CHAPTER 4

Logging back in Pep-Ri was puzzled as to why there was close to an entire gold’s worth of change laying at his feet in copper. A neat pile had been built in front of him. Looking around he found many other such players sitting back waiting to receive their own such piles. Thinking it a perk in the game for logging out in the street, or maybe a glitch, he pocketed the change and ran off towards the town library. Knowing that his character would most likely now have to be a magic based class he had researched what the Mage guild requirements were. Turns out a minimum wisdom and intelligence stat was required to join. That along with a basic conjuration of a mana bolt, fireball, etc. The only place found so far to gain these stats was the city’s main library. Pep-Ri knew that a ‘few’ of the statues and artworks he found also raised wisdom and intelligence stats, yet he explained this away as a limited yet unique benefit given to those who started in Rhodium. Not something to rely on as they mostly gave art stat bonuses and weak temporary benefits.

Entering the library he was confronted at the main desk by the head librarian.

“Excuse me young boy but if you want to enter the library you need to have a library pass. Do you have one?”

Relived that he was yet again a guy Pep-Ri was about to reply when a teenage girl about his age walked up to the librarian. And addressed the librarian about a particular book she needed.

“Miss Coleson (the librarian’s name Pep-Ri assumes) You know I needed a skill book why did you send me off to read this garbage about the ancient kingdom mages? It’s nothing more than a story!”

Aghast at the female player’s rudeness Pep-Ri spoke up, “What are you talking about? A skill book!

Do your research will you! I just got off the forums and every public library on the continent refuses to stock those things. The libraries are apparently meant for nothing more than stat increases and potentially at later levels some quests here or there! Why are you looking for something so rare as a skill book in here?”

As Pep-Ri had went on his little tirade the young girl turned red first from embarrassment and then from anger. “You think I don’t know that you short freak! Of course there isn’t any skill books here officially! That’s what they want you to think! But I bet there are secret skill books hidden everywhere in this building just waiting to be found!” Basking in the light of her delusion the young girl turned back to the librarian and said again.

Miss Coleson, where is it that you keep the hidden skill books? I know that with those small quests I did for you yesterday that right now I must have the highest familiarity levels with you.” Using a fake innocent face the girl fluttered her eyelashes and continued, “You can trust your good friend Imaselda can’t you?”

Turning back to the librarian Pep-Ri asked, “how is it I would get ahold of a library pass?”

Looking between the two players the poor NPC decided to address Pep-Ri first, “You can either pay 1 gold or you can do a few quests to earn enough to trade for a pass. Which is exactly what you did Imaselda. Those tasks you preformed gave you your reward. Besides like the young man said we don’t have any skill books here. In fact this is one of the smallest libraries on the continent! Most of our books deal with art, while the rest deal with history. Sure you can learn a few things from them but mainly you would just get smarter.”

This set off a shocked reply from the girl Imaselda. Stuff about her wasting her time, or a conspiracy by unicorn. Getting anxious because he was running out of time before his meeting with Jenkins Pep-Ri placed a bag of silver and copper coins down on the table leaving only fifty six coppers left in his pack. Opening the bag he gave the required amount to the librarian who then handed him the slip of paper that functioned as his pass. Walking out on an open mouthed Imaselda and an annoyed librarian Pep-Ri made his way into the street.

Right as he was about to cross into a back alley he had found during his night run he was pulled back onto his back with such force he almost thought he had been repelled from the alley by a magic barrier. Looking through the status change about his depleted health he saw the girl from the library staring him down.

“How exactly in the world did you not only get enough coppers in a single day to equal more than a gold, and actually have a greater familiarity with that NPC then me?!?”

Slightly confused from hitting his head his head he looked around to see that he was now drawing a crowd of players. Hearing the words high familiarity and gold seemed to be enough to attract their attention. Getting up off the ground Pep-Ri brushed off his shoulders and glanced at the girl yet again. Apparently the librarian had corrected her on who had the highest familiarity with the library. Knowing he wouldn’t get away from everyone here he decided to give up the info she wanted. It wasn’t a secret after all.

“I was the first player to log in at Rhodium, as such they gave me a slight familiarity with the local NPC’s. I hear other players in other starter cities who arrived first also got similar familiarity boosts. It is nothing serious or a huge advantage. Some of them will already know my name while others will ignore me. So I’d say only 10 pts or so for each NPC. As for the gold most of it was at my feet when I logged on this morning. It’s not like I stole it!” Looking closer at him some of the players recognized him as the beggar from earlier.

“wait he wasn’t even logged on? I could have gone up and grabbed it all for myself”

“I thought having it out there was his way of letting the NPC’s know they could give him something”

“I thought he was a girl? What happened?”

Such were the comments surrounding Pep-Ri. Shrugging his shoulders thinking his explanation satisfactory, he excused himself and continued walking towards Jenkin’s and Estella’s store.

It soon became common for players starting out to sit out in the streets of Rhodium looking to raise money for a hammer or an art set. Thinking it a smart way to get rich quick. Yet without the small familiarity boost with the citizens of Rhodium, most NPC’s were not so willing to give their money even a single copper to a total stranger. Those who succeeded in gaining coin had little understanding as to why they succeeded while others failed. It was off little concern to them though as they saw it as more copper for them.

Pausing briefly to buy some more rye bread Pep-Ri entered into the maelstrom of chaos known as Estella’s Greater Wares. It turns out that while his familiarity with Estella was useless, Jenkins would be a useful friend to have.

The next three weeks passed with little difference between the days. In the morning Pe-Ri would go to the library to read as much as possible. He would sometimes run into Imaselda who continued to scour the library in attempt to find a skill book. One time she shouted in excitement only to end up cursing her luck. Indulging his curiosity he went over to read the book she had left he gained the skill identify. A useful skill but limited none the less.

During the Afternoon he would perform tasks and quests for Jenkins and Estella for money and experience. Gaining three levels he distributed his stats equally between Agility, Stamina, and Wisdom, and Intelligence. Little else was gained but now Pep-Ri had three coupons for a 20% discount and five coupons for a 5% discount on any item of clothing or material from Estella’s store.

At night Pep-Ri would either log out, or run the streets of Rhodium frequenting the Market square for a quick pick me up. His time spent out of the game seemed less real to Keith but Living with his sisters over break became intolerable unless he spent his time with Emily talking about Royal Road. She was easily enough willing to talk about becoming a mage and working for the local guild, but she wanted to meet up through coincidence though and revealed little else about her character or her situation. Later he heard her giggling with Sharon about this hot boy she had met. Ignore her he had plugged back in.

Getting up from his mat that Jenkins had prepared last night he stretched and prepared to head out to the library yet again. Being stopped at the doorway Jenkins held out his hand to Pep-Ri.

“I understand that today is the day some of you outlanders will be allowed outside the city. As such I know we probably won’t be seeing you daily anymore. Both Estella and I would like to extend our friendship yet again in giving you this map.”

Handing over an elaborate map detailing most of the area’s surrounding Rhodium and a few of the other major cities. Looking closer he saw a few marked points on the map indicating dungeons. All of which would be undiscovered by players so far. Pocketing it He thanked Jenkins and was about to leave yet again when Jenkins asked.

“Pep-Ri if you would please accept this last request of mine before leaving. A suit of great importance needs delivered to the Duke Erlangton today. It is for his son Henry’s wedding. Unfortunately both Estella and I cannot get there with the speed necessary, would you be willing to deliver the suit for us?

Tring*

Deliver the suit to Duke Erlangton as fast as possible. This is a request from Jenkins and Estella to someone Jenkins finds trustworthy.

Stolen story; please report.

Difficulty: D

Requirements: Must have high familiarity with Jenkins and through Jenkins his wife Estella.

Rewards: Rewards will vary based on how fast you arrive before the Duke. If you fail to arrive at all Estella’s shop will be closed down. Reducing your familiarity with the townsfolk and Jenkins down to zero.

Do you accept? Yes / No

Thinking it over he knew that at level four he had devoted much of his time on his speed and endurance stats. As long as he didn’t have to leave Town and fight of bandits or something it should be easy enough. Plus neither Jenkins nor Estella would be able to make it in time for the wedding. Deciding on his course of action he agreed. “Of course I will do this for you. If I can I will get there within the half hour.”

“Good. Thank you for doing this. Here is the suit, and a list of directions to the Duke’s town house. It is really close to the royal castle.”

Looking briefly at the directions he confirmed where the town house was. It was actually across town in a relatively unpopulated part of town. He had passed the house quite a few times in his nightly exercises and felt he could be there in ten minutes if he ran.

Running off into the streets he back peddled before running right into Estella with her husbands cart again. She had been standing right outside her doorway not even moving! Excuse me Estella but I’ve got to get through here. He ran out behind her and was almost across the street when he heard a crash. Turning around he saw a slightly familiar sight of Estella landing on the ground and a young man pulling himself up off the street. The young man picked up a cart and was apologizing with his head bowed when Estella hit the boy upside the head.

“I understand young man but that doesn’t excuse running into beautiful young women just for kicks. In fact I think you may have cracked the front wheel on my cart. The least you could do now is help me get my things home before dinner”

Knowing what was about to happen Pep-Ri called Jenkins out of the shop before any more harm could be done. Rushing forward he was pleased to hear Jenkins telling Estella to get back in the store while apologizing to the young player.

Running through the streets went rather quickly after that. No more old ladies with carts, or pedestrians getting in his way. Just the wonderful feeling of his feet hitting cobblestone. Speeding through the side alleys and making use of his many nights of exploration he avoided all the crowded areas of town. especially the gates. While players weren’t allowed out till noon they still were crowding the gates and streets near the gates. Pep-Ri knew this because he had been planning on doing the same, hoping to be one of the first to get a kill. While his double Exp was gone (such a cruel joke to give it to him only to lock him away) he could still get some decent drops for being the first to kill a bunny or a fox couldn’t he?

Reaching the street on which the Duke lived he rushed past a small park where the wedding appeared to be prepared. Reaching the house he calmed himself and knocked in a respectful and unhurried manor. Waiting till the door opened he bowed elegantly and introduced himself. “Hello I have come here today to pay my respects to Henry on this most auspicious day. I also bring him the groom’s suit prepared through much effort by the tailoress Estella. She hopes that he has a wonderful and long lasting marriage.

Tring*

Confused by the empty message box that appeared before his eyes he handed over the suit to the servant who then paused to write a letter. Enclosing it into an envelope the servant handed the letter to Pep-Ri and dismissed him. Closing the door he ran back inside to dress the Dukes son.

Expecting the quest to be over he looked down at the letter addressed to Jenkins. Realizing he didn’t have to rush back he leisurely jogged back to the store. Overall his trip to the Dukes and back to the store barely took twenty minutes. Arriving back at the store he handed over the letter and began to make his way over to the stores counter. He had always had his eye on a set of clothes Estella held her pride in. It was a pair that not only increased defense and had high durability for silk clothes, but also increased mana and health each by 200 after each piece was worn. The set was a complete wardrobe made from magic spider’s silk. Threaded together in an intricate pattern with plates of dragons scales woven in. Normally such a thing would be unobtainable but looking back at Jenkins his plan was formed.

Opening the letter Jenkins read the rushed script and turned to Pep-Ri in astonishment. “My oh My I can’t believe it! You actually made it to the dukes before the expected time! He is going to even pay us twice what the suit is worth! Oh ho you’ve done it again my girl! The letter even commends us on how elegant our messenger was when you turned over the suit! Thank you so much!”

Tring*

You have completed the wedding delivery for Jenkins and Estella in a timely manner. You have also impressed the Dukes servant with your charismatic and elegant behavior. The duke and his servant were so impressed by your actions they even payed extra for the suit. As such you are rewarded 5 gold and one new stat has been generated.

Tring*

You have leveled up

Tring*

You have reached level five and have unlocked the hidden skill Land Skip along with the 5 bonus points to be received at level five for basic beginner stats.

Skill Land Skip

A minor teleportation ability that allows the player to instantaneously travel to another spot within a 5 meter radius. This skill currently absorbs all your mana and half your remaining life upon being used. Current MP cost 300 MP. Using this skill in creative ways may decrease experience needed for leveling up. Later levels will expand your teleportation range while decreasing mana usage.

Tring*

You have gained the stat Elegance it was held back till the end of your quest.

Elegance (passive) gives your body a graceful appearance making those around you appreciate the beauty of your movements. It removes the stamina cost of all forms of movements by 5%. Leveling up this stat may provide a larger decrease in stamina usage, along with other benefits. This stat may stack with art, grace, handicraft, and tumbling. You may not distribute points to this stat.

‘ Sweet now I finally had my Bonus stat points! and teleportation? That could be useful I guess. Not sure how though maybe to sneak behind the enemy? Oh well I guess I’ll have to check it out later.

Turning back to the counter he waved Estella over. “I would like to purchase a set of leather armors for myself it that is possible.” Bringing out a typical set of beginner level armor Estella rung up the price and handed the armor to Pep-Ri. Handing over the money he equipped himself and made it to the gate as fast as possible. Looking around for a familiar face if possible to chat with or possible even join a party.

Right behind him a surely figure approached Pep-Ri and grabbed him by the scruff of the neck. Throwing him down to the ground in as rough manor as possible. “Heya pixie long time no see.”

Looking up from his vantage point Pep-Ri imagined he saw a splash of white. Clearing his eyes he looked up agin and saw the one face he didn’t want to really meet up with right now.

“Hey Imaselda. Any luck in the library?”

A foot was quickly raised in the air which arched up high only to come back down in a powerful manor right into Pep-Ri’s head. Just before Passing out he noticed that flash of white again. What was that pure white cloud that kept appearing?

Tring*

You have been released from mandatory time in Rhodium. You are now free to leave the city.

Tring*

You have left the city and your hidden Race quest has been activated.

Tring*

Find a companion

Pixies are known for their love of nature. Some Pixies create a pact with the animals around them that will last until the end of the pixies journey. A Pixie who makes such a pact is forever bonded with their companion as brothers or sisters. After making the pact with an animal they will receive a newborn to raise and nurture into a strong and powerful helper. You have 5 hours to find and make the pact with your chosen animal.

Difficulty: Unknown

Requirements: Be the first pixie to join RR

Reward: A lifelong companion that will follow you anywhere. The quality of care you give to your companion as they grow and the training you provide determines greatly the potential growth of your companion.

This Quest cannot be refused and will automatically be accepted.

Quest accepted.

Tring*

You have been hit hard in the head causing a concussion. You have passed out.

Mandatory log out time RR time 3 hours.

Connect to Chapter 5? Yes | No