I finished writing Chapter 6 early, and thrashed out the remaining bits of Chapter 4. Moreover, I finally figured out how to code that table (it's too complicated >.<). to celebrate, I'm releasing Chapter 4 now. Hope you enjoy it!! :D
*
It was a nice day, in my opinion.
Really. The rain just kept on pouring in sheets. There was a flood at the central business district. The usually warm climate was replaced by a relaxing atmosphere. It was as though the good Lord decided to air condition the entire place.
It was early morning, and I was in bed.
"The nice man up above must be telling me to sleep in today. Amen to that."
I drowsily pulled up the covers as I drifted back to sleep...
*SMACK*
A very hardworking woodpecker must have found a good tree to peck for grubs....
*SMACKSMACKSMACKSMACKSMACKSMACKSMACKSMACK*
The industrious woodpecker intensified its efforts to get at the grub. No one is safe!!
*SMACKSMACKSMACKSMACKSMACKSMACKSMACKSMACKSMACKSMACKSMACK*
... A brief pause as the woodpecker summons its strength for a final effort...
I waited, but the effort had not come, even after a few seconds.
... Hmmm, it must have lef-
*TWACK*
"mmph?!"
No one is safe indeed. Including me, it seems...
"GET UP, LAZY ASS!!!"
And the homicidal woodpecker went ballistic and started attacking, miffed by the lack of grub.
"DON'T USE THE SPINE OF THE BOOK, GODDAMIT!!"
I used my hands to shield myself from the killer woodpecker, who whined as it slowly beat me to death:
"But I'm hungry..."
Eventually, it is said that the early bird catches the worm... Through coercion, I was forced awake under duress.
And hence begins another busy day as I get up to prepare breakfast for my sisters.
**
We were sitting around the table, my sisters and I, eating breakfast. Through a mouthful of buttered toast and eggs, my older sister said (as far as I can decipher, for the sake of the reader, I'm putting the rough meaning. Apologies for any inaccuracy.):
"It has been how long since you started playing?"
I made a point to swallow my food first before speaking, as a subtle method of reminding her.
"About a week now."
My subtle reminder seems to have fallen on deaf ears as my sister excited shouted, spraying food everywhere:
"That's four weeks worth in game now!! You can finally get out of the city!!"
"Yeah, I guess..."
"What level are you now?"
Well, this is a bit awkward. I wiped partially digested food from my face. Best to spit it out quickly:
"1..."
An awkward silence quickly surrounded the meal table.
"... That's a bit slow for your kind of game style right?"
"Well, I'm sorry for not meeting up to your expectations..."
"DON'T USE THAT TONE WITH ME!!"
*WHAM!!*
I got nailed once on the head with the book. Hard. On the spine of the book. I'm surprised it hasn't broken yet. Or that I haven't developed sustained brain damage. Nevertheless...
"Ow!!!"
My older sister, alias the Woodpecker. Quick to anger and violent. Why she wasn't sent to jail yet escapes me, but she's popular with her peers. One wonders, are they masochists?
As I spar verbally and physically with my older sis, my younger sister was just sitting there, silently eating with a sleepy look on her face.
***
It was the last day of the Basic Training Course at the Warrior's Guild.
This time, 8 of us made it through, much higher than the expected 2.
"Alright, maggots. You have lasted 4 weeks, persevered when others couldn't. Words can't describe how proud I am of this moment... Come to think of it, I flunked out of Elementary School, so I can't think of any fancy-schmancy language anyway. Gyahahahaha!!"
The chief instructor gave a hearty laugh.
T-tring!!
You have finished the Basic Training Course at the Sleepy Fortress. Gained the following:
- Strength + 10
- Agility + 5
- Vitality + 5
- Stamina + 5
- Wisdom + 5
- Level has increased from 1 to 5.
- Able to attempt the Beginner Training Course.
- Rank in Warrior's Guild has increased to Squire.
With the extra combat training from Kite, I was able to scrape through the Basic Training Course somehow. Talk about a close one huh...
"As part of your going-away present, you guys get a fancy suit of chain mail to go with your leather gear. You aren't quite ready to handle Plate Armor yet, but it is only a matter of time. Also, a sword to whack around scary monsters with... Except you, Howard."
"Eh?"
So I don't get to use a brand new shiny sword to whack stuff with? I am disappointed.
"Kite left this with me. He told me to pass this on to you instead of a sword. Said it would come in handy, and that you were of more use with a spear anyway."
[You have received: Iron Chain Mail Vest]
[You have received: Leather armor set]
[You have received: Spear Shaft.]
"..."
Wait... so I get a stick as a weapon? Really, game?
The shaft was well made though. It was about 2 metres in length and reasonably springy. Maybe I can use this as a quarter staff?
"Ah right, he also left a letter. Have a look."
[You have received a letter]
Nice of him to leave this. Now I would like to know why the hell I got a stick as a present.
"Hey Howard,
Congratulations on getting past the Basic Training Course. Of course, this is only the beginning, you will have plenty more grand adventures before your time on this world comes to an end.
You should also keep working on your foundation. The training course is only the first step. Now you have to move on to the world beyond the city to test and hone your skills. You have the knack and the ability, but you just don't have the drive. Perhaps that was what is holding you back.
Also, did you get a spear shaft from the Chief Instructor? I am sure you have noticed that there was no spear head. To tell you the truth, the path of the spear is not an easy one.
Think of the missing spear head... as a guide line on your path. There's a ton of things about the pole weapon that I have not told you yet. Part of it would be the types of spears available. Each design is unique and serves a different purpose. Variables include the length of the spear as well as the design for the spear head.
You will eventually branch off from a different path from me, but who knows, our paths may cross again in the unforeseeable future. It's a small world after all, to quote the popular song.
The spear shaft will still serve as a good weapon until then, but I would suggest looking for the help of a blacksmith or picking up the skill itself to help you with it. It's pretty much unbreakable so you would not have to worry on that account.
Lastly, I would like to offer you a chance... to join our neverending journey."
T-tring!!
[You have been offered the chance to change to a hidden class. If you accept, you will be able to use skills exclusive to the class. Would you like to make the conversion now?]
I whistled.
"That... is a pretty damn good offer."
I soon found out from the other trainees that Royal Road had far more than just the 3 primary classes. Depending on your path and choices made during your adventures, you will be offered a chance to go off the beaten road and seek out a hidden class. Or you could take up a craft class. Either way, your stats and skills change drastically according to the class. Your role in battle changes as well.
The elements have come together for me this time to create this chance. I had no idea what was coming for me though, and it was incredibly risky to change from a familiar class to one that was remained unknown to me.
Yet, at the same time, a chance like this might not come again.
If I accept this, I'll be going off the beaten path and leaving behind what I was familiar with and going into the unknown. But I wouldn't have it another way right?
I gritted my teeth, but quickly relaxed and took a deep breath. My look sharpened. It was worth a gamble.
"I accept."
My avatar was bathed in a golden light as I made my class change. The bright light caused me to close my eyes.
When I opened them, the feeling was... actually no different from before. Still, I was excited.
"Stat window."
The stat window opened before me. I excitedly looked at the second top column, where my class was listed.
Status WindowName:HowardAlignment:NeutralLevel5ProfessionSpearmanTitleNomadic InitiateFame0Hitpoints1050Mana150Strength75 (50+25)Agility75 (50+25)Vitality55(30+25)Wisdom30 (10+20)Intellect10Stamina55 (30+25)Fighting Spirit20Luck0Leadership0Attack45Defense15Magic ResistanceFire0%Water0%Earth0%Black Magic0%
+ 25 points to STR, WIS, VIT, Stamina and AGI.
+50% Attack when using a Pole Weapon.
Nomadic Imprint: Generates a random skill during drastic travel experiences.
Improvisation: Allows you to use certain skills and abilities during a given situation.
Instinctive Exploration: Able to discover hidden items with a higher chance.
Pole Weapon Expert: Able to master all pole weapons to the level of Expert. Extends the effects of Pole Weapon Mastery to all pole weapons.
Skills:
Identification (Beginner): Allows you to identify items. Level 1/ 0%
Repair (Beginner): Allows you to restore durability on items. Level 1/ 0%
Pole Weapon Mastery (Beginner): Increases attack and attacking speed when using a pole weapon. Level 4/ 30%
A Spear Man huh....
I shuffled through my head for any reference to the class. There were several. Chief among them, a Korean 2D side-scrolling MMORPG from a few years ago. One of the advancements a warrior could make was to a spear man.
It didn't differ much from other warriors safe for its support skills and long weapon reach, and the advancements afterward weren't entirely outstanding in terms of damage and defense. It had solid mobbing ability and ridiculous amounts of drain and critical damage. A bit too much, in fact.
In short, by the game standards, it was a bit of a vampire. Can recover health easily, but cannot take a big hit. Damage wasn't very good compared to other classes. It was neither here nor there. Other game references included the Dragoon and most basic infantry from several tactical games. Not very outstanding overall game-wise.
"Still, it might be different in this game."
I had a little hope in my heart despite the terrible precedent. Unlike most warrior classes, this one had certain skills and abilities...
I looked through my skills and abilities, most of which are useful to a player on a journey. Notable skills included the Repair and Identification skills, which are godsends for extended trips since they are ridiculously useful for equipment maintenance and identification respectively. Improvisation would also come in handy. Nomadic Imprint was something that I haven't seen before, however, and I was curious as to what it does. Other than those skills, I have received little else.
It seems that the Wisdom stat would come in handy for this class. I made a note to try and boost the stat whenever possible. But for now, with the 20 stat points I received from leveling up, I added them to Agility. Never hurts to attack and move a little faster, right?
The Chief Instructor approached me.
"Judging by that light, you must have accepted his offer. Here, Kite told me to pass you this if that happened."
It was a skill book. It shined brightly with a golden light.
Skill books are a common portion in most games. Provided that you meet the requirements, you can use them to learn the skills described in the book.
This was a very good item to be getting at this stage of the game.
Excitedly, I looked through the book...
...
"... It's empty."
The book was positively blank. No matter how I carefully flipped through the book, it stayed that way.
"Just my luck."
I continued reading the letter.
"Joining the order, you will have to forge your own path. That is the way for the Nomadic Order of the Spear. Keep practicing your basics, you'll find that they will be helpful to you on your journey. Your experiences would translate into your power, and you will become a changed person. It will be interesting to see what kind of person you would become.
I wish you all the best on your adventure.
Kite
P.S. You should probably learn how to cook."
I could not get heads or tails to what he meant.
I decided to figure it out slowly over time. Right now, it's just too much trouble.
Having settled my case for the time being, the Chief Instructor continued.
"I now set my eyes on not just boys, not just men, but proper warriors. Think of the grand adventures you guys would have. Now get out of this here drill hall before I damn well charge you rent!!"
After the "Graduation" ceremony of sorts, we were gathered at the Drill Hall.
"Now what?"
I knew some of them would be posted to the castle as squires where they would move up the ranks and be knighted. The rest was a mystery.
Blake spoke up.
"Well, for one thing, I would like to explore the outskirts of the city for once. 4 weeks already and I still haven't seen what it is like outside the city."
"It's not much, really, but you are welcome to it."
"So what about you, Howard? You did get a strange weapon."
I did get a long stick to use as a weapon...
What is this, the Journey to the West?! Where's the monk that is going to be my master? Where are my pig and demon brothers?? How come I don't get the title "Old Sun"?
I really didn't know what I was planning to do, but I spoke confidently anyway.
"Well, I'm going to aim to become the strongest. I'm going to get out there and make a name for myself."
"Haha, as expected of you..."
Probably not. That's way too much effort for my taste, but it's a start.
We spoke companionably for a few minutes, but people were leaving the group slowly to get on with their postings. Eventually, only Blake and I were left.
He stood up and brushed dirt off his pants.
"Well, this was fun. Seeing as 6 of our "brothers" were NPCs, we can't expect much from them..."
"Uh huh..."
Well, that's true. Player Characters tend to grow at unprecedented paces. Even though it is entirely possible for NPCs to level up and grow in Royal Road, chances are that we won't be meeting for a long, long time. Maybe even forever.
"So it's just you and me then..."
"Pretty much..."
Even though I had realized this back then, it was a pretty depressing thought... But while I was deep in thought regarding that notion, I was startled out of my revelry by a bell chime.
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
T-tring!!
[Blake has added you as a friend. Would you like to accept?]
"??"
I looked up with a questioning look, an eyebrow raised.
"Well, we did go through all this crap together. As it stands, there is a link between us as brothers. Keep in touch?"
Blake had a big grin on his face.
I grinned in return, and accepted the friend request.
"Yeah."
We shook hands and parted ways.
The drill hall, once the scene of many hellish acts and tortures, was soon back in its empty state.
***
I spent the next few days running errands and small quests in an attempt to scrounge up more savings. I had only about 60 coppers when I entered the guild, and the thought of eating bread for several days in a row, despite it costing 3 coppers each, was pretty unthinkable.
No sane person would survive on just bread for days on end... right?
Still, the day after I left the Guild I went back to the Old Blacksmith to pick up the reward from the other day.
He laughed when I told him what happened. Really loudly.
"Gyahahaha, so you actually went through the course... Not an easy feat, especially for a newcomer. I like ya grit, so I'll help you once. Don't hesitate to speak your mind."
I immediately recalled Kite's letter telling me to look for a blacksmith. I took out the Spear Shaft.
"Do you think you can help me with this?"
The Old Blacksmith took the shaft and had a look at it...
"Hmmm... It was really well done. Ash, springy but unyielding, about 2.5 metres in length. It even has a "Unbreakable" rune carved into it. Yes... this is very well done indeed... To be able to work with this would be a great test to my skill..."
He handed back the Spear Shaft.
"But I'm afraid I can't exactly help you with it just yet, young Spear man. You only just started on the journey."
When I got back the Spear Shaft, I was able to see additional information regarding the weapon. I had used my Identification skill on it earlier, but was only able to get the damage and restrictions. Perhaps with higher skill proficiency, I would be able to reveal more options on equipment.
Ash Spear Shaft (Durability: 500/500)
A strong and sturdy spear shaft made of ash. Springy and unyielding, the weapon has yet to be completed, but nevertheless, would grow with the player as he or she gains experience. A rune has been carved onto it to render the weapon Unbreakable, giving it unprecedented amounts of durability. This weapon is handed out to initiates of the Nomadic Order of the Spear at the beginning of their rite of initiation.
Damage: 15-20
Restriction: Level 5, Only the player "Howard" may use this weapon. Cannot be traded or dropped.
Soul-linked (this weapon is permanently linked to the Player "Howard". Grows as the player grows.)
Unbreakable (Weapon cannot be broken.)
It's a good weapon. Positive stats are always good, as well as the ability to grow alongside the player.
"Kite, you have given me a treasure beyond measure..."
It can't be traded, but the weapon's awesome nonetheless.
Before I went out of the Fortress to beat up some rabbits with my new weapon, I decided to try and get more information. It seems that the Old Blacksmith knew something about the Order.
"What do you know of my journey?"
The Old Blacksmith chuckled.
"Initiates go on a pilgrimage depending on their whims and thoughts. Their experiences and emotions on that journey, as well as their very nature is carved into the soul of the spear, and its true shape begins to form. Upon their return, the true shape is materialized with the help of a blacksmith."
Hence the empty spear shaft huh...
Spear men do look to have a lot of hidden potential to them...
"But it is not only the spear that is affected by experiences. Spear men are unique, molded and shaped by the adventures that they go through. I suspect that you'll have an interesting time... and might go down an entirely new path."
With these cryptic words I left the Old Blacksmith to continue searching the area.
I soon received a commission from an old housewife to collect rabbit skins.
I arrived at the field. It was lush and green, and players were playing happily with the animals that frolic around here, creating a peaceful scene...
"Get back here and die!!"
"Argh, it's got me!! Sharp rabbit teeth hurt!!!"
"I'll catch you... mark my words..."
If you consider warfare, cursing and swearing peaceful playing.
Rabbits are pretty weak, but they are small and hard to hit due to their agility. As such, new players tend to have a bit of trouble with them.
I knew I did.
I first tried swatting them with the Spear Shaft like how I wanted. Didn't quite work out, but I was able to kill several rabbits that way. They disappeared in a grey flash when I used over excessive force, leaving a few drops to be looted.
Their meat could be cooked and is a much better alternative to bread (goes well with it too), but I didn't have the ability to cook it.
"I wonder if it's possible to learn how to cook this..."
As far as I'm concerned, only cooks learned how to cook. And even if you can learn the Cooking skill, combat classes can only bring it up to Beginner level 9.
Nevertheless... I figured out a method which I shall try later as soon as I catch a few rabbits.
I continued my hunt. A rabbit was soon in my sight. I adopted a different hunting method, approaching steadily at a slow pace so as to not spook the rabbit and cause it to run off.
It stared up at me. It looks cute, but I was after it for the food and skins that may possibly drop from it. I have to dismiss all human notions of Animal Cruelty, sadly. I hardened my heart and slowly approached with a nonchalant look on my face. Dismissing me as a threat, it went back to grazing.
I crept a little closer. So far so good...
Judging the distance to be good, I pounced on the rabbit, grabbing it by the hindquarters. I lifted it up, triumphant with my catch.
"Wahahahaha!! Tonight, we eat!!"
A fully grown man laughing triumphantly with a cute animal in his hand. Nightmare fuel for young children. I'm glad that the game was rated to be for older kids...
The rabbit struggled desperately in my grip, but 4 weeks of training at the warrior's guild had turned it into steel. Did it translate to real life? Not really, but muscle memory is a wonderful thing.
Opening stubborn pasta sauce bottles have never been easier.
"Now how did that survival guide say to kill this..."
I grabbed the back of the rabbit's head with my other hand and pulled, twisting and breaking its neck. It fell limp in my grasp. This time, it did not disappear in a grey flash, which was good to note.
I took out a knife that I picked up at a local store and began skinning and dismembering the rabbit. It was grisly work, but it had to be done. I'm sorry, children...
The meat would be good food once I learned how to cook it, and the skins would go towards a healthy commission. Except for several bits, nothing of the rabbit was wasted.
I gave thanks to the great spirits beyond for the rabbit's life, and continued with my hunt, using this method to catch and kill a few more rabbits. I made sure that the deaths were painless, anyway.
Odd spiritual thinking, but that's the circle of life for you.
****
After turning in the commission, I soon found myself at the local tavern.
Drinks and food were served all around me as I went to the counter to order some stew.
I decided to chat with some of the customers while I wait.
"How long have you been here already?"
"I just cleared my 1st month here. Feels good to leave the city..."
"I know that feel... Incidentally, have you heard of..."
After a lengthy chat where I gather more useful information, the server came with my order, serving the stew in a large plate. I paid the server and took a look at the plate.
The stew had a lot of potatoes and meat in it, making it a hearty meal. It also went well with my stale bread, letting me mop up the flavorful sauces. It was satisfying. And cost me less far than the bread required to fill my satiety level to the maximum...
All around me, players, especially women, were tucking into their food with gusto. No wonder Virtual Reality was popular with the ladies. Since one can eat as much as possible in game without gaining weight in real life...
I lie back on my seat, content with the meal.
*****
I went to the kitchen afterward...
"Where are the carrots?!"
"Order for 3 servings of stew for table 25!!"
"Pass me the spices, stat!"
"This steak is undercooked. Go back and cook it now."
"Eh? The customer called for rare..."
"THIS MEAT IS SO RARE THAT IT MAY AS WELL BE CALLED A TREASURE!!!"
"Hohoho, you didn't have to compliment my cooking...."
"THAT WASN'T A COMPLIMENT!!!"
... and arrived at a scene of hell.
It was a chaotic scene. Servers and helpers were scurrying here and there. It was a miracle that there wasn't a collision yet.
*CRASH*
"CLEAN IT UP!!! FREAKING CLEAN THAT UP!!"
Ah, I spoke too soon.
I was being ignored, so I decided to come back tomorrow. It was a big mistake that I came during the dinner rush...
*****
"Where is my order? Where is my order?"
"This dish is incomplete. Go back and finish it."
"But..."
The next few days were the same though, even though I came at different timings.
I was hoping that someone would teach me the cooking skill, but I was being ignored. I was too lazy to get a job there as well though...
So, I decided on a different approach.
I picked up a few ingredients and appliances at a store. It didn't come cheap, but it should be a good investment in the long run.
I went back to the field, and started making a fire.
Using a pile of dried grass as kindling, I made a spark using a stick and a hollowed out piece of wood. I blew at the spark and kindling gently to provide oxygen, letting the spark develop into a flame. The kindling caught fire.
I transferred the flame to a pile of wood that I collected, and I continued blowing at the wood to let it grow slowly.
Over time, I had created a campfire. The flame felt warm and cosy, and there was a slight aroma from the wood smoke.
"I knew that that sort of skill would come in handy somewhere..."
Shades of the army here. Fire making was a useful skill to learn outfield.
I took out the rabbit meat I stockpiled, and carefully de-boned the meat. Setting the bones aside, I carefully threaded the meat on metal sticks...
I was making skewers.
Now, from there...
I took out the metal grille, lathered oil onto my skewers, and set them on the grille, where the oil caught fire and sizzled. As I cooked the meat, the redness of the meat slowly lightened to a beautiful pink.
"Carefully now..."
I flipped the skewers. It was slightly charred, but I thought of it as improving the flavor. I let the skewers cook for a bit more, and proceeded with other businesses.
I carefully cut the rest of my rabbit meat into thin slices. And chopped carrots, celery and tomato.
*******
[You have acquired the Field Cooking skill.]
"There, that wasn't so bad."
Normally, from what I heard, the Cooking skill is picked up through working at a restaurant or having someone teach you the skill. You also apparently needed beginner level 3 Handicraft to learn it. However, I also heard from someone that the Chef needed to get their cooking skill to the intermediate level to gain the Handicraft skill. Also, only certain craft professions may level it to the Advanced Level.
Therefore, I had picked up the skill by preparing the rabbit in several different ways, therefore "convincing" the system to generate the skill somehow. The requirements to pick up different skills are often rather ambiguous and tricky to figure out. There seemed to be multiple ways to meet a requirement to pick up a skill, which made sense, considering that an individual's path can be rather unique in certain ways.
Still, Field Cooking was a limited version of the Cooking Skill. I was able to level it up to Advanced level, but in exchange I did not learn the finer points of cooking.
Regardless, it still had its uses. Other than the skewer, I was able to create 2 other dishes with the skill.
I had smoked the rabbit to create jerky. Can't be cooking all the time. Smoking the rabbit took hours, though.
And the bones went to preparing broth, but it took a long time to cook and therefore could only be done on occasion. The vegetables went in as well.
I did spend my time cooking for my two inept sisters; my parents were often too busy to do that. Also, I had picked up cooking from my short stint with the army. Simple food like this was well within my repertoire. Besides, the combat rations are terrible. Being able to cook food like this is a godsend in this sort of environment.
However, doing this severely reminded me of my Warrant Officer who was a bit paranoid and had scolded me for cooking outfield on several occasions:
"IF YOU COOK IN THE JUNGLE, ENEMY AIRCRAFT WILL SEE THE FIRE, AND THEY WILL BOMBARD THE ENTIRE AREA!! YOU DIE, I DIE, EVERYBODY DIE!!"
But I casually tossed aside the memory.
I sat cross-legged, tired but pleased with my work.
I took a skewer and a piece of bread.
"Well, let's give it a taste..."
Just as I was about to bite into the meat skewer...
"Wow, that looks awfully good..."
Pausing, I looked up from my skewer.
Standing in front of me, with drool on his mouth, was a young child.
********
"Argh, he said he was playing the game!! Where the heck could he be?"
Lilee was still searching.
She had scoured the city over and over, until four weeks had passed, without tiring, only pausing for food and drink or to log out for school and other activities. That level of spirit is commendable for one her size.
She gritted her teeth and continued searching.
**********
"That looked awfully good...."
The child stared at my skewer. He (or She) had drool on his (or Her) face.
He (or She) looked to be about 7 or 8 years in age. Could he be an NPC?
Or did a child get inside a capsule, went through the character making process, 4 weeks stuck in the city, and went out into the woods, only to survive?
Might he (or she) be an extreme case then?
As impossible as it sounds, the child was dressed in traveler's gear. He (or she) even had a small backpack on his (or her) back.
Nevertheless, he (or she) was still staring hungrily at my skewer.
I was never one to ignore kids though. Holding up a skewer to offer it to him (or her), I asked:
"Want one?"
The kid nodded rigorously, and grabbed the skewer, bolting it down quickly.
"Hey, hey, take it easy. You'll choke yourself at this rate. I have more here if you want."
My cooking can't be that good right?
Oh well, that didn't matter, the charitable deed was done. Warm fuzzy feeling obtained. Philanthropy aside, let's eat then.
I took a bite of meat and bread, and washed it down with the broth. The meat had a game-y flavor and went well with the bread, which was toasted before hand. The broth was pretty wholesome as well.
Appetite sated, I sat back and watched the clouds roll by.
The kid was still eating a skewer.
It was a beautiful day as players chased rabbits (with murderous intent). With cooking done by yourself, kind act performed, and you just relaxing here watching the clouds roll by.
It... wasn't such a bad feeling. Quite different from the previous games I played.
"Hey, mister..."
"Yeah, kid?"
"Mama told me to always thank people for the food they give, so thank you."
A sincere reply from the heart. Children always gave me good vibes, and so I tolerated them. Speaking of which...
"So kid, what brings you out here? It's pretty dangerous here, you know?"
The kid flashed a toothy grin.
"Isn't it obvious? I aim to become Emperor one day. I came here to train myself."
"..."
Children have big dreams indeed....
********