CHAPTER TWO: SURVIVAL

A blinding light sucks me through a wormhole for the longest time, I don't know how long, just the feeling of endless floating. I finally land on solid ground, my body feels heavier, weaker.

“Well this sucks.” I say to myself, I spawn with no armor or weapon. Just a plain black long sleeve shirt and black pants with tattered boots, I look around me and seem to be in the middle of a forest. I need to find a weapon fast before any enemies arrive. I feel so vulnerable, so weak. All of my Nugz, skills and equipment are gone, But I must fight for Nova. I rub the necklace and my mind is focused. Essentials for survival, food, weapon, water. Years of dungeon crawling have prepared me for this, I quickly search for a broken branch, a rock, anything. I find a long pole of a branch and rub it against a rock, trying to make it as sharp as I can. It does little good but shave a few splinters off, I must hurry so a dull branch will have to do. I walk as quietly as I can through the large spaced out trees, stopping every now and then to listen for approaching enemies. I hear footsteps coming from up ahead, I duck behind a tree and peek out at the source of the noise. A level 2 green goblin holding a small knife walks without a care in the world down the path. I don't think I can kill it with this stick and he's too fast for me to fight at this level, what should I do. I ponder through every possible scenario and then decide upon one I think will work. I pick up a small rock by my feet and wait for it to be near my tree. I throw the rock over his head and the rock hits a nearby tree, the goblin turns to where the sound came from and I take that moment to grab the knife and slice its throat. The pained gurgle as it chokes on blood and dies. I gain a bit of Exp. and loot the knife holster, it dropped one single Copper. That was probably just a scout, and there must be a whole den of them somewhere close by. I'm barely level 1, a few hits by them and I'll be done for so I have to be careful. My mind is in panic mode, it's been years since I was this weak, I'm just glad my mental survival knowledge remained intact. I slowly continue walking through the forest, every snap of a twig, every little movement my body is in full attack mode. I must calm myself, two more goblins in the distance, one with an axe, another with a wooden club. Should take out the axe one first, can’t fight both of them at the same time, level too low, have to seperate them, slowly I sneak behind the one with the axe and shove my knife into the back of its neck while holding its mouth, then I grab the axe and throw it into the forehead of the other goblin who grunts softly before falling over onto the floor. Two more Copper, I keep the axe and tie the holster around my waist. I need to find out my location as well and head in a direction where there would be a village, I don’t have enough Nugz for supplies and armor. What to do, what to do. I walk to a nearby tree and grab ahold of a vine, giving it a hard tug to make sure it can carry my weight, I pull myself up slowly, the trees being as massive as the towers in the Fire Kingdom. It takes me a long time to climb, I am filled with sweat, the flies buzzing around my face, I look down and it’s as if I climbed to the top of a mountain. I walk along the massive tree branches and can see far into the distance, winding rivers, mountains, the sun high above, must be mid day, and there in the distance I see an outpost. Looks like a two day walk at most, depending on how many enemies I run into. That is the goal for now, I just need to keep on fighting, maybe get a sword soon but I doubt any goblins would have a sword. The time to rest is over, I memorize the terrain before me and make my descent down the tree, I need armor, possibly a wooden shield, but that would drop my speed, maybe I should stick with the knife and axe, I can take out two goblins quickly, maybe three if I have to. The way down is quicker than how long it took to get up, I must keep my mind sharp and focused, I quickly jog through the treeline, stopping here and there to listen for enemies. The sweet smell of meat hits my nose, I can’t help but follow the scent. A goblin rests at a small fire, happily cooking a rabbit, singing to itself. I am sorry friend, but I must save my love no matter how many rivers of blood I spill. I quickly hold his mouth and slice his throat. Like a vulture I quickly devour the food, I take the small coin pouch on his hip, one Silver plus the four Copper, maybe I’ll have enough for a weak sword. I continue running quickly, there’s a riverbed that I can follow down towards my destination, I want to get as far as I can before nightfall. Oh no, “Somebody help! Please!” A horde of goblin are chasing a girl, she looks like a elf mage, there’s too many of them for me to fight, two heavy set brawlers with clubs in each hand, one archer and five grunts with axes. I am hesitating as the mage trips over a tree limb and falls. I can feel Nova punching my arm, saying something along the lines of I’m a man and should be protecting a woman in need. I sigh and rush into action, sprinting around the tree to take out the archer first, I knife his face and take the bow and two arrows, I quickly shoot to the back of the heads of both brawlers and then throw my axe into one of the grunts. They are startled and panic as I hit one with the bow and slice another one’s neck. I grab the axe from one and throw it at another, with one left it starts to run away but I quickly tackle it and end the panicked squeals coming out of his mouth. I quickly collect the eight Copper and three of the axes and grab the mage by the hand, “No time to talk we have to move before more come.”

“Okay, let’s get proof of our hunt.” She nods her head and quickly chops the ring studded ears off of the brawlers and places them in a pouch. The item collection system must be outdated, this must be more primitive compared where I came from. Weird, I need to compare the differences in mechanics, but there’s no time to waste, “Okay we should leave.”

We quickly sprint deeper into the endless trees for what seemed to be ten minutes before squatting behind a massive tree trunk. I scout the area and there seems to be no enemies in sight, “How are you even alive with no armor or gear?” She peers over me, staring above my head, “Holy smokes a Dragon Slayer class?! No way I've only heard of those in legend but never knew they actually existed!”

“Yup, that's me.” I look above her head it shows her name Embra level 10, “So you're a noob and ran into a mob train?” I begin to laugh at this short, robed glasses wearing elf with long blonde hair whose face turns red.

“What are you talking about You’re only level 4!” She clutches her staff and I put my hands up in surrender.

“Woah there relax, enemies up ahead.” I think my sudden change of mood startled her, she ducks behind me and clutches her staff.

“How many are there?” She timidly says.

“Just a twenty foot troll, no biggie, you just hide here until it's all over okay?” I give a thumbs up and smile.

“Um okay, but here let me help first.” She grips her staff with one hand and points her right palm at me, “Defense! Attack! Speed!”

Three buff clocks appear above my name, my body glowing slightly, “Thank you so much, I'll fight hard so we can make it to the city safely. I'll be right back.” The troll is sniffing the air loudly. I dash out of the treeline at speeds close to that of my max level and I push off of the ground and before the troll can react my knife is lunged into his forehead, I grab an axe and dig it deep into the skull, and like a massive tree it falls over with a loud thud. I quickly collect the single Silver and chop off his ear, I try to pull the knife out but it's broken. So two axes it is.

“Congratulations! You have reached Level 5! New Skill Focus Slice unlocked!”

Great at least my skill tree is the same, who knows how long it'll be until I can get my full fighting power back. I rush to Embra, “We must hurry!” I place the ear in her pouch.

She is in shock, “What kind of monster are you?”

“It was all thanks to your buffs, I know that took a lot of mana so thank you.” We continue to run, “When we make it to the city could you please teach me about the mechanics of this game? You know like territories and inventory and like this trophy system.”

“Didn't you learn that in the tutorial?” She's out of breath.

“I didn't exactly start normally. I was kind of dropped in the middle of the forest by a time dragon.” I scratch the back of my head.

“You know you're not supposed to eat the mushrooms growing on the floor right?” She laughs, “Let's get going Mr. Time Dragon.”

“I guess so, don't believe me.” I laugh, “Even though we can die I haven't had this much fun fighting in such a long time!”

The most shocked look on her face, “You're insane.”

“Thanks!” I continue laughing, probably too loud because I catch a arrow that was about to hit her face. She quickly holds out her hand, “No buffs, I'll be fine. Just watch and learn!”

I throw one axe at the archer and it lodges into his brain. The other goblin is a tank with a heavy oak shield. I rush to attack but he hides behind it so I plant my feet, “Focus Slice.” My axe charges and glows red for five long seconds but the tank is too focused on hiding behind the shield it doesn't notice I am vulnerable to attack, or was at least for I swing the axe and it rips the body and shield in half. I quickly carve the ear and toss it to Embra, “I hate being low level it takes forever to charge skills. Let's keep going.” I smile while carefully stepping over the dead goblin guts and grabbing my one Copper and one Silver. We continue running and don't run into any enemies for the longest time. The sun is beginning to set and we still have a long way to go, “We should set up camp in this tree before it gets completely dark.” I gaze up above at a towering tree.

“Um I'm afraid of heights and I trust you to not take advantage of me!” Her legs are shaking.

“I have a wife who I am fighting to save, do not worry at all. And would you rather be high up in a tree or fighting swarms of massive ten foot spiders?” A nearby bush rustles.

“Spiders that big oh no! Let's go quick!” She rushes up a vine and I follow her although she is climbing like a monkey. She must have used a speed buff. We make it to the very top tree branch, the sun is slowly dipping behind a mountain, the many violet and soft colors of the sunset as the night comes and washes over the land with stars and darkness. The river glistens in the last drops of sunlight.

“Items items, what did they do again?” She has her small satchel on her lap while she digs through it, “Glop Stone was it?”

“Glow Stone.” I say instinctively, “Wait you have items? Do you happen to have Water Crystals?”

“Yes we get the tutorial items, and hmmm let me check.” She rummages through her bag but thirst takes ahold of me.

“Here this one. Sorry I'm about to pass out from dehydration.” I take a few small swigs.

“You did save my life so that's fair.” She drinks some as well, “I have a few Food Pills also, we should eat.” She plops two in my hand.

“I will pay you back when we get to the city I promise.” I smile and eat both pills, it's as if I am eating a full three course meal of turkey and potatoes.

“Just keep fighting hard okay!” She flexes her bicep.

“I will, that’s a promise.” The dimly lit Glow Stone gives us light as we sit down and listen to the many howls and noises of the night. The ocean of stars up above are such a beautiful sight. A loud roar makes her shudder, a closer look and she is very young, probably a teenager, “Oh Nova what shall I do?” I whisper aloud.

“Sir, is Nova your wife?” A sad look in her eyes.

“I am sorry, I haven't told you my name, it is Umbra. And yes that is the name of the woman I love. Who I fight for.” Is the sadness in her eyes just a reflection of mine?

“Umbra, what a strong name. What is she like?” It's as if we are around a small smoldering fire.

In my mind the countless battles we've fought, “Strong, very strong. Able to fight an army of minotaur titans with her bare knuckles and one hand tied behind her back. She lost a bet once and had to slay a dragon with only her big toe, and she punched me afterwards and broke three ribs because she chipped her toe paint!” I chuckle aloud, the fond memories drifting through my mind.

“She sounds heroic please tell me more!”

Like a child hearing bedtime stories she is glued to my words.

The pain in my chest is too much to bear, “Aye another time. We need to rest, for the next few days ahead are going to be long.”

“I wonder if my friends made it safely to the city yet. I um, I lied about being on my own. The truth is my three other party members wanted to stay in the lower levels but I rushed them and said we could handle this forest and when we ran into that goblin mob I had them hide while I ran. I'm a horrible Leader and without my buffs they could be having a hard time.” She begins to cry.

“As a Leader you will have to make decisions, you will have to send your best friends to die, but instead of letting them die for you, you chose to go instead and that is the quality of the greatest kings throughout time. I'm sure they are okay, believe in yourself and the choices you make with undying conviction. As a leader you must take charge of any situation given to you and push through no matter what.” A newfound spark of determination in her eyes.

“Thank you. I will remember these words for eternity.” She smiles, “We're lucky we are in the warm territory or not having blankets would have been horrible. I think I'm going to sleep now, thank you Umbra for saving me and teaching me. I will repay you one day you have my word.”

“The water you gave me was more than I could ask for, sleep well. We shall leave whenever we wake up. No need to rush, we need our full strength to survive. Goodnight.” I stare at the stars above, then glance at her.

“Goodnight!” She puts the Glow Stone in her bag and calmly drifts to sleep.

Oh how I wish to spend nights like this with Nova once more, and if we had a daughter I wish she would be like Embra. But for now I must get her safely to her friends and focus on that and leveling up. I need to get stronger.

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

I let my mind drift to sleep, all is calm like floating in a river.

“Umbra wake up quick!” I am quickly shaken awake, I gasp and clutch my axe.

“What's wrong?” My eyes are blinded by sunlight.

“It's a person on a wyvern! And the Earth Kingdom crest is painted on the belly! I'll use my Signal Flare!” She quickly shuffles through her bag and pulls out a small stone and sets it on the edge of the tree branch and lights a small wick with a Fire Stone.

“Hopefully they are friendly.” Streaks of red and green fireballs shoot into the sky, the rider notices and swiftly lands on the branch.

“Names Emdrax, are you Embra by chance?” The wyvern lets air out of his nostrils.

“Yes that's me.” A smile on her face.

“Your friends payed a lot of Nugz to have me come rescue you, luckily I have room for the both of you so please hop on.”

“Thank you so much!” Embra grabs her gear and sits down on the leather saddle.

“Many thanks from myself as well.” We nod at each other like men do.

“Woop!” A mix of a howl and a screech, the elf clad in leather armor with a bow signals the wyvern to take flight, and over the lush forest we go and safely land in the middle of the village.

“Embra you're safe!” A small thief class girl says, while wiping tears from her cheek.

“I'm so glad you're okay!” A young archer boy next to her.

“Thank goodness.” A dual wielder girl next to them.

“Well my job is done here.” Emdrax gives a nod and then takes flight once more.

“I’m glad you're all okay!” Embra hugs her friends.

“Embra is this your whole party?” I rub my chin in thought.

“Um yes everyone's here why?” A confused look on her face.

“You need to look for a tank class Adventurer or things will be more troublesome as you reach the higher levels. You need someone to keep the enemie’s focus while the rest do damage whenever there's openings, got it?” I give a thumbs up and smile.

“Yes sensei!” She gives a thumbs up and smiles.

“Sensei?” The thief says.

“Oh yes how rude! This is Umbra, Dragon Slayer class who saved me and is now Sensei!” The look on their faces is priceless.

“Thank you for saving our Captain!” They bow in respect, “We're going to go rest at a inn now would you like to join us?”

“It was no problem at all. I must get going now, but take care and fight hard, I’m sure our paths will cross again.” I begin walking towards the merchant shop. My heart is heavy.

“You can't just leave! What about the trophies we need to cash in? There's so much you need to teach me!” Embra is crying.

“You keep them as thanks for keeping me company. When I have my own kingdom come to my home, you are always welcome. You are the daughter I never had. Take care okay and lead your team as a strong warrior. I believe in you! And so I know you're safe, I am creating a Guild, please join.” I put my hand on her head while typing on the guild box settings in front of me. I turn to her party, “Please take care of her and fight hard and strong. I'm counting on you. Thank you for joining The Light Kingdom Guild.” A small emblem of a white dragon appears next to their names after they accept. There is one by my name as well.

“We will do our best!”

“Yeah!”

“Take care!”

“Don't you go dying on me Umbra!” I glance back one last time before heading into the shop.

“Hello! Welcome!” A small old man is behind the counter.

“Hello, I'm looking for basic survival gear and a sword please.”

“Oh I see, and what is your budget?” He adjusts his glasses.

“Let me see how much I-” I reach in my pocket but there are no Nugz in it. Then I remember how we asked Emdrax to do tricks. They must have fallen out then, “Well all of my Nugz fell out, how much would you buy a Nethershard earring off of me for?”

“Nethershard!? How in the blazes did you get your hands on one of those? Why you can have my whole store for a sand grain size!” It seems my earrings didn't fade away because they're not magic items, I unhook the marble sized earring and place it on the counter.

“I got it while traveling.” He looks up and down at my tattered basic clothing.

“No questions asked, Appraisal!” His hands glow a faint green as it covers the earring.

“Oh my. One million Platinum. I'm afraid I can't afford that. Not even everything in my shop is worth that much.” He wipes the sweat from his brow.

“Is this the only shop you own?”

“Why yes it is, and I'm hardly making enough to live because the nobles keep raising taxes.”

“Here is my offer to you. This I will offer once. Work with me as an equal partner, create an empire of merchant shops with the Nugz from the Nethershard, become head of finance. How does that sound?” I must act quickly.

“What do you intend to do?”

“I intend to create my own kingdom and overthrow the Dark Lord to save the woman I love.” The seriousness in my voice is returned with a serious expression on his face.

“I understand. My that is an offer of a lifetime, I will accept. Do you want me to act according to a plan? And if I shall fail?” Worry fills his voice.

“I trust in your judgement, Emdul.” I grab a nearby map, the layout hasn't changed much and it all makes sense to me now. I point to an area, “See if you can purchase this land, this whole stretch.” I trace it with a pencil.

“With all due respect those are dangerous lands, exactly the reason why there is no kingdom there.” The worry in his voice.

“Trust in me please, I leave it in your hands.” I send him a guild invite.

He accepts, “I shall work as hard as I can. Thank you Dragon Slayer. Anything you would like please take with you on your journey, I will send updates through Guild Chat. Thank you once again for this opportunity.” He nods and carefully takes the Nethershard in his hands and places it in a glass case.

“Thank you so much. I will work hard as well. I will be taking all of the dungeon supplies, about a few months worth.” I quickly grab items, Magic Endless Satchel that can hold a whole shop of inventory, Fire Stones, Glow Stones, Water Crystals, Food Pills, Cold and Hot Pills, Stamina Pills, an old dented armor set with no helmet and a beat up sword. I also grab a Dungeoneering Kit, It's filled with many useful items for spending days or months in a dungeon. It's better than nothing and my supplies are all I need, “I will be on my way then. Thank you once again.”

“I won't let you down Lord Umbra. I won't.” I walk out of the shop and head down the winding roads of the village into the edge of the treeline. I take a few seconds to look back, and then I head into a dungeon once more.

I am more at ease now that I have armor and a sword, I don't have to worry much about getting one shot by a strong enemy, I mean not as much. The never ending forests of the Earth Kingdom stretch before me, but if I level up fast enough then I won’t have to spend years in this world. I must hurry though, to get stronger for everyone, “Seriously?” Before me a massive level 25 Forest Snake bearing its massive poisonous fangs.

I jump to the left to dodge while slicing through the thick armored scales that run along its body, simple creatures that are easy to kill. But since the level was way above mine, my level rose to 15. I quickly put all of my points into strength stats. I need to become stronger and focus on nothing else. There's no need for my other skills so I upgrade Focus Slice, level 10 gave me reduced cast time, level 15 allows me to use it as a instant skill but damage is cut in half. I quickly use my last skill point, “Shit. Feint!” My body quickly moves two feet above me, Feint allows me to instantly move three feet in any direction, “Focus Slice!” I slice downward to cut off the head of another Forest Snake, I collect the 5 Copper each dropped and place them in my satchel, I won't lose my Nugz again. I quickly carve both fangs from each snake and place them in my satchel, it is embedded with magic so there is so much space, my old satchel could fit entire castles in it and who knows if a merchant would believe I killed two if I handed one set of fangs. Old me would have sat here for a few days making a armor set from this, but I must sacrifice defense and continue raising my attack power. I continue onwards, the early morning promises a long day ahead and I can cover much ground, if only I had a mount. Maybe I could capture some beast and use it to travel through the forest, that’s actually a great idea. Good job me. I cut a few big chunks of snake meat and carry them down towards a small clearing. I leave the lumps on the floor and quickly gather sticks and vines. I place the sticks in a pile and use the Fire Stone to spark a flame, then I hang the meat above the fire using the vines, the cooking meat bubbling and dripping fat into the fire. It takes me a while to cook the meat, I stand a bit away from the fire and proudly look at my delicious meal then I draw my sword. I begin swinging it, causing wind to blow the scent of cooked meat into the forest. Almost instantly massive beasts rush into view and fight amongst each other. I cut down the massive cooked slabs of meat and hold it in my arms, taking a bite of my hard work. Three Forest Snakes, two four man goblin parties, and a massive Under Wolf are engaged in a ferocious battle while I watch, eating the meat. Two of the snakes coil each other as the wolf rips apart a whole goblin party in an instant. The other party is fighting a snake but the wolf destroys both of them with a combo of attacks, a howl that debuffs by slowing them down and then focused claw attacks. The two snakes are both dead from each other’s poisonous fangs. All that is left is me and the wolf, “Wait, I wish to offer you a deal.” I say in the wolf's language, I am lucky to have retained my knowledge, the wolf is shocked, his mouth hangs wide open.

“I am confused.” He scratches his head.

“I was taught your language long ago, but don't worry I am no enemy.” I smile.

“How do I know for certain you will not trick me?” His guard is still up.

I set my sword on the ground and toss over the cube of meat, which he holds with one paw, “I know your clan hates eating raw meat and has a hard time storing it during the winter, so I am willing to teach you how to preserve meat and cook it.”

“That is true, but such knowledge must come with a heavy price. I am willing to become your lapdog for the sake of helping my people have a better life void of starvation.” He bows down to me but I wave my hands.

“Please don't, there is no need for that. What I ask for is undying loyalty from the Under Wolf Clan, I plan to create my own kingdom and when I do you will have your own territory where your people can be free and at peace. I know it is hard to live in this forest with all of the new Adventurers killing any wolf they come upon, not knowing you are only foraging to feed your children, your clan, and that the voyage from the mine shafts to the forest in search of food is very dangerous, I wish to help end that suffering.” His mouth wide open in shock, his sky blue eyes shining, his body more relaxed.

“How do you know so much about our people? And could you really give us a peaceful life?” He sits down.

“I am from the future, and once there was a time where I came to this same forest and I came upon an old Wolf King and saved him from a group of young Adventurers. I became great friends with him and saved his people. Aye you look so much younger Desthro, my how time changes things.” I unstrap the armor on my left arm and roll up my sleeve to show my forearm, “When you passed, I mixed ink with your blood, the crest of Our people.” The ancient markings only taught to Wolf Kings.

“I think I'm going to faint.” He swayed his head back and forth.

“Heal.” I raise my palm and a white light glows and covers his body, a basic healing spell, I thought it would save me in a pinch, worth the skill point.

He is calm once more and talks as I strap my armor back on, “What you say is true, and that is the King’s Mark, so I will give our undying loyalty to you. What is your name friend?”

“I am Umbra, please just treat me as an old friend, no formal talking is needed. Here, I will teach you everything you need in the future, but in the meantime take these.” I reach into my satchel and when I reach for something it gets within grabbing distance. I pull out a jar of Food Pills and a jar of Water Crystals, “These are Food Pills and Water Crystals. Split the Food Pill into fourths and the crystals give water. This is a three month supply of food and water. I plan on having my own kingdom in one month, but the extra two months just in case things don't go according to plan. Seal the entrance to the cavern and rest easy, sunlight still shines through the top but for now you can rest at ease.” I smile.

“Umbra, I am forever in your debt! Anything you need I will do!” I grab some more vine.

“I'll tie them to you, there is one more thing I ask. Since we're headed the same direction could you please give me a ride there?” I tie the jars like a necklace around him.

“Yes of course! Hop on and we shall go as fast as I can!” It is as if a curse has been lifted from my old friend.

“Aye, sounds great.” I hop on the familiar mane of fur and he speeds off into the forest, running past enemies so quickly they don't even notice us. And what would have taken me weeks to travel we make it in half an hour.

“This is the outskirts of the forest, to the left is the secret tunnels to our clan, up ahead are the mine shafts. I humbly thank you for saving us. And when the time comes, we will give you our aid.” I put my hand on his head.

“Form a pact with me as my familiar please so when the time comes it would be easier to communicate, and also if you need my aid.” I bow my head.

“Of course. You have my undying loyalty and friendship.” We put our foreheads together, “Pact Seal!” Shining light glows on both of us.

“I will be off then, take care!” I wave while walking towards the mine shafts.

“I will await your call!” He lets out a mighty howl.

My body glows, “You have gained the title Wolf King! Strength boost! Agility boost! Senses heightened during night time!” The NPC voice appears in my head, the title appears next to my name.

“Thank you Desthro, I will see you soon.” We both run in different directions, I wasn't expecting this encounter but I am happy to have seen an old friend once more. I am faster and stronger by such a huge amount, nowhere near what I used to be but a huge difference. I need to invest more points into making my mana bar bigger so I can spam Demonic Slice eventually. But for now I can focus on the task ahead. I rush into the winding cavern, two centipede monsters attack but are quickly sliced to pieces. The Wolf King title helps me use my senses to travel through the mines without having to rely on Glow Stones. In what seems like half a day I make it to the boss room. I push open the two massive wooden doors and make my way in, ignoring the warning that my level is too low. I stare at the massive level 35 cave troll that sits on a throne of bones, a massive Greatsword next to it. Around 30 goblins in front of me, and more crawling out of the walls behind the throne. I spring into action, slicing furiously at the endless mob before me, all of them level 25, my level shoots up to 20. I quickly upgrade Focus Slice, I get an attack boost and it hits 5 ft in any direction. I use Feint to gain distance, then I charge Focus Slice. It takes a bit but I mow down a bunch of them. My level shoots up to 25, I quickly upgrade it again. Less charge time. The horde of goblins retreat into the walls once more and the cave troll stands up, wielding his weapon. I use Feint to appear behind him and use the instant Focus Slice three times, chopping off his head and breaking my sword in the process. I carve his earring studded ear and collect the Nugz on the floor, although it takes a long time. I get 30 Copper and the big guy gave me 1 Gold, “Excuse me, Emdul can you hear me?” I use Guild Chat. It's long range communication.

A few minutes pass by as I find the sheath for the Greatsword and equip it to my back. A magic sword that gives me an attack boost, “Hello? Yes Lord Umbra?”

The timid voice of the old man resonates in my head, “Could you please explain the currency in this world?”

“Um yes I most certainly can! The coins are called Nugz, Copper is a value of one, one Silver is equal to one hundred Copper, one Gold is one hundred Silver and one Platinum is one hundred Gold. Also, I will be looking into the land in the upcoming days.” The silence that follows shows that he is finished.

It seems currency is the same, “Thank you, keep up the good work, I'll keep in touch.” I exit the chamber and follow a trail that leads up to the top. I begin sprinting and using Stamina Pills to run non-stop for two weeks, slicing through enemies as I run past, I must act as fast as I can. Oh Nova, my sweet Nova. The endless forest behind me, and instead of taking months to travel through the Earth Kingdom I am already at the edge of the Fire Kingdom. Endless volcanoes and lava rivers, massive thunder clouds and stretching into the horizon are the Scorched Plains. I take a Cold Pill and am unaffected by the heat. I am level 27 now. I take a deep breath and begin my lonely journey through the fire and flames.