Chapter 9: A Lion's Awakening
It’s dark. It was a familiar feeling but also unusual. As if crossing the line between the sensation of closing your eyes and drifting into eternal slumber. What was real...? A sluggish body rustles under the bed-sheets. A beast was awakening from hibernation... this beast had no fangs, no claws, not even a tail. Though it’s body was thin, it had a powerful aura. The bare white skin sits atop a layer of lean muscles. The beast look ferocious but you can’t pull your eyes away. It felt intimidating but you’re still tempted to stay. Your gaze remained fixated on the beast; how would you describe it? It was alluring.
Shuffling through the sheets, the beast slowly opened his eyes....
[Yawn]
“Where... am I?” (???)
Stretching out his body, the figure of a young man was basting in the glow of the morning sun. As the blanket fell from his body, the young man noticed he was naked. His eyes darted left and right, he quickly took in his surrounding. The room felt off. He recognized all the furniture, the books, the chair, even the bed he was sleeping in. But it didn't feel right. Getting up from the bed, he felt a tug on his arm. A bag of clear liquid was running through a small tube attached to his vein. Quickly, he pulled out the tube, after flinching, a small pool of blood started to form on his arm. Not hesitating, the young man removed the pillowcase and used it as a bandage for his wound.
After searching through the closet, he quickly got dressed. He can hear the sound of people downstairs. There was a nostalgic smell wafting through the air. He recognized it was food but didn't know what it was. Slowly he creep down the stairs...
“Ah-Sora, you’re awake!” (Mom)
“What? Really?” (Dad)
Dropping everything in her hands, a middle aged woman ran towards the boy, hugging and kissing him repeatedly. He knew who she was but at the same time he could recall the image of another women.
“M-mom?” (Sora)
“Oh my baby boy! How are you feeling?” (Mom)
“Ah-I’m okay... who am I again?” (Sora)
“Sora! What’s wrong? Do you have amnesia?” (Mom)
Hearing his own name again, everything started to click.
Sora...Sora...I’m Sora.
“N-no, I’m fine, really” (Sora)
“You've been out for 2 weeks, you must be hungry” (Dad)
That right, this is my home. This is where I live.
Sitting down with his parents, Sora began eating. While calmly finishing two serving worth of food, his parents were asking him a ton of questions...
“How’s my handsome boy doing? Are you feeling okay?” (Mom)
“You want another bowl of rice Sora?” (Dad)
“Mom, I’m fine. No thanks Dad, I’m full” (Sora)
Standing up, Sora looked through the window. It was still early morning. Sora was a little confused on what to do next.
“Sora, you don’t need to go to school today, why don’t you rest a bit more?” (Mom)
“School?” (Sora)
Ah, school.
“No, I’ll go. I've already missed two weeks” (Sora)
“Then let me drive you Sora!” (Dad)
“It’s okay dad, I can walk” (Sora)
“Then let me walk with you! I need to make sure you’re safe!” (Mom)
Sora’s mom helped him get dressed. After replacing his makeshift bandage, she kept ogling him while complimenting on how handsome he was. He didn't mind the extra attention he was getting from his cute mother but it felt unnatural.
While leaving the front door, Sora made his final plea.
“Mom, you really don’t have to come. I’m fine” (Sora)
“Let mama take care of her baby” (Mom)
“...” (Sora)
Arms linked, they headed towards school.
“Ah-Sora, I need to go to the office to inform them you've returned” (Mom)
“Okay, I’ll catch you later mom” (Sora)
“Bye sweetie!” (Mom)
Sora headed to his first homeroom class. He knew he was late. But what he didn't know was why he had a terrifying feeling opening the door. As he walked in, the whole class turned to face Sora. Some gasped while others murmured to each other.
“Morning Okamoto-sensei! Sorry I’m late” (Sora)
“A-ah? Who are you?” (Prof. Okamoto)
Though Sora knew his surname, he forgot his family name.
“Um...Sora...” (Sora)
“Sora?” (Class???)
“Is that really Sora?” (Class???)
“Settle down class! Sora, p-please take your seat” (Prof. Okamoto)
“Sorry Okamoto-sensei, I forgot my seat...” (Sora)
Suddenly the class began an uproar.
“Here, sit here!” (Class???)
“No sit with me!” (Class???)
“Hey, that’s my seat you’re pulling!” (Class???)
“Class! Settle DOWN!” (Prof. Okamoto)
Hearing the roar of a tiger, Sora quickly remember what who he was terrified of.
“Taisuke, please move your seat. Sora you’ll be sitting here from now on” (Prof. Okamoto)
“But where am I suppose to sit?!” (Taisuke)
“Anywhere in the back is fine, now hurry!” (Prof. Okamoto)
Aftering grabbing his belonging, the young lad Taisuke moved to the back. Sora was embarrassed getting all this attention, he also felt sorry for Taisuke. Sora took his seat, directly centered at the front. He made a mental note to ask his fellow classmate where his seat was for next period.
Following the end of 2nd period, Sora sat outside for lunch. He’s been getting an unexpectedly high volume of greetings from girls in his class. He had a gut feeling he hated girls, so he turned them away, which seemed to have the opposite effect.
His mom prepared him a bento box, he couldn't recall the last time he ate his mother bento. It was strange. While minding his own business...
“Hey Sora, there you are!” (Shota)
“Hey S-Shota, what’s up?” (Sora)
“Dude, we heard you came back to school! Anyways, how you feeling?” (Shota)
“I’m fine... my head’s a little fuzzy but overall I’m good” (Sora)
“Hm... something about you feels different” (Shota)
“Like what?” (Sora)
“I don’t know... you look... healthier?” (Shota)
“Haha, thanks I guess” (Sora)
“Hey, why don’t you eat inside? Aren't you cold without your jacket?” (Shota)
“Er- sure...” (Sora)
“Let’s go, Yuta and Mitsuo are waiting inside!” (Shota)
Getting up from the ground, Sora and Shota went inside. As Sora made his way through the cafeteria door, the crowd of students started to whisper.
“Who’s that? New student?” (???)
“Damn, he’s hot!” (???)
The extra attention Sora was getting quickly became extra uncomfortable. He followed Shota to a table, he recognized the faces.
“Hey Yuta, Mitsuo, long time” (Sora)
“Hey Sora” (Yuta & Mitsuo)
“So what happen Sora? I heard you were sick” (Mitsuo)
“Yeah, I was unconscious for 2 weeks apparently-” (Sora)
“What? No way! What happen man?” (Yuta)
“Wel-...” (Sora)
Sora had to stop and pause. Why was he unconscious again? He couldn't remember.
“Ah-I forgot why” (Sora)
“Hah, whatever. Hey Mitsuo, tell Sora how we beat that chick last night” (Yuta)
“Oh! Hey listen! Last night we raided the succubus castle! It was-” (Mitsuo)
“You should have seen the jugs on those bitches!-” (Yuta)
“And then we fell in a trapped on the 2nd floor. Thanks to Shota-” (Mitsuo)
“-and that ass! O.M.G-” (Yuta)
“-Yuta got charmed by the final boss, we had to fight him and the succubus queen-” (Mitsuo)
“You should have been there Sora! Hahaha!” (Yuta)
“Hey, shut up Yuta!” (Shota)
Sora tilted his head.
“Sorry, what are you guys talking about?” (Sora)
[“Golden Age dude!” (Yuta)
“Is your head alright Sora?” (Shota)
Shaking his head, Sora remember what Golden Age was.
“Oh right, Golden Age...” (Sora)
“Hey Sora, we should party later” (Mitsuo)
“Nah, forget about it. Sora already missed two weeks, he’s way behind” (Yuta)
“Says the lowest level in our party” (Shota)
“Hey, I still do work!” (Yuta)
After getting filled in on recent events, it was time to go home. After eating lunch and finishing some of his homework, he sat on his bed, staring at the capsule.
Golden Age... Golden Age...
Sora was curious. He knew what it was, he remember playing the game, the things he had done, the stuff he learnt, but something inside him felt missing. Deciding not to worry, he got inside the capsule. The familiar green lights flickered passed his eyes, a tingling sensation could be felt as the a quiet hum filled the background with noise.
Welcome to Golden Age
User detected, welcome back Marcus
Marcus...
***
Marcus found himself in the middle of a busy plaza. Looking around, he was catching the eye of many players while he wandered the streets. He felt a nostalgic feeling, everything felt very familiar, the back ends, the alley ways, the way the road turned in and out, it was both new and old to him. He decided to stop by the farm first.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
Knocking on the door to his own home felt weird. He lived alone after all, why would he need to knock? Suddenly a bark could be heard inside. Opening the door, a small puppy ran out to greet him. Picking up the small ball of fur, Sora examined the dog.
[ping]
You found an abandoned dog
Dog request you for ownership, do you accept?
ah- what was her name again... di-di-...
“hm... Yes” (Marcus)
You gain a new pet! Please give it a name: ________
Arg, seriously, what was it? Di-...deee-
“Di-lori-a?” (Marcus)
You’ve named your pet Diloria, do you accept?
“Y-yes?” (Marcus)
Congratulations! You gain a new pet ‘Diloria’!
[Woof woof!]
Barking in excitement, the puppy began licking Marcus's face. He decide to put her down for now and explore the cabin. Besides the small buildup of dust, everything was left the way he remembered. Walking towards the fireplace, he noticed an unfinished blanket folded on the chair. Picking up the blanket he examined the picture inside.
The tapestry was beautifully woven. A mixture of rich-earth tones embellished the picturistic garden. Lush green leaves, blue sky, it was dazzling. Marcus wasn't an art-critic, but he knew this work was done by the hands of a master. While admiring the work of art, his eyes became watery.
He didn't know why he was crying. He didn't feel sad, rather, he was quite pleased with the artwork. His tears continue to trickle down his cheeks.
A single teardrop fell dead center of the artwork. The fabric quickly absorb the water, leaving a damp image of a face...that’s when he notice two people, holding hands in front of the cabin. Though the artwork was well done, he couldn't make out the faces. Sitting in the woman’s arms was a small dog. It looked somewhat similar to Diloria.
Putting down the blanket, Marcus knew he'd forgotten something important. He didn't want to dwell on it any further, he still had things to do. He quickly left the room, Diloria was still following him.
“Woof woof!” (Diloria)
“What’s that girl? You’re hungry?” (Marcus)
Marcus reached in his inventory and pulled out a stale bread. These were the beginner items he received from the start of the game. He was surprised they were still there. After munching on the bread, the dog wagged its tail.
“Woo-of!” (Diloria)
“Haha, you’re welcome...” (Marcus)
Huh? Since when could I understand dogs?
Marcus didn't know exactly what Diloria was saying, but he could somehow make sense of her expression and the way she barked. Ignoring the enigma, he left for the forge. Along the way, an old man called out to him.
“Hey Marcus, long time!” (Jeremy)
“Ah-Jeremy right? Long time indeed” (Marcus)
“Haha, your farm still needs to be cleanse, if you’re not going to do it, you can pay me to get it done!” (Jeremy)
“No need Jeremy, I wouldn't trouble my seniors over a mess I made” (Marcus)
“Okay sonny, but you oughta do it soon, the king’s not too pleased with the way you handled the farm. I suggest you head out and get that pesticide” (Jeremy)
“Duly noted Jeremy, thanks for the advice” (Marcus)
“Ah-where you heading off to now?” (Jeremy)
“To Garat the blacksmith, I still haven’t completed my quest” (Marcus)
“Alright then. Take care of yourself sonny!” (Jeremy)
“Bye for now Jeremy” (Marcus)
***
[Clang, clang, clang]
The reminiscing sound could be heard from a mile away. Marcus made his way to the forge. When he got there, he was suddenly swarmed by a pack of girls. If it wasn't for Frank noticing the commotion, Marcus wouldn't have been able to escape.
“Phew, thanks Frank...” (Marcus)
“Hey Marcus! Long time buddy! Where have you been?” (FrankYellow)
“Family emergency... Anyways, how’s everything?” (Marcus)
“Good, good, come inside!” (FrankYellow)
Walking around, Marcus remember the smell of burnt metal and the musty stench of working men. He didn't see Garat, but Derek and Frank were there. Oh, and another person.
“Hey Melly, meet Macus, he’s your senior around here!” (FrankYellow)
“A-ah, um, Hi! M-my name is Mellean, pleased to meet you” (Mellean)
“Hi Melly, name’s Marcus, pleasure is mine” (Marcus)
The girl blushed while giving a quick curtsy. Frank and Derek began to laugh.
“Haha, looks like she’s really taken by you!” (FrankYellow)
“H-hey!” (Mellean)
“Hah, please no jokes Franks, I’m here to re-do the apprenticeship quest” (Marcus)
Frank and Derek were both confused, the stared at one another while shrugging their shoulder.
“What? You’re feeling rusty already?” (Derek)
“You can’t re-do a quest you already completed Marcus!” (FrankYellow)
“You don’t say?” (Marcus)
“Why don’t you check your status window, you should have the title ‘Garat’s Apprentice’ just like the rest of us” (Frank)
[ping]
Status WindowMarcusFarmerLevel8 (87.0%)TitleGarat's ApprenticeHealth1000/1000Mana168/168Stamina347/347Charm0Strength119Intelligence10Agility65Dexterity99Wisdom10Vitality36Nature88Fame2010% bonus exp for smithing skill
Free access to Garat’s BlacksmithFire resistance: 9.1%Water resistance: 8.8%Air resistance: 8.8%Earth resistance: 8.8%
“Hm, you’re right. Looks like I forgot” (Marcus)
“Ahaha, don’t let Garat hear you say that!” (FrankYellow)
“Pfft” (Derek)
“So what now?” (Marcus)
“Why don’t you help us sharpen and polish some blades? You still haven’t received the repair skill from Garat yet, so there’s nothing else you can do beside that” (Frank)
“Sure” (Marcus)
Marcus took his seat next to Mellean. He didn't notice, but she was fidgeting while stealing quick glances. Suddenly, half the crowd that were waiting to get their gear repaired shifted from Frank and Derek, over to Marcus and Mellean.
A busty blonde shoved her way to the forefront while shoving her ax into Marcus face.
“Hi! Can you repair this for me?” (Bustyblonde)
“Sorry, I can’t do repairs-” (Marcus)
“Hey! Repair my sword!” (Girl1)
“Hey over here!” (Girl2)
Marcus was getting a myriad of sharp pointy objecting getting toss his way. He began ducking for cover, Mellean interjected between Marcus and the raging estrogen.
“H-hey! He can’t repair anything so leave him alone!” (Mellean)
“Move it smallfry!” (Bustyblonde)
“Yeah, stop hogging him to yourself!” (crowd)
While Frank and Derek were rolling on the floor laughing, Marcus was getting annoyed.
“HEY! LISTEN UP! REPAIRS ARE TO THE LEFT! THIS LINE'S CLOSED!” (Marcus)
The sudden outburst caught everyone off guard, well… everyone but Frank and Derek, who were still laughing their guts out.
[ping]
Though special action(s), you learned Lion’s Roar
The crowd was stunned speechless. Even Mellean was on the floor. Marcus picked Mellean up and sat her down on the stool, then he went to the back of the forge where no one could see him. Marcus dropped to the floor while slouching, he didn't know what had happened. He assumed he wasn't that good looking, ever since he was a boy, all he could remember were girls calling him ugly or making fun of his face. He reached over and picked up a polish blade. While staring at his reflection, he thought to himself...
Well, everything looks normal to me...
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