Eddie, now comfortably inhabiting his doppelganger form, strode towards the Adventurers' Guild with a sense of purpose. The streets of the town bustled with activity, but his mind was firmly fixed on the task ahead. The recent encounter at the apothecary had bolstered his confidence, yet he knew joining the Guild was a different ball game altogether.
Clutching the practice booklet he had acquired from the Guild, Eddie found a quiet corner near the guild building to review. He flipped through the pages, his eyes scanning over various topics - from basic monster identification to survival techniques and guild etiquette. He whispered to himself some key points he had picked up, "Goblins are weak to fire, remember to check for traps in dungeons... and always share your loot fairly with the team." The last part made him chuckle. Fair loot sharing wasn't exactly a concept he was familiar with in his past life as a thug.
As he absorbed the information, Eddie couldn't help but reflect on his transformation. "Never thought I'd be cramming for a test again," he mused, a wry smile under the doppelganger's mask. "Back in the day, the only thing I studied was how to pick a lock or a pocket. Look at me now, studying monster lore and guild rules. Who would have thought?"
Despite the light-hearted self-reflection, Eddie was serious about not drawing unwanted attention during the exam. He planned to blend in, answering questions accurately but not so perfectly as to stand out. "Just gotta be average, nothing more," he reminded himself. "An average adventurer, that's what I need to be. Let's not repeat the mistakes of my... less lawful days."
Eddie's gaze shifted from the booklet to the guild entrance. He watched as adventurers of various ranks entered and exited, each absorbed in their own quests and conversations. Over the past few days, he had observed them discreetly, picking up bits of information and behavior that would help him assimilate into their ranks.
His preparation went beyond the pages of the booklet. He had listened to tales of battles and close encounters with monsters, mentally noting each detail that might come in handy. "Ogres are slower than they look, and always aim for the joints on armored foes," he recited under his breath.
Eddie closed the booklet, tucking it into his cloak. It was almost time. He stood up, taking a deep breath. Despite the doppelganger's limitations in expressing emotions, Eddie felt a rush of anticipation mixed with a tinge of nervousness. Checking his status once more before going in.
[Status Screen: Doppelganger Idol (Eddie Malone)]
Rank: F
Class: Unregistered
Skill set: Eddie Malone (Partially Weakened)
With a last glance at his status, Eddie steeled himself. "Alright, let's do this. Just another day in the life of an adventurer," he muttered to himself, a determined stride taking him to the guild's entrance.
Eddie, with a mixture of anticipation and a hint of amusement, approached the reception desk of the Adventurers' Guild. The receptionist, a young woman with a warm smile, looked up as he approached.
"Hi, I'm here to take the guild's entrance exam," Eddie said, his voice steady despite the doppelganger's limitations.
The receptionist's smile widened. "Oh, you're prepared! That's always a good sign," she said, taking the practice booklet from him. "Follow me, please."
She led Eddie through the bustling guild, past tables of chatting adventurers, to a quiet room at the back. The room was stark, with a single desk and an older gentleman reading a book. "He'll be overseeing your test. Good luck!" the receptionist said cheerfully before leaving.
Eddie nodded in thanks and took a seat. The gentleman looked up, giving him a brief, assessing glance before pushing a paper towards him. "Begin when you're ready," he said in a gravelly voice.
The test in front of Eddie was a mix of practical knowledge and theoretical scenarios. The first section dealt with monster lore. 'Describe the weaknesses of a Hill Giant,' one question read. Eddie smirked slightly. From his observations of the adventurers, he had heard about numerous creatures, including giants. 'Avoid direct confrontation, exploit their poor eyesight, and use ranged attacks,' he wrote.
Next were the survival skills questions. 'How do you navigate using the stars?' Eddie recalled the many nights he had spent under the open sky in his earlier life, the constellations his only solace in the life he led, making a few notes and drawing a little sketch on his paper as a wave of nostalgia hit him.
The most intriguing part of the test, however, were the ethical dilemmas. 'You find a wounded enemy who has valuable information. Do you heal them to gain the information or leave them for the sake of safety?' Eddie paused, memories of his past decisions, not all of which he was proud of, flooding back. He chose the middle ground in his response, advocating for cautious engagement for the greater good.
As he worked through the test, Eddie's mind was a whirlwind of past and present. Each question sparked a memory, a strategy he had used, or a lesson he had learned. He found himself chuckling at one particularly absurd scenario involving a magic chicken and a cursed egg. 'Only in the world of adventurers,' he thought.
Throughout the exam, Eddie's approach was methodical, ensuring his answers were comprehensive yet not overly exceptional. He aimed to portray the image of a competent, yet average adventurer.
Finishing the last question, Eddie handed the paper to the overseer, who gave a noncommittal grunt in response. Standing up, Eddie felt a sense of satisfaction. He had navigated the test with a blend of his accumulated knowledge and street-smarts.
As he exited the room, the receptionist caught his eye and gave him a thumbs-up. "Not too bad, huh?" she asked with a grin.
Eddie returned the gesture. "Not bad at all. Guess we'll see if I make the cut."
Leaving the testing room, Eddie felt a mix of relief and anticipation. The written exam was just the first hurdle. Ahead lay the practical test, a challenge he was keen to tackle.
After successfully navigating the written exam, Eddie was ushered outside to a training ground located just behind the Adventurers' Guild. The area served multiple purposes but had been set up as a mock battle arena for the practical part of the guild exam.
The training ground was an open space surrounded by high walls, creating an enclosed, somewhat imposing atmosphere. At the center stood Eddie's opponent, a Gold Rank (Rank: C+) Knight, clad in gleaming armor, exuding a sense of seasoned experience and confidence.
Before the mock battle could commence, Eddie realized the impracticality of his many bags and satchels, loaded with various items he had accumulated. With a resigned sigh, he began the comical process of unloading them. Each bag seemed to contain an endless array of trinkets and potion ingredients, clattering and clinking as he set them aside.
The Knight, observing Eddie's lengthy preparation, quipped with a smirk, "Are we fighting or opening a marketplace?"
Eddie, slightly embarrassed but trying to maintain focus, replied with a forced chuckle, "Just like to be prepared, you know?"
With the duel commencing, Eddie quickly found himself outmatched. His attempts at spellcasting were slow and cumbersome, the magic feeling alien and unwieldy through the doppelganger. The Knight advanced skillfully, delivering a series of calculated strikes that forced Eddie into a defensive stance.
Trying to weave a protective spell, Eddie's movements were delayed, the magical energy dissipating before it could form a barrier. The Knight, noticing Eddie's struggle, tempered his attacks, providing a challenging yet manageable pace.
"Your technique is... interesting," the Knight observed, momentarily easing his assault. "Remember, fluidity is key in magic."
Eddie nodded, acknowledging the advice. He realized he needed to adapt, relying more on physical evasion than his unstable magic. He dodged a swipe, rolling away clumsily, and managed to release a basic burst of fire magic, pushing the Knight back slightly.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
"Good adaptation," the instructor called out from the sidelines. "Flexibility and quick thinking are essential."
Eddie's strategy shifted, focusing more on survival and looking for opportunities to strike. He began to anticipate the Knight's movements, using his magic sparingly and effectively. However, each spell he cast took a toll on him, draining his mana at an alarming rate.
As the battle wore on, Eddie's movements grew more sluggish, his reactions slower. The Knight, maintaining a professional demeanor, continued to test Eddie's defenses, adapting his own style to match Eddie's dwindling energy.
Suddenly, Eddie received a system notification that jolted him:
[System Notification: Doppelganger Link]
Status: Active
Mana Drain: Critical
Remaining Mana: 20%
Realizing his mana was critically low, Eddie knew he needed to wrap up the duel quickly. The Knight, perceiving Eddie's growing fatigue, increased the pressure. Each clash and parry was a test of Eddie's dwindling stamina and focus.
Eddie attempted another spell, a simple burst of energy aimed at creating distance between him and his opponent. The spell, however, was weaker than he intended, barely impacting the Knight. As he tried to cast again, his movements were visibly slower, the strain of maintaining the doppelganger form evident.
The Knight, with a swift and graceful move, disarmed Eddie, ending the mock combat. He offered a hand to help Eddie up, saying, "You have potential, but you lack control and finesse. It's as if you're fighting against yourself as much as your opponent."
Eddie, accepting the hand, replied breathlessly, "Thank you. I'll work on it." He was disappointed but not disheartened. The experience had been a harsh reminder of his limitations when using the doppelganger for complex tasks like spellcasting.
The instructor, who had been observing from the sidelines, approached with a clipboard. "Your performance was unorthodox, to say the least," he began, his tone carrying a mix of criticism and curiosity. "Your spellcasting is raw and unrefined. It's clear you have a certain... untapped potential. But without proper control and technique, it's all but useless in a real combat situation."
Eddie listened intently, nodding in agreement. He was aware of his shortcomings, especially the challenges posed by using magic through the doppelganger. "I understand. I'll take your feedback seriously," he responded, his tone sincere.
The instructor scribbled some notes before looking back up at Eddie. "You've shown bravery and some quick thinking, but there's much to improve. However, as you have passed the written test with flying colors, and you did score just enough points on the practical test I am pleased to reward you with this."
The main then handed Eddie a little badge with a small tree emblem, the guild badge representing the ‘Sapling’ rank, the lowest rank in the guild. Eddie accepted it graciously with a thanks toward the instructors before looking at the mess he had made with his bags and let out a small laugh.
As Eddie gathered his numerous bags and belongings, his mind was already racing with ideas and strategies to overcome his current limitations. He was determined to grow stronger, to master the use of magic through the doppelganger, and to become a capable adventurer.
Leaving the training grounds, Eddie felt a combination of humility and resolve. The practical exam had been a sobering experience, but it had also ignited a fire within him. He knew he had a long journey ahead, filled with learning and improvement.
[System Notification: Doppelganger Link]
Status: Depleting
Remaining Mana: 10%
In the guild's main hall, bustling with activity, Eddie was approached by a guild official. The man, with a friendly demeanor, offered Eddie a handshake. "Congratulations on achieving the Sapling rank. It's the first step on your journey as an adventurer," he said.
Eddie shook his hand, feeling a mix of pride and anticipation. "Thank you. I'm eager to learn and grow."
The official nodded, gesturing towards the various facilities of the guild. "As a Sapling, you have access to our training grounds, the library, and the quest board. We encourage you to use these resources to improve your skills. Participating in quests is the best way to advance your rank and reputation."
Eddie listened attentively, mentally noting the advice. The guild's resources could prove invaluable in honing his skills, especially considering the limitations he faced while using the doppelganger.
The official continued, "You'll find that quests vary in difficulty and nature. As a Sapling, it's best to start with lower-ranked tasks and work your way up. Remember, every quest is an opportunity to learn and prove yourself."
With a nod of thanks, Eddie made his way to the quest board. His time was limited; the doppelganger's mana was running low. He needed to select a quest quickly, one that suited his current capabilities and the doppelganger's restrictions.
The quest board was an array of notices and requests, ranging from simple errands to dangerous missions. Eddie scanned the board, searching for a quest appropriate for a beginner. His eyes landed on a posting that seemed fitting:
Quest: Slime Eradication
Rank Minimum: Sapling
Description: A local farmer has reported an infestation of slimes in his fields. The creatures are hindering crop growth and scaring livestock. Assistance is needed to clear them out.
Reward: 5 Copper Pieces
Duration: 1-2 weeks.
Posted by: John Viarr
Eddie weighed his options. A slime eradication quest was straightforward, typically involving basic combat against creatures that were not overly dangerous. It was an ideal starting point for him.
Internally, he debated. "Slimes are simple enough, and it won't take long. This should be a good test of my abilities and the doppelganger's combat potential," he thought.
He took the quest notice off the board and approached the reception desk to register his acceptance. The receptionist, recognizing him from earlier, smiled. "Ah, our new Sapling. Good choice for a first quest. Good luck!"
With the quest details in hand, Eddie felt a rush of excitement. This was his first step as a guild adventurer, a chance to build his reputation and learn more about the world beyond his dungeon. As he left the guild hall, he felt a renewed sense of purpose.
[System Notification: Doppelganger Link]
Status: Critical
Remaining Mana: 5%
Eddie, feeling the physical and mental strain from his dwindling mana reserves, hurried through the town's busy streets towards the safety and privacy of the inn. The lively hustle and bustle of the town contrasted sharply with his internal state of urgency and contemplation. As he maneuvered through the crowd, his thoughts were preoccupied with the day's events, especially the close call with the doppelganger's mana depletion.
Reaching the inn, Eddie swiftly made his way to his room, every step reminding him of the urgent need to disconnect from the doppelganger. With a sense of relief, he secured the idol on the table, just as the mana link reached its critical point.
[System Notification: Doppelganger Link]
Status: Deactivated
Remaining Mana: 0%
Disconnecting in the nick of time, Eddie experienced the familiar jolt of returning to his skeletal form within the dungeon. This abrupt transition, from the sensory-rich human experience to his dungeon master existence, always left him momentarily disoriented but also deeply connected to his domain.
Once settled back in the dungeon, Eddie called for Argenti, eager to discuss the insights gained and the next steps. "Argenti, the day was fruitful, but it's clear that I need to manage the doppelganger's mana more carefully. Today's close call was a stark reminder."
Argenti listened attentively as Eddie continued, "I joined the Guild successfully, but there's much to do. I've heard of adventurers suffering from petrification. It's a rare condition, and a potion that can cure it would be invaluable."
Eddie paused, his skeletal fingers tapping against his skull. "Additionally, I need to explore potions for mana regeneration and instant mana. Our operations could benefit greatly from such resources, especially given the doppelganger's limitations."
Argenti nodded in understanding. "An astute observation, Eddie. Such potions would indeed enhance your capabilities and our overall strategy."
Motivated by the day's learnings and the need for these new resources, Eddie approached the dungeon core. He activated the interface, delving into the shop for potion recipes. The screen displayed a myriad of options, and he meticulously searched for recipes relevant to his needs.
"Let's see... potions for petrification, mana regeneration, and instant mana," Eddie muttered, his eyes scanning the listings. He selected a few promising recipes, his mind already calculating the potential benefits they could bring.
Eddie's gaze was drawn to the myriad of potion recipes in the dungeon core shop. The digital listings scrolled endlessly, each entry a potential key to enhancing his capabilities and safeguarding his doppelganger adventures. He leaned closer, his skeletal fingers poised above the interface, scrolling through the options with a meticulous eye.
"Petrification Cure Potion... here we are," he murmured, finding a recipe that seemed particularly promising. The list of ingredients was extensive, some rare and others more common, but the challenge excited him. "This could be a game-changer for adventurers... and for us," he thought aloud.
He didn't commit to the purchase just yet, instead adding it to a mental wishlist. Eddie knew that preparation and planning were crucial; he couldn't afford to be impulsive with his limited resources.
Next, he searched for mana-related potions. "Mana Regeneration Potion... and here, Instant Mana Potion," Eddie noted, his glowing eyes scanning the descriptions and required ingredients. The complexity of these recipes varied, but each presented a valuable opportunity to enhance his control over the doppelganger and extend its utility in the human world.
Eddie leaned back, deep in thought. The potential of these potions was immense, not just for personal gain but for the strategic development of his dungeon. Each recipe was an investment in his future, an opportunity to expand his influence and capabilities in both realms.
Eddie resumed browsing the shop, his mind racing with plans and strategies. He needed to balance his immediate needs with long-term goals. The dungeon's growth, the management of the doppelganger, and his burgeoning role within the Adventurers' Guild were all pieces of a complex puzzle that he was determined to solve.
As he scrolled through the listings, Eddie felt a sense of anticipation. The challenges ahead were daunting, but he was ready to face them head-on. With each recipe, each potential potion, he saw a path forward, a way to strengthen his presence both as a dungeon master and as an emerging figure in the world of adventurers.