Nexus and Tyle stood in front of a door.
“Are you sure we are in the right place?”
“Yes…”
“Then why does it look like that!”, Tyle pointed at the room, “It looks like some rundown shack that no one wants to live in. How could the Pope live in such place.”
“Don’t judge a book by its cover, Freeman” A voice sounded from within the corridor.
Nexus and Tyle turned their heads towards the source of the noise. A old man was standing there, wearing an lavish and ornate dressing, a complete contrast to the surroundings, which are dull and plain.
“Living in such an unassuming location has its benefits. For example, assassins would not give this room more than a glance, saving me the trouble of dealing with them.”
Nexus, however, was not listening to him. The old man’s body was glowing with so much Holy aura that, frankly, it is making him get a terrible headache. Tyle seems to have no such troubles, however.
The old man, seemingly sensing Nexus’s distress, was no longer glowing with Holy aura all of a sudden. It was almost as if a switch was turned off and the room regained its original, dull look.
So he is able to see my Holy aura…
An explanation of the Holy attribute is in order. Holy attribute is directly linked to Divine Affinity. As such, an increase in Divine Affinity results in a faster increase in Holy attribute. However, Divine Affinity by its very nature is very hard to raise. The fastest way to raise Divine Affinity is to come in contact with the Goddess itself. Not all people have Nexus’s luck though. Therefore, the most common method of raising Divine Affinity is mediation. Continuous mediation nonstop. The sheer boredom of it is comparable to standing in the Training Hall striking wooden dummies for 3 weeks, no even surpassing it. As so, not many people, or in fact, no one, is willing to do it. As a result, one common problem for Paladin and Priest is that their Holy Attribute becomes stagnant and no longer rises as fast. In fact, the highest level Paladin, Angelius Ray, only has a Holy Attribute of 789. Pope Taloni, one of the holiest character in Versailles, only has a Holy attribute of 1107.
Aside from that, one’s Holy Attribute is also limited by their physical condition. There is only so much divine power one could take before it is too much. Another way to contain more divine power than your limit is to have a holy artifact capable of storing Holy attribute. Such items are rare and usually are as precious or even more so than helium.
“Holy aura’s power raises in stages. For every increment of a hundred, a new ability is unlocked. For example, at 200 or above, one gains the ability to perceive the aura of other people. Nexus, I believe you have an Holy Attribute of around 200, right?”
Pope Taloni started an explanation of Holy Attribute to the both of them, after Tyle asked why Nexus was clutching his head in pain just now.
“Seriously? So Nexus, you have a Holy Attribute of 200? That is incredible! I only have a Holy Attribute of 50…”
So that is why I can see the aura…My race may have something to do with it too. Speaking of which, I did not even check my racial benefits till now. Maybe later would be a good time.
“Hahaha…it is nothing…”
Pope Taloni did not miss the fact that Nexus is hiding something. However, he decided that pressuring him now would not be any good. Besides, he is now a Acolyte and cannot escape. Even if he does, the full might of the Church of Freya would be on to him.
“Actually, I asked for two of you here over with a request. Recently, a monster camp has spawned outside of Vaticius, specifically a undead monster camp. We could send our Paladins to take care of the camp but it would be a good chance for you two to see some action. As of now, however, both of you are too weak to face it alone.”
*Ding*
[p=center]You have received quest “Exterminate Undead Monster Camp”
Train yourself up for 1 week and test yourself against the Undead!
Quest Rewards: Unknown[/p]
“What about the rule that says not going out of the city until 3 weeks?”
“Don’t mind about that. With your Acolyte robes, no one would question what you are doing. Even if they do, take this.”
Received “Symbol of the Pope”
“They would not stop you if you show them that.” Pope Taloni concluded. “Baron!”
“Yes!”
“Take those two. I want them to be ready to face the Undead Monster Camp in 1 week!”
“You mean to do ‘that’? ”
“Yes…use ‘that’.”
“…Acknowledged.”
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“Pope, do you really mean to send them to the tomb of Caldecius?” Avalon questioned.
“Yes. I believe that the Acolyte may have a chance at awaken Caldecius.”
“But…his spirit has not awoken for thousands of years! Why do you think that Acolyte can do it?”
“Caldecius was the last champion of Freya. If we want to find out what happen to Freya, asking him would be the best.”
“…Yes, Pope Taloni.”
“By the way, Avalon, do me a favour and help me tutor the Acolyte. I want him to fully explore his potential.”
“Yes…”
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“Tsck…that old Pope. Wonder what he is going to make me do next? Babysit that Tyle too? Baron could do it, but I can’t. One day, one day I would take over his position and make it mine…”
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“What is this?”
Nexus pointed at the ominous door in front of him.
“Don’t ask questions. Just go in. And take this.”
[p=left]Wooden Sword
Durability: 15/15
Attack: 5-6
A basic wooden sword.[/p]
...
Baron stood behind them both, edging them on.
...
Silent looks are exchanged between Nexus and Tyle.
Should we leg it?
He would catch us anyway.
But that surely is better than the going into the…thing in front!
It is not that bad, is it?
So we go?
Yes.
Reaching a silent agreement, Nexus and Tyle pushed open the doors.
[p=center]Instance Dungeon
You have enter the training hall of the Church of Freya. This hall has been used for centuries to nurture warriors of the Light. I fell into disuse after the casualties exceeded those who are successful. It was closed off by the order of Pope Horilus. However, it is now activated again.
Respawn point is set to location of death. All stats take a 30% penalty. Movement slowed by Skill and Experience gain is increased by 30%.[/p]
And before them, lied all the horrors of the world.
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“To gain and master the Holy Attribute, one must have a clear heart. I believe you are one of the few who managed to make it through before my predecessor closed it off, isn’t it Baron.”
“Yes. Within it lies the fears of your own heart. Everyone will see different illusions. If the both of them could make it through, they are on the way to mastering the Holy Attribute.”
“There is another way to beat it, isn’t it?”
“Ha! That is just a legend. No one has found the secret yet. Or is there even one?”
"The books do mention a tome hidden in there though..."
"You and you books..."
So when the conversation between Baron, Priest of Nivius and Francis, High Priest of Knowledge. The two of them shared a common history and were some of the more prominent adventures in their days. However, age has robbed them of their appetite for adventure and both of them settled down, one as a dorm master while another as a researcher.
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Nexus soon lost sight of Tyle. It was not so much of lost sight of him as much as it was a case of Tyle just disappearing. Disappearing as in he just cease to exist in his vision
It must be an illusion…
However, recognizing the fact that it is an illusion did not change the fact that it was, disturbing. Somehow, each and everyone of the creatures he is seeing somehow gets under his skin. It was as if all of his nightmares are being relived once more.
“Damn it…Holy Sword .”
A bright flash of light appeared in his hand as the Holy Sword appeared in his hand once more. He was planning to test the Holy Sword on some of the creatures here. Yet, somehow, its light actually managed to banish the illusion ever so slightly. With that temporary respite from the ceaseless illusionary creatures, he could see a door vaguely outline in the distance.
“Observe!”
A red outline appeared around the door as the door shift into focus.
It was a simple wooden door.
However, the skill "Observe" had already revealed that it hold some secret.
And of course, we all knew what happened the last time I was curious…
With a slight grin, Nexus headed in the direction of the door, with the limited time he has. The Holy Sword do cost mana after all.
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Tyle, meanwhile was swinging his wooden sword around at anything that came near him. His wild swings soon brought about a system message.
[p=center]Art of the Random Sword has been created[/p]
[p=center][/p]Art of the Random Sword (Beginner [1] 0.00%)
With random motions, the movements of the sword held no order or style. It was a simple case of luck and prayer
that it would hit the enemy.
Gain: +5 Luck and 50% more damage when scoring a lucky hit.
What...argh!
Of course, with him surrounded by creatures, any swing of his sword would score a lucky hit. Its practical applications though...leaves much to be desired.
“Screw off! Screw off! Damn it! Log out!”
[p=center]Log out denied[/p]
“What? Is this even legal? Reminds me of a story I had read before about some guy getting trapped in a virtual world by a evil administrator…”
Cursing his bad luck he had ever since the beginning of the game, he soldiered on, heedless of the danger. He can only hope he can make it out soon.
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Nexus sat down, closed his eyes and focused on nothing. He had been taking this kinds of short break every ~30 seconds, which is how long his Holy Sword can last. In the past hour, after sitting down and mediating couple times, he had gotten the skill
[p=center]Mediation (Beginner [5] 78.67%)
Focusing on your inner energy, you feel the flow of energy within you.
Increase Mana Regen by 70%[/p]
Which speed up his process considerably. Now, he can actually perceive the door getting closer and closer. With each break, he found himself nearer to the door.
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
“Done.”
Standing up, he activated the skill “Holy Blade” once more. The golden glow of the sword once again illuminated the surroundings as he moved towards the door. He was getting closer.
…5 steps…4 steps…3 steps…2 steps…1 step…
He placed his hand on the door and pushed.
Bright light enveloped him as he lost consciousness.
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White, pure white. Nexus stood up and look around. The room was not quite unlike the avatar creation room, except for the inclusion of a single book on the pedestal.
“Nixus Altairus Dominion [1]…”
Placing his hand on the book, he found himself transferred into the book itself.
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There was once a man named Nixus. Famed as the greatest swordsmen in his Age, he fought a thousand battles and never lost one. As if he was chasing after something, he fought and fought, each enemy stronger and greater than the last. He was never satisfied. Until one day.
It was a bloody battle. Meteors rained from the sky in the hundreds, as mages unleashed every spell in their arsenal in an attempt to wipe up the other army. Monsters, numbering in the thousands, from Giants to Wyrens, clashed, with each other. In that midst, right in the forefront, stood Nixus. It was the ultimate battlefield, one most suited for him.
His sword had slain countless foes. Yet, what he did was insignificant. He had been fighting for close to 10 years now. No matter who he killed, who he slain, they keep coming. Both armies number in the millions. Nixus was getting tired of this.
“Grandis Wave!”
A swing from his sword brought forth a wave of pure energy, slicing anyone in its path. He watched as the Cyclops facing him split in half, blood spurting forth, before collapsing onto the ground.
It is getting old…
Nixus, with a sigh, dove into the midst of battle once more, causing Chaos and destruction.
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The scene changed. Nixus stood upon the body of a colossal creature, too big, too vast, too powerful to imagine. On his body lied countless wounds, yet he was still victorious.
“We have won! It is our victory!”
Nixus shouted, triumphant. He stabbed his sword into the colossal creature, before leaping off, walking into the enemy camp. His sword, which serve him for countless years, was useless now, as it broke under the power of his final assault.
Time to end this.
With each step he walked, he could feel the remnants of the enemies army retreat in fear. With that, he, one person alone, walked all the way to the enemy camp unhindered. No one dared to stop him? After all, who dares to touch the person who just slain the Disvoria Graidais Deus?
Alone he walked, all the way to the most lavidicious tent in the camp. He knows who lies inside. Deus Evloria, the mastermind behind this all. Or so was is said by the Nine Kings.
With one hand on the flap of the tent, he opened the tent, with the other hand, he started to gather mana, ready to attack at a moment’s notice.
What he saw inside would change the history of Versailles forever.
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A Goddess lied in chains, trapped in the darkness of the tent. She had long forgotten how long it has been since she was captured and imprisoned in this tent. All she longed for is the sight of anyone again.
So great, so deep was her urge to meet anyone, just anyone, that when a man, bloodied with wounds, opened the tent, she leaped forward into his embrace. She felt the chains pulling against her, cutting into her skin, but she did not care. All she long for was the warmth of someone.
“Thank you…thank you…”
Tears started to form and fall into the man’s hands. He was completely frozen in shock, his right hand, gathering mana, slacken. He had not expected this. He was wishing for a epic battle, one that would end it all, one where he would sacrifice his life in the process and forever be thought of as the Hero. Yet, all he get was a woman in his arms, sobbing away. He was lost. Somehow, for once, he felt as if he was well and truly lost.
“Help me…please, get me out of here…”
The voice, just like magic, wormed into his head. He knew he had to get the her out. Something was wrong. He could not place it. As such, he returned to his usual modus operandi. Which is, action first, talk later. With that, he clenched his right hand. Mana formed once more.
“Teleport.”
With her in his arms, he disappeared. Chains that once bound her, and perhaps Nixus, fell onto the ground.
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The nine kings of the victorious army spread rumours about how Nixus fought a mighty battle and was vanquished. In secret, however, they gathered amongst themselves for a emergency meeting.
“Looks like our plan has failed…”
“I didn’t believe Nixis would abscond with her!”
“No one could have anticipated that. How do we proceed now, Embinyu?”
“This is just one of the many plans we have, dear Kings. Even though the Gods may still rule high and mighty above us, and our plan to frame r for the war to reduce the hold of the Gods, has failed, we have not lost. In fact, this may even work in our favor. In time, one of my other plans would have come to fruition. If all goes well, the Gods would be gone by the next Age.”
Embiyu spoke no more, and the meeting ended thus. Nothing more needed to be said. Following that, a bounty was announced for the capture of a woman, under the seal of Nine Kings, with the promise.
“Capture her, and we shall grant you any wish.”
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Nexus awoke. He felt as if he just had a long dream, in which he was called “Nixis”.
Nixis…Nexus…they sound almost the same.
*Ding*
[p=left]Story of Nixis (Rank B)
Nixis was legendary warrior, Slayer of Beasts, yet his name is not known at all. Why? Find out more about this mysterious character and uncover his secret.
Quest Reward: Unknown[/p]
Wait, so that was a story about Nixis? Quest reward does not seem that good though…and the rank is…B?! What the heck?! Better decline it…Hmm…additional system messages?
Freya’s Blessing have levelled up!
Freya’s Blessing
Discovering more of information about the mystery surrounding Freya, Freya’s Blessing has been upgraded.
Passive Ability: +20 to all stats, 30% more damage against unholy creatures and +150 to Holy Attribute
Active Ability: Summon a Holy Blade at the cost of 5 MP per second. Damage scales with Holy attribute
Wait…so it increases Freya’s Blessing? Damn…that buff is imba! Its potential cannot be measured. Fine!
“I accept Story of Nixis. I shall do all I can to uncover Nixis legacy!”
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Meanwhile…
“When will this ever end? Fuck!”
Tyle swore at the top of his lungs. It has been, to him, forever since he enter here. The creatures who once he feared now seem more like a hassle more than anything. He learned all their weak spots and now is strong enough to kill them in one hit. However, this has much to do with Tyle’s perseverance more than anything. A normal player would have given up by now. A normal players would have thrown down his sword and given himself up to the demons. Tyle, did not give in. He fought on with the same spirit he had used while finishing his repentance. He would not give in.
His Art of Random Sword has leveled up five levels since he gain it. It now grants him +10 luck instead of 5 and 80% bonus damage.
He did not expected it to end. As such, when he came to a door, it was much of a surprise to him. Without giving so much of a damn, he kicked the door open.
Completed Training Hall of Freya!
Level up x5
Holy Attribute increase by 100
You can create a skil of your own through your actions. Perform any action.
“Baron?! What the hell was that? Why is the training hall…”Tyle shouted, all the while stomping his foot on the ground.
Skill Created: Divine Stomp
Divine Stomp (Beginner [1] 0.00%)
You anger and frustration has lead to creation of this skil. Stomp the ground in anger and release all the frustration.
Cost: 30MP
Stun enemies for 3 second. Damage scales with Holy Attribute.
Wait what?
He was still puzzled when Nexus got through the door, his body free of wounds. Tyle did not thought much about it, though.
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Looks like he have increased in power once more. The Holy attribute emitting from him increased again…
“Well, looks like both of you had a fun time!”
“Fun?! You did on purpose, didn’t you?”
“Hmm…looks like both of you are ready. Baron, hand them the weapons.”
Shield of the Acolyte
Durability: 35/35
Defense: 10
Basic shield used by Acolytes. Requires no training to be used, it offers a decent defense with an increased protection against unholy creatures
Sword of the Acolyte
Durability: 25/25
Attack: 10-12
Basic sword used by the Acolytes. Require little to no training to be used. Additional damage dealt towards undead.
Wow…this equipment sure is powerful for a noob like us. Church of Freya sure is different…
Once they received the shields and the swords, they equipped it without further ado. Now, both of them look well and truly like Freya’s Acolytes, clothed in white, with a white shield and a white sword.
“Now, go and exterminate that monster camp.”
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Back to Shin Hyun-Woo and Versailles,
“Module seems to have completed.”
“Damn, I was hoping for a more exciting (hint: torturous) thing to happen.”
Shin Hyun-Woo sat with his legs both on the table, while eating a pack of potato chips. From a layman’s perspective, he may just be watching a movie.
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Finally, action! Next chapter should be about them having a actual proper combat and showing off of skills. Please leave a reply if any parts of the story is not clear and I would update it. Thanks! Now, time to Zzzzz.....