The hive Maple Leaf City was actually in the top 3 starting cities within the entire game because it provided abundant resources required to begin a supplementary class character, that specifically being a chef or potions master. If it was just because of the resources then many other cities would have been just as popular, because although in Warlord the combat was typically rather harsh for those unaccustomed, the resources provided were plenty.

But, because of the prized possession of the city, Gold Maple Sap it has become so populated that it was hard to walk through the streets without walking into others, simply allowing yourself to follow the current was generally the best option in these situations.

Gold Maple Sap was provided by the Grand Old Maple tree that sat in the center of the city, being a tree that produces the Gold Maple Sap it has become the namesake of the city. The buildings in the city circled around the Grand Maple, gave it the appearance of many rings from above.

The loud shouts of people ringing through the main square, trying to barter off their spare pieces of equipment as well as many life classes selling their newly created dishes and armors. The hammering of an anvil near the spawn drawing the attention of many newly created characters, fascinated with the provided scenery.

The technique however, particularly drawing the interest of one specific character, an Elf with robes that were neatly wrapping around his torso, although of low quality by the lacking luster that some of those around had. Staring fixatedly at the man hammering away, slowly molding an ingot into the shape of an axe head.

“Planning to watch all day?” The smith asked, slightly smiling to the side just now taking a glance away from his work, however not stopping any previous motions. Suddenly being questioned causing Barron to regain his focus and laugh awkwardly, looking around to be sure that he indeed was the one being questioned before stepping closer to the large opening in the forge he had been watching through.

“It’s just rather interesting isn’t it,” Barron said, still watching the motions, seemingly very crude however still being able to shape the weapon properly.

“Oh? You think so?” The man asked, hammering the metal. “Are you interested in learning?” Now setting down his hammer and giving his full attention to Barron. The axe head to be slowly molding back into the shape of an ingot on the table.

“Of course! I find the art of smithing to be a fascinating craft,” Barron nodding without really thinking much on it.

“Mm, well if you’d like to learn I wouldn’t mind crafting you the required smithing tools. But you would have to get the metal to craft them for yourself first,” the smith said seriously as he looked at Barron before a system notification popped in front of him.

Quest Stage: 1 | Smithing Tools | Time limit: Indefinite

Acquire metals needed to craft smithing tools.

A quest! Barron lit up at the sudden appearance of the system which had not given him any instructions since entering the city, causing him to wander aimlessly for the past half hour. Accepting it hurriedly afraid that his first bit of directions would disappear on him.

Opening up the quest menu to review his newly added quest, prominent by its golden glow which started dimming after clicking on it, the quest giving him some general locations where he could come into contact with the quest materials and that he needed to collect 4 pieces of iron to complete the quest.

Staff in hand Barron quickly decided which would be easiest from the list and made his way to the closest material store. Although the city had overwhelmed him before, with the quest as a guide it had become much more digestible for him.

Laying out a path for him to walk much like a map guiding him towards his destination the excitement of his first quest making him start running against the current of players that were streaming out into the streets.

The further he went into the city the less packed it came, seemingly at this point people had been branching off enough to lessen the amount significantly, now being able to clearly see ahead only a handful of people walking in front of him.

Making his way towards a market area where players were set out with stands presenting their wares, anything from foraged plants and other miscellaneous items like berries and mushrooms to weaponry like axes and swords to defensive items like armor and shields. People regularly yelling out the new and better deals they were offering. The scent of freshly baked pie tempting his tastebuds, turning his head and see a woman putting out a pie on the counter of her stand next to many other mouthwatering desserts.

Most of which didn’t particularly cause any interest as he had come with the goal to purchase iron to be forged into the smithing tools so he could start crafting items, something that had been a thought of his for quite a while.

Sweets later, iron now.

Barron quickly noted the spot and continued forward happily. Stopping at a random vendor and looking at the items for sale, a staff much like his own drawing his attention as he began wondering what the difference between them was, inspecting it while standing out of line to not be in the way.

Beginners staff (Grey)

Attack: 1-3

Weight: 2 lbs

Requirement: Caster

But it’s the same as mine?

Thinking while inspecting it, coming to the realization that if he ever was wanting a different weapon he could easily just purchase one of the starting ones, not realizing that the person selling it was simply trying to quickly get rid of his old equipment.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Barron left and continued to look for anyone selling ores of any sort. Eventually finding a small shop that was relatively popular, at least if the line was an accurate measurement of popularity. A quick glance at the prices on the materials made him feel like turning around right there.

Over 30 copper pieces for a single piece of ore! He knew that 100 copper could be converted into silver and the same conversions worked from silver to gold. Although that doesn’t sound like much, for a brand-new character that was simply unreachable.

The meager 10 copper coins Gias the guide in the tutorial had given him wouldn’t even make up half the cost of a single piece let alone the four he needed for a full set of smithing tools.

“Excuse me,” realizing he had nothing of value to trade he made a decision while walking up to someone by the front of the line to ask some general questions.

“Sorry I can’t give up my spot,” the man replied, no attention spared to Barron, upon closer inspection he seemed to have chosen a human character, although from his short sword it was hard to tell if he was a fighter or rogue.

“Ah- no I’m actually just trying to ask about why so many people are at this stall specifically?” Barron said while explaining himself.

“Oh, haha! Then my bad, that just seems to be what most people want to do when they talk to me in line,” the man said, thinking for a minute “Most of us are here to pick up ore to level up our blacksmithing. Although I wouldn’t be surprised if some were looking to complete quests that require ore,” taking a step forward as the line moved again.

Staying out of the line however taking a step forward to stay next to him “Is there no other ways to get ore?” Barron asked glancing at the nearby vendors to see that while there were weapon and iron products there was no other ores for sale.

“Course there are!” the man said, laughing before continuing “If that were the case then I’m afraid I’d have to wait hours in this line because of how many people would be here,” he said, pointing to a nearby store “If you have the extra money to spend then you could head into one of them, it’s an NPC store so the prices are basically twice what’s here though.”

“Are there any ways that don’t require money?” Barron asked while thinking of the little bit of change he had.

“Well, I suppose if you had the time and ability you could head out past our frontier city and make your way towards the mine yourself, although I hear most people need groups of at least 3 or 4 to safely get any profits,” the man said while taking another step forward, Barron leaving him be as he was starting a conversation with the vendor.

Stepping away and opening up the map provided by the UI and locating the nearest mine on the map, clicking on it it opened up allowing him to see the relative distance showing him that it would take only 30 minutes or so to get there.

Although he had been warned that it might be best with a larger group Barron figured it was only a couple pieces, he could grab them from the entrance and make his way out without causing too much trouble.

Barron making his final decision and marks the mine on the map, looking up from the UI now realizing there’s a path vaguely lit for him pointing in the same direction that the path on the map is pointing signifying the route for him to take.

Wasting no more time Barron follows along the path, passing the city gates within only a few minutes of travel time. The cobbled stone path lit up brightly by the guiding map, leading him where he wants to go. Endless fields in sight the gentle breeze cooling his skin and making his robes flicker behind him.

Occasionally passing a group of players fighting a wolf or field rabbits, others picking flowers and herbs while some just traveling along much like himself.

After going for about 15 minutes the guiding light turns off of the cobbled path and starts leading down a dirt road, a small forest in sight a small ways away, Barron taking this as a good moment to take a break finds a nice small hill to sit at the top of, although he wasn’t hungry at all he was still feeling that it was a shame he didn’t have a snack to enjoy at a time like this.

I wonder how common this is…

Ignoring the thought of food and simply enjoying the scenery, one that wasn’t common at all for Barron, living in a city and never really having left it was causing Barron to feel great sadness suddenly, however the warm breeze brightening him up again as he was continuing to enjoy the moment in silence.

Well as much silence was provided before he started hearing the rustling of grass off to his side, causing Barron to jump up in alarm. The rustling continued for a moment, the grass folding back following a straight path towards him, slowly encroaching on where he is sitting.

He pulled out his staff now fully prepared, Barron opened his spell list to see the Arcane Bolt that he had come to be familiar with in the tutorial was there as expected.

After a moment of tense silence, the grass rustled again before a small wolf sprinted out of the grass towards him. The name above its head a deep crimson red with numbers next to it which presented a clear display of information.

[Starving Wolf: Beast]

[Level: 0 | Health: 12]

Although its level matched his, its health was comfortably 4 points higher. Barron was excited for combat, but he was still a bit worried.

The 10 or so meter distance was more than enough time for Barron to prepare his Arcane Bolt, sending it forward along the path the wolf was traveling, causing them to meet directly as the wolf let out a low howl and a small -3 appeared above its head. Pumping his fist at the successful hit the wolf is able to quickly regain its footing and continue to dash at him.

Pointing his staff forward as it begins lighting up and crackling with arcane energy, a small whisp of lightning is shot out, hitting the wolf and dropping its health by a single point. Now however not causing its movement to falter any, instead speeding up before making a leap towards him as its mouth started opening, letting out a loud bark.

He barely moved most of his body out of the way as its teeth clipped onto his robe and pulled him onto the ground which caused him to roll down the hill. He took 2 points of damage instantly from the fall.

Pushing himself onto his feet and trying to steady himself. His Arcane Bolt almost off cooldown he launches another basic attack towards the wolf, it nimbly dodging out of the way while launching an attack of its own at Barron. The grass hit by his bolt charred and scattering into the wind.

Not yet completely prepared he takes the wolf head on. Knocking him flat onto his back before biting into his arm. Not causing him pain but instead an uncomfortable feeling in his arm, something more like an itch.

Unfortunately, the system still deducted another 2 points of life from him.

Hitting the wolf with the head of his staff and successfully dislodging his arm from its teeth he quickly casts Arcane Bolt directly into its mouth.

A flash of light beams from his staff exploding into its mouth as its health drops by another 5.

Rolling away and standing up again, bracing himself, watching the wolf across from him in a standoff. The wolf glaring at him while lowering itself into a sprinting stance.

“I suggest you make your move first, because I’m comfortable waiting for my skill to come back.” Barron said while admiring his work on its now almost fully depleted health bar. “Then we can repeat that exchange again, yea?”

Almost as if in response to his words the wolf snarls at him before howling into the sky which was shortly followed by another howl and another.

Eventually after hearing the repeating howls coming from different directions Barron calmly put his staff into his inventory before looking at the wolf seriously.

“You do know that’s considered cheating right?” Barron said before he broke out into a sprint in the opposite direction.