Noah gasped for breath on the unforgiving terrain, feeling the immense shadow of the behemoth looming over him. He was alarmingly aware of the beast’s furnace-like breath gusting over him.
As he stared up at the monstrous entity, its colossal foot poised to deliver the crushing blow, he felt an all-too-familiar feeling gnawing at him. I’m lagging... always one step behind the others... his thoughts jeered, a cruel reminder of his struggles in-game.
In the world outside, he was nobody—a shadow lost among countless others. But here, in this realm where code gave life to ambition, he was a hunter, and a hunter he would be.
The game before him was not merely a game; it was an opportunity. Legends within this digital domain earned not just accolades but riches, cryptocurrency that bore the power to transcend the virtual and change reality itself. And it was the riches he sought, the tangible evidence that he was more than a forgotten whisper in the world. He yearned to become a legend, to earn enough to transform his real-world life.
I will be a legend. He promised himself.
Noah rolled, narrowly avoiding the Urhzig’s huge hooves. The ground trembled, and dust and debris flew, forming a brief, hazy veil. The taste of dirt filled his mouth as he coughed, blocking the loud crashes of falling rocks.
In the captivating game world, reality and fantasy merged due to the stunning graphics, immersive sounds, and the advanced full-body haptic suit that made the experience feel alive.
“Roh, watch out!” a woman yelled. A strong vibration hit his legs in the real world, matching the Urhzig’s tail attack in-game. Noah flinched at the bearable pain—it was an illusion created by the game’s hardware, but it felt incredibly real.
Earlier versions of the kit used electrode headsets for pain simulation, but they were costly and cumbersome. Now, Roh’s experimental kit relied on smart dust, a neural nanotechnology, for a brain-computer interface that safely and legally imitated pain sensations, under the company’s advertised claims.
Noah glanced at the health indicator above his in-game character, Rohgar. His hit points had dropped to only fifty percent, while his stamina wavered at ten percent.
Exhausted and knocked down twice, he knew another hit would mean defeat. He desperately looked for a way to change the situation. As much as he enjoyed taunting and tanking with his Barbarian build, aggroing the Urhzig to protect and take the heat off his squishy allies, Arkie and Florrie, he had to prioritize his own defense.
The massive creature lifted its tail, but he dodged, rolling to safety. He stood up, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath.
“That was close!” Florrie, a teammate, called from a distance. Kneeling, she aimed her crossbow at the beast’s soft underbelly. Taking a deep breath, she concentrated, knowing she couldn’t afford to miss. Florrie shot a [Tranq Bolt].
Tranq Bolt
Tranquilizer ammo that sedates the target for 90 seconds.
Caution: There is a 20% chance of triggering a hallucinogenic side effect whereby the target enters an enraged, trance-like state known as Bestial Rage, increasing attack damage by a hundred percent.
The Tranq bolt darted towards its target at a surprising speed that left the beast with no time to react. It hit true, piercing into the left flank of the Urhzig. The quadruped dropped to the ground, asleep.
Florrie exhaled deeply, no doubt relieved by both her accurate shot and the fact that her Tranq Bolt’s side effect had not been triggered. Moonweave Elves, like Florrie, were known for their incredible accuracy, so precision was rarely an issue for her. She’s not the only one that’s glad the Tranq Bolt’s side effect didn’t trigger. Otherwise the Urhzig would go ape shit crazy on us right now.
Roh gave her a thumbs up. “Thanks, I owe you one!”
He analyzed the motionless monster with his [Analyze Species] ability while he tried to recover from the earlier attack.
Analyze Species
This ability allows players to receive a detailed report on the creature, including its name, difficulty rating, weakness, strengths, weak points, resistances, and other important information.
The information displayed on the HUD under the ‘Party Log’ tab, available for the entire party to view.
Urhzig - Level 10 (Difficulty Heroic)
The Urhzig is a ground-dwelling, rock-encrusted monster. It has high armor and defense against physical attacks. With its camouflage, its appearance always resembles the stones around its habitat and surrounding territory, making it difficult to see until you are too close to it to escape.
Species: Terra Behemoth
Element Affinity: Terra
Role: Omega - it is lowest in the hierarchy and a solitary beast.
Strengths: High Armour, High Defence & Camouflage
Weaknesses: Low Agility, Astral & Tempest
Resistances: Shock, Blaze & Torrent
Weak Points: Head (Breakable) & Tail (Severable)
Roh’s mind raced with strategies and plans, knowing that this knowledge was the key to defeating the massive creature. Finally, they had the upper hand against the Urhzig. Just what we needed to take this damn beast down. Now we can exploit its weaknesses. Excitement surged through his body, ready for the fight ahead.
“I’ve got you!” Darian’s half-orc voice boomed. Roh saw him charging, clad in plate armor that signified his paladin dedication. The armor’s aura of strength and protection boosted the party’s resolve.
Darian’s appearance was as imposing as his voice. His striking top knot was complemented by an undercut and subtly faded sideburns, while his locks cascaded in a rich shade of black. A faint aroma of incense and holy oils wafted around him, no doubt a remnant of one of his bolstering AOE (area of effect) abilities.
His eyes were intense, a deep amber hue that seemed to gleam with a fierce determination. They were set deep in his angular face, framed by prominent cheekbones and a squared jawline.
As he helped Roh up, Darian’s armor seemed to come alive, the polished metal reflecting the light. It covered his forearms and spread up to his biceps, depicting intricate engravings and bold designs. Its polished metal and intricate engravings contrasted sharply against his pale green skin, signifying his membership in a proud and ancient order of holy warriors.
Despite his intimidating exterior, there was a warmth to Darian’s touch as he steadied Roh. His presence exuded a sense of safety and protection, as if he were a natural leader among the group.
Roh managed to rise to his feet, despite the pain coursing through his legs. Darian’s brawny arms provided much-needed support, allowing Roh to find his balance and steady himself. Sensing Roh’s discomfort, Darian deftly placed a healing pack on the ground.
The small, glowing healing pack, shaped like a metallic circle, emanated calming blue and green hues, along with a gentle hum. As Roh stood close, shimmering particles enveloped him, their warmth easing his pain and mending his injuries.
Darian continued, “Since we now know its weakness from your analysis, we know the best weapon attack would be your Astral Axe.” As if on cue, the Urhzig awoke from its slumber, letting out a deafening roar that echoed across the canyon. Its massive head swung towards Roh, its eyes narrowing in anger and determination. The behemoth was a titan of the desert, an ancient force of nature that had long ruled over the barren wasteland.
Roh gazed up at the Urhzig. The creature’s massive body was easily twenty feet tall and equally long, with four thick legs that could trample anything in its path. Rough and scaly, the hide resembled the parched, cracked earth beneath its massive feet.
The creature's rough, textured hide matched the desert landscape, providing camouflage and shielding it from harsh conditions. Mineral veins wove through its exterior, enhancing its adaptability and appearance.
Roh could feel the heat radiating off the Urhzig’s body, making the air around it shimmer like a mirage.The colossal creature’s deep growls rumbled through the ground, vibrating in Roh’s bones. Its massive claws scraped against the hard-packed sand, sending up a plume of dust that filled the air with a gritty, acrid smell. The behemoth’s breath was hot and fetid, like the blast of a furnace.
Despite the Urhzig’s intimidating presence, Roh and Darian stood their ground. As the behemoth moved, its massive shadow stretched for miles across the desert, darkening the landscape like a looming storm cloud.
Darian charged towards the mountainous creature, swinging his hammer with all his might. The Urhzig let out a roar of pain and fury as the hammer struck its tail, causing a significant amount of blunt damage. The titanic beast thrashed its tail, trying to shake off the pain and attack Darian in return. However, Darian was quick on his feet and managed to dodge the Urhzig’s attempts to strike him.
“My turn!” said Arkie, their last group member appearing from the shadows using [Shadow Step] and jumping onto Darian using his [Aero Flip].
The skill-specific information was displayed on the HUD’s Party Combat Logs.
Shadow Step
Allows a Shadow Gunslinger to swiftly teleport over short distances by utilizing the shadows. This ability allows them to disappear from view and reappear in a different location, catching their enemies off guard and gaining the upper hand in combat.
Aero Flip Skill
Allows players to use behemoths, the environment or even other players as a makeshift springboard.
Arkie leaped onto the Urhzig, gripping its armored crevices. Despite its thrashing, he clung on, anticipating its moves. Seizing an opportunity, he drove his dual blades into the beast’s back, using one to anchor himself securely.
Roh’s jaw dropped and his eyes widened. Wow, he made it look so easy. It’s no wonder, considering his natural agility as a Drow elf.
The beast roared, rearing up. Unfazed, Arkie stabbed its underbelly. It reared again. Arkie slid down, reaching for its tail. Unleashing a frenzied four-hit combo, he aimed to dismember. Swiftly, the tail fell, crashing with a sickening thud. Blood spurted, the beast roared.
Arkie stood defiantly, blades at his sides, as the colossal beast stumbled back and collapsed, its gash dripping. Arkie wiped the blood off his blades. “That’s how you do it!”
Roh felt a pang of envy. Arkie was naturally gifted and had honed his skills with countless gaming hours, while Roh... He shook his head. Despite the awe Arkie’s performance inspired, it also served as a stark reminder of the gulf that separated them. Will I ever be that good?
This was the first time he had seen Arkie be so exceptional at close quarter melee attacks, when his usual specialty as a Gunslinger is ranged attacks. I guess that’s the good thing about multi-classing. Arkie and Florrie love to multiclass. They swear by it. I may have to try it out one day. Although how can I expect to be great at multiple classes when I already suck at just one?!
Arkie, the Shadow Gunslinger, stood tall and lean, his lithe figure poised and ready for action. His piercing, jade eyes glinted in the dim light, revealing an intense focus hidden beneath his calm appearance. He moved with a fluid grace that suggested a lifetime of training in the art of combat.
As he bent down to collect his spoils, a few strands of his side swept hair brushed against his pale skin. Despite the harshness of his surroundings, Arkie maintained an air of elegance and refinement, as if he were born to command attention.
The smoky black garb that he wore clung to his body, accentuating his every movement. The high-collared coat with its smooth texture and utilitarian design suggested that it was crafted for both style and function. But even so, Arkie wore it with a sense of style and confidence that spoke to his mastery of his craft.
As he stood back up, Arkie tucked the Urhzig tail into his pack and adjusted his holster, ensuring that his guns were within easy reach. His senses were keenly attuned to his surroundings, and he remained ever-vigilant. For a moment, all was still. The Urhzig lay motionless. The wind howled through the barren desert, stirring up great clouds of sand. The sand whipped past the motionless behemoth, coating its massive body with a fine layer of gritty particles that clung to its rough hide.
The wind's relentless force continued, its ferocious power tearing through the sparse, battered vegetation, bending and snapping branches as though they were mere matchsticks.
Arkie, his voice nearly lost in the wind's roar, shouted to the group, "I need to log out now!" His tone conveyed urgency, a desire to escape the escalating situation.
Darian, hearing Arkie's words, reacted with a mix of frustration and anger, his voice rising above the wind. "Now? After you got your loot, you're just going to ditch us?"
Arkie, caught off guard by Darian's outburst, quickly realized the futility of his statement. "Wait... that's right, we can't log out. We're still engaged in this battle," he responded, his voice laced with a resigned frustration.
Darian, still simmering with annoyance, shot back, "So let's finish this quickly then!"
Arkie nodded, his momentary desire to escape giving way to a renewed focus on the task at hand.
A sudden movement caught their attention. The Urhzig, with a mighty effort, began to stir. Its rocky body shifted and groaned as it pushed itself up off the ground. Slowly, steadily, the Urhzig rose to its feet. Despite being knocked down, the creature refused to give up. With a long shriek, it began its retreat to the cliffs. The behemoth moved across the sand dunes like a ship cutting through the waves of the ocean.
As the Urhzig fled, Florrie raced towards Roh with a determined grace. Her eyes were not just light blue in color, but they were also tinged with violet. Her pointed ears twitching slightly with every movement.
Her long, ashen, wavy locks bounced with each stride. As a mystic ranger, Florrie’s outfit was both practical and elegant. Her white tunic flowed around her, allowing her to move and fight with ease, while the silver trimmings added a touch of sophistication. The deep purple leggings hugged her curves, accentuating her long legs and enhancing her agility. Her boots were crafted from the finest Elven leather, soft and supple, providing comfort and protection for her travels.
“You’re looking a little less worse for wear,” said Florrie. Roh’s stomach knotted and, to avoid her gaze, he looked over at Darian, with his usual beaming smile. Nothing ever phases him. I wish I was like that. Roh turned back toward Florrie as he forced a half-smile in response to her kind words.
The wounded Urhzig limped across the scorching desert sands. As it moved in the distance, it seemed to merge with the desert itself, becoming one with the arid landscape. It was fast, belying its size and injuries. It knew it was in dire need of shelter and rest. The mammoth creature had been badly injured. Despite the pain and exhaustion, it trudged on, determined to reach the safety of its lair.
“Dammit, it’s getting away!” Darian pointed at the Urhzig. “Let’s not lose it.”
“This must mean its health is getting low. We don’t want to give it a chance to retreat and heal up,” said Roh.
Roh and his party were in hot pursuit of the Urhzig, but the relentless heat was taking its toll. With each passing moment, their stamina depleted at a faster rate, and the unforgiving landscape offered no respite. A group of pale, dead trees clawed at the sky like the fingers of a giant skeleton, offering a bleak reminder of the harshness of their surroundings.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
As they trailed the Urhzig, Roh and his party kept a close eye on the wounded behemoth, careful not to lose sight of it. “We need to stay vigilant,” Arkie warned. “The Urhzig’s cries of pain and rage may attract the attention of other dangers lurking nearby.”
Suddenly, the Urhzig came to an abrupt halt. This unexpected stop sent a ripple of confusion through Roh and his party, briefly unsure if the behemoth had sensed their presence or something else.
Feeling increasingly exposed on the open plains, Roh quickly surveyed their surroundings. The perimeter looked clear, offering them a brief respite. Seizing the moment, the party crouched behind a large rock, scanning the desert sands for any signs of movement.
Huddled behind their makeshift shelter, the group was enveloped by the Urhzig's distant cries that reverberated through the desert air. Suddenly, a chilling silence fell. Cautiously peering over their cover, the party's hearts skipped a beat. Mere feet away, a pack of beasts lurked, their presence marked by barely perceptible movements and the occasional rustle of sand. Roh, relying on his quick thinking, activated [Creature Recognition], since [Analyze Species] was not ready for use.
Creature Recognition
This ability allows players to recognize and identify the name of the creature they are facing, but would not provide any detailed information about their abilities or stats.
Name of creature: Sandstalkers
The Sandstalkers’ bodies resembled carved sandstone, while what looked like fur coats were actually composed of delicate desert sand. Their eyes glowed like embers in the dim light, and their sharp teeth gleamed in the sun.
The hunting party focused their gazes on the Sandstalker pack’s faces. They had pointed ears, long snouts, and sharp teeth. The Sandstalker pack’s seemingly fur-like coverings rippled and shifted as they moved, blending seamlessly with the desert sands around them. The hunting party could barely make out their forms, but they knew that these were predators.
They watched as the Sandstalker pack prowled through the desert. They seemed to move without making a sound, and the hunting party was struck by how perfectly adapted they were to their environment.
As they watched, the Sandstalker pack sprang into action. They leapt into the air, their bodies twisting and turning as they darted towards the Urhzig.
The Sandstalker pack circled the Urhzig with hungry eyes. Despite their smaller size, their fluid movements, numbers, and tenacity posed a deadly threat to the massive beast.
Arkie instinctively crouched down and raised his right arm as he gestured to the others to stop. “Everyone hold back. This could prove an easy kill if we just stand back and let them finish the Urhzig off.”
“I’m not being funny, but they could be far more dangerous than the Urhzig,” said Roh, hunkered down beside Arkie.
Arkie rolled his eyes. “Not if we stay out of sight and wait for them to disband.”
Roh didn’t like how Arkie always looked down upon him and spoke to him in a condescending manner, but he held his tongue and simply nodded in response. It was how their friendship had managed to survive this long.
The Urhzig, though wounded, was not about to go down without a fight. It let out a mighty roar and charged at the predators, its massive bulk sending them scattering. Its roar echoed across the desert like thunder rolling across the sky.
The predators attacked from all sides, snapping and snarling at the Urhzig. The Sandstalker pack was relentless as they darted in and out of the behemoth’s range.
With lightning-fast reflexes, the Sandstalkers leaped at the Urhzig, their sharp teeth sinking deep into its flesh. But the behemoth fought back. Each powerful swipe of its massive limbs sent Sandstalkers flying, while it endured their bites and scratches, standing firm against the onslaught.
Despite the Sandstalkers’ coordinated attack, the Urhzig managed to hold its ground. Its thick hide protected it from their sharp teeth, and its massive strength allowed it to fend off their attacks.
The Sandstalkers worked together using their numbers to try to overpower the Urhzig. But the behemoth was too strong, and it fought back with equal ferocity, using its mighty limbs and sharp tusks to fend off the predators. It launched its strike with bloodthirsty abandon. As the Sandstalkers closed in on the colossal beast, one of the predators leaped at the massive creature, its jaws wide open and sharp teeth bared. But the behemoth was ready, and with a swift movement, it brought its massive horns crashing down upon the predator.
The horn pierced through the Sandstalker’s body, skewering it and lifting it into the air. The Sandstalker let out a howl of pain as it struggled to free itself from the Urhzig’s grasp.
The other Sandstalkers circled around, snarling and snapping at the Urhzig in an attempt to distract it and free their fallen comrade. But the behemoth was unmoved, and it held the Sandstalker in a vice-like grip.
Despite its injuries, the Sandstalker continued to fight. Its sharp claws raked across the behemoth’s hide, drawing blood and causing the massive creature to bellow in pain.
With a final, crushing blow, it ended the Sandstalker’s struggle, tossing the limp body to the ground and roaring triumphantly, a clear alpha warning to any challengers.
The other Sandstalkers watched as their pack mate was felled by the Urhzig’s massive horns. They knew that they were no match for such a mighty creature, and they retreated, their tails between their legs, having failed to bring down their prey.
As the predators retreated into the shadows, the Urhzig let out a triumphant roar.
“Guess we will have to finish the Urhzig ourselves,” said Arkie.
“On the bright side, they have slowed it down and helped damage it further,” said Darian, tapping Arkie’s shoulder. Arkie stood with his arms crossed and his eyebrows raised. A look of sheer skepticism in his face.
Florrie stood undeterred, hands aglow with magic, confronting the Urhzig. It charged. With a slick flick of her wrist, she loosed a bolt that struck its chest, staggering the beast. Its roar met with her nimbleness, her wave after wave of magic, wearing down its armor. She erupted her strongest spell, a magical blast with such force the injured behemoth stumbled with every hit until it lost its balance and toppled to the ground. Gasping, it rose, hot wind gusts echoing in each heavy breath.
“Are you fucking kidding me?!” exclaimed Florrie, exasperated and out of breath. The magic had consumed all her mana and left her feeling drained.
“Surely it has got to be really low on health now,” said Roh.
The beast got back up and made another attempt at fleeing.
“It’s trying to get away again!” yelled Florrie. “Everyone attack!” The entire party chased after the Terra Behemoth and surrounded it, watching their positions, being careful not to get trampled. In quick succession, they all attacked. Roh watched as the Urzig suddenly swung its colossal head towards Darian catching him off guard flinging him several yards away. The force knocked the wind out of his body. Darian clutched a fist to his chest as he picked himself up and managed to cough back the air into his lungs.
“Oh Shit!” said Roh. “It’s got its second wind. First, it was just defending its turf, but now? Man, it’s like it’s in survival mode and going all out!”
“Guys, a little help here,” said Darian as he got back up.
“We need to do something before it charges at him and finishes him,” said Roh, keeping some distance away from the gigantic beast who appeared to be ready to lunge at Darian. “I’ll use my combo attack to take aggro,” said Arkie. Moving in at astounding speed, he interrupted the Urhzig’s attack as he targeted its hind leg with his dual blade combo attack.
The Terra Behemoth now focussed on Arkie. “Nice one, my man!” said Darian as he joined up with the group and emoted a high-five. Arkie left him high and dry. “Oh fuck! My blades are going dull!”
“Don’t sweat it,” Florrie began, trying to sound calm. “It’s about to go down. It does this crazy thing where it—” But before she could finish, the sky was filled with gargantuan boulders being flung from its back. One such monolithic missile narrowly evaded Roh. He gasped, eyes wide in disbelief. “Whoa! That was too damn close!”
Gritting his teeth, Arkie quickly retrieved a whetstone from his pouch. With practiced precision, he honed his blades, letting them slide smoothly against the stone until they emitted a high-pitched resonance. “All good,” he declared, flashing the gleaming edges. “Roh, you deliver the final blow. We’ll have your back.”
“On it!” Determination burning in his eyes, Roh readied himself. With a swift motion, he unslung his Astral Axe, gripping its handle tightly.
The bearded axe gleamed with a mystical aura, pulsing with an indigo glow that was studded with luminous particles. The intricate runic markings along the haft seemed to vibrate with a latent power, as if they were eager to be unleashed.
Roh steadied his grip on the Astral Axe as the Urhzig charged towards him, its armored head lowered for the attack. As the creature closed in, Roh took a deep breath and focused his energy, channeling the mana he had been reserving for this very mana heavy ability. With a burst of astral power, he swung the axe with all his might, unleashing an [Ethereal Strike] that reverberated through the air like a thunderclap.
Ethereal Strike
Mana Cost: 50
This ability channels the power of the Astral Axe, enabling the wielder to phase the weapon in and out of reality with tremendous force. As the Astral Axe strikes its target, it leaves behind a trail of shimmering light that seems to cut through the very fabric of reality. The impact is supernatural, slicing through even the most heavily armored opponents with ease.
The blade of the axe seemed to phase in and out of reality, leaving behind a trail of shimmering light that sliced through the air like a phantom. With a cutting force that seemed to transcend the physical realm, the axe struck the Urhzig’s armored skull, cleaving through it as though it were mere air.
The creature let out a final, anguished cry before collapsing to the ground in a heap. The ethereal energy of the Astral Axe pulsed through the air, illuminating the surrounding area with a soft, spectral light.
A sudden tremor shook the earth beneath them, and a massive cloud of dust erupted into the air, obscuring their vision. The sand swirled and churned, making it difficult to see anything clearly. However, as the dust slowly settled, they could make out the hulking form of the Urhzig lying motionless on the ground, its colossal body still and silent.
Destruction characterized the aftermath of the battle. The ground, scarred with enormous craters and deep furrows, marking where the Urhzig had charged and slammed its titanic bulk in a ferocious attack. The air was heavy with the metallic tang of blood.
Yet, the most eerie aspect of the aftermath was the unsettling silence. The Urhzig’s deafening roars were now replaced by an ominous stillness that seemed to echo across the desolate landscape. Even the once-gusty desert wind had died down, as if paying solemn tribute to the fallen behemoth and the devastation it had wrought.
“Woo hoo!” cheered Darian, clearly pumped.
“Great job guys!” said Roh.
“Yeah, go team!” Florrie displayed a thumbs up, her enthusiasm evident.
“About time,” Arkie remarked with a smirk.
Darian, unperturbed by Arkie’s comment, chortled, “That was ace! Time to gather up that loot!”
Roh, however, was captivated by the fallen Urhzig beneath him. Eager to maximize the beast’s remains, he began to cut through its rough hide with his stone knife. The giant skull, particularly, piqued his interest, as an Urhzig nasal bone was vital for crafting a crossbow that discharged rock bolts, handy against behemoths and their ilk.
Before he dug in too deeply, he turned to the group. “Mind if I take the skull area?” When there was no objection, he resumed his task.
However, penetrating the Urhzig’s formidable skull proved arduous. Its cranium was robust and resilient, demanding immense effort and focus. Beads of sweat trailed down Roh’s temples, yet he persisted until he breached the brain cavity.
Once exposed, Roh meticulously extracted the organs. The feel of them — warm, slick, pulsing with residual life — was familiar yet always evocative. As he placed them into his satchel, he mentally cataloged their potential: nourishing meals from the heart, rejuvenating tonics from the liver, and the brain, when dried and ground, would yield potent ingredients for potions and elixirs.
After he successfully procured all valuable organs, the Urhzig’s carcass vanished, leaving behind only the memories of the hunt.
Triumphant fanfare bellowed. Instinctively, Roh looked up as the pop-up displayed for the victory screen in golden lettering among a fireworks display.
Urhzig Defeated.
Mission Complete – Victory!
Battle Results Rank: B
Points Earned: 10,036
Time Taken: 57 minutes and 13 seconds.
Damage Dealt: 32,000
Damage Taken: 74% (TWICE KNOCKED OUT + ADDITIONAL DAMAGE)
Stylish Points: A - Atomic! Executed varied moves, a combo, good flow and timing.
Bonus Points: +5000 for defeating the behemoth with style and grace.
Bonus Points: +1000 for defeating the behemoth in under 60 minutes.
Bonus Points: +500 for attacking its weakness
Bonus Points: +200 for executing a perfect dodge during the battle.
Bonus Points: +100 for performing a stylish finishing move.
Total Bonus Points: 6,800
Bonus Items: +1
Rewards: 7000 XP & 1500 Gold
Behemoth Trophy: Urhzig Tail Part
Weight:50 lbs
Bonus: +10% Gold when strapped to your mount’s saddle or mounted on a wall in a building owned by either the player, the player’s party or the player’s guild. (Note: The effect of identical trophies cannot be stacked)
Roh took a moment, gathering his thoughts before breaking the silence. “Good game, team,” he began, a gruff edge to his voice betraying his emotions. “You all did incredibly well out there. Just... I’ve got to own up. I fumbled at the start. Without my blunders, we could’ve achieved the highest rank... bagged the top rewards.”
Florrie interjected, her tone rich with warmth. “Lighten up, Roh. Once you found your footing, you changed the game.”
Roh resisted her praise, shaking his head in denial. “No, I merely delivered the final blow. It was you three that provided the opening. Any noob could have done what I did.”
Arkie couldn’t resist a jab."Roh, ever the melodramatic," his voice echoing a grin. Roh felt the words slice through him, but Darian was swift to halt the banter. “Arkie, enough,” he ordered.
Roh sucked in a deep breath, trying to dissolve the hurt of Arkie’s quip. He longed to leave this discussion in the past, to redirect attention away from his insecurities. With feigned enthusiasm, he promptly changed the topic. “Let’s not forget our stunning spoils! The Urhzig Tail Part,” he announced, lifting it high. “Quite the prize, right? I’m already counting the bonus gold we’ll gain by showing off this gem. It’s unfortunate we can’t stack effects from duplicate trophies, but even so, it’s a great boost, isn’t it?”
Florrie’s eyes danced with shared excitement, her head bobbing in enthusiastic agreement, while a grin of approval subtly tugged at the corners of Darian’s mouth. Arkie, in contrast, maintained his stone-faced demeanor, his response unreadable as ever.
Each party member gained an equal portion of the total rewarded XP and gold automatically. Inspecting the loot, Roh noticed that he had received two Urhzig Pelts, three scales, and one eye. Wonderful, like I don’t have seven Urhzig Pelts already. I guess it’s to be expected from a beta test. They need to balance the spawn rate for when they release the game. I just need one more Urhzig nasal bone. We will need to do another run.
Roh checked the time displayed on the HUD at the top right corner of his periphery.
In-game time: 1:27 pm
Real World Time: 3:15 am
“Should we have one more go?” asked Darian. Crestfallen, Roh looked down at the ground. “I want to, but I can’t believe it’s so late. Going to have a big day at work with an early meeting, so I can’t afford to be late. I better go get some sleep considering it’s 3:15 am and I’m going to feel like crap in a few hours.” “That’s alright we can always do it tomorrow night. Same time?” asked Darian. “Yeah, sounds good to me,” said Roh.
Arkie logged out.
“Okay… bye then,” said Roh. “Don’t take it personally. You know what he is like. A man of few words. Unless it’s about gloating, of course, then he can’t shut up,” said Florrie. “I guess.” Roh turned to face Darian. “I had fun. Can’t wait until later so I can get my crossbow and we can move on to the next behemoth. At least it will be the weekend, so I won’t have to worry about work.”
“Same here. See you then,” said Darian.
Darian logged out.
Roh stood alone with Florrie, the silence between them stretching like an expanse he was unsure how to cross. He caught her eye, a faint smile gracing her lips, and his pulse quickened. He had always been drawn to Florrie’s kindness, her bright laughter that made everything seem a bit lighter. But her presence also stirred an anxious energy in him, a nervous flutter in his stomach that made him sweat more than any virtual battle ever did.
“Good luck with your meeting tomorrow!” Florrie said as he prepared to leave, her voice a soothing balm that did little to quell his racing heart.
“Ah... yes, thank you, Florrie,” he managed to reply. The words stumbled out of his mouth, tripping over each other in their haste.
A subtle nod, a soft “goodbye”, and she was gone.
Florrie logged out.
Roh was left standing there, the echo of their brief conversation wrapping around him like a cloak. His palms were clammy, his heart still hammering against his ribs.
Noah pulled the VR headset from his face, the abrupt shift from virtual ecstasy to his cramped studio apartment leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. Reality. It hit him harder each time he logged out.
Exhausted, he fell onto his bed, the cold sheets a harsh reminder of his solitude. His mind still hummed with the remnants of the game, with the thrill of the chase, the glory of victory. He closed his eyes, letting the digital echoes lull him to a restless sleep.
The blare of his alarm rudely shattered his slumber. It felt like he had barely closed his eyes. Already? He groaned, his whole body protesting against the early start. With a sigh that seemed to resonate from his core, he forced himself to leave the comfort of his bed.
Shuffling through the familiar motions of getting ready for work, he barely registered the cool water on his skin, the taste of his hastily gulped coffee, or the chill of the morning air as he stepped outside. All he could think about was the drone of the city traffic, the numbing routine awaiting him.
The office was a monochrome blur, his coworkers nothing more than moving shapes against the bleak backdrop. The weekly meeting—more of a sermon, really—drifted over him in a dull haze. His boss’ voice, usually so jarring, seemed distant, echoing hollowly in his mind.
A world away from the vibrant hues and thrills of the VR universe. That world, it beckoned him, whispered promises of adventures he could only dream about in this drab reality. His pulse quickened at the thought of returning. He was there, yet here. Caught between two worlds.
He pulled into his driveway at 7 pm, the tail end of rush hour traffic leaving a sour taste in his mouth. Another long, draining day at a job he could barely stand.
In the quiet corners of his mind, a dream flickered. To be a legend in the game, admired and revered. His heart would quicken at the thought, the allure of the virtual world calling him.
Noah ambled into his apartment, quickly devouring a couple of slices of cold leftover pizza. His gaming setup beckoned him; he was eager to dive back into the virtual reality MMORPG ‘Age of the Behemoths’, picking up where he’d reluctantly logged off in the early hours. Yet, with each blink, his eyelids felt heavier, and there was a persistent soreness in his muscles. The allure of the game, a perfect distraction from his tedious day, was undeniable. He had been dying to play the game all day. But his fatigue was equally compelling. Maybe I’ll just hop on and play for a few minutes to get my fix and then let the squad know I might sit out on the hunt tonight... But as he powered up the system, an update notification popped up. Seriously? He groaned. Of course, there’s an update.
Sighing, he leaned back in his chair, thinking he’d wait for the update to finish. However, in the dim light of the room, lulled by the monotonous progress bar on the screen, Noah’s resistance to sleep crumbled. Within minutes, he was dozing off, head lolling to the side.
***
A stabbing pain in his neck jolted Noah awake. His eyes flew open, the sudden brightness disorienting him for a moment. He blinked rapidly, trying to get his bearings. The realization that he had dozed off without intending to, slowly sank in. His headset was resting sideways on his chest, digging under his chin. Oh crap! I must have dozed off. What time is it?!? Checking his watch that he still had on, he noticed it was 5:55 am Saturday. Damn it! I better try to log in. Don’t want to let the team down.
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