The layout remembered me of the Guild Houses in a lot of Animes or Mangas. The Bottom Floor was half filled with round Tables where one could sit and wait for whatever the fuck they were waiting for. The other Half was hidden from the eyes of the public and was behind a counter where a lot of People mostly beautiful Woman were standing smiling to everyone that would enter.
On the left wall there were a lot of Boards hung up on the wall but almost all of them vanished behind the mass of paper sheets on them. I guessed that they were either quests or news or something of the like. On the Right Side was a small Bar were one could order something to drink or eat.
There was also two stairs on each side of the counter leading into the next floor which was also enclosed from the eyes of the public.
As soon as I had entered all eyes were on me. It were more then 40 pair of eyes. Excluding the 4 Guild Ladies at the counter and the Bartender that only gave me a short glance there were still 35 pairs left. And not even half of them were from Females. Which meant those weren't Adventurer. Or at least not all of them. Meaning those were either NPC-Questgivers, NPC-Adventures or Faction members or Leaders.
I set up a smug face as I casually walked up to the counter. At least those NPCs had enough manners to leave me be, probably as long as I didn't talk to them of my own accord.
Guild Lady: "Yes? How may I help you?"
´Again that faked business smile huh. ´
Taru: "Yeah. Hello. I would like to learn a profession."
Guild Lady: "You can learn any Profession in the First Floor. Use Those stairs, but please Remember that learning a Profession will cost something so don't go up there if you don't have any money."
Taru: "Ok. Thank you."
I turned left and with quick excited steps walked up the stairs. I opened the simple wooden Door and stepped into a big room.
???: "What do you mean costs 100 Silver? Are you crazy?!?"
I just started scanning the room as my Attention was drawn to the side. There was a huge Man sitting behind a wooden counter arms crossed in front of his massive chest. In front of the counter standing was a brown haired girl. Or better said an Adventurer guessing from the outfit. She threw her hands into the air before turning around. She stopped dead as she noticed me staring at her.
She walked up to me with quick steps and I prepared to retreat just in case.
Girl: "Chiame?"
I opened my eyes wide. Was she someone I knew?
Taru: "Yeah? Do I know you?"
Girl: "No! But how could anyone not know the only guy in the top 50. I wondered what kind of Person you would be."
I was relieved that I didn't forget someone that was that far in the game but at the same time I was cautious of that Girl. I shrugged my shoulders.
Taru: "Yeah. So. Here I am. What next?"
Girl: "My name is Saechan. I am ranked 23. Nice to meet you."
I shook her hand still looking at her cautiously.
Taru: "Chiame. Ranked 3. The pleasure is all mine."
She stopped the slightly awkward handshake and smiled at me.
Saechan: "Hey. Say. Can I join your Guild?"
I was surprised at the offer. I had expected her to invite me to join her guild but it seemed she was aware that I would deny such a offer.
Taru: "Maybe? But right now I would like to get a Profession."
It seemed something inside her clicked at that note and she quickly turned around.
Saechan: "Your right! Lets meet Downstairs once I have chosen my Class."
She walked towards another wooden counter where a man with huge muscles and a two handed axe besides him sat.
´The Warrior Class?´
Before I could check our any other wooden counter or the People behind it however she turned around again.
Saechan: "Oh yeah. By the way. Don't even try to get that Class. That guy may looks strong but he is just ridiculously greedy."
I turned towards the man she stood in front of before. And she was right. He was the only one from over 20 Differently Build People that was bigger and more Buffed then the 7 Feet Big Warrior Class Master.
His Fingers reminded me more of claws and I noticed a tail swishing behind him.
´Lion People?´
It was the First that came to mind upon seeing him. He even had a mane consisting of his short dirty-Blond beard and his long backwards combed hair.
He was lounging lazily in his chair but still managed to somehow look majestic while doing so. Like only true Lions can do.
I was drawn towards him and before noticing I was standing in front of his counter. I grinned over both ears slamming my hand down on the wooden counter.
Taru: "Teach me."
The man mustered me from head to toe which he did without even standing up although I was behind the counter.
Lion Man: "Alright. It Costs 44 Silver and 60 Copper."
Taru: "Alright!"
Without hesitation I pulled every single coin out of my magical purse pouring them out onto the counter.
It didn't escape me that before he had asked for a 100 Silver or 1 Gold. Why he asked me for not even the half was because he simply asked for everything one had.
It was the "one had to lose everything before he could gain everything" logic in grand use.
The second my last coin landed on the counter and I grinned up at the Lion Man he reached under the counter. After a few seconds of reaching for something he pulled up a very old book. He slammed it onto the counter and grinned wide.
Lion Man: "Here you go boy."
I took the Book and opened the First Page.
ChampionThe Heart of a Champion is a protective heart.
The Champion Shields, Defends, Stands Between, And Guards... He invests himself in
"The Energy of Self-Disciplined, Aggressive Action."
By Champion I do not mean one who loves war or draws sadistic Pleasure from Fighting or Bloodshed.
There is a Difference between a Champion and a Warrior. A Warrior is a Brute a Champion is a Protector.Level Requirement10Strength Requirement20Intelligence Requirement15
I looked at the Pop up window intensely. 20 Strength was a lot. But In my own excitement I had already paid every bit of money I had. So either I went trough with my own stupidity or I would be left with no money or Profession.
Lion Man: "You have a Heart as loud as a Lion. Why let your thoughts be tame."
I looked up at the grinning Lion Man. He was standing now, towering over me. The Air around him had a certain royalty to it. I realized that I wanted that to.
I wanted it really badly. No other Person in this room was anywhere close to being as interesting as him.
Taru: "Alrgiht!"
I opened my Status Window and put just enough Points into Strength
Status WindowNameChiameLevel13EXP5600Memory96600ProfessionNoneFactionNoneSpouseNoneGuildNoneTitlesNoneHealth150/ 150Health Regen5/ minMana220/ 220Mana Regen:10/ minStrenght20Agility10Vitality10Wisdom5Intelligence17Toughness0Attack20Defense0Physical ResistancesSlashing0Piercing0Crushing0Elemental ResistancesFire-10Water0Wind0Earth0Light10Darkness-10
I took the Book again and this time another Pop Up Window Appeared.
Will you become a ChampionYesNo
I found the Pop Up window rather stupid. If one had the stats for a Profession one probably wanted to learn it. I pressed yes and immediately was blinded as the book started to radiantly shine.
Lions RoarLevel Requirement10Mana Usage50/UseMagical Scaling-Upon Reciting the Name of the Skill you let lose a primal roar attracting the attention of every Enemy in a Radius of 50 Yards.
Increases your Defense for 15 seconds for 20%
After I had regained my sight the book had vanished and in return there were some Pop up windows in front of me.
The First seemed to be a skill of brilliant strength. And it seemed I was reward even more.
ChargeLevel Requirement10Mana Usage30/UseMagical Scaling-You Charge towards an enemy who can be up to 20 yards away from you and attack with a heavy Blunt Attack which has a 30% Chance of stunning him for 2 seconds.
You Deal 150 Blunt Physical Damage
The Two skills I got seemed to be for a front fighter off-tank class which I had already expected on hand from the Text in the Description for the Champion Profession.
But that wasn't all.
Tough SkinLevel Requirement10Mana UsagePassiveMagical Scaling-Increases your Natural Defense to each Damage Type to 50.
Also Increases the Physical Protection of any Armor you wear by 10%
Taru: "Damn!"
I couldn't believe all of the awesome Skills I got for investing just 10 Status Points. This was already all worth it.
I shook with excitement as raised my hands up high.
Taru: "YES! Fuck the hell YES!"
I heard a loud sigh and as I turned, for the first time noticed a Woman that sat on the next wooden counter.
She was of stunning beauty and from what I knew I expected she was also a Profession Master.
Mysterious Woman: "Boy you just took on a very difficult Path."
I lowered my hands and for a second looked at the Lion Man. But there was not the slightest Reaction on his face. Seeing that I turned towards the Mysterious Woman asking.
Taru: "What do you mean?"
The Woman looked me up and down like the man did before but I somehow felt unlike he she was looking down on me.
It ticked me off.
Mysterious Woman: "Someone as Fragile as you wont make it very far like this. You should have become a Magician or something."
I wanted to retort something but before I could open my mouth someone else defend me. It was the Lion Man.
Lion Man: "Mare. That Man over here you called Boy has much more Character then anyone I have ever seen taking on your Profession."
The Retort of the Lion Man was not just Protecting my Decision but at the same time insulting the Woman. I couldn't have done it better myself.
And it visible angered the Woman called Mare.
Mare: "What do you know Angeal! Everyone of my Students is elegant and charming unlike your loud and brutish...... brutes."
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
I couldn't stop myself from giggling at her retort which promptly caught me a deadly gaze that made me shut up immediately.
Angeal: "Brilliant Retort. Maybe think next time before you try to insult someone.
My People can be loud yes. But unlike your "oh so charming" Students mine just like Lions don't have to roar don't have to brag about there skills."
Mare: "Its True that I have yet to see any of your People Brag. But tell me again how many student did you get yet?"
´Low Blow´
Angeal: "Rrrrrr. Aaaarrr. I......... One."
Mare set up a victorious smile as my "Master" Sulked together his cheeks flushing red. I couldn't let my "Master" get embarrassed in front of all other Profession Masters and Saechan so.
Taru: "Don't worry Teach. I´ll show you just how much of a Lion I am."
My "Master" set up a big smile at my cheers. But I wasn't done just yet. I turned to Mare and continued.
Taru: "And you. I will show you just how "Fragile" I am. I chose this Path myself and I will walk it down no matter the cost."
I felt a big hand falling onto my shoulder and as I turned my head my "Master" was standing besides me.
Angeal: "See even a young boy like him can outmatch you in a conversation. I know I had placed my bets on the right guy.
Go out there and show them what you are capable off."
On the last sentence he took his hand of my shoulder formed a fist and held it against my chest. My Grin grew wider and wider and until it matched his own. There was a warmth and power coming from his fist that quickly spread trough my whole Body.
Taru: "Hell yeah. You can count on me Teach."
I stepped back, turned around, fist bumped into the air and walked out of the room without looking back.
´Like a Boss.´
I came to a stop at the bottom of the stairs before I noticed.
I had gotten a Class yes. But this couldn't have been everything there was to it right? I knew that going back up there right no would be really embarrassing after such a out but I needed the information.
???: "Hey Boy!"
I looked up as I heard the voice of my "Master." He had opened the door with a somewhat ashamed face.
Angeal: "Sorry. I forgot to tell you that you should come by every now and then. This was only one of the Books you had to master before you can become a True Champion."
He stooped and I thought that was it but before I could ask he spoke again.
Angeal: "About every 10 Levels as you Adventurers call it.
And by the way if you manage to achieve anything special you get extra rewards if you come to me. If you don't manage to visit me because you are somewhere far away just go to another Master Champion. Tell them Angeal Sent you. They´ll know what that means."
Taru: "Alright. Thank you."
This was the First time that I heard a NPC say something gaming related. I grinned inwardly at the game trying to hold up the illusion of it not knowing it is a game. It did a decent job till now but sooner or later the mask will fall anyway.
Angeal: "Then good luck out there. And be careful."
Taru: "Sure. See ya."
He want back and a few seconds after the door shut I turned around. I was a bit unsure on what to do next.
´I could wait for that Girl and try to figure out what she knew or I could open my own guild. Or on the other hand I could go out killing monsters or.....´
I turned right and walked up to one of the boards that hung on the wall. All the paper sheets were hand written in Japanese Kanji which surprised me. The Producer of this game even went so far as to give different writing styles to there .
Some of them were neatly laid out with fat Letters at the top as attention catcher and smaller letters underneath while others were a mess with bad hand writing and now seeable glue on what they actually wanted.
"HELP: DRAGON ATTACK"
"Our Village keeps getting attacked by a small swarm of fire dragons which eat all of our livestock........"
"Ogre Hunt"
"A Ogre has recently settled into mountains nearby. We need the help of..........."
"Herb Collecting"
"Go into the forbidden Marshes and collect..........."
I studied some of the Paper sheets and like I expected everyone of them were quests directed to adventurers. And on hand of the amount I could guess this land or kingdom or whatever it was needed a lot of help.
They ranged from defending small cities from bandits to killing legendary sea creatures till down to yes you guessed it finding lost pets and jewelry.
After about a minute I noticed that there was a system despite the looks of it. On the left side closer to the door were the easy jobs like finding said pets while on the right side were the more difficult ones like slaying dragons and so.
The Paper sheets never stated a direct amount of cash or amount of people you could take with you so I guessed those things were negotiable. Of course one Person alone would have trouble protecting a city on his own while he may be able to slay a dragon singlehandedly.
That's why guilds were such a huge thing in this game considering there wasn't a real group system. Except the whole relation thingy.
I turned around again and walked up to one of the ladies behind the counter.
Taru: "Say. How can I open my own guild?"
Guild Lady: "If you want to create your own guild you first need at least five signatures on this formula."
The Guild Lady reached under the counter and handed over a sheet of paper. It looked very contract like and upon reading it I realized that if I opened a guild I had a lot of responsibilities.
For example if someone brought forth a quest that was of great importance a guild had to take it and if my guild was the strongest or the one nearest it had to fulfill the mission or pay a penalty. I sighed.
´Is it really worth it?´
A guild master had the responsibility to watch out for his guild members and was responsible if they commit crimes. He was also responsible that the guild would fulfill said guild quests and if not he was to pay the penalty if the Guild Bank wasn't able to.
´I really have to talk this out with Kaen.´
I decided that for now it was better to just let it go. Besides I didn't even know enough People in the game to get 5 Signatures. And 3/4 of the People I knew weren't even out of the beginner area yet.
While I thought about it I was still holding the formula standing in front of the Guild Lady. She coughed to get my attention before saying.
Guild Lady: "Those Signatures don't have to be from other adventurers you know. If a normal Person would Sign it, it would count just as much. But don't forget that the Guild Leader has to be an Adventurer like you."
Taru: "Ok. Thanks for the info. But right now I don't have what it takes. Sorry."
This was really interesting. Considering those Programs were so real it wouldn't even be weird to have a guild full of just NPCs. Like your own NPC Army.
However even with NPCs I didn't know enough People to open a guild. I handed back the formula and stepped away from the guild counter. Since I was so deep in thought I didn't even noticed that the door of the guild has opened.
In the Door standing was a little girl of maybe 9 to 10 years. The first feature I noticed after turning around were her fairy like wings and pointed ears. The second thing I noticed was that she was crying.
Although she was crying and trembling no one seemed to pay any special attention to her except me that is.
She sniffed loudly and ran towards me. Or better said the guild counter. She ran past me and as soon as reaching the Counter blurted out.
Crying Girl: "Please Help us. Please Help my Brother."
I turned around quickly and looked at the Guild Lady. But that Bitch just business smiled at the Girl and replied.
Guild Lady: "If you want to make a request please write it on a sheet of paper and hang it up on one of those boards. If you are Lucky a Adventurer will take it and help you."
´Bitch.´
I stepped besides the Girl glaring at the Guild Lady.
Taru: "I will do it."
The Guild Lady just kept smiling at me with that stone cold expression but I didn't care. Right now the Girl came first.
I kneeled besides the Girl how was looking at me with a surprised expression.
Taru: "Tell me what´s going on."
She sniffed again before hugging me tightly.
Crying Girl: "Please oh please help my Brother. He was attacked...... and..... .then...... I `sob`...... he.... .and...."
I broke up her desperate hug and looked at her intensely. She was so surprised by this that she stopped talking and just looked back at me.
Taru: "Breath in deeply."
She followed my command and breathed in.
Taru: "Good. Lets sit down over there. Then tell me again what happened."
Crying Girl: "But..... He don't have....... Time.......... he may....... `Sniff`"
I put my hand over her mouth before she could start to cry again. This may looked mean but it wouldn't get us anywhere if she wasn't able to tell me what was going on. I had to now exactly what it was she needed. It wouldn't give us anything if we rushed there just that I would get killed by some big bad creature.
Taru: "Come on."
I practically pulled her with me to one of the free tables besides the bar and sat her down. From wherever that Girl came from or if it was from the whole crying she was out of breath that's why I went up to the bar and ordered.
Taru: "One Glass of Water Please."
the Bartender looked at me just for a second before pulling out a empty 0,25 Liter Glass pouring in some water from a wooden faucet.
Bartender: "That makes one copper Please."
Only then I realized that I right now was money less. I could ask the Girl but what kind of knight in shining armor was I if she had to pay her own refreshment.
´Ok. Lets Gamble.´
Taru: "My names Chiame. I will come back later and pay."
Bartender: "That's fine by me but just now that every passed hour it will cost a copper more."
The Bartender knew exactly that this Guild Hall was the gathering point of all Adventurers and that I had no other choice but to come back her sooner or later. But this was perfect. Like this I could at least walk past a embarrassing conversation about the payment of a Glass of Water. And if I ever drank something here again I could use the same trick if I was low on money again.
I took the Glass of water and quickly walked back to the table the Girls Wings were twitching as I returned and she was already crying. I cupped her chin raising her face. She sniffed yet again before looking at me serious. I caught her gaze and lead her eyes to the Glass of water.
Taru: "Drink."
She looked at the water for a second before nodding. She took the Glass with both hands and chugged down the water in one go. Afterwards she wiped over her mouth and then her sweat drenched forehead.
It seemed that I was right with the whole "came running all the way" thing. But it seemed I managed to calm her down at least a little bit.
Taru: "Ok. Now tell me exactly what happened."
Crying Girl: "My name is Ilya and me and my brother were playing just outside of our house outside of town as suddenly a Big Man with Green Skin came out of the forest nearby and kidnapped my brother. I am sure he wants to eat him. You must save him. Come on quickly."
She stood up walking around the table and pulled me with her towards the door. It wasn't the most precise quest description I had gotten in a game till now but I could take guesses.
If she said it was a Big Green Skinned Man and if they were close to town then it narrowed down the possible enemies. Since there are a lot of houses outside I cant imagine the Kingdom would let anything very Dangerous live nearby. Therefore I suspected a lost Logar or something like that. And even if it wasn't a Logar if he was alone I had a realistic chance of beating the creature whatever it may be.
Taru: "Alright. Lets Go."
---
Hello everyone its me again.
I hope you like the Chapter and I know that his Profession may come as a surprise to you.
But I hope you still like my choice since it took me really long to chart out what his Class would be and how this would affect his future.
Well anyway this chapter was a bit boring but next chapter will be action packed so be prepared.
And by the way thanks for 1000 views on my first chapter. This is just insane. Thank you very much.
Ok. Bye.