- Cold blooded cruelty skill leveled up! Now beginner level 5!
- Cold blooded cruelty skill leveled up! Now beginner level 6!
Ripple Effect beginner level 2! – Your actions now have impact on greater social circles! Master this stat to unlock all its effects.
Ripple Effect beginner level 3! - Your actions now have impact on greater social circles! Master this stat to unlock all its effects.
Weed hastily closed the messages. He didn’t have a clue why he kept receiving those messages and what was so cruel about trying to unite a pair of lovers. ‘May be some sort of system error… Without giving it a second thought he shifted his focus back to Lisa.
Silence loomed in the Great White Hall. For Rodriguez even the seconds inched away slowly like minutes as he awaited Lisa’s reply. Lisa stared at Rodriguez with a pitiful, sad and yet joyful expression. There were a thousand thoughts buzzing in her head. There was so much she wanted to say and yet she could not find the words to speak.
The audience, NPC and players alike, stood still in silence awaiting Lisa’s reply. NPC’s were in it for the romance but the players were already past that. They were more interested to know whether Weed had succeeded in pulling off the most brilliant and glorious victory in the finals. It was truly a sneakily crafted victory right under their noses; if he did manage to win.
“But...” She finally spoke. “But...since when?”
“Since the first time I laid my eyes on you.”
“...”
“Lisa, touch the ring. I wish to show you something...”
Lisa cautiously moved forward and touched the ring with her finger. Instantly, her consciousness was transported to a memory Rodriguez etched into the ring. Everything she now saw and felt were from Rodriguez perspective....
There were white roses everywhere and a young Lisa was tending to them. Lisa slowly watered each rose, speaking gently to the flower, nurturing them with her words of encouragement.
As she took the next step forward, she unknowingly stepped on a man who was hidden beneath the overgrown grass with a book over his face.
“Ouch” came a young man’s voice. It was a young Rodriguez who had been staring at the fair maiden secretly.
Lisa continued to ignore the man as tended to the roses. She continued stepping on him while watering the roses. Lisa could feel the Rodriguez felt as her younger self dug her heels deep into his arm.
“Well thats terribly rude.” her younger self, finally said.
“...”
“Will you please move, you are making this more difficult for me.” Lisa continued, sounding terribly irritated.
A lovestruck Rodriguez, continued to stare at her in awe. He nodded his head every time she said something even if she called him an idiot, he nodded his head in agreement. The young Lisa finally lost her cool and put away the watering can before stomping off.
Rodriguez began to chase after her....profusely apologizing. He didn’t want her to go or leave his sight for a single second...
Many more such memories of Rodriguez attempting to woo Lisa flashed one after another. Some made Lisa cry, others made her laugh. Unlike watching the memory from a screen, Lisa could feel every bit of what Rodriguez felt at the time they first met....the etched memory disappeared and Lisa resurfaced to the present moment.
In the brief moment of what had transpired, she had tears in her eyes; they had truly spent a long time in each other’s company. Rodriguez had been there for her whenever she needed him, yet she was so thick headed towards his feelings...
“Of course old fool who else would look after you” Lisa cried as she helped Rodriguez up.
The NPC’s went wild and burst into cheers. Some nobles even threw roses at the old romantic pair. They weren’t sure what just transpired but were certain there was a romantic gestures contained within the ring. Weed had instantly built fame for himself amongst the nobles, soon there would be a whole bunch who would want a ring just like the one Rodriguez used to propose to Lisa.
Rodriguez smiled quickly slipped the ring onto her finger lest she changed her mind! As he did so, the couple were surrounded in a warm red glow, flowers bloomed at their feet, and a chorus of bells rung out in the air around them. The NPC and some players in the crowd started to whistle and applaud, yelling for a kiss which they obligingly provided afterwhich Lisa turned bright red.
Weed smiled, the cat was in the bag. Though the ring was imperfect, uniting the old pair was perfectly done. He had no clue what memory was etched into the ring, but he thanked his stars for that added ability as it appeared to have played a critical role. Now all that was left was Theodore’s judgement. Dwarves are masters of steel just like their title they are hard on the outside but very soft on the inside. Theodore eyes glistened with tears, he had known the pair longer than most of his own dwarvish comrades.
The other finalists were left with their mouths wide open. Nobody had seen that coming; a proposal during the competition. Was it all planned from the start? . Thor was most angry and jealous of Weed, this was not blacksmithing this was playing cupid. He swore to appeal Theodore’s decision in case Weed won.
Most of the players were holding themselves back from rushing to grab and make off with Weed solely because of Snappy’s presence. A player like Weed was very rare, he had the brains and guts to pull off a such a stunt. It would most likely secure his victory. Having him on their team / guild would be a huge advantage especially since RREV had only just begun. For now, all of them could only applaud away in the distance.
As Theodore struggled to reign in the wild applauses and quiet everyone down, Rodriguez motioned Weed closer and whispered, “The ring is beyond measure. It’s value cannot be captured in gold, titles or words. Truly, in memories and feelings.” Rodriguez winked at Weed as he spoke the last few lines.
“You truly are the Wise one, come see us at the ranch tomorrow! I may have never had the courage to go on had it not been for you! There is much preparation for the wedding that needs to be undertaken!”
TRRRIINNNG!
Quest: Find a suitable ring for Lisa – Has been completed.
The ring for Lisa was most suitable! Rodriguez commends you for your efforts in finding a suitable ring for Lisa.
Reward:
The Wise – You have acquired a title.
Other players won’t see the title, but NPC’s will and as your fame increases so will the number that knows of you. Having been named Weed the Wise you gain the following benefits.
+30 to Wisdom
+20 to Intelligence
Librarians, Scholars, Elders, etc. will respect you more. You begin with a higher reputation with these individuals (NPCs).
TRRRINNNG!
Quest: The Wedding Planner!
You have helped Rodriguez connect with his love. He has asked you to stop by the house tomorrow to discuss plans for the wedding!
Reward: ????
Difficulty: E
Quest Limitations: You may not turn down this quest as you have been selected as best man! If you fail to turn up, you will face the ire of Rodriguez, his friends and all nobles who witnessed this beautiful couple unite.
As Weed read the message, Rodriguez took of the library key which hung around his neck and handed it to Weed. Another message popped up before Weed could close the first one.
TRRRINNNG!
Hidden Quest: Unite the old couple - Has been completed.
Rather than blindly seeking an end result of the perfect ring, you strove to go beyond your role in assisting Rodriguez find a suitable ring for Lisa! You united the old couple!
This reward is only for those who are interested in something beyond a reward; an adventure.
Reward:
You received a key! - wonder which door does it open?
Weed accepted the key suspiciously as Rodriguez winked at him a second time. Is this part of some serial quest? Weed didn’t have much time to think about it as Theodore dragged the elf back onto the stage. After sometime the commotion died down and the crowd once more looked toward Theodore. Theodore, slowly examined each item made by each of the contestants. He even got off stage and examined the ring on Lisa’s hand.
He then examined every other finalists’ item once again. As he stood there his face looked to be in pain. Into the tension that filled the air he stepped forward and began to speak.
“This has been an extremely difficult round to judge. Probably, the most difficult decision I have ever had to make in my life.” He looked at the old couple and smiled when he said those lines. “I have examined and re-examined each and every item prepared in this room from each and every round... My decision....it is final and I won’t change my mind...the winner of the Moonlight Apprentice Competition is the Elf- Weed!”
NPCs were esctatic, the players in the audience were totally expecting it and joined the growing applause. However, there wasn’t joy everywhere. The announcement brought pandemonium amongst the dwarves present at the event, how could the elf win! He was an elf! Dwarves hated elves, his level was much lower than Cynbels or Thors, and his materials were not very impressive. Some of the dwarves began cursing at Theodore accusing him to be blinded by the melodramatic event that had unfolded a few moments ago.
“Bloody fool!” Cried out a dwarf noble as he stomped away.
Some of the players and finalists were surprised that the NPC dwarves reacted so strongly against the elf winning, they were sure that everyone was in support of Weed winning. Weed however totally saw this coming, he knew that winning through such an elaborate scheme would have repercussions more so since he was an elf. As he stood there wondering who would be the next person to speak up against him, from his left Thor shouted out, “NO! I don’t accept this how could he win. Helping an old couple unite is playing cupid not blacksmithing! Theodore have you gone blind?”
Most the dwarf NPC’s rallied behind Thor’s word. An elf winning a blacksmithing competition was blasphemy! No dwarf in the audience would stand for it!
“Very well, I will explain even though there is no need. Firstly there are only thirteen of you present. The two, who failed to turn stand disqualified for non attendance. So everything they made previously has no value in my eyes. For the first challenge he built a knife it had no level restrictions and it improved a crafters ability. Let us compare with the disqualified Volcan’s sword it was restricted to people above level 200 with a high fire affinity. Now tell me which was more useful it was obviously the knife which Weed proved by using it for the next challenge. Which is also the reason why all of you made it to the second round.” Theodore said as he looked at the thirteen contenders.
“For the second challenge it was to make something unique, you all made something unique....all of your items showed excellent attention to detail, they were made through the combination of skills and techniques. Literally some of the best works I have seen in all of Versailles.”
By this point dwarves were looking at each other and nodding, after all what he was saying was right.
“And finally in the last challenge I asked for you to make something beautiful. This is where some of you were disqualified. I never said stop making something useful. Although, your items in the second round were unique....not all of them were useful in the final round were they now?”
“...”
“The only ones to make something useful and unique were Thor, Cynbel, Pallidus, Eurneid and Weed.”
Some of the finalists sighed, Theodore continued to remain an elusive with his words.
“Amongst you five, three of you are already my apprentice...I have no idea why you bother participating again and again. I enjoy your works and have no qualms in advancing you to the next round...but you all are already my apprentice, you cannot win again to become my apprentice. You all do produce the finest of works but there is no further reward to this...”
The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
Thor and Cynbel smacked the foreheads in unison; that explains why no apprentice ever won for a second time. It wasn’t the fact that their work was less impressive but rather they were already apprentices and there was nothing to be won. In their intense competition between each other they completely overlooked this small detail. Noticing, no dwarf or human had an objection so far, Theodore continued with his explanation, “So it really was a decision between Eurneid and Weed. I never said it must be made of metal. The Ring as a work by itself was nice but what made it beautiful was the fact it was the physical representation of love, a love that he helped bring together two souls and what can be more beautiful than a love fulfilled between two people.”
As some dwarves raised their voices again, Theodore continued speaking, “Furthermore, his ring is useful as we just saw, it is unique for a variety of reasons and beautiful. The tiny gemstone used, perfectly stands out in this bright room. Eurneid, I am not sure how useful that sculpture is but as it stands till I judged it gave off no benefit whatsoever. It’s not unique either you already made a statue last round...That is why I say Weed is the winner.”
The NPC dwarves lost their reasons to argue. Theodore was the craftiest of the lot. Although his decision appeared to be a biased one made on emotion, his reasons hinted a more deeper thought put into his decisions. Players could not believe how difficult Theodore’s rules were. Each successive round, he demanded more and more from each contestant without letting them know so! The players in the audience weren’t just impressed with Weed but by the other three apprentices as well! Thor, Cynbel and Pallidus had all shown their mettle by keeping up with Theodore’s crafty demands!
The other candidates bowed to the audience and got off stage. Theodore’s decision was final and fighting further would only worsen relationships. ‘Choose your battles wisely.
Seeing no further arguments against his decision, Theodore spoke up, “Weed as the winner I present to you the thirteenth weapon of Völundr, Holy hammer of Völundr, use it wisely.”
TRRRINNNG!!!
You have won the blacksmithing competition! Theodore acknowledges your raw talent! You are the 13th and final apprentice of Theodore just as there are 13 moons in a year!
Reward:
Holy hammer of Völundr - Imbued with special elemental affinities this weapon grows with its user capabilities! Boosts all stats by 5%!
Super effective in combat against dark forces! Does additional 50% damage!
All the accumulated wisdom of the hammer is now exclusively available to you!
Weed’s jaws dropped as he re-read the hammer’s description. Weapons which grew along with users were the rarest of the rarest in any game. They were on par with cheats! It was like winning a secondary partner in battle! In addition, there was the overwhelming effect it had on dark creatures! The benefits of battle wisdom and historical knowledge locked away in it! Though, such weapons always came with risks...but Weed was so happy to receive something so rare he overlooked the risks or the fact that this was the thirteenth such weapon.
As Weed accepted the hammer, Theodore leaned forward whispered, “So you’re the last one well that’s a goddamn, surprise and shame. I still don’t really like you Elf, but I respect your crafting. Would like to become a member of the Sons of Ivaldi.”
TRRRINNNG!!!
You have received an invitation to become a member of the Sons of Ivaldi, a secret blacksmithing society! Not much is known of their origins or their membership!
Weed’s body tingled with excitement. It just kept getting better and better. He solved Rodriguez quest and a hidden quest! He won the blacksmithing competition and now was extended an invitation to a secret blacksmithing society! Was there anything that could possibly go wrong? Sure, he had a bad start but since then everything had been going fantastically well! It all felt so surreal! So far in the game, he seemed to be struggling everywhere. He would make tidbits of progress and then dramatically fall or be punished. But maybe today was different, maybe his bad fortune finally came to an end…just maybe he was on the path to win the billion dollar prize in RL. He trembled as he accepted the invitation.
Welcome to the Sons of Ivaldi!
We are an extremely secretive Order whose purpose is maintaining the balance of the worlds from behind the scenes!
+ Dexterity increased by additional 30 points.
+ Creativity increased by additional 30 points.
+ Perseverance increased by additional 30 points.
+ Mana Conversion Stat increases by 0.009
+ In dwarven lands, all stats will be increased by 5%
+ In Elvish lands, all stats will be increased by 2%
+ Enables you to equip certain items specialized for the profession.
+ Enables you to learn all craft skills to the stage of a master.
+ Grants extra options to items that are produced or refined.
+ Increases Defensive Power for all dwarvish melee skills by 5%
+ Increased Attack Power for all elvish melee skills by 2%
+ Decreases Stamina consumption for Elemental Blacksmithing Skill
+ You received a scroll containing all the information relating to the Sons of Ivaldi! Remember this information is highly confidential and can have dire consequences if shared with others!
+ You received a seal as proof of your membership! Do not lose this seal as it will not be replaced! Losing this seal is the same as losing your membership!
Although a low level quest, becoming Theodore’s apprentice had substantial benefits. Weed bowed to receive the hammer. Once Theodore let go of the hammer, Weed struggled to hold it up....it was too heavy!
The audience laughed as they noticed how Weed struggled to hold up the weapon. Theodore lowered his head in embarrassment. The elf had succeeded in ruining the ‘awe moment’ once again. After struggling with it for 5 minutes, Weed finally put down the hammer. It was too heavy for him to lift up let alone stash it away in his inventory! Some players realized how serious this situation was and wondered what would happen now. They could offer helping Weed....but they rather just make off with the hammer instead! They didn’t have a clue what type of weapon it was but it must be special and rare...
“Aye...elf how long are you just going to stand there?” Theodore asked. “I didn’t get permission to rent out these halls all day...”
Weed gave off an embarrassed smile. This was supposed to be his moment, where he proudly walked off stage with his winnings....instead he stood there like a lost lamb struggling to pick up the hammer.
“Could it be possible for you to keep this till I level up?” Weed whispered to Theodore.
“Eh?” Theodore asked as Weed inaudible.
“Could you please keep this till I am able to wield such a mighty weapon?” Weed asked once again a bit louder.
The players laughed away. Poor Weed! So weak that he can’t even wield Theodore’s reward!
Theodore frowned; his eyes never misjudged the caliber of an apprentice before. In his eyes Weed was truly ready for wielding the hammer. Even, if Weed wasn’t ready, the weapon would adjust to Weed’s ability. A situation like this should never arise and there had never been a precedent like this before. It could only happen if the weapon rejects the owner. This so seemed to be the case here; the Holy hammer of Völundr was rejecting Weed.
“Try lifting it again.” Theodore said.
Weed tried once again but it seemed that it became heavier! Players laughed away, this kept getting funnier and funnier. Most of the players were plain jealous of Weed for winning the competition so elegantly and receiving a prize. They were also certain he received something else when Theodore whispered something to Weed just before he received the hammer. Especially since, Weed’s eyes appeared to pop out when Theodore whispered into his ears. In their minds seeing Weed struggle to lift his own reward was justice for being too lucky! Once again, NPCs reacted very differently from players. They were aghast that Weed was unable to wield the weapon. Some of them were very apprehensive of what it could possibly mean.
Weed used the identification skill on the hammer hoping to unravel the mystery but nothing turned up. Theodore made his way to the hammer and slowly lifted it up… “Elf you sure are weak.” He said as he made lifting the hammer appear so simple.
Weed tried his luck again to lift the hammer but to no avail. He tried again and again till he received an electrifying shock from the hammer that reduced 50% of his health in one go. Stunned Weed quickly let go off the hammer and backed away like a scared mouse.
Some players held their stomach as they howled away in laughter.
“That is very peculiar…” Theodore said, “It really shouldn’t be doing that. I mean you would have to be truly evil or dark natured or something along those lines for a holy hammer to reject you…”
The players laughed once again. Theodore was excellent with his jokes. However, the NPCs became more and more nervous.
“…” Weed stayed silent. He had been receiving quite a few cruelty leveling up messages and then there was the fact that he was dark natured.
The players continued to laugh but stopped as the sensed the tension in the air. Some of the nobles disappeared from the balcony view and soldiers made their way slowly forward…
“By the sons of Thor…” Theodore spoke in shock, “You …you..you are dark natured..”
Theodore seemed most upset and distraught. It was as if he had been betrayed or as if he had the worst mistake of his life…
“…” Weed wasn’t sure whether this was a good thing or a bad thing. He wasn’t even sure what was happening anymore. Soldiers in the hall rushed at Weed and some NPC women screamed and fainted. Quite a few of the NPC civilian population rushed towards the exit. Dark natured were the seeds of chaos and destruction. All NPCs were traumatized to have unknowingly stayed in the presence of one for so long. Light natured players armed their weapons; those with dark nature were by default their enemies. Some jumped on to the stage to finish Weed off in front of the nobles that remained and take credit for doing a good deed.
Weed slowly backed up but he was surrounded from all sides… “Bloody F*ck!”
- Auto Censorship applied! –
As a player rushed towards Weed with his weapon held high, the ground violently shook. Everyone standing or running immediately fell to their feet. The ceiling crumbled a little and dust fell down. Soldiers nervously looked at each other wondering that was Weed’s power…but he too happened to be on the floor appearing to be very confused.
‘Earthquake?’ wondered Weed. He wasn’t the only player thinking that.
The building shook once again and everything came to a grinding halt. Nobody moved in fear. A cold dark breeze began to blow the halls and the flames started to flicker wildly…till they died out. The brightly lit white hall instantly was marooned in darkness…only a small white afterglow emanating from the floor dimly lit the halls. Weed in his dark cape was barely visible. A chilling sensation ran through everyone's back, Rodriguez was most alarmed as he gripped Lisa’s hand tightly. He knew this sensation very well, it was the effect Shadow had on most people when he was in the vicinity...
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Authors Note:
1. Thank you so much V4LKYR13 for helping out. Thank you Tewlve for writing this!
2. Hope you all like it. See you in 5.11 a bonus chapter!
3. Will be edited soon.
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Connect to Royal Road – Elementarem Vim next Chapter?YesNo
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