Four hours later we had progressed at an incredible rate. Olaf showed a knack for accepting instruction, which struck me as odd. My theory had to be true, he must have had zero combat training. How is that even possible?

Nonetheless, he showed great improvement in such a short time. I had managed to get in 800 strikes, which leveled my sword skill up to 7.

Sword skill- Level 7/10 - + 17.5% damage - +17.5% critical damage

Rapid strikes- Level 3/5 - 170% damage for three rapid strikes

My strength had also increased to 33, a whopping 23 points.

The process of wielding the heavy wooden training sword had naturally increased my strength but I had maxed out this potential. I would have to use a heavier weapon if I wanted to increase it any more.

Olaf was a strange one, and after a few hours, he started to grow on me. I had started to become friends with him. He was easy to talk to, and I found myself opening up to him a little. After all, he is just a series of code mimicking the behavior of a person.

He seemed to truly want to get stronger, as though he didn't think it was an option.

I had been online for 10 game hours, which was roughly 3 1/2 real hours. This was due to the games time frame differential, which harnessed the power of the human mind and its potential. Time moved slower in the virtual world, at a 3.14/1 ratio. This allowed gamers to accomplish a great deal in the time that they play.

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My Aunt and Uncle made me wait until 9 am to start playing. They had insisted that I have a family breakfast first.

That made it 11:30 real time now, so it was officially time to log off.

I was sitting with Olaf, eating some food that I had procured from the Tavern above. I had come to enjoy his company, despite his reputation. This change had caused a great deal of guilt to bubble up. With a quiet tone, I spoke to Olaf and said, " I have to leave for a little while. Listen, I feel bad about stealing all your stuff, so I want to give it back. "

I pulled the weapons and gold I stole and handed them to him.

Olaf was perplexed, but he just smiled and shook his head and proclaimed, " No, I refuse. They are yours."

I was confused so I asked, "Wait, why? Haven't I been awful to you? "

" In the beginning, I was scared for my life, but you have done much for me," Olaf admitted, " Your weapon somehow didn't even leave a bruise. I can't complain, and now I wouldn't trade this experience for anything."

I was delightfully surprised and said, " Well thank you, I will put it to good use. Now I have to go. I'm going to unlock the door and give you a choice. You can leave if you want, I won't force you to stay. If you are still here when I get back I will continue to train you. "

Olaf stood and bowed to me, covering one fist in a gesture of respect as he solemnly said,

" Thank you."

He thought for a second and exclaimed, "Wait! I never got your name?"

"My name is Thorn. " I replied as I went into my menu and prepared to log out.

Olaf laughed and said, " Thorn.. well it suits you. I will be here when you return, Thorn. "

" Later Olaf, I hope to see you soon," I said as I logged out of the game.