by John Nest
“Despite the Orks horrendous invasion, the Kingdom of Vitzytl has survived,” said the Herald. “And that is because of five individuals.”
The Herald paused and bowed down before the Prime Wizards and Smoke.
“Today, we have gathered to honor the heroic achievements of these individuals,” loudly said the Herald. “To rank their achievement would be truly difficult, as all of them acted as Generals for the defense of our beloved capital.”
“But our wise King has decided on their rankings nonetheless,” added the Herald.
“Sir Faux, please step forward,” said the Herald. “As the General of the invincible Automaton Knights of Florissant, you served as support to Prime Wizard Trottel and Prime Wizard Chrysopelea in the northern and western districts.”
Only a couple of nobles clapped, while the rest erupted into murmurs, discussing the way Smoke defended the city.
“Let it be recognized that Sir Faux, killed the Ork Colonel Vergewaltiger,” said the Herald. “It was because of this that the Orks, who opened the gates of the northern district, were all vanquished.”
“Let it also be recognized that Sir Faux went to Vectas City, and helped Prime Wizard Chrysopelea defend it. Prime Wizard Chrysopelea himself, attested that if it wasn’t for Sir Faux, then the city would have likely fallen.”
“Because of all his achievements, the Kingdom of Vitzytl awards Sir Faux with five million zecs,” said the Herald.
The nobles let out a forced applause, but even then it was still faint.
“Also, he is given the task to wipe out the Orks,” added the Herald. “As such, today will be the last day, Sir Faux will be allowed to enter any of the cities of Vitzytl.”
A stoic Smoke stared at the King, as the Herald went on.
“He will only be allowed to return when the UrukHai General known as Wertlosvati has been slain,” added the Herald.
This time, the nobles clapping became a little louder.
– Intimacy with King Kajou has dropped to ‘Untrusted Acquaintance’
A displeased Smoke bowed down before the King and Queen, before stepping backward to his place.
“Prime Wizard Trottel of Vlahui City, please step forward,” said the Herald. “Despite allowing the Orks to break down the northern gates, you still managed to drive the invaders out of the city.”
The nobles clapped loudly, which made the Herald pause.
“Not only that, but you also rushed to Vlahui City and spent an incredible amount of zecs to defend it against the Orks there,” continued the Herald. “Due to this, the Kingdom of Vitzytl awards you with ten-million zecs and will sponsor the creation of one village that will be under your own jurisdiction.”
The gathered nobles once again erupted into applause, but this time, clearly louder than Smoke’s.
Trottel bowed down before the King and Queen, before he returned to his place.
“Prime Wizard Chrysopelea of Vectas City, please step forward,” called out the Herald.
There was a noticeable difference in the applause when it was Chrys’ turn to receive his reward.
“For successfully defending the western section of our capital, not allowing one Ork to pass through the gates, the Kingdom of Vitzytl awards you with fifteen million zecs.”
“Although you managed to drive off the Orks in Vectas, Duchess Cible and Duke Facile still died during the UrukHai’s invasion.”
The crowd of nobles gasped.
“Unfortunately, the Duke and Duchess did not have an heir,” went on the Herald. “Although, Lord Wayland is next in line, the King has decided to appoint Prime Wizard Chrysopelea as the next Duke of Vectas City.”
“But your, Majesty!” protested Lord Wayland from the crowd. “I’m the one who’s suppose to be the Duke! Unfortunately, I was just here during the invasion and was not able to—” he was cut short.
TUD TUD TUD
The Herald lightly tapped the bronze metallic staff on the floor, calling forth four silver-clothed Warriors into the throne room.
“Guards, please escort Lord Wayland outside,” said the Herald.
At once the silver guards did as they were instructed. They took the hysterical nobles, who was shouting foul words at the Herald.
“I apologize for that interruption,” went on the Herald.
“Prime Wizard Ouragan of Vona City, please step forward,” said the Herald.
The Beggar Evocati nodded before the King and did as he was told.
“As expected of our strongest Prime Wizard, he did not allow a single Ork to pass through the southern gates.”
The nobles gave Ouragan a normal applause, except for a small section, which clapped loudly.
Smoke did not need to turn around to know that the loud applause came from Avilo, Jack, and Mouche.
“And like the other Prime Wizards, you also rushed to your own city to defend it against the Orks there,” added the Herald. “Due to this, the Kingdom of Vitzytl awards you with twenty-million zecs and will sponsor the creation of two villages that will be under your own jurisdiction.”
Ouragan bowed down before the King and Queen, before returning to his place.
“Finally, it is time for our Prime General during the Ork’s invasion,” said the Herald.
“The 16th Magietrois Florissant, please step forward,” said the Herald.
At once, Eleve did as she was asked. She presented herself to the King and Queen, lowering her head before them.
“She is the main reason our capital has survived, rather are entire Kingdom for that matter,” began the Herald. “It was her sound judgment in assigning the Prime Wizards their respective posts, her invincible Automaton Knights which aided the battle, and her long-distance teleportation abilities that allowed all of the Prime Wizards and Sir Faux to defend the far away cities.”
This time, the gathered nobles clapped their loudest.
“Because of this, the Kingdom awards Magietrois Florissant with fifty-million zecs,” said the Herald. “The King has also offered five villages to be under her, but she refused. She instead requested that the money would be funded for the repairs on the capital and the other cities.”
Eleve thanked the King and Queen with a small bow and returned to her place.
“With that, we have finished celebrating the heroes of our Kingdom!” exclaimed the Herald. “We look to them to protect us again in the future!”
As soon as the recognition ceremonies finished, Ouragan pulled Smoke away.
However, before the two Beggars could leave, Eleve blocked their exit.
“Where are you, two, going?” asked Eleve.
“Magietrois Florissant, I have important matters to discuss with Faux here,” replied Ouragan.
“I see,” said Eleve. She then turned to Smoke. “Faux, before you go disappearing on me, I want you to visit me again in the Seminary.”
She walked closer to him and whispered in his ear. “Don’t bring anyone else,” she said with authority. “Remember only a student of Florissant may be allowed to enter the Seminary.”
“I understand,” said Smoke, and bowed down before his Flame Master.
With that, Eleve allowed the two Beggars passage.
* * * * * *
An hour after they left the palace, Smoke found himself inside a small secluded room with no windows. It only had a single door and a platform with an oil lamp on it.
“Let’s be glad that the idiotic King was persuaded by Magietrois Florissant,” said Ouragan. “And only sent you out to kill Wertlosvati instead.”
“I’m not sure about that,” said Smoke. “It kind of feels the same for me.”
“Anyway, there is one other thing that I didn’t tell you about what my Shades told me,” said Ouragan.
“Wait,” said Smoke, and raised his hand. “Before you go on, what exactly is a Shade?”
“A Shade is a power given to us Beggars,” said Ouragan.
After his obtrusive explanation, two pairs of small eyes appeared
within the room.
As it moved closer towards the oil lamp, Smoke saw that they belonged to two black house cats.
“And these are my Shades,” said Ouragan. “Rosee and Katze.”
After calling out their names, the two black house cats transformed into two young girls. They wore ordinary Zectian clothes and bowed down before Ouragan.
“A Shade can typically transform from an animal to a person,” went on Ouragan. “And even their type of animals and person depends on how you train them, and your Beggar Level, of course.”
“Awesome!” was the single word that came out of Smoke’s mouth, as he watched Ouragan’s Shades with astonishment and envy.
“Now, that I’ve explained what a Shade is, can I go on to what I was about to tell you?” asked Ouragan.
“Of course,” said Smoke, half-listening. His eyes were still fixated on the two small children, who suddenly reverted back into black house cats.
“Anyway, they’ve informed me that Wertlosvati has left Vitzytl,” said Ouragan.
“Then, that’s a good thing, right?” asked Smoke.
“Not really,” replied Ouragan, shaking his head. “You see, he went into the Thanotl Kingdom.”
“What!” exclaimed Smoke. “What does he plan to do there? His army shouldn’t have already recovered to attack anyone.”
“Precisely,” said Ouragan. “Since his army of UrukHai and MoriHai were almost wiped out, I think that Wertlosvati plans to meet up with the Generals of the OlegHai and the MaduHai.”
Smoke let out an involuntary cough. “More Ork Tribes?” he asked, worried.
“Yes,” said Ouragan. “In recent years, the Ork Tribes divided the Sawtorn Continent amongst themselves, and the OlegHai and MaduHai choose to stay in Thanotl.”
The old HighElf paused and stared at Smoke with pleading eyes. “That’s why you have to stop Wertlosvati before he completes the alliance of all four Ork Tribes.”
“How?” asked Smoke. “I don’t know anything about the Thanotl Kingdom?”
“The cities of Thanotl Kingdom are a mix of Wizards, Knights, and Magical Swordsmen,” said Ouragan. “But I’ll give you some of my books about the Kingdom as well.”
Rosse, one of Ouragan’s Shades, transformed into a young girl and brought over a brown bag filled with books.
“Still, this alone won’t be enough,” said Smoke. “Sure, I nearly beat Wertlosvati when he only had the UrukHai and MoriHai, but with two more Ork Tribes… I don’t know,” he said, doubtful.
Ouragan chuckled. “That’s why I spoke with my superior.”
Smoke looked at the old man, confused. “What do you mean?” he asked.
“The Beggar Quaestor of Vitzytl approved of my decision,” went on Ouragan.
“Oh!” exclaimed an excited Smoke. “He’s allowing you to come with me?”
Ouragan smiled, but shook his head. “No, his allowing me to give you this,” he said and gave Smoke a small black stone.
It took Smoke less than a second to realize, that this was an empty essence diamond.
“I, Beggar Evocati Ouragan, recommend Beggar Smoke to become a Beggar Evocati!” said Ouragan.
+ You gained Beggar Evocati Ouragan’s Recommendation to rank up to
Beggar Evocati.
+ (2/2) Beggar Evocati Recommendations.
> Unlocked Conditions for Job Upgrade: Beggar Evocati!
+ Job Change!!!
You have successfully changed your job into a Beggar Evocati.
Life has increased by 10,000 HP
Mana has increased by 10,000 MP
STR has increased by 20
AGI has increased by 20
INT has increased by 10
DEX has increased by 10
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Beggars Information:
—————————————————
* NPCs will either loathe and hate you because of your appearance, or pity you and try to help you as if you were their blood brother.
* Items will appear shabby, even if you use mithril equipment crafted by God Hand Dwarvius.
* Sonstwelters get fame points by spitting on you, or by feeding you, depending on their alignment.
* Players will not turn into ‘Killers’ if they kill you within Kingdoms that promote the killing of Beggars.
* Earning Charisma is twice as hard.
————————————————————————-
Beggar Abilities:
————————————————————————-
Beggar’s Adaptation:
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Passive
Level: Intermediate Level
* Can bypass job requirement on items/weapons/quests/events
– When using the adaptation ability:
> Can only use LVL * 25% of the weapons damage
> Can only use LVL * 25% of the items potential
Where LVL:
=> Beginner: 1
=> Intermediate: 2
=> Advanced: 3
=> Master: 4
Beggary:
————————————————————————-
Active
Level: Intermediate Level
* Can ask NPC to give gold, information, or food.
* Success of ability depends on charisma, luck, LVL of ability, and intimacy with NPC.
Beggar’s Shade:
————————————————————————-
Active
Level: Beginner Level
* Summons a Beggar Shade to obey your bidding
Note: Beginner level Shades cannot fight
‘The passive increase to the HP and MP are almost negligible’ thought Smoke. ‘But the limiter on items had been increased from 25% to 50% of its maximum potential!’
Smoke was grinning from ear to ear.
Igniz flew out of Smoke’s chest, and surprised everyone in the dimly lit room. For the dark ember sprite, who was but as big as a fist, had grown twice in size.
“Hahahaha!” laughed Smoke. Igniz merrily flew around and made the small room even brighter.
“Thank you, Beggar Evocati Ouragan,” said Smoke.
With an open palm on his left hand and a fist on his right, he made both his hands meet in front of his heart. Smoke bowed down and saluted the equally ranked Beggar Evocati in the manner Darius taught him.
“Beggar Evocati Smoke, there is no need to be so formal,” said Ouragan, chuckling. “Well, why don’t you give it a try?”
“Give what a try?” asked Smoke.
“Your Beggar Shade,” replied Ouragan.
“Right!” said and enthusiastic Smoke.
“Beggar Shade!” called out Smoke, activating his newly obtained Beggar ability.
At once, a small shadow appeared before him. Shortly after, a gray mouse meekly stepped out of the shadow and lowered its tiny head before Smoke.
“A mouse…” said Ouragan. “That’s…impressive.”
“Really?” asked Smoke, clearly not believing the old HighElf.
“I can honestly say, that it’s the first time I’ve seen a Shade take such a form,” said Ouragan. “Anyway, what do you plan to do now? Do you plan to go into the Thanotl Kingdom as Faux?”
Smoke shook his head. “No, I think I’ll go there as someone else,” he replied, and got out Blaise’s salamander tongue.
Chapter Two:
Insipid Circumstance
Alone in the living room, Nash stared blankly at the television. He was watching a beautiful brunette in her early thirties, crying. Apparently, her mother had just passed away, while undergoing an experimental treatment.
Then, a redhead appeared at the center of the screen and said. “She could have prevented this from happening.”
At once, the scene in the television screen changed
to that of a white clinic-like facility. It was filled with large silver capsules. The camera zoomed in on them, focusing on the hibernating people housed inside it.
“Happy, peaceful, serene,” said the pretty redhead. “Dream Life! Your assurance for your loved one’s peaceful slumber while waiting for a guaranteed second chance at life.”
TING-DONG DONG TING-DONG
Nash immediately turned off the T.V. after he heard the sound of their doorbell ring. “Coming!” he yelled. Opening the door, he saw an even lovelier young redhead.
“You know, you should try being a model for Dream Life,” Nash said to Sherry.
Her eyebrows met and her nose slightly wrinkled. “And let you leave me even farther behind?” she said, punching him lightly on the shoulders.
Nash quickly pulled her in for a hug, preventing her from getting another punch in. “Come on, I’m only ahead by five levels.”
“Really?” asked a dubious Sherry. “So, you expect me to believe that you’re still at 124?”
He stood straight and raised his right hand, as if about to take an oath, Nash answered. “Honest, I’m still Level 124.”
“Fine, I believe you,” said Sherry. “So, what do you want to do?”
“Actually, I was hoping you could help Seth out,” said Nash. “He’s been working on this mobile app that enables Zectas’ players to check on stuff inside the game.”
Sherry’s eyes lit up. “Really? What kinds of stuff?”
“Stats, money, equipped items, and other stuff,” replied Nash. “Seth says there could be other things we could do with the Zectas open APIs, but I was hoping you could help us come up with other practical uses.”
Just as Nash was explaining their mini-project, he heard Donny’s voice from upstairs.
“Nash! Nash! Nash!” screamed a frantic Donny. “Mima fell out of bed and isn’t waking up.”
At once, Nash dialed 911. “Help! My Grandma fell, we’re at—”
Everything after the call whizzed like a blur. One moment Nash, Seth, and Donny were with their Mima in the ambulance. The next thing Nash remembered, they were already sitting next to her in a hospital bed.
“Nash, I’m hungry,” blurted out Donny. “I haven’t had any breakfast yet.”