After some thinking I decided not to wait and level up before delivering the king's letter, but try to run it. Using my Survivalism skill I still could hide if it's necessary.
Thankfully, there's all kinds of maps on net of the Versailles continent, so I could make a travel plan that doesn't go tough any zones of lv.100+. Except the Senbain mountains, they're utterly unpredictable. There's lvl.20 wolfs, but also lvl.200 yetis. And that's without the invasions. Thankfully the last one just ended, so I'll probably be safe from that.
While training I somewhat understood the limits of my stats. By putting my 15 unused stats into AGI I think I'll arrive in about two weeks.
***
"WHATDIDITHINKTOJUSTRUNTHEYARETOOFASTIWILLDIE...." I was running away from some strange creatures that looked like a mix of bear and bird. Thankfully their territory weren't big and I quickly got out it before I ran out of stamina. 'Time to rest, I guess.' There's usually a safe gap between monsters. After all this is a game. No one likes to die, so the creators watch out not to make it too hard.
As yesterday's provisions ran out, I decided to cook something. Eating warm food greatly increases stamina regeneration. Survivalism proved to be really handy. I gathered some food and lit it with a Flare. 'I'm starting to run out of ingridients. If I remember correctly -and I always do- after this forest there will be a large, low level grassland, with mostly just rabbits.That will be a good place to stop for a while and refill.'
After I'd eaten I started to search for a suitable branch to sleep on. At night there's plenty of things wandering around, but they rarely looked over their head.
***
'So they're the Senbain mountains. Bigger than I thought' The large sierra continued endlessly in both directions. 'Tomorrow, I'll be climbing that.' I started walking towards the foothills, when I stepped on something. I bent down to see what is it. 'Someone lost her amulet?'
Right at that moment the earth started quaking. I looked around and saw a giant mammoth like creature charging at me. I immediately started running towards the mountains, hoping that it won't be able to maneuver in the valleys with its big body. I was somewhat right, it decreased its speed, but not enough for me to shake it off. just before my stamina ran out, I heard something.
"Quick, here!" I saw a man holding a door open. I didn't need any persuasion, I've gone inside. The man closed the door behind me. "That was close." After a moment of pause, I realized that a simple house won't keep THAT out. "Don't worry, this building is made of black-stone. It's virtually impenetrable."
"...Than you... for saving my life." Somebody living in the middle of nowhere in a mini-fortress? I smell a hidden quest.
"Anyone would have done the same. But what did you do to anger a Big Bristles? They I generally peaceful."
"Nothing. I was in the middle of nowhere minding my own business, when the earth started quaking!"
"And what was your business?" Looks like he's still doubting me.
"Umm... I found something on the ground." I realized I was still grabbing the amulet. "This thing to be precise." I gave him the amulet that was still dirty.
He cleaned then inspected it.
"Really? Just found it on the ground?"
"Um..Yeah."
"Hahahah... You see, this is a so called 'Candidate's Amulet'. When someone not from a noble family wants to be a knight, he is given the task of killing one of those big guys. The amulet makes them react, so the candidate can't just kill a sleeping one." Oh, my luck. I would't be me if I didn't do something like this. "Tough this has been the custom for at least a couple hundred years, so the place must be littered with them by now." So i's not that bad.
"Well, thank you again." How should I question him? "I'm Indra and heading to the capital."
"Um..." It looks like he didn't talk with anybody for a long time. "I'm Roland and I'm stationed here."
"Who did you annoy to get the job?"
"Just some courtiers and generally the royal family."
"And you still have your head on your neck?"
"It wasn't anything like that. I was in the Princess' personal guard, when she asked me if I loved her. I was so surprised I could answer alright, she got mad, and I'm here." If he was sent past nowhere, it probably wasn't not alright, but a capital failure.
"Still, why are you here? I mean?"
"I just told you?
"Not why did you get here, but why are you staying here for?"
"Monitoring the invasions, and searching for a cause." The monsters periodically attacking Kallamore Kingdom was always a mystery.
"From here?"
"Yes. Some of them occasionally stay in the mountains, but they never come down this side, I would be safe inside."
"That must be boring."
"Yes, it is, but people need to be alarmed before it happens. Also, they hope. Just the knowledge that some are still searching will make them not lose it." It was half-moving and half-funny, but it looks like he has nothing for me.
"Anyways, thanks for your story. I should depart as soon as possible, as my mission is somewhat pressing. If you could just tell be the way..." I didn't really look where I was going while fleeing.
"Well, if you're already going to the capital, could you please deliver my report to the captain, too? Looks like the courier didn't make it trough the mountains."
"If you have no connection to them, how do you..."
"Raise the alarm? Skylights. Intermediate level light magic. Good for signaling, but not for a lengthily report."
"Still doesn't make sense." I was curious about how it worked, because his answers just made it more complicated.
"Do I need to explain it?"
"I'd like you to."
"Well... I'm here, watching the invasions I have to signs with Skylights, 'it's coming' and 'I found somethig', in case of the second, they send a courier and I write a detailed report, that the court scholars use to try solving the mystery. Last time I indeed found something, but the courier should have arrived days ago." Good, that just made me even more curious.
"What did you find?"
"An invisible something drawing a line on the ground, but shortly after it left, the line disappeared. I was incredibly lucky to be there and not being noticed."
"Why didn't you just,.. you know, attack him with tat big sword of yours?"
"I'm an honorable knight, not an idiot. True Invisibility is a master level spell. Anything capable of it is largely out of my league."
"Okay, so we were talking about your report to deliver. Who is this captain?"
"The Lord Captain of the Royal Guard, Alfonso Drinderiou."
Quest: Deliver the report
Knight Roland found something unexplainable in the Senbain Mountains. It may be the key to stopping the invasions.
Difficulty: D
Requirements: Deliver the report to Alfonso Drinderiou guard captain, the court scholars, or the King himself.
Rewards: Some Gold and reputation points.Do you Accept?
"I'm happy to show my gratitude."
"Then go forward."
"Still, directions..." He's somewhat lightheaded.
"Oh right..."
***
I was able to get to the capital without much problem, but Roland's directions only brought me till her. Howewer, using a golden rule of MMORPGs, I just asked a guard.
"Excuse me Sir, could you tell me how to get to the Royal Palace?"
"Aren't you a bit dirty for that?"
"...No inside, I just have a meting in front of it." I need to think out something about that quickly too.
"Ok, then just go straight, then..."
"I come with urgent news for the King himself."
"Go away, kid. This isn't funny."
"It looks like Roland found the thing that makes the summoning circle for the monsters." This ought to attract their attention.
"If I had a copper for all the times I heard it... Did you know that Roland is the most common name for a knight? Of course you do, that's why you chose to say that."
"If you don't believe me, here's the formal report." It was sealed and signed and signed by him.
"...Not bad for a fake, but still not going to let you in."
"That's what I get for nearly dying multiple times? " Looks like this somewhat affected him.
"Look, kid. I'd like to believe you, but..."
"At least you could check it."
"Okay, but as I said there's many knights named Roland. Which one are you talking about?" I'm getting somewhere.
"I don't really know, but he was sent away for angering the princess, or something like that."
"That's something. HEY, CAP, DO WE HAVE SOME ONE NAMED ROLAND ON ALARM DUTY?"
"DON'T CALL ME CAP, YOU LITTLE BRAT. AND DON'T SHOUT. And yes, I think we have."
"Why was he sent away?"
"...Ugh, he had an affair with the princess or something like that. It's kept secret, because it was embarrassing."
"CAP, TELL THE COURT WE GOT AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE." It was easier than I thought.
"TOLD YOU NOT TO CALL ME CAP. What's going on?"
"Kid brought a report from the mountains. Looks like this Roland guy found something."
"What? Let me see." He looked at the envelope thoroughly."Looks genuine. Come kid."
He led me through corridors a lt less luxurious than I expected. Looks like the recent war took a big hit on the economy.
"Kid, when inside, let me do the talking. You just stand there, and... you know try not to make us beheaded."
"OK." Not that I planned otherwise.
"Now you can go in." Said the doorkeeper. As we walked in I felt very inappropriate, as I was surrounded wit nobles, while I was in dirty beginner-clothes.
"Your Majesty, I bring information that may prove itself to be of great importance."
"Good, but who he might be?"
"He is but the humble courier who delivered the report. As he bravely risked his life multiple times in the process I felt he has the right to personally hand it over to Your Majesty." He certainly is over-educated for his job.
"Then, come. Let''s see what was important enough to interrupt the court." I felt like the order was directed towards me, so I stood up, and walked to the throne. With a little consideration I decided to with Roland's report I'll also give King Karl's letter too. He spent a short period of time looking at them, then said: "This is certainly interesting. Follow me kid. I wish to speak with you in private."
I was happy how the things turned out. He lead me to a room that was empty except to armchairs and a small table.
"This is my personal... audience room." He means interrogation room. Is that blood or wine on the floor? I hope wine."Sit down. Now what about this letter"
"Your Majesty, I..."
"Don't try to court me, I'm no woman. Speak quickly, my time is valuable!"
"Knight Roland..."
"Not that, the other!" Will he let me finish one sentence during our conversation?
"King Karl of..."
"In less than 10 words!"
"Umm... We both hate Haven Kingdom. Let's be..."
"What's in the trade?"
"Military power to resources and..."
"I thought my daughter to hi son."
"That's also part..."
"Why did he send you?"
"Because of..."
"Secrecy, I know, but why precisely you?
"Well..."
"Well?"
"I found out that the Prince..."
"Women?"
"No, he..."
"Mixing with the common people?"
"Yeah."
"So he sent you far away?" Now that he said it...
"No..."
"Why did he trust you?"
"Master recommended..."
"Who?"
"Master Robert of..."
"Oh, that explains it." I've known that he's big, but THAT big? "But you must understand, this question can no be not immediately answered. Be here tomorrow, right this time.
"But the guards..."
"Show them this and they will lead you here."
Item received: Half-Ring of Kallamore Kingdom
Ornamented with (half) of the royal crest.
May be joined up with another half-ring of similar shape.
"Also, Knight Roland's report. If it's not a mistake, what's written in it may end our suffering of the monster horde." When did he read it? "I'm thankful that you brought it here, even though it was not your duty. You deserve a reward."
Quest completed: Deliver the report
Knight Roland found something unexplainable in the Senbain Mountains. It may be the key to stopping the invasions.
You gave it directly to the King, greatly decreasing the time needed to react.You received 12 gold and 50 Reputation points to Kallamore Kingdom as reward.
You have Leveled Up 8 times!
Sweet, sweet Exp. The gold also has places to go.
"Now go."
"Umm... Thanks, I think." I somehow managed to get out the palace without getting lost. Mostly.
I spent the rest of the day buying some stuff from my reward. A full set of leather armor, a wooden bow and arrows, a sword similar what I trained with, but steel, some cooking materials, and a sleeping bag. But I didn't use it that night. I slept in a soft, warm bed of an inn.
The following day I just wandered around the city and talked people. Seems like everything suffered greatly from the lost war. There were wares, but no one was buying them. I didn't see one artist on the streets. When I went to the temples, the donation box was empty. It looks like they would happily accept the trade agreements offered by Rosenheim Kingdom.
When the time came I went to the Royal Palace and showed the ring to the guard. He didn't even bat his eye and led me to the same room.
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
"I've been waiting for you." 'Greeted me the King.
"According to the clock tower, I came earlier than agreed."
"That doesn't matter. I've been here longer." If he says it... "What matters is diplomacy. Tell me, what kind of man is the prince?"
"How is that relevant?"
"You see, I'm not just the king, I'm also a father." Also, a completely different man compared to yesterday. "I want to know if my daughter will be happy. Or at least not sad."
"Well, I don't really know him."
"Then tell me the little you know."
"He's the kind of man who makes a master plan, just to slip on a little something he didn't consider. But otherwise, he's a good man, that always wants to do his best. And if your daughter can teach him some patience,, he may become a great man."
"Yes, marriage is what usually makes man patient." I'm more concerned about his daughter. She sent away Roland for whatever he said. kinda like that guy."I'm still not sure, but could be much worse. Anyways, I need you to do something. First, deliver my letter of response to King Karl."
Quest: Delivery
The meaning of their souls. Empire. All actions shall point in that direction.
One way is done.
Difficulty: C
Requirements: Deliver the response letter to Rosenheim Kingdom without its contents being discovered.
Rewards: Large amount of Reputation points.
"But before that, I'd like you to escort a mage to the outpost."
"The one that Roland..."
"We only have one outpost." From the words of yesterday's guard I thought otherwise. "Officially there's more, but one is fully enough. The invasion starts at the same time everywhere."
"Why a mage? Why not a regiment of knights?" The thing sounded too much for 3 anybody to take on.
"You won't be fighting. Roland is a well-rounded knight, but I would like a high level mage to do the scrying spell."
Quest: Searching for the Unseen
The court wants to verify Knight Roland's report.
Difficulty: D
Requirements: Escort the mage to the outpost.
Rewards: Some gold and reputation points depending on your performance.Do you Accept?
"That's understandable. I'll do it."
"Any questions?"
"Why was Roland sent away?" He looked a little surprised I don't know if it's because of the question, or that probably I was the first who actually asked something after that. But I really wanted to know.
"Umm... my daughter asked him if he found her beautiful in front of the whole court. He couldn't answer, and it became a really embarrassing situation. I sent him away before he'd get in some pointless duel because of it." That's underwhelming. "Anyways, go to the stables. He should be waiting for you by now."
"But I came earlier."
"I know. Good luck, Indra." I'm pretty sure I didn't tell him my name.
"My name's Maral." Introducing himself was a ~17 guy wearing a robe.
"I'm Indra. I expected someone..."
"Older? I'm the best in scrying magic from those who can make the trip. Did you expect a ~100 year old archmage running around?"
"Not really. But still..."
"I know I get it so often it starts to annoy me very much."
"I know that feeling."
"These are going to be yours." Said the stable-master leading two horses. "Keep them well."Then he left.
"That was fast."
"I used to be under him. He knows that I need no more explaining." That ca turn out to be a good story. Maybe on the way I'll be able to hear more.
"Which one do you want?" I have no knowledge about horses, so I'll let him decide.
"Margaret."
"That's which one?"
"The mare." So the female one. After a quick check, she turned out to be the left one.
"What's the other one's name?"
"Garret." Someone likes puns.
The following days were largely event-less. Looks like monsters are much rarer inside the borders than outside them. The one positive thing was that Maral, turns out, likes to tell stories. I learned a lot of things, including the why he was working in the stables. He didn't have enough money for the tuition, so he took a side job. Not anything exceptional. I also got the skill Horse Riding. I wonder why horses became uncommon. It's much easier than to walk. I know it costs a lot of money, but after a certain level, that doesn't matter much. Major cities are not that close to each other.
"HEY, ROLAND!" I shouted in the window.
"WHAT?"
"OPEN THE DOOR!"
"No need for shouting!" He did it too but oh well... "Back so soon?"
"Yeah. He's Maral."
"Welcome, I'm Roland. Knight."
"Nice to meet you."
"Let me guess, you are here for further investigation." At that second something started ringing. "Looks like you came not a moment early."
"What was that?"
"More going, less talking."
"But the horses..."
"There's enough grass around, and no predators whatsoever. Come!"
"What was that?"
"After I sent you away with the report I figured they'll send some mage to verify it, so I thought I should prepare something. I set up a detector for large mana signals, because anything that's able to do it will surely have a gigantic amount of it."
"But we tried it for the whole country, and didn't get anything out of it."
"Probably it masks itself. Like making the line disappear. But masking a large amount of mana takes a lot of mana."
"Preucopales' paradox, I know, but..." Looks like Maral knows what he's doing. Good.
"You'll figure it out later. Now set up your spells and hide. We don't have much time left.
While he was doing his magic I decided to look for my hiding place. According to his story, and also my experience In searched for a big, leafy tree. As we were in a mountain forest consisting of mostly pine, but I found a suitable one.
Then I waited. Now so long after I saw it. I wouldn't have even notice if I wasn't looking for it specifically. A line on the ground, that moves like a snake. For a moment I thought about it. What if the thing was not invisible, but underground?
At that moment the ground under the tree exploded, and saw Maral flying away. He probably hid underground. Then I saw Roland charging at it with his great-sword. He swung it, and blood started dripping out of nowhere, but no wound to be seen.
He was also sent flying. I needed to act, so I calculated its position from the bloodstains, Bestowed my sword with holy light (My best guess) and jumped on it, sword first.
You dealt double damage from sneak
I totally forgot about that. Good for me, but this thing's still not dying! I tried to stay on it, but it it was hard as I didn't see it.
"Brace yourself!" Looks like Roland got on his feet, and charge again. This time he didn't fly away, probably because it was distracted with me.
"Ice lance!" Maral is living, too. I should do something other than just clinging here. So, led by a sudden idea, Bestowed my boots with holy damage (still best guess) and kicked it. Right after that I started falling.
You are the first to kill an Un unseen Entity! +50 Fame
You have Leveled Up!
I somehow managed to stand up.
"WE DID IT!" Shouted Roland to the sky. I noticed that I was hovering over the ground. When I touched it, it was hard, but slimy.
"What's this?"
"Looks like the invisibility didn't end with its death. That means it wasn't the one casting it."
"And that means, we're not finished." Also, 'an' Unseen Entity. "You know what, take both horses and haul this thing back to the capital. And tell the King to send a courier after me."
"Just like that?"
"Just like that." I really didn't want to make the trip once again.
So, I ran back to Serabourg. This time it was much easier, thanks to the extra levels. The sleeping bag made it much more comfortable.
I went directly to the royal palace. Looks like even though I was away for a month, the guard
remembered me and led me directly to the King.
I found him behind a desk full of papers. Very characteristic.
"I presume, you brought the reply letter."
"Yes." I gave it to him. I was standing silently as he was reading it.
"It says that the trade agreements are good and all, but they'll won't be able to make military actions for at least a couple years, or until the Senbain mountains are cleared out. The years will come sooner"
"Or not." I told him what we happened on the way back.
"What do you think, when will this courier arrive?"
""Well, I traveled on foot, while he's probably riding a horse, so soon. Very soon." At that moment there was a knock on the door.
"Your Majesty, a courier brought a letter from Kallamore Kingdom!"
"Indeed." He took the letter (much shorter than the last one) and read it.
Turns out, the Unseen Entity was receiving the blessing of an unknown source. After it died it slowly started having color. It look like they're red slime like creatures. They're also seems to be weak against frost and holy magic, but highly resistant against everything else. They are not very strong, but hard to fight against, because of the invisibility, but that can be bypassed by a variety of spells, like scrying.
Now that they know what to search for, it'll be much easier to them. They also plan to capture one alive and track the blessing back into its source.
The King also proposed a deal of cooperation to make things quicker. Quest for players also appeared.
"It says that you reward is attached. Oh here's a bill."
Quest completed: Searching for the Unseen
BY finding the medium, you made the first step to stop the monster invasions.
You killed one, and sent back the corpse, so precious information could be found.You received 36 gold and 150 Reputation points to Kallamore Kingdom as reward.
You have Leveled Up 5 times!
"I also shall reward you. Here take this. You probably already have one with the Kallamore crest ."
Item received: Half-Ring of Rosenheim Kingdom
Ornamented with (half) of the royal crest.
May be joined up with another half-ring of similar shape.
"Come on, join the together!" And so I did.
Item received: Ring of Rosenheim-Kallamore Kingdom
Ornamented with the common royal crest. Bears a promise.
Options: +10% Magic Resistance
"With that, I'd also like to offer you the the honorable position of Royal Courier of the two Kingdoms."
You received a job offer!
The Royal Courier's job is to take messages between the two countries. It's a honor to get it, as one needs to be trusted by both parties.
You are entitled to receive a income of 10 gold.
"I'm afraid I can't accept. There's still much I need to do."
"I understand. It's a honor to know you."
New stat acquired: Honor
You have a noble soul. Other honorable people will appreciate it.
New class available!
As an Adventurer with Honor pints, you may become Wandering Knight.
Alignment will change to Good.
Basic Magic will be lost.Neutral Magic and Holy Magic will be gained.
Sword Mastery and Bow Mastery will be lost. Weapon Mastery will be gained.
Survivalism will be lost. Cooking and Tracking will be gained.
'I refuse!' I have higher goals. Also, I have lot of work in Survivalism.
Quest completed: Delivery
The Empire shall be born soon. And you were part of it.You received a 500 Reputation points to Kallamore Kingdom and Rosenheim Kingdom as reward.
You have Leveled Up 10 times!
"The Gods be with you, my King."