Sunlight permeated through the clouds, raining upon a modest village with a humble fence for an entrance. Low-steeped roofs made from slabs of rock adorned the building as logs of wood acted as its base.

People dressed in thick woollen sweaters and mole leather scarves walked with infectious energy. Children laughed while kicking a mole leather ball, adults chattered with love imbued into every word, and dogs barked with joy.

“It’s been a while huh, Zeizei.” Clark reminisced by the wooden gate.

“Yeah. A long while.” Zein reminisced by the wooden gate.

“Ooh whatcha mean by long while? Have you played before?” Skada asked.

“Hmm? Yeah, I used to.” Zein paused. “Wait, I thought you'd have guessed by now since you were okay with making me leader.”

“Ooop sorry I just thought you were a nerd.” Skada laughed awkwardly. “But like a cute nerd though!” She tried to save herself.

Hah! “He do be nerdy sometimes.” Jejj agreed.

“I will not be sending you the videos.”

“Man that ain't right don't be like that.” Jejj tried to save themself.

“Could we continue this inside?” Biim butted in.

“Yeah. Let’s go.” Zein opened the gate, letting the rest of them enter.

The party made their way to a large, circular townhouse at the centre. They stepped and dodged as the kids played. The townhouse was a single-floor building which housed visitors, guests, and village meetings. The rock door swung open with ease.

Inside, wooden boards were laid atop small shaped rocks which fit like puzzle pieces. The party creaked the floor as they made their way to the counter.

“Why hello there young ones! To what does our little village owe you the pleasure?” An old man with a hunch greeted them while hitting his back. He was dressed in a purple leather shirt and blue cotton pants.

“We’re looking for some rooms to rest.” Zein placed his arms on the counter.

“And how many rooms would you like?”

“4?” Zein’s head swivelled to face the party. “ 1 with 3 bedrooms.” he eyed the Skull Kidds. “And a single bedroom.” he landed on Skada.

“That’s fine with us.” Biim readjusted his robes.

“A single sounds good with me!” Skada stretched her hands, interlocking her fingers in the air. “Though I’d rather have one with our little elf though.” She folded her arms as she brought them down and leaned on Jejj’s back.

“Aha…Ahahahaa.” Jejj’s mouth contorted, forming unnatural shapes.

“Can we go!” Boom interrupted. “Testing my pestilence.” he muttered.

“Yeah! Testing our patience!” Buum chirped with joy.

The party went their separate ways. Zein, Jejj, and Wu took up a room after much opposition from a certain blonde-haired man. Clark and Torell took up a room after the blonde-haired

man submitted.

Inside, decorated with a rug made from mole fur, Zein and Jejj sat on their beds; It was filled with blue vulture feathers making it soft. Yawn. The tired little monkey curled into a ball beside Zein, falling asleep.

“So.” Jejj leaned forward. “You gon' tell me why we doin' this with those assholes?” they questioned.

Before Zein could begin, Clark barged in with an arm around Torell.

“Guess who’s here!”

“Aah aaah.”

“Don’t forget about me!”

Turning around, a giggling Skada waved peace signs.

“Come in.” Zein gestured to enter. “Do keep it down though since Wu is sleeping.”

“Oops sorry…” Clark apologised.

Clark tip-toed, sitting by Zein, Torell shuffled, sitting by Jejj, and Skada slid, shutting the door behind her and sitting between Jejj's legs.

“Are we all comfortable?” Zein studied the room.

“Yes!” Skada replied with enthusiasm.

“Ye-yeah. Sorry for intruding…” Torell replied with less enthusiasm.

“What we talkin’ about?” Clark moved the conversation along.

“Skull Kidds.” Zein replied with no enthusiasm.

The room grew quiet. The little snores coming from Wu were all that was left.

“I ain't gon' force you. I do trust you after all. But I wanna know if you trust me.” Jejj broke the ice.

“You’re right. I’ll explain.” Zein understood.

“Zeizei-”

“It's all right. They deserve to know. Especially since they are here with us.”

“Alright.” Clark understood.

“To start with, as you guys know, I used to play the game. But that wasn't all.” Zein began to scratch his chin. “How do I say this without sounding like a prick?” he wondered.

“Zeizei was the best.” Clark spoke up. “Without a shadow of a doubt, he was the best player in Age. He had an inventory rivalling the ten great guilds. This isn't me exaggerating or bragging. This is a fact. Zein was the best.” Clark stared at everyone.

“What happened to using only our in-game names?” Zein asked.

“We’re even now.” Clark smiled, satisfied.

“In any case, it was something like that.” Zein’s leg jittered. “However, a year ago, I was forced to quit by the ten great guilds. There's even a video of it on You-be. It was pretty dramatic.” Zein coughed a laugh.

“Knew you was good cause of the whole “making the devs change a strat” thing, but damn.” Jejj kept an arm on Skada’s head.

“Yeah, I guess I was a big deal.” the tip of Zein’s tail wagged. “In any case, the Skull Kidds’ leader found out about my past and used it to get those three to raid the mountain with us.” he tapped his finger with his thumb.

“He blackmailed you!” Skada’s eyes grew wide. “Evil.” She shook her head in disagreement.

“Why ain’t you fight back? Ain’t Kal a hot shot or somethin’ in this game?” Jejj inquired.

“I am.” Clark said with confidence. “But the Skull Kidds are backed by Ophis.” he said, losing confidence.

Find this and other great novels on the author's preferred platform. Support original creators!

“No wonder they have so much confidence.” Skada placed a hand on her lips, looking away. “I'm sorry you had to go through all that.” she offered solace.

“I wouldn’t mind risking it all for him though.” Clark pumped his chest, folding his arms.

“Yeah, yeah, you can that up with Jovah. I’m sure he’d love to hear that.” Zein commented.

“He’d uh- be fine with it.” Clark concluded for his own safety. In the background, Jejj whispered something to Skada. Skada, after pondering for a moment, whispered back to them. Jejj let out soundless, but understanding acknowledgement.

“I-I’m sorry to interrupt,” Torell raised his hand. “but why did that guild pick them? They aren't doing anything bad… I think…”

“Those three attacked Jejj when they ran the goblin cave. That's how Jejj and I met. I'm sure their leader knows this too.” Zein began scratching his thumb. “Maybe he sent them to mock us. Who knows honestly?”

“Asshole.” Jejj piped up.

“I feel bad getting close with Buum now.” Skada lamented. “I liked that kid.”

“It's okay.! We both reaped much more than they sowed. Kal and I are close with another kid in the guild as well.” Zein attempted to console the bummed Skada. “But, does that answer all your questions? I'm sorry once again for dragging you all into our mess.” He bowed slightly.

“Yeah. We good.” Jejj reached out over Skada. Zein took their hand, dapping them up.

“Would it be okay to watch the video if for some odd slash unknown reason I happened to stumble upon it?” Skada smiled wide, blinking profusely.

“You’re free to do so.” Zein tried to stop his shaking leg. Skada pumped her fist.

“I-I have no questions.” Torell bobbed their head. “T-Thank you for answering all our questions.”

Knock. Knock. Knock. A voice.

“We’re heading out. Could we discuss our plan?” the voice was flat.

“Ain’t their timing something.” Clark rolled his eyes.

“Alright, let’s get going then.” Zein got up. “Wu, buddy, it’s time to wake up.” he scratched the monkey’s chin.

“Oogie?” Wu rubbed his eyes.

Wu stretched his arms and scratched his head. He scanned the room through his half-closed eyes and climbed Zein. Everyone inside, walked out, one by one.

“Will you younguns be heading out?” the receptionist wrote in his little notebook.

“Yes. We'd like to explore the village.” Zein answered.

“Oh, that’s wonderful! I recommend paying Egbert's Armoury a visit. He makes magic with that hammer of his.” the old man blew air out of his nose with pride.

“We will be sure to do that.”

“Oh! Before I forget.” the receptionist stopped them. “If you'd like to leave the mountains without encountering any moles, especially the Desman, visit Margret by the mine entrance. She'll help you find your way out.”

“Thank you so much for the information. We'll be heading out now. Take care of yourself!” Zein waved his hand.

“Why of course! I hope you enjoy our village!” the old man returned the gesture.

With a smile, the party made their way to the exit. They conglomerated by the townhouse, fiddling with their stats and any inventory.

“Alright. To begin-”

“I’m leaving. Buum.” Boom stormed away.

“O-ooh okay.” Buum swung his head back and forth while shifting towards Boom. “I’m coming.” he sprinted.

Boom and Buum left the party behind.

“...Okay. Do we know how many potions we have?” Zein continued.

“I got 2 health potions and 3 mana potions.” Clark answered. “We expended a lot halfway through for some odd reason.” he glared at Biim.

“I can just cover the cost for the potions.” Biim offered a solution.

“Anyone else got anything?” Zein asked, checking his own inventory.

“I have nothing!” Skada shot her fist into the air.

“N-neither do I… sorry.” Torell watched the pebbles by his feet.

“Got nothin’ on me.” Juhi shrugged their shoulders.

“Okay. Let's split up. Skada and…” Zein’s finger swayed from person to person. He landed on the elf. “Jejj. You guys mind picking up the rest of the drops?”

“Of course we don’t mind!” Skada wrapped her arms around Jejj’s arms.

“Aha…Ahahahaha.” Jejj’s eyes spun.

In a flash, Jejj and Skada disappeared with the shorter of the two taking charge.

“Kal. Biim would like to speak with me. Do you mind roaming around with Torell.” Zein brought Kal closer.

“…Are you sure?”

“Yeah.”

“Fine.” Clark conceded. “Torell it's you and me buddy! Let me tell you about my glorious adventures.” Torell clutched the unsuspecting mage while walking away. The orc could not protest.

“So, tell me. What would you like to talk about.” Zein turned to Biim.

Biim stared into the distance. His grey eyes narrowed.

“I'd like to start by saying I'm a veteran, just like you.” Biim cleared his throat. “It's how I figured you may be one too and why I tried to recruit you.”

“I had a feeling you were a veteran.”

“Thank you. I...deleted my character so I could play with Boom and Buum. It happened just about 3 months ago.”

“That sounds nice but what does that have to do with me?” Zein’s impatience grew.

“How do I put this... I looked up to you.” Biim announced, changing Zein’s demeanour. “Anytime someone uploaded a video of you I'd just drop everything to watch it.”

They began to drift, moving like a gentle breeze guided them.

“You were my goal. So when you quit... I just didn't feel like playing either... Maybe that's why I was okay with starting anew. To play with friends.”

Zein thought for a moment, watching some kids play with swords and shields as an audience cheered them on.

“I'm honoured. Thank you for saying that.” Zein said with distant warmth.

“Of course, anything. Thank you for coming back Zei-”

“Anodos. It’s Anodos now.”

Biim smiled; emotions swelled. “Thank you for coming back, Anodos.” he paused for a moment. “Would it be okay if I asked for some advice?

“About?”

“My play and such. I feel like something’s just off but I can’t put a finger on it.

“On your play huh. I didn't really build as a mage, so take what I say with a grain of salt alright since my only basis is Josephine.”

“Understood.”

“From what I’ve seen, she’s really good at managing her mana. It’s what makes her the best in the game right. You spam heal too much, which leads to you only using magic missile.”

They walked past a bakery selling plump bread. A single worker in a mini chef hat and eyebags manned the register and packed food as people lined up outside.

“Sure your party isn't doing you a favour, but you can heal later. Even when you played with us during the mole boss fight, you used your heal too much.”

“I see... So it's okay to just let them take damage?”

“Yeah. As long as they aren't dead, you're doing your job. So, I'd suggest understanding when to heal and when you need to deal damage.”

Their conversation continued. It continued at the clinic. It continued at the armoury. It continued at the general store. And it continued by the inn.”

Zein watched Jejj and Skada return. One had steam escaping from their head and the other was satisfied with herself.

“By the way. Jejj goes by they/them. Do make sure you respect them.”

“Ah. Yes. I'll be sure to. I’ll let Boom and Buum know as well.”

“Zein! We are back and let me tell you we are rich.” Skada wiggled her fingers.

“Is that right? I hope you share some with me.”

“I'll think about it. What do you think, Jejj?”

“Sharing’s cool. Maybe”

Skada pinched them.

“I mean. We ain't giving you shit.” Jejj folded their arms.

“You're breaking my heart here.” Zein chuckled.

“Who is breaking your heart! My sword is ready.” Clark arrived, galloping.

“H-hello... We have returned…” Torell trailed behind, staff in hand.

“Welcome back! Where'd you guys go?” Skada reached to ruffle Torell’s hair. He leaned in naturally. “We-um-went to the mine and bought some iron from them.”

“Oooh that seems like a cute date idea, right Jejj.” Skada nudged them.

“Eah.” Jejj sputtered.

“They seem to be malfunctioning.” Zein snickered as they all shared a laugh, even Biim couldn’t help it.

“Hello! Why are we laughing!?” Buum appeared.

“Buum! And… where’s the big dork?” Skada stood on her toes to look around.

“Hm? Boom? He said he went to the store! Don't know why though.” Buum came to a halt by Biim.

“Alright. Sounds good. While we wait for him, let's distribute all the items.” Zein bit his claws.

The seven of them calculated and calculated and calculated until their heads spun. Jejj and Buum fell flat on the floor giving up, Torell and Clark fled to the general store under the guise of looking for Boom while Zein, Skada and Buum figured it out. 524 red gems, 65 mole claws, and 66 mole leathers. Zein was granted the honour of keeping the excess items and gems once everything was equally distributed.

Clark and Torell returned, waving their hands frantically.

“The bald moron wasn’t at the store!” Clark said exasperated.

“W-w-we couldn’t find him anywhere!” Torell followed up.

“That's...Maybe he just went somewhere else?” Biim rationalised.

Ding. Boom has left the Aria Mountain Range.

Ding. Boom has left the party.