- 13 -

Drew and Agusta soared above the kingdom of Ressellia with the wisp Borealis following along. In their invisible, spirit-like forms nobody could see them.

This is amazing. Is this what earth looked like before humans colonized the planet? Will there be dinosaurs? That forest stretches across both horizons! And those trees are walking, they definitely are walking. Those are magic lakes. What is that huge fish swimming across the surface? One of those mountains looks like someone blasted a hole clean through it. Can magic do that?

As they flew, Borealis explained that there were different tiers of cities and quests, each offering different rewards and challenges but Drew tuned him out.

"Things are going to be different since you are starting as a non sentient. You will have access to the Skurr’s racial quest line. They don’t exactly have quest givers in the traditional sense. It’s more about what the flock needs to survive and thrive. Although your Hero title will change your access to quests around for you.” The Wisp droned on uninterrupted.

“Let’s hurry this up. There are countless cities that will be a good start.” Agusta said.

“You likely want a frontier city.” Borealis continued. “Most frontier towns are formed around profitable dungeons. For extra safety you could look along the borders of Eesayum and Ressellia, or Eesayum and Rodokk, since there will also be a garrison nearby.”

Borealis produced a chipper squeak that startled Drew and Agusta.

“There’s actually a region up north where all three countries are sandwiched together in the foothills of the Northern Mountains.”

“Lets check it out.” Drew tried to float faster as they headed off towards the mountains.

- Interlude -

Elara - Agusta, long time no see darling. How long has it been?

Augusta - Elara, certainly too long. We must get together in Sylvanvale soon.

Elara - Certainly. I have to say, I could barely contain my laughter at the quorum today. Valerious embarrassed himself, his eloquence faltered like leaves in a storm. And we finally have our hero.

Augusta - Yes, well our mischief may be little used, but is used to great effect. While he may be a hero, but this earthling has a long way to go. He got a truly miserable start. Have you seen my report? He chosen Skurr as his race.

Elara - Oh? I have not read it yet. I’ll take a look. How are our plans for Earth coming along? Any sign of their mana or deities?

Augusta - None yet, they have shut themselves away quite tightly. I will return after I have this all sorted for our earthling. As long as he is here the link will remain open.

Elara - If you don’t find them then the contract cannot be finalized. I will think on this. I just had a splendid idea. Lets add a new sub race to the Beastkin. I believe sentient birds would be a lovely addition. I trust you can make this happen for me.

Augusta - Indeed. I will wrap this up quickly. I’m starting the paperwork now. Do you know someone that can help balance out the Skurr base stats?

Elara - Oh yes, I believe a request recently came across my desk for sentient rats. I see it here, Burl proposed it. Of course I put it out to grow moss. Rats would be a disgusting race to have mingling about on Lisaria.

Augusta - Oh yes, our old friend Burl, always such a bleeding heart. I’ve sent him the assignment just now. I will return to Earth shortly and send you favorable news of our conquest.

Elara - I have no doubt. The nature faction will rely on Agusta the conqueror. May the sun shine upon you my friend.

Augusta - May the sun shine on you as well.

- 14 - Rottervale: A High Level Starting Town -

As they soared over a range of towering mountains, Drew’s eyes followed a road as it wound its way up one mountain and into the valley at the top. Borealis pointed out a walled city with a river forking around it.

A medieval fantasy city sprawled like an elaborate patchwork quilt in the late afternoon sun.

They approached the city from the west, a few remnants of the original frontier town still stood, weathered buildings echoing tales of the decade when the dungeon hosted adventurers from all corners of Lisaria. Winding alleys and cobblestone streets meandered through the old town.

These homes are so close together, and run down.

“This is the city of Rottervale," the wisp replied. "It was a dungeon town with an Undead dungeon, but after it grew to a city, the Holy Church destroyed the dungeon. My records indicate that the dungeon was overrun by demons.”

“Why are there bars on all the windows?” Drew asked.

“Originally these first buildings had bars on their windows to keep out any roving undead that wandered out of the dungeon. Now these homes belong to some of the dark races of Rottervale. Less commonly accepted amongst the wealthier families, they are mostly Dark Elves, and Goblin families, but my data suggests there are half-Orcks as well. As you can see they live in relative squalor.” Borealis looked sad for a moment then zipped forwards to continue the tour.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

The group circled eastward while the wisp spoke. Large estates with mansions were popular in the next part of town.

“Records show there was a demon outbreak here and the dungeon core was shattered. Most of the people left for other frontier towns, and veteran adventurers moved in to buy up the land and retire to their crafts."

These are huge properties, more like parks or universities!

“This part of town is home to many retired adventurers and merchants. There aren’t many people who can live here comfortably due to the high-level monsters in this area.”

Fancy shops and inns lined the streets, welcoming travelers with hand carved signage and precious metals etched into their stonework.

From their vantage point, the spectral party could see beyond the city walls. Farms stretched right up the the thick tree line. The land was remarkably uniform and flat.

“Agriculture is Rottervale’s number one export. Among other things, they raise the highest quality Soft-shell Spider Melons in Ressellia.” Borealis said.

Not sure I want to meet a spider melon even if it’s got a soft shell.

They flew over crafting districts, humming with activity in the northeastern quarter. The rhythmic clatter of blacksmiths and the scent of leather tanners blended seamlessly as skilled hands worked into the evening.Borealis pointed out two mage towers that framed the northern skyline, their spires reaching far above the city walls. Their circular foundations fit awkwardly against the square buildings on either side.

“There are still plenty of educated and wealthy citizens who would offer beginner quests.”

Borealis pointed off into the distance to where the valley stretched into a thin pass.

“And at the end of the valley there is a garrison. As you take the road down the mountain you enter the Elven kingdom of Eesayum. The garrison is perfect for more mid-level quests."

Drew nodded, impressed.

"This sounds like a good starting town."

Agusta clapped her hands once.

"Excellent choice. Let's get you settled in."

What a cool city! This is going to be my home. I can do some good here. Maybe help out the poor folks in old town. These people will be my neighbors after all.

As they descended, Drew could see the bustling streets with a few groups of children running in different directions. They approached a few large buildings near the middle of town.

There were at least a hundred crows around the town, each busy wrapping up their plans for the day. Watching people, foraging for food, and providing for the flock above the unsuspecting heads of the citizens below.

“Well Drew, this is where we part ways for now. Be safe, take things slow and don’t die.” Agusta said.

Agusta reached out to grasp Drew’s shoulder as she pointed towards a cluster of eggs in a nest.

An egg with an embryo of a newborn male bird was highlighted in Drew’s vision.“I found a chick that is about to hatch. I’m sure with your individual stats you will do well.”

“Thank you, Agusta can you make sure the other soul gets a good start next time?” Drew asked.

“I’ll let Borealis handle that. Are you sure about this Drew? A beast is a significantly harder start. With your stats you will be the only sentient Gallow Bird, there won’t be anyone to talk to and you will still be relatively weaker than every other sentient creature.”

“Thank you Augusta, I cannot thank you enough for this second chance. I know it will be tough, but life is tough. And I’m going to be a hero right? That means I can do tough things. So I guess you can count on me.” Drew said.

“Good luck Drew.” And Augusta disappeared with a pop.

“Um actually, some Skurr do learn to speak by interacting with other sentients.” Boreal is said. “You can’t afford to purchase Speak Common now, the cost for the physiological growth is too high. You could find a skill book to learn the language and practice. Any Guildhall will have some lying around. But you wouldn’t be able to understand or read anything until then.”

Drew nodded to Borealis.

“Yeah better get myself to studying then. Go ahead and beam me down.”

Borealis gave a thumbs up to show they were ready.

"Alright I’m ready, it will be an adventure.” Drew said as his soul was rapidly drawn into the egg.

Borealis drifted over and snatched up the small spherical orb of light that popped out.

He looked around enjoying the view.

“What a nice town.” He said and bit into the little soul like an apple.

- 15 -

What? Where am I? Everything is blurry and I can’t move?

He had a notification blinking in his head and his field of view was blocked by a quest.

New Quest: Hatch: Escape the egg before your stamina runs out.

What now?

Drew started bending and flexing his back.

Shit. ShitShitShitShit. SHIT!

It’s suffocating and he panicked; flailing and bumping his head against what he realized was an egg shell.

OK. I’m a Gallow Bird now. I’ve got to hatch right? That’s what the quest says.

I’ve got to calm down.

He tried to stop his thrashing. He tried to take a deep calming breath, but that made things worse since there wasn’t any air. Drew’s tiny body was acting on its own to break out, thrashing back and forth.

Stamina 50%

OK, here goes everything! Maximum Effort!

He leaned into each peck.

Drew lost count of the times he threw his tiny body against the egg.

He made a few solid connections with his beak and a notification popped up for a moment before he willed it away.

Eventually something gave out and blinding light poured through a crack in his shell.

Got you now you crappy egg! This it it one more hit!

The next thrust broke him out. He hung limply halfway out of his shell, victorious.

“Yeah! Take that! Can’t hold me back!” Drew said.

But it came out as a series of screeches that made him cough.

Stamina 9%

Drew tried to open his eyes but the world was too bright.

Quest Complete: Hatch Exp 10.

New Skill: [Peck] lvl 1

Level Upgrade Available: Level 1 Skurr (Chick) - (10/10 exp)

Strength +1

Stamina +1

He confirmed the level up before he passed out.

- 16 -

Drew woke up and kept his eyes closed this time. He was hungry.

Like capital “H” hungry.

New Quest: Hunger:

A baby Skurr has got to eat to grow up healthy and strong. Consume 10 units of food. (0/10)

Are all quests like this? There’s actually a hint built into the quest.

He was sitting on the remains of the shell he hatched out of and resisted the urge to eat them. He settled deeper into the warmth of his siblings beside him, the sensation was like being made of soggy noodles.

I’m not eating this egg shell. Am I that hungry? It’s basically part of my body right?

One of his siblings leaned over and munched on his shell.

“Hey that’s mine!” Drew screeched.

He chomped down on the nearest piece of shell.

It’s bland and slimy and crunchy but it’s not half bad.

It took him a while to eat the remainder of his egg, with his eyes squeezed closed he was mostly blind. He spent most of the time feeling around by instinct.

I guess it doesn’t matter if it’s my shell or some other shell? It still counts towards the quest. So that’s a win.

Drew stumbled around the nest one more time looking for scraps of anything to eat before he checked his quest.

Quest: Hunger: Progress (3/10)

Man, this is a Crow’s first meal? That’s rough. And here I was complaining about leftover orange chicken for breakfast. What I wouldn’t do for some oatmeal. Or pancakes. My mother made the best pancakes. As soon as I find a bakery I’m getting some breakfast.

The air was chilly and he checked his stamina.

Still above 60%. Nice it doesn’t alert me all the time.

One of the adult Skurr returned to the nest as dusk fully settled in. Drew squished up to his siblings to make some room for the larger bird.

I guess that’s my dad, my crow dad. Or crow mom. Kinda hard to tell with all the feathers.

The adult skurr settled down on top of the chicks to keep them warm.

I’m really a crow, Skurr, now. This has been a wild day.

How long has it been for mom and dad? I mean, really, assuming I woke as a ghost immediately after I died. Who knows how long I was cued up before Agusta found me.

No, I can’t let that phase me. Sure they will be sad that I am gone, and I will miss them as long as I live, but I am alone here and now. I’ve got to get moving. I am something’s snack right now.

All I have is this hunger quest, so that’s what I got to do. Might as well take a nap until more food arrives.

He curled up between his new family members and quickly fell asleep.