-[ Noah Blackwell ]- Level: ? Gender: Male Race: Human Class: ? Location: Chicago Illinois, Sky-rise apartment room 302.
Noah woke to the soft glow of his alarm clock, casting a faint light in his small, dimly lit apartment. The morning sun filtered through the curtains, painting patterns on the worn carpet. With a sigh, he dragged himself out of bed, the weight of another day settling on his shoulders. He dressed routinely, slipping into faded jeans and a plain shirt, not bothering to glance at the mirror. His thoughts were elsewhere, haunted by the usual doubts that plagued him each morning. "Will today be any different? Will I ever amount to anything?" he murmured to himself, the questions echoing in the quiet room.
He lived alone; the silence of his sky-rise apartment echoed the absence of family. His parents had passed away when he was young, leaving him to fend for himself. It was a responsibility he had grown accustomed to, but it left him feeling adrift in a world that seemed indifferent to his existence. Noah began his day by cooking a quick breakfast and getting some of his gaming time in on his computer, a virtual world where he could find the connection he craved, before heading down the street to work.
His place of work was an old secondhand shop owned by Mr. Kim. As he walked into the building, the bell above the door chimed. He entered, greeted by the familiar scent of old books and antiques. Mr. Kim, a stout man with a warm smile, waved from behind the counter. "Morning, Noah. Ready for another day?"
Noah nodded, forcing a smile as he went about his tasks—dusting shelves, organizing inventory, and assisting the occasional customer. Yet, his mind wandered. "Another day, another dollar," he muttered under his breath, trying to find motivation. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was trapped in a boring cycle, a heavy burden destined to fade into nothingness.
As the day drew to a close, Noah bid goodbye to Mr. Kim and locked up the shop. “See you tomorrow, Mr. Kim,” he said, forcing a smile.
”Take care, Noah,” Mr. Kim replied, waving as he gathered his things to leave.
As Noah walked home in the fading light of late afternoon, he tried to keep his head down and his thoughts elsewhere. The path he took always led him past a group of local bullies, and today was no different. Just as he rounded the corner, he saw them lounging near the alleyway, their laughter and jeers already cutting through the air.
”Hey, look who it is!” one of them called out, nudging his friend. “It’s the orphan boy.”
Noah’s stomach tightened. He tried to quicken his pace, hoping they might let him pass without incident, but it was too late. They stepped into his path, forming a barrier.
”Where you off to in such a hurry?” sneered the tallest of the group, a lanky boy named Ryan. “Got a hot date with your computer?”
The others laughed, closing in around him. Noah kept his eyes on the ground, refusing to engage. Experience had taught him that any response would only fuel their taunts.
”What’s the matter? Too good to talk to us?” another bully chimed in, shoving Noah’s shoulder.
Noah stumbled but managed to keep his balance. “I just want to go home,” he said quietly, hoping his voice didn’t betray the fear and frustration simmering inside him.
“Home?” Ryan scoffed. “You mean that sad little apartment where you hide away from the real world?”
Noah felt a surge of anger but suppressed it. He knew better than to give them the reaction they wanted. Instead, he took a deep breath and stepped forward, trying to push past them. A foot shot out, tripping him, and he fell hard onto the pavement.
While he was down, one of the bullies kicked him in the ribs, knocking the wind out of him. They grabbed his bag and rummaged through it, taking the few dollars he had earned That day. The bullies laughed louder, their voices echoing in the empty street.
"Thanks for the contribution, loser," Ryan sneered, tossing the bag back at Noah. “And if you squeal to the authorities, we’ll ransack you’re apartment, destroy everything you own, and beat you severely. Got it?”
Noah nodded, fear and anger churning inside him. He pushed himself up, his palms stinging from the rough asphalt, and dusted himself off. He didn’t look back as he continued walking, focusing on putting one foot in front of the other.
When he finally reached the relative safety of his apartment, he leaned against the closed door and let out a shaky breath. The evening light filtered through the window, casting long shadows across the room. Alone in the silence, Noah felt the weight of his loneliness more acutely than ever.
His stomach growled as he rummaged through his food supplies. All he found were a few packs of noodles, a quarter jug of milk, and a half-drunk bottle of water in the fridge. As he considered his meager options, a knock sounded on the door. Noah’s heart sank.
It was the apartment manager. “Noah, you’re late on rent again!” the man barked. “If you don’t pay tonight, I’ll have to post an eviction notice!”
Noah gripped his fists, thinking of the bullies who had stolen his money. He sighed deeply and blew off the manager’s threats, drowning out the knocking and yelling with his headset as he logged into his game. His mind turned to his only solace—online RPGs.
Noah settled into his worn gaming chair. The glow of his computer screen illuminated the room, casting a blue hue on the walls. He immersed himself in the digital world, where he could be someone else—a hero, an adventurer, anything but himself. This routine brought him comfort and relief, a temporary escape from his daily struggles.
Hours slipped unnoticed as Noah delved deeper into the game's latest update, battling monsters and exploring virtual realms. For a fleeting moment, he forgot his troubles, lost in the thrill of adventure and the fellowship of online companions. He smiled at the screen, chatting with his friends. "If only real life were this simple," he thought. "Why can't I be this confident and capable outside of this game?"
As midnight approached, he looked at the clock, sighing. "Guess I should log off and head to bed," he said, wishing farewell to his online friend and shutting off the computer for the night. Getting into bed and pulling the covers over himself, he sighed, glancing at the moonlit window. "I'm so tired of this life. I wish there was something more to it than bullying and scraping by. I wish I weren't so lonely in this apartment. But my anxiety keeps me from socializing much. Mom and Dad, I miss you guys. Goodnight. I love you both," he said, closing his eyes and falling into a deep sleep.
Morning came as the alarm went off. Smashing around unthinkingly, Noah finally hit the snooze button. He sat up, yawning as he rubbed his eyes, trying to focus on the clock. "Another day, another dollar. Come on, get up," he murmured as he stood up, stretching. He dressed and walked to the kitchen, where he started cooking his usual breakfast. Turning the small TV on, he stood watching the news.
[News reporter: ]"Breaking; The weather has taken yet another unusual turn for the worse. Sweeping across the central states was a series of significant record-breaking tornadoes, followed by several hurricanes that came back-to-back, slamming the eastern coasts and causing unprecedented chaos. Following the handful of major 9.1 earthquakes within the Puerto Rico Trench, experts say they've triggered a massive tsunami heading straight for the east coastline. Fearing what is to come, the East Coast has been put on a national state of emergency as officials say they're rushing to evacuate people from several states in anticipation of this tsunami's potential destruction."
[News Reporter:] "Adding to the troubles of already stressed businesses and homeowners, there has been a record-breaking series of break-ins and muggings. Crime rates are on the rise as people struggle to flee from the targeted states."
Noah turns the TV off as he sighs. "Damn, what is happening to this world. It gets worse every time I turn the TV on." Turning off the stove, he hurries to eat his breakfast. Setting his dishes in the sink, he heads out, locking his door.
Walking down the busy street, Noah noticed a kid walking with his parents, smiling and laughing as they entered an ice cream shop. "I wish I had more memories of Mom and Dad," he sighed, looking down.
As a car drove by, he was suddenly splashed, becoming drenched with muddy rainwater. "Dammit! What the hell did I do to deserve this?" he yelled, brushing off his jacket as he quickened his pace to his job.
Walking around the corner to the shop, he saw a police officer and an ambulance in front of it. Rushing to the shop, he confronted the officer. "Hey, what's happened here?" he asked.
The police officer looked over to Noah. "The shop owner was attacked this morning before the store was robbed. Did you know him?" the officer asked curiously. "Yes, I work for him. My name is Noah Blackwell. Is Mr. Kim alright?"
The officer looked at Noah with a regretful expression. "I'm afraid he didn't make it, kid. I'm sorry." Noah slipped into his thoughts as the officer asked him questions, and he nodded in response. After a while, the officer took off. "Thanks for your cooperation, kid. I'm sorry for your loss. I can tell you knew him well." he said as he got in his squad car to leave.
Noah's world fell apart even more as he fell deeper into depression. Working for Mr. Kim was the only job he'd ever had. Now, he was jobless with no income and no idea where to turn. "Why is this happening? Why couldn't I have been here earlier? Instead, I was home dragging my ass like a pathetic loser. Maybe I could have saved Mr. Kim if I'd been there," Noah said as he kicked an empty box on the sidewalk. "I'm sorry, Mr. Kim," he said as a tear fell from his cheek.
Walking home slowly, he contemplated what to do next, taking in everything that had happened a few hours earlier. "I guess I'll head to the unemployment office tomorrow and plan my next move from there," he said.
As Noah trudged closer to home, weighed down by his grief and frustration, he rounded the corner and spotted the familiar group of bullies he dealt with daily. They were at it again, cornering a small girl who had been unfortunate enough to cross their path. Her tears and pleas for help only fueled Noah’s growing frustration.
Ryan, the leader of the bullies, was grabbing at the girl’s backpack with a cruel grin, while his lackeys hovered nearby, ready to join in if necessary. Noah’s anger flared, mixed with the helplessness he had been feeling all week.
“This is enough,” Noah muttered under his breath. He couldn’t stand by any longer. Determined to make a difference, he approached them with a fierce resolve. “Hey! Leave her alone!”
Ryan turned, his smirk widening into a sneer. “Oh, look who it is. The loser who’s always in our way. What do you want now?”
Without waiting for a response, Noah charged at Ryan, his rage giving him a burst of adrenaline. He swung his fist with all the strength he could muster, landing a solid hit to Ryan’s face. The bully leader collapsed, stunned by the unexpected blow.
But before Noah could catch his breath, one of Ryan’s lackeys lunged at him, throwing a punch that grazed his cheek. Noah tried to defend himself, but the bullies quickly regrouped. They attacked with a brutal combination of kicks and punches, overwhelming him with their numbers.
Noah fought back fiercely, but their superior strength and coordination were too much. Each blow they landed seemed to drain him more, and despite his attempts to strike back, he found himself increasingly battered. The girl had managed to flee in the chaos, her cries growing fainter.
Finally, the bullies, satisfied with their revenge, left Noah sprawled on the pavement, his body aching and his spirit crushed. They walked away, laughing and taunting as they disappeared around the corner.
Noah lay there, struggling to catch his breath and fight back tears of pain and frustration. He had tried to stand up and make a difference, but it had only ended in more suffering for him. Yet, amidst the pain, there was a flicker of resolve. He had confronted his fears and stood up for someone else, and that small victory, despite its cost, was something he could build on.
Slowly, Noah dragged himself to his feet, his body bruised and aching. He knew he couldn’t give up. Tomorrow would bring its own challenges, but for now, he took solace in knowing that he had tried, even if the outcome hadn’t been what he hoped for.
Arriving at his apartment's entrance he leaned on the door and sighed as he unlocked it. Walking through his apartment door, he stumbled upon a notice.His heart sank.
"The eviction notice," He said. "I'll look at it in the morning." He set the notice on the counter and headed over to his only place of comfort, Noah turned on his PC to take his mind off the situation for a while.
As hours passed, he completed a big boss raid with his online friend, whom he often teamed up with. His friend logged off for the night. Noah drifted to the light of dusk falling beyond the horizon out his window. He thought to himself, "Man, why can't this game be my reality? I'd give anything to be a real hero or a real somebody for once."
His attention was abruptly drawn away from the game by a strange sensation—a chill that crept up his spine. He glanced around, but the room was unchanged. Then, without warning, a rift in the sky tore open, causing a grim light to flare through his window.
Noah staggered out of his chair, dropping his remote, his heart racing. He looked out his window over the city as he witnessed the impossible. Through the rift, massive chunks of other worlds hurtled towards his own. The ground shook violently, and distant screams echoed through the night. It was as if the very fabric of reality was tearing apart.
In a desperate attempt to comprehend what was happening, Noah watched in horror as his planet was bombarded in the distance by falling chunks of what looked like asteroids. Watching in horror as he shook, he saw a massive wall of fire approaching quickly. Closing his eyes, he sighed, accepting his fate to come. "Mom, Dad, I hope I can see you again soon. I tried to make you proud, but I don't feel like I ever had a place in this world," Noah said as the apartment and himself were incinerated in a bright flash of fire and destruction.
Darkness enveloped him, memories flashing before his eyes—his childhood, his parent's faces, his struggles and regrets. He felt a sense of despair, of being insignificant in the grand scheme. And then, as suddenly as it began, the darkness receded.
Noah found himself standing in a strange place, surrounded by unfamiliar landscapes bathed in an otherworldly light.
"Player detected, initiating Cataclysmia Protocol," a screened interface said as it materialized before him.
Noah's heart raced as he tried to make sense of his surroundings. This was no longer his world. The air felt different, with a mystical energy he had only read about in fantasy novels. He glanced around, noticing towering trees adorned with glowing leaves and distant mountains shrouded in mist.
Noah took a deep breath, releasing his pent-up nerves. "What the hell was that!" he said, confused. "This place looks like a freaking RPG-style world," he said as the wind blew through his hair. "And what is a Cataclysmia Protocol?" he questioned, looking at the screen before him.
As Noah stared at the glowing screen, a series of lines began to form, merging into a clear message.
"Welcome, Player Noah. The Cataclysmia Protocol is an emergency transport system designed to transfer select individuals from dying worlds to the realm of Re-Genesis. You have been chosen based on your latent potential and compatibility with this world's mystical energies."
"In Re-Genesis, you will find yourself in a world where legends come to life, and your actions can shape the fate of kingdoms. Your journey begins now. Prepare to embrace your destiny and uncover the true potential that lies dormant inside you."
"Initializing orientation sequence... Please stand by." The screen then flickered and displayed a new message.
"Orientation Sequence: Basic Skills Acquisition."
"Acquiring Basic Skills."
A bright light enveloped Noah, and he felt a surge of energy course through his body. His mind was filled with knowledge of basic combat techniques, survival skills, and a strange, newfound ability to harness elemental fire magic. As the light faded, the screen displayed another message.
"Basic skills acquisition complete. Proceed to class assignment."
Just then, the screen presented a list of classes to be selected. "Hmm, I want a well-balanced class," he says, scrolling the pages. Arriving at a highlighted class, he reads out loud, "Battle mage?"
Hybrid Classes: Battle-Mage. Description: A warrior combining martial prowess and magical abilities. Abilities: Enchanted weapons, defensive spells, and combat magic.
"It sounds like my type of class," Noah said as he selected the option.
"Class assignment complete. Proceeding to stat placement."
A player stat's window opened with the option to set twenty points.
"Hmm, which stats do I want to take?" Noah questioned. "Hmm, let's put four points on DEX, four points on INT, four points on STR, two points on MDEF, two on DEF, and four on WIS."
"Stat placement complete. Proceeding with starting equipment."
"Common iron sword and common leather light armor outfit added to player inventory."
"Adventurer's starting gift added to player inventory."
"This is so cool! How is this real?" Noah questioned, smiling.
"Orientation complete. Adding basic Battle-Mage skills."
"Physical Skill: Name: Blade Strike."
"Fire Magic skill: Name: Flame Burst."
"Added to player skill menu." "Initiation complete; good luck to you, player." The voice said as the screen faded.
Noah looked around, taking in the stunning landscape. The air felt fresher, and the vibrant colors of this new world seemed to pulse with life. He clenched and un-clenched his fists, feeling the new energy coursing through him. "Well, now what? Guess I'll find some small mobs to fight and test my strength," Noah said as he walked toward the field in the distance.
Making his way through the beautiful grassy fields, he came across a boar. Immediately alarmed, the boar turned to face him as it reared in panic. Noah pulled his sword from his waist. "Okay, let's do this!" He shouted. Looking closer at the boar, he noticed a small HUD appear.
-[ Boar ]- Level: 2 Gender: ? Race: Boar Class: Common Boar Description: Unknown field.
"Even though I'm Level 1, I shouldn't have a problem with this Boar," Noah said as he began to charge the creature, his sword at the ready. The boar snorted and charged at him with surprising speed. Noah sidestepped just in time, feeling the rush of air as the boar barreled past him. "Whoa, that was close! Gotta stay on my toes," he muttered, turning to face the boar again. He raised his sword, the weight of the iron comforting in his hand.
-[ Physical skill: Blade Strike ]- Description: A powerful and precise physical slash attack. Cost: -20 STA. 125% physical attack damage.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
“Now! Activate Blade Strike!” Noah shouted, his voice ringing with determination. As the skill surged to life, a faint glow enveloped his blade, and he felt a powerful reinforcement surge through his muscles. With a swift, decisive slash, he cleaved through the charging boar. The beast fell instantly, collapsing to the ground in defeat.
A translucent screen materialized before Noah, displaying a congratulatory message. “Congratulations on your first victory! You’ve reached Level 2! You’ve picked up a few item drops. Item drops will now be stored beside your inventory in the item drop menu. You can transfer items to your inventory or delete them manually,” the voice announced.
“Awesome! It’s just like an RPG. My mind is blown right now,” Noah exclaimed, eagerly opening the drop menu. The list displayed [Boar Tusks, Thick Boar Hide]. “These will fetch a good price with a merchant. Better hold on to them for now. I can’t believe I reached Level 2 so quickly.”
As he was about to close the menu, another notification appeared, catching his eye. “Special attribute: [Innate Wisdom] grants you faster mastery of skill tomes or upgrades.”
“That’s incredible!” Noah gasped. “I can upgrade my skills, too!” His excitement was palpable as he scanned the area for his next target. Determined to test his newfound abilities, he walked through the field, his eyes scanning for movement. Cresting a small hill, he spotted a pack of four boars grazing below a patch of tree's.
A mischievous grin spread across his face as he began to close in, devising a plan to take them out.
"Alright, there are four of them. Perfect. I wonder if this skill has an explosion radius when it makes an impact. Let's find out!" Noah's heart raced with anticipation as he formulated his plan. "Okay, Noah, focus. You’ve got this. Just like in the games," he muttered to himself, psyching up for the encounter.
He approached stealthily, his footsteps light and deliberate. The boars were unaware of his presence, continuing to graze peacefully. Noah's pulse quickened as he prepared to unleash his magic skill. "Here goes nothing," he whispered, his fingers tingling with the thrill of using magic.
With a burst of speed, he rushed over the hill, his voice echoing through the clearing.
-[ Fire Magic Skill: Flame Burst ]- Description: An explosive burst of fiery energy. It Hurls blazing fireballs at enemies, causing area-of-effect damage upon impact. Cost: -20 MP. 100% fire magic attack damage.
"Flame Burst!" he shouted, his hand glowing with fiery energy. The boars turned, their eyes wide with surprise, but it was too late. A searing ball of fire shot from Noah's hand, hitting the ground in the midst of the pack.
The explosion was immediate and powerful, sending a shock wave through the air. Flames erupted, engulfing the boars in a brilliant blaze. Noah shielded his eyes from the intense light, feeling the heat on his skin. When the fire subsided, the boars lay defeated, the scorched earth a testament to the skill's power.
"Wow, that was... incredible," Noah breathed, his eyes wide with awe. "The explosion radius was bigger than I expected. This could really come in handy." He walked over to the fallen boars, the smell of singed fur lingering in the air.
"You've reached level 4." another translucent screen said as it appeared, listing the item drops from the defeated boars. "More tusks and hides. Nice. I should definitely head to a merchant soon," Noah mused, adding the items to his inventory.
He looked around, the field now eerily quiet after the brief chaos. "I wonder what other skills I can unlock. If I keep leveling up at this rate, I'll be unstoppable in no time," he said to himself, a grin spreading across his face.
As he walked through the field, the reality of his new life began to sink in. "This is more than just a game. This is my chance to be someone, to make a difference. I won't waste it," he vowed, his resolve strengthening with every step. "Time to find more challenges and see what I'm really capable of."
Suddenly, loud hoof steps thundered behind Noah, accompanied by the heavy exhale of the approaching beast. He spun around in surprise, eyes widening as he confronted a massive black boar, its tusks glinting menacingly in the sunlight filtering through the dense canopy above.
"Now we're talking!" Noah exclaimed, adrenaline pumping. He focused his thoughts, his fingers instinctively manipulating the interface projected in front of him. Checking the boar's HUD, he noted its formidable Level.
-[ Mini Boss: Dire Boar ]- Level: 10 Gender: ? Race: Boar Class: Dire Boar
Location: Unknown Field.
A challenging opponent, five levels higher than his own. "Should I be fighting it?" he muttered to himself, briefly hesitating. But determination quickly overtook doubt. "Forget it. I can do this!" he declared, tightening his grip on his sword and readying another magic skill. "Flame Burst!"
The air crackled as Noah unleashed his spell, a torrent of searing flames erupting from his hands and engulfing the boar. The creature roared in pain but remained standing, its thick hide barely singed. "I can't let up!" Noah shouted, adrenaline fueling his next move. With a swift motion, he drew his sword and charged. "Blade Strike!" he shouted, meeting the boar's counterattack head-on.
Steel clashed against tusk, a brief but intense struggle ensuing between man and beast. Noah's determination and skill prevailed as his blade found its mark, slicing through the boar's defenses. With a final, decisive blow, the boar collapsed, defeated and unconscious.
"These skill are over powered! Amazing!" he exclaimed.
"Congratulations on your first mini-boss victory! You've reached Level 7. Special item drop acquired," the system announced, its voice resonating in Noah's ears.
Noah retrieved the spoils of his victory from his inventory, examining the [Twisted Dire Boar Tusks] with a satisfied grin. "These should fetch a good price, or maybe I can craft something useful with them," he mused aloud, closing the menu and taking a moment to catch his breath amidst the aftermath of battle.
After adjusting his stats, Noah decided to take a break. He found a shady spot under a large tree and sat down, catching his breath. "This world is amazing. I still can't believe this is happening. I mean, I've always dreamed of something like this, but it's still so surreal," he said, leaning back against the tree trunk. "I wonder what else is out there. Kingdoms, dungeons, maybe even dragons?" He chuckled at the thought, his excitement building. "Whatever it is, I'm ready for it. This is my chance to be someone, to do something that matters."
Opening his inventory, Noah pulled out the adventurer's starting gift. It was a small, intricately wrapped package. "Let's see what this is," he said, unwrapping it carefully. Inside, he found two small vials filled with a glowing red liquid and a map. "A health potion and a map. Nice!" He examined as he took out the map, which showed a detailed layout of the surrounding area. "This will definitely help. Looks like there's a town not too far from here. Maybe I should head there next."
Noah stood up, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "Alright, time to move out. Let's see what this world has in store for me." He set off towards the town marked on the map, his mind racing with possibilities. "I wonder if I'll meet other players. Maybe I'll make some friends, join a guild. Who knows? The possibilities are endless."
As he walked, he couldn't help but think about his old life. "I wonder what's happening back home. Did the world really end? Am I the only one who made it here?" He shook his head, trying to focus on the present. "No use worrying about that now. I've got a new life to live, new challenges to face."
The sun was beginning to set as Noah approached the outskirts of the town. He could see the faint glow of lights in the distance, hear the murmur of voices. "Almost there," he said, picking up the pace. "Let's see what this place has to offer."
As Noah spotted the nearby town, the sun began to fall into the clouds, creating a light pink and orange hue. Walking onto the nearby road, he saw a sign in front of a three way. "Emberfall City," It read. "My first City. I can't wait to see what it's like!" Noah exclaimed as he walked to the entrance.
The city guards suddenly halted him. "You there, state your business," the guard ordered, gripping his spear. The city guard stood at the gate, his armor gleaming faintly in the torchlight that flickered against the stone walls. He was a sturdy figure, his posture disciplined yet watchful as he gripped his spear with a sense of authority. Noah approached cautiously, aware of the guard's vigilant demeanor as he prepared to state his business.
"I'm only seeking a place to rest and take shelter for the night," Noah explained, his voice steady but respectful.
The guard regarded him with a hint of skepticism, his gaze assessing Noah from beneath the visor of his helm. After a moment of tense silence, during which Noah felt the weight of scrutiny, the guard finally spoke. His voice was firm, echoing slightly within the confines of his helmet. "Very well, you may enter," he said, stepping back to signal the gatekeeper to open the heavy gates.
As Noah passed through the gate, he found himself immersed in the bustling atmosphere of Emberfall City. Children played in the narrow streets, their laughter mingling with the sounds of merchants hawking their wares in the lively market square. Along the city walls, various shops and establishments beckoned with promises of goods and services.
Making his way deeper into the heart of the city, Noah scanned the vibrant scene. He spotted several inns, an alchemist's shop emitting a faint aroma of herbs, and a blacksmith's forge adjacent to a quaint bakery that filled the air with the tempting scent of fresh bread.
"I need to find a merchant to sell these items," Noah murmured to himself, eyeing the market stalls where traders peddled their goods under colorful awnings. His attention was drawn to a stall where a man stood, dressed in a top hat and a fine suit that contrasted sharply with the rugged surroundings. Two signs hung overhead, one announcing "Mystical Items for Sale" and the other simply marked "Merchant."
"Perfect," Noah thought, approaching the man with a determined stride. "Excuse me, sir, do you accept monster items?" he inquired, his voice carrying across the bustling marketplace. The merchant, whose name was Fin, regarded Noah with a keen interest, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Monster items, you say? What exactly do you have for sale, adventurer?" he asked, his tone betraying a mixture of curiosity and business acumen. Noah proceeded to list his inventory, detailing the boar tusks, hides, and the special items like the Twisted Dire Boar Tusks he had acquired. Fin's interest seemed piqued, especially at the mention of the unique items.
"Oh yes, I'd be interested in those twisted tusks for sure," Fin remarked, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. After a brief negotiation, they settled on a price of forty gold crowns for the lot. "I don't really know what things cost here yet," Noah admitted to himself, considering the offer. After a moment's thought, he nodded decisively. "Okay, I'll take forty gold crowns."
"Excellent," Fin said with a satisfied smile, reaching into a nearby chest to retrieve a small pouch of coins. He tossed it to Noah, who caught it deftly. "Count them; they're all there," Fin instructed, his tone businesslike yet sincere. "I trust you, sir," Noah replied, handing over the monster items as agreed.
"It's been a pleasure doing business with you, adventurer," Fin said, nodding appreciatively. "If you come across any more monster items or magical artifacts, do pay me another visit. I pay well for such things." "My name is Noah. You'll be seeing more of me, Fin," Noah said, offering a polite nod of farewell. "And I'll be looking forward to it," Fin replied with a nod of his own, tipping his hat in acknowledgment.
As he walked away, Noah realized he needed to find accommodations for the night. Walking up to the Inns, Noah carefully surveyed the quaint buildings lining the cobbled street. "I think I'll check out the Rusty Goblet Inn," he said, climbing the weathered stone steps and pushing open the heavy oak door. Inside, the warm glow of lanterns illuminated a scene of lively revelry. A bard's melody filled the air, accompanied by the cheerful chatter and laughter of patrons clinking tankards.
Approaching the worn wooden counter, Noah was greeted by a friendly, dark-haired woman. "Hey there, adventurer, what can I get you?" she asked with a warm smile. Noah inquired about the cost of a meal, drink, and room for the night. "A warm meal for three crowns, a drink for one, and a room for five. Nine Crowns in total," she replied, her voice friendly and businesslike. Noah handed over ten crowns with a generous tip, earning a grateful smile from the innkeeper as she bustled off to fetch his meal.
Leaning against the polished bar, Noah's gaze wandered to the bard. She was an elf with flowing blonde hair and emerald eyes, skillfully strumming a lute adorned with intricate redwood patterns and sparkling gems. Her melodic voice wove tales of distant lands and heroic deeds, enchanting the room with its sincerity and grace.
"Here you are, sir," the innkeeper announced, placing a steaming plate of food and a tall tankard of mead before Noah. "Thank you," he replied warmly, receiving directions to his room on the first floor. Finding a comfortable spot at a sturdy wooden table, Noah savored the hearty meal. The savory aroma and rich flavors of the food, coupled with the honeyed warmth of the mead, were a welcome respite from his travels. The bard's music continued to fill the room, adding to the lively ambiance of the inn.
"This is quite a change from my usual routine," Noah reflected aloud, pausing to enjoy another mouthful of food. The thought of tomorrow's plans stirred excitement within him. Recently completing a successful trade with Fin, the local merchant, had left Noah with a pouch of gold crowns to spare. His mind buzzed with possibilities of gathering rare ingredients and honing new skills to advance his journey.
As he contemplated the future, Noah noticed a looming shadow cast over his table. Looking up, he encountered a rugged figure: a tall, weathered man with a long scar etched across his cheek. Clad in worn leather and carrying a formidable axe, the stranger exuded a sense of quiet strength and purpose. Intrigued by the sudden appearance of an interface displaying information about the stranger, Noah's curiosity piqued. "It shows me other people's information?" he wondered silently, momentarily distracted by this unexpected revelation before refocusing on the encounter unfolding before him.
-[ Garret the Blacksmith ]- Level: 20
Gender: Male
Race: Human
Class: Warrior
Location: Emberfall City, The Rusty Goblet Inn.
"Mind if I join you?" the man asks, his voice deep and gravelly.
Noah gestures to the empty seat across from him. "Sure, go ahead."
The man sits down, resting his arms on the table. "My name's Garrett. You look like you could use some company, and I could use a drink. What brings you to Emberfall?" Garret asked.
Noah takes a sip of his mead before answering. "Well. I was just taking in the city and doing monster hunting out in the fields to earn extra coin," Noah said.
"If you're in need of some quick income, you should check out the Adventurer's Guild in the middle of the city," he said, hailing a wench for a drink.
"I shall do that, Garret, thank you," Noah said, smiling.
"If you insist on hunting in the fields, be weary of the Emberfall Forest. The legendary beast, Emberfang, rules that territory. He's the reason the place is named Emberfall. He's a fire element dire wolf. He once caused a wildfire that burned down half the city in a rage set off by a few rowdy adventurers causing trouble in the woods. Even the king is hesitant to order his forces to stop the wolf." Garret said.
"Oh wow, a legendary wolf, huh?" Noah questioned. "I wonder if taming is a thing in this world?" he questioned to himself.
"Here you are, sir," a wench said, handing Garret his drink.
"So kid, another thing, if you're ever in need of a good smithy, look me up. My brother's and my shop lies to the east of town, can't miss it. It's the only blacksmith shop in the common district of the city," he said, smiling.
"Will do. I'll check it out soon," Noah said as he finished his meal.
The two conversed, making themselves acquainted with each other. They laughed and joked around until Noah decided to head to bed. "Good night, Garret; I'll see you around," Noah said, getting up to stretch. "Sounds good. Stay safe out there and have a good night, Noah," Garret said.
Walking up to his room, Noah settled into bed for the night as he looked to the ceiling, thinking about the day he had. "This has been an unbelievable day. Will this life still be real in the morning?" he asked, shrugging it off as he drifted off into a deep sleep.
Morning came as he awoke, yawning and rubbing his eyes. Sitting up, he looked around the room, taking a deep breath. "Still here," he said, smiling. Getting up he put his armor back on and his boots as he tied his gear to his belt. "Today, I'll look into some tomes and then do some leveling," he said, walking down the stairs and out of the Inn. "I'm a little thirsty. I should find a water skin of some kind," Noah said, looking around for a general merchant stand.
"There," he said, looking to a merchant with a bunch of wears and equipment out for display. Walking up to the stall, Noah greeted the merchant. "Hello, sir. Wouldn't happen to have any water skins in stock, would you?" he asked. The merchant looked up at Noah. He was a shorter man with a mustache that curled upwards in a goofy-looking circular shape. He wore round glasses and had grey curly hair. "Hmm. Let's see," he said, rummaging through his equipment. "Ah-ha. Yes, my boy, I do indeed. I'll take two crowns for it," He offered as he sat It on the table in front of Noah.
"I'll take it," Noah said, taking two coins from his pouch and handing them to the man.
"Excellent." the man said, taking Noah's crowns.
"Thank you very much, sir," Noah said, smiling.
"No, thank you, and come again soon," he said.
Noah made his way to a Local mage shop named Runes and Relics. "Sounds catchy," he said as he entered the shop. As Noah steps into the shop, he is immediately enveloped by an air of ancient wisdom and potent magic. The shop is dimly lit, with flickering candlelight casting dancing shadows on the walls. Shelves made of dark, polished wood line the walls, filled with an array of mystical items and magical artifacts.
Looking around, Noah saw many shelves. Each were meticulously organized and showcased items such as crystal balls, enchanted amulets, rare potion ingredients, and intricately carved wands. Some shelves held dusty tomes bound in leather, their spines adorned with mysterious symbols.
At the far end of the shop stood a large wooden counter. Behind it, a workbench cluttered with alchemical equipment, open grimoires, and arcane tools suggests ongoing magical experiments. An intricate brass cash register, almost antique, sits at the counter's edge.
The shopkeeper, an elderly mage, stood behind the counter. Her long, silver hair was tied back in a braid, and her eyes sparkled with the wisdom of countless years. She wore flowing robes of deep blue embroidered with silver runes and a necklace with a pendant that glows faintly with its own light. She greets Noah with a warm yet knowing smile, recognizing him as a fellow seeker of arcane knowledge.
"Can I help you, adventurer?" she asked.
"Yes, ma'am. I was hoping to look at your novice through adept spell tomes. Particularly healing magic," he said.
"Hmm, the only novice to adept healing tome I have in stock is the tome [Healing Hands: A Beginner's Guide]. Will that work?" she asked kindly.
"Yes, Ma'am, that would be great," Noah said, smiling.
"Okay, that would be twenty crowns," the lady said.
Noah dug out twenty coins and set them on the counter while the lady collected them and dropped them into the register. She handed the tome to Noah, and he took it with a smile.
"Come back again, young adventurer. Thank you for your business," she said, smiling back.
"I have a feeling I will be back soon. Thank you, ma'am," he said, bowing with gratitude.
Making his way out of the shop, Noah felt his coin purse starting to become lighter. Rummaging through it, he counted the crowns he had left. "Nine crowns left still enough for one more night at the Inn. We're doing great. Now let's go grind some mobs," he said with a grin.
Making his way out of the city and into the field, he began to farm boar after boar occasionally running into a mini boss as he came across them. He glanced at his player info. I've been leveling up and picking up drops left and right i bet it's been hours since i started. "Level 24. Damn! That's amazing progress. How long have i been out here farming? I learned a new defensive skill, Aegis Ward, and Flame Burst reached Tier 2," he said. "Seems that I unlock a few skills that suit my class as I'm leveling," he mentioned. Noah counted his stat points. "Nine points so far," he murmured, adding them to STR and INT.
-[ Noah's Character information ]- Level: 24
DEX: 5
Gender: Male
Race: Human
Hybrid Class: Battle Mage
Tier 2 Fire magic skill: Flame Burst
Tier 1 Physical skill: Blade strike
Tier 1 Defensive skill: Aegis Ward
STR: 9
INT: 15
WIS: 5
MDEF: 2
DEF: 2
upon closing the interface Noah's pulse quickened as he gazed upon the Emberfall Forest, its dense foliage alive with the mystery and danger Garrett had warned him about. The distant roar, laden with anguish, pierced the tranquil air, drawing Noah deeper into the shadows cast by towering trees. Crouched behind a thicket, Noah's breath caught as he witnessed a group of ruthless bandits surrounding a majestic creature trapped within a shimmering barrier of magic. It was Emberfang, the legendary wolf Garrett had spoken of—a creature of myth and protector of these woods.
"They're hurting him," Noah muttered to himself, clenching his sword's hilt with determination. He knew he had to act. These were no mere thugs; they were prepared, armed, and driven by dark intent.
Just then, a commanding voice among the bandits barked orders. "Maintain the barrier! We need those samples! Now!"
A wave of urgency surged through Noah as he watched a mage collapse from exhaustion after maintaining the magical confinement. It was now or never. With a silent prayer for strength, Noah emerged from concealment, sword at the ready.
"What's this? A meddling fool!" sneered the largest of the bandits, his eyes narrowing with contempt as the others shuffled nervously, weapons poised.
"I won't let you harm this creature," Noah declared, his voice steady despite the tremor in his hands.
The bandits hesitated only briefly before the smallest among them lunged forward, brandishing a crude blade.
Determined to defend the creature, Noah braced himself as he taunted the man. "Let's do this! You're going down!"