Note: “Speech” 

‘Thoughts’

*Actions*

Calder’s P.O.V

I scanned the friends list and saw the names of my small group, greyed out with the words: Not ready in brackets next to them, I scratched my head, ‘Just when I thought I had the system figured out too’.

I looked around and saw a few lights nearby, checking my mini-map I saw that I was in a place called Ryza Kingdom Farmlands. I sighed, this was the first time an actual name appeared before it was just beginner village, I paused for a second.

“Oh so that’s what it was…” I spoke aloud; I was amazed none of us figured it out sooner that was a training zone for new players; they couldn’t leave until certain requirements were met, I guess that the requirements was gaining three titles and or something I opened up my inventory and equipped the Pike I bought when after I gave my Glaive away, it wasn’t as good as the Glaive, but it would serve its purpose.

“Okay then…what to do now?” I began to walk towards the city in the distance, although before I did I decided to take a look at my title: Ambitious.

Ambitious: Bonus Rewards for quests such as ‘Forming your own kingdom’, bonuses to Leader/Ruler actions, provides unique quests, recruitment of troops is easier, bonuses for capturing land, Bonus to attack and charisma.

(PR.N- OP, OP, OP, Author-sama please NERF)

I sighed and smiled. Typical, one little speech and the system takes it completely the wrong way ‘Oh well not much I can do about it’ I begin to make my way towards the city, spotting the odd farmer or traveller along the way, giving a simple nod and keeping on going.

Sometime later, Ryza Kingdom Capital [Ryzita]

“Halt!” I was stopped at the gates by a guard.

“What seems to be the problem sir?” The guard seems surprised that I addressed him a sir; I took a look at his info.

Talos Kolik 

Human male LVL 4: Fighter 

[Ryzita City Guard] [Neutral] [Corrupt]

“I’m gonna need to ask if you have permission for that weapon?” I scratched my head, I was unsure if he was telling the truth about it due to his Corrupt title. At this time I noticed a flashing Icon on my mini-map, I tapped it quickly, it was the Laws of the city, I quickly skimmed over it before dismissing it, nowhere did it say there were weapon restrictions or that I needed permission to carry them around.

“Now Talos…we both know that there is no law against carrying weapon in this fine city.” he flinched.

“How did you-” I cursed under my breath, I spoke his name unintentionally.

“Let’s not worry about how I know your name, let’s focus on your obvious corrupt activities” he seemed bewildered obviously he hadn’t been doing this for long.

“I…Um…uh…oh fine, I’ll let you in, j-just don’t tell anyone about this okay?” I smiled.

“Fine with me” He moved allowing me entrance to the city. It was bustling despite it being night time, from what I saw there was a festival on. People were wandering around from stall to stall, decorations adorned the street lights. I recalled how they were possible, as it seemed electricity was a thing in this world, and based off the Inn he’d stayed in at the beginner village running water was to, all due to magic.

“Wow…”

“Quite the sight isn’t traveller” I turned at the voice and saw a rather tall thin scrawny man, his features portrayed him as a battle hardened veteran, but his attire suggested he was of nobility.

Tulak Zikcor 

Human Male LVL 20 Cavalier LVL 13 Merchant 

[Former Solider] [War Veteran] [???] [???] [Kind] [Renowned Merchant] 

I smiled at him, his levels were amazing, plus duel classing, I didn’t get to pick my class but I wouldn’t mind picking a stealth or support class as a backup.

“Indeed it is, Mr. Zikcor I presume?” I asked as he chuckled, a grin on his face.

“I see my reputation precedes me, but you seem to have me at a disadvantage Mr?” he queried. 

“Nikon, Calder Nikon; Rune Knight at your service” I took a slight bow.

“Oh, a Rune Knight you say, not many of you lot around. Well pleased to meet you Mr. Nikon, here for the festival?” 

“Yes and no” 

“Huh?” 

“Oh well you see, I didn’t even realise it was on, but since I’m here might as well enjoy it.” Tulak smiled.

“Well that’s a positive outlook you got there” I nodded.

“I try to be, wouldn’t happen to know where I could get a place to stay for the night?” He rubbed his prickly chin.

“The Drunken King just down the road from here, should have a few rooms spare” I nodded.

(PR.N- The Drunken King? …………)

“Thanks, oh and before I go, mind showing me some of your wares?” I asked motioning towards his stall, his grin grew larger.

“Of course, I am at your disposal!” I took a look at some of the things on the stall and I spotted a strange looking ring, picking it up I saw a description appear.

Ring of the Sky god: A ring that is said to have belonged to the Elven deity of the Sky Thurgos.

Effects: Bonus to all lightning and wind based attacks, Increase MP.

“How much for this ring?!” 

“Oh that old thing, I got it a while back, I’ve no idea what the damn things does, you can have it for five gold coins” I tapped the button on my HUD and placed five gold coins in his hands. I smiled, he must have had no idea what the item does, meaning that I’d just gotten a bargain. I turn on my heel and begin walking towards the direction he specified, but before I left, I tilted my head back slightly and shouted to him.

“You know this ring has been enchanted by the Elven Sky God, Thurgos, right?” his eyes widened when I shouted back to him, as it dawned on him what he’d just given away, he went to speak but stopped himself, he smiled and gave me a wave, as I wandered off into the dancing lights of the festival.

Sometime later, the Drunken King Inn

I look up at the sign seeing a depiction of a crown hanging off of an ale mug, the faded words, Drunken King Inn at the top of the sign. I opened the door and the sound of merriment and joy filled my ears, the sweet scent of mead and cooking meat filled my nostrils, I smiled.

“Welcome!” one of the Barmaids called out, which resulted in a lot of the patrons yelling it to me, raising their mugs as I entered. I looked around and all seemed relatively cheerful and happy, despite the fact that an armed individual entered the Inn; honestly were these people not afraid of being robbed or something; however I then noticed a group of unsavoury looking characters off near the stairs, deciding it would probably be best to avoid the mean mercenary looking types. I approached the counter and a Barmaid called out.

(PR.N- Better weapon laws than America? You do something we stab you.”, Simple, I like it!)

“Be with you in a sec” she spoke filling up several mugs with what looked like Mead or Ale. She approached me when she was done.

“Welcome to the Drunken King Inn, where every patron is royalty!” I smirked, who’d of thought a Game world had such cheesy catchphrases.

“I’d like a room please.” I spoke, trying not to sound too tired or irritated, I didn’t like people and having all these rowdy drunken fellows around wasn’t helping.

 LVL up: Cold: LVL 2: Resistances increased 

I sighed and smirked, typical of the system, I turned my attention back to the Barmaid.

“A room will cost you ten gold per night an extra three for meals” I handed over thirteen Gold coins, I didn’t plan on staying long, she quickly swept up the coins and deposited a Key in my hands, I went to leave when one of the people sitting next to me reached his hand out and grabbed the Barmaids arm.

“*Hic*-heey co-com ere luv, gi-giv ush a khissss!” She squirmed under his grip, I sighed, I didn’t quite like people who acted like that, even when they were drunk.

“Let the lady go, sir.” he turned to me.

“Eh, so wha, u gonna try a sthop meh!” I grabbed onto his arm and twisted it around remembering a few lessons of self-defence I took prior to this whole mess, the Bar’s atmosphere suddenly changed, all died down and was quiet as all eyes shifted to the two of us.

“Ow-ow-ow, oh lehts me gooooooo” I Looked towards the barmaid who looked at us fear in her eyes.

“Ma’am” She flinched as I motioned to her.

“O-Oh, it-its fine, he’s a regular here, so it-it’s alright, you can let him go” I released his arm.

Title acquired: Chivalrous, Bonus to attack and defence, bonus to conversing with knights and nobility.

I sighed, thanks for that system. I turned.

“If that is all, I bid you good night” I began to walk towards the stairs, as the label on the key told me it was on the second floor.

“H-Hic-Hey wa-wahsit a second, I-ima no gonna let you getsshh awa wid dat!” the cumbersome oaf took a swing at me, I easily dodged to the left and the drunkard fell to the ground with a mighty thud, which caused the cheerful atmosphere to return as people laughed at the foolish drunkard. I continued to the stairs, doing my best to not look at the mercenaries, who were eyeing me up their gazes a mix between undressing me, sizing me up and cutting me apart. I quickly walked past, trying to not show fear. As I ascended the stairs I took a deep breath of relief as I escaped their view, something about them set me off, and I wasn’t sure what it was, I looked up the stairs and continued to my room. What I needed right now was a hot shower and a good night’s rest.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

(PR.N- Previous “the cumbersome oat took a swing at me” ………. At least it’s healthy?)

Maris’s P.O.V 

I rub my head, why did I have to try and climb that tree, I have a mini-map, I sigh, it had been about two hours since I appeared here, no sign of the village or of the others, was this what happened to Calder after he acquired his three titles, I rub my forehead remembering that I had gotten a third title now too, I opened my stats screen looking at the player display.

Maris Halkir 

Human Female, LVL 5: Cleric 

[Kind] [Analytical] [Curious]

I sighed, I knew investigating that noise was a bad idea, but when I discovered what it was ‘Those two totally had a thing’ a third title pop up, Curious as well as the Analytical title, which I gained by trying to figure out what happened to Calder, speaking of which. I opened up the friends Tab and saw everyone’s name, including Calder’s, as a matter of fact his was the only one who’s wasn’t greyed out, it had a location next to his name and a distance.

Calder Nikon [Status: Friend] Location: Ryzita: 20km N

(PR.N- FUTURE STALKER CAPABILITY UNCLOCKED!!!)

I sighed ‘he had to be that far away didn’t he’. I brushed myself off and steadied myself with my staff.

“Right time to get moving…oh great Maris, now you’re talking to yourself” I chastised myself, I didn’t realise being away from humans for this long did this to me. A twig snapped nearby, causing me to jump.

“Um…Hello” Why did I have to get here in the middle of the night?

Silence, no response, I sighed again and began mumbling to myself.

“Calm you’re shit Maris, it’s nothing, your just tripping out, because it’s so late.” I continued to chastise myself as I headed north, it took a few minutes to reach the edge of the forest, seeing open plains and rolling hills before me.

“Ugh, gonna be one hell of a walk.” it was then Maris heard the distinct sound of horse hoofs on stone; she turned to see a wagon being pulled by several horses.

“WOAH, there!” there was a whinny as the horses came to a grinding halt, and the person at the reins held out a lantern and looked at me.

“Hey there little miss, what are you doing out so late, and in the middle of nowhere?” I grinded my teeth, something about this guy struck me as…off……… maybe it was his titles.

Thomas Mitchell

 Human Male, LVL 10 Merchant 

[Swindler] [Stingy] [Greedy] [Kind] [Sympathetic] [Oddball] [Whimsical]

It struck me as odd that someone could have titles like greedy and kind at the same time, but she wasn’t in a position to be picky about who she got a lift from…unless they were a total creeper.

“Um well….you see I’m a little lost, could you point towards Ryzita?” The odd looking fellow scratched his head, before clicking his fingers and jumping up, resulting in him losing his balance and falling. “You okay?” he raised his hand and showed a thumbs ups. He leapt up rather enthusiastically.

“Quite alright my dear, Now did I hear you say something about Ryzita?” I rubbed the back of my neck, a little unsure if this guy was planning on helping, or hindering me, I shook my head he probably wouldn’t have stopped if he wanted to hinder me…right?

LVL up: Analytical LVL 2: Intelligence increased 

“Um…yea I was wondering what direction it’s in?” A smile so wide it seemed as if it was going to split his face slowly creaked across his lips.

“Why, but of course I know which direction it’s in, heading to the Montory Festival are you” I paused, saying yes would be a lie, but she felt that lying to this guy was not the right thing to do.

LVL up: Kind LVL 3: Increase to relationship gain

“No, I’m looking for a friend of mine, he said he was going to the city, and I was hoping to meet him there.” the Merchant’s eyes began to sparkle.

“AAHHH, Reuniting with a lover who has, left on some mysterious quest no doubt, But of course I’ll help you, why I’m heading to the city too,” He grabbed my and spun me towards the wagon. “Come along my dear; let us find your missing love together!”   

“We-we-we, our relationship it isn’t, like that!” The merchant’s smile grew even larger as his misunderstanding of the situation only grew.

“Oh-oh, so this is a proposal mission is it, well then who am I to deny a love struck youth, we shall venture towards the fair city of Ryzita together and find this lover of yours!”   

“No-I mean uuuggghhhhh!” I decided to give up; he was the guy giving me a free ride I didn’t need to question it. I wasn’t sure what to expect when he started moving the wagon again, what I didn’t expect was the speed at which we travelled, the moment he spurred the horses on, the landscape become nothing but a blur, the wind whipped past us, as the merchant cackled like manic as they sped towards their goal. The city of Ryzita, I tapped on my friends list again and watched in amazement as the distance between me and Calder began to close rapidly, I smiled, despite the ridiculous wind pressure.

Calder’s P.O.V, Drunken King Inn, Ryzita

I sighed as I lay my head against the soft pillow; it seemed the Inn catchphrase of every customer is royalty wasn’t that bad, even if it was cheesy beyond belief.

“Oh well, I guess some leeway can be given…just this once.” I spoke to myself as I stared up at the dim ceiling, the lights from outside just managing to sneak through the cracks in the curtains. I strained to keep my eyes open, unsure about what I was going to do, in this game world, alone. I sighed ‘all I can do is hope; hope that my friends can figure out how to get out of the village’. I rolled over and closed my eyes perhaps the morning would bring some form of peace and who knows, maybe they’d all be in the game world when dawn came.

The next morning

I rubbed my eyes as I dragged my feet towards the bathroom, waving my hand to enable the magic light, I take time examining my facial features: same short cropped hair, same scraggly beard, I sighed and the same thoughts that I had run through my head the second day I was here. 

"This isn't a dream...all of this is real..." I then noticed a name nearby, behind the nearby wall, it took me a second to recognize the name; it was the barmaid from last night.

Lissa Mogron 

Human Female LVL 4: Maid

 [Strange] [Pervert] [Obsessive]

I sighed, ‘why was a Yandere the one I’d helped. Why did it have to be a Yandere’. I rubbed my temples, and walked towards the wall, I examined it for a few seconds making it look like I was getting ready for a shower, as to not scare her off. It took me a few seconds to find a small peep-hole and a wide eye behind it, I pretended not to notice. I edge myself just to the side of the hole making it hard to see me, I decide to put on a little bit of a show, taking off my shirt and walking past again, causing a Status effect: Flustered I sigh again making it seem as if it's a sigh of relief, I then saw another status effect appear above her head Hot and Bothered. I sighed, really system...why is that Status effect even a thing, this system is pretty messed up, super perverted. I turned towards the peep-hole.

(PR.N- O’ YEAHHH!!! *GRABS THE POPCORN*)

"Enjoying the show?" It took her a second to realise I had noticed her; I smirked as the name began to speed away.

I put my shirt back on and walked out of the bathroom, I sighed again.

"Just gonna be one of those days." 

(PR.N- dang!!!)                      

Author-sama: Danube

Proof Reader-san: FJirum