May 24, 1256 of the Second Era
Yaros answered one by one the questions of what seemed like a long dream. Finally, his body and mind changed according to his choices resulting in a slightly attractive young man. A half-elf with long shiny blond hair and beautiful blue eyes that would charm any girl with a single glance. Or at least that's how it should have been.
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Name: Yaros
Age: 19
Level 1
Classes: Tactician
Race: Half-elf
You have only 25% elven blood, but you have distinctive physical differences from other humans. That's
why you are called half-elf. Distinctive differences:
Pointed ears.
Your skin is pale.
Blessings:
[Blessed by Elruth]: The God of Elves, Elruth, noticed you before you were born.
Advantages:
* [Elven Dexterity XX]: Racial passive trait:
+20% to Dexterity.
* [Elven Intellect XX]: Racial passive trait:
+20% to Intelligence.
* [Elven Perception XXXI]: Racial passive trait:
+310 to Sight.
+310 to Hearing.
* [Elven Wisdom]: Racial passive trait
Gives the [See Beyond] skill.
* [Elven Grace X]: Racial passive trait:
-10% to Stamina Consumption
* [Attractive XX]: Passive trait:
+200 to Aspect
Disadvantages:
* [Elven Fragility X]: Racial passive trait:
-10% to Power.
-10% to Weight
[Blessed by Laght]: The God of Mechanics and Technology, Laght, noticed you before you were born.
Advantages:
* Gives the special technique skill [Inventive]
* [Resourceful XX]: Passive trait:
+200 to Cleverness
Disadvantages:
* You suffer from [Confusion II] in the presence of the beautiful and carnal (Only if it attracted you)
Main attributes:
Power: 100-10
Dexterity: 100+20
Intelligence: 100+20
Willpower 100
Vitality:
HP: 190/190
Energy: 90000/90000
Stamina: 05/305
Stamina Consumption: 90%
Stamina Transition: 1/s
Health 100%
Water 100%
Blood 100%
Constitution:
Weight (kg) 54
Height (m) 1,65
Encumbrance (Kg) 36
Weapon:
Crossbow Mastery: 20
Blowgun Mastery: 10
Short Blowgun: 1 (15)
Dagger Mastery : 10
Dagger: 1 (15)
Hand Crossbow: 6 (20)
Professions:
Alchemy Mastery 10
[Mixing ingredients] Knowledge 1 (11)
Engineering Mastery 10
[Mechanics Fundamentals] Knowledge 1(10)
Basic Skills
[Tense] (Level 1)
[Mentalized] (Level 1)
[Sprint] (Level 1)
[Stealth] (Level 1)
[Passive Regeneration] (Level 1)
[Passive Healing] (Level 1)
[Alive]
Special Skills
[See Beyond] (Level 1)
[Inventive] (Level 1)
Technique Skills
[Tactician] (Level 1)
Weapon Skills
Crossbow and Blowgun [Quick Shot] (Level 1)
Dagger [Stab] (Level 1)
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*[Tactician] (Level 1): Technique Skill. Increase your strategic ability at the cost of losing combat capability:
+30% to Intelligence.
+10% to Perception.
-15% to Willpower.
-5% to Power.
+1 to Stamina Transition.
+10% to Stamina Consumption.
Costs 1 Stamina per minute to maintain
*[Inventive] (Level 1): Special Technique Skill. Your intellectual capacity improves when you have any production process ahead of you:
+20% to Intelligence.
+10% to Cleverness.
-5% to Dexterity and Power.
Costs 1 Stamina per minute to maintain
When the dream ended, Yaros fervently wanted to become one of the greatest artifact creators in this new world. That's precisely what he was thinking about when an immense uproar and some screams caught his attention. Unaware that there was a portal behind him, he found himself standing at a huge altar with a circular base. He didn't have time to notice it either, something huge was approaching at high speed in his direction. "What the hell is that?! Gods! It's a-a... "
Dumbfounded, he watched as a huge reptilian claw landed a couple of meters away from him. However, having a giant claw land next to him was not the most impressive thing of all for Yaros. As if by magic, the claw began to levitate. It moved slowly, accompanied by some magical particles coming from a dimensional portal about 20 meters away.
As Yaros' eyes followed it, they almost popped out of their sockets. For some reason he couldn’t understand, barely 3 meters away from him was the dismembered body of a huge reptile and at least one human scattered everywhere.
Unable to contain itself, Yaros' body decided it was a good time to puke up the bile. Disgusted by the smell and sound of his own vomit, Yaros barely listened to the murmur that quickly turned to reproach.
"There was no other way?"
"You would kill anyone just like that?"
Someone replied defiantly. "If anyone even thinks of touching any contaminated remains, I'll kill him myself!
Terrified, Yaros backed away, avoiding touching any of the many pieces of human flesh and bones scattered around him.
Already at a certain distance, Yaros couldn’t help but look at the knight who walked away, visibly furious. He did so, however, not because he was surprised by the knight's attitude, but because of the beautiful and tall red-haired young woman who crossed his path. She was so pretty, that the knight gave her a long, seductive look. She asked him a question in a low voice and he laughed, pointing to an old woman waiting on the stairs.
Unable to resist, Yaros approached, mesmerized by the young woman. He walked past her without taking his eyes off her, but to his chagrin, she didn't even notice him. Too many people had acted the same way as him. Visibly uncomfortable, the redhead walked away from the crowd.
At the top of the stairs, dressed in strange black clothes and carrying a long cane, an old woman raised her voice, trying to get the attention of all the newcomers.
"Hey, you fucking assholes! You haven't missed anything at this party! This is very common here!" Pointing to the mountains. "If you look closely, you will see that we are surrounded by fearsome creatures! If it wasn't for the power of the Nexus, you would all be dead!" Emphasizing as she smiled maliciously. "You, not me!"
Incredulous at the old woman's words, Yaros looked out of the city. To his amazement, massive creatures over 70 meters long were visible from a distance. "Those are dragons!" Looking in another direction, he also found giants over 20 meters tall. "Gods, gods! I don't want to be here!"
Finishing her introduction, the old woman pointed to a gigantic pillar the size of a skyscraper at the top of the city.
"That’s the Nexus. Casts multiple active spells, including the barrier that prevents those not imbued with its power from passing through."
"By the way! For those of you who wish to leave this city and venture out into this vast world where endless dangers await you, you must first join the Adventurer’s Guild. Those of you who want to stay here and beg money till death in the streets… You can start now! Honestly, I don't give a shit about you! The rest, come with me!"
Pausing for a long time, she revealed a malicious smile as she stared at them. "That's right, I almost forgot! Welcome to Antharia!"
Yaros, like the crowd, was stunned by the old woman's eccentricity. Nevertheless, from the first to the last, they followed her down the stairs. Even a crowd of undecided ones. They all descended a flight of stone steps at least 6 meters wide and 800 steps long that led through the huge hill of houses down to the slums of the city, near the walls. A city saturated with simple stone houses and simple clay tile roofs.
Serious and authoritative, the old woman continued. "Do you see that building over there? That one that seems to have an upside-down boat for a roof! That's the Adventurer’s Guild. It costs a silver coin to belong to it. It may seem a lot, but it has many privileges. From a place to sleep, to some help to survive in this reality."
Leaning on her cane, she turned around. "When you get the ten silver coins that every newcomer receives, don't run around like crazy spending them on booze in Antharia's many taverns. Reserve one aside to join the Guild. That is the only way you will be able to make a living in this city. Outside the city there are more possibilities, but from my point of view they are worse. Unless you're planning on becoming outlaws from the start. In that case, I predict a quick death.
The old woman turned her back on them again and continued. "But before you can even think about that, you will have to face the trials of the Nexus and reach level 10. I'm warning you, the trials won't be easy. The most dangerous thing about them are their rules. Disobey them, and you will die no matter how powerful you are!"
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
A few newcomers interrupted her.
"Why the hell is this happening?"
"How did we get here?"
"Why do we have to face such trials?"
The old woman shrugged her shoulders without deigning to look at the crowd. "I have no idea! That's the way it is! End of story! If you don't like it, you can kill yourselves! At least it will be faster.”
The look of consternation on some people's faces was almost accompanied by tears. However, the old woman didn't stop there. She continued to speak, making it clear what kind of reality they were in. "It may sound harsh, but if you are brave and ambitious, you will become worthy of the title of adventurer. Strong and skilled. Only then will you be allowed to go all over the world!"
"But first things first! If you want to earn the right to explore the world, you must go through the rite of initiation. Or, as some of you call it, 'The Long Tutorial'. A series of events that the Nexus will put you through. In them, you will face enemies who might be carrying something of value, and with a lot of luck, stupidly expensive magic items that you can trade for gold!"
The faces of most of those present lit up at the magic word. Unseen, the old woman couldn't help but smile maliciously. "Do I also have to explain what to do with the gold?"
A tall and strong young man raised his voice in a distrustful tone. "I don't see anyone covered in gold here, you old trout."
The old woman laughed, dispelling the newcomer's mistrust. "Of course not, Fen!" The young man looked at her impressed, since he had never given his name to anyone. "Most of you will spend it on unproductive bullshit like booze, drugs and who knows what else! Those idiots die soon! Instead, those who are smart, invest it in decent equipment and learn skills to take on more powerful creatures who possess better items, and thus, reach level 10. Not like the trashy adventurers who never get to see the other cities of this world."
In a palpably malicious tone, she addressed Fen. "In those cities you will find those gold-covered adventurers you seek so much!" Then, she turned slowly, wanting to keep up the expectation. "But like I said, you're going to need guts and ambition to pull that off!"
Fen turned bolder and raised his voice. "You don't look like an adventurer, so there must be another way to survive without risking our life, I suspect!"
The old woman assumed that someone would ask that stupid question. She hated being asked that, but most of all she hated being underestimated. A sadistic and diabolical rictus appeared on her face as a black mist began to envelop her. The air became thick and heavy in the lungs of those present. Everyone felt as if breathing was too difficult. "Did you see the handsome guy up there? Yeah, the kid who just wiped out the wyvern? Did you see him?"
Most of those present stepped back in terror. Fen stood motionless as sweat poured down his forehead in torrents. "Yes!"
The old woman's voice changed into a monstrous voice. It was so gruesome that some had to cover their ears. "Why don't you ask Marom, that's the name of the Wyvern Slayer, if he has enough eggs in his pants to face me? Go and ask him!!”
Fen apologized, trying to hide the fact that he was almost shaking. "Sorry I asked such a stupid question, ma'am!”
The old woman took her time trying to calm down, but unable to do so, she decided to get rid of them quickly. "I think you can go to the Guild alone!"
Fen got the message, but the rest just didn't take the hint and simply stood there, waiting for the old woman. "Are you deaf, you damned bastards! GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!!!"
They all rushed down in a panic, descending the stairs more than two meters away from the old woman. Some even fell flat on their faces down the stairs, one on top of the other. Everyone except Yaros and two tall girls ran away. A dark-skinned half-orc and the beautiful redhead.
Still annoyed and looking at them sideways. "What the hell are you looking at?"
Being stared at directly by the powerful old woman, Yaros fell backwards on the upper stairs as she tried to get away. The girls, on the other hand, were unfazed. The half-orc, Daowm, even seemed impressed. Hitting the high area of her chest as a sign of respect. "Venerable old woman! What do I have to do to become a mighty warrior like you?"
The old woman turned around, and almost ignoring her started down the stairs. Daowm hurried and jumped in front of her on her left side. Yaros and Emhe watched in amazement as the half-orc jumped down several steps, all without tripping. A feat worthy of very few that none of them intended to imitate.
With one foot on each step, Daowm dropped to one knee as she bent over trying to keep her balance. Being thus bold, but respectful. "I beg you, great woman! Teach me!"
The old woman tried her best to be polite, despite being annoyed by Daowm's ignorance. "First, you'd have to improve that amoeba brain of yours. When you have at least 600 points in Intelligence, you might start to understand what you have to do to be so powerful. Now, get out of my sight!!!"
Daowm stood up, offended. "600 of Intelligence? And what do I want that for?" The look on the old woman's face was terrifying. Daowm walked downstairs, holding back her anger against such a powerful being. Nimble, she caught up with the others who were already at the entrance of the Guild. There, they received a small cloth sack from a friendly monk.
Next to the friendly monk, a huge crate loaded with tiny cloth sacks. "Please! Enter in an orderly manner to register. Don't worry! No one is going to be left without their sack of coins!"
Yaros stood up looking at his elbows. "Good thing I didn't get hurt!"
Looking to his right, he noticed that the tall redhead had her green eyes focused on that imposing mass that was the Nexus. Unable to stop thinking about her beautiful body. "Gods! She's so gorgeous!"
Heart pounding, Yaros descended a couple of steps and stood in front of her, offering her a hand. "M-my n-name is Yaros!"
Unable to control his own eyes, Yaros began to gawk at the girl's stunning body. Especially her prominent bust, which was right in front of his face. Yaros remained like that for a brief moment, or so he thought. A small trickle of drool was falling from his mouth.
Disgusted and scowling, the redhead clenched her fists tightly. "Are you an idiot? Do you think by any chance that I like being stared at like that?" Emhe didn't wait for an apology, she slowly went downstairs. Trembling and feebly. As if each step were an odyssey.
The old woman, who had not yet moved away, meticulously observed Emhe's strange state. "What's wrong with you? Why is it so hard for you to walk? Did you choose to be the prettiest at the dance at the cost of your Power? I don't understand how the Nexus wastes its essence by providing a body to asses like you!" Emhe ignored her and continued down the stairs until she reached the adventurer monk handing out the sacks of coins.
Down the stairs, to the left, was the recruiting area for newcomers. It was a large square surrounded by simple stone and wood buildings, such as the armory, the training area and the registration windows annexed to the administration. Covering the entrances to the buildings adjoining the square, some simple awnings were arranged, leaving the central area of the square free.
Blushing, the monk handed her the sack containing the 10 silver coins. Smiling as he gave her almost exclusive attention. "Remember to set aside a silver coin to join the Guild! Only this way those brought by the Nexus can have a future in this reality! After you have registered and carefully read the instructions on the board, I recommend that you go to the market and equip yourself with clothes, weapons, healing materials and supplies. Naturally, this will depend on your interests and skills. Then, head to the Nexus. There, they will tell you what to do.
At the look of concern on the faces of some of the newcomers at the mention of weapons and healing materials, the monk reacted attentively, understanding their fears. "I know you are worried about your first fights and the wounds you will suffer, but don't worry too much about that! You won't face the trials of the Nexus alone! The Nexus itself organizes the groups. Once you have reached level 10, you will be able to create your own groups, but not before. This is to make sure that nobody helps you to reach that level!"
Following Emhe, Yaros took the small sack of coins and did what everyone else did. He approached one of the four counters in the Guild building, patiently waiting in line for several minutes until it was his turn.
A graceful and kind-looking woman assisted him, handing him a rough piece of paper. "This is the application form to join the Guild. Fill out this form with your details and give it to me later. But first..." The woman pointed to where Emhe happened to be standing. "Read everything that is written on the boards! It’s very important! Read everything! Especially the rules of the Nexus. If there's anything you don't understand, ask that man over there!"
In the direction pointed out by the friendly receptionist, there was another veteran adventurer, this time, answering the questions of several newcomers. However, Yaros couldn't resist and turned his attention back to Emhe. He didn't understand why, but he couldn't help but look at her. Gathering his courage, he approached. This time, even more nervous than before. His heart was pounding and his hands were sweating profusely.
"I-I w-want t-to a-apologize! I-I k-know i-it may s-seem t-that I w-was seeing y-you c-cleavage, b-but it w-was because you're s-so tall t-that.... ahem... your c-chest w-was at t-the s-same h-height as m-my f-face. T-that's w-why I..."
Slightly annoyed, Emhe muttered. "I'm not going to do that! There's no deal!" Realizing that she wasn't talking to herself, she blushed more and more. Evasively glancing at Yaros out of the corner of her eye. "I wasn't talking to you!"
With a goofy look on his face and believing that she was falling in love with him too, he acted bold, smiling and charming. "N-no? T-then, with w-whom?"
Frowning and slightly angry. "Look! I'm very, very tired. My head hurts really bad. I'm extremely hungry. And I've been through the worst situation of my life less than an hour ago! Would you do me a favor and leave me alone?"
Perplexed. "A-an hour ago? S-so the wyvern didn't scare you..." Spontaneous and smiling waved his sack of coins. "I-I'll buy you l-lunch! B-by the way, my name is Yaros!...Shit! I-I think I-I already told you that before..."
Putting her hand to her forehead as if to relieve an incredible daze, the redhead muttered clearly annoyed. "Could you leave me alone?! I said no!" Once again, she glanced fleetingly at Yaros and blushed deeply.
Confused. "N-now y-you weren't talking t-to me e-either?" Yaros couldn't help but confirm his unfounded belief that the redhead was falling in love with him.
Suddenly, a veteran female adventurer interrupted them. Her hair was brown with colorful orange highlights and her eyes were a deep blue. She wore simple leather clothes, a bow and several daggers. "Stop harassing her! She's not going to make a group with you! Haven't you heard? You can't group until reaching level 10. Read the rules, fill out the form and go to the market!"
Feeling ashamed, Yaros decided to walk away slyly. However, to his astonishment, a pack of newcomers who had gathered around Emhe like dogs in heat did so as well. Slightly surprised, the veteran adventurer stood next to Emhe for a few seconds longer.
"The old woman who greeted you on the stairs wants to talk to you. I recommend you not to ignore her. That old woman is very powerful!
Without turning to face the old woman, Emhe frowned. "Why did she send you to tell me that?"
Smiling, the blue-eyed girl played with a silver coin in her hand. "I hear you're hungry! With this I'll be able to eat 6 good meals! Are you going to ignore such a generous and powerful person?"
Emhe looked uncomfortable, as if something was whispering her not to approach the old woman. The girl who seemed mesmerized by Emhe's beauty, smiled. "My name is Erihs! I usually line up to enter the Nexus at 8 am, very early in the morning. The Nexus tends to group people by proximity. If you're interested in going together, I'm an archer! Until then, good luck! Trust me! You're going to need it! Especially if that old woman wants something from you!"
Sighing nervously, Emhe asked. "Can I elude her?"
Erihs, who was already walking away, turned momentarily. "Elude her?! No! You can kill yourself, but never evade her! She's a high level telepath! She can find low levels like us even in fucking hell! If she wants something from you, she'll get it one way or another. Go and save her the trouble!"
Resigned, she turned very slowly without seeing the face of the powerful old woman. When she was right in front of her and before she could speak to her, she heard a voice in her head. A voice exactly the same as the old woman's.
"Which one of those fucking resentful bastards told you to stay away from me? That bitch of Erum, maybe? No? Surely it was Athest!" At the redhead's silence. "Neither? I'd be surprised if it was Avaram, we were on good terms!... It wasn't her either?! I know! It was Supherm!"
The old woman stared into Emhe's eyes as if looking at the pages of a book full of illustrations while Emhe sweated buckets. Even more so when the terrifying voice of the Dark God answered. "It was me."
The old woman did not expect to hear his voice there. Unaware that she was speaking out loud. "How the hell did you end up there?!"
The Dark God interrupted her. "Shut up! Don't ask or do anything stupid in front of them! You know who I mean, Fleth!"
The old woman known to all as Mother Fae, broke out in sweat for the first time in a long, long time. "Never call me that again!" Furious and ashamed, she turned around. Perhaps thinking she could dodge the conversation.
Raising his tone even higher, the Dark God insisted. "FLETH!..." The old woman stopped abruptly. "You are going to do me a favor! A big favor! You will help the girl without asking for explanations! And don't even think of refusing! You owe me a lot, and you know it!"
Resigned, the old woman raised her voice for Emhe to hear. "Follow me, child! We have a lot to do!"
Yaros watched without understanding why the beautiful redhead was following the creepy old woman. Afflicted, he filled out the paper and handed it to the Guild. Heading to the market and unable to forget about the beautiful redhead and her lustful body, he finally regained his composure.
Daydreaming, he continued rambling. "I'm sure I've seen her before! How is that possible? My life has just started, but..." Smiling. "I'm going to see her again soon! I'm almost sure she likes me! Yes! I think I have a chance with her! I'll go at 8 am like the pretty archer said. If I'm lucky, I'll meet her!"