Volume 1: Chapter 3 – The Veilen'gard Kingdom Training Facility

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A few days have passed since Eve started her journey in the world of Asgaroth. When she appeared in the City Square, she was amazed. By the details, which made this world seem as real as the real one.

- 'It's amazing...' - she thought, as she took a stroll throughout the capital city, eyeing everywhere.

The buildings were really differing. Some were white with flat roofs. Those Eve deemed to be trade centres, as they were so big that there was enough space for 6 or 7 shops inside. And inside wasn't tight at all! She confirmed it, after exploring one of them and taking a look at the wares inside.

Then there were brick buildings with metal-plated roofs. They were houses, as Eve got kicked out of one of them after going inside out of curiosity.

- 'It's not like you'd go inside other peoples' houses in real life as well after all. Nothing strange there' – Eve though.

The last kind of buildings were made out of stone. Unlike other ones, they resembled castles from books Evelyn used to read when she was a child. She smiled sadly as she remembered those moments. With that sad smile on her face she went inside.

As she took more steps inside, she was approached by an uniformed person. She came back to reality, as she stopped and took a better look at him.

Little higher then her, with dark brown hair. He had brown eyes, as well as many scars. The biggest one out of them was cutting through his nose. The uniform was very similar to the one guards out on the streets wore – dark red with black boots, white gloves and white armband with red and black cross on his right arm. The only difference was a black shoulder pad on his left shoulder.

- What do you want here, stranger?

- I've just arrived in this world and am curious about it – Eve said. - Mere curiosity steered my feet here, as I contemplated wonders of this world.

To that the guard nodded. - In that case I'll ask you to turn away, unless you want to sign up for the military training. It will last four weeks, and after it ends you'll be given a choice: either join the army, or do us a favour. Usually the kind differs on the abilities trainee shows us.

- Do I get anything out of it beside training?

- I see, an adventurous one, huh? - he said, nodding to himself. - In that case you'll receive payment upon completing assigned mission. Oh, I almost forgot. You get free lodging, food and new clothes during your stay here.

- I see, a win-win situation for both sides – Eve said, smiling. This time viciously. - All right, deal.

- Follow me – was all he said, turning away. Eve followed him politely, looking around curiously.

Coming back to the present...

* * *

- Faster, you slowpokes! - instructor shouted, seemingly angry. - Even my grandma could outrun you lot, and she's already eighty years old!

- 'What an overused taunt' – thought Eve as she smiled lightly. However instructor noticed that.

- You! Not you, dumbass. The smiling one. What's so funny, eh? - he shouted, spitting his saliva around.

- 'Gross!' - thought Eve. - Just reminiscing, instructor Carl.

- Just reminiscing, eh? Then I'll give you some more time for your little reminiscing as you'll be doing two more sets of exercises. Is that clear?!

- As a day, instructor Carl – Eve said, seemingly shining with happiness.

- 'Damn it. That guy wants to kill me or what?' - she grumbled. However her train of thoughts was stopped by a notice showing up before her.

Your Stamina increased by one.

Eve dismissed the black box, as she continued to run. Ever since signing up for the hell camp, as she called it, she received quite a lot of similar notices. Some said that her agility increased, while some – although rare – told her about strength increase. So far she had about twenty of those, however she didn't check her character status.

She vowed to herself that she won't do it until the end of the training. Another selfish vow, but she didn't want to see how strong she is until she completed it. She feared herself feeling that 'it's enough' and doing everything half-heartedly.

And so days passed, as she sweated hard while training.

One might ask 'Why did she sign up to begin with?'. It's simple. Evelyn likes challenges. She was like that ever since before the accident. If there was something she couldn't do, she worked hard until she could.

This trait of hers in turn made her grow up faster then her peers, as she topped more and more exams. She even got first place on the mathematics' national competition. Of course that was in grade school, but she did it while being a fifth year (school has six years).

She saw how proud of her were her parents. So she doubled the effort in studying, reaching top three in every competition she took part in. While studying, she took a liking to the nature. It fascinated her, so she frequently visited library in her town, borrowing books on high school level.

As the time passed, she knew more and more about the world around her.

* * *

At last, two weeks passed. Of course during training Evelyn didn't let the game become more important then reality. She was still going to the dojo, as well as working. However without school there was a lot of free time.

She also started going to Muay-Thai dojo in the mornings. Soon enough her daily routine looked like this:

- Wake up

- Eat

- Go to dojo

- Come back

- Take a shower

- Eat something

- Play AO

- Eat something

- Work

- Play AO some more

- Sleep

Sure, she got hooked up on the game. But on the other hand, who wouldn't? There, she had the chance to go where she wanted. Not being limited by money. Without real fear of death.

Yeah, that was a world of dreams.

…

Right now all trainees were standing on the training square. Whole thing wasn't impressive in the slightest. Just a square of plain ground surrounded by stone walls from three sides, while fourth was leading into the barracks. In the middle of the ground were many rows of scarecrows, where other trainees used to train with their weapons for the past two weeks. But right now it was empty.

Eve and her group were training by the walls, either running around the square or doing other strengthening exercises.

But right now it was a first since beginning of the hell camp, when they weren't already running around or doing push-up or doing stand-ups.

There were some whispers going on in the group. Some trainees talked about stats they gained so far, other were expressing their worries about another two weeks of training. Of course, during two weeks that passed everyone approached Eve one way or another. Or rather tried.

The thing is that she almost always did something to piss off the instructor, and got more sets of exercises then anyone else. In fact she ended up doing twice the amount only for being sarcastic. And there was more then that.

Some men enchanted by her looks once joined her in her extra sets. And never did it again, as she didn't pay attention to them or their 'heroic' deed. They just wanted to get close to her, and she wasn't going to make it any easier.

- 'They only care about the looks anyway' – she concluded on the second week, watching them looking at her from under the wall, resting. Of course it wasn't their fault.

There were only about 2 or 3 girls other then Eve in here total, and they weren't soaking in sweat. In addition Evelyn used her real body as a model for the avatar, and it having her hot body was real eye candy for males.

Anyway, the trainees split into two groups: players and NPCs. Eve was somehow in the middle, not joining any conversation. That's why she was the first to see a group of instructors heading their way. Some of them she saw for the first time, however by now she learned that every instructor wears black shoulder pad.

- Straighten up, you little flies! As of now, the first part of training is officially over. Right now you will be given different weapons to see which suits you the most – said the centre instructor. Eve noticed he was the one who greeted her when she entered training grounds.

- Yes, instructor Issac! - shouted trainees in unison. Some couldn't keep their grins; the boring training was finally over. They thought that right now they will learn a bunch of techniques and be ready. Especially players.

- The weapons are in the barrels near the scarecrows. You have two hours to choose one to your liking. After you're ready keep it and stand near a scarecrow.

Trainees enthusiastically rushed to the barrels. However Eve wasn't among them. Instead, she approached the instructors.

- What do you want, trainee? - asked one of instructors she didn't know.

- I prefer fighting bare-handed sir – Eve told, standing straight.

To that some of instructors raised their eyebrows. - In that case just go and stand near a scarecrow. Show us what you're made of – said the same instructor.

Ever bowed her head a little and went to the closest one. There, she clenched her fists and started hitting it. Some of the trainees who noticed her dropped their jaws, as they watched her. In their minds she turned to a master martial artist. Of course it didn't escape Eve, who was curious about their reaction.

- 'A total novices, huh?' - she though.

Instructors noticed it too, but that's what they expected. But now they were shocked.

When questioned a little before signing up for the training, she told them that she just arrived in the city and that she was an Outsider – that was how NPCs called players.

However they didn't expect her to show a fighting style of the Apojii Islands. Apothajii.

Apojii Islands were placed on the very border of the map Evelyn found on the net. Placed on the south-eastern side of the world, it was the easternmost place where people of the Asgaroth Online went for the vacations.

The same instructor came closer to Eve, as she was hitting the scarecrow. There, he noticed her hands bleeding. - Why are you going so hard at it? - he asked.

Eve stopped hitting, as she turned to face him. Then he noticed. Her hands weren't the only bleeding parts. Her legs and knees were as well.

- Where did you learn this style of fighting? - he asked.

- In my world. - Short and concise.

- Really now? Every outsider I've met so far didn't know a clue to fighting.

- In that case you didn't meet the right one.

Those words made instructor pop a vein on his forehead. Of course he heard about sarcastic trainee. She made every one of them mad. At least he had enough self-control to not show his anger.

- Continue hitting the scarecrow for the next two weeks. Then... - as he was about to finish, he was abruptly cut by the very trainee.

- I'm sorry instructor, but is there any form of ranged combat? I'm confident in my hand-to-hand abilities, and I didn't miss some guards patrolling the streets with guns or crossbows instead on top of having a sword. I'm especially curious about the gun at your waist, instructor... - Eve said, looking the man calmly into the eye. At the end she made a pause, letting the man know that she doesn't know his name.

- You have keen eyes, trainee Eve. All right, this instructor Marcos will show you the way to the range – he said, turning away. But before he took three steps, he turned back. - Oh, before we go make sure to get yourself patched up. It's unfitting for a girl like you to bleed so much. I'll wait for you here, so go.

- Yes, instructor Marcos.

It's amazing how he calmed down. One might ask how it's possible. The thing is that he, as well as every instructor, believed that she was another greenhorn. And sarcastic at that.

Then he saw her fighting style and was surprised. Enough that he wanted to ask where she learned it. In his eyes Eve gained some respect. However he was a veteran of war.

Too many times did he see strong warriors fall because of getting careless. Confident in their abilities, they slowly stopped to watch their surroundings, only to fall prey to someone they didn't consider an enemy.

Which is why he was pleased that even though Eve shown that she was strong enough to take on most of the people, she was still cautious.

- 'She would make a fine addition to the army...' - thought Marco, looking at pathetic trainees hitting scarecrows blindly.

…

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- You're late – he said, looking at the clean and bandaged trainee before him.

This time a vein popped on Eve's head, as she was fresh after the rush to find bandages and a place to clean herself of blood. Then she bandaged herself as fast as she could, but not too fast as bandages would fall after five seconds of walking. Still she was little proud of herself for the speed she did it.

- If it was a battlefield you'd have to move twice as fast – said Marco. - I've had enough time to think of the whole training I'm going to make you go through.

- Yes sir. - It was the only answer Eve could come up with which wouldn't anger the instructor before her. After all she got a chance to get what she wanted. Ranged combat training.

- All right, let's not waste more time. Follow me! - he said, quickly walking off.

Eve followed him closely, however she had to use all her strength to keep up. While walking, that is.

- 'No way I'm going to run after somebody who takes a carefree stroll' – was what she thought to herself. But in fact Marco started his training.

- Use your toes a little – he said after a while, looking at her.

It took some time, but after she grasped it Eve could walk much faster then before. That was when she saw two black boxes appear before her.

New skill aquired

Skill Name:Skill Type:Skill Level:Skill Experience: Enhanced walkingSemi-Toggle10%By using your whole feet while walking you can increase the speed.

Current speed: 130%

Every level increases total speed by 1%.

It was something new. Eve gave the box surprised look. - 'Looks like I can learn here skills which are useful in normal life as well.'

Of course during show-off at training grounds Eve earned another skill.

- Show Apothajii – she muttered under her breath, not wanting Marco to hear it.

Skill Name:Skill Type:Skill Level:Skill Experience:ApothajiiPassive226%A fighting style developed on Apojii Islands. It holds ritualistic meaning to natives of the archipelago.

Enhances techniques of this style, giving them additional 3% damage every level.

Some blows might send shockwave throughout target's body, destroying innards and passing armor.

Chance for the effect to happen: 0.2% per level.

Right now Eve had Apothajii on level 2, which means that she doubled initial bonuses. Also it means that the more levels she gains, the more she will have to work for lesser increase compared to what she has. To some it can be disheartening.

- 'Every point matters' – she thought, remembering all clutch moments from competitions where she topped by a margin of one point or less.

Finally they could hear sounds of something hitting other things. It took surprisingly long time, considering that it all was in one building.

- Surprised? Yeah, this facility is pretty big. However what you're seeing now is reserved for actual army – said Marco as he turned and faced her, still going ahead.

- What? I didn't say that I will sign up for the army – Eve said quickly with narrow eyes, looking directly on the man before her. She stopped walking, and so did he.

- Don't worry, for you we will make exception.

- Why is that?

- You have shown us that you're ways above those greenhorns you were placed with. And I have to add that while you went through three or four times the normal training, your body is much stronger then theirs.

- Don't expect me to act as a faithful doggy, wigging it's tail at every word of it's owner. I have my own opinions and points of view.

- Believe me, I have noticed – it was Marco's turn to narrow his eyes a little. - But don't forget where you are.

- Is that a threat? - Eve asked, rising her right eyebrow a little.

- A friendly reminder – said Marco, returning to his usual poker face. - We're almost there.

Having said that he turned away and resumed walking. Eve followed him.

…

Thump! Thump! Thump!

The sounds of projectiles hitting wooden boards came from every direction. Some of the people took a moment to check out a newcomer, but when they noticed instructor glaring at them they hastily resumed their target practice.

The range was very similar to the trainees' training ground. The only difference was that it's slightly longer and instead of dummies at the centre, there were target boards by the walls. Also trainees were limited to the area around the entrance, and the place where they could walk around was divided by waist-high fence. But beside those, it was the same ground and the same stone around.

Marco stood there still, waiting for reaction. But Eve just looked at everything with poker face of hers.

- So what do you think? - he couldn't hold it in.

- Those guys sure are disciplined. Unlike the lot that was with me – said Eve, still watching surrounding recruits.

- Ha, so cold. They are the ones who will become a part of the honourable Veilen'gard Army! And it consists only of cream of cop! - he shouted enthusiastically.

After he said that recruits stopped shooting, turned and saluted. After a moment they resumed activity, but that was enough. It made enough of impression to leave Eve stunned a little.

Seeing that, Marco chuckled a little before coughing and straightening his face. - So what do you think now?

- That show just now was surprising. In a positive sense of the word – she said after a moment.

Marco just smiled lightly, as he turned to the instructor who kept on watching the pair. - I've got you a trainee – he said with a smile.

- And why would I accept her? - a female voice could be heard. Eve looked over her from head to toes again, making sure that she didn't overhear herself.

- 'That was definitely woman's voice just then' – she though, not believing her eyes.

It wasn't until the closer look that Eve noticed slight curves in the chest and hip area. The reason for that is armour set, which covered woman's exposed places. But not only that.

That instructor was keeping herself completely straight. Unlike any woman Evelyn ever had a chance to meet. And was also wearing a helmet. After taking a closer look one could see chestnut coloured hair, which was kept short.

- You, how long you're going to watch me trainee? - Eve's train of thoughts was stopped completely by the female instructor before her.

- I'm sorry, instructor... - trainee didn't finish, not knowing the name of the person before her.

- Her name is Victoria – Marco quickly introduced her to Eve.

- All right, that's enough now Marco. Let me see what she's made of – said Victoria, heading to a weapon rack left to the entrance.

- Thanks Vic – he said before going away. But not before he could flash that light smile of his.

- 'He must have some hots for her, that's for damn sure' – thought Eve, who noticed it as she followed Victoria.

- All right trainee, here are the weapons. Pick which one you want and... - Victoria started, but she stopped mid-sentence looking behind Eve. - I thought you're already gone Marco.

- Ahh, I almost forgot to say one thing to our cute trainee – he said, coming closer.

- Whatever, make it quick. She has a lot of work to do – said Victoria with dissatisfaction, looking at recruits. - Hey, you lazybones! Put some heart into it! - she shouted and walked over to supervise some recruits who thought they can slack off since instructor isn't paying attention.

Marco watched her go, and Eve thought she noticed a flash in his eyes for a moment. But he collected himself right away.

- Right, I forgot to give you a little explanation how your two weeks will pass. Frankly, it's simple. From morning until evening you're going to be here on the range, and after a meal you'll go to trainees' training ground for some strength training – he said, looking Eve into the eye.

- Just strength training? No hitting scarecrows? - she asked with a little raised eyebrow.

- Hmm... all right, I think – he said quietly after a little while. - After you're done with exercises, you were free to do what you want anyway. I'll throw you some scarecrow hitting. Let's see... An hour should be okay.... Yeah, definitely... - he finished under his breath. - Right, I've decided. After strength training you're going to have additional one and a half hour for scarecrow hitting – he said, booming Eve one of his light smiles, thinking that it was a great idea.

Right now Eve was on the verge of considering a murder of an army officer in an army facility. But luck has it that Marco wasn't stupid, and he knew what was coming.

- Oh, I almost forgot. Starting from tomorrow you'll be getting some presents from me – he said, and a vicious smile formed on his lips. - Don't worry, it won't be anything dangerous. Just remember that it's for your well-being, okay? - as an addition his eyes sparked dangerously. He chuckled a little, as he went towards the entrance. Mid-way he waved his hand a little, marking his good-bye for the day.

- 'Goddamnit. I friggin' hate this guy!' - Eve screamed in her mind, knowing that he's going to make her remaining time here real hell.

Frankly up until now Eve had no general opinion on him. He was always changing. At the beginning he appeared to be strict military man. Later he showed his light side, as he was enthusiastic about everything – however regarding the army or kingdom.

But now he showed his grim, sadistic side of his. - 'He seems to really hold his grudges' – the trainee though. On this very moment Eve earnestly started to hate him.

However she didn't have much time for her thoughts. Seeing Marco leaving, Victoria approached her.

- So, trainee, which weapon you want? We have some short bows, long bows, recurve bows, crossbows, muskets and mana pistols – she said, pointing at every weapon on the weapon rack.

Eve considered every weapon, but no matter what the drawbacks came to her. Bows were too big to be able to weak them and fight bare-handed. Crossbows and muskets had too long reload time to be of any use.

Of course, in an army it was put to a great use. With higher piercing power then bows and arrows, crossbows provided stable, low-budget ranged bombardment. Muskets had strongest power out of the three, but the reload time, as well as ammunition cost made it banned in most of skirmishes for Veilen'gard. Only a full-scale war was really worth it.

Of course Eve didn't know about it. However she didn't like an idea of long reloading. Then the only weapons left were mana pistols.

Sure, there were ideas of mana muskets. However they were quickly dismissed. The reason for that is the general weak fire power compared to live ammunition. Unless of course the wielder was a mage, however such a mage was better off casting high-ranked magic like 'meteor' or 'fire rain'.

However mana pistols are fine. The reason is that they are much more accurate then live ammo ones, as mana bullets' accuracy is dependant on the skill of the wielder, not luck. Muskets, unlike pistols, have much longer barrels, making their projectiles much more accurate.

That Eve didn't know too, but she couldn't find some real drawbacks to the pistols. However she had to ask one thing.

- What ammo do mana pistols use?

- They drain your mana constantly, filling their own mana magazine. When fired, the mana inside it concentrates into bullet-like shape and accelerates. All of it done with magic inside the magazine.

That set it. - I'll take mana pistols then – Eve said confidently.

- All right, follow me to the place you're going to take. And don't forget your... - Victoria wrinkled her forehead for a moment. - Wait a second, did you say pistols?

- Yeah. I wanted to try both – Eve said, holding two pistols from the rack.

- No, no and once again no. First you're going to have introduction to this toy you're holding – said Victoria, as she got very close to Eve. - After you've learned using the weapon with your dominant hand, you might try to use it with other one. But. No. Dual. Wielding. Unless. I. Say. You're. Ready – instructor said, each word louder and louder, as her eyes narrowed more and more.

- Yes m'lady! - said Eve, as cold sweat ran down her spine. - 'Definitely scary!'