End Online: Volume 3

by D Wolfin

  I don’t know about Fen but for some reason I didn’t feel afraid of the two at all. The two of them gave off an atmosphere that almost said they were… Weak and naive. Looking at the girl next to me, she didn’t even register they were there at all. She was still busy sulking.

  “What was that about?” Mason looks puzzled as he asks me.

  “I honestly don’t know. Seemed like they saw two players from a different kingdom and decided to try their luck.”

  “And they just gave up like that?”

  “Well, our forces did just double in number.”

  He looks even more confused by my words. But, all I do is laugh at him.

  We spent the next five days in game walking to Grenton, each step closer leading us to cross paths with more and more players. There were a few threats at first, but we were lucky they weren’t all that strong. Fen took care of them all by herself. I only feel fortunate that she followed my instructions and didn’t kill a single one. Her having a player killer’s skull on her back is the last thing I need.

  Lastly, considering she is my ‘companion’, I am technically in the same party as her. I would also get the skull on my back.

  However, the closer we get to Grenton, the weaker the average player was. The worst I receive are the angry shouts of players as the monsters they are fighting are suddenly tempted by my aggravation. It stirs up some depressing memories of when I first started playing the game, but I am long since used to it.

  Surprisingly, I have already been playing this game for over five months. Yet it is only recently that I have felt this alive, so to speak. Full of energy, I pass through a small thicket of tall trees covered in small, red flowers. The flowers blow down and away with the slightest breeze, passing by my eyes as I stare down at Grenton.

  The city itself is incredible. Twice the size of Iceridge and multitudes more people. There is constantly people walking in and just as many leaving. There are enormous trees growing throughout the capital, reaching hundreds of meters in the air before spreading their foliage in a wide arc.

  Most of the city received a cool shade from the canopy, far enough away to still let enough sun inside of the city, but taking the blazing sun off everyone’s shoulders.

  Buildings are attached to all sides of the massive trunks. There are even smaller buildings hanging in between them, along with all the pathways and platforms to suit.

  The entire city is like a multi layered complex, some parts reaching four or five stories high. Each level appears to be placed about ten meters above the one below, but it is hard to judge from half a mile away.

  Getting closer, I can make out the platforms are made from a light brown wood while the houses were a dark oak wood. The contrast is amazing, almost like an art piece.

  “You look so surprised. Is this honestly the first time you have seen Grenton?” Mason stared at me like I was some kind of stranger.

  “Sorry, I never left the kingdom of Glace before. It is incredible.”

  “That’s surprising! There are pictures of Grenton all over the internet. It is said to be the most beautiful city in End Online, modelled after the hidden elf village Elfenhiem.”

  “Elves?” I couldn’t hide my astonishment.

  “Hah, it is only the rumours told in books. Most people don’t know these things. I only do due to reading a lot in order to increase my ‘Literature’ skill.

  ‘Still, elves huh?’

  We enter into the shade provided by the foliage of the enormous trees and the surrounding temperature instantly drops. Approaching one of the entrances to Grenton, the majesty of the capital city leaves me awestruck. I was wrong about assuming the higher floors were place ten meters above one another, the distance is much closer to twenty.

  Despite how packed the city appears from a distance, even having levels above one another. The inside is extremely open and spacious, wide lanes filled with neatly pruned bushes, some even flowering large colourful rose-like flowers.

  I stroll into the city with everyone else in tow. Fen is once again attached to my arm, her eyes sparkling at seeing the marvels of the city.

  “It truly is incredible.” I breathe the words out, quiet enough that no one else can hear.

  “Verde! I am here! In Grenton!”

  There is only silence at first, but she eventually gets around to replying.

  “That’s great! Can you meet Sir Laurence and I at the Royal Birch Hotel at sundown?”

  “Ahh, yes. I should be able to meet you there then.”

  “Okay, thanks!”

  She ends on a cheery note, her voice still dancing in my head. Guessing sunset is still a few hours away, I decide to explore the town a little bit and sell the helmet, the one from the subterranean prison boss, at the local auction house. Hopefully I can get two thousand for a sale this time!

  There is only one problem with my plan, I have no clue where the auction house is.

  Putting it aside for the moment, I may as well at least enjoy the views of the city. I recall the information I originally read about finding herbs in local parks originated from Grenton.

  “Lost,” Mason speaks up next to me, “Matrix and I are going to go report our quest. I assume you have your own things to do as well. What I want to ask is, will you accept us joining you on your journeys?”

  The question takes me by surprise. I certainly was not expecting them to ask this.

  “Hmm, why would you want to come with me?”

  “Well, as you already know I make videos and post them on the ‘End Forums’. I think that if I continue to travel with you, I will be able to continue getting the best material for my videos. Like from Vexl.”

  “Haha, it sounds okay to me. It is a pleasure to know you Mason.”

  “You too!”

  We shake hands and exchange friend requests before the brothers head off to do their own thing.

  “Fen, you go off by yourself too. I want to do some stuff on my own.”

  “Don’t… Want to…”

  I give her a dry stare until she looks away pouting. It isn’t that I need to be alone for anything in particular, but I want to have a peaceful explore of the city.

  Fen disappears from where she is standing, turning into mist. I guess she has returned to my VL for now. Sighing, I press onwards into the city.

  Strolling through the broad streets I finally find a local recreational park. I can tell that there definitely are herbs in this park. There is nearly a hundred players crowding the park, searching the ground to try and be the first to pick each herb when it regrows. At least they respawn at random locations in the area, giving everyone a fair chance of getting them.

  I can see the symbols of all three kingdoms mixed in the crowd. Everyone coalescing into the one city for herbs must be extremely strenuous, clearly nobody has told them of other places you can acquire herbs. I am not interested in trying my luck here when I can find places outside of town when I need. There are bound to be a large number of these parks around the city, but surely they are all going to be as packed as this one.

  I had best keep the other harvesting locations a secret, there are always players who go around harvesting everything like robots.

  Passing onwards through the crowd of players walking down the lane, a strange sense of foreboding overcomes me. Something inside of me screams to run, but I don’t know what it is or why.

  Out of the crowd, a middle aged man appears. He is dressed as some kind of underground bouncer with a long leather overcoat on top of some kind of cheap clothing that clings to his figure. What intrigued me the most is that even though his eyes were closed, He seemed fully aware of me. Almost as if he was waiting there specifically for me.

  “Excuse me sir. May I have a moment of your time.” The mysterious man somehow closes the distance between us with a single step, the air around him vibrating as he stands directly in front of me.

  The person has dead straight black hair, sitting well below his shoulders.

 
Something about this person sets off danger alarms in my mind and I try to get away.

  “I’m sorry, but I have some business to attend to. If you will excuse-“

  I try to walk around the person and continue on my way, but he grabs my arm and prevents me from going any further.

  “Oh, but I must insist. It will only take a moment.”

  As if taking my silence as a ‘yes’ he starts walking to a gap in between two houses, completely out of the public eye. He drags me by my arm, his grip getting tighter to ensure I don’t escape. I give a few nervous tugs, but they can’t shake loose his iron grip.

  He enters the small alley, barely two meters wide, with me in tow. With a flick of the wrist, he casually tosses me forward. I land flat on my back on the hard-packed dirt ground.

  It may be a game, but my heartbeat is straining inside my chest. As much as I am aware that this world is fake, the fear I am feeling is real.

  The man stands over me and looks down, his eyes still closed.

  “Lost? Yes, I hear that is your name. Do you happen to remember a certain dragon’s lair you entered a few weeks ago?”

  I try to speak but when I open my mouth, I feel a fear that erases all thoughts from my mind.

  “Ahh, for some reason I get rather excited seeing you. All I want to do is pummel you into the ground. But, we have more important matters. From there you entered a treasury room and stole a particular red orb.”

  “…” I try to speak but once again I find myself unable to get the words out.

  “Oh, sorry. I have carelessly been letting my bloodlust out. Allow me to mask it again. Now, where is the orb?”

  The pressure on my chest lessens and it becomes easier to breath.

  “I-I don’t know w-what you’re talking about.”

  At least I can finally speak, but I still do feel a more natural fear, it just no longer has an overbearing oppressive feel behind it.

  “Don’t play games with me. Where is my ‘Draconic Ember Essence’?”

  The man opens his eyes, revealing a pair of slitted violet pupils. The same eyes as that dragon.

  ‘No way! This is the dragon!? Is it the same kind of NPC as Fen!? Oh ****’

  I curse at realizing the situation in front of me. Also, what am I going to do if I get another wierdo downloaded into my VR headset. If he is the same as Fen and she could do it, he must be able to as well.

  I summon up all the courage in my body to deal with this issue and prevent further interest in me.

  “Why exactly should I give it back to you? Speaking of which, what even is it?”

  I see some irritation on his face. He squats down and sits on my stomach.

  “The ‘Draconic Ember Essence’ is a reagent I created by placing my flames inside a gem over a long period of time. When I require, I can call upon all that stored power and use it. If you do not give it to me, not only will I kill you and take it from your dead body, but I will kill all those friends of yours that also came with you. The knight, the sneaky woman, even that other lady that was there.”

  “NO!”

  Back in a panic, I cannot let him do that. If Verde and that prince receive this kind of retribution, then it would be fine. But if Fen dies…

  “Then it is simple. Give it back.”

  I have no use for this item anyway. According to his description of what it is, I can’t use it regardless. I open my inventory and then remove the strange orb, which seems to even light up the immediate area with a red hue.

  “Much better, I had suspected this would be more difficult.”

  Grael’s expression seems to relax once getting his item back. He even gets off me and stands up.

  “You are very compliant, aren’t you. I actually may need someone like you in the future to do my bidding. One can’t let such a person past them.”

  Grael leans down and grasps my forehead with one of his hands, slowly gripping harder and harder until the pain became almost unbearable.

  “Mph, that will do. Now I will always know where you are.” He speaks like he is proud of whatever he did.

  Before I notice it, a window appears in front of me.

  You have decided to follow the Religion of Grael.

  You are the only follower of this newly found religion. By following and fulfilling the requests of Grael, you will gain 'Belief' in your religion and be granted stronger powers in your religious skill, granted by your god himself.

  In joining this religion, you have gained the following:

  - Belief + 10

  - Skill 'Origin of the Dire Flame'

  - Skill 'Grael's Essence'

  Origin of the Dire Flame

  The power of Grael, passed down to those who have believe in him. The stronger your belief is, the stronger this skill will be. The Dire Flame is a fire that cannot be extinguished by ordinary means.

  The most powerful flames are said to burn for six days and six nights.

  SLvl: 1

  - +5 Strength

  - +5 Dexterity

  - +5 Agility

  - Ability to use the magic "Minor Dire Flame"

  - This ability is Soul Bound, cannot be unequipped as long as you maintain faith in Grael.

  Grael's Essence

  Dragons are the most prideful creatures known to exist. Most of these creatures live in seclusion and are rarely seen. They also boast the most powerful talent in magic.

  The essence of a dragon contains not only their magical aptitude but also their endless bloodlust.

  SLvl: 1

  - +20 Intelligence

  - Magic Force + 3

  - +200 Mana

  - Immunity to Dire Flame

  - Ability to exert a dragon's bloodlust, only effective on existences below your current level

  - This ability is Soul Bound, cannot be unequipped as long as you maintain faith in Grael

  “W-what did you just do!?” I stammer at the man standing over me, almost speechless.

  “What do you mean? I imparted a fraction of my power into your body which I will mentally be aware of and always know where you are. Although…” He seemed to frown a bit while looking at the hand he used.

  “It seems as if that power has fused into you and formed some kind of bond between the two of us. It is a little unexpected and I don’t think I will be able to reverse it, but it should not matter. You are but a servant, after all.”

  A servant? This guy really looks down on others.

  “Well, I received what I came to get. I will leave now. But our relationship has just begun. I will call for you when I need you next, and you will come.”

  He gives me a cruel and ruthless smile before turning around and walking back into the crowd.

  I lie there for a while and watch the sun through the small gaps in the canopy above the city. It slowly sinks in the sky as the time to meet with Verde and Prince Charming. For some reason I don’t even feel shocked at the new mana bar that I have below my health, even if it says I have 913 mana points.

  Standing up, I slowly read back through the skills of this religion I have been forcefully conscripted to. Based off his words, It doesn’t seem like it is a legitimate religion of any kind, but that is how the system interpreted his action.

  ‘These NPC’s, like Fen, are far too strange!’

  I complain in my mind, how can they do these things. And why am I the only target of them! Well, I can’t instantly assume that there aren’t others who are attached to these abnormal artificial intelligences.

  “Lost, we are currently at the Gold Run Inn waiting for you.”

  Verde’s voice appears out of nowhere, startling me for a moment.

  “I am on my way now! Hmm, where exactly is the inn?”

  “Oh! it is in the east side of Grenton, near where all the low level players purchase their supplies. Head towards the nearest town exit and turn left. Follow that street down and it is the sign which looks like a river of gold. Sorry, there are no street names in this game apparently.”<
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  “I will be there shortly!”

  I end the private chat with Verde and open a new one with Mason.

  “Mason! Can you come meet me at the Gold Run Inn?”

  “I can do that. When did you want to meet?”

  “I’m heading over there now, make it in ten minutes?”

  “Hah, okay. I will meet you there.”

  I go to leave the alley way, but first I am curious about this new spell. Opening my main menu, I access the information about my current skills.

  Name: Lost(Man in the Hood)

  Health: 1252/1252

  Stamina: 441/441

  Mana: 913/913

  Sacred Art Cost

  Triple Thrust 13 Stamina

  CrossX 22 Stamina

  Backstab 84 Stamina

  Pincer 112 Stamina

  Multi Mirage 197 Stamina

  Magic Cost

  Minor Dire Flame 800 Mana

  I am shocked at the cost of the spell. Opening up the information on it reveals that there is also no chant for it. I only need to call out the name of the spell.

  “Minor Dire Flame!”

  The small fireball slowly takes form in my right hand, the space crackling with a red lightning as flames coalesce into a single point. The ball of fire is only about the size of my fist, but it burns incredibly bright and gives off an enormous amount of heat.

  I throw the small fireball at the ground. It flies directly straight, unaffected by gravity, to hit the dirt ground. The impact causes it to splash, almost as if the fire itself is some kind of liquid.

  All of a sudden a considerable sized area in the alleyway is set alight by the fire. Panicking, I flee back into the crowd before anyone sees what I did. As soon as I am gone from the scene I hear voices shouting out behind me.

  “Hey there is a fire in this alley! Someone, quick, help me put it out!”

  “I have the skill for water magic! Allow me-” A faint chanting follows as he casts some kind of water strike attack

  “What kind of useless skill is that, it evaporated before it could even touch it!”