Chapter 3
Into the past and present
From that point onward, Crane was in the library almost constantly. The Library of Yarsan had become a second home to him. His table in the Library always seem to have at least a few stacks of book on it. But he was not just enjoying the stories of adventures, he was learning about the continent of Versailles. He read through history books of various long forgotten cities and nations, through autobiographies of famous adventures, and facts and info about the continent itself.
About seven hours after he had started his reading marathon a message appeared before him
Intelligence increased by 1 point. (+1 INT)
"What the.. Show Stats Window."
Using the voice command he learned about in the intro guide for the first time, a see-through window appeared in front of him showing all his current information.
Status WindowAvatar- Crane.Alignment- NeutralLevel 2Class- NoneTitle- NoneFame- NoneHealth- 350Mana- 130Strength- 10+15Agility- 10Wisdom- 10Intellect- 11Vitality- 10+15Luck- 0Leadership- 0Attack- 5Defense- 01 new message
Crane was a human who should have most base stats at 10. The effect of the Mural of Agni would still be active for a few hours more, increasing his VIT and STR, which in turn increased his stamina, attack power, and health. But his INT stat was at 11 without a +1 indicator, meaning that it had increased permanently, along with his mana.
Up to this point Crane had been reading slowly, enjoying the experience as if he were reading at the desk in his room, but now the possibility existed that the act of reading books could strengthen his character.
This bolstered Crane's resolve to read as much as he could and learn everything the library had to offer him.
Looking back at his stat window he noticed the bottom line.
"Read message"
You have leveled up for the first time. You gain 5 points to distribute to your stats for each level up.
Crane had completely forgotten that completing the quest had given him a level.
But before distributing points, he had to know what kind of character he wanted to make.
In the Central ring of the city there were many class guilds: Warrior Guild. Magician Guild, Thieves Guild, Archer Guild, Fist Guild, Adventurer Guild, Tailor Guild, Sculptor Guild, Merchant Guild, and Intelligence Guild. Crane could go to any one of these and acquire a profession, or go to the Intelligence guild where they would choose a suitable class for him.
But since he was not going into combat any time soon, he decided there was no harm in waiting. He did not want to regret choosing the wrong build, so he decided he would wait until he had chosen a class before distributing the stats.
To help him choose, he started to read a variety of different adventurer's books. Books about thieves, about swordsman, about magicians and knights, and about priests and archers. He made mental notes about each one's playing style and the preferred tactics of the adventurers who used them, as well as comparing each one.
The table he used now had three pillars of books, adventurer's stories, history books, and reference books.
When the characters in the stories he read spoke of an historical act or battle, Crane set his bookmark, closed the book, and looked through the pile of historical texts for the exact details. In some cases the details were spread in different sections of several books and in other cases none of the books had a mention of it so Crane would look for another book among the shelves and bring it back to his table. It was due to this that the stack of history books got very high.
The third pile contained books that detailed specific items that were often referenced but whose details were not found in either the story or history books.
In this way Crane devoured thousands of pages of literacy in only a few days. Once in awhile Crane would get a message that either his INT or WIS stat had increased by +1, but he did not pay much attention to them as they were only a perk of reading and not the goal.
The only breaks he made were when he ran out of water and had to walk to a small fountain near in the Central ring. A new account comes with ten pieces of rye bread and a metal flask. Crane only stopped reading to eat when his stomach started to scream at him or his thirst reached a dangerous level. When he ran out of water to drink he would fill it at a nearby fountain. He had run out of his initial supply of bread after a few days but was able to buy more with the silver he received from the library quest.
Two in game weeks after Crane first came to the library, a young man with a bowl shaped hair-do and moderately elegant clothing pulled up a chair in Crane's table and sat next to him.
No matter how deeply engrossed in a book you are, when someone invades your personal space, you notice. Crane put the book he was reading down, and asked, "Is there something I can do for you?"
"I hope so. I have come to this library three times this week to try and find information relating to my family's past. And each time I came, I noticed you had a large stack of historical texts. I have matters that need attending at this time and would like to ask if you would be interested in finding and summarizing the role my family played in the history of this city. I will of course reward you for your time, as well as for anything pertinent you find."
*Ding*
Searching the Past
A man has requested you search the library for details relating to his family's role in the history of Yarsan
Difficulty level: E
Quest Requirements:
None
Reward
Dependent on the quantity of information and the quality of details.
Crane had become acquainted with much of the continent's background so far, but none of the books he had read contained any reference to the city he was in. He figured there was more to the quest than meets the eyes, but the quest itself did not seem life threatening.
"Of course I shall accept a gentleman's request."
You have accepted the quest
"Thank You. The name to search for is Roricas. If I return in three days, will you have the summery complete?"
"Yes sir, I will see you in three days."
As the man began to walk away, Crane said, "I did not get your first name."
"Torres, my name is Torres." The man left quietly, disappearing into the maze of shelves.
Crane felt there was something wrong with what he said, or he was leaving something out, but he also felt that made the quest that much more interesting.
Crane made his way to the entrance to get a lead on the quest from the librarian.
"Where can I find the history of Yarsan?"
The librarian seemed to be debating on whether or not to tell him, when she asked, "Why are you interested?"
"I have not found any details in any of the books I've read so far, I want to know more about the history of this city."
Although he left out some key details, it wasn't a lie.
"Very well, the twelve volume history of Yarsan is kept in the restricted section but is available for limited check out, fill out this form and sign here."
Crane had to sign a liability waiver stating that he understood that the failure to return a book from the restricted section or an attempt to leave the library with the book would result in criminal charges.
The librarian said the books would be brought to his table shortly.
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The twelve Volume History of Yarsan was divided between two stacks at least three feet high on his table.
Now the real challenge of the quest was revealed, anyone else would require over a week to read and summarize these books. The only thing your average person could really do in three days was skim through all twelve volumes only reading paragraphs around the name 'Roricas.' But Crane was no ordinary reader.
History of Yarsan
The city was founded 1000 years ago by the great sorcerer, Boafu, as a southern outpost turned city for the Kingdom of Kallamore. The area was densely populated by groups of monsters who were repelled time and again from the city by Boafu's magic and later his descendants. A hundred years after its founding, Boafu's heir was declared the ruler of Yarsan, and his descendants the Royal family.
The powerful magic Boafu left to his descendents protected the city in the place of the army, but after four centuries, a race of people emerged from the mountain who had a high resistance to magic. Boafu's descendants were no longer enough to protect the city, so the military was reinstated to combat the mountain race.
The Yarsan army fought against the invading race for decades, becoming stronger after each battle and gaining new members from Kallamore's capital city. After one hundred years, the military adviser of the time, Joul Rotan, lead a coup d'etat with the King of Kallamore's approval, putting the military's strength against the royal family's magic. Rotan expected the high magicians to put up a fight and be ground to dust by the vast number of trained soldier and mercenaries under his command, but the royal family had a ace up their sleeve that extended the war far beyond his expectations. The magic the royal family inherited from Baofu allowed them to created enhanced weapons and spell casting artifacts that could be used by anyone. They armed their loyalists with an endless supply of these weapons and fought Joul Rotan's army to a stalemate. Twenty years of endless battles later, when the end of the war seemed nowhere in sight, the leader of the loyalist surrendered. This was because a loyalist named Ruffio Roricas, decided he must put a stop to the war and poisoned the royal family. The enchanted items lost their power after their creator's deaths and the war was ended. Former military adviser Joul Rotan became the ruler, and gave each military commander under him the rank of nobility, as well as Ruffio Roricas. After the war, there were several great changes to Yarsan. The defense of the city was left to the military who built three great walls around the city, changing it from a city to a fortress. Each member of nobility was required by law to serve a term as a soldier of Yarsan. A royal palace was built for the newly appointed royal family and nobility at the top of the plateau's cliff. And spell casting items that could be used by non-magicians were outlawed.
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On the third day, Torres found Crane in the same spot as when he gave him the quest.
"How did it go?"
Crane pulled a folder from underneath the stack of books that buried it and handed it to Torres.
"It seems your ancestor was solely responsible for ending the twenty year war that lead to the current government taking power."
*Ding*
Quest Complete: Searching the Past
Your thorough research has uncovered Ruffio Roricas's key role in the history of the Fortress of Yarsan.
You have received 5 silvers
Bonus- 'Treasures through the ages'
"Thank you for your hard work, along with your pay, I would like you to have this book. I saw you reading over a stack of item reference books, and this book contains details of some of the rarest items and treasures discovered in the Kingdom of Kallamore."
"Your kindness is appreciated, may we meet again," said Crane.
At his last comment Crane thought he saw something in Torres's eye, and it gave him the impression that Torres was not the type of person one chooses to meet willing.
Torres thanked Crane again and left. Crane turned back to the table and began reading the book Torres had given him. Up to this point, Crane must've read almost a hundred books about items and unique artifacts. This book included information and details on powerful and ancient objects, items whose possessors changed the course of history. After finishing the last page, a message popped up.
You have learned new skill: Identify
"Hmm, Skill Window"
Identification [1] 0%
Enables you to learn the true value of unidentified items.
Mana cost: 30
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
According to the books he read, Identify was a general skill that was granted to thieves, wizards, adventurers, some craft classes, or taught. He realized that just like the stat points which he had been slowly gaining through reading, there were methods of gaining stats and skills other than classes or leveling up. The concept intrigued him, but if the activity to acquire the skill didn't interest, he wouldn't bother with it.
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Only stopping to fill his flask with water when he was thirsty or buy cheap food with the the money he received when he was hungry, Crane continued to read book after book until he the sound of the alert system.
*Ding*
You have a new message
"Read Message."
It has been four weeks since you first logged in. You are now free to leave the city.
Crane had completely lost track of time, he had been reading for almost a month, but at that thought Crane remembered something. Tanner said that by this time he would have new stock. The map he gave him had been made into something highly useful, but Tanner only gave it to him because he expected him to return.
At first Crane had no intention of going, but then he came up with a useful idea.
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"Come one, come all, you need not wander through these streets, all your needs can be found right here!"
Crane could only smile as he walked up to Tanner's shop. Tanner looked at him for a moment and yelled.
"Ah Ha, you have returned to see my new and wondrous wares!"
Crane replied, "Of course I have, and the map you gave me lead me right to you. I have come to look at each and everyone of your wares."
"Oh course, of course, I can tell you all you want to know about each item!"
Crane walked over to a small knife that had a green handle and a clear, sweet smelling substance over the blade and asked what it was.
"That my friend is the Knife of Midnight Poison! If you cut someone with it at precisely noon, the following midnight that person will promptly die! For you, I shall sell it for 30 gold pieces! However, I do not accept returns."
"May I see it?"
Tanner looked for the sun, as if to make sure it wasn't noon and after seeing it was around 3pm, handed the knife to Crane.
An item's stats cannot be seen without having it in your inventory, so customers must take the seller's word that it is good. Unless of course the buyer has a certain skill.
Crane whispered as quietly as he could, "Identify."
A window seen only by him popped up.
Green handled Knife
Durability 14/20
Damage 1~3
This poorly made knife's handle was painted green, and it's blade coated in dried syrup.
Requirements:
None
Crane had a bit of difficulty keeping himself from bursting out laughing. As he had expected the object was worthless and Tanner was a con-man. If someone bought and complained Tanner would likely assure the customer either that it would work later or that Tanner had no idea it was fake. Crane put the knife back where he found it without saying a word and moved on to the next item.
Tanner told a story about each item, about how it was, one of a kind, unique, priceless, and contained an ability which only activated under certain circumstances. And Crane kept silently whispering 'Identify' on each one.
Skills in Royal road increased with use, Sword Mastery increased when using a sword, Identification increased with identifying.
Crane had some extra mana from the bonus INT and WIS gained through reading, but couldn't use Identify forever, he had enough mana remaining for three more times and decided to use them on something good.
"Your store has such amazing objects, but these just aren't what I'm looking for."
Tanner bit his lip and looked down for a moment, then he rushed over to his table and disappeared under it. When he stood up, he was holding a hand axe. This item was definitely different from the others in his shop. It handle was made of a darker wood and its blade had a markings engrave onto it.
"This is my most valuable item, the Forgotten Axe, made by beasts in the heart of the forbidden lands, This axe only shows it true power when it's user is in mortal peril. For this axe, I can accept no less than two hundred gold pieces."
Tanner once again handed the item to Crane. He looked down at it so Tanner couldn't see his lips move. "Identify."
Warrior's Axe
Durability:27/30
Damage: 9~15
This axe was not made for human hands, but can still be used easily with a single hand.
Options:
This axe's properties change when wielded in the mountains.
Requirements:
Level 15
STR 60
Skill Level Up: Identify [2]
You can now learn perceive greater details
Crane handed the axe back to tanner without saying a word.
This axe probably was the most valuable item in the shop, but Crane had seen enough items in his books to know it's value to be from fifty to seventy gold, depending on the axe's stat changes around mountains and one's haggling skills. The axe of course was useless to him at any price. Crane was however grateful that the axe and other objects had helped him raise his identification skill a level.
A small flash blinded him for just a moment. A golf ball sized faceted glass sphere that hung on a string from the roof had reflected the sun's light. Crane eyed for a while, and decided he had nothing to lose. "Identify"
Failed to identify item
Crane let out a small cough at this unexpected message, acquiring Tanner's attention.
Crane didn't want to let on what had just happened and made up a story of his own to tell him, "It would be a waste if my trip here bore no fruit, please tell me how my this ornament is so I may leave with a souvenir."
Tanner took in a breath and held it, for a moment Crane worried he might start another tall tale, but perhaps he was tired of telling stories or maybe because he had simply run out, he let out the breath and said it was 15 copper pieces. Crane handed him the money without even haggling, thanked him and put it in his inventory.
From his inventory he looked at the glass's info
-Glass piece
Durability 1/1
The purpose of this object is unknown
Crane took it out again, "Identify"
Failed to identify item
Crane held the piece up to the sun and smiled, he didn't know if this object held any secrets but he looked forward to the possibilities.
From Tanner's shop Crane went to the city's gate. Although the shopping district was filled with other item he could Identify, most legitimate stores had the item's stats displayed next to it so they did not need Identifying. Crane was out of mana anyways and was feeling cramped inside the walls of the city.
He had only beginner equipment on but he wanted to see what was beyond those walls. The gate doors were open and the guards paid no attention to him. Passing through them, Crane saw a vast, grasslands that expanded in all directions. Directly before him were plains of dried grass, gravel coated roads, and many small trees that were no bigger than he was. Far off to the north of the city in the distance Crane could see a forest. After walking for a few minutes he saw a pair of people fighting together. He went to take a closer look and saw that they were fighting Jack Rabbits. Neither of them looked very confident in their fighting abilities, and Crane was under the impression they were users who, like him, started on the first day and were just released. They both appeared to be woman, both older than him, and both had weapons on hand, one a sword and the other a mace. Crane walked to a tree that was near them and sat down, leaning his back against it. They didn't seem to notice him yet. They fought rather clumsily, completely unaware of how to use there weapons properly and would exhaust themselves from useless motions. The mace user extended her heavy ended weapon too much while swinging and tired her arms out quickly. The sword user made exaggerated motions while swinging giving the rabbits ample warning where and when the strike was coming.
Crane watched the girls and the rabbits closely. After about forty minutes, the girls began to noticeably improve. Trial and error taught them to keep their movements tight and compact to avoid tiring out. After their form started to look some what proper, they started to hit the rabbit more often than miss. It was not trial and error but experience seeing the rabbits move for a while that taught them how the rabbits would move when they attacked and they started to adjust each strike to intercept the rabbit when it dodged.
Like him they both appeared to have no actual combat experience, but they showed it was possible to learn through experience. At this point Crane should have been in a mood to choose a class finally, but watching the women fight had the opposite effect. He decided he had not prepared enough to try his hand outside the walls, stood up and headed back to the library in search of more good information on Versailles.
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Three more weeks had passed. Crane had read hundreds of books, and was no closer to deciding on what class he wanted to be. He was too stubborn to go to the Intelligence guild to have one picked out for him, but he seemed to have no other option.
He thought about what he might be best at and said, "Stat Window."
Status WindowAvatar- Crane.Alignment- NeutralLevel 2Class- NoneTitle- NoneFame- NoneHealth- 100Mana- 550Strength- 10Agility- 10Wisdom- 50Intellect- 50Vitality- 10Luck- 0Leadership- 0Attack- 2Defense- 0Unused stat points- 5
It had been a few days since the last time he got a bonus stat for reading, it seemed to top out at plus forty apiece. Mana is affected mostly by Int, but also a bit by wisdom and wisdom itself also increased mana recovery rate. If he became a spell caster like a priest or magician, he would have a huge advantage over those of the same level. But the library did not have a section that contained skill books or spell books so he had not gain any skills other than identify.
The problem was that Crane did not know what he wanted. "What do I want? I want to be strong. How do I become strong?" An image of a balding man with a scar on his forehead popped up. Kalt Owens, the strongest person he had met in the game so far. He would probably know how to become strong. But to Crane, asking him for help was no different from going to the intelligence guild. "Maybe I can ask him for a hint, does he know a book that can......" The idea hit Crane hard enough to make him stand up from his chair. Crane walked over to the librarian and told her the same thing he said the first day they met. "I would like to read The Four Heroes of Salim."
The Librarian stared at him for a moment, then took out a yellow square of paper and wrote the book's location among the shelves on it and handed the paper to Crane.
The book was about four adventurers who worked together to defeat a wicked monster at the end of a dungeon, each hero had a different class; knight, wizard, ranger, and assassin. Throughout the book each classes strengths and weaknesses were prominently displayed as well as how they fitted into the group. After finishing the book, Crane realized how he could pick a class. Each hero played a specific role in the party, and he should pick the class whose role appealed to him the most. He left the library for what may have been the last time, and walked up to the counter of a building in the Central ring.
"I would like to become a powerful warrior.”
Chapter 4 The Way of The Sword viewtopic.php?f=91&t=575&p=2354#p2354
Chapter 2 A Crane in the City viewtopic.php?f=91&t=547