Chapter 2: A Sign From God

The city of Rohan! One of the largest metropolis in the kingdom of Caledon! Rohanian brag about their pristine waterways, vast lush fields of wheat, and an impenetrable castle wall! One of Rohan's biggest attractions is the Academia of Fine Arts. Though it’s called ‘fine arts’, it’s not your typical school for drama and music; it’s a school of magic and swordplay! Just like a neon light in the downtown district, Rohan attracts the attention of players worldwide as the best starting cities in the game Golden Age!

Among the bustling scene of merchants and adventure bartering for goods, a young boy silently walks the plaza. This boy was simply a ghost. No redeeming features to speak of, a plain white cotton shirt with brown slacks. His looks was so average, you would have mistaken him for another NPC!

As he makes his way towards the ‘Roasted Pig’, he stops at the front door.

[ba-dump, ba-dump]

His heart was beating, his stomach in knots. Sweaty palms clench as he grits his teeth.

This is it. I`m ready.

“Outta the way shithead!” (???1)

“Move it punk” (???2)

Getting shoved to the side, two swordsman sauntered in.

I should go inside...

[jingle]

The crowd of people turn their heads as the door swings open. You don’t often see a level 1 player coming to this location, especially one that just started 3 hours ago....

The young boy looks around the tables, across the room he sees a beautiful girl waving at him. Confident, but meek, he makes his way towards the pretty lady while receiving death glares from jealous eyes.

“Hi Misty!” (Marcus)

“Hey Sora, have a seat” (Misty33)

Taking his seat, his breath becomes more rugged as he cast his gaze elsewhere, trying to avoid eye contact.

Oh man, this is like a date. I’m so nervous.

“Waiter, another serving please!” (Misty33)

“Ah, no, it’s okay, I’m not hungry” (Marcus)

“Haha, don’t worry, it’s on me” (Misty33)

Catching a glimpse of her smile made the young lad blush from ear to ear.

Her smile is just too pretty! She’s like a goddess~

“Hey Sora, are you listening?” (Misty33)

“O-oh, sorry!” (Marcus)

“Anyways, let me add you to my friend’s list” (Misty33)

[ping]

Misty33 has invited you to her friend list, do you accept?

“Y-yes” (Marcus)

“Pfft! You named yourself Marcus!” (Misty33)

“Ah, yeah?” (Marcus)

“Hahaha! No way!” (Misty33)

Marcus tilted his head in confusion.

Is my name weird?

“Haaa- Sorry, I was just a bit surprise, it’s a good name!” (Misty33)

The waiter passed over their table, dropping a plate of breadsticks.

“Hey Marcus, what job are you planning to take?” (Misty33)

“*munch, munch* I’m not sure yet, I was thinking of asking Mitsuo for his advice, how bout you?” (Marcus)

“I’m a cook!” (Misty33)

“Ah, cool, all those bento boxes you made me are really delicious, a cook fits you perfectly” (Marcus)

Slightly blushing, the girl cast her gaze downwards.

“U-um, do you really like it?” (Misty33)

“Absolutely! It’s the best!” (Marcus)

“Well, if you don’t mind, I can cook for you here too....” (Misty33)

Thinking nothing much besides getting to eat delicious food, Marcus grabs her hand while thanking her.

“Really? Thanks Misty!” (Marcus)

“Eek!” (Misty33)

“Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you” (Marcus)

“No, it’s okay. Anyways lets go questing together! I’ll show you around!” (Misty33)

After finishing their meal, they headed out on their first quest together.

***

It’s Saturday again, a week passed since starting Golden Age. Sora was never interested in playing the game itself, rather, he had his own personal goals. But playing for a week, there were a few things he realized about the game.

His first surprise was the game’s ability to manipulate time. Every 1 hour in real life equated to 4 hours of game time. In addition to that, you’re literally ‘sleeping’ while playing. This allows most people to easily squeeze in 24 hours online while asleep (I stole this idea from Fantasia~ shout out to a good story btw).

His second surprise was the game artificial intelligence. He originally thought all the shopkeepers were real life people playing the game, however, Akiko clarified the difference between a real player and NPC to him. Even though his dad mention this prior to starting the game, he pretty much forgotten all the wisdom his dad bestowed on him.

“Alright! Time to spend another day with Akiko!” (Sora)

Welcome back Marcus

“Hey Misty! Did you wait long?” (Marcus)

“Hey Marcus, no I just got here” (Misty33)

Marcus began walking towards the town's notice board, right outside the adventure guild. There he found Akiko, his princess, was waving toward him; the sight of her made his heart flutter in the wind.

“Hey Marcus, what level are you now? We should try hunting some monsters” (Misty33)

“Um, how do you check?” (Marcus)

*whack*

“Ow!” (Marcus)

“Geez! How many times do I need to tell you? OKAY, listen up...” (Misty33)

After a brief explanation on status window and skill window...

[ping]

Status WindowMarcusJoblessLevel5 (95.4%)TitleN/AHealth150/150Mana50/50Stamina50/50Charm-100Strength10Intelligence10Agility10Dexterity10Wisdom10Vitality10Unused points: 25

Status: Curse of the Goddess Freya (-100 Charm, decrease affinity towards the opposite sex)

“Huh, what’s Curse of the Goddess Freya?” (Marcus)

“Cough, cough! W-what, you can see that?!” (Misty33)

“You know what it is?” (Marcus)

“U-uh, I mean, no clue, ehehe~” (Misty33)

“It says here, minus 100 charm and decrease affinity from girls…” (Marcus)

“Must be an in-game bug, forget about it!” (Misty33)

“Huh, but it doesn't look like a bug…” (Marcus)

“Eh? Anyways, distribute your skill points, lets go hunting for some rabbit meat!” (Misty33)

After distributing all his points into strength, they headed out to the open fields....

“Gah! These rabbits are tough!” (Marcus)

“Geez Marcus, don’t make me do all the work!” (Misty33)

Players heading in and out of town view the spectacle of a boy getting pummeled by a gang of rabbits. Though some laughed, most felt pity for the young boy.

After 2 hours of killing some adorable white bunnies, they finally headed back to the city.

“Phew! Nearly died out there twice...” (Marcus)

“That’s why I told you to stay away from the red fox, you not even level 10 yet!” (Misty33)

Even while pouting, Marcus still found Misty just as cute. After completing their quest at the local butcher shop...

“Hey Marcus, I don’t think you’re cut out for fighting monsters, why don’t you pick a job like crafting?” (Misty33)

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

“Ah sure, what d’you thinks good?” (Marcus)

“Um... It’s up to you, just make sure you’re happy with your decision” (Misty33)

“Kay, I’ll take a look around then...” (Marcus)

“Okay, I gotta go back to my restaurant, see yah later Marcus!” (Misty33)

Misty quickly gives Marcus a farewell hug, before running off. Marcus, standing there dumbfounded, looked towards the horizon…

She hugged me… SHE HUGGED ME!

Jumping up and down, Marcus decided he needed a job that would help Misty as a cook. With that in mind, he headed towards his first destination, the 'Cooking Guild'.

***

[jingle]

Walking into a large building, Marcus took in an incredible sweet aroma. Students and aspiring chefs were working diligently on their workbench; making various concoctions while the head chef gave them pointers on how to improve.

Without hesitation, Marcus walked towards a fairly husky women in a clean white chef garb.

She must be the head chef

“Excuse me, I would like to become a chef” (Marcus)

Turning around, a women with bulging muscle and blonde hair faced towards Marcus.

“Hmph, who do we have here?” (Head Chef?)

“Hi, my name is Marcus! I would like to become a chef please” (Marcus)

“Hmmm, do you think you have what it takes to become a chef?!” (Head Chef?)

“A-I think so?” (Marcus)

“Come here boy, I’ll give you a test!” (Head Chef?)

“Whoa!” (Marcus)

Lifting Marcus by the back of his collar, she literally dragged him towards an empty workbench. Pulling out various tools and ingredients, she took one long glare at Marcus before giving him a quest.

Quest: Aspiring chef!

Rank: E

Description: Please Madame Vollus with a well prepared meal

Reward: Job class: Cook, +500 exp

Failure: Decrease affection with the cooking guild

“Alright! Let’s give this a try!” (Marcus)

After 10 minutes of fumbling around, he pulled out a rather questionable looking dish...

I’ve seen mom make this all the time, this should be easy.

“I’m finished Madame Vollus!” (Marcus)

Eagerly excited on the prospect of becoming a chef, he fail to notice the horrible stench coming from his dish. The students all started to gag while covering their nose.

“Gross, what’s the black slug?” (???)

“Is that even humanly possible?” (???)

While holding the plate up to the head chef, he was expecting praise, however...

“Here, please try some!” (Marcus)

“Boy! What is this?!” (Madame Vollus)

“It’s baked fish omelet on mac and cheese!” (Marcus)

Of course there was no maccaroni amongst the ingredients, so Marcus took the liberty of substituting various ingredients that looked edible.

“Tsk, you have absolutely no sense in cooking! Leave my kitchen at once!” (Madame Vollus)

“E-eh? But-” (Marcus)

“Shoo, shoo!” (Madame Vollus)

Dropping the plate on the floor, he was kicked out before he had a chance to defend his ‘creation’.

What! No way! She didn’t even try my dish!

Upset, Marcus decided to head to his 2nd destination...

***

[jingle]

“Welcome boy, I see you’re back, did you bring some more rabbit meat?” (???)

“Not this time Eric, I was wondering if I can become a butcher?” (Marcus)

“Wahaha! You wanna learn the trade of butchery? Be my guest! Scoot over here boy!” (Eric)

Walking behind the counter, Marcus settled in while listening to Eric giving an explanation on how to prepare rabbits meat.

Quest: Aspiring butcher

Rank: E

Description: Procure 80% of the rabbit meat and show it to Butcher Eric

Reward: Job class: Butcher, +500 exp

Failure: Decrease affection with Butcher Eric

“Piece of cake, leave it to me!” (Marcus)

Grabbing the cleaver, Marcus was determine not to fail! The masterpiece he envisioned would later be known as ‘animal cruelty’...

“...phew, all finished!” (Marcus)

“...” (Eric)

“So, what do you think Eric?” (Marcus)

“Boy… Get out…” (Eric)

“Huh?” (Marcus)

“I said, get out! I never seen som-BAH! My pride as a butcher won’t tolerate it! Out, OUT!” (Eric)

Before Marcus had the chance to defend himself yet again, he was given the boot.

No way! Even Eric-san? What job should I take now?

Defeated, his lost soul wandered the plaza. No goal, no aspiration, what can he do with such meager talent?

God, please, I beg you! Give me a sign!

As if the Gods really did hear his prayers, Marcus heard someone shouting in the town square.

“By his royal decree, the King is hiring young able men looking to work the field!” (Announcer?)

“...” (Marcus)

“We need farmers! I repeat, by his royal decree-” (Announcer?)

It all clicked, Marcus eyes bulged as he stood there, staring at the announcer.

This is it! I can become a farmer!

Wasting no time, Marcus pushed his way through the crowd of people...

“Excuse me! I would like to become a farmer!” (Marcus)

“...” (Announcer)

“Excussseeee meeeee!” (Marcus)

The announcer tried to ignore Marcus, but he was persistent.

“Sigh... Hello adventurer, farming is a difficult task... not for the weak. Why don’t you come back when you’re stronger?” (Announcer)

“Hey, I don’t think anyone else is willing but me” (Marcus)

“...” (Announcer)

Looking around, Marcus was right. Everyone else seem to be ignoring the announcer. With his pride damaged, the announcer gave in.

“...Okay adventurer, you shall be appointed as a farmer starting today, do you accept?” (Announcer)

[ping]

Do you accept the job: Farmer?

“Yes!” (Marcus)

Job changed to Farmer!

* +500 HP, + 100 STA

* Equipment restriction: Farmer related gear

New skill(s):

* Terraform: Increase proficiency altering landscape

* Botany: Identify plants

* Sow: Increase % of seed germination

* Harvest: Increase % of crop yield

* New stat! Nature: Increase affinity with nature, decrease hostility against wild animals.

Wow, I got a bunch of new skills.

“Here Farmer, takes this parcel, you will find the location of your field along with various instructions on how to farm” (Announcer)

“Thanks dude!” (Marcus)

“ ... Be sure at the end of every harvest season, you are to donate a portion of your crops to the city’s granary by his King’s order. If you require further assistance, talk to Jeremy, the head farmer.” (Announcer)

“Whatev-sure, sure! See yah!” (Marcus)

“...” (Announcer)

Ignoring the announcer, Marcus took off at the speed of light.

Hehe, now I can help Akiko with her cooking! This is great!

“...Oh Goddess Freya, what have I done?” (Announcer)

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