I sit grueling life as the drill sergeant goes on a tangent because nobody answered his question. What did he expect out of us? Also the way he takes attendance is horrifying. He screams at you and asks for your name and then he practically kicks you into class. Can I make it all year? Would being actually drafted be worse than this?
I wondered how he was for English if he is this bad with his math students. I pondered for a few moments and imagined Tyler easily getting on his nerves. I couldn’t help but let out a small laugh which of course drew the attention of the DS.
“Something funny?!” He pointed his baton towards me.
“No sir!” I say sitting straight up and trying my damndest not to salute the guy. I do not have a death warrant.
“Then SILENCE!” he turned with a harsh slap against the board and continued on explaining the equation.
I do not know how but I just realize Stan is not in class. Sarah was and I decided during the tiny break to chat with her. She seemed cool enough. I jumped into Stan’s chair, which startled her as she was on her phone.
“Oh sorry. Did not mean to scare you.” She gives a weak smile, her heart clearly racing as that was a big startle. I probably should refrain from doing acts like that in the future. Man couldn’t even imagine the fear if someone had a heart condition or something and I did that. Yikes, this puts me on edge.
“I-it is fine,” she sighed.
“On edge with the teach?” I asked. She nods.
“What was so funny earlier?” She looked at me, putting her phone away. I again couldn’t help but notice her scarring.
“Nothing, just thought of something hilarious.”
“Ah.” She seemed to be a bit off today compared to yesterday. Maybe it has something to do with Stan. I did not want to over push my boundaries so I just returned to my seat as class is going to be resuming soon.
Like any drill, class proceeds on as expected… hard. I shrugged as we were let out and I gave a nice long yawn. Luckily the DS was talking with some other students and couldn’t hear. I let out a pleased sigh.
I went into the next class to see Tyler scribbling in his notebook. He looks up beaming at me. Tyler’s battery charge is at maximum capacity, prepare for energy.
“DUDE!” It felt like everytime I see the guy it is the first time we have met after like ten years apart or something. He really was an oddball.
“Hey Ty.” He closed his notebook quickly and threw me a thumbs up.
“What did you think of Dungeonz?!” I sighed sitting down.
“It was getting close to midnight man, didn’t have a chance to check it out. Sorry.” He still kept smiling.
“No worries man! Tonight will be the night!” he said excitedly, I laughed.
“Alright, Veil right?” He nodded at my question.
“Yup! I will be starting a new tank so we can level and do groups together.”
“Sounds cool man, I’ll make my character tonight and get a feel for the game.” We stopped talking when the teacher came in.
***
“Lastly make sure that when mixing the chemicals you…” she glanced down to her watch. “It would seem that is all for today! Enjoy the rest of your last classes and day.” We are dismissed and Tyler nearly sprints out of the room. Where was he going?
I moved to class and saw Whitney again sitting there reading. I looked around, noticing most of the class still had yet to arrive. Was there something going on?
Only Whitney and I are in class, along with a handful of others. I am about to ask her what is going on but the teacher comes in. She glanced at the few of us here.
“I assume those of you here either were not interested or unaware of today.” I raised a brow and then shortly after my hand. “Yes?”
“What is today?” Whitney turned towards me, noting my voice. The teacher smiled.
“Club day, did you not catch the email? There are sign ups happening in the cafeteria and library.” Oh man, I should start actually regularly checking that. “Also there will be an announcement emailed to everyone. Classes are being changed up for some select students.” There is a loud sigh towards the back and I leaned to see a group of four looking sad. “No need to worry, I will still be your teacher and you will have the same classmates. It is just due to… circumstances they want to change up classes.”
Less class time with the DS? Am I in a dream? Am I sleeping? I pinched myself with a smile… This is reality. I am also curious as to the different clubs so I raise my hand again as the teacher lets us talk amongst ourselves.
“Hmm?” she responds by walking over by me.
“What types of clubs are here?” I inquired.
“Plenty for everyone. If you can’t find one you like, make your own!” Short and sweet. Didn’t really answer my question in its entirety but enough.
“Oh alright.” I replied and she returned to her desk. I excused myself and left for the area she mentioned to me. It is again I realized I have no clue what is really going on. I just went with the flow of myself and later the students and in minutes found myself bombarded with papers, pamphlets, and other club like items. I noticed Tyler… well hear him, over by the track and field club. I am not really interested in things like that so I look for something more my level.
There isn’t a board game or videogame club, which is disappointing. I wonder if I should make a club like the teacher said as well. Maybe one for Dungeonz or something. I am sure enough people will be interested. I decided against it for the time as I doubt anyone besides Tyler and I would be involved. I would need to see if anyone actually even plays this game Tyler seems to be so on about. I turn to my only other hobby and reluctantly see a writing club.
There are a handful of students happily exchanging books and talking to each other as I walk over. I am greeted by a guy holding some papers. He smiled warmly and made his way to me.
“Hello! Would you happen to be interested in the Writing Club?” he asked, holding out a piece of paper. I took it instinctively but didn’t really look at it.
“I am. Anything in particular this club does?”
“Well, we write! It also is a bit of a literature club too and we discuss some of our favorite books as well as our own creations,” he said, beaming with excitement at the mention of our own works. I guess it is kind of cool to see what others create, no matter the medium.
“Sure,” I responded and in a matter of seconds he had me at the table signing my name and giving my number and email.
“My name is Maximillian, by the way. That is Catherine and Claire.” The two other girls behind the table wave kindly before returning to what they were doing.
“I am Claude. Looking forward to getting to work together.”
“Thanks! We meet around noon on Sundays for little sessions that will last about an hour or two. That piece of paper will highlight everything.”
***
Things died down quickly after I signed up and got to meet the others. Not much else I knew of what to do and considering school was done for the day, I went with a safe bet to return to my room and downloaded Dungeonz. Tyler has gotten my interest beyond piqued so I am excited to try it out. Plus seeing as so many are skipping class for this Club Day, I skipped history and gym. At least I hope we were allowed or supposed too. Whatever, it's too late now.
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Takes me only a few minutes to set up an account and begin downloading. While it patches and downloads I decided to run out for a quick bite to eat. I could not help but notice a conversation while I was leaving my room.
“Yeah she is having some serious problems from what I heard yesterday…” One said very solemnly.
“Probably why they are changing up classes… some people can’t handle it.” I heard one sniffle.
“It is for the best, I will see you guys around.” The group disperses without a sound.
Even when I am beginning to get a feel for this place and thinking it is normal, there goes that. Did a student really die or something? Do they not make announcements for it? Would it be wrong too… is it wrong too? Oh man, this is a bit much. This is absolutely horrifying, and I am certain that is not unusually uncommon here. I rubbed my arm trying to cope with that little conversation they had. I sighed and just needed to let what happened, happen. I don't even know the severity of my own ailments so I do not believe them to be life threatening.
I got some tacos from a food truck and returned to my room silently, still unable to stop thinking about that earlier conversation. It makes me apprehensive to talk to others as well as who knows if the shock could seriously hurt them or even worse…
Luckily for me I had a missed message from Tyler on O-Chat-Ing and for the moment I lost those trains of thought.
>Got Dungeonz yet?
About ten more minutes for the updates.
>DUDE SWEET! I can’t wait!
What clubs did you join?
>I was going to ask you the same thing man! I went with the Track and Field club and the Bowling Club.
Sounds cool. I joined the writing one. Not certain if the videogame one is really a thing yet. Did not seem to be many people there.
>Well I am sure the writing one is amazing! Writing can be super cool and it is why I always wanted to try RA.
Coincidentally, I have some old books and figures. We could try some night, if you still would like to give it a whirl.
>You are the man… man!
I stopped messaging him for now as I want to enjoy my tacos before they get too cold. They are small but good lord the flavor is absolutely breathtaking. A burst of lime in the meat and there is a bit of kick in the sauce and the wrap. I am beginning to get attached to these food trucks. Just what is it with them…
Okay, it is downloaded. Veil right?
>Yeah man! Name will be Ty13r, just message me in game!
Okay, ttys.
I logged in and am amazed at the graphics and opening cinematic. It is only about three minutes long and made me sad as it felt like watching a movie. Just please don’t be a tease and the in game be some 16-bit nonsense. The gist of the game is two warring nations (how cliche) and you are caught in the middle. I realized I did not know what faction Tyler was.
I figured I would just guess that he would be on the gold side instead of the red. I quickly read the descriptions of each class. Wizard it would be. I love casting spells and powerful magic incantations to turn the tides of combat… or so the description said! I customized him in a few minutes, entered my name and server and I was absorbed into the game.
It feels surreal to be in an MMO again. I smiled walking around the beginning city. You start in some church and are told to seek out a guard captain. I took this chance to figure out the different interface options and icons. Got to have it all set perfectly or the entire game is ruined. I took a bit longer than I anticipated though with an entirely new UI to mess with.
Before I knew it I was rather mastered in most things. I added Tyler to my friends list and messaged him but hadn’t got a response back. He is probably eating too or going to the bathroom.
Hey Tyler, it’s Chris.
>A Wizard huh? SWEET!
I am certain I could have played a tank for that matter and he would still be excited.
Need to talk to Guard Captain Nor, where is he?
I felt like such a novice at the game now realizing I need help completing not only the first quest of the game but one where you simply need to talk to some guy. I do appreciate you need to read quest text and work with the environment rather than simply following waypoints. But guess that is all defeated when I get my friend to do the leg work and get me to where I need to go.
>Here I will invite you, I am by the shops near him.
Tyler invited me to a party, which I promptly accepted and noticed him appear in the party and on my minimap. His character was literally made just like him. What a mad lad. A fantasy adventure game and this guy makes himself and not only that, a human fighter. Mad lad.
>Over here man!
Coming.
I made my way to the dot on the map that shows his location. It is not long before I find the aforementioned captain. He gave a basic beginning quest of ‘Wolves everywhere! Kill twenty of them!’. I followed Tyler as he took the lead towards the gates.
I am surprised to only see a handful of other players. I had Tyler on auto follow so took the chance to ask a few questions.
Not many other players huh?
>Nope.
Is it a new server or something? Or is everyone max level?
>Actually this is Vanderhall’s private server.
What really?! That is kind of cool.
>Right?! Oh here man I got a staff earlier and sure you can use it better than I.
Tyler comes up to me and I see a trade section pop up. It is a rather simple design, just a box full of what I am trading and what he is. I saw the staff appear and accept it. Both boxes close automatically and the game is back to normal.
Thanks man.
Wow it does double the attack damage with melee attacks with it and gives me two intellect and two vitality, that is really good for a level one weapon. Or is it? It is hard to judge stats and balance in a new game. Guess if I am smart, I could check my actual current stats and gauge it on that. Meh, that sounds like work.
>No problem man! Just give me any shields you come across! Uh oh, wolves ahead!
Let’s take them out!
I could feel giddy getting into our first combat. I know it is level one but I am still excited. I only have two moves for now but can’t wait to see the rest.
Tyler charged in quickly and used some type of stun. I began to cast firebolts. They have two second cast times so I couldn’t move and fight. The other move is frostbolt. It had a quicker cast time and after three consecutive shots it freezes the target. Cool… literally!
We quickly managed to kill ten before Tyler stopped. I ran over to him and began to drink some water which restores mana. I noticed a small campfire sets up between us as we both rest, my character sipping on a flask and his munching on a loaf of bread.
We are making good work of these wolves.
>Yeah man! Dude that frost attack is killer! Chaining my stun and your freeze helps me not take damage!
Yeah. I am sure health will become an issue in later levels.
>We got this!
After I was fully restored we went about finishing the quest. We ran back to the captain who then told us to return to the east mountain where a small wolf den was. Is this our first dungeon already? I level off the quest and experience from the wolves but did not expect to be thrown into a dungeon. Tyler seemed eager as he was already bolting towards the objective while I was checking my inventory.
We made it to the cave and Tyler cast his invigorating shout. It gave us five percent extra attack damage and resource regeneration which isn’t much right now.
>Make sure you watch your back man, don’t want you dying in here!
I will. We need to clear the whole thing and the alpha male at the end right?
>Yeah and hopefully there will be a chest!
As we are clearing the wolves we found another player and Tyler being the person he is was quick to invite them to our party. TheManStan?
>Welcome fellow player!
Hey.
>>...
Did this guy really just type that? What an ego. It couldn’t possibly be though…
What’s up?
>>The tank not pulling, go!
>Oh sorry. Pulling!
Yup, the ego is real. But the battle awaits no one, especially Ty! Tyler rushes in but accidently pulls three wolves! He is quickly getting beaten down so I tried to take one of the wolves off him. He did not have much health left so I am questioning running but his health went back to full instantly.
>What a save! Dude, TheManStan, you’re a healer?!
>>Yes you buffoon. Try not to pull so much though!
Wait… TheManStan… are you Stan? Sarah’s brother?
>>Yeah, so what?
Oh that's cool, didn’t think you would enjoy playing games like this.
>>Well I do so shut up.
I did not expect him to be so rude in game. Then again I never really hear him speak much at all besides to his sister. I didn’t let it bother me though. Having a healer in the group is going to really help us. Tyler can take some hits but I am much more frail. We continued pushing for a long while before I could see a larger wolf, clearly the alpha one.
>Another two wolves and we are at the alpha.
>>I can see that…
Okay kill them both and let’s rest up before pulling the alpha.
We quickly dispatched those two wolves and are just a handful of feet from the alpha. I could feel myself being nervous as it is level five and we are all level three. I laugh at myself getting so worked up over a game but this feeling reminds me of home.
I used to play these types of games nonstop with my old friends but slowly over time… they disappeared one by one. It is like having a large bowl full of food and slowly being eaten away until it is just an empty bowl… that is me now. But I think I am going to be able to refill it.
>My man Stan! Give me a shield so I can pull. This beast looks tough.
You stun it first and I will chain the freeze.
>>Whatever just go.
>Going!
Tyler ran in and stunned the beast as I began to pelt it with frostbolts. Stan was doing his best to attack the beast and heal Tyler. Every three shots Tyler was almost dead. I began to worry about this game if it is this hard this soon, but a challenge I gladly accept. Just as things were heating up, the wolf howls, giving it an enraged buff and two new wolves joined the fray!
Oh man! Tyler, I’ll try to focus the adds!
>You got it man!
>>...
Right, let’s get this!
It does not take long for the beast and his minions to go down luckily and we do a little celebration... Well that is Tyler and I celebrate.
>>I’m logging.
Oh alright, thanks a ton for the help. Couldn’t have done it without you.
He logged off before Tyler got to type to him. I wonder if this means he will be a little more talkative in class? Oh that is right too, classes are being changed. I need to check out that email.
>I probably should head too man. It is late.
I glanced at the time. Already eleven twenty?!
Yeah man, see you tomorrow.
I logged off after turning in the quest and going in the inn with Tyler. That was really fun to be honest. I let a lot of adrenaline off I forgot I had. I checked the email and wrote it down. I went and tossed on some pajamas and slid into bed. I hit the alarm to set and drifted off to sleep.