Chapter 2
Lorcus sat at the table that was barely standing and looked around the room. The hut was approximately a twelve-by-twelve-foot room. Todd had leaned the broken door against the frame and Deloris swept up the mess caused by that damn centaur. On the left side of the room was a horrible straw filled mattress, thinking about it made his back hurt and his skin crawl thinking about the bugs that must be crawling in it. Besides the bed was the Command Console, it was by far the nicest thing in the room. Standing roughly waist high it was made of solid oak with thick legs and a flat top that had an almost mirror-like surface. The whole Console was covered with intricate engravings making it look out of place in a rundown hut.
On the rear wall was a cupboard filled with various nick knacks that all looked like garbage. The right side of the room held a small kitchen which was made up of mostly cabinets and a sink with a hole in the bottom and a bucket beneath it. Looks like running water is a luxury I won’t enjoy any more. Perhaps I can figure out some way to fix that. Todd told me to take care of my necessities after all. Above the sink was a dirty window with a picturesque view of the hill that overlooks the farm.
That must be where they want to build the castle. Honestly It makes sense as a defensive position. Too bad Gerard is so tied to this land. I couldn’t imagine having a government come out of nowhere saying, we will be taking your land. On the other hand, considering all the game like elements of this world if I was the count, Gerard would’ve been long gone.
Centaurs and magic, I wonder what else this world holds. Honestly this is exciting, a fresh start in a new world. The only question now is what to do. I can leave and look for better opportunities somewhere else although the fact that I was knocked out twice by a single blow makes that option daunting. Then again, they mentioned this farm is on the front line for beast hoards. Gerard’s family has been here for generations so there must be some way to deal with it. That settles it I’ll stay here for some time and make the best out of this situation. First things first, let’s take stock of what I have to work with.
Getting up Lorcus moved to the cupboard noticing a painting on one of the shelves. It was of a family standing on a hill with a flourishing field behind them and a beautiful two-story farmhouse to the left. An old man was in the center of the picture with his right hand on a boy’s head and his left arm wrapped around the shoulders of an old woman. They were flanked by a middle-aged couple all with big smiles. This must’ve been Gerards family, they look happy, and the farm looks great. I can’t imagine what happened to bring this place so low. Looking over the shelves he found several bags of seeds and a book titled A Farmers Guide to Farming volume one. No labels on the seeds and I have no idea what these will grow. Hopefully it’s edible considering the food situation here. This book should come in handy since I have almost no idea how to farm.
Opening the cabinets, he found several sets of coveralls and button-up shirts identical to the clothes Gerard was wearing. Not the best clothes I’ve ever seen but at least I won’t be confused with a woman any more or have to worry about a centaur getting the wrong idea when I bend over. No shoes though, that is going to be a problem sooner rather than later.
Next, he turned to the Command Console. What I am supposed to make of this, it’s like some 4x world building strategy game plopped into reality. They told me it’s valuable and I don’t doubt that, would’ve been nice to get more information on what it actually does and how to use it. Walking over to the Console he placed his hand on the mirror-like surface and thought engage.
Congratulations Console Commander for gaining control of this Console. You now have full access to all available features; you may gain more features by leveling up the Console.
I was hoping for some kind of tutorial but congratulations is just as good I guess.
Tutorial: the command Console is limitless in its features and abilities. Be warned most features are locked behind requirement so think carefully before choosing upgrades unless you find yourself too far down a path with no easy way to return. To access any of these features simply think about what you would like to do. Please continue by thinking, status.
Ask and you shall receive. Lorcus thought with a chuckle. Status.
Status:
Console Owner: Gerard.
Console commander: Lorcus.
Console territory: County of Philexei
Territory Tax: 30%
Territory Tax status: Deactivated
Console path: Farm.
Console upgrades available: Zero.
Farm level: one.
Unique upgrades available: zero.
Current Unique upgrades: None.
Experience to Console level two: zero of five thousand.
Maximum Workers: five.
Current Workers: Lorcus. Position: Console Commander
Worker experience division: 50%
Console condition: Poor.
That’s a start, there is a lot there to research but there are more important things to do at the moment. How do I gain experience though?
Experience is the essence of the world; everything is made of essence and given form. A basic example of collecting experience is when something dies, its essence is returned to the world. If someone is designated as either the owner or worker of a Console and they take part in releasing that essence back to the world a portion is captured by the Console and transformed into experience which can then be used in a multitude of ways. Note: A Console Commander may set the division of experience between the workers and the Console.
An example of how a farm may generate experience is through growing crops. A seed will never be anything other than a seed until the world imbues its essence into it. When the crop is finally harvested the link between the world and the crop is broken and a portion of the essence is released which can then be captured by the Console. Another option for gaining experience is to reverse the process by sacrificing anything containing essence to the Console which is then broken down and converted to experience. Be warned essence does not exist equally between all materials of the world.
Seems simple enough, just get the essence. Why do we need a Console though? It would be better if people could just absorb the essence directly instead of having it converted into experience first. I feel bad for the people without access to a Console. Where did these Consoles even come from? Looks like no window will pop up from that inquiry, how about skills and abilities.
Skills and abilities:
As the Console Commander you will have full access to the available skills and abilities for your Console’s current level. A Console Commander may decide which skills and abilities may be purchased by the workers assigned to this console. The Console’s evolution will determine what skills and abilities will be available for purchase.
Available experience: zero
Farmer level: Zero
Skills and abilities available for purchase.
One: Farmers Constitution. +5% health.
Cost five hundred experience
Requirements farmer level One
Two: Farmers strength. +5% Strength.
Cost five hundred experience.
Requirements farmer level three
Three: Nimble Farmer. +5% dexterity.
Cost five hundred experience
Requirements farmer level five
Five: Brawl. Learn basic unarmed combat skills.
Cost five hundred experience
Requirements farmer level one
Lorcus’s mouth hung open and drool formed at the corner of his mouth. I want it all! This is great, all I have to do is pick some vegetables and I will become a superhero? Well maybe not a superhero but if those buffs increase with the later levels that will be a huge advantage. I can’t help but wonder what would happen if I already had basic unarmed combat skills. Would I still have to buy the ability to get the later upgrade? Definitely something I want to test, before that, personal status.
Personal status:
Name: Lorcus
Farmer Level: one
Skills and abilities: None
Owned Consoles: None
Console command: Farm level one
Progress to next farmer level: Zero of one thousand
Health: 100
Modifiers: None
Strength: 54
Modifiers: None
Dexterity: 30
Modifiers: None
Intelligence: 47
Modifiers: None
Wisdom: 40
Modifiers: None
Pretty sweet numbers if I do say so myself. If only I knew what they meant. I don’t even see any way to increase their value other than modifiers. Then there is the classic wisdom stat. What will I be able to cast spells or something? Lorcus immediately dropped into a crouch bringing both hands to his side shouting “Ka-Me… Ha-Me… Ha!” A blood curdling scream rang out in the yard followed by a thump.
//////
Lorcus looked down at his hands in confusion. “It didn’t feel like I just shot overwhelming power out of my hands capable of destroying worlds. Maybe my stats are too low?” Leaving the Command Console Lorcus walked over to the door to see a furious centauress glaring at him.
“Are you out of your mind!?” She shouted at him.
Feeling slightly chagrinned Lorcus replied “Sorry I’m kind of new to all this and wanted to see if I had any mystical powers.”
“So, you decide to impersonate a being of myth and legend!? It’s said those beings could destroy worlds with such a devastating spell.” She replied while getting up to her hooves and dusting herself off.
Lorcus didn’t know how exactly to handle this situation. She was, in a word, beautiful. If he had to guess she was in her late twenties with long black hair tied up in a bandana, fierce black eyes, and a slightly long face that fit her just right. Large breasts barely covered by a cloth chest wrap and then, horse. Well, she is beautiful up to the horse part. It gets slightly weird at that point. Do you think there are centaur human couples? I’m not sure how that would work.
“What now? I know you’ve seen a centaur before because I watched Cecrix kick you through a wall yesterday. Maybe he knocked something loose since you have that dopey smile on your face and are staring at me.”
“What, you were here yesterday? Your one of the counts goons?”
“I’m no goon! I’m a member of the counts Calvary Console. That old man broke the law, and we had orders to detain him, simple as that!”
“I’ve heard the rumors about the count coveting this land for his new castle. I’m sure Gerard’s situation has nothing to do with that.”
She sighed and slightly lowered her head looking at him from the corner of her eye for a moment. “I’ll give it to you that the old man was dealt a bad hand, but the count gave him multiple fair offers. He even offered to give him a new Console and upgrade it to level twenty but the old man wouldn’t budge. That’s partially why I came here. Listen, the count is tired of waiting and yes, he is willing to do just about anything at this point to secure this Console. My advice is to renounce command of the Console and to move on. Here.” she said as she threw a bag towards him. “There are one hundred experience coins in that bag to help you get a new start. It’s not much but it’s all I can afford to give you.”
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Lorcus bent down to pick up the bag then took one of the coins out. It was a cerulean blue with streaks of silver running through it. One side had a large house surrounded by a wooden wall and the other held the face of a centaur with big horse ears and teeth. It was obvious that the centaur was trying to look stoic but those features on a human face were just too much. He couldn’t help it and let out a scoff.
The woman cracked a smile and said “Yeah, I know it, some centaurs get more horse features than others. That is Count Cimeon Philexei, best not let Cecrix hear you laugh at the Count since they are brothers and can be a little touchy about his appearance. I’m Agarora by the way.
“Very nice to meet you Agarora, you probably already know my name is Lorcus. What are these coins though and why is the count the only person that I’ve heard with a last name?”
Turning her head to the side Agarora gave him a curious look. “Just where are you from? Everyone knows about experience coins. Well, any Console can use stored experience to create these coins. It is then used as currency when trading, you know where it came from because the Console that makes it puts an image of the main structure on one side and a picture of the Console commander on the other side. As for last names, only Governance Console owners with the rank of count or higher are considered nobility. At that point the Console controls such a large area of land that it is given an official name. The Console owners and their family then use that name as a sign of prestige and to showcase their power.”
Lorcus scratched the back of his head seeing that Agarora was still giving him the stink eye. “Well, my family was very isolated, and I didn’t know about Consoles until recently. Speaking of Consoles, I’ve decided to stay here and take advantage of this opportunity as long as I can. Thank you for the coins but I cannot accept them.”
“I can understand wanting to take advantage of being a Console Commander just know when to get out, I would rather not see you murdered or have to arrest you like Gerard. If you’re going to stay then keep them, I’m sure that curmudgeon left you nothing but a couple bags of seeds and a book about farming.”
He barked out a laugh “Not only that but these sexy ass coveralls too.” Lorcus said with a wink while pulling at the shoulder straps with his thumbs. “Thank you again for the coins but I can’t accept them as a gift, I will pay you back as soon as I can. I was just about to tour the land and see what there is to work with here, care to accompany me?”
“I have to get back to the barracks soon, but I can stay for a little while longer, lead the way.”
The two started walking away from the cottage towards the field. “Do you know anything about this farm?”
“No, I’ve only been here for a few months. People around town have talked about this place, mainly things like “it used to be such a beautiful Console” or “He used to be such a kind and happy boy”.
After walking down a path through a small patch of trees they reached the field. Lorcus looked around and thought “This place doesn’t look like a complete loss. Looks like some onions are still growing over here. I can’t imagine how they survived these weeds. Might be best to do an old school burn and replant.” Turning his thoughts back to Agarora he said, “Oh yeah where did you move here from?”
“As you can probably imagine we centaurs aren’t native to woods like around here. Roughly two days run to the west of here the plains of Berizma begins. That’s where most of the centaurs live under the rule of Baron Sofranos. It’s a beautiful place with endless rolling fields and wildflowers. Unfortunately, that’s about it, we centaurs aren’t normally city people and there are few opportunities to contract with a consule. Count Philexei lead a group of centaurs here five years ago looking for opportunities. A few months ago, several returned with news of success and tales about the new count, so I signed up with the hopes of getting stronger.”
Lorcus was listening intensely to Agarora’s story, considering what it would be like to travel to the plains of Berizma watching beautiful almost naked horse ladies running through fields of flowers. He bent down and picked a carrot they were walking past figuring it would be part of his dinner. “Sounds like a beautiful place I hope to see it one day. What is Berizma? I keep hearing about it; Greater Berizma, Berizma plains.”
“It really is beautiful. Greater Berizma is the continent we are on. It was named after the Berizma empire, or the empire was named after the continent, nobody remembers since the empire was founded thousands of years ago. They are considered one of the great powers of this world. You should protect your carrot.”
“What?” As soon as the words left his mouth a white flash snatched the carrot from his hand and was running back towards the woods. Lorcus took off in pursuit yelling “You want my dinner you can join it in the pot!” Thankfully the rabbit was slowed down by weeds in the field allowing Lorcus to catch up. He lunged forward, arms stretched out for the rabbit.
Seeing Lorcus’s jump, the rabbit turned its head and Lorcus could’ve sworn he saw a line of silver trail the rabbit’s eye as time slowed down. The rabbit let out a squeak that sounded way too much like “third kick, devils whirlwind” before jumping over Lorcus’s outstretched hands and round house kicking him right in the face. Lorcus flew sideways three feet before landing hard on the ground.
By this point Agarora was bent over with an uncontrollable braying laugh. Lorcus had no time to call for help before the rabbit was on him again. Its little claws were scratching at his face relentlessly. Lorcus grabbed the rabbit by the neck trying to get it off him when a slightly choked squeak came out sounding like “world’s end, Leporidae’s palm strike”. Lorcus’s eyes flew wide open knowing that was no innocent squeak. The rabbit’s arm pulled back and he saw the muscles bulge beneath the fur. Panicking he threw the rabbit over his head; it spun midair landing gracefully on a tree like a compressed spring before launching itself back at Lorcus, arm still cocked and bulging.
“What the fuck is wrong with this demonic rabbit!” Lorcus yelled in his panic. Agarora couldn’t answer properly as she gasped out “it’s just a level four rabbit, try this” as she threw Lorcus a stick. Lorcus caught it and muttered “Come on you son of a bitch, come on” as he prepared to hit the rabbit out of the park. Lorcus swung as hard as he could letting out the fiercest battle roar of his life, in return the rabbit squeaked out “Worlds end!” and released the most devastating palm strike ever developed by the rabbits of the Great Forest. Palm met stick and stick shattered, then palm met face and the world went black.
//////
Lorcus woke up to Agarora shaking his shoulder. “Are you okay? That was a truly epic struggle of life and death.” She couldn’t even keep a straight face while saying it.
Lorcus just closed his eyes and laid there. After listening to the still ongoing giggling for some time he noticed some kind of liquid covering his face and licked his lips. He thought, Blood, that rabbit must’ve really done a number on me. He asked, “Am I cut bad? This seems like a lot of blood.”
“You took a good blow to the head, well, as good as a rabbit can do I suppose. Anyway, you’re fine, the stick shattered and a splinter cut the rabbits throat, it’s dead.”
“Thank God, I don’t know what I would’ve done if that rabbit defeated me.”
“Thank you, I can’t remember the last time I laughed like that. In return I will give you some advice, advance your Console to level three and buy staves. It’s a basic combat skill that will help you in case any more demonic rabbits try to take your dinner.” Just like that she was laughing again. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry that was a true battle not funny. Another piece of advice I really shouldn’t tell you is, get a stave and practice. It will lower the experience cost of the skill. Oh yeah you should refresh any other combat skills you have too so the farm’s Console can measure your proficiency.” She took the bandana out of her hair, bent down and wiped off his face then leaned in and licked his cheek. “I must go now; good luck and I’ll see you soon. If you come into town come to the tipsy centaur, I’ll buy you a drink.”
Lorcus leaned on his elbow watching her walk away. It looked like she was swaying her hips a little more than usual which left him hard and confused. “What the fuck is wrong with me, she’s not even human. If this farming thing doesn’t work out, I could become rich by creating centaur pants.”
Getting to his feet he picked a few more onions and carrots then took the rabbit and vegetables to the shed he noticed earlier while walking to the field. There he found various hand tools and several baskets. I guess a tractor would be expecting too much? After placing his dinner in one of the baskets he began looking for a knife to dress the rabbit before it spoiled. The tools were surprisingly well cared for considering everything else he’d seen until now. There hanging on the wall was what looked like a bowie knife. Picking it up off the wall he adopted an Australian accent and said with a chuckle “That’s not a knife, that’s a knife.”
Noticing a loop on the back of the coveralls Lorcus put the knife in its sheath and attached it to the loop. He was pleasantly surprised by the fit, the loop was obviously made for the knife. “Rabbit check, vegetables check, knife check.” Do the people here believe in hygiene? The centaurs had lustrous fur and clean skin so they must take care of themselves, but I’ve seen no soap around here and the only water was the flooded corner of the field. “Guess I’ll head over there to wash all this.”
“Okay, the movies made gutting and skinning an animal look easy. I can’t imagine a demonic cultivation rabbit would be any different.” Placing the rabbit on the ground and taking out the knife Lorcus said “You were a worthy opponent who taught me a lesson I hope to never forget, this isn’t earth and if I take anything for granted it can easily get me killed. I doubt there are any respawns for me here like some video game. Thank you for your sacrifice, may your soul fly free, your body nourish me and the earth.” With that the knife descended cutting the rabbit’s head off, then he cut off the paw that shattered the stick causing the rabbit’s throat to be cut. If that’s not a lucky rabbit foot then I don’t know what is.
Finishing the task of gutting the rabbit, he washed off the carcass and vegetables. Now here is a problem, am I supposed to bury all the rest of this every time I cook? I can’t imagine people in the olden days had a pile of guts behind the house. Maybe a compost pile would be good for the field. Will that draw beasts from the forest? With no convenient shovel Lorcus shrugged and began carrying his burden to the woods.
While walking through the woods the flooding only got worse and the sound of moving water could soon be heard. Coming into sight was yet another picturesque scene, a stream snaking its way through the forest. Right in front of Lorcus was a bend in the stream where a tree fell, collecting a nest of branches. That explains the flooding, looks like another thing to add to the list. With a heave he threw the guts into the stream and washed up.
Remembering Agarora’s suggestion Lorcus picked up a long straight oak branch that fell off a tree. It was roughly wrist thick and seven feet long. “This should do nicely.” I’ll just have to take the bark off and smooth it out. I love woodworking but that usually involves power tools. If every day I stay here didn’t involve the risk of sudden death I could set up a sweet gear driven carpentry shop. I can picture it now, a water wheel right here, spinning logs connected to wood peg gears and belt driven machinery. Getting comfortable beside the lake, Lorcus relaxed for what seemed like the first time in a long time and began to carve the staff.
A growl snapped Lorcus back to the world. The comforting setting and simple repetitive task put him in an almost trancelike state. I can’t believe I’ve been at this all day; I’m starving and have no idea how to cook medieval rabbit. A simple fire will have to do. Looking down at the staff he was impressed. The wood was smooth and straight without any splinters. It fit perfectly in his hands and felt natural to wield. Maybe another few hours and this will be finished. My first handmade item in this world, not too bad.
Getting close to the hut Lorcus stopped and shook his head. You know it’s really not too bad as a start. It just needs some loving… and a door. Most likely a new roof but that’s a problem for another day. First things first I need to get lucky! Jogging over to the hut and searching through the kitchen cabinets Lorcus found what he was looking for. Hidden on the top shelf was a small bag of salt. Looks like this is precious stuff here. The old man probably kept it for special occasions. No help for it though. Trying hard not to think about a life of food without salt, Lorcus shoved the rabbit’s foot into the jar and sealed it. “That should suck it dry and preserve it. I’m not superstitious but it will make a great memento of my first days here.”
The corner of the kitchen held a sophisticated fireplace considering the state of the hut. Gerard must’ve cared more about food than the rest of the house combined. The entire fireplace was made of carved stone, its lowest edge was four inches off the floor with a large fire box and the walls had metal hooks for various cooking attachments. Lorcus grabbed some wood from the side of the house and made a fire. Spitting the vegetables and meat on the spit he placed it on the hooks and let it do its thing.
Out of curiosity Lorcus went over to the Console to see if he had gained any experience throughout the day. Engage.
Congratulations Console Commander you have forty-seven experience stored.
That’s not too bad considering I barely did any farming today. It would help me make a plan if I could see an experience breakdown of some sort.”
Experience breakdown:
Please specify the timeframe.
Experience breakdown for the last twenty-four hours.
Total experience gained forty-seven.
Total experience gained by Console Commander Lorcus: Forty-seven
1x rabbit level four. Experience: Forty
4x carrot. Experience: four
3x Onion. Experience: three
Not bad for a mornings work. If the last day and a half showed me anything it’s to get farmers constitution as soon as possible. Being knocked unconscious three times in two days is not only embarrassing but closer to dying than I ever want to get again. Killing that rabbit was profitable, it’s not worth my life though. On the other hand, it would be easy to pick two hundred vegetables if they are an easy one-for-one trade. On top of that I should be able to sell them for experience crystals. The only problem there is they take time to grow. Perhaps there’s something more valuable I can grow or a way to speed up the process?
Leaving the Console Lorcus spun the rabbit on the spit then walked over to the door to see if it could be fixed. The middle of the door was bent inward but not broken. The hinges were ripped out of the wall and bent while the frame was shattered.
Well, there’s no way I’m fixing this without any tools. Deciding there was nothing to be done with the door Lorcus moved it out to the firewood pile. He then hung the hospital gown in the doorway with the hopes of keeping out bugs. After that was finished he got comfortable and continued working on his staff.
The smell of the rabbit’s grease hitting the fire soon filled the hut and Lorcus grunted in satisfaction as he finished the staff. Not bad at all, it could use some oil to give it a finish but that won’t be happening any time soon. I’m sure blood and sweat will look just as good. Lorcus thought while leaning the staff against the wall and moving over to the Kitchen. Wood plates, no running water, no dishwasher, no soap, no sponge. I don’t mind putting in some hard work, but I didn’t like washing dishes at the best of times. One of those worker slots will have to go to a housekeeper. Grabbing a thick towel Lorcus decided to simply eat the rabbit directly from the spit before crawling into bed and immediately passing out.
//////
The next morning Lorcus awoke in bed gratified to have gotten a full night’s sleep and to wake up without the help of a bucket of water. The farm was quiet with only the sound of birds greeting the day. Feeling content with his current situation Lorcus thought, the first thing I need to do is get that field producing crops. Perhaps the most important step is to clear that log from the stream so the flooding will recede. Picking up his staff Lorcus made his way to the shed to gather an axe and whatever else he thought would be useful.
Thankfully the fallen tree wasn’t too large, having a diameter of roughly a foot. Normally I would start by stripping down as much as possible before jumping into that stream but without underwear I fear for my manhood. Who knows what surprise that stream holds for me or have one of those branches catch me in the wrong place. Resigning himself to working in waterlogged coveralls Lorcus got to work. He started by using the axe to cut the branches off the top of the tree and then cutting the trunk back as close to the stream as he could without going in. He then got into the water and started clearing the branches that were blocking the stream. At one point he felt something brush his leg and jumped in surprise expecting some other world tentacle monster to be attacking him. Thankfully it was just a normal fish and he happily started trying to catch one.
It seemed there were a lot of fish trying to get downstream that got stuck here thanks to the blockage. After flailing around trying to either grab the fish by hand or scoop them up before throwing them onto the shore Lorcus wound up with three large fish. Content that dinner was once again secured he got back to work. Once the debris was cleared, he moved to the opposite side of the lake and cut the tree just after the stump. Nothing happened, Lorcus was hoping the stream would dislodge the log and carry it downstream, but it just sat there. Grumbling to himself Lorcus found a smaller log lying on the forest floor and lodged it underneath the log. He then put the other end on his shoulder and began slowly rolling one end towards the stream. Finally, it fell into the stream and was quickly out of view.
The labor-intensive day left Lorcus drained. Looking up at the sun Lorcus figured it was well past noon, so he decided to take his fish as a piece offering to Todd and Deloris with the hopes of getting more information about this new world.