first dibs on all the items except darkness resistance items?”

  “Yes, boss. He said he has an important quest to complete in that village, so he won't let us raze it.”

  A chuckle echoed from the other side of the crystal. “Let's do it his way then. If we form a connection with a light mage of his caliber, we might even attract him to join the guild. Treat him with the utmost respect and see what he wants.” Rob disconnected the call.

  A fresh perspective formed in front of Alexis's eyes. Rob was right. If the mage joined the guild their guild, they might just become a middle level guild.

  “Jeremy, sir. Let's do it. We'll destroy the village together after three days.”

  Chapter 49

  Jon’s heart slumped to the bottom of his ribcage when he heard Marcus’s words.

  Their players had reached Epic village already?

  Damn! If the village was destroyed, he would be a slave to Baltazar forever.

  No, he couldn’t let that happen. Not at any cost. Now, Jon regretted messing with this guild of f-kers. He’d underestimated them by a large margin. Right now, he needed ten more hours to reach his village. Then, how was he going to save his villagers? He had neither an offense system nor a defense mechanism built in his village. How much would the walls hold up under player assault?

  He had no other choice but to agree to raid the dungeon with the f-kers he hated most, but no way would he trust these bastards.

  What else could he do?

  Damn! He really had to look for some options here. The players were one threat. The monsters were another. Today, somehow, he’d managed to buy three days from the guild, but what about tomorrow?

  Why the f-k had he triggered that damn expansion? God! He could’ve enjoyed a real life without this village. Heck, he could have found a spot in the mountains and grown all the vegetables he needed by himself, but he had to sign that contract and trigger the expansion.

  Yet, somehow, he had to save his village.

  “Jeremy, sir. Did you hire this guard? Is he accompanying us to the dungeon site?” Alexis’s tone had changed into a submissive one after he talked with his boss. Jon supposed they really needed a light mage. Though he would be called a farce if a real light mage came here. In front of these fools, he could pretend to be a real light mage.

  “No, I didn’t hir—” Wait. Could he hire guards? “Just a moment.” Turning back, he walked a few steps away from Alexis and Marcus and pulled out a communication crystal that directly contacted Mayor Mason.

  “My friend. You’re already missing me.” A loud laugh emerged from other side. “Good. How can I help you?”

  Jon gulped hard as he imagined the tub of lard laughing like a maniac in his office.

  “Mr. Mayor,” Jon said. “Can I hire fifty guards from you?”

  A deep silence followed. “No, my friend. You have to be a Viscount to hire two guards, and Marquis to hire ten. But if you really want the guards, I can do a favor for you.”

  System: Do you want to use your favor from Mayor Mason? Yes/No.

  Without another thought, Jon selected “Yes.” He needed guards for his village right now.

  “Yes, Mr. Mayor. I need fifty guards to protect my village for one year.” One year should give him some buffer time.

  “One year is tough, but I can lend them for three months.”

  Jon rubbed his chin. “That should do.” Something was better than nothing.

  “Then I’ll dispatch fifty Elite guards to your village right away.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Mayor.”

  The mayor laughed again. “No thanks required, my friend.”

  Jon put the crystal away and messaged Maggie.

  “Maggie, keep vigilant for the next few days.”

  She replied, “Lord, there are ten suspicious players roaming around the village. When are you coming back?”

  “Don’t worry. They won’t move in for three days, and I’ve arranged for fifty Elite guards to protect the town. So, ignore them and continue your business as usual.”

  “Okay, Lord. The warehouse is almost complete, what should I build next?”

  “A defensive building.” The simultaneous threat of players and monsters had put Jon in a tight spot, and right now he needed a strong defense for his town. Thank God he had delegated some town management powers to Maggie, so she could make small decisions like these.

  “Okie-dokie. See you soon.” Her sweet message ended their conversation.

  Turning back, Jon looked at Alexis. Somehow, he wasn’t ready to trust that man totally.

  AT THE DEATH MARCH guild house in Chinari, a man with a long face and a slender figure sat on a high chair, studying the five hundred players assembled in the large main hall. The players talked and snacked like they attended a party.

  Lifting his trident in the air, Rob attracted everyone’s attention. “Friends, are you ready?”

  “Yes.” The players replied in unison, their faces filled with battle intent. Out of those five hundred, two hundred were Death Hounds, and two hundred belonged to Rob’s support army. The other hundred belonged to the main guild.

  “One hundred Death Hounds will march on Epic village and attack it while the four hundred remaining will come with me and join Zeolite to raid the Arthia dungeon. We’ve just recruited a light mage, so nothing can stop us.”

  Everyone’s face burst into cheerful expressions. Having a light mage in the group increased the chances of success by at least twenty-five percent. Though light mages weren’t known for their battle prowess, their AOE light magic could heal the darkness debuff and turn the tide of battle quickly.

  “This is the list of Death Hounds who will take part in the raid on Epic village.” Rob sent a message to the group chat.

  The hundred members on the list walked out of the large group and followed him to a medium-sized side room. It held the distinct aroma of a refreshing lily, and the room was covered by light curtains. It seemed to be a private room of the person who owned this branch hall, but he was locked out of the game for three months. All because of the Epic village lord. If it wasn’t for this important raid, Rob would have loved to face this lord himself.

  “Listen up. I’ve sent you the coordinates to the Epic village. Leave tonight. It will take you around twenty hours on foot. Once you get there, charge and destroy everything in sight. The village has a bare minimum defense, so it shouldn’t be an issue.” Rob scratched his butt as he eyed every player in front of him. They were elite 25+ level members of the Death Hounds assassination group, so they didn’t need much of his advice. “Take soul spell resistance items from the guild treasury and wear them when facing the village lord. The village lord is our target, and don’t kill him if you encounter him.” He paused for his words to settle in everyone’s mind. “Am I clear?”

  “Yes, sir.” They shouted in unison.

  “Dismissed,” Rob said, and walked out of the room. He trusted Deadeye and his team. They would execute their mission perfectly. As for the condition of that light mage, he didn’t give a fart about that. Once inside the dungeon, the light mage would have no way of knowing what went on outside. As for his quest, guild leader Kurush would compensate him for more than enough.

  Chapter 50

  After a day of constant riding, the trio stopped at the sight of fresh water. Alexis and Marcus stepped away to discuss something while Jon observed the surroundings. />
  The guard had already left them.

  Soon, they would reach the Arthia dungeon and meet the main group. As they moved closer to the dungeon, Jon realized the futility of his plan. What if someone had a high-level perception skill and exposed him? What if the enemy changed their minds and attacked his village? What if they had already sent a similar group toward his village? Would they honor the agreement?

  Perspiration built around his forehead as the possibilities spread in front of him.

  “Maggie, how are things there?”

  “Lord, they are going good. No attack so far.”

  “Monitor the group outside the village. I don’t have a good feeling about it. Also, I’ve upped your authority and provided you access to the village treasury. Use whatever you need, but defend the village, please. Grimish has some defensive talismans. Use them if needed.”

  Owing the village meant his own gold could be accessed from the village treasury.

  “Thanks for trusting me, Lord.”

  “Can’t you just call me, Jon? This lord thing... anyway, let’s talk about it when I get back.”

  Sighing, Jon glanced at the clear blue water spread across the small lake in front of him, feeling the solitude in his heart. Hiren whinnied and stepped closer to water. She was telling him to feed her water from the water skin.

  Before filling his water skin, Jon stared at the reflection of the sun in the lake. It shone with a bright light, always providing hope to the world and telling him not to worry. There would be some way to get over this obstacle too.

  Strangely, Hiren wouldn’t drink the water he got from the lake. No matter what he did, she pushed her face away.

  Was there something wrong with it?

  Jon cast perception.

  Nothing came back, so he cast Intrinsic Vision.

  False Contaminated Water

  Water highly contaminated with darkness element. Drinking it will increase the impurities in your body. Mixing it with any other contamination increases the potency by 100%. Hidden from common perception skills.