“FREEDOM!” Nexus and Tyle yelled for joy the moment they step out of the confines of the Church of Freya.
Frankly speaking, Nexus and Tyle have never explored Vaticius City before. All the times they have log into the Royal Road were all spent in the Church of Freya confines.
“Psch.....Look at those two. Are they NPC?”
“They must be, no one could have managed to accumulate enough relationship with Church of Freya to be part of them at such low level.”
“True…”
Commotion risen around those two amongst the adventurers who are queuing for Freya’s blessing and healing. To them, Nexus and Tyle looked as if they came from Mars. However, Nexus and Tyle just don't care.
“What should we do first, Nexus?”
"Wait, lets form a party first."
Send party request to Tyle
Request Accepted
“Now, lets explore the city!”
A childlike atmosphere have came over those two. They looked just like children who had just tasted their first taste of candy, eager for more.
They looked voraciously at every building as they wondered the districts, from the Warrior’s Guild to Arreisters Blacksmithing Shop. Each building was build with a distinct style in them, making them unique in comparison to each other. It was especially prevalent when there are multiple shops of the same type together, such as one street which had 5 tailoring shops in succession. With the aim of outdoing their competition, each shop was decorated with a unique style to them. One looked like a carnival tent, except that the building was shimmering.
“Fairy’s Dust…” Nexus commented to Tyle when they saw that shop. Fairy Dust was especially rare item that can only be obtain with excellent relationship with fairies. Using such a rare item usually means that the person is extremely rich, or…
“Look, there are real fairies…”
“I thought they don’t like to be near areas with human populations?”
“They seem to be okay though?”
Fairies in Royal Road are unlike your ordinary fairies. They aren’t small, little creatures with wings behind them. Instead, each fairy was the size of a young girl, with a shimmering cloak behind each one of them. Once in a while, you could see one of the cloak transform into a set of wings as one of the fairies fly off to fetch something for an adventurer. Curiosity rose in Nexus and he walked forward to speak with one of them.
“Welcome to Fairies Delight! What may I…oh, you are from the Church of Freya!”
Being from Church of Freya automatically raises the relationship points with the fairies. Nexus once again affirmed his decision to be a Church of Freya member.
Looks like being from the Church of Freya bring a lot of benefits.
“My name is Nexus, and I am an Acolyte of Freya. I was just wondering why would you fairies start a shop in this city?”
“Sigh…you are not the first person to ask for the reason, but seeing that you are from the Church of Freya, there is no harm telling you. We are fairies from the Enchanted Forest nearby. In the past, we have received great help from 2 adventures, Baron and Francis. The only request they ask in return is for us to bring ourselves out of isolation. You see, we fairies have been isolating ourselves in our own world for centuries. Baron did not want that. He wanted us to understand humans more. However, Mavis, which is our Queen, did approve. To convince us, the two adventures joined the Church of Freya, under the condition that we were to be protected under the full might of the Church of Freya. As a result of this agreement, we decided it is safe enough for us to venture out and set up shop here.”
“Oh…okay…”
Tyle somehow also got over and was listening attentively beside Nexus, all the while nodding his head.
Since when did he get here?
The fairy did not seem to mine Tyle and continued on.
“Okay! Now, we are selling clothes made of Fairy cloth weaved by us to earn some coins. Why don’t you all buy something? Here, this is a Shimmering Cloth Belt for just 90 gold coins!” The fairy started to advertise to us. It was almost as if it is a commercial break after a video.
90 gold coins?! That…that is ridiculous!
Nexus took a look around and realised everyone shopping here look pretty high leveled. Their equipment radiated power and wealth. Nexus and Tyle were sticking out amongst this crowd. The fairies don’t seem to mind though. The fairy who was talking to him previously even looked on at him funnily, as if he was expected to have 90 gold coins.
“Hmm…is it too cheap for you?” The fairy somehow came to that assumption.
Don’t tell me they have not grasped the concept of currency in human world?
“Or perhaps you don’t like this? Or this?” the fairy did not seem to mind the fact that both of them were showing shocked expression at the price and when on to take another accessory. At that moment, one of the fairies flew over to the fairy that was talking to them, whispering in her ear while pointing at them. The two of them got into a discussion, before one of them came over.
"Ermm...looks like there is a problem. One of our fairies have gone missing and we would like you members of the Church of Freya to help us find them."
Quest Received
Help find the missing fairy!
Difficulty: E
Reward: Shimmering Cloth Belt
What the heck?
Both of their eye sockets are nearly popping out at the quest.
Are they seriously going to give us that 90 gold belt just for helping to find a fairy?
"Is the reward not good enough?"
Quest Updated
Help find the missing fairy!
Difficulty: E
Reward: Shimmer Cloth Belt and Shimmering Cloth Bandana
*Cough* "Yes, yes, sure we accept the quest!"
Quest Accepted
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Even though we should not get sidetracked..." Nexus sighed.
"But the rewards are too good..." Tyle sighed back.
"Do the fairies even have the concept of money?"
"I think we are only given such a good quest because we a members of the Church of Freya though."
"Ahhh....Lets go find that fairy!"
(and conveniently explore the city too!)
Of course, that was left unsaid.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Search Area 1: City Square
"Fairy oh fairy...."
"Where are you?"
Nexus and Tyle walked around the City Square, a massive rhombus-like shaped area where multiple stalls are set up, hawking their wears, to new players and those who just respawned. It basically worked as a massive market for the city. Paved in ceramic tiles, the City Square also offered a awe-inspiring look of Vaticius City for new players. Of course Nexus didn't pay much attention to the view after he spawned but looking at it again now, he did notice a certain charm to it. Yet again, they are not focused on the scenery. They are looking for the tell-tale sign of a shimmering cloak of a fairy. However, what they saw was only a mass of players looking at them with weird eyes.
"Have they gone nuts?"
"Fairies? What's next, Rainbow and Ponies?!"
One of the adventures shouted back sarcastically.
"Looks like she is not here. Lets go."
Tyle urged Nexus to move on, feeling the unpleasant atmosphere about the two of them. Also, their Acolyte robes are generating too much attention.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Search Area 2: Commercial District
"We have already been here once, lets go."
Tyle said to Nexus as they when back to the commercial district. The commercial district, made out of multiple shops arranged along a lane, including the Fairy's shop, did not show any sign of the missing fairy. Even if it does, the fairies would have found her first.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Search Area 3: Residential District
"Those houses are posh..."
The Residential District are full of houses and mansions, with barely any sign of life except for the occasional NPC walking out of the house, all of which are dressed richly. Some of the more populated areas, such as the apartment housing area, showed no signs of the missing fairy. Repeated questioning of NPC's yielded no results as well.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Search Area 4: Guild District
Bare minimum, the guild district contained no more than a few basic guilds, devoid of the more exotic ones, such as an elemental shaman temple or such. It makes sense, since the only reason why anyone would start here is to become a priest or a paladin. If you want to become a warrior, better starting locations are available. Some speciality shops, such as a Arcanium, are located here too.
And of course, no fairy.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Search Area 5: Lover's/Garden District
"No way..."
"There is absolutely no way..."
The two of them stared wide-eyed at a young figure wearing a shimmering cloak sitting next to a man. The two of them seems to be having a fun time, teasing and laughing at each other. Tyle and Nexus were at a lost what to do now.
"Is inter-racial relation's possible?"
You have activated Royal Road New Player Guiding System. The answer to your question is 'Yes'.
Isn't this borderline paedophilia? The fairies look just like young children...
"Should we break them up?"
Their dilemma was solved, however, before they made the decision whether to separate the couple. The fairy got up from the ground and dusted herself before activating her wings and flying off. Tyle immediately nudge Nexus to follow the fairy. Nexus, however, had a uncomfortable feeling in his heart about the man.
"Go on first. I will follow later.", Nexus told Tyle.
Tyle was puzzled, but did not question Nexus. He immediately set off in the direction of the fairy, in an attempt to "find" her. Nexus, meanwhile, try to make himself inconspicuous while observing the man in the distance. He sat down amongst some couple and patiently look on, ignoring the couples nearby.
The man received a whisper from someone and stood up a moment later. The atmosphere around him had changed drastically as the happy-go-lucky mood he faked just now with the fairy turned into something worse. Nexus felt a sinister feeling about him. Moving too, he tailed the man.
Soon, he saw the man walked to a dark alley nearby. Nexus, at a lost whether to follow or not, decided to follow, disregarding the fact that it may be a trap. As it turns out, when he entered the dark alley, he saw a sword swing towards him. It is a trap.
"Holy Blade!"
Almost on reflex, Nexus called out Holy Blade. The sudden bright light from the blade blinded the man for a second, enough for Nexus to get in a stab.
Holy Blade
Damage: 100
A sword made out of Holy energy. Deal damage as per Holy attribute possessed.
Critical Hit! 30% more damage!
The man stepped back, one hand holding a sword, preventing Nexus from getting in another blow.
"Who are you? Why are you following me?' the man shouted.
"What are you doing with that fairy?" Nexus replied.
The man felt silent for a while.
"What did you see?"
"Everything." Nexus decided to call a bluff.
"...So you saw, eh? And you think you can be a good guy by stopping me, is it? Well, it is too late. By now, the poison would have taken effect and my buddies would have gotten her. You know how much a Fairy's Wing sell for? 500 gold. Enough to buy a unique level item. Too bad, I would have to kill you now to seal your mouth for 4 days. By then, we would be gone."
Thanks for telling me everything, you idiot. Tyle better stop his buddies.
Since he had already spoke about killing him, Nexus swung his sword forward without any hesitation. Kill or be killed. It was his first real battle in Royal Road. He felt his heart beating rapidly and his senses being stretched to the extreme. Somehow, he manage to parry the counter-swing by the man and riposted back.
Even if in real life Nexus doesn't seem like the person who does any combat sport, he had observe quite a few matches before. As such, he had a basic idea of how to fight.
Also, the Holy Blade seems almost overpowered. For every 3 hits the man got on him, he only need 1 swing to even the score. As a result, the battle was going in Nexus's favor. That is, if his mana could last that long.
18 seconds...12 more to go
Nexus struck with increasing aggressiveness. He did not know what level the man was and how much HP he has. The only thing he can observe is that the man does not seem to be a combat-orientated class. If not, his blows would not have hurt so less and Nexus probably would be dead already.
1 second left....!
Throwing caution to the wind, Nexus stepped forward and impale the Holy Blade onto the man's head, getting stabbed himself as a tradeoff.
Extreme Critical Hit! 100% damage!
Critical Condition! Less than 10% health left!
Level up!
Level up!
Gained +50 infamy
Gain Murderer's Mark!
Due to your affiliation with Church of Freya, Murderer's Mark erased.
Be warned, repeated offense would result in serve punishment by Church of Freya!
Nexus collapsed on the ground, as the man's corpse turned grey and disappeared.
Damn, I almost died!
At the location where the man was killed, a potion was left behind as a random drop.
Nair Snake Venom Antidote
Antitode for the Nair Snake Venom, a poisonous venom only extractable by a potion-master.
Valid only for 3h after application of venom.
Lucky, now the fairy...!
Just then, he received a whisper from Tyle over party chat.
Come over quickly! The fairy seems to be in critical condition all of a sudden. I am in the fairy's shop!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.
"Thanks for all you help. Here take this."
Gain Shimmering Bandana and Shimmering Cloth Belt!
Due to you actions, you have received Fairy Dust x5!
Relation with fairies greatly increased! Fairies from Fairy Shop will now consider you as friends!
Received 30% discount for all items in the shop
After Nexus received the message from Tyle, he immediately rushed towards Tyle's location. Tyle was squatting next to the fairy, which has collapsed on the ground, faced pale as snow. Tyle, meanwhile, looks as if he had a rough time as well. Nexus immediately uncapped the antidote and applied the antidote to the fairy.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes...why am I here?" The fairy recovered upon indigesting the antidote.
Nexus lowered his head, before telling the fairy the truth. The fairy eyes briefly lowered for a second, before replying with a cheerful voice.
"It doesn't matter!"
Nexus saw through her act.
Following that, a sliver haired fairy, the leader of the group, walked forward and offered Nexus the rewards. Nexus took them quietly, without saying much. Not much need to be said. Tyle, who was not as perceptive as Nexus, thanked the fairy in Nexus's place.
He understood that despite the fairy's cheerful demeanor, they have all experience the same thing some point in the past. Being attacked. Discriminated. Yet, they continue to live in this human city, away from their homeland.
Nexus fully respected the fairies.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two figures, one wearing a Shimmering Bandana, another wearing Shimmering Cloth Belt, left the city.
Shimmering Bandana
Level Requirement: 5
Durability: 30/30
Defense: 10
Made by Fairies, it is made of a miraculous cloth that does not require much skill to equip yet possess unique properties.
However, you do not have the skills to use such properties.
Gain 20% increase mana regen, +5 to all stats, glows in the dark
Unknown
Shimmering Cloth Belt
Level Requirement: 5
Durability: 30/30
Defense: 10
Made by Fairies, it is made of a miraculous cloth that does not require much skill to equip yet possess unique properties.
However, you do not have the skills to use such properties. It looks good on your waist, though.
Gain 20% increase mana regen, +5 to all stats, glows in the dark
Unknown
"Those two items have the same stats."
"I think this is lowest of the low items in the Fairy's shop too. I think as we level up more properties will be revealed."
"Then it would make last us for quite a while, then."
Tyle and Nexus chatted as they walked along the plains outside Vaticius City. They watched as beginners bashed down on rabbits and foxes.
"We should gain some levels first before attempting the dungeon."
"Tyle, you are level 6 right?"
"Yes. What about you?"
"Hmm...level 10. When did I level up? I seriously should distribute my stat points now."
Split them between intelligence and strength would be a good idea
And the Rabbit-Hunt begins!
"Nexus, let see who level up more!"
"Challenge Accepted."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nexus, getting sick of missing the rabbits, now hid himself amongst the bushes in ambush.
"Let me try something. Holy Blade!"
A blade appeared in his hands. With a throw, he threw it onto the rabbit nearby. A streak of golden light followed the blade as it hit the rabbit.
Gain Skill Throw
Throw (Beginner [1] 0.00%)
Increases accuracy of weapon throws.
Accuracy +10%, Damage +10%
"Sweeee........."
The rabbit disappeared in a flash of gray, completely surprised.
Mana usage is 30. Looks like it is a much more useful way of utilizing Holy Blade.
"Holy Blade!"
"Holy Blade!"
"Holy Blade!"
"Holy Blade!"
.
.
.
.
.
.
Level up!
Level up!
Level up!
Level up!
Level up!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Tyle, what level are you?"
"Level 12. You?"
"Level 15. How did you level so fast?"
"I killed foxes. "
"That is cheating!"
"You did not say so!"
"Throw!"
A pebble streaked towards the Tyle, hitting him on the top of the head.
"Ouch!"
"Let get going, the day is getting dark."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dungeon of Caldecius entered
"Is this the monster camp?"
"It says 'dungeon' in the description."
"Well, trust what the Pope says. Come on, lets go in."
The moment they enter, their belt and bandana illuminated the cave. It looks like a normal cave, except the inclusion of sigils and wards on the walls. Nexus could see the holy power in them.
"Those traps are like the ones Avalon used to trick you, Tyle. As long as one has Holy Attribute, one can pass. However, this may just be the beginning though. More barriers may lay ahead."
As they moved through the cave, Nexus continuously used his Observe skill to check for traps. However, the Observe skill, unlike the Detect skill, requires the user discover the object first. Spamming it repeatedly leveled up his Observe skill though. As it result, the cave get easier as they go along. Even if they trigger traps, the trap are not really deathly. It was nothing shields can't block.
However, as they get deeper and deeper, mobs start to spawn. Skeletons Warriors and Mages, firstly in the ones and twos, before long squads of them are spawning.
"Holy Blade!"
*Bang*
The blade flashed and impaled itself into a Skeletal Mage head, killing it instantly with the bonus damage. He used Holy Blade sparingly, as his mana plus regen, only enables him to use up to 17 blades if he was spamming. For the rest, such as Skeleton Warriors, Nexus fought them one-on-one. Even with the increase undead resistance. they are slowly being overwhelmed. Curses by the Skeletal Mages, meanwhile, no matter how weak they are, are starting to take its toil. Tyle, swung his sword randomly while blocking, using his Art of Random Sword skill to deal bonus damage as he pushed forward while also using Divine Stomp to stun enemies, making it easier to be hit.
Nexus blocked another attack with his shield before stabbing his Acolyte Sword into the skeleton's head. Another flash and the skeleton is gone.
"Seriously, when are we going to meet the end of the dungeon?"
*Bang*
Another skeleton meet its end.
*Thump*
Nexus looked up at the unexpected noise. A door, with the holy blade stuck in it, appeared before him. Nexus waved his hand in a dismissing motion and the sword disappeared. Another trick he had learn while fighting. Apparently the Holy Blade is linked to his thoughts. There is still much mystery surrounding the Holy Blade.
The undead, collapsed into the nothingness in a distance, as if recognizing that they have reached their destination.
"Open it?"
"Go."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A enormous cavern opened up in front in them. In the middle lied a massive statue of the man carrying a shield, while a sacrophagus lied at his feet. At this, the Feather of the Goddess grew warmer and warmer. Nexus slowly feel his hand rise and put his hand on the sarcophagus as he moved, not by his own will forward. From the sarcophagus came a massive ghost-like figure, exactly like the giant figure.
[p=center]Spirit of the Hero
One of the legendary heroes, he is drastically weaken from his long slumber.[/p]
"Boss fight?"
"Lets do it. You block while I whittle down its health using Holy Blade."
Tyle took the forward position while Nexus lagged behind, his hand at ready. At the moment the spirit-like figure charged forward, Tyle stood his ground and took the impact of the charge. Nexus then took the chance to launch the Holy Sword towards the ghost-like figure. The tactic worked well for a while, until the boss suddenly changed its attack patterns. The shield was thrown forward like a boomerang and swung towards Nexus.
Shit!
Nexus took the blow using his shield and was blasted backwards. Tyle, however, stood his ground.
His strength stat was probably higher than mine...
Wait, I have a strategy.
Tyle whispered to Nexus. The next time the boss threw the shield, Tyle followed suit, throwing this shield too. His shield flight path intersect with the flight path of the spirit's shield, with his shield hitting the spirit first before the spirit's own shield returns. What this resulted in was the spirit's shield hitting Tyle shield causing more damage to be done to the ghost. This in fact stunned the ghost allowing Nexus to throw a few more Holy Blades into the ghost.
This continued on for a while, with the spirit varying between charging and throwing the shield, until finally, Nexus, leaping onto Tyle's shield, plunged his Acolyte sword into the spirit after exhausting his mana.
The spirit did not disappear as expected though. It started to glow with a holy aura, as if it was finally awake.
"So, you are the people that awoken me. Hmm...I thought I felt Freya's presence somewhere."
[p=center]You have awoke Caldecius, Last Hero of Freya[/p]
"Now, lets see. Both of you, since you awoke me, deserve a reward. For you, Nexus, I think you would find this useful."
Nixus Altairius Dominion [2]
A book about a forgotten hero. It looks pretty damaged from age. Perhaps someone can fix it.
Nixus Altarius Dominion! Isn't that the book I found in the Training Hall? Too bad it is damaged...
"And for you, something more special."
Caldecius took a shield out from his sarcophagus and handed it to Tyle.
"Now Tyle, I observed the way you fought. You are really much like me in the way you fight. You use you shield wisely and never give in. As such, I believe you are capable enough to be my successor. I need to pass down my skills anyway. Plus, sleeping in the tomb forever isn't fun too."
Saying that, a light descended upon Tyle and Caldecius disappeared.
"Where is he?"
"He is inside the shield now." Tyle replied calmly.
"Inside?"
"Yes. He says he would be guiding me from within the shield. I had changed my class to a hidden class Guardian of Light though."
"Guardian of Light?"
"Show Nexus Guardian of Light window"
Guardian of Light
A forgotten class of warrior, one that focuses on the use of the shields for the weak.
Has high defense and is able to counter-attack.
Mobility takes a hit though.
Defense +30 (dependent on Holy Attribute)
Speed -10%
Unable to use most weapons except swords
Unknown
"Unknown?"
"Caldecius says that it is something I need to discover myself. I also gained the skill Shield Throw and Shield Charge too."
"That is awesome. I am still a beginner..."
"Haha..."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One important thing about adventure is that you cannot forget the japtem.
Even though they cannot raid Caldecius tomb due to Caldecius protests, they still took anything they can from the skeletons.
"All this can be sold for money!" Tyle exclaimed
"But we don't really need it, do we? Church of Freya provides everything." Nexus replied with a disinterested tone.
"That is because you have not experience how Church of Freya treats repentees like me, even though I probably would not be one soon. In those dark days, paying money to NPCs to buy food for me is the only enjoyment in live."
"How do you get he money anyways?"
"Don't ask."
"By the way, Caldecius, are there any heroes like you?"
"He says that yes, they are, but he do not know their resting locations. He believes that each hero had their own unique skills and talents. However, all of them are chosen by Freya. They could also grant their abilities to someone if they so chose like him, however many of them chose not to."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Hmm...both of you are done?
Pope Taloni said in a flat tone.
Completed Exterminate Undead Monster Camp
Reward: Holy Armour for Acolytes
He did not seem to notice, or care about the appearance of the new fairy equipment, as if he had already known. All he asked for is that Baron bring in two sets of Holy Armour for Acolytes. One of the armor is a full plate mail, and it was offered to Tyle. Meanwhile, the other one was a light chain main, and it goes to Nexus. With that, both of them are dismissed.
"Oh, Tyle, tell Caldecius I want to see him."
"He says agreed."
Tyle sent a whisper to Nexus
Lets go somewhere to have some fun!
-------------------------------------------------------------------
In the room, stood two people. One is a old man, while the other, is a golden glowing sprit.
"Caldecius, I believe you are the last hero of Freya, right?"
"So you are the new Pope? Time has passed but it looks like somethings don't change..."
"Caldecius, tell me, what did Freya request you to do?"
"I can't say."
"Caldecius, how long ago are you...alive?"
"Hmm...about 200 years ago?"
"So it has been 200 years..."
"Seems like you figured out something."
"Every 200 years, that is the interval before Freya chooses a new hero, isn't it? Before you is Aurelius, the Golden Templar."
"Hmph..."
"Why are you coming out now, then?"
"I guess I just got bored?"
"..."
--------------------------------
Ahh....coming up with skills is so difficult! Any tips on how to make the benefits of skills not imba? It is so hard write a chapter a day but LETS DO IT! Now, {[999abd}] ......