by Jakob Tanner
A blast of white energy filled the room.
2
Rainbow crystals burst forth, showering the keep with baubles of bright energy. The glowing balls of power swarmed my chest with a magnetic fervor, seeping into my body all at once. I gasped. A new sensation of power tingled throughout my body.
Congratulations! You have conquered the town of Crystal Port. See Town Menu to familiarize yourself with your newest piece of land.
Your conquering skill (Level 1) has gained 1.3 EXP!
You have leveled up your conquering skill (Level 2).
The messages in my HUD only filled me with more questions, which my HUD promptly responded to with more notifications.
Intro to Conquering
You can take over a town/city/castle by claiming the “control center” of the area (usually protected in the keep). Holding one’s hand on a glowing orb in the room will give you access to the control center and will allow you to make high level decisions about the area you now control.
I called up the Town Menu and a long stat sheet appeared in front of my eyes.
Crystal Port
Level 2 Town
Citizens: 2100
Citizen Morale: Very Low
Gold Coins: 100,000
Crystal Mana: 3.1k
Lumber: 800
Ore: 500
Food: 500
Misc: [See more].
I looked the table over. Stats like “citizen morale” reminded me of the airship stats, but these were more complicated. I was about to click the “see more” button when a bright red message flashed across my entire HUD.
WARNING! Citizen Morale has fallen from “Very Low” to “Rebellious”! If not dealt with immediately, an insurrection will surely follow.
“Anyone else seeing this message,” I asked.
The rest of the group answered with blank faces and confused head shaking.
I rushed to the keep door and kicked it open. At the bottom of the keep’s steps was an angry crowd of citizens with pitchforks and flaming torches. They weren’t quite united against me though. They were fighting each other. A group of three were attacking a man on the ground. The three men had shaved heads and scars around their necks. Newly freed Chosen. They were attacking the Arethkarians.
“What’s happening?” said Serena behind me, her voice full of concern.
A message from Raylene popped up in my HUD.
Raylene: I didn’t create this mess. The enemy soldiers surrendered and my warriors have them surrounded. This is a citizen revolt. Sort it out, Clay. Did you really expect it to be so easy to take over someone else’s home?
Chaos ensued. Glass shattered in the distance as citizens looted shops. I was stunned. Despite all the in-game language saying I was a conqueror, I sure didn’t feel like one. In fact, I didn’t even want to be one. I was a liberator, not an imperialist. I was fighting to make Illyria a better place. For both Chosen and non-Chosen alike. Didn’t these people know that?
Then it hit me: of course they didn’t. I was just some dude who’d bulldozed into their town with giant airships and mercenaries. I had to show them who I was.
I ran towards the three Chosen beating the crap out of the poor man on the ground.
“Stop,” I said. I grabbed one of the attacking men and pushed him away.
“They all deserve to die,” hissed the man. He was tall and broad shouldered. He looked as if he had been muscular and strong before entering the game and being enslaved. He was someone—like all of us—who’d entered this world hoping for a second chance, a refuge from a life gone wrong, a world destroyed. Unlike me, he hadn’t even gotten a glimmer of a chance. He’d traded horror for more horror.
Two Arethkarian citizens—dressed in noble finery—grabbed the man on the ground and pulled him back into the crowd for protection.
“They’re filthy animals,” they shouted. “The Chosen. This is why they need to be locked away and controlled. They have no sanctity for true Illyrian life.”
“QUIET!”
I yelled with all my might. I stretched my arms out, bright lights forming in front of me until they took the shape of a magnificent legendary bird.
I thought it was rest time, grumbled Gryph via psy-link.
You will have your rest, I replied. I need you for effect. You’re like a metaphor for my strength right now.
I am not a metaphor.
I know, just—Can you just be chill.
All the townsfolk—including many of the enslaved Chosen—backed away from the fearsome bird. I climbed aboard Gryph and the bird kicked off into the air, hovering above them.
“My name is Clay Hopewell,” I said, shouting it out confidently to the huddled masses. “You may have heard of me: he who wields the Prophetic Seal, he who defeated the great commander Oren Kaige of the Arethkarian armada, and he who won the Solmini Summoner Tournament.
“I’ve not taken over your town in an effort to cause you hardship or strife. I’ve ordered all of my mages to revive those who fell in the battle. As new leader of Crystal Port, I promise to usher in a new age of prosperity and well being to all of those who work and fight under our Laergardian banner. I understand many of you are fearful and simply wish to go on with your lives. Well, I give you two choices. The first choice is to stay, work, and fight under my leadership. I promise to protect each and every one of you. Be you native Illyrian or Chosen alike. That’s why my people and I are here. Not to fight and hijack people’s lives and homes, but to better Illyria. Free those who have been enslaved, strengthen those who have been weakened, and create a better world. If you want to join me in this endeavor, then stay and we’ll be issuing orders, assignments, and rewards for everyone soon.”
The crowd cheered.
You’re inspiring them, Clay, said Gryph. I can see it in their eyes. At first they feared you—mostly me, but you a little bit. Over the course of your jabbering though, their eyes lifted and glittered. They’ve shed their fear and replaced it with awe.
“For those of you who are not thrilled with what I have said. For those who want to live with the status quo, believe in all the ideals of Arethkar, from enslavement to treating those lower than you with no respect, by all means, you may leave. You can take all your things. No one will hurt or come after you. Even when we conquer and take control of the Arethkarian capital, Ryr’s Ascension, we will welcome you into our arms. We’re not here to destroy Arethkar. We’re here to free it from the shackles of this horrible system in place. We’re here to bring peace to all of Illyria!”
More people in the crowd cheered along.
“You have until midday tomorrow to make your decision. By all means, speak amongst yourselves and discuss it over. For those willing to work, step forward now, as there are things to be done.”
The crowd cheered and applauded. Alerts stacked in my HUD.
Your Natural Leadership has gained 0.3 EXP!
Your Natural Leadership has gained 0.3 EXP!
Your Natural Leadership has gained 0.3 EXP!
Your Natural Leadership has gained 0.3 EXP!
Congratulations! Your Natural Leadership has reached a new level (Level 3)
Nice. I hadn’t paid attention to this skill before, but it looks like I’d already leveled it throughout my other adventures.
A group of non-Chosen stepped forward first. Their eyes were full of rage, but my speech had given them hope. A group of Arethkarian peasants stepped forward, eager to please. Many of the Arethkarian citizens—the merchant classes and the more well-to-do—were hesitant. They needed to think about it. I was asking them to make a big change. It was unreasonable to expect them to immediately bow to me.
“It’s been a hard day,” I said. “I’ll be issuing orders to all of you soon. In the meantime, food and drink will be brought to you all.”
I sent a quick message to Raylene, telling her to get her soldiers to unload our supplies from the airships and give these people refreshments, while we discussed our next steps
.
Gryph flew me to the top of keep’s tower. I left him perched there to inspire the town when they looked up towards the keep. I then took a spiral staircase back down to the control center. My whole party was there, including Raylene. They all clapped as I came down.
“As someone who has had to deal with a group of rowdy people and whip them up into a unified group, I have to say I’m very impressed,” said Raylene.
“I agree,” said Jackson. “Deftly handled.”
“Good work,” said Kari.
“Do you really need another compliment from me,” smirked Serena, kissing me on the cheek.
“Thanks everyone,” I said. “To be honest, I didn’t even find giving the speech too hard. Yeah I was a bit nervous they might rebel and kill me, but beyond fear of their bloodlust, everything I said I genuinely believe in. We’re here in Arethkar to do the right thing. To save Illyria, A.K.O., and everyone who inhabits it.”
Shade clapped his hands.
“I have to say I think we’ve all done a fantastic job,” said the cat-man. “Cheers to all of us. Now let’s get down to important business. What does the Town Menu say? Can we build a pub?”
Before I said anything, he threw his hands out and said, “Shade’s Tavern. It sounds nice, right? We probably won’t be able to sell Hero of Laergard ale though. Sorry, Clay, but we are in Arethkar. I don’t see it playing well over here. Unless,” he raised a finger. “It’s part of a longer propaganda campaign. First you have them sipping on our ale, then they’re doing every little thing you ask. Guys—am I a genius?”
There was silence. I was expecting a retort from the others, but it didn’t happen straightaway. What was happening? Then a flicker of ash came from the ceiling. Jackson flew down to the ground with a flaming fist, yelling, “That might be the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.”
Shade slid out of the way as Jackson’s fist pummeled into the floor, leaving cracks in the stone.
“Okay, let’s not create work for ourselves,” I said.
“I agree,” said Serena, chiming in, kicking one of the loose stones created by Jackson’s fiery punch. “As much as I too constantly feel the urge to punch Shade right in his fat grin, I think he’s onto something. We need to improve the morale of the rest of the city.”
“Would a pub really solve our problems?” asked Kari.
“My pals,” said Shade. “A pub solves all problems.”
I turned away from the group. We’d just taken over this place from our enemies. We had to protect ourselves from another insurrection. To do so we’d have to get everyone working and gathering resources, but where to start?
I didn’t like how I was making all the decisions. Yeah—humble brag—I was kind of the de facto leader of our group, but running a town was a collective effort and I didn’t want to assume authority. I scrolled through the Town Menu tabs and found a section to allow others to view the town’s stats and menu tabs. I kept myself as the only one to have admin capabilities so things didn’t get out of control too quickly (i.e. Shade opening ten pubs and spending everything the town had in the bank).
“Alright guys,” I said. “I’ve added you five to the Town Menu, so you can now view the stats. I’ve kept myself as the only admin for the time being, but I’m happy to open it up once we get a handle on what we do next—“
“I vote Shade doesn’t get admin capabilities,” said Serena raising her hand.
“Wait, what?” said Shade.
“Seconded,” said Jackson.
“Third-ed” said Kari, shrugging.
“’Thirded!?’ Salt on the wound Kari, salt on the wound.”
The fox-girl smiled. “I can heal real wounds Shade, not imaginary ones.”
“Moving on,” I said. “We have a little money. Clearly, Crystal Port was doing okay for itself before we showed up. We have a couple of things we need to sort out then: barracks for the army to stay in, food production, and ways to gain more money and crystal mana.”
Everyone nodded in agreement. I focused on the Town Menu. The decisions my team and I made over the next few hours would influence whether the undecided Arethkarians would convert to our cause. I looked over the options of things to build, directions to assign. Because Crystal Port was already a Level 2 town, I had all the Level 2 building options available to choose from. The city had enough resources to start production of quite a few things. As soon as we started building, I’d send everyone else who was willing to begin gathering more resources. Boom. I selected a new barracks be built for us newcomers, the aerodrome to be repaired, and in an effort to boost morale, I would—to Jackson and Serena’s chagrin and Shade’s ultimate smug joy—approve a brand new pub.
A warm hand landed on my shoulder. Shade was grinning at me. “I’m glad you heeded the advice of your wiser and better companions. I believe the pub will be a roaring success.”
I was about to reply when a large chill ran through my body. I blinked in pain. I was sprawled out on the floor. Everyone rushed towards me. My forehead throbbed.
“Clay—what’s wrong?” said Serena, looking over me with concern. “Kari—what do his stats say, can you heal him?”
I lifted up my arm and waved my hand telling them not to worry. “I’m okay,” I said. “I don’t know what just happened.”
I checked my HUD. No signs of debuffs or poisons. The only thing different from before I had fallen was there was a new message in my inbox.
Personal Message: Y0ur N3W Cl#ss
Cl4y,
You must hurry towards unlocking the dream druid class. You’re ready to complete the next step of the process by unlocking druid. Konrad Takeshimi gets more powerful every day. You cannot afford to waste any more time.
Sincerely,
Betina
“Ugh,” I said. “I think I know what caused the headache. I’ve received word from Betina.”
“The guardian of dreams?” said Kari.
“That’s right,” I said. “The ghost girl who has been haunting me ever since I got here.”
“What does she want?” said Jackson. “We’ve never discussed this relationship you have with her before, but are you sure we can trust her?”
“She’s been mainly a helping hand,” I said, shrugging. “I guess her pausing time and entering my dreams has been a bit annoying, but it feels like she’s on our side.”
“Or are we just pawns for her?” said Jackson, arms crossed.
“Maybe,” I said. “But for the time being, we should work with her. We already have one A.I.-Guardian to face, let’s not make it two.”
“Agreed,” said Raylene, nudging Jackson playfully in the ribs. “This one likes to get into arguments for the sake of it.”
Jackson, made a quick coy glance at her. Were these two sharing an inside joke? Their eyes glittered when they looked at each other.
“Anyways,” I said. “Betina says I need to make unlocking the dream druid class my top priority. So I’m going to do that now. I’d assign tasks, but if this class trial is anything like the apprentice mage or summoner class trials, it will all happen in a time dilated interspace.”
I went into the ranger class menu on my HUD and saw there was a highlighted button with the words, “Initiate Druid Class Trial”.
“Okay guys,” I said. “See you in a bit.”
I pressed the druid class trial button and expected to swirl out of existence, teleporting to another realm. Instead, nothing happened.
“Oh, hi Clay,” said Shade, who had materialized two bottles of beer in his hand. “I thought you disappeared for your class trials? I’m not drinking on the job by the way, this is just for, uhh, greeting the new civilians.”
“Um, sure,” I said. “I’m actually not sure what happened. I expected to teleport away, but maybe that’s not how the druid class trial works. To be fair, my training with the Aeri of the Solmini marshes never involved me disappearing to a different realm, so perhaps—“
A loud squawking cry came from one of the o
pen windows of the stone keep. A hawk with golden wings perched at the edge. It flew towards us, gliding in a circle all the way until it was on the floor in front of me. A message popped up in my HUD.
New Quest Alert! Druid Class Trial
Follow the hawk, it will lead you to the birthplace of the druids…
Quest Type: Uncommon
Quest Difficulty: Hard
Reward: 15,000 EXP + Druid Class Unlocked
Accept: Yes/No?
I rubbed my hands together. “Okay, guys, looks like there won’t be any time dilation, so I guess I’ll see you in a couple of hours?” I fiddled with the Town Menu, doing last-minute readjustments. “I’m leaving Serena and Raylene with administrative capabilities. I expect this place to be in tip top shape when I return. Until then, sayonara—“
The hawk flew out the window and I ran towards the door. The bird left a glowing trail of golden dust behind it, like magical exhaust fumes. I called Gryph to me and I jumped onto the bird’s back and pointed in the direction of the hawk.
Druid class here we come.
3
The golden hawk flew over the rooftops of Crystal Port and out into the land beyond. It soared across the dreary Arethkarian sky, gliding forward into the ashy marshland. The wind blew through my hair and my stomach rumbled as I held onto Gryph.
Where is this bird taking us, Clay?
I don’t know. We’re following it to the, ‘Birthplace of the Druids’
I have a bad feeling about this. Golden Hawks are usually the arbiters of grave danger.
The golden bird dipped through the air flying towards a looming forest of black trees. It flew low to the ground and zipped through the branches, disappearing from sight. I clutched Gryph, urging him to speed up, but he came to a quick halt at the top of the trees.