“I suppose you’d like to see your reward and get out of here to explore the city,” he said, his tone more of a statement than a question. He disappeared through the door behind the counter, returning moments later with five small ornamental boxes stacked on a book. The boxes were attractive, their fine metal accents and varied shades of wood giving an illusion of quality. But upon closer inspection, the craftsmanship, though neat, lacked the weight of true artistry. They were the kind of pretty things meant to impress at a glance, but not to be looked at too closely.
I looked at the book in his hands, it was a variety of yellow shades with a pearl white spine, and deep purple letters that I could not read under the boxes that rested on the book. I pointed, “What is the book for?” I asked.
“Ah, yes, this book is actually for you James. It is a gift from the captain for ‘showing some balls’ is what the letter said if I recall correctly.” Spyn responded pulling the boxes off of the book to place one in front of each of us, then handing the book to me.
I looked down at the book after grabbing it from Spyn.
Celestial skill book
Would you like to read this book?
Select: Yes or No
Well, that was odd, no other book has asked if I want to read it before or not. It has to be because it is a skill book, I thought to myself. I selected yes.
You have learned a temporary ability.
[Abyssal Retribution]
Can only be cast after being a target of an attack, hits enemy for 30% of the damage that would have hit you. 24 hr. cooldown. – 3 charges.
I felt a pang of disappointment settle in. The initial excitement drained away as reality set in, this was a shadow of the power I once wielded. Three uses, each separated by an agonizing wait, and all for a fraction of the impact it once had. It was as if I was being handed a rusted relic of the past. I moved to open my box. It had thirty gold stored in it, the box itself was even more underwhelming up close. I left the box on the counter and removed the gold from it, I was up to one hundred and forty-seven gold. I still have yet to discover if that was a lot of gold or mediocre.
“What was the book for?” Mel asked expectantly.
I noticed at that point everyone was staring at me waiting to find out. “Oh, it gave me a temporary ability. It is the same one I lost, but far weaker than it was before.” I said, my voice laced with disappointment.
“Well, at least you have three abilities again!” Trish said full of excitement.
I looked at her and smiled, “Well for at least three charges yea.” I chuckled. Her excitement almost contagious, I stood straight, “alright guys, I think it is time we go exploring the city!” I said with more gusto than before.
Leo perked up at the words, “Heck yeah! I can’t wait to work on some alchemy!”
“How about we all split up and we can meet back at that inn we passed a few blocks to the north?” Max said thoughtfully.
Mel’s eyes were gleaming with excitement. Trish snagged my arm pulling me to her, “Do I get to make dresses now!” she asked excitedly, her eyes wide and a huge grin spread across her face.
Laughing, I responded, “of course you do, but I feel like we should all get a map before we leave or we could spend days trying to figure out where the market, and the craftsmen’s areas are located.”
We all looked at Spyn expecting him to give us some maps, “Hey now, a man’s gotta make a living here. One gold per map.”
“One gold!? For a map?!” Max said, “I’d say this is robbery at this point.” he added glaring at Spyn.
Spyn stared back at him, eyes unwavering, not a single whisker flickering, or an ear twitching. “Do I look like someone who’s here to bargain? One gold, or you can get lost in the city and see where that gets you.”
I put a gold on the table and my hand out for a map, “No sense in arguing, Max, we don’t even know the value of gold in this realm.” I said, locking eyes with him, waiting for him to calm down.
Max relented with an annoyed sigh, “You’re right, my bad man. Sorry, Spyn.”
Spyn didn’t seem bothered either way and handed me a map than one to the others as they all handed over their gold. When I opened the map, a notification popped up.
Map added to your main map index, you may now see points of interest withing Castle Ru’Lique.
I opened my map after reading the notification. Immediately noticing there was a legend with symbols and descriptions of what they represented. A house represented the inn that was a few blocks north of us that Max was talking about earlier. An anvil represented the artisan’s quarter which was on the other side of the second wall, there was also another inn located within that area not far from the quarter either. A basket of fruit and a fish represented the market, and finally the keep was represented by two crossing swords over a shield.
I looked at Leo, then Max, “I’ll race you guys there…”
Leo just grinned and looked at Max, “Oh, you’re on buddy!” Max said rushing to the door.
I looked at Trish and shrugged laughing, noticing her smiling and rolling her eyes. Mel was grabbing Max by the waist and yanking him back to get in front of him.
“Don’t break my damn door or you will be buying a new one!” Spyn shouted as we fought to get to the door.
Finally getting the door open, we all bolted out of the quartermaster’s office onto the streets, all of us racing towards the second wall. Rushing down the street like we were kids again, I noticed that the increase in stats massively increased my speed and endurance. I didn’t even feel like I was running yet, seeing Max rushing passed all of us his speed unmatched by anyone on foot. Leo grabbed onto Mel as she leaped through the air with her massive strength pool as if she was some big green superhero. I slowed down and waited for Trish to catch up.
“Why did you stop hon?” She asked.
“Eh I just didn’t want to embarrass them, you know.” I responded jokingly.
She laughed, “Didn’t realize the difference these stats made, did you?”
“No, no I did not. I was going to grab onto Mel’s other shoulder, but I also thought hanging back with you would be a good idea too.” I said chuckling, but also sincerely.
She smiled and linked her arm with mine, resting her head on my shoulder as we strolled through the beautiful city. But the closer we got to the second wall, the darker and gloomier the surroundings became, as if we were crossing into another world, one marked by poverty. Broken-down buildings lined the streets, and shadowy figures lurked behind corners.
“We should get back to the main street. I don’t think we should stay here, love,” I said, gently urging Trish through the narrow alleys. We had decided to take the scenic route to admire more of the city's architecture, but instead, we discovered what the main streets were trying to hide.
“Babe, just because they are poor, doesn't mean they are going to just out right attack us for no reason.” She responded, her tone a mix of sadness and irritation.
“No, but this is also where the crooks and murderers hang out babe, we need to get out of here.” I said sternly.
Suddenly, a cry for help echoed from deeper within the maze of buildings. Every instinct told me to ignore it, but my heart twisted with anger and fear. “Was… was that a kid?” I asked, feeling the weight of the situation. Trish nodded, her face pale with horror.
“Help, please! No, please don’t hurt her!” a voice screamed, this time clear enough to understand. The scream bloodcurdling, freezing me in place.
“Damnit all.” I said as I began sprinting through the buildings pulling out [Starlight Eclipser]. Trish on my heels, we rushed towards the scream.
“Sir, please, no, leave my mommy alone!” a boy shouted from the other side of a building we were approaching.
“Shut it you little welp, mommy owes me something. And if she ain’t got no money, she will pay up…”
His voice cut off immediately as Star’s head struck the fat man in the back of the head. He fell forward onto is face with his pants around his lower waist, the woman crying silently on the ground. I reached down and thought better of it, “Ma’am it’s ok, let’s get you out of here, okay?” I said gently she jolted away, then realizing she was in no trouble she burst into sobs of relief. “Babe, get them out of here, this little piggy and I are going to have a nice little discussion.” I said, my voice low and cold, while glaring at him with fury burning in my eyes.
The fat man began to roll over, “Who in the…” he started to say before he seen me. “Who the hell are you? Do you know who I am?”
I noticed out of the corner of my eye Trish helping the woman to her feet and gently grabbing the little boy who couldn’t have been more than five years old. I turned back to the fat bastard, and with darkness welling up inside me, I began stalking toward him.
He was shuffling backward, away from me, “James, don’t do this. The woman and the boy are safe, it is not worth losing yourself just to get a bit of vengeance. Let the bumbling idiot go.” Star echoed through my mind for the first time in a while.
He might find her again; I can’t just let him go! I thought back to him, anger still simmering.
“So, don’t let him go. Take him to a guard and explain what you caught him doing or ensure that he never dares to find her again. Either way, murdering or dismembering him is not the route you want or need to take.” Star urged gently.
I paused mid step, realizing he was right. I can’t just become an angel of vengeance, I stopped him before he dishonored her, I would take him to the guard and let them deal with him. “Get up you worthless slimeball, let’s go have a chat with the guard.” I said sternly, yanking him up by the collar of his shirt.
I dragged the fat man by the wispy hairs of his head toward the main road. He pleaded the entire way, offering riches and spouting nonsense that I had no interest in hearing. When I reached the street, I found Trish with the boy and his mother, desperately trying to speak with a guard. Tears welled in her eyes as she begged him to listen.
"Hey, guard, take this perverted freak with you!" I shouted, fury in my voice. The guard's dismissive attitude toward Trish because of the two poverty-stricken people with her only fueled my anger.
The guard turned to me with a look of indifference. "Take him yourself. The poor are not my concern. I have real issues to deal with, none of which involve these brainless oafs," he sneered, waving me away.
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Anger boiled inside me, ready to explode; until a streak of turquoise flashed past, striking the guard across the face with a force that sent him sprawling. A towering figure loomed over him, green and blue scales shimmering in the light. "I believe the gentleman here asked you to do your job... recruit," the massive Draconoi growled, his voice a deep rumble.
The guard scrambled to his feet, fear in his eyes. "Y-yes, sir! I’m sorry, sir!" he stammered, yanking the fat man from my grip as if his life depended on it.
The Draconoi turned to me, his presence commanding. "I guess we haven’t been properly introduced. Name's Kaelvorn, Sergeant of the gate watch. That idiot there is just a recruit who hasn’t learned yet that we’re here to protect the entire city, not just the rich," Kaelvorn said, his gaze steady and authoritative.
I looked above his head for a brief moment and noticed [♂ Sgt. Kaelvorn, Draconoi Lvl 58], looking back down at his eyes. I stuck my hand out, “pleasure to meet you sir, names James.”
He did what looked like a grin on his face, “thanks for helping those two, I heard a scream, went to investigate and noticed someone had already handled the situation.” he responded while shaking my hand firmly and respectfully.
“Yeah, well it almost went really dark.” I thumbed Star hanging from my hip, “Thankfully a brilliant mind talked me out of it.” I added while patting the hilt.
“Oh, did you say that because I am a celestial or because I’m really smart?” Star asked rhetorically, “never mind, I think I will pick my own answer.” Star added.
“I know, I watched to see what you were going to do. I would have intervened before I let you do anything, but I wanted to get a sense of the type of man you are.” Kaelvorn reassured.
I nodded thankfully and asked, “Well, I must have impressed you then huh?”
“Impressed? No, earned some respect, however? Yes” he said with a sly grin, “You, recruit!” he suddenly shouted to an approaching guard, whom of which looked back towards him with a questioning look on his face, “Yes, you, you absolute moron. Help this woman and her child to the shelter, make sure they get a warm bed and some food for a week.”
“Thank you so much, sir!” the woman sobbed in gratitude. She then turned to me, her voice trembling with emotion. “Thank you as well, kind stranger, for saving us!” she said, wrapping her arms around me. She was an ordinary human woman, with blonde hair and a fair complexion, though the bedraggled appearance of someone who had lived on the streets for far too long was evident.
The young boy ran over and hugged my leg, looking up at me with tears in his eyes. "Thank you for saving my mommy, mister!" he said, his light brown hair falling away from his face. I noticed his slightly pointed ears, hinting that he might be half-elf.
The recruit walked over and began to herd the two away from us, you could tell he had a much kinder soul than the other recruit. He was playfully tickling the boy as he picked him up to carry him and walked with the woman giving her reassurance that she would be okay.
“What say you to letting me lead you to the next wall gate? I have some things I’d like to discuss with you,” Kaelvorn asked.
I glanced at Trish, her eyes still red and wet from tears. “Would you give me a moment to speak with my wife first?” I asked, to which he nodded politely.
As I walked over to her, she immediately wrapped her arms around me, her voice trembling. “Oh my God, I thought for sure you were going to kill that man. I know he’s not a good man, but I was terrified I’d see blood on you when you came back,” she sobbed into my chest.
“I wanted to, every part of me wanted him dead for what he was trying to do,” I admitted softly. “But Star talked me down, made me realize I can’t lose myself to this realm and the darkness we’re sure to encounter.” My voice was gentle, though a tinge of fear crept in at the thought of what I might become if I don’t keep my anger in check.
“I’m glad you didn’t,” she responded, looking up at me. “I understand there are things we may have to do, but when we have control over the outcome, and can avoid… that, we should.” She added seriously.
I pressed my forehead against hers. “I know, you’re right,” I responded.
I looked toward Kaelvorn and nodded, signaling that we were ready to go. He nodded in return and gestured down the road we’d be following. We walked up to his side. “So, what did you want to talk about?” I asked.
“Mind if I share a location with you?” he asked as we continued walking. The gate was within sight but still a considerable distance away.
“Share a location? How does that work?” I asked, curiosity piqued.
“It’s simple. You’ll get a notification asking if you’d like to save a map marker. To send the location, you focus on a spot on the map and mark it, then focus on the person you want to share it with,” he responded.
“Oh, that’s kinda cool, and simple. Yeah, go ahead and send me the location,” I agreed.
As he said, a notification popped up, and I hit 'yes,' noticing that an ‘x’ appeared on my map a few miles to the northeast. I glanced at him and nodded to confirm I had the location.
“I have a cart of grain that I was planning to send to a village in that area in a little over a week. I’d like you to accompany the cart as a guard detail. We’re short on patrols, thanks to that damned beast you killed,” he said. “There’s not much of a reward, some decent experience points, but no gold,” he added.
I looked at Trish, who seemed to be thinking it over. She then responded, “I don’t mind helping, but I do think we should ask the others. Make sure we’re all on the same page.”
I nodded. “It’s likely a yes, but let me speak with my group, make sure we’re all on the same page,” I said.
“I do have one reward for you, actually. There’s a guild hall in the inner city, nearest the castle. It’s not marked on your map, but you can join guilds there that offer quests for any profession to help advance your skills. The catch is that you can only get in with an invite. However, the head of the guild hall owes me a favor, don’t worry about the details. If you do me this favor, I’ll call it in and even arrange for you to get started right away,” Kaelvorn said, grinning as he noticed the light in both of our eyes.
“Look, man, I was already willing to help, but I don’t think ‘no’ is even an option at this point!” I said, excitement mixed with a touch of humor.
“I figured as much,” he said with a chuckle. “Guards, stand aside! Let this group through!” he shouted to the gate guards.
It was then that I noticed the other three were sitting on the ground, looking annoyed and impatient. “Did you guys make them mad? Why do you look like you’re in time out?” I asked, laughing.
Leo grumbled under his breath, Max glared angrily at the nearest guard as if plotting revenge, and Mel sat pouting like her favorite ice cream had just hit the ground.
“I’m guessing they rushed the gate like crazed kids running into a candy store, and my guards here shut it down and knocked them on their asses,” Kaelvorn said, laughing. It was a deep, husky laugh, but surprisingly gentle. It was nice to see this side of the [Draconoi]. “Actually, that’s the main reason I was on my way up here. I happened to bump into you while heading up to personally check on the situation,” he added.
“I’ve never been body-slammed so hard in my life…” Max muttered. “I didn’t even have a split second to get out of his reach,” he added, still glaring at the guard with envy and anger.
“Ever been kicked like a soccer ball towards the ground? I don’t recommend it; it hurts like hell,” Mel said, rubbing her back with a hint of embarrassment.
“Ever been attached to that soccer ball as it gets kicked? Doesn’t feel any better. Oh, and getting clotheslined on the way down to ‘ensure’ you don’t escape is just the cherry on top,” Leo added resentfully.
I laughed at their predicament, barely able to catch my breath before I asked if they were okay. All I got in response were glares, which made me laugh even harder. “Oh, man, that’s priceless. I’m so glad I didn’t hop on that train with you guys. We’d all be sitting here nursing our wounded prides, with no one to tell us about an amazing opportunity.” I shook off the laughter and added a sly grin.
“What good news?” they all asked in unison.
I went on to explain the quest opportunity and the guild hall. They all agreed excitedly. I also explained why we were running behind, and while Max wanted to find the guard responsible, Trish and I managed to calm him down.
“I take it your group is willing to help?” Kaelvorn asked as we crossed the gate threshold.
“Yeah, man, definitely!” Leo said, pumping his fist in the air.
“Very well. I’ll send a messenger to the [Guild Master]. You should receive a letter in a day or two. Only then will you be allowed to enter the inner city without the guards stopping you. The letter will include a pass to let the guards know the guild hall has sent for you,” Kaelvorn explained. “I suggest you stay at the inn near the artisan’s quarter. The innkeeper there is a trusted friend, and he’ll make sure no shady business happens with your rooms or belongings while you’re out exploring the city,” he added.
“Thank you, this will be a massive help to all of us. In the meantime, I think we’ll head to the artisan’s quarter and learn what we can there,” I responded, trying to keep my excitement in check.
“I’ll send word when the cart is ready to depart,” Kaelvorn said with a wave, turning and walking back towards the main gate.
I glanced at my friends and the guards around us. They’d relaxed their weapons and were motioning for us to walk through the gate. We quickly followed suit, excitement bubbling under the surface as we moved forward.
“I’m so excited to work on my tailoring! I’ve been dying to make a dress!” Trish exclaimed, practically bouncing with energy.
“I’m heading straight to a smithy. I need to make a shield and armor; I’m over getting smacked around like a ragdoll,” I said with determination.
Mel shot me a side-eye. “If you could make me some chainmail, I’d really appreciate it. I’m tired of getting knocked around too.”
I chuckled and nodded. “You bet!”
“Hey, Trish, mind working on a robe for me?” Leo asked, clearly eager.
“Yes! A thousand times yes!” Trish’s eyes lit up at the thought, and she grabbed Leo’s arm, pulling him along. As she passed me, she kissed me on the cheek. “Gotta get your measurements. Time to go!”
“Shit, what have I done…” Leo muttered as he was dragged away, leaving the rest of us laughing at his predicament.
“Hey, make me some explody juice when you’re done!” Max shouted after him. Leo just waved in response.
Max grinned and turned to me. “I’m going to work on my bow and arrows. With all the loot I’ve collected, I should be able to craft something stronger.”
Mel chuckled beside me. “I guess I’ll go find an enchanter, see what I need to get started. If this loot isn’t useful, we’re going to look like some really sick individuals collecting all these animal parts and blood…”
I laughed hesitantly, thinking the same thing, and waved her off as I headed towards the smithy marked on my map.
Taking my time to admire the quarter as I approached, I was struck by the vibrant energy that filled the air. Craftsmen and artisans bustled about, their hands deftly working on their creations. The street was lined with shops, each proudly displaying its wares; gleaming weapons, intricately designed armor, shelves of colorful potions, and scrolls that fluttered slightly in the breeze. The scent of burning coal mixed with the tang of metal, and the air was thick with the sounds of hammers striking steel and the hum of magical energy.
Just ahead, I noticed an open area where people tested their gear. Dummies of all shapes and sizes filled the space, some standing firm as warriors smashed their weapons against them. Others were designed to hit back, their mechanical arms swinging as shield-bearers braced for impact. In another corner, nimble dummies darted around, forcing those in heavy armor, medium armor or tailored suits to chase them, testing the mobility of their gear. The air here was alive with grunts of effort, the clash of metal, and the occasional shout of triumph or frustration.
Off to the side, a massive steel wall encircled what had to be the tinkerers’ area. The craftsmanship of the wall was immaculate, its vault-like door hinting at the secrets within. Suddenly, a loud explosion echoed from behind the wall, and a plume of smoke rose into the sky. Startled, I instinctively stepped back, deciding it was wiser to head towards the familiar clanging of hammers instead.
Walking over to the smithy, I noticed Leo, begrudgingly being measured by Trish. She was excitedly chatting with a fellow tailor, likely bouncing around ideas. Nearby, Mel sat at a table, deep in conversation with a small gnome-like person, her eyes wide and a smile spread across her face. As for Max, he was probably in the "wall of death." I wanted nothing to do with whatever was happening in there, so I smiled and walked around behind the building.
A man approached me. He looked human at first glance, but his reptilian eyes, glowing with what seemed like an ever-moving green flame, gave him away. Small tentacles wriggled within his hair. He extended a hand and smiled widely. He was about my height, maybe an inch taller.
“Hey, name’s Theron. I’m the local trainer for blacksmithing. Here to learn some basics?” His voice was smooth yet gritty, full of kindness and excitement. “So nice to see another player come through here! It’s been over sixty years since I’ve trained a player.”
“Wait, hold the phone for a second…” I said, stunned, as a hundred questions bounced around in my brain.
“Oh, still in your introduction phase, I take it?” he asked.
Now even more confused than before, I replied, “Can we sit down somewhere? I have so many questions, and you just made the list even longer.”
“Ah, yes, yes, pardon my lack of hospitality. It’s just been so long! Please, come sit over here.” He motioned to a table under a canopy attached to what I assumed was both his home and shop. “Ask away. I’ll answer to the best of my ability,” he added as we sat down.
My mind was racing, but I decided to start with the basics. “Okay, first off, how could you tell I was a player?”
“Ah, yes. You see my nametag?” He pointed up to it, and I nodded. “Notice how it’s red?”
“I assumed that was because you’re a profession trainer, like the others around my friends,” I replied.
He shook his head. “No, no. Red means we’re other players. If you’re in a party, it’s just green, like any NPC that means you no harm. Red means I could potentially attack you as well. So don’t trust all red colors. Just because we may be on the same mission doesn’t mean some haven’t been swayed to join the other side.”
“People are actually willing to help her destroy the realms? Our homes, our families?” I asked, anger beginning to fester within me.
“Offers of power and all that. Too bad they’re blind to the lies spewed by those beasts she sends in her place. Some are overtaken and controlled through parasites they plant. Poor weak-minded fools,” he said with a sigh.
“So, the beasts outside have blue names. Does that mean anything that sincerely means us harm will be blue?” I asked, confused. In all the games I’ve ever played, it was the complete opposite. Theron nodded in response.
“Okay, and what did you mean when you said I’m still in my introduction phase?” I asked next.
“Ah, yes, yes. That means you haven’t been fully officiated within the realm yet; you’re still learning the basics. I see you’re level twenty-six, though, so you’ve probably done most of the other stuff besides diving into your professions,” he responded, nodding as if confirming it to himself while studying me.
“Interesting. Why can’t I see your level yet, even though we’ve been introduced?” I asked, curiosity piqued.
“Ah, yes, yes, that would be because I hide my level. It’s something you learn after hitting level one hundred,” he replied with a shrug.