Vol. 2 - Chapter 4 - Youngsters Dreams
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Mathias and Jasmine moved to begin their work on the shirt and coat, but seeing that night was encroaching on them, they spotted their work, not rushing to do anything. She returned to her menial activities, while Mathias walked accompanied by the boys to their room, which was a relatively humble room.
In general, the entire house and farm could be described with this world, humble, even though Jasmine could have earned a lot of money if she wanted, she opted to keep to a simple life.
Inside the room, the boys were rather excited to have Mathias with them, finding him fun to talk and interact, he wasn't so serious like their father, and severe at times like their mother, placing them to practice their reading and other mischievous arts that she learned as a young girl in the big city of Grenhaler.
"Big brother, you tell us since you are from the big cities, it is really important to know how to write, read, and all the things mom asks us to do?" asked one of the twins, Theo, who Mathias learned to distinguish quite early from his mole close to his right eye.
"Indeed, it is important. Do you want to know the reasons why learning all those things is important? To not make it complicated for you little guys, simply put, the more you learn the more flexible your mind will be. Aside from being able to read, write, calculate, you gain the benefit of having your eyes more inclined to new information.
Let's say you encounter a good book which talks about your hobby, reading that book will satisfy that hobby or help it out. Aside from this, let me ask you. Do you little ones have hobbies or a dream you want to achieve?"
The twins who went together in one bed, leaving one for Mathias, gazed at him with excited eyes, being asked about their dreams, the first one to share his dream and hobby was Aendyr.
"Big brother, I want to become a knight. Precisely a Red Knight. As for my hobbies, I like to look after livestock and bees."
Looking with a big smile at the young boy, which encouraged the boy, he began telling him about the benefits of learning and continuing listening to his mother.
"Okay, then let's take your example little Aendyr. Becoming a Red Knight will be a long and arduous journey, filled with hardships, it might seem you don't need to know all that mischievous information right?"
"Indeed."
"But here comes the problem. The Red Knight is the strongest and the best knight of the Saharan Empire, it holds command over other knights and commands respect. How will you be able to manage the people under you if you don't have a flexible mind, how could you administer the logistic aspect of your expeditions if you don't know how to calculate? How will you be able to communicate long distances with your allies if you are far away from home if you can't even write?"
Theo, who was beside his twin brother, nodded his head, telling his brother.
"That is right Aendyr, big brother is fully right. Have you seen mom's expression when you told her about your dream, she didn't lash at you, trying to stop you, instead made sure to give you more work and homework. Big brother just explained the reasons for why mom did all of this."
"Indeed, good job little Theo. Do you now understand why your mom wants you to learn those things, little Aendyr?"
"Ahhh, I am so stupid. Why haven't I figured that out? I even throw a tantrum to mom, telling her all those things are useless."
"Well, maybe being headstrong is a good trait to have if you want to become a Red Knight. To tell you the truth little Aendyr, I also plan to become a Red Knight."
"Ohhhh, this is why you are planning to train yourself, big brother? Can I join you?"
"Haha, my reasons are a bit off, I want to become a Red Knight to gain a noble hereditary title and get some land. Because I am a commoner, I can't do that without a noble title."
"But dad owns our land, why couldn't you buy it?" asked Theo, who found some problem in the motives for Mathias' Red Knight aspirations.
"Well, you have a point little Theo, but what I want is a lot of land. Bigger than the entire Cidarian Village."
It was then that Theo looked with big eyes at Mathias, getting an idea of what he meant, making big circles with his two hands, visualizing in his mind what 'Bigger than Cidarian Village' signified.
'This boy, he is smart. Really smart. Could it be that the golden glimpses on their name means that they are future important NPCs? Argh, I hate this term so much. This means they will become important citizens of Saharan or their community.'
"What about you little Theo, what do you dream of becoming, any hobby?"
Theo got shy when being asked that question, but already getting close with Mathias, he responded to him with a small laugh.
"I want to become a doctor. A weird dream, right? There are already church healers who can heal people."
Mathias looked even more surprised than when Aendyr mentioned his dream, which took Theo aback, yet he perceived this surprise as disappointment which had the young boy look down.
"Little Theo, your dream is even nobler than becoming a knight or a noble itself. How could it be weird? My respect for that craft is so big that I can't even tell it in words. Becoming a doctor is just a small path of a great craft, called science. The church priests can heal people, you say? But they have limits. They can heal bones, wounds, and other small things, but a doctor can simply bring you from the gates of Tartarus back to this beautiful land.
Ahh, I can't even bring myself up to tell you how much you can achieve little Theo. Using magic along with your medical knowledge? How many people could you treat with this art?"
Theo, who heard Mathias talk about those complicated things, understood most of it, especially about magic and science which made him say to himself.
"Just like that lady."
"Ohh, have you seen one that fits my description?"
Theo, when remembering the beautiful woman who would occasionally arrive in Cidarian to check on the health of the villagers, turned red as a tomato, instead of him responding it was Aendyr who told Mathias.
"Indeed, big brother. But Theo really likes that lady. A lot. He hasn't even looked at the girls in the village since he saw that lady."
"My, my. Little Theo, you are quite daring. But, if you want big brother's help, we can always work in the future to court that lady. She might be older than you, but magicians can live more than normal people. However, once you grow, you will start seeing girls in a different view."
"It is not that way, big brother." said Theo in a quiet voice, barely audible.
"Ohh, so you admire her for her craft. Don't worry little Theo, if you haven't talked with your mom about this, you should do. I don't see any shame in trying to become a doctor. If the elder and people of the village put a nice word for you, along with some support from your mom, you might become her disciple and learn the craft. You'll also be able to get close to her a lot."
"Hehe, big brother, you really are evil. Now I understand why big sister loves you." commented Aendyr laughing as if understanding what Mathias implied, to which Mathias just smirked, telling the boy.
"Kid, do you even know what love is?"
"Isn't it when a man and girl get together and make a baby?"
"Hmmm, smart, but that's just a part of it." said Mathias while laughing in a hearty manner, talking with the boys and trying to give them some advice with their dreams.
Looking at the in-game clock, which showed 18:25, Mathias got up from his bed, and looking at Aendyr, he told him casually.
"You said you wanted to see me training. Come outside, I will show you some of my tricks. This will give you enough motivation to keep your dream alive."
"Finally, I thought you would have gone to sleep."
'Is not like I can sleep in here.' mentioned Mathias to himself, when hearing the young boy remark, later taking both outside, but before being asked what he was trying to do.
"Father, Mother, I am taking the two to watch me train. It will be in the courtyard, so you shouldn't be worried. They will only watch."
"Only watch? Put them to work, doesn't that brat want to become a Red Knight? I don't have fighting skills, so I can't train him, but seeing someone with proper skills would do wonders. So don't be lenient with them, and teach them some things." said Charles when he understood what was Mathias's intentions, making the latter smile evilly.
"For now, we'll have to wait and see how they behave."
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Not staying too much at talk, with the parents' agreement, Theo and Aendyr arrived in the courtyard where it was night and the sky was covered by darkness, with only the moon being the only source of light in these times. Yet Mathias didn't care that much as he walked to light some lamps outside, bringing on some light for the two little guys to see.
They could see him bring from nowhere a dark crimson spear which looked rather rusty and in poor condition, but Mathias's expression wasn't even bothered by this fact, on contrary, the twins could see him smile happily, spinning around the spear.
"Hah, so what if you got in such a poor state. You are still a good spear regardless of the situation."
Equipped with Ragnius and the new black trousers he created today which significantly boosted his INT, he walked some holding a lamp with him, taking a good distance from the kids.
"Okay, so first I will show you some basic spear attacks. Unfortunately little Aendyr, I am not a swordsman, but I had my fair share of practice with the sword. First, it is the most basic attack of a spear, the piercing attack."
Saying that he did a slow 'Piercing Rain' which could be followed by the twins, however they could see how his intensity of attacks grew, faster and faster, until they couldn't even see properly what he was doing.
"That's what the basic attack will look like after you drill it daily. Regardless of conditions and plans, taking some time for the basic spear drills. Aside from this the other fundamental attack of the spear is the strike, which uses the strikes using the blade of the spear. Like this."
He swung his spear slowly for the twins to see, and as they followed him with their eye, he began doing his strikes faster, until they could be barely noticed.
Minutes later, he wiped the sweat from his forehead and with the new notifications being brought in his attention.
[You have acquired the following skills: Basic Spear Control, Basic Spear Attacks, Basic Spear Mastery]
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Taking a quick look at them, to remind himself of what their abilities were, he later cleared their notifications, returning his attention back to the twins.
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[Basic Spear Control -Lv.1]
Type: Passive.
Grants 0.5% accuracy rate in spear attacks + 0.5% attack speed.
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[Basic Spear Attacks] - Lv.1
Type: Passive
Grants the general knowledge of spear, unlocking the [Thrust] and [Strike] attacks.
Depending on the spots attacked, the [Thrust] will deal more than 2% [Critical Damage] and has a chance to proc the 'Bleed' abnormal status.
[Strikes] deal damage according to how much attack power the user has, with a 1% chance of dealing [Critical Damage]
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[Basic Spear Mastery - Lv.1]
Type: Passive
-Increase attack power and attack speed by 1% when a spear is equipped.
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"Nevertheless, if you think you can only do those two moves with the spear, [Strike] and [Thrust] you are mistaken, let me show you with this occasion some of the combinations of attacks you can link it to your spear. Once you start combining your footwork and have a balance on your body, you can do this."
Saying that to the boys while spinning his spear attracting the attention of the boys like a good teacher, he stopped bringing Ragnius in a domineering position next to his body, before he took some quick steps, and unleashing 'Piercing Rain' which instantly sent out a notification about him re-learning the skill.
Seeing Mathias's movements and attacks was a theatrical act in itself which had the two boys' attention captivated. Each of Mathias's spear movements held the boy's spirit with him.
After drawing Ragnius back from executing 'Piercing Rain' he gazed at the twins, and with a smile, he explained to them what was the most important aspect of the technique he showed them.
"You need speed and precision. The power will come along with your attacks, but in Spearmanship the fundamental thing one should learn is balance and control. "
Walking a bit back while spinning Ragnius as if he was a parading military man he later moved to execute [Sweeping Thrust] which created a strong wind that touched the boy's legs when Mathias lowered himself to execute [Sweep] and the [Thrust] which he placed a serious, evil intent, looked menacing in front of them.
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[You have learned the skills 'Piercing Rain' and 'Sweeping Thrust']
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[Piercing Rain - Lv.1]
Rate: Common
Unleashing a rain of attacks against your enemies with a three-attack combo in rapid succession, dealing 91% of his physical attack power for each strike.
Skill Mana Cost: 30 MP
Skill Cooldown Time: None
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[Sweep Thrust - Lv.1]
Rate: Common
One of the basic attacks of a spearman shows your efficiency in using the spear. A diamond-shaped sweep movement that has an AOE range attack that deals 61% of your physical attack power and the thrust that deals 104% of your physical attack power.
Skill Mana Cost: 30 MP
Skill Cooldown Time: 25 seconds
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As he moved from technique to technique, Mathias stopped because he knew the kids had to go sleep instead of being there with him, watching him drill his techniques.
"This will be all for today, you little ones. If you are interested in the spear, I will gladly teach you some techniques, as for the sword, I might find you some trainers. For now, be good and listen to your parents, okay?"
"YES SIR!"
Returning home with the two boys running toward their room excited to have their talk about what they have seen, Mathias was stopped by Jasmine and Charles, with the mature lady having only a question.
"Dear, are you sure you didn't lie about your background? Not that I care, but your spear techniques, I could only see such mastery inside Grenhaler from the knights of the Duke."
"Thanks for the compliment mother, but I am just a simple adventurer with a plethora of interests. If you want me to guide the small ones, it is unfortunate because I don't have the time on my hands right now."
Jasmine gave Mathias a knowing smile, while Charles asked Mathias with an awkward voice.
"Lad, can I ask you something? At what age do you think I should let Aendyr and Theo go from home to pursue their dreams?"
That question took Mathias unprepared, having to ponder it for a while, before coming with an answer.
"How old are they right now?"
"Both are eleven." responded Jasmine in a calm manner.
"I see, I suggest for them to wait until they are 13-14 years old before moving out to pursue their calling. Until then, Fayrene and I will get on our feet and have enough influence to assure the little ones the best tutors and treatment. Aside from this, to keep the two busy, you can have little Aendyr learn from a former guard or hunter inside the village, as for little Theo, his path is more delicate. He requires knowledge, lots of them.
Mother, you have to feed his curiosity for knowledge because he is a bright kid, I can tell you for certain. Use your old connections to ensure at least a specialist in medicine tutors him once in a while, for example, the lady who visits this village."
Jasmine when she heard Mathias speak his mind on how he saw the problem of guiding the two youngsters, she could only nod her head.
"It will be hard to convince Her Grace but I will try."
"Wait, the lady the small guys mentioned is a noblewoman?"
"Hm, it is complicated, dear. But in short, she is the daughter of Duke Grenhal."
Getting his interest picked, Jasmine began telling Mathias as she handed him a cup of tea, standing at the fireplace about the young Duchess, Eveline, and her visits around the entire Duchy, but for some reason, she got attached to Cidarian and was happy to visit them once every month to heal and check the villagers and talk with them.
Making a general understanding of the situation, Mathias walked toward the boy's room, and watched the twins sleep side by side, and not disturbing them, he didn't linger much in the room, opting to walk out of the house again and bask in the night.
There, he also opened up the notifications settings for the messages which flooded him, from Malakai to Leona. It was an overwhelming number, but he soon started managing them, responding to each of them.
After cleaning out the entire mess, he checked out with Red, who was spawned in Dewars City, one of the big cities of Saharan Empire belonging to Duke Diworth.
@Mathias: Sorry for the delay in responding. What happened did you struggle leveling up?"
@Red: Hey man, no, not at all. The leveling grounds are relatively easy since I managed to get to level 5 already. However, I wanted to ask you something.
@Mathias: Sure, go ahead.
@Red: So, I managed to gather enough money to create our guild. Do you want me to make it since I am close to the administrative buildings for creating the guilds? Just in case so we get our guild name with certainty.
@Mathias: Ahh, that is right. There's only one unique name for each guild tag. Please, do so. I will pay you back once we gather up."
@Red: Don't worry man, the price is a small one just 500 silvers. Leviathan or Leviathans?
@Mathias: What do you suggest?
@Red: Let's go with Leviathan, a guild formed by the giants of the game, forming the beast of God, Leviathan. Similar to how the Monarchs of the former Empires were recognized as Leviathans. No doubt this name will be a magnet for those people desiring a place to group up with other minds thinking alike.
@Mathias: Then place that name for the guild.
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Filling his time, he began exercising 'Raven's Movement' which he still didn't unlock. However, after what seemed to be 30 minutes, he was welcomed by two notifications, one from the system that announced his success in re-learning his lost skill, along with a message from Red.
[Player 'Red' invites you to join the guild, Leviathan.]
[You have accepted the invite.]
A new system was opened up to him, which was closely related to the 'Friend List' only that the guild interface was extensive and more detailed and organized where everyone in their group was added.
[Player 'Red' transferred the guild leadership to you.]
Seeing the group formed and their small levels, he talked around with them, before moving to give Vlad a private message, asking him if he managed to re-learn his skill.
@Malakai: I am killing myself, we'll talk later. I have to unlock 'Shadow Breath' to do anything else. Until then, I can only ask the guards in the city I spawned to strangle me.
Whistling when hearing that from Vlad, he let him to his affairs, while he returned to drilling his spear techniques. After he was finished, especially when he tried the newer skills from Corvus that he couldn't unlock, he went to start his martial arts drills, by choosing a tree that he began kicking.
On occasions, he would gain some stat points, mainly on his strength and stamina, which began rising, until a certain point, before stopping rising up.
Along with the breaks he required to refill his Stamina bar, a new day arrived in 'Satisfy' where the little kids could see Mathias on his bed staring at them with a warm gaze, greeting them one by one.
"Good morning, big brother."
"Good morning to you too little ones."
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After starting their day, the simple family went to their activities, with Charles taking the boys after breakfast to help him with the livestock, which Mathias followed after them. When he got to the farm and saw the livestock that had to be milked, something that Charles waited for an entire day.
His smile told many, from his cheeky intentions in wanting to teach Mathias something, but also, trying to test this city boy who captured his daughter's heart.
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[Work for Arundell Farm - 1]
Charles wants to test you, his son-in-law, by placing you in tough situations believing you are a city boy who can't do farm work or any menial work. Prove him otherwise.
Quest Clear Conditions: Milk the cows on the farm
Quest Reward: 400 EXP
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"You want me to milk the cows? Sure, no problem, but can you teach me first?"
[You have accepted the quest]
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"Hehe, no. This is your task."
"Don't worry big brother, we'll show you." said the twins, grabbing Mathias's hand and taking him inside the cow's enclosure.
"Ahh, to think I will live to do this too." mentioned Mathias in a sarcastic manner, finding himself standing beside a cow.
Looking at it, and with the bucket from the kids, he dropped down and watched the first example from Aendyr which squirted a lot of milk in the bucket, splashing on Mathias's hair.
"Let me tie my hair." said Mathias, bringing his long hair and tying it without using a cloth, just his own hair.
Watching some more examples from the boys, he moved his hand to get in his hands the cow udder and he could only feel a satisfying sensation on his hands. Following Aendyr's example, Mathias did the first squeeze which squirted quite the jet of milk.
The cow remained in place, not even moving the long tail as he imagined, and with some tries he got the hang of it rather quickly. His hands moved smoothly, which had Charles and even the boys look at one another and ask.
"Could it be, it isn't his first try? He knows how to milk cows?"
"No way, he is a city boy. Don't worry sons, I will see for myself how good he is."