‘How did I arrive here?’ Thought Amanda, since the last thing she could remember, was falling asleep inside the carriage after the end of the game’s tutorial.
Yet, when she woke up from her forced sleep, Amanda was standing nearby a large fountain of a lively medieval city’s plaza. Although most of the inhabitants, she could see were humans, among them a few elves, dwarves and even orcs could be seen blended within the crowd.
As expected of a plaza so full of people, there were merchants which could be seen at almost every corner, pledging the most varied wares, from the mundane such as grilled meat; to the extraordinary such as glowing crystals of seemingly magical nature.
But the first thing she had really noticed was the sun, which shone brightly in the sky. That was one of the things every new player had to grow accustomed to, since not only the server time was based on its country of origin Korea, but the time inside the game also passed four times faster. Something only possible thanks to the capabilities of the world’s most advanced computer; the human brain, which processed the vast amounts of data sent at each second by the virtual reality capsule.
Contrary to most newbies which for some reason, usually, skipped the game’s tutorial. Amanda had already grown accustomed to her new virtual body, although that was not difficult as it was almost a carbon copy of her real one. Which vastly helped her while she moved through the crowd, observing every product she found in the stores of nearby merchants.
Her window-shopping, however, came to an abrupt end, as during it she happened to overhear a group of adventurers talking about going into a monster-filled lair. Curious to how the monsters in this realistic game looked like, she decided to follow them.
She didn't even try to hide her presence, which considering how she looked, would be nearly an impossible thing to do during the day; still they were so immersed in their conversation that they did not notice her, or maybe they simply didn't care about her presence.
As she walked after them, a bar displayed on the topmost part of her view slowly emptied after each step she took, At the start the bar were filled with a bright green color, but as it emptied itself the green bar was promptly traded by a yellow one and at the at the very moment it that happened, a floating transparent window appeared Amanda’s eyes.
You’re tired, having spent most of your stamina your movements are slowed down:
Attack speed lowered by 25%
Movement speed lowered by 25%
Ignoring the warning she kept following them, after all, she had already started doing so and stopping now would mean she had wasted her time. Others would have given up, not because they were tired, but for the fact the road the adventurers took never seemed to end, the only signal they were not walking in some sort of endless loop was the city wall, which appeared in the horizon.
When the group finally reached the city wall, Amanda had almost lost their track thanks to her lowered movement speed. Luckily for her, they had decided to stop before the gate to chat and that gave her the chance to catch up with them before they left. Sadly, all her efforts ended in failure, as she received another system message when her stamina bar emptied itself once again and changed to a red color.
You're exhausted, having spent all your stamina you're are advised to rest before attempting further actions:
Attack speed lowered by 50%
Movement speed lowered by 50%
Health Regen lowered by 50%
Mana Regen lowered by 50%
Stamina Regen lowered by 50%
Agility has permanently been increased by 1
Vitality has permanently been increased by 1
Was the result of all the walking she had done to follow the group, which passed through the city’s gates, while she dragged her feet walking towards them. She had already reached the point, at which an average person would have thrown itself on the floor, complaining about how much their legs were hurting.
But ignoring the pain felt, she kept walking, until she was just a few meters away from the gate where a pair of guards stood, it was them that she once again received a system message; which to her surprise informed her that another attribute had been generated.
A new attribute has been generated: Endurance
Endurance
The strength to continue, despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions, making it less likely for one, to deplete their stamina through their actions, you are prohibited from distributing stat bonus points to this attribute.
‘So not only my attributes increase with my actions, but new attributes can be generated as well?’ Amanda thought as she sat on the floor to rest.
Drenched in sweat from all the exercise she had done, the beginner’s white cotton shirt and pants she wore were glued to her body, showing the cheap leather strophium¹ and subligaculum² given to recently created female characters.
Seeing her sit on the floor, one of the guards walked towards her, his sturdy plate armor announcing his every step, loudly creaking as he moved. At the very moment he reached her, another system message appeared.
A new attribute has been generated: Charm
Charm
A quality, which causes an interest or desire, primarily on those of the opposite sex; the presence of an charming person captivates the attention of those in his/her proximity, increasing the effectiveness of Leadership and Charisma.
The guard, whose face could not be seen under his helm, stood still in front of her for a few seconds carefully observing her. No one could blame the poor man for staring at a beautiful elven maiden, which now thanks to her sweat, wore transparent form fitting clothes. If not for her leather underwear, she would essentially be naked.
Luckily, for him, there were no observers nearby aside from other guards, which also did the same as him, although more discreetly from a safe distance. For if his wife were to know of it, not even his armor could save him from her wrath.
“Excuse me, miss... Are you ok?” The guard asked, noticing the annoyed look at her face. But obviously, the whole concerned guard act was not as effective after blatantly staring at her body for a few seconds.
“Are you a player?” She asked, finding it unlikely that the game’s AI could act in such way.
“Do you mean cards?” The guard answered, confused with her question.
“No, not cards...” Unsatisfied with the result of her question, she spent a few seconds thinking of one, which would definitely reveal her if she were or not speaking with a player.
“Were you born here, at this city?” She asked such was the question she came up with, one which definitely would reveal the guard’s identity as a player.
“Yes, I was born and raised here in Rockheim. Are you perhaps in need of a guide?” The guard responded bringing a smile to her face.
The perverted guard, contrary to what she had expected was not a real human. It was an NPC³, an artificial intelligence programmed as one of the game’s world inhabitants. Thanks to her discovery, she decided to give up on finding if anyone she meets inside the game was or not a player, because it seemed like a waste of effort, since the game’s AI was so realistic.
“No need, I plan to leave the city after resting.” She said to the guard, who now lifted his helmet's visor showing his face.
“I am sorry miss, but I cannot allow you to do so.” He said, looking at her with pity.
“Could you explain me why?” She asked, unaware of most games rules aside those mentioned during the game’s tutorial.
“By Lady Evelyn's decree, newcomers such as yourself, are not allowed to leave Rockheim for a period of one month.” The guard answered with a tired voice, having repeated those exact same words countless times.
“That does not really answer my question.” She interjected.
“...In other words, it would be too dangerous for you to leave.” He responded, not bothering to point out the fact she had no weapon to protect herself with, or that she could not even walk around the city without exhausting herself.
“I see...” She muttered before sighing, thinking of all the time she had wasted to reach here, only to be forbidden from leaving. It was then that she noticed the guard’s hands reaching for her.
“Wouldn't you rather rest at the watch-house? Perhaps drink something?” The guard said smiling as he offered his help.
“Thank you for your offer.” Said Amanda, before holding his hand as he helped her get up, done so he helped her walk towards the small house by the city’s gate.
Having been taken inside the watch-house, another of the guards inside pulled a chair for her to sit at, as another one went to the small kitchen inside, returning with a jar of water and a few rations. The armored guard which had helped her returned to his post after telling them to take good care of her.
The four guards inside which wore only leather and chain armor, sat beside her on the table before asking many questions. They clearly were not often visited by women, moreover one as attractive as her. The topics of the conversation involved mostly their work, and how important it was, something that normally would not stir a woman’s interest, but for Amanda they were very interesting.
“So Folker, can you show me how you defeated that orc?” She asked after hearing about the recent attack to an orc tribe, which had installed themselves at a nearby mountain.
“I... Uh...” The mumbled guard, as all his co-workers laughed.
“Go ahead, show her.” Said Alvar, another of the guards smirking.
Seeing no way out, Folker rose from his chair and unsheathed his sword, proceeding to hold it with both hands and positioning himself as if looking at a much larger opponent. And then he screamed as if to scare the now existent enemy, charging as his arms lifted the sword forming a rising diagonal arc cutting the air slightly above his head. Everyone applauded his theatrical attempt; that is everyone aside from Amanda, which rose from her chair and started walking towards him.
“Folker, would you mind if I gave you a suggestion?” She asked before positioning herself beside him.
“Sure, I suppose I could use some theatrical tips.” Said Folker smiling, completely unaware of her words true meaning. Going to the kitchen and returning with a long wooden spoon.
“Please use this as a sword substitute.” He said giving her the long wooden spoon, Folker meant no ill by it, but he simply could not find another substitute for an sword she could use, as all the knives or similar objects were too dangerous and short to be used.
“Please watch it attentively.” Said Amanda mimicking his actions before the overhead slash, but contrary to his, her slash went faster, going as far as to make a wind cutting sound. The reason for that was that she used her feet and hips on the spin adding much momentum to the attack, although her lighter weapon was also part of it. All the guards seeing her sword skill applauded her as she received many system messages.
Having impressed the guards, your fame increased by 1
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Familiarity with Folker has increased.
Familiarity with Alvar has increased.
Familiarity with Gaspar has increased.
Familiarity with Kennard has increased.
As she read the messages received, the applause ended. The reason was the arrival of a large man wearing an adorned armor. He silently observed each and every reaction of both the guards and Amanda.
“So who will explain me, what a traveler is doing inside here, holding a wooden spoon?” The captain asked since no one had spoken since he had appeared.
“Captain Hilliard, let me introduce you to Artanis, an elven traveler who came to Rockheim today.” Spoke Gaspar, who had almost not spoken during Artanis, that is Amanda stay in the watch-house.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Miss Artanis.” Said Hilliard politely bowing to her, “But that still does not answer my question Gaspar.” He said, now staring at the aforementioned guard.
“Sir, Hillard. Let me explain exactly what happened here...” Said Kennard, the smallest of the guards, but also the one most gifted with words before he started to give detailed explanations of the events that had happened so far.
Such as how and why she was inside the watch-house and more importantly how she ended wielding a spoon, while the captain heard his explanation, his expression slowly changed until after finally it became a large smirk.
After the story ended, the first thing he did was, to Folker’s anguish; schedule to him a hellish sword training. Done so, he told all his men to leave the watch-house, so he could speak in particular to elven traveler, which had won the hearts of his soldiers. Verifying that all his men had left, he beckoned her to sit on one of the available chairs.
“Miss Artanis, do you have already found employment in the city?” He asked after Artanis sat on a nearby chair.
“No Sir Hilliard, I haven't.” Said Artanis, remembering the time wasted following the group of adventurers.
Hearing her answer, the captain goes silent, as if thinking about something. All Artanis could do is wait, as the old man reflected over an apparently difficult question while stroking his short white beard.
“In that case milady, I have an errand for you.” Said Hilliard, after coughing, as if to signal he had finally reached a decision.
“If you don't mind me asking, exactly what would that errand involve?” She asked although she was almost certain it would not be something dangerous or illegal, considering he was the guard’s captain.
“It’s something simple milady, all you need to do is take this sword to an old friend of mine.” Said Hilliard taking off the short sword attached to his belt and placing it on the table.
Contrary to the rest of his equipment, which were adorned as to show off his higher military rank, the short sword placed on top of the table had an extremely simple, yet solid looking design, lacking in any form of decoration.
Hilliard’s Sword
You have been asked to deliver a sword to Hilliard’s old friend; a blacksmith called Wystan. Considering the long distance involved, the rewards are larger than usual for such requests.
Quest Rank: F
Requisites:
Familiarity with one or more gatekeepers.
No other quests currently accepted.
Rewards:
2 silver, 50 copper coins.
Increased familiarity with Hilliard.
“Okay, I shall take it to him.” Answered Artanis, since she had no real reason to refuse his request. Plus since she could not leave the town for one month, she figured all she could do were such errands till she gathered enough money to buy equipment.
Quest accepted.
“Great, all you need to do is follow the road to the north, there you will find the city’s plaza you can find a map there which will show the exact location of his store.” Said Hilliard as she raised the sword from the table using both of her hands, but even so, it was a difficult thing to do.
“I am sorry, I knew it was a bad idea to entrust such task to you. I won’t be offended if you give up.” He said, seeing how much the elven maiden had struggled to lift his sword off the table.
“I won't give up.” Said Artanis smiling, even though her arms were trembling a little.
“Are you sure miss? His shop is somewhat far from here.” Hillard said without even bothering to hide his amusement with the difference between Artanis words, physical and facial expressions.
“It will take more than a slightly heavy sword to stop me.” Said Artanis smiling, before leaving the watch house.
She soon regretted such arrogant words, as it took her much effort to reach her current location which was actually not very far from the watch-house, although it could no longer be seen. Luckily for her the quest had no time limitations, so she could rest as much as she wanted.
It was, in fact, all she could do, as her stamina bar was almost at the yellow level. Considering that her movement speed was already ridiculously low because of all the weight she were carrying, even the 25% decrease in speed from being tired would hinder her progression significantly.
Because she would need to stay relatively quiet sitting on the floor until she recovered her stamina fully, Artanis she shifted all her attention to the short, yet heavy sword she was carrying.
When she created her avatar as an elf, she was aware that they were slightly weaker than humans were physically, or else their description would not use the words nearly as strong. She was also aware, that they had a much lower vitality and most likely stamina than humans. Yes, she was aware of such things. But even so, she could not understand why carrying the damned sword was so difficult.
"Just what is this sword made from?" She asked herself; since it made no sense that it weighed as much as it did. The simple looking sword was apparently made of made of a slightly dark iron, but that was all she could find, since she did not have the identification skill and she could not observe its stats, but smart as she was; Amanda found another way to discover its weight.
By opening her inventory window and using the information acquired during the tutorial about the initial attributes given to players, according to it she an initial weight-carrying limit of 20 kg thanks to her race low initial strength; 4kg of such limit being what she could carry in each of her arms.
'It weighs more than six kilos?.' Thought Artanis impressed with the sword's weight, which was ridiculously heavy, considering it was no more than a slightly elongated dagger.
By opening her inventory window and seeing how much weight, she was carrying. Considering that most of the weight-carrying limit of 8 kg, she had thanks to the low starting strength given by her race. She concluded that it weighed five or more kg, which was ridiculously heavy, considering it was pretty much a thin elongated dagger.
Having opened her inventory, she took the chance to verify exactly what was inside the crude bag. Which was attached to the rope belt that held the crude white cotton pants she had started the game in place. Inside it all she could find was what looked like small clumps of mud, that is until she touched them.
“No way… That is bread?!” Exclaimed Artanis surprised with her discovery. She had already seen and eaten rye bread a few times before, which brought her quickly to a certain conclusion.
Whoever made that bread lacked the skills to do it properly, resulting in the hard and somewhat burned loafs of bread, which, also seemed to be a few days old. Deciding to not eat such thing, unless no other choice presented itself, Artanis then shifted her focus to her other possessions aside from her clothes and the bread.
All she found was a simple, ugly canteen seemingly made with leather scraps by an unskilled tailor and that made Artanis realize her status on Royal Road; a beggar. Sure, her clothes were still somewhat clean, contrary to the typical image that comes over one’s head when that word is uttered. But that does not change a few simple facts; she had no money, no house, nor any job.
‘How much food can I buy with one silver?’ Instantly her priority shifted, forget saving money to buy equipment. The most important thing for her in the moment was securing enough food since according to the in-game tutorial it was possible to die from hunger.
And with that mind, she got off the floor and resumed her trip towards the city plaza. It was a long difficult trip, but during it, she received a few messages from the system, which encouraged her to try harder since they told her, that she had received an increase of one point in strength, vitality and endurance.
Such were the benefits of carrying heavy loads while walking long distances, compared to running which gave only agility and vitality, the increase in agility was lower, but it also gave an increase in strength.
Considering how tiring and boring such method was, most players, including those who choose to be knights, know for their heavy plate armors did it, often preferring leveling up to increase their strength while wearing inferior and lighter armor until they could easily carry most the of its weight.
But that was not her objective, as thought some of the players who saw the elven maiden, once again drenched in sweat slowly walk towards the city plaza. Artanis was fully aware that she was being observed by many people as she walked.
The reason was not a sixth sense, developed after years of being the center of the attention. The reason was much simpler, Artanis knew she was being observed since many transparent windows popped up in front of her, informing of the consecutive increase in her attributes.
Charm has permanently been increased by 1
Charm has permanently been increased by 1
Charm has permanently been increased by 1
‘At least here, I get something for it.’ Artanis thought since she knew there was nothing she could do to stop them from looking at her, she ignored the stares and kept walking towards the center of the plaza in the direction of a large fountain.
Luckily for her, she found that one of the wooden benches installed alongside the fountain was free for her to use. Such empty spot came at a perfect time since her throat was dry and the fountain’s water seemed clean enough to drink, as the local fauna of similarly poor players showed.
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