Chapter 11 “Keys to the past. Part one”

“-just be like you used to.”

While lying on the grass, Arata recalled the words of Gerald which he heard after the guild test. The situation that happened during the test made Arata once again recall his past and that made him depressed enough to cry. The last time it actually happen was quite long time ago though. It was as if the act of crying was blocked in his mind. He did become sad from time to time but crying was not possible for him. Still, it happened this time.

After that fight, Arata thought that he should stop playing EOA. If the game was going to have an effect like this on him, Arata couldn’t say it’s enjoyable anymore. Still just to be fair, he decided to tell Gerald that he can’t join his guild. But that talk went in a little different direction.

“

-hey Gerald, I don’t feel like playing anymore.

-ah, and here I thought that you had something interesting to say.

-I am not joking.

-I expect you not. Still you will have to give me a good reason for it, it’s not like you are bored because of the game. Right?

-I just don’t want to play anymore that’s all. I can’t.

-is that your reason for crying?

That comment made Arata little angry.

-you know what. I don’t care what you think of that. You don’t know anything about me.

-hahaha, sure I don’t and it’s not like I want to know anyway.

-eh, you are annoying as always. Anyway I just wanted to say it to you to be fair, good bye.

-Arata, don’t act childish. Right now, you act like you are the only one that had a harsh life in the whole world. But surprise! You don’t. If you want other examples of misfortune the easiest way would be to google ‘Children in Africa’.

-… .

-you are taking this too serious Arata. Well if something is troubling you, you can always run away from it, just like you are doing right now but Arata, don’t run forever as one day it will hit you. And if it hits you unprepared, it will hit hard.

Arata didn’t know what to say to this, but there was one question that he always wanted to find answer to.

-but what if I can’t do it anymore, if it already hit me?

-well after taking a blow you have to get back on your feet.

-but when you do that, you are already changed.

-people changes every day, but in a way they don’t change. Their core always stays the same.

-I am not sure it’s true. I have changed.

-if you don’t mind listening to me and wait a little more before once again running away from the problem, I can change that opinion.

Arata decided that there was nothing bad in hearing it.

-fine you can try.

-examples are best way to explain something and you are great example for what I just said.

-but I told you that I changed.

-okay, for the meantime ‘event A’ is the name of the ‘experience’ that changed you.

-don’t call it event A!

-fine, ‘event B’ then. So, once upon a time there was a boy called Arata. Arata liked to play video games so he played them. He enjoyed them, was serious about them and was good at them. But then big bad ‘event B’ happened and he stopped playing them. After event B, Arata lived a sad life where he was always depressed. He didn’t talk much and decided that it’s better if he don’t get too close to anyone as they might find out about event B and pity him for it. Also he was afraid of event B repeating itself. Time went on and event B became more distant and distant. Arata somehow managed to keep on living with it but his life become different from before ‘event B’ has happened so he tried to repair that. Someone advised him that he should try doing things that made him happy in the past. After searching his thought Arata found out that ‘old Arata’ liked to play video games. So ‘new Arata’ also tried to play them. And so, he once again enjoyed them, was serious about them and was good at them. Even mighty ‘event B’ couldn’t change that. See, the core stayed the same. Then returning to event B. Event B was a bad thing but Arata won’t ever try to forget about event B as its important part of his life. Still, Arata didn’t change because of event B, he just experienced event B. That’s all there is to it. The only question that remains is will ‘event B’ stop Arata from life that he should have?

-… .

-Arata you are just overthinking things. Just be like you used to be. Don’t let the event B destroy you. And if you even think that event B is too strong, just google children in Africa. Seriously it will help.

-… .

-anyway I advise that you take a stroll to Loris instead of logging out now and never returning. Look through the eyes of old Arata once again and then decide what you want to do. I will simply hope that I will see you on that hill again.

-…Gerald, I will join your guild.

Those were the only words that Arata managed to say to him at that time. After them Gerald logged out with a smile.

“

After that, Arata went through the fields and decided that no more will he thinks about himself as someone special. No more, will he let it hunt his life and no more will he try to fight it. It was finally the time to accept the past and move on with his life. Even if he could not do it right away, from now on he would try.

“Five years, for five years I couldn’t find the answer to my worries but this guy just said few words and broke the barrier that was on me since my parents die. They die and I lived, so I thought that I can’t just enjoy life that I have to find some kind of purpose. With some oaths that I will rescue everyone that needs rescuing. Like some kind of hero from a tragic tale, but what would my parents think if they saw me? They could even blame themselves like it was their fault, but it wasn’t anyone fault, just accident that happens somewhere in the world every day. So no more.”

With new resolve, Arata decided to repair everything that he could, and for start he decided that he should just simply and truly enjoy himself and he will try to open up to people. With thoughts like that he decided to face the new day from now onwards.

-can someone tell me what are you guys doing? Don’t you remember that we have job to do.

Unfamiliar voice appeared on the hill. Arata get up to sitting position as he thought it may be someone speaking to him but it was not the case.

The person that came had a black leather elegant armor which looked like suit. He also had yellow hair little longer than those of Arata. He was standing next to where Gerald was sleeping.

-ah Loki, it’s been a while.

Gerald answered to him and started to block his face with hands.

-yes, it’s been a while!

After answering, Gerald got kicked hard by this visitor. The kick was strong enough to make Gerald take off from the ground, make spin in the air and then fly ten meters away to the button of the hill.

After that ‘the new visitor’ pointed his finger at Arata and asked Kelly who also wake up.

-new member?

-yes, he passed the test yesterday.

Kelly answered to him, also ignoring what just happened.

-oh thank god, I thought that we will never leave this place.

The visitor walked to Arata who stood up and then introduced himself.

-hi, my name is Loki and I also in this… soon to be founded guild. You are?

-I am Arata, joined yesterday.

-it’s really great that someone passed this test. Anyway even though our guild leader is like this…

Loki pointed at Gerald who was still lying on the ground head first with his legs up in the air.

-we are really trying to be the best guild so, don’t mind….

He said to Arata and shook his hand. Then he asked Kelly again.

-the mage, what was her name again? Anari, passed the test?

-yes she is sleeping right three.

Anari also started to get up. Although Loki was a little too formal at first he become relaxed and asked seeing the situation.

-you had a party or something? Everyone is sleeping and now wakes up looking like zombie?

He even joked around.

-hey Loki, who is it over there?

Kelly asked about another person that came with Loki as Loki did not come alone.

She was wearing yellow-white robe and same as Loki had a yellow hair. Well her hair was more of golden in color rather then Loki’s blond. They were much longer as they reached behind her shoulders. They were also really fluffy. She was looking at everyone with curious expression and didn’t know where to step in.

When Arata first saw her, he stopped at her face for a while and when their blue eyes meet he felt if he got hypnotized by them and simply couldn’t look away. Both he and she had the same eye color. When Arata realized what he is doing he quickly lowered his gaze but when he looked back few seconds later her gaze was somehow still on him.

Loki tried to answer Kelly’s question.

-ah this is our new memb…

He wanted to say ‘member’ but he couldn’t even finish that sentence as ‘someone’ rushed towards the girl right away and started to talk.

-welcome, I am the leader of this soon to be guild and my name is Gerald…

The moment Gerald heard words “our new m…” he pick himself up ran ten meters back and before Loki could finish the word ‘member’ he was already handshaking her.

-…this is our archer Kelly, this is our mage Anari, and this is our swordsman Arata. You already know Loki, anyway be happy as you joined soon to be greatest guild that ever existed in this game. Ah right the most important thing. Rule number one of this guild, you have to call me Leader! It is really important part so don’t forg… .

At that moment Loki kicked Gerald to the ground with his high kick and Gerald once again meet the grass.

-I know that you are happy but let her speak something first…

“Ah, it would be nice if he was there when I first meet Gerald.”

When Arata first time meet Gerald, something similar happened but back then there was no one to stop him.

-you can start now.

Loki added and the girl moved closer waved her hand and introduced herself.

-morning everyone. My name is Kotori and I am a healer. What else should I say? I like good players and generally ignore the weak ones. The games I used to play before EOA are Light in the Citadel and RagnarVR in both of them I was also playing a healer so I experienced and pretty good myself. But I must say that your test was simply cruel. Sorry for being arrogant and hope we get along.

After this introduction Gerald picked himself from the ground walked towards Loki and putted his right hand on Loki’s arm. Few drops of tears appeared in his eyes and he started.

-Loki, I don’t know what did you do, and how did you do it, but you are the man.

-Gerald, stop embarrassing yourself in front of our new members.

Kelly said to him that but Gerald responded.

-but it’s a healer Kelly, a healer, a healer, a healer.

-yes, yes. Anyway Loki what took you so long?

Kelly asked him and Loki started explaining his absence.

-hmm, how to explain it? Well let’s start from the beginning. The other party members, even that I choose them myself didn’t do too good at dpsing and it was going really slow, especially at the beginning. Well they also weren’t good at defending either or generally they weren’t good in anything. Still they didn’t die because when they got hit, they were healed back by Kotori. I must say that it was a torture for them, imagine an endless slaughter in which they can’t die even if they wanted to. With that, about an hour after the start, two guys run away as they said that they couldn’t take it anymore. I was not surprised. After that the party continued in three, but then again when Kotori got to level 20, she got a new spell that allowed her to somehow continue on her own, so she let other two die and continued alone.

-it’s not my fault that they were useless. They didn’t deserve the experience.

Kotori added to explanation. Loki continued.

-as you know it can take some time for a healer to kill anything on their own, so every pack took a lot of time. Then after every pack it also took some time to regenerate mana. Kotori didn’t have much things that would help her regenerate her mana and she quickly run out from things she had, so in the end it took her 6 days to clean everything in the dungeon except a boss.

-well it’s hard to kill a boss as a healer.

Kotori once again added explanation.

-I thought so as well so I changed the test a little and kill it myself so she could get some items out from it.

-that test is unfair in the first place, if you get bad group as a healer there is no much you can do.

Story went quickly to the end.

-anyway, Gerald we have three new members now but we are continuing the search, right?

Loki asked.

-yes, we need at least two more but let’s find four more and have ten people in guild. Ten is a solid number. Ten also sounds important.

-but four more will take some time.

-don’t say that. The luck is finally on our side, we have two people with profession of rank 2 and one of rank 3. If we are lucky we might even get rank 1, hahaha.

-em, how does he know my rank, Loki did you told him already?

Kotori asked surprised by the fact that Gerald knew her rank.

-no, no, he is just like that. Also you still didn’t tell me your class so I couldn’t tell him even if I wanted to.

-well, you didn’t ask for classes but for positions.

-yep, I still don’t know exactly what your class is named and it doesn’t really matter but look at this. Hey Gerald, what class does she have?

Loki asked him.

-it’s obvious that she is moonlight priestess.

-it’s only obvious to you.

-how does he know!?

“Exactly, how does he know?”

Arata also was wondering that. Loki only answered.

-as I said he is like that. Well you can regard it as him understanding this game a lot. Anyway, I am going to the village to look for new members to my team… Kotori, once again. Congratulations on passing the test and joining our soon to be guild. You can do what you want from now on, although I would suggest resting a bit. And you two! …

Loki pointed his finger at Gerald and Kelly.

-get to work already!

With that said he started walking in the direction of Loris. Kelly stood up as well.

-well Gerald, we should get to it too.

Kelly said, but Gerald was not in mood for it.

-I had enough. Looking for players is so tiresome, let’s skip it for today. I don’t except finding forth person in the row.

-don’t slack off and come!

-alright, alright! Ah, Anari come with me, I will start teaching you as we look for new members.

-yes.

And so Gerald, Kelly and Anari also went in direction of Loris and were soon gone.

Arata and Kotori were the only left behind. Arata didn’t feel that confident staying alone with her, especially after what he did earlier, so he just said politely.

-well, I also have something to do so I will be going. But also, I hope we get along in the future.

After hearing what happened on the other test, it was important to get on her good side.

-wait.

But just as he was going to leave, Kotori stopped him.

-you need something?

Arata gave natural response.

-the moment Leader told me your name I somehow can’t stop thinking about it. No even before he said that, it was the moment I first saw you. I don’t know how this question will sound but, are you that Arata?

The question indeed sounded strange.

-that Arata? That doesn’t tell me much.

-then, did you play the game called Light in the Citadel?

She asked him a different question.

-yes I did, you also said that you played it, right?

Arata did catch it in her introduction hearing the nostalgic name of that game.

-yes, but I was only a beginner, at that time I was 10 after all. I mean when the game came out.

-so now you are 17.

Arata knew the date of release well so he quickly calculated it.

-yes but anyway, you are that Arata right? Your hair also looks exactly like it looked back in LTC.

-well I did end up with the same hair here somehow. Anyway do you know me? Did we meet somewhere or played together?

Arata asked casually but to that, Kotori’s reaction was surprising.

-I knew it! I never expected that but a living legend is in the same guild with me. No, who cares about that, he is now standing right before me!

-living legend? You are now making fun of me?

Arata did not know what to make of that so he asked. To that however Kotori waved her hands signaling ‘NO’ and said something that Arata really did never expect to hear.

-no, no I am your fan.

Right now, Arata didn’t know what to say to this especially when there was no hint of her joking or playing a prank on him. Arata considered that she either must be a really good actor or really meant that so he just repeat last word in question sound.

-fan?

-yes! You know, I really get into the games that I play, so the youngest player and best dps of WhiteSuns no, the whole LTC is well known to me.

“Well, without bragging, it’s fact that I was best dps, at least from all melee classes but…”

-still… saying things like living legend?

Arata was still convinced that she was making fun of him.

-you know, I even had printed picture of your avatar over my bed. That’s why I could recognize you right away.

“…”

-you should probably choose better people for something like that, and if you are a fan of our guild, shouldn’t you print Wolfstark instead?

-the Leader? Sure he was main star but you, a person who was like what 12 could be in that guild and best dps at that. It’s incredible. And it’s better to have young person as their idol, right? I always wanted to send you a message but I didn’t know what to write.

-well it’s good that I could inspire you and now you can even complete the test for this guild so it was really good inspiration I would say.

-you not only inspired me, now that I think about it you are my first love.

“Okay, I definitely need to get out of here.”

The biggest worry Arata had right now that there was still no signal of her playing around or lying. And it was easy to say that Arata was both not used to situations like this and had no idea what to do.

-you really shouldn’t have said that.

-why shouldn’t I? Wait are you embarrass?

-of course not.

-well, you are legendary Arata after all. I am sure that girls are confessing their love to you left and right every day.

“In what world does she live?”

-I don’t think that there many people like you.

-no there are, I was part of Arata’s fanclub back in the day, so there should be few…

“Arata’s fanclub? Okay, now I know that she is definitely joking.”

There was a limit to how much Arata could believe her.

-anyway, why did you stop playing out of sudden? I know that the game was already dying as the last content was clear, but it became huge topic on forums. I won’t even try to tell you what happened in our club but there were a lot of tears. It was said that only leader of guild knew what the true reason was.

“Hmm, if I meet her yesterday I would end this conversation now. But new Arata won’t let it hunt him.”

-leader is the only one who knows as I told him and he promised not to tell anyone.

“I really told him the true reason when he called me. Ah, he was a good man, who would listen to anything. Now that I think about it, after that talk I started to go to school again.”

Kotori didn’t mind that Arata wanted to hide it. Rather than wanting to really know she just wanted to enjoy conversation.

-well not knowing is also fine. I could come up with my own version.

-and what would they be?

-here is my favorite. ‘Aliens took you and asked you to control one of their robots whose control was like LTC. With that robot you fought and defeat evil aliens. Now that galactic is safe you returned in new glory.’

-hahahaha.

Arata couldn’t hold it and bursted into laugher. Not only she switched from topic that he didn’t want to talk about but also smoothly changed it into joke. He really appraised it.

-I glad you like it. The last sentence I came up on the spot. But it works doesn’t it? But you just said that you have something to take care of. What is it? Or is it some other secret?

-no, nothing of that sort. I have a quest which I picked up two days ago, so I planned to complete it now.

-oh quest! Can I go with you?

She didn’t hold back on asking.

“Well if she managed to clean whole dungeon on her own, she should know how to play and what is most important, she is also a healer. Then she is also easy to talk to so there won’t be problem with communication. And it’s just when I wanted to open to people so I don’t really mind.”

-you don’t have any plans?

Arata asked her.

-Loki said that it will take some time before we move from here so I got left out with nothing to do. I planned to take a break for now but I can’t pass opportunity to go on quest with legendary Arata.

-could you cut the legendary part, please.

-but it would be against the rules of our club.

-you are still in that club?

-no but I might consider regaining my membership.

-still, you asked if I feel embarrassed and I do when you speak like that so Arata is fine.

-okay then… Arata!

Kotori said his name with a smile of ten thousand suns. Her face became even brighter than her golden hair. Arata stopped moving for a second seeing this beautiful picture before him. His mind was left blank and maybe he should consider not cutting that legendary part after all. At least then he could joke it out.

Arata got back to the earth some time later.

-I still have some shopping to do before it so you can take break.

-shopping? I will come with you.

And so, the story of Arata and Kotori party began.

They together went to Loris and their first destination was the forge.

-welcome customers! Look around and choose anything you need. We have a long rage of goods that will suit anyone.

The shopkeeper immediately said that when he heard the sound of opening doors and saw them entering.

-hey Marty, it’s me.

-oh Arata, you are back so fast, did you come here to buy a sword?

-no here I am about the quest. Where is Rodrigez?

-master Rodrigez is working right now. Yesterday I found large piece of plow in very good condition so there was no time to waste.

-hey Arata what are we doing here? You don’t want to buy any of that crap, do you? It’s look to me as it was made from garbage.

Kotori asked him when she looked around the shop. She could recognize bad items from afar even without checking their stats.

-well they look like that because they were made from garbage, right Marty?

-Arata, don’t tell other customers about it. They will be more happy not knowing what they buy.

-it was you who just mentioned a rusty piece of plow a second ago. It won’t matter what I say anymore. Also I don’t feel like you can cheat her.

-hey what with this suspicious shop! You sell rubbish and tell customers that it is some great good! You swindlers!

Kotori was not going to be quiet about it.

-but customers like what they buy so there is shouldn’t be a problem.

Marty answered.

-there is a problem! Well if you think there is no problem then…

She stopped for a moment and then continued

-I can tell anyone about it right? Let’s see what will happen if I put a message on that board in the city center.

-no! Anything but this!

“Poor Marty.”

-hmm… in this case I might somehow close my eyes on it. That is if you give me some items for free.

-ITEMS FOR FREE!…

“Looks like he heard it.”

Soon after the shout the blacksmith Rodrigez come from his work place. He looked around and said.

-Marty what is it again? You didn’t give any items for free, did you?

-I wouldn’t have broken number one rule of the shop, it’s just that the customer.

Marty pointed at Kotori.

-hey, you golden shrimp what was that talk about!

Blacksmith said to her while trying to sound scary.

“He likes to call everyone shrimp.”

Still, Kotori wasn’t scared even for a second by his posture and quickly answered.

-I said that I want something for free or should I make a message on that board after all. Everyone will know that the gear here is made from rubbish and your business will be ruined!

-well, anyone can do what they want.

Rodrigez didn’t care about her treats though.

-Master!

-Marty, people who buy this crap doesn’t even know what information board is, and even if they knew, they won’t believe it. Some may ask you about it but you just have to deny it then and it will work out.

-but the image of the shop!

-like I care about it, anyway tell that shrimp that if she does what she wants to do, we won’t sell her anything, and it will be her problem as she won’t get anything better than what we have in this shop. And Marty! Never forget our number one rule, nothing is for free.

-yes master!

-I don’t want any of your crap anyway!

Kotori interrupted them.

-hey Kotori not everything here is bad. If you are nicer they will offer you really good items that are not on the usual sale. Anyway I am not here for items. I am here for quest so be quiet for a minute…

Arata tried to calm her and then he called Rodrigez.

-hey it’s me. I came for a quest!

-ah Arata? Ah if it’s isn’t our twilight swordsman. What, you came to buy a sword, you are quick at earning money but I told you I won’t sell it to you.

-you are a twilight swordsman Arata?

Kotori found out Arata’s profession.

-later…

He waved his hand before her and continued.

-no I come for a quest.

-but didn’t I already told you that you need to get stronger for it.

-I already have level 30 so it should be enough.

After the boss fight Arata dinged level 30 which was the minimum required for the quest.

-18 levels in three days, Arata what were you doing? Ah this is.

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Rodrigez spotted the weapon that Arata got from kobold den. Its stats were similar to the one he got from instructor which was surprising considering that it required level 30 to equip, when instructor sword was from first area beginners city.

-I see where you went. All I can say is as expected of twilight swordsman. But you really want to go for this quest already? I would still suggest leveling up a little.

-I will manage somehow, I also have help.

-hahaha, this golden shrimp? She doesn’t look like she will be of much use.

-hey who are you calling shrimp! It is just you who are too big.

“Ah she went ahead and said it.”

Kotori would not stay quiet at Rodrigez’s remarks.

-hahaha, at least she can talk back. Anyway if you really want to go I will tell you the details…

[You have completed the prequest Black Sword]

-… as I said before, the place where you want to go is deep within the mountains to the east. If you look from the main gate to the left, you can see three big mountains right? You will have to reach the center one. There you need to find an entrance to old mine, it may be under snow for all know, but it should be there somewhere. Right, even though I say mine, don’t except much as it’s out of use for a long time already. There shouldn’t be more than one single cave open as it collapsed some time ago.

-can you be more specific about the entrance?

-it should be somewhere at higher level of mountain, I don’t know where exactly. Anyway when you enter the mine, look for the black ore, dig it and bring it to me, then I will make you a sword. Sounds easy right? But remember that the weather there is bad and there are strong monsters. You also might encounter boss class one.

[Quest: Black Sword.

Every swordsman needs a sword, as for swordsman a sword is like his lifeline. You found a skilled smith with knowledge of making a weapon that would only answer the call of twilight swordsman. The smith told you where to find the black ore from which the sword will be created. Go find it and bring it back to him.

Rank of the quest 9

Restriction: Class quest for twilight swordsman.]

-if I encounter him, I will just have to manage it somehow. Anyway, I will be back shortly.

-wait a minute Arata.

Kotori stopped him.

-what is it Kotori?

Arata answered but Kotori turned to Rodrigez.

-hey you! Do you have any quest for moonlight priestess?

-ha! Even if I did, I wouldn’t tell a shrimp like you.

-as I thought you are…

Kotori give him a hard glance with her blue eyes. Arata didn’t want to see what will happen so he stopped her. Although given her look he couldn’t find that really threatening.

-stop it Kotori! Rodrigez you really don’t have a quest for her?

-Arata I not into magic that much.

-see, he is usel…-

-do you know anyone who could have a quest for her?

-maybe I do but I don’t want to tell her.

-see! Kotori you should be nicer to him.

Arata didn’t have to tell her that as Kotori changed her attitude right away.

-Arata how did you know that there is quest for me? I heard that there aren’t any quests in this town. I also looked for them myself.

-I heard that too but I found mine so there could be one for you as well, and if I am not mistaken it will be the same place. Anyway ask him nicely to help you.

When Arata asked her, Kotori bowed before Rodrigez right away. Her golden hair went down her face.

-Master blacksmith! I am sorry that I offended you and ask for forgiveness, please tell me about the quest.

“She has good manners when she wants to.”

Although Rodrigez was not really convinced he didn’t create problems and joked.

-hahaha, looks like you taught her nicely Arata. Know my mercy you golden shrimp. Listen to this, not many people know about it but the person who is doing fortune telling in village has a talent in making magical items and in general she used to be a sorceress. Go to her and she should probably have what you need. First ask her to do some fortune telling for you and when she is done, ask about the mountains. You should get your quest then. Anyway… Arata take care of yourself and of this golden shrimp, as it won’t be a walk in the park. I look forward to the ore that you bring me as it’s been a while since I created a piece of art. Don’t forget to bring some extra ore as well as otherwise you will have to pay for it. I can’t break our number one rule.

-I will remember about that. See you soon.

Arata and Kotori left the forge. The moment they did Kotori said.

-ah, five minutes in the village in presence of legendary Arata and I already have a quest.

-you don’t have it yet. Well, you will get it soon though.

-but it’s a quest Arata! They are super rare, aren’t they? I didn’t find any quest so far. They are so hidden to the point where you start wondering if they even exist and here I finally got one. But then once again that is what you can except from legendary Arata.

-ah cut the legendary part already.

-but it’s my first quest! And it’s also in this city. I spend like three days searching for information about quests in Loris when I arrived here. Everyone said that there are no quests at all and people should focus on hunting and easy jobs to learn the ropes.

-informations on the internet are not always true.

-but I also asked people here. Players, npc, everyone! Even Loki said that he doesn’t remember any quests here and told me to look for it in other location but here I enter with legendary Arata into one shop, boom! I have a quest.

She was really excited about it. In comparison, when Arata got his first quest he was rather annoyed. The reason for that was probably because of its questgiver.

-well it’s a class quest maybe not everyone can have it.

-I heard that quests have strange requirements in the first place. That’s why it’s hard to get one. But we shouldn’t worry about that now. Let’s go get it.

-later. First I need to do some shopping, it’s on the way.

-what are you going to buy in this town? There is nothing worth any coin, I looked around. Not that I had much gold at that time.

-ingredients.

Arata went around the market, Kotori was following him. He bought different cooking materials as they were leaving the market Kotori asked.

-why are you buying those things? You shouldn’t waste money like that.

-I will remind you those words when we will be on the break.

-I don’t really understand but sure, anyway to the center! Adventure awaits!…

They then moved to the center of village and soon found fortune telling stall. Still they soon encountered one problem.

-this line is long.

Kotori grasped as she saw the line. Arata was already excepting it as he saw it before. Kotori was probably the same.

-I heard it is somewhat popular.

Arata said to her.

-hey Arata, can’t we just simply beat everyone so we can be first in the line?

“She has some extreme ideas but this line is really long so doing it may be a good option. But.”

-I don’t think you can just attack players in town. Isn’t it safe area?

-I don’t know, does this game have any safe area in the first place?

-even if it doesn’t, the NPCs will come at us.

-then, we can beat them as well.

-but you won’t be able to get your quest if you start a ruckus, after all that NPC wants to get the gold from those people who came to her.

-ehh… then we have to stand in this line?

-no other choice.

-well it may not really be that bad idea.

Somehow her attitude changed somehow at the last minute.

They moved to the end of the line and waited. After about two minutes of silence. Arata felt some strange feeling in his arm. When he looked, Kotori was already hugging him. He was not sure what to say, or if he should say anything at all as he ‘didn’t exactly mind it’ but he decided to ask.

-hey what are you doing?

-look around! Few people are doing the same thing so… I wanted to do it as well.

-that’s not the reason. They look like they know each other for long. From real I mean.

Most of people in line were beginners so they wouldn’t have time to get to know anyone to this level. Also starting playing with friends is also natural. Well those ‘that’ do that were probably more than friends.

-Arata what’s the worry?

-you are too open. Well its fine when it’s me but if you did something like that to someone else, that person might misunderstand.

-I am not like that to everyone, actually I never did this before but somehow I wanted to do it right now. I can’t?

Once again Arata was hit by the smile of ten thousand suns. With the way she asked, he couldn’t do anything at this point.

-do what you want.

-yey.

They stayed there for 30 minutes already yet the line decreased only by little, there was still at least 20 other in line before them.

At some point Arata spotted that many people are looking at the start of the line, he didn’t know what fuss was about, so he also leaned the head and saw familiar sight. It was Gerald moving around with Anari following him. He was asking people questions.

-hi there my name is Gerald and I looking for people to my guild, can you tell me something about your class and experience in game so far.

He stopped near one of the group that stayed in the line and asked them. He soon heard the answer.

-guild cool, I won’t tell you my class but I have a won tournament in beginner’s city on my second try and I passed the forest with only two deaths.

-we also cleaned the dungeon once already. My class is a green ranger. Passed the test on third try as well, in the city of beginners I was mostly shooting arrows at target in training center, so my class was rather given. Here look, at the bow that I got from stoneground.

Those two guys didn’t look that bad but Gerald only answered.

-sorry to join my guild we have special test and I don’t think that guys with rank 8 and 11 can do there anything, I would only waste your time.

“How does he do it!?”

Gerald then moved on through the line at the same time he was speaking. Still he was doing it with his eyes half closed. It seemed like he was really bored.

-so for mage class it’s really important to take note of your mana, mages without mana are useless, try to…

He was teaching Anari and at the same time looking for members, he told her one sentence and suddenly cut it.

-hi there my name is Gerald and I looking for people to my guild, can you tell me something about your class and experience in game so far.

He found another pray in the line.

-I am sorry, I am planning to join my brother’s guild.

Arata heard the voice of girl. Arata didn’t see her but he could tell that she was young.

-will your brother’s guild become strongest guild in history of strongest guilds?

-in history? Really? Really?

Her voice grasped. Gerald continued.

-of course do I look like a person who can lie.

“How can he say that to people with straight face?”

-my brother play it only for fun as he is always working and don’t have time. He usually doesn’t spend more than two hours playing. He can’t have strongest guild.

-okay, tell me why did you started to play?

-my brother told me that this is incredible fun to play game, that there are castles and you can do numberless things. I also wanted to play with my brother because he doesn’t live in our house anymore, he moved out.

“There is no way that you can turn it around now.”

-hey Arata what are you looking at something interesting? Let me see too.

Kotori asked him while still hugging his arm.

-nothing really.

Arata went back to looking at the scene.

“Hahaha, fell the defeat, you can’t use your childish way against the child.”

Arata wanted to see Gerald fail but that didn’t happened.

-hey, what would your brother think if you were in strongest guild?

-hmm, he would probably be happy I think, he would think that it’s thanks to him that I could get there, as he recommended me to play.

-you want your brother to be happy don’t you?

-yes, he did a lot for me.

-see you are happy if your brother is happy such great logic. So tell me about your experience.

-emm, what should I tell?

-for example how you passed the forest test or how did you get your items?

-items, I got from good grandpa in the previous city.

-good grandpa?

-I was helping him with his injured dog. Grandpa was a good person he helped me when I didn’t have money for food so I tried to repay my debt. The dog was his guide as he was blind so he had problems with him injured. I was taking care of the dog and grandpa. Hopefully the dog is now healed so it is fine.

“Hey, hey, hey, does this have anything to do with MMO in the first place.”

-oh you are good kid…

“In a second he will tell her, sorry I have to go. She can’t have good class after something like that.”

-… anyway, how did you complete the challenge.

“Give it up Gerald.”

-…ah I found a friend there who helped me.

-oh, what kind of friend?

Gerald asked her with interest.

“Isn’t that challenge for only for one person. I didn’t even consider grouping up. But maybe that’s how you need to defeat the bear.”

The challenge was only for solo players. Groups were not allowed. You could find other players but if both of them tried to kill something together they wouldn’t get points. Although they could in group of two pull two flowers at the same time and finish them off separately.

-Borri!

The girl said the name of her friend.

“Borri? Who would name himself Borri?”

-ah what a cute name. You gave it to him?

Gerald answer was somewhat strange.

-yes when I found him, I was a little scared but Borri defended me from evil plants and I was not scared anymore. From that time Borri is traveling with me.

-ah I see. Anyway I see that you are in the line so when you get your fortune telling, wait for me next to information board, you know where it is?

-yes, I was there before.

-good I will be in the center for some time now anyway so you can also just catch up to me. See you later…

Gerald started to walk again but Arata was not convinced in his choice.

“Hey, hey, what are you doing, she will die on first pack no matter how you look at it. You could at least ask about this Borri guy, flowers aren’t that easy.”

-so you try to always have at least some mana left just in case you need to retreat…

Gerald continued his teaching in the place he left it before.

-use spells that eat low amount of mana. The ones that cost a lot, use only in special circumstances, it is your secret weapon.

-like the light of dawn, when I used it kill all the kobolds around us?

-something like that. You should also mind spells that have long coldown and don’t use strong spells against weak en…

Gerald stopped once again and spotted Arata, he quickly run to him,

-hi there my name is Gerald and I looking for people to my guild, can you tell me something about your class and experience in game so far.

-hi Arata.

Anari followed him. Looks like Gerald didn’t recognized him at first.

-what’s up, Anari learning hard?

-yes.

-Anari, don’t interrupt me when I scout players.

-but it’s Arata.

Gerald finally take closer look at who he was talking to as before his eyes were half close. He was probably walking around and said the same words to anyone who was not a clone without even looking directly at them

-Arata? Shouldn’t you be doing quest right now? I thought that you looked somewhat similar but I didn’t think that it’s you.

Gerald explained himself.

-you shouldn’t forget your guild mates, what leader are you?

-naturally, the most glorious leader of all time. Anyway you said that the first thing in the morning you are going for the quest, so I didn’t even consider that I will find you staying in the line for some fortune telling. You really believe it that staff? Well, it’s actually surprisingly accurate but who would waste their time in this line. Also is that?

Gerald looked at Kotori who was still hugging Arata arm.

-wow it’s really her! Jesus! Arata you really are fast player.

Gerald was more surprised than Arata himself.

-it somehow ended up this way. Hey Kotori, say something and explain how it happened?

Arata didn’t even try to say anything to resolve misunderstanding so he just told Kotori to explain herself. Well, he also didn’t exactly know why she did that. But her explanation didn’t explain anything.

-it’s simple. Arata is my first love so I wanted to hug him.

“Hey, hey, hey, hey.”

Because she was so open and serious while saying it, Gerald lost his interest. He probably wanted to play around a little and pick on Arata but he found out that he can’t so he lost his interest.

-you are really fast player Arata. But it’s not my place to step it, if something you have my blessing. Now I have to continue my search so I will be going.

“I just don’t care what everyone things anymore.”

-hey Gerald, about your search. Why do you invite people who don’t have any chance of passing?

Arata stopped Gerald and asked.

-what are you saying? This time I am looking carefully for them. I figured out that the test can be done only by specific people and the whole group must be strong.

-so why are you inviting some kids for it?

-what kids? Ah, the one before, she may be kid but her class is also rare, so maybe she will do it, after all she got Borri.

-so you are taking Borri as well?

-strange question of course Borri is coming, he is traveling with her after all.

-but you didn’t see Borri before, so how can you invite him just like that?

-hey Arata, you said that you saw Borri as well, didn’t you?

Gerald made a strange question.

-I don’t remember anyone called Borri. What is with that name anyway?

-hahaha, you don’t know what Borri is, do you? It’s a bear. The bear, from the forest. That girl is some kind of beast controller, I still not sure of her class it’s one of the two, beast master or animal summoner. I would take my chances on the second one as we can’t see Borri here, but he can also wait for her somewhere so I won’t cross out the first option yet.

-don’t you know everyone class by one look?

-hahaha, that’s impossible, I need some information first, still five minutes talk and I rather sure of someone profession by them…

“How?”

-well I don’t really plan to invite her. She wants to play with her brother after all, and I can’t convince her out of it. Well, maybe I can but I don’t want to do that. Still I want to see Borri in action again and I need whole group to be strong so she will be a nice asset. Anyway, good luck on your date…

“What date?”

-So Anari take care of your mana and don’t use strong spells against weak enemies also don’t use them when they are on low health, it’s called overkill when you use something too strong to kill opponent whom you could kill with something less costly.

Gerald moved on and continued his talk, still Anari stayed back and looked at Arata and Kotori. Gerald soon shouted back.

-hey Anari follow and listen! And take memos! We don’t have time for sightseeing.

-but.

-come or wait. Another preys spotted. Hi there, my name is Gerald and I looking for people to my guild can you… .

Gerald soon targeted another prey. Because of that Anari gathered some time she stayed and asked.

-hey Arata, why are you going on date with Kotori?

-who is she Arata? Your girlfriend? If yes then I sorry, well I should have known that legendary Arata would have girlfriend.

Kotori stopped hugging him the moment.

“What is it love comedy? No I would rather call it a drama.”

-no, no, she is not my girlfriend, she is in our guild,

-ah yes Anari the mage, nice to meet you, I am Kotori.

-yes nice to meet you too, anyway why did you say that Arata is your first love?

-hmm, because it’s true. So… are you interested in Arata as well?

-no I am not! We don’t suit each other at all.

“This strong deny somehow hurts.”

-ah so you like him but know that it won’t work so you give up. Is that right?

Kotori was merciless though. Although Arata expected some ‘wawa’ come into the play that didn’t happen.

-no, but half is true, it won’t work and it probably won’t work with you either.

“I don’t know what happened but looks like she changed somehow.”

Kotori wasn’t bothered by it and joked.

-well that’s probably true. Such low creature like me can’t hold a candle to legendary Arata after all.

-legendary Arata, what is that?

Anari right away got interested in that name. She was also good at creating strange names for him.

-Kotori, stop with legendary Arata already! Anari you should go, Gerald waiting.

-no, no he found a big group this time so it can take a while.

-Kotori, don’t call yourself low creature. You passed our guild test after all. You are good.

Arata ignored that comment and switched to Kotori when he failed with first one.

-but compared to legendary Arata who am?

-I really want to know about legendary Arata!

Anari didn’t give up but Arata had enough.

-shut up Anari. Anyway Kotori I let you hug on my arm for half an hour so don’t make it look like I have bad taste. You are not low creature so please stop with legendary part.

-no, no, you are just kind guy who would let anyone do that, so you don’t hurt their feelings.

Kotori simply said that but then Anari went it.

-that’s not true! When I tried something similar he quickly ran away. Arata why did you let Kotori hug you without complaining?…

And then she asked him this question

-well it’s because.

-yes!?…

“Hmm, why did I? Well yesterday I made great progress in my life and wanted to change a little, but it still doesn’t explain it. Let’s see…”

-hey, what is he doing?

Anari whispered to Kotori.

-he is trying probably trying to come up with an excuse.

Kotori somehow could read him. Arata was in thoughts for 15 seconds now and even started to mumble to himself loudly as he was trying hard to come up with something.

-hmm no this doesn’t even sound like me. Well it’s still better than I saw your smile which emanated more light than ten thousands suns so I couldn’t just say no. The other version, you said that you like me and it turns out I am weak against direct approach and things like first love. No, that’s definitely no not an option. Ah, how did I end up like that? Hmm, complementing her beautiful hair would also be strange so this is also no, no, ah I don’t have much time so this will have to do.

Arata worked hard to create reasonable explanation but he started to say thing out loudly as he was trying too hard. He was really green in situations like this.

Both Anari and Kotori become really red and stared at him. Anari had no idea that her friend Arata could ever create thoughts like that. “Leader you were wrong, Arata went crazy!” were her thoughts. Before Gerald told her that Arata is as good as he can be and she shouldn’t worry about him but what she just saw was even more surpassing than him crying at the end of their test.

Kotori’s face became red for let’s say a different reason.

Arata finally come up with an answer.

-well isn’t it natural for a guy to want a hug from a pretty girl. Hear me Kotori. You are pretty, so don’t say you are low creature anymore.

“Yes, saying that she is pretty when she really is and probably heard it million times isn’t that much and she will have higher morale on our quest. It was the perfect answer.”

Arata looked at Kotori then at Anari they were somewhat quiet. He soon started.

-anyway Anari, good luck on your studies.

-yes Arata, good luck to you as well.

-you mean the quest? Well it’s for high level but we shouldn’t have any problems. Right Kotori?

She still did not say anything.

-… .

-I have my lecture now so I better return to it. Anyway once again, good luck Arata.

Anari went back to Gerald who was just finished questioning other group.

“That was strange even for someone as her. Anyway the line decreased at least we should soon get.”

-hey Kotori it will be soon our turn.

-… .

-hey! Can you hear me?

Kotori unfroze and returned to her normal yet even more smiling face. Arata was stunned by it once more.

-yes! We will get it soon.

-why are you grinning so much? No one told you before that you are pretty? Ah, this world is full of cowards if they can’t tell what is on their minds.

-hahaha, yes it is, it really is.

“She is really cheerful.”

Arata turned his head again to see her face again.

“But man, how can someone have a smile like that is beyond me, like ten thousand suns. I become poet at some point. Gerald said that people’s core doesn’t change. It’s not 100% true but from time to time something do change. Something starts and something ends. As people grow up they also change, well in most cases. Can I also change?”

Yet again he looked at Kotori, she was still somewhat different.

“Is she different now or what, or I am different. It’s not like I really like her, right? Hahaha, there’s no way, although isn’t it normal to be interested in those things in my age. Even so…”

Arata fought inside his own mind.

“I will not succumb to simple desires like that! Kotori is right. I am legendary Arata who can find joy only on the battlefield and by becoming the strongest, muahahahahahaha nothing can change that.”

Arata found an answer that he was comfortable with.

//**This chapter is not over. Continue to _11.2**//

http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=333&t=3124