Chapter 4 Tournament
It was the day of the tournament and everyone was excited. The contestants All had to pass 2 requirements to participate.
1. All Participants must be at the end of their month in the heaven’s training grounds.
2. The minimum required level for participants is 40
Aaron passed both of these requirements. He also had repaired all of his equipment. He also had sold anything he did not need or want and purchased a number of potions.
[
NameAaronPrimary ClassN/Asub ClassN/AHealth860Mana430Level43TitleN/AHealth Regen/Sec4.3Mana Regen/Sec4.3Strength28Agility32Wisdom17Intelligence18Stamina26Vitality20Dexterity26FaithN/AFameN/A
SkillsPrecise shot-Basic Level 3, Blade Proficiency-basic level 5, Bow Proficiency-Basic level 6, Knife Proficiency-Basic level 4, Amidesxstis/Dual Wielding-Basic level 3, Repair-Basic level 2, Handicraft-Basic Level 2,Blacksmith-Basic level 1, Carpenter-Basic Level 1, Stealth-Basic level 2,Traps-Basic Level 2, Digging-Basic Level 2, Construction-Basic Level 1, First Aid- Basic level 3, Identify- Basic Level 2, Cooking- basic Level 2
Weapon FormsFeint, Slash, Stab,
SpellsN/A
LanguageCommon,
HeadN/A
NeckReinforced Scarf: Durability 20/20, Defense +4
Armor/TorsoLight Leather Armor: Durability 30/30, Defense +10
ArmsWarrior's Gloves: Durability 20/20, Defense +4
Pants/LegsLight Leather Armor: Durability 20/20, Defense +10
FeetBeginner Boots: Durability 10/10, Defense +5
Aaron was told to wait at Town Square when he had registered to enter the tournament. While he was waiting for the starting time his new friends where there to send him off.
Kevril “I cant wait to see you in action!”
Aaron looked over at Kevril.
Aaron, “what do you mean I haven’t heard anything . . .
Merlin “There was a announcement for none competitors that they could watch from some screens at the inns and town squares.”
Aaron, “really I didn’t hear-“
Merlin “They also announced that it will be on the new virtual reality channel along with a number of gaming sites.”
Aaron, “that’s surprising I did not expect that this game would get this much hype within a month!”
Kevril “Well this is the first Fantasy VRMMO who would not be excited about all of this.”
Ali “I’m sure you’ll win!”
Marcy “Of course he will win his ability’s are amazing.”
Aaron rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment.
Aaron, “I’m not that amazing I’m only using a wide range of basic abilities.”
Kevril “but I have not seen anyone else yet being able to use all of them in combinations or to their full ability like you have.”
Merlin “Yes no one so far has thought to learn in multiple areas and usually select only what they need for their class.”
Aaron, “well I’m not sure what class I should be since I like to have a range of things to do or use when needed.”
Ali “But that’s still amazing and what you did on the hunt the other day I don’t think that we could of done that ourselves.”
Aaron, “I could not have done any of that without you guys. I most likely would not have even made it through that first wave of spiders.”
Kevril “How about those wolves!”
Aaron gave a short laugh.
Aaron, “I’ve dealt with similar size packs about two times before that and was just lucky to even survive.”
Marcy “Did you kill all of them or run?”
Aaron, “Well the first time I ran into a pack I was forced to climb into a tree and take them out with my bow . . .”
The crowd in the square started to quiet down as three angels glided down out of the sky to land near the fountain. The village elder then slowly walked forward and gave the angels a bow.
Elder, “Has the time of selection come again great ones?”
A angel stepped forward, he had a white robe on with a tall cap on his head with a star emblem on it.
Angel, “yes Elder the mortal realm has started to change once more with the movement of many factions and those that wish to destroy the order of the world.”
Elder, “so the times have come again . . . we have many new brave souls ready to set out into the world and a number ready to be tested.”
Angel, “those that wish to go to the world will be sent in do time but bring those that wish to be tested forward.”
The elder motioned the Blacksmith Erick forward who now wore a piece of clothe over his shoulder making him a member of the council. Erick lowered his head to listen to the Elder then stepped back.
Erick, “We now ask that any who are not participating in the tournament now leave the square and those who are please come forward.”
Ali “Aaron we’ll all be routing for you!”
His new friends walked away towards one of the inns. Aaron then turned back to the elder and angels and walked forward with a number of other players. Everyone stopped short of the elder and angel to wait for what to do next.
The angel looked out over the crowd of contestants.
Angel, “We are all honored to have all of you participate in this great competition. We hope that you all act just and fairly within the rules of heaven!”
A window popped up in front of Aaron.
The Tournament
This is a tournament meant to bring forward those that will have a great effect upon the World and other realms. This contest will be held on Heaven’s lost Isle. For this contest the mark of the killer will not be given to any Competitor.
Competitors: 2537
Rewards: ???
Titles:
1stHand of the Creator
top 10 – one of the hands to Tellus gods
Top 100 – Promised ones
Aaron closed the window and looked to the angel and elder again.
Elder, “thanks for all your help in our beloved town and we hope to see you all once again.”
The elder and Erick walked back to town hall.
Angel, “you will all be transported to the tournaments grounds in a few moments, once there you will wait until the horn sounds to mark the beginning of the tournament.”
Another window popped up counting down.
10, 9, . . . 3, 2,1
The golden rings of light once again started to form around Aaron.
Aaron appeared at a vast field with a forest close by. Other Competitors where also there but they where all spread out over the field.
As Aaron looked around to get his barring’s he noticed that a few of the players near where drawing and readying their weapons. He then looked back at the near by forest where he had a clear shot to get to it . . .
A loud horn sounded echoing across the area.
Aaron ran for the forest as fast as he could. As he reached its edge he could start to hear yelling and weapons colliding behind him. He continued to run deeper while listening to any signs of a threat.
__ _ __
as the horn sounded players began to attack each other some dying in seconds from well aimed arrows or spells while others charged in with their melee weapons. Some even began to gather in groups attacking others as teams while solo players ran. A number of people headed to the forest to get clear the first group to enter the forest chasing the solo players was a knight, a rouge, and a mage.
__ _ __
Aaron continued to run deeper into the forest until his stamina bar told him he needed to rest. He grabbed out a piece of smoke dried meat and started to chew. He opened his quest window.
Quests:
The Tournament
This is a tournament meant to bring forward those that will have a great effect upon the World and other realms. This contest will be held on Heaven’s lost Isle.
Competitors: 2537 1872
Rewards: ???
Aaron looked at the screen noticing that the number of contestants had dropped over 600 in the last hour or so while he ran. Closing the window he thought about what he should do next.
First he needed to find a source of water and a good hunting spot so he did not run out of food.
As he was about to get moving again he heard someone running. He dropped down and slowly hid in a bush while drawing out his bow and an arrow. He waited, as the sound got louder.
Soon a archer came into sight running as fast as he could. Aaron slowly drew back his arrow and aimed while slowing his breath. With one last exhale he released the arrow hitting the player in the left upper chest. The player staggered while grabbing at the arrow in his chest.
Aaron had another arrow knocked and started to aim as the player started to run to the closest cover available to him. The next arrow flew just like the first and hit the players right thy throwing him to the ground.
Aaron got up putting his bow away and drawing his swords. Walking up to the player he noticed him going for a knife. Aaron quickly stepped on the player’s hand as he started to pull his knife out. The player started to give out a cry as Aaron brought his blades to the player’s throat.
The players health bar had dropped down to 20%
Player, “please don’t . . . I’ll do anything!”
Aaron hesitated for a moment and noticed a blade shoot out of the tip of the players boot. As the player lifted to kick him he cut the player’s head off having the player vanish.
You have leveled Up!
You have leveled Up!
In the players place was his two arrows along with a few more, some coins, and a ring. He put the arrows in his sheath and the coins into one of his belt pouches. He then grabbed the ring and used Identify.
Eagle eye: ring
Durability: 14/20
Ring gives wearer the ability to see longer distances for 30 sec when activated.
Costs 10 mana
The ring could come in handy so he put it on his hand.
Aaron then looked around to see if there was any new threat. Seeing and hearing nothing out of the ordinary he started to run deeper into the forest again but at a slower pace so he would not end up like the player he just took out.
It was almost evening when he heard the sound of water. He slowed and walked towards the sound. Soon he cam upon a stream with its water clear and fish swimming through it. Grabbing his water bag he filled it up again and took a sip.
You have just drank clear stream water, you are now refreshed.
Aaron crossed the stream to scout the area. He found a decent size clearing with one side ending in a cliff and the rest surrounded by forest. He continued to scout the area finding nothing important or threatening.
Having nothing better to do he started to set some traps and gather some wood for a fire. He set up a tall ring of rocks and started to put the sticks in the center. Once all that was set he grabbed one of his knives and his flint stone out and started to strike it until he got the fire started.
Aaron sat there staring at the fire a moment thinking about the day so far. He then called his Quest Window again.
Quests:
The Tournament
This is a tournament meant to bring forward those that will have a great effect upon the World and other realms. This contest will be held on Heaven’s lost Isle.
Competitors: 2537 1872 1391
Rewards: ???
The Amount of Competitors had dropped again. He was amazed at how fast the amount of Competitors has dropped. The amount had dropped by almost half with what they started.
Aaron closed the window and grabbed some food out to cook. He grabbed out his only pot and set it on the stones next to the fire. He pored some water in then some meat along with some herbs. He waited as it boiled and it started to give off a nice aroma. He pulled the pot off the rocks and set it down next to him. Then went to grabbed his wooden bowl out that he had carved. When he about to pick up the pot again to poor it into the bowl he heard something moving in the bushes. He set down everything and stood setting his hands on his swords.
A tall man stumbled out of the woods and looked directly at him. The man wore the beginner knight armor set. He had both his longsword and shield in hand. He slowly started to walk forward.
“you know it was easy to find you thanks to that fire you have.”
I knew I should have just ate my dried food! This is not good.
Aaron, “I was waiting for someone to come face me.”
The man stood there for a moment.
He said, “I highly doubt that it looked like you where shocked.”
Ah great my only bluff didn’t work just great!
Aaron drew his two swords out and readied himself and smiled under his scarf.
Aaron, “Well then you will just have to face me then.”
The mans face turned into a frown as he started to walk forward bringing his sword and shield up.
Aaron stood his ground as the man came at him. The man raised his sword as if to swing it down at him. Aaron stepped to his right and brought his swords up in an x as the blade came down blocking it. He brought up his foot and kicked out against the shield causing the man to take a few steps back.
Aaron started to circle the man looking for an opening to get through though there didn’t seem to be one. The man then came charging forward readying his blade to stab him. As the man got closer Aaron sidestepped and spun slicing the back of the mans leg near the nee. The men fell to one nee as his weight could not be supported.
Aaron was about to step forward to stab the man from behind but the man suddenly began to glow. Aaron stepped back as the man got to his feet and turned to face him once again ready.
Aaron was confused he did not see the man use a potion or hear any spell come from his mouth. Then he heard a man chanting a buff spell near the forest. He turned to see a male Cleric standing their waiving a rod and chanting with his eyes closed.
Aaron put both his blades in one handed and readied the blade from his sleeve as he started to run at the Cleric. The Night ran to cover his ally but stopped as Aaron threw his knife at him. As he got closer to the cleric he had his swords in both hands again.
He knead the man and brought his blade around to his throat to face the knight. The knight stopped in front of him with his sword pointed.
knight“stop being a coward using him as a shield.”
Aaron, “well two against one is not quiet so fare is it but I guess you guys are to weak that you did this.”
The knight got mad at that.
“What’s wrong with teaming up. There was nothing in the rules . . . wait there really are no rules!”
The knight laughed at that while the Cleric paled with each moment.
While the knight was still laughing Aaron shoved the Cleric into him making them fall over one another. With that he jumped on to the knight stabbing and slicing all the vital points he could reach on the man. A moment later the man vanished and a few items dropped.
Aaron turned to face the Cleric as he started to crawl away. He walked over to the cowering man.
The Cleric started to scream, “mercy mercy please for heaven’s sake please.”
Aaron got angry at this.
“Mercy! You want mercy you would not have cared if you guys where winning so why should I care.”
Cleric, “Please-“
Aaron stabbed one of his blades in the mans heart at the same time his other blade slit his throat. The man sat there gurgling for a second then vanished.
You have leveled Up!
You have leveled Up!
You have leveled Up!
You have leveled Up!
Aaron stood there a moment then put his blades away as he exhaled. He picked up the items the cleric had dropped then went to get what the Chiounis had dropped and retrieves his thrown knife.
Aaron looked around for any more unexpected enemies before walking over to the fire dousing it with the water he had gotten from the stream. He pulled on his pack and ate his food that was now cold as he walked back to the forest. Once at the stream he cleaned his gear and pot and stowed them away.
Aaron then looked for a place to hide for the night in the bushes. He found a nice spot and sat down pulling out a blanket to keep him warm in the cooling evening air.
He then pulled out the items he had gotten from the two attackers. There was a pair of bracers, and coins from the Chiounis. Then from the Cleric there was a lot of coins and a Carving with runes on it. Aaron put away everything away besides the bracers and used identify on them.
Old Bracers:
Some old worn bracers
Durability 16/20 +6 Defense
He repaired them and the ring from earlier then leaned against the tree to sleep. Throughout the night there where sounds of animals and even wolves but nothing came near. Once he woke up to some players fighting off in the distance eventually after it quieted down Aaron closed his eyes.
When he woke up he stowed away his blanket and stretched. He pulled up his Quest window again.
Quests:
The Tournament
This is a tournament meant to bring forward those that will have a great effect upon the World and other realms. This contest will be held on Heaven’s lost Isle.
Competitors: 2537 1872 1391 546
Rewards: ???
There had been a lot more competitors removed from the game since dinner last night. He closed his window and thought about what his friends might be doing while he was sitting there.
He waited a moment then went to the stream to fill his water bag that he had forgot to do after dousing the fire. As he was filling the bag he heard a voice call out to him.
Hercules, “so what do we have here? Oh if it isn’t the fellow from the other day.”
Aaron slowly looked up to see the Hercules, Chiounis, and Mage from the other day that was threatening him and his friends.
___ _ ___
Aarons friends where sitting at a table in the inn back at the starter town. They had a magic screen at the center of their table watching their friend and a number of other players. They where all drinking something besides alcohol since they where all bellow age by a few years. The Tournament had only begun a few minutes ago. So far there have only been a few duels but it was starting to get even more interesting as entire groups began to face off against each other.
One of these groups was made up of two archers, two mages, three, Five Chiouniss and a cleric. They where a famous party to most of the beginners with the nick name of “the seekers of the land”. They where from the first heavenly training grounds and have been the only ones known to have explored the entire region and even discovered a small dungeon which is now famous for great monsters to fight and level up quickly. “The Seekers of the land” were believed to be over level 50 and possible even the top players in the game.
They had come upon another group mainly made up of Chiouniss, and Archers. They had a quick fight against the group. “The Seekers of the Land” staid in formation as the other group charged at them. The mage used six fireballs to damage them and make them disorganized while the archers where using pinpoint accuracy to take out a few of them. The group’s cleric was buffing the entire group until the disorganized group got close. Once they where in hand-to-hand combat the fight ended in seconds as the disorganized group was massacred with out having a single casualty on “The Seekers of the Lands” Group.
-Back at the Tavern-
Erick and Instructor came in and sat at the table near Aarons Friends.
Erick, “I hope the young lad is doing well out there.”
Instructor, “Of course the Lads doing fine he was one of the best trainees I’ve ever had and he is the only one that stick with it this long compared to all the others just going out after they got their basics down.”
Erick, “He also has the best maintained gear that I’ve seen in a quite a while. That lad sure is one of a kind.”
Instructor, “yes that is true that Aaron sure is one of a kind. I hope I’ll be able to see him once again. “
Kevril overheard the two and turned to ask them, “You Know Aaron!”
The Two turned to look at the young man.
Instructor, “yes I’m proud to say that I am the one that has trained him a number of his skills.”
Kevril, “That’s amazing could I take some lessons. I am one of his friends and would love to improve my skills like his.”
Instructor, “I would love to have another student my teachings will do you well…”
Marcy, “I would also like to take some lessons!”
Instructor, “the more the better.”
Erick, “you two might also like to come to help out at my shop as well to learn how to forge and maintain your weapons, plus I could use another helping hand like Aarons.”
They stopped talking as their screens changed from the previous seen and had Aaron hiding in a bush as a Archer was running by. He shot the person twice before walking up to him and slicing his throat.
Marcy, “What amazing skill, his first shot knocked the guy off balance and his second shot to the leg to disable him!”
Instructor, “Those are very good tactics but could have been an almost instant kill if he aimed his first shot at the mans heart since his armor looks like it does hot have piercing resistance.”
Erick, “I would have to disagree that armor is light but would have more protection at critical spots.”
If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
Instructor, “True, I could never argue against you when it came to armors…”
Marcy, “I probably would have aimed for the head.”
Instructor, “That is a good tactic but if you missed the element of surprise would be lost.”
Kevril, “hmm maybe I should get a cross bow for longer ranged situations.”
Instructor, “That might be a good idea but the average Chiouniss armor is usually to bulky and heavy to properly aim.”
Erick, “True but not all Chiounis armors are that way. Some of the lighter ones though giving up some defense give an advantage in speed and use of ranged weapons.”
Kevril, “hmm then I wont get a cross bow I prefer being a tank anyways.”
Instructor, “A Tank you say… what’s that?”
Merlin sighed, “NPC’s… A Tank can be considered a meat shield..."
Kevril, "Hay!!!"
Merlin, "as i was saying Tanks usually try and draw the enemies attention and keep them oquppied long enough so the rest of the party or group of adventures concentrate on eliminating them."
Instructor, “hmm interesting strategy but it seems more like your sacrificing someone.”
Erick, “hmm maybe but if they have a good defense and stronger armor they would be able to do it reveativly unharmed.”
Eventually they quieted down and continued to watch the tournament on the screen.
The Next time they saw Aaron was when the knight and cleric found him.
Instructor, “hmm beginners mistake should not have started that fire since he was trying to stay hidden. I should have taught him more.”
Kevril, “everyone makes mistakes though that was an obvious one.”
Erick, “well it looks like they are no match for him.”
Instructor, “they have no stance or strategy what a waste at least Aaron can easily take them out.”
They continued to watch and eventually a few of them logged off and did a few things. Eventually they where all logged back on watching when the three players from the other day found Aaron.
___ _ ___
Aaron thought of as many ways that he could fight them but knew the only way was to escape or find a way to separate them from one another.
Hercules smiled, “Looks like this will be easy, so give your self up and give us your gear.”
Aaron spat out, “Never!”
He quickly jumped up and ran back towards the clearing as the three ran after him. He heard one of them yell and turned to see Hercules get dragged into the air by one of his traps that he set. He continued to run out into the clearing and towards the other sides forest. He was almost there when a fireball arched over his head and hit the brush causing it to burst into a wall of fire.
Aaron halted in his steps looking for a way around when he looked back the mage was there and the Chiounis right behind him. To Aarons left was the cliff and to his right was more forest. He stood there for a moment with his back to the flames then ran for the forest to his right but stopped as a winded Hercules came walking out into the clearing before him.
Hercules stood there and laughed pulling what remained of the trap off his foot and looked at Aaron.
“Looks like you are going no where my friend. This is going to be fun!”
Aaron drew his blades as he backed up to the center of the field. He looked back at the other two then at the Hercules who laughed again.
“What do you think you are going to do with those? You are no match for the three of us.”
Aaron, “no I’m no match against the three of you but if I can get past you I still have a chance!”
The Chiounis and Mage laughed at the thought of Aaron getting past.
Mage, “Do you think you could really get around a level 53 rouge by yourself.”
Chiounis, “yah what he said you are a dead man!”
Aaron didn’t care what they said it was his only chance to get out of here in one piece. He ran forward but the mage fired a fireball right in front of him. As his steps carried him forward through flames and smoke he fell into hole as the ground beneath him opened up into darkness.
Chapter 5 The Forgotten Temple
Hercules was angry with Mage for casting the fireball but he just decided to wait and see how Aaron fared from the attack.
I hope he survived so I can take my time torturing him and stripping him of every single piece of gear he has.
As the smoke began to clear he became confused and started to search his surroundings. Aaron was nowhere in site with what was remaining of the smoke was still clearing.
Hercules, “Do you guys see him anywhere?!”
Mage, “No sir! I also believe he is not dead since I did not get any experience or level up.”
They began to walk to the spot where he had vanished. Almost emeidetly they spotted the hole in the ground.
Hercules groaned and turned to Mage.
Hercules, “great going there dumbass now we can’t get to him if he even is alive from the fall. “
Mage, “How was I suppose to know about there being something under the ground let allown a underground cave or ruin.”
Hercules, “What ever! Do you have a spell or something to create a light with?”
Mage, “Wait a moment I got a spell right here.”
He pulled out a spell book that he had stolen from a mage they had striped for goods and experience points.
Chiounis, “um boss… ah”
Hercules, “be quiet Chiounis!”
Mage began to recite the spell from the book, as he finished he let an orb of light slowly fall down the hole. They could not see anything yet as it reached about five feet down.
Chiounis, “Um boss you should see this!”
Hercules looked at Chiounis and said, “what do you want Moron!”
He then noticed things starting to rise up out of the ground and that a number where already standing. Mage also looked up after the other two had frozen. A large number of undead where rising from the ground and stumbling towards them with old rotten armor and weapons.
Mage, “Shit I don’t have any holy magic spells!”
Hercules, “we need to get out of here.”
Chiounis, “How are we going to do that?”
Hercules, “what do you mean?”
Chiounis pointed behind the two. They both slowly turned to se more coming from the woods and what was left of the wall of fire. They both groaned at the sight and prepared their weapons. They looked for the thinnest section of undead but it was almost unending.
The three started to back up to the cliff while mage was throwing fireballs at any undead that got to close. Soon they had to stop or risk falling over the edge.
Hercules, “well this has been fun guys.”
Mage, “sure has but its not over yet.”
Chiounis, “ah what’s been fun?” He looked at them confused.
Hercules, “forget it we need to fight or else.”
Soon the leading undead reached them and where hacked to pieces. The three paused looking around as undead where coming and the fires continued to grow to surround the clearing. Another wave of the undead finally reached them and they continued to hack away at them. Soon every time one fell another two took their place.
Mage, “watch out I’m going to use rock wave!”
The other two stepped back as the Mage cited a spell and slammed his staff against the ground. The attack sent the ground in front of the three flying into the undead sending them back or destroying them.
Hercules, “I’m almost out of stamina how are you guys?”
Mage, “I’m almost out of mana to but I still have one potion left.”
Chiounis, “I’m at my limits, I’m almost on empty.”
As he said that they heard something between a scream and a roar. They turned to look at the forest edge and saw a large undead Troll walking out dragging a large club behind it.
The three took up another fighting stance again as the undead came at them again they continued to cut and hack until the undead troll was on them. Then Chiounis charged forward to swing his sword at its leg but instead tripped over a crawling undead and fell face first. As he began to get up he saw the trolls leg he was going to strike come down on top of him. Chiounis vanished as the Troll continued to come towards the rest of the group.
Mage, “Just great what are we going to do now? ... Hercules?”
He turned to see Hercules starting to climb down the cliff.
Mage, “you coward! Go to Hell…”
He could not finish his sentence as he was sent flying over the cliff by the swing of the undead trolls club. He fell to his death screaming like a little girl all the way down.
Hercules, “sorry guys but I at least have to make it out of here.”
He was still climbing down but saw a shadow and looked up. A number of the undead where falling over the edge to get at him but missing. He began to climb down again as one of the undead crashed into him making him lose his grip.
He plummeted to the ground thinking why me.
___ _ ___
-Back at the Tavern-
Aarons friends where finally all together again after logging off for a break. They where all watching a number of the fights going on from the groups facing off to duels and even a fight that was just a jumble of players attacking each other. Then they finally saw who they where waiting for.
Aaron was walking to a steam where he was getting some water. Then came out the three players form the other day.
Marcy, “Ah that’s just great it’s the three stooges from the other day!”
Kevril, “That’s going to be one tuff fight.”
Merlin, “I believe that the chance of victory is not in our friends favor.”
Ali, “Are you saying that he’s not going to win? I can’t believe that, he is one of the strongest players I have ever seen!”
Kevril, “That’s not what Merlin meant its just that it is three on one and the threes levels are unknown.”
Marcy, “That’s another thing I hope he kicks their butt.”
They watched as the three chased after Aaron towards the clearing. They gave a laugh at Hercules getting dragged up into the air by one of Aaron’s traps but soon stopped as the mage through a fireball ahead of Aaron igniting a wall of flame.
They watched as Aaron start to head to the side of the clearing where the winded Hercules began to step out of. Aaron had stopped and they said a few things to each other before Aaron ran towards Hercules. Just then Aaron disappeared from a fireballs explosion that the Mage had launched at him.
Alimore, “What!!! that could not have happened! Where’s Aaron?!”
Marcella, “I don’t know? Your right he could not have just disappeared.”
Merlin, “Your right he is still on the Competitors list.”
Erick, “That’s one of the reasons I hate Magic.”
Instructor, “Just watch we might see what happened to him.”
They watched as the three stooges argued and began to search the area where Aaron had disappeared. Right then they could see the hole that was in the ground .
Kevril, “Nice escape but hopefully nothing bad happened to him.”
Then everyone in the room froze and fell silent as the undead began to rise up out of the ground. The three stooges on the screen still did not notice until the Chiounis looked around. Eventually the other two noticed but it was to late they where already surrounded in the clearing.
As they began to back up to the cliff on screen Erick and Instructor along with a few other NPCs ran to the door saying something about an emergency council. As they left all the players began receiving a pop up.
Event: The Forgotten Temple!
A lost temple has been discovered will it bring fortune or destruction?!
Kevril watched as they left, “Guys looks like Aaron just activated an event.”
Merlin, “Not sure it was him but it was perfect timing.”
They all looked back at the screen as the room started to get loud from players bustle with excitement about what had just happened.
Alimore, “I hope he’s alright.”
___ _ ___
-Ruins-
Aaron had landed on a pile of dirt and ruble while losing over two thirds of his health. He sat up and tried to get a view of his surrounding but it was to dark to see anything besides what was in the little light from the hole.
Aaron looked up, “man that was a long fall I’m lucky I’m even alive.”
He slowly got up and pulled up his inventory to get an unlit torch and a potion out. As he did that a light orb began to slowly descend from the ceiling. He quickly drank the potion before trying to light the torch with flint.
Once lit he looked at his surrounding though it was still hard to make out anything. He seemed to be in a great hall, behind him there was a large door blocked by a large amount of debris and ruble. To his right was a long wall with alcoves between arches, to his left was the same thing. In front of him was another door towards the far end of the room.
He decided to go look at the alcoves to his right first. The first alcove he came to there was a old weapons rack with some old rusted and dusty weapons. Most of them looked like they could fall apart while a few looked durable enough to become usable again if repaired. He decided to grab three of the swords and through them in his pack.
He walked over to the next alcove along the wall where a old skeleton was lying on the floor. He walked around it and saw a bunch of old relics lying around on shelves but nothing worth taking besides a handful of gold coins. As he reached the last alcove on this side of the room he began to hear explosions above with some dust beginning to fall from the ceiling.
Aaron looked up at the ceiling and wondered what the three stooges where doing but continued on looking at the alcove. There where a number of books on shelves with a number of them falling apart. He grabbed a few the last one having a sword on its cover and through them in his pack.
He ran to the other side’s alcoves and grabbed some more books and gold coins until he noticed a creaking sound behind him. He stepped to the side while drawing out his sword.
Where he was standing a second ago an axe came down striking the stones. Aaron took a few steps back to get a better look at his attacker and to get into a better position. An undead skeleton was standing there slowly lifting its axe off the ground. He recognized the skeleton as the one that he walked by earlier.
Aaron swung both his swords at its legs but only managed to hit one as it tried to dodge his attack. His attack took off its lower leg from just above its knee down. It was about to take another swing at him with its axe. He kicked out its other leg causing it to fall and miss with its attack. Aaron then began to hack away at the skeleton taking off its limbs then head. Once that was done he began to crush the things ribcage in by stomping on it repeatedly in anger.
He stopped and stepped back to catch his breath.
Man that was a close call I didn’t even notice the thing until it was on me.
Aaron began to pick up the loot from the skeleton, which was some coins and some boots. As he grabbed the boots he noticed that he could not hear any explosions anymore.
Aaron stood up and began to look around at his surroundings once more when a number of skeletons began to fall from the hole in the ceiling falling apart as they hit the ground then slowly starting to reassemble them while more continued to come through the hole.
Aaron knew he did not have any time left and ran for the door passing the remaining alcoves. He pushed one of the doors slowly open and ran in once he could fit and shut it behind him.
Aaron stepped back and looked for any thing to block the door. He saw a number of old barrels and crates along with two small statues. He grabbed one of the swords he had picked up earlier and slid it through the doors handles. After that he began to stack the crates and barrels against the door. As he started to slide the first statue in front of the stacks to help hold it the doors started to reverberate from the undead beginning to hit at the door. He quickly slid the other statue to his make shift barricade then stepped back.
That should buy me some time! Now if only I could find a way out of here.
Aaron turned and ran down the hall keeping an eye out for any monsters or undead that may be lurching within the ruins.
___ _ ___
-Back at the Tavern-
Since the undead took out the three stooges more and more of them began to appear all over the area. Players that had once been fighting each other as part of the contest where soon either on the run or fighting back against the undead.
“The Seekers of the Land” began to rally a number of the players together to confront the undead. They had about 73 players in the middle of a large field outside the forest. They where picking off groups of the undead as they came at them, they even managed to take out two undead trolls. But as they took out each new group of undead there was another even larger group coming at them.
Kevril, “Man this tournament sure did turn into something didn’t it.”
Merlin pushed up his glasses, “yes it sure did, who would of expected an event to be triggered in the middle of it like this.”
Kevril, “There where a number of random events like this in the beta such as… um never mind.”
Merlin, “what do you mean they’re where others like this.”
Kevril, “Um yes I heard something about it from a friend though I don’t really know all the details.”
Alimore, “I hope I don’t have to face any undead like that any time soon.”
Marcy walked back to the table from the bar with some more drinks for the group.
Marcy, “Has there been anything new about Aaron?”
Ali, “not yet I’m starting to get worried.”
Kevril, “Don’t worry he should be fine Merlin has been keeping and eye on the rapidly decreasing competitors list.”
Merlin, “Hey why don’t you keep an eye on it for once? I’m getting tired of repeatedly going through the names.”
Marcella, “hey why don’t we all calm down and just keep watching…”
A player burst through the door making it slam and reverberate. Everyone looked at him while he caught his breath.
Player, “The Elder and… Angels are going to make… a live announcement in a few minutes.”
With that everyone began to talk amongst themselves again.
Merlin, “Well hopefully its something good.”
On the screen a few of the 73 players have died and risen again as the undead and where attacking their fellow players. A few of the players also began to run away only to find themselves surrounded and alone within a short distance. The mages shortly began to continuously shoot fireballs at the oncoming undead while the clerics healed the players and cast Holy spells on the undead to weaken them.
Merlin, “well they are going to run out of mana very soon.”
Kevril, “yah they should be using it steadily and conserve as much of it as they can or else they will be exhausted when the larger groups of undead hit them.”
The screen changed quickly to have the angels and a few members of the village council.
Angel, “Due to unforeseen events we have decided to cancel the rest of the tournament until further notice. All remaining players will be teleported back until we have control over this current crisis. That is all”
The screen turned back to the player’s battle against the undead and began to have the remaining players teleport out. Once the last player was seen teleporting the screens vanished.
The room fell Quiet.
___ _ ___
John was looking at the latest updates to his files when his secretary rushed in.
“Sir the Mythical Legends division is in an uproar!” she said out of breath.
“What is it this time?!”
“Well sir… um they say its something to do with an event closing the first Tournament.”
“Just great tell them ill be there shortly.”
The secretary left as John put away his files and got some oil for his hair out. He quickly oiled his hair and slid it back before getting up. Leaving his office he could see a number of people running between cubicles and workstations. A crown was even forming at the GM’s stations for this floor.
John headed towards the elevator where Max just stepped out.
“Sir I… I was just on my way to… to get you.” Max said worriedly.
John shook his head, “Let’s head down to the core while you can explain what’s going on.”
“I’ll… I’ll try sir, though I don’t know all the details.”
“Just tell me already.” John said irritably.
Both stepped quickly into the elevator and headed down into the lower floors below the lobby.
“Well sir an… an event that was not planned to happen so soon was just triggered. It was to be one of the first event’s able to alter the current game world to… to a great degree.”
John shook his head, “All major game world changing events were suppose to be locked for at least a year.”
Max nervously held his hands together, “I know sir but… but im not in charge of Mythical Legends sir though do assist in programing it… I’m par…part of the medical division.”
John put a hand to his forehead and sighed, “I know…”
The elevator door opened and they stepped out into a massive three-story room. A wide eight foot platform connected the elevator and stair case’s to the core in the center where a number of system operators sat at operation counsels. The rest of the room housed massive servers and cooling units.
John and Max quickly headed across the platform bridge to the systems manager.
Systems manager, “What do you mead the AI’s won’t cancel the event?!”
Operator, “It’s following the events guidelines due to a full system match.”
Systems manager, “what do you mean… Oh John I was expecting you.”
Max looked over the operator’s shoulder while the systems manager worriedly stood in front of John.
John, “Can you tell me what’s happening here?”
“We aren’t quite sure yet sir. We had the Event locked to specifications and set the requirement’s to unlock it…”
John, “there should not have been any requirement’s set!”
System manager, “sir its an automatic process that is connected to the multiple AI used to manage and control the systems of the virtual world.”
John sighed, “so it’s a flaw in the AI’s?”
Max shook his head while turning to John, “I’m sorry sir but it… It doesn’t look that way sir. The AI’s are following th… the guidelines and instruction’s to the event’s and game world… the main key to the event was to find a match to a AI mental mapping.”
The system manager look shocked at the realization of what it meant.
John, “What do you mean?”
Max gripped his hands together, “Sir wa… what I’m trying to say is that a player… or the player tha… that activated the event has a 97% brain map matching an AI’s mapping. Sir th… this event if activated and competed is able to accelerate or even set us for the next stage in Artificial Intelligence creation. It would even accelerate current projects and technology or even…”
John smiled causing Max and the Systems manager to look away in fear.
“So your saying that we found you could say key to the next step of the project.”
Both the system’s manager and Max nod their heads. John stopped smiling and turned to head for the elevator before stopping.
“send me all information on the any within range of matching.”
System manager, “I’m on it sir.”
John, “oh and max get your project together…”
Max smiled, “already done sir.”
John stepped into the elevator and hit the button for the top floor, “looks like it’s time to inform the boss we are ready to begin the next phase.”
__ _ __
-Ruins-
Aaron was continuing to run through the halls checking out each room and passing more hallways. He hand long since left the barricade and knew it was gone since he heard something similar to an explosion. He continued to pick up loot along the way. As he reached another intersection a group of undead came at him from the hall on his left.
Aaron quickly readied his weapons and attacked the closest one taking off its head. The headless undead struck at him but he blocked it. To get a better opening he ran into the undead with his shoulder first nocking it into its companions. Aaron then went at hacking it and its companions. Soon there where only three of them left standing one of them was a undead mage behind a great sword wilder and axe wielder. Aaron ran forward sliding between the two weapon wielders causing their attacks to his each other.
Aaron continued forward raising his swords to slice the mages head off before it could finish the spell it had just started. His blades struck perfectly taking off its head along with a third of its torso causing it to vanish leaving loot behind.
He then rounded on the two remaining undead and hacked at them blocking a few swings before he took out their legs from underneath them. He continued the hack at them until they to vanish.
Aaron stood there a moment taking a breather then walked back to the intersection. Looking down all the halls he could see undead from the hall he just came down and the ones to his left and right his only way was to continue further heading down the same hall.
This time he ran down the hall not stopping for anything passing a few rooms until he reached a circular chamber. The chamber had five massive standing statues that seemed to be woman but where to worn out to make out their featchers. Another of the statues was lying on the ground where it had fallen while its broken off fee where still in their place. Between the statues where doors that all had chains locking them shut.
I guess the only thing to do is to see if there is an opening on the other side of the fallen sculpture.
Aaron ran taking off his scarf and tying his sword to one of its ends. Once he was close enough to the statue he throw the sword end over the arm and pulled it Tight. He slowly climbed onto it and looked back to see that the undead where almost to the room.
I hope that this at least slows them down.
He quickly looked on the other side of the statue to see a Brocken down door by the statues other arm, which had broken off. He quickly untied his scarf and sword and worked his way down to the floor.
Aaron walked into the room and saw many wonderful artifacts and relics in the room set up as if it was a display behind a temple alter. At the far end a marvelous black and white armor stood on an armor display rack. The armor made him almost forget about the undead behind him as he walked across the room to it.
If I can use this armor maybe it could help me escape from this place.
Aaron Used Identify
Armor: Goddess Anae’s Armor
Dexterity: Unknown Defense: Unknown
Ancient Armor of unknown origin
Level is to low to fully Identify Object
This thing is Amazing.
Aaron began to lift parts of the armor off the stand when he heard a musical feminine voice.
Do you wish to become my vessel and my hand in the world?
You have been offered a Class!
Goddess Enae’s Chosen
Do You Wish To Accept?