When Charlie and Ellie crossed the threshold into his house, they were greeted by the sight of his older brother Ryan engrossed in setting up the D&D campaign in the kitchen. Maps were sprawled over the table and dice were scattered across it in colourful disarray. Catching sight of Charlie, Ryan's face lit up, a genuine smile spreading across his features as he rushed to engulf his little brother in a bear hug. "Charlie! Man, I've missed you!" Ryan's voice echoed with an authentic affection that made Charlie's heart swell. "Missed you too, Ryan," Charlie managed to mumble, his voice muffled in his brother's shoulder. He couldn't help but return the smile, a warm, familial bond shared in the embrace.
As he broke away from Ryan, his gaze drifted towards Ellie who stood a bit awkwardly by the door. A teasing grin spread across his face, "Ellie, you look amazing. Did you guys have a fancy outing or something?" Ellie's cheeks flushed a soft pink, and Charlie quickly clarified, "No, no, it wasn't a date. Just friends hanging out, you know." Before any awkwardness could seep into their conversation, the door swung open again, ushering in Carter and Tyler. Charlie felt a wash of relief as the focus shifted from his blunder to the familiar excitement of their gaming night. As they all settled around the cluttered table, character sheets spread out in front of each one, their chatter filled the room. They eagerly dove into discussing their character's latest powers now that they had hit level 8. Charlie, keen to learn everyone's choices, posed the question. His own choice was the 'Spell Mastery' for his wizard character, Zephyrus, granting him the ability to cast certain spells at will.
Ellie, with a smile on her face, responded that her healer character, Seraphina, now had 'Divine Strike' - a power adding radiant energy to weapon attacks, enabling her to deal extra damage while still fulfilling her role as healer. Carter, leaning back, stated that his rogue character, Reylan, had chosen 'Evasion' to dodge or reduce damage, aiming to stay nimble on the battlefield. Tyler, ever strategic, declared his character, the tank Tharok, had opted for 'Iron Hide', aiming to take more hits for the team with a non-magical resistance. Charlie took in his friends' choices, impressed and eager for the forthcoming challenges. “Perfect, guys," he said, "Tyler, your tanking and Ellie's healing make for a solid front. And Carter, you'll be able to dodge trouble. I'll back you all up with my spells." The promise of the evening's adventure had everyone brimming with excitement.
As the lively discussion unfolded around the table, Charlie sensed the perfect moment to slip in a question, veiling it behind the guise of a playful hypothetical. He leaned in, mischief glinting in his eyes, "Hey guys, imagine we suddenly landed in one of those apocalypse litRPGs I'm always rambling about. How do you think we'd survive the first few days? What attributes would you focus on levelling up?" Hidden beneath his light-hearted tone, Charlie was on a mission. He needed to gather ideas, unravel strategies, and piece together the next steps for his current predicament. The situation he was in mirrored the realm of a real-life litRPG, a world where the lines of reality and fantasy entwined. He chuckled, adding, "So if we wake up tomorrow and there are monsters and magic all around, what's our game plan?"
His friends, oblivious to Charlie's underlying intentions, laughed along and joined the hypothetical scenario. “I'd probably be flinging spells," Charlie started a hopeful grin on his face. "With my physical limitations, it seems like the most logical choice for me." Ellie, who'd become used to Charlie's wild hypotheticals, had her response ready. “Charlie, I support you, but I don’t think you being a wizard is the best idea. If we have the chance to increase our stats, like in a litRPG, shouldn't your focus be on enhancing your physical attributes? It would make you stronger and more able to survive the potential threats.”
Tyler, ever practical, echoed her sentiment. “She's got a point, buddy. Right now, you're too vulnerable. If your constitution isn’t boosted, you might fall victim to the first creature we meet. We need you to be sturdy.” Carter chimed in, offering another angle. “Not everyone can be as built as Tyler here, who thinks he's the next Dwayne Johnson. Your dexterity should be a priority, Charlie. It's about dodging threats, not just withstanding them. Keep agile, stay safe.” Ryan, who had been thoughtfully quiet, now spoke. “Why not a mix of both? In a litRPG-like world, an early physical capability is crucial since magic usually isn’t instantly available. But later, you could essentially multi-class into a wizard-warrior hybrid. It's about balance.”
Charlie took in their words, considering their perspectives. He realized that they were right. His survival and effectiveness in this new world would hinge on a balance between his physical ability and magical prowess. The thought momentarily crossed his mind that magic might not even be a part of this system. What if it was a world devoid of spellcasting, unlike the books he'd devoured? But he quickly dismissed the notion. “No,” he murmured to himself. “Magic is always integral to these litRPG tales I love. It's got to be here too.”
As Charlie mulled over their suggestions, his mind kept circling back to the ring of holding he'd come across. It held a promise of magic, a tantalizing hint that made the idea of magic in his world not just plausible but perhaps inevitable. As he weighed his friends' advice – Ellie’s urging to focus on physical stats, Tyler’s concern for his sturdiness, Carter’s stress on nimbleness, and Ryan’s novel multiclassing suggestion – he recognized their validity. The next three months would be pivotal in determining his course of action. “I’ll heed their advice and work on my physical attributes,” Charlie declared to himself, a wave of resolve fortifying him. “I’ll concentrate on improving my strength, agility, and endurance. But I’ll remain open to the prospect of magic. If it unveils itself, if I'm presented with the opportunity to select a class or unlock powers, I’ll be ready to seize it.”
With his strategy beginning to coalesce, Charlie felt renewed vigour. He would make the most of the chance to hone his physical prowess while staying alert to the potential magic that may yet reveal itself. The upcoming months would serve as a trial period, a span of preparation and adjustment for whatever the litRPG world might throw at him. He looked at his friends, ignorant of the true implications of their conversation, and a rush of gratitude surged within him. Their unwitting counsel had directed him onto a path of self-betterment and exploration.
The conversation then veered towards their equipment needs in the theoretical apocalypse litRPG scenario. They pooled their thoughts, eventually compiling a list of essential items. “A backpack is a given,” Charlie proposed, visualizing the convenience of stowing all their gear in one portable place. “And a sleeping bag, for those nights when we can't secure a proper shelter.” Ellie pitched in, “We should consider a hardy water bottle. Metal, preferably. It’s sturdier and less prone to breakage.” “Sounds good,” Tyler concurred. “And we should add MRE ration packs. They're long-lasting and provide ample sustenance.” Carter put forth, “A small pouch or bag would be handy. Who knows, coins or other small valuable items might carry importance in this world.”
As they further debated, they agreed on the necessity of a torch with batteries for light, as well as flint and steel for fire-making. Weapons inevitably came up, and a sword was agreed upon as a basic requirement, along with some form of body protection such as armour. Ryan, who was well-versed in historical European martial arts (HEMA), mentioned he already had a variety of swords, axes, and armour. He suggested, “I'm pretty sorted in that department. For the rest of you, I’d recommend a breastplate and helmet. If those aren't feasible, a police stab vest could offer reasonable protection.”
As the equipment list evolved, Charlie was mentally jotting down each item in the notes section of the interface he had stumbled upon earlier. It was comforting to have a concrete plan, a survival checklist that could help them prepare for the unknown. Just as Charlie finished transcribing the list, a small flashing notification appeared at the corner of his vision. Recognizing it as an important alert, he decided to ignore it for now. Vanishing into the system to read notifications would definitely look weird. He was conscious that he'd been quite scattered already that evening, and despite having managed so far, he knew that zoning out would undoubtedly raise eyebrows.
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As the evening unfolded, everyone settled into their roles, eager for the forthcoming adventure. The Dungeon Master, Ryan, lifted his voice, a palpable excitement coursing through each word. "Okay, fellow adventurers, let's get this ball rolling! You might remember, we left off with your triumphant defeat of the malevolent demon, Gal'gemuth. The room still echoes with the remnants of your triumphant roars as the formidable form of your adversary collapsed, vanquished by your united strength." His enthusiasm was infectious as he went on, "With the mighty Gal'gemuth fallen, you sense an exhilarating rush of power within you. The experience gathered from such an epic victory propels you forward, ushering in newfound abilities. Congrats, everyone! You've all reached level 8, growing stronger and unlocking new abilities!"
Ryan's voice deepened, a layer of gravity overlaying his words as he primed the scene for their next journey. "The esteemed High Sorcerer Lambas had engaged you to recover the Golden Horn of Vagas from the demon Gal'gemuth. With the artefact safely tucked away, you step forth from the demon's lair, emerging into a moonlit forest. An uncanny silence hangs heavy in the air, broken only by the echo of your footfall through the lush vegetation." His words, imbued with intrigue and awe, further painted the picture, "Venturing deeper into the Forest of Rah, the colossal trees reach skyward, their entwined branches standing guard like ancient sentinels. The moonlight seeps through the dense canopy, draping the forest floor in an unearthly glow. Flecks of silvery light flit amongst the leaves, forming shifting patterns in the gentle night breeze."
Ryan continued to weave the narrative as the adventurers navigated through the lunar-lit forest. "Following the tranquil whispers of a nearby river, you tread along the forest path, eventually finding yourselves by its serene waters. The moon's glow skips across the surface, casting a captivating luminance. After what feels like an hour's journey, with Valemere, the High Capital, on your minds, you're suddenly faced with an obstacle—a felled tree, its gigantic trunk hindering your path forward." He paused, offering the players a moment to absorb the situation. "So, how do you want to proceed?"
In response to the obstruction, Charlie voiced his character's intent, a strategic edge to his words, "Zephyrus steps closer to the downed tree, his gaze probing its size and the terrain that cradles it. 'I scrutinize the tree, seeking signs of weakness or potential detours,' he proposes. 'There might be a hidden passage around here that we've overlooked.'" Tyler chimed in, projecting his character's bravado, "Tharok grunts, his muscles tensing in readiness as he surveys the tree. 'I'll try moving the tree,' he announces confidently. 'If it proves too hefty, we'll have to seek a different path.'" Carter, filled with suspicion, added his thoughts. "'Reylan keeps his eyes peeled on the surroundings, alert for any hints of traps or danger lurking nearby. 'I'll scrutinize the area for possible threats,' he advises, 'We can't afford to lower our guard.'"
Following their declarations, Ryan instructed them to undertake a perception check. The sound of dice scattering across the table filled the room, as they each awaited their fate. Carter, inhabiting Reylan, rolled the dice and pulled a remarkable 19. "Your heightened intuition and keen eye, Reylan, reveal something peculiar about the fallen tree. A closer examination indicates that this blockade is no accident. The tree's position, the cleanly-cut branches—all signs point towards deliberate interference." The group leaned in, intrigued by Reylan's findings. "Continuing your vigilant sweep, Reylan, you detect a subtle anomaly in your surroundings. Focusing your attention, you manage to pick out faint glimmers of metal reflecting the lunar glow amidst the trees. Camouflaged in the darkness, you spot six figures, hunched, on the brink of attack—an impending ambush!"
The looming danger cranked up the players' anticipation, their faces lit with eager tension. Their characters, however, remained oblivious to the hidden threat, except for Reylan. "Zephyrus, Tharok, and Seraphina, unfortunately, you're oblivious to the impending attack. Preoccupied with the fallen tree, you're jolted out of your deliberation by the sudden clash of weapons and cries of battle." Ryan's voice reverberated with a blend of alarm and suspense as he set the scene for the unexpected skirmish. "The surprise assault takes you aback, Reylan, but you stand ready to face it head-on. The remaining attackers reveal themselves, brandishing their weapons, primed for battle. Now, everyone, roll for initiative as the tranquil night erupts into chaos."
The tension in Ryan's voice heightened as he announced, "Zephyrus, in your earnest attempt to investigate the fallen tree, an assailant springs from the obscurity of the shadows, landing a critical hit. You find yourself severely wounded, barely clinging to your footing." He turned his attention to Carter, "Your move, Carter. What does Reylan do?" Without missing a beat, Carter responded, "Reylan, quick on his feet, draws his weapons. He lunges at the closest enemy with a swift strike." Ryan's narration of the resultant events was just as dynamic, "Fueled by the critical situation, Reylan's blades slash through the air with deadly precision. Their path finds the unexpected attacker, inflicting considerable damage, forcing the assailant to stagger back, clutching his wound."
In the heat of the unfolding battle, each player stepped up, employing their character's unique skill set to counter the sudden ambush. Tharok, Tyler's avatar, swung his Warhammer with ferocious power, landing crushing blows that incapacitated one of the shadowy foes. Meanwhile, Ellie, as Seraphina, channelled her healing powers to replenish Zephyrus' vitality, enabling Charlie's character to get back into the fray. Harnessing his character's magical prowess, Charlie's Zephyrus invoked a fiery spell that swathed several adversaries in blinding flames. Their movements slowed as the magic seared, Reylan—Carter's agile combatant—took advantage of the chaos. A whirlwind of dagger strikes followed, each one precise, each one lethal, taking down another attacker. As the battle rounds advanced, their characters' cohesion improved. Their strikes became more accurate, their damage more devastating, each action benefiting from their recent level gain and the surge in strength. Their adversaries were faltering, their numbers thinning under the onslaught.
As the echoes of their victorious battle began to fade, Ryan wrapped up the scene. "The final assailant falls, the forest returning to its prior tranquillity, disrupted only by the ragged rhythm of your breaths. Amidst the defeated, you stand, victory snatched from the jaws of a sudden ambush." As the players caught their breath, they weighed their next course of action. Ryan, wearing the DM hat, poised the question, "The adrenaline begins to ebb away, leaving a lingering question. Do you continue towards the High Capital?" Carter, as Reylan, interjected, "Wait before we proceed, I'd like to search the fallen assassins. They might have clues or valuable items on them."
Ryan, acknowledging Carter's decision, pronounced, "Reylan, your keen eyes comb through the belongings of the fallen assassins. Amidst the jumble, you uncover a scruffy piece of paper and a pouch brimming with gold coins." Intrigued, Carter said, "I inspect the note and take a closer look at the coins." Ryan narrated the findings, "Unfurling the battered note, words laid out with explicit instructions to target your group and to snatch the horn. The directive is signed none other than by the High Sorcerer himself." Carter's interest grew as he said, "I reveal the contents of the note to the group, ensuring they're all in the loop."
Recognizing the critical information, Ryan acknowledged, "The revelation about the High Sorcerer's role has been shared with everyone. What's the plan now?" He patiently listened as the players deliberated over the meaning of the note and their next move. "Confronting the High Sorcerer head-on isn't an option at this point," Tyler, steering Tharok, suggested, "If we can decode the mystery of the Golden Horn of Vagas, perhaps it'll unlock the power and wisdom we need." The others nodded, appreciating the strategic insight offered by Tyler. Then, Ellie, through her character Seraphina, chimed in, "We need to find a safe place to regroup and strategize how to unravel the horn's secrets. Maybe a knowledgeable sage or an ancient library could shed light on what we need."
The group enthusiastically shared ideas, brainstorming their escape plan and strategies to harness the power of the Golden Horn of Vagas. All agreed to extend their session into the night, their resolve fueled by the adventure's allure and their curiosity about the High Sorcerer's true intentions.
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As their role-playing adventure came to an end for the day, Charlie found himself neatly packing up his D&D gear alongside his friends. Maps, dice, and miniatures were stowed carefully away. Ellie, a charming grin on her face, turned to Charlie. “I had such a wonderful day with you,” she declared a soft warmth in her voice. “We should chat more tomorrow, okay?” An unexpected surge of delight buzzed through Charlie at her words, a cocktail of joy and anticipation bubbling up within him. “Definitely,” he agreed, his own smile matching hers. A moment of levity punctuated the cosy atmosphere when Carter, ever the class clown, theatrically blew kisses in their direction, “Lovebirds, enjoy your evening!” Tyler, a grin tugging at his lips, gave Carter a friendly tug towards the door. “Let’s get moving, goofball. Give them a moment, yeah?” Amid the laughter and well-wishing, Charlie watched as Carter, still chuckling, was gently pulled out the door by Tyler, their laughter leaving an echo behind.
Just as Ellie was about to leave, she paused in the doorway. She turned around, locking eyes with Charlie, an uncertain glint in her eyes. Then, with a swift, graceful movement, she closed the gap between them and pressed a gentle kiss onto his cheek. Time seemed to slow for Charlie then, his heart pounding in response to the unexpected affection. "Goodnight," she whispered, the sweetness of her voice melting into the warmth radiating from where her lips had just been. As she turned to leave, her smile remained etched in his mind, leaving him standing there, a stunned expression plastered on his face.
His moment of reverie was broken by Ryan, who let out a chuckle, teasing, “Well, look at you, Romeo.” Charlie could feel a warm blush spreading across his cheeks, but he couldn't suppress the joyful grin spreading across his face.
As Ryan continued to chuckle at Charlie's expense, his tone abruptly turned serious. He met Charlie's eyes, his expression now worried, "Hey, what's going on with you? You've been lost in thought all evening. Something's up, isn’t it?” Charlie could feel his heart skip a beat. He quickly came up with an excuse, but his voice faltered as he said, “Oh, um, no... I was just... thinking about writing a book.” Ryan's gaze didn't waver, and Charlie felt a twitch in his eye, a telltale sign of his nervousness. Trying to recover his calm, he stammered, “Yeah, a book...” But Ryan’s penetrating gaze had him cornered, “Charlie, I know when you're not being honest. You okay, man?”
Charlie felt the weight of Ryan's concerned gaze. His wall of pretence crumbled, and he gave a heavy sigh, the tension draining out of him as he sagged under his brother's touch. “You’re right, Ryan. I’m...I’m not okay. I can’t quite put it into words, but something’s off… something's really off.” As he said this, Ryan's worry seemed to deepen, and he moved a bit closer to Charlie, his hand settling on his brother's shoulder in a reassuring gesture. “Talk to me, Charlie. What is it? You know you can tell me anything, right?” Charlie's heart pounded in his chest, the fear of sounding unhinged was gnawing at him, but he needed to talk. He needed to let it out. “Ryan, I...I don’t know how to say this. I’m afraid... afraid you’ll think I’ve lost my mind or I'm cracking up or something. But... something weird, something I can't really explain is happening to me. I...” His words trailed off, his mind still wrestling with the absurdity of what he was about to share.
Ryan’s usual playful grin had vanished, replaced by a look of concern that tugged at Charlie's heartstrings. His brother closed the distance between them, his hands firm on Charlie's shoulders, his eyes echoing the mix of fear and resolve in his voice. “Charlie, listen to me. No matter what, I’m here for you. I promise not to judge, not to overreact. We can sit down, talk it through, and figure things out. Whatever this is, we'll tackle it together, okay? You're not alone.”
Encouraged by Ryan's words, Charlie found the courage to plunge headlong into the strangest tale he'd ever told. He revealed the nasty altercation with Max, the insults hurled at him, and the demeaning comments about his physical limitations. He spoke of the unexpected notification that popped up right when Max's fist had connected with his face, how he had inadvertently accepted its terms in the chaos of the moment. Charlie's words tumbled out, a mixture of apprehension and relief. He explained that ever since that moment, he had been able to see his attributes displayed like a character's stat sheet in a video game, that he had been assigned a quest, straight from the pages of the novels he so loved. With a mixture of fear and urgency, Charlie shared his suspicion that this surreal situation was often a precursor to some world-altering event in the books he read, an apocalypse of some sort. His fear was not just for himself, but for the safety of those he held dear, and he laid bare his deep-rooted worry to Ryan.
Charlie watched Ryan's face as he relayed his tale, witnessing the calm concern on his brother's features slowly giving way to a fury that was barely kept under control. The sight sent a jolt through Charlie - Ryan, the perpetually cool-headed older brother, was livid. His brother’s anger was directed at Max, and it made Charlie feel a mix of guilt and relief - guilt for causing Ryan to worry, and relief because he had someone on his side. As Ryan's eyes flickered toward the door, Charlie could tell what he was thinking. Ryan was seconds away from storming off to confront Max. Fear surged through him, not for himself, but for his brother. He didn't want to drag Ryan into more trouble. With a desperate shout, he interrupted his brother's brewing storm of thoughts.
Clasping the Ring of Holding tightly, Charlie held it aloft. He had to prove this was real. The words spilt from him in a rush, explaining his intentions with the ring and the table. His voice wavered as he made his promise: if the table stayed put, he'd accept Ryan’s decision, even if it involved telling their parents or seeking medical help. But if the table vanished, he needed Ryan to believe him and help him figure out what to do next. Ryan hesitated, studying Charlie with a complex mix of concern and apprehension. Charlie knew his brother was more worried than he was letting on. From Ryan's perspective, Charlie was trapped in a delusion brought on by the books he loved. Charlie could see the resignation on Ryan's face - he was expecting Charlie's demonstration to fail and was preparing himself for the fallout.
With a deep breath, Charlie extended his hand toward the table, his heart pounding against his ribs. As he did, he dared a glance at Ryan. His brother stood still, his expression strained and his eyes wide with dread. The room fell into a surreal silence as the table shimmered, its form wavering like a mirage.
And then, it was gone.
Charlie felt the breath leave his lungs, his heart hammering in the wake of the vanished table. Ryan just stood there, his eyes wide and his mouth agape. The worry had been replaced by sheer disbelief, his stunned silence echoing the emptiness where the table had been.