Julian strode through the swinging doors of the training arena, trying to put aside his nerves. Whatever Farne’s personality, it couldn’t be pleasant. Especially if no one dared to come back after meeting him the first time. He supposed it was normal.
The training grounds in a game rarely served a purpose beyond the tutorial.
A Drageen woman saw him standing awkwardly in the doorway, and he glanced at her sheepishly. She sighed and, with a roll of her eyes, jerked her thumb towards a cluster of people along the left side of the room.
“You may as well wait there with the others. It will be awhile before you’re up.”
At least fifteen people huddled together, some sitting and some standing, but every one of them looked either incredibly bored or a little nervous. From the muffled screams reaching him from beyond the back door, Julian realized he was nervous himself.
Two hours later, Julian groaned, raking a hand through his brown hair. Only three people had left the line for the training grounds, and every one of them came back on a stretcher.
“Just what the hell kind of training is this?” he muttered under his breath.
The man standing next to him, an Elf, chuckled.
“You must not know about Farne. Do you know why they call him the Ram?”
The door burst open and a stocky Drageen man stumbled out. If not for the two men gripping his arms, Julian doubted the guy could even stand. He looked seconds away from vomiting, his face pale and sweaty.
“Nevermind.” His own skin took on a sickly pallor as the blood drained from his face and Julian staggered back against the wall, sliding to the ground in a cross-legged position.
“I think I have a pretty good idea.”
Once he passed through those doors, Julian bet he would prefer being hit by a car again rather than face whatever Farne had in store for him.
Unwilling to dwell on the many bruises he would soon sport, Julian flipped through his status menu, looking over his stats and the abilities he could unlock as a Therian. Now that he was in the game, he discovered his abilities were no longer glitching and the skill tree was visible. He glanced at the first skill, glad to see the cooldown was short. He'd expected as much from a base class skill, but at least it seemed like the skill could be improved.
Penetrating Slash Lv. 1 - Increase damage by 10% for thirty seconds.
Skill Cooldown: Two minutes.
Skill Requirements: Bladed weapon equipped.
Skill Mastery: 0/100
The skill's requirement made sense, too.
Keen Sight Lv. 1 - Identify one of your opponents weak point. Rate of success 15%
Skill Cooldown: Thirty seconds.
Skill Mastery: 0/100
The skills he acquired as a Warrior would be vital to his survival. As a Level 1 player, he knew his low stats limited his ability to fight extended battles, so he planned on dumping everything he could into his health and mana stats. Attack and defense were important, but those could come later. Abilities cost mana to cast, and he had no intention of wasting stat points becoming a glass cannon. The real question was, did his mana replenish on its own, or would he need to carry mana potions around? Some games he’d played in the past had strict rules. The only way to recover was to use a metric ton of mana replenishment potions.
It was one of the many reasons he’d learned to hate playing a Mage. Powerful spells only worked when you have the mana to cast them, and if, like most Mage’s, you poured all your stats into Mana, well, you would have a hard time surviving long enough to launch multiple attacks.
Weak opponents would be no trouble, but stronger ones? Pray your enemy has low health and that you never miss.
What felt like hours later, and in reality probably only a few minutes, Julian followed a short man out the back door of the inn to the center courtyard, which he realized functioned like a small arena. Across from him, a person he assumed was Farne hefted a wooden broadsword.
“Welcome to the Tutorial combat training quest.”
The man moved through a series of swings as he spoke.
“Before I get started, have you customized your quick access yet?”
Julian shook his head.
“Alright then.”
Farne tapped his wrist, a transparent golden box floating in the air above it.
“One tap summons the base menu, as I’m sure you already know. You can customise double and triple-tap options the first time you activate them. I recommend linking your inventory and skill selection screens. Nothing worse than needing a potion mid-battle and being unable to pull one out.”
He stepped to the side, and Julian watched with surprise as the golden screen dissipated before his eyes.
“As you can see, your status screen vanishes if you move or get attacked, so be careful. Until you navigate it without thinking, it’s probably best to avoid using the menu interface during battle.”
“But what if I need a potion?” Julian asked, wondering how he was supposed to heal during battle if he couldn’t use the menu interface for more than a few seconds at a time. Even withdrawing to a distance couldn’t guarantee him enough time to restore his health or mana. Other games forced the user to dismiss the screen manually, and while not having to worry about being snuck up on when the screen blocked his vision, he would rather take his chances with obscured vision.
At least in a virtual reality game, he could rely on his ears, but Thalesium’s developers clearly didn’t want to make it easy.
Farne pointed to his waist, where two tiny bottles and a two-inch blade were attached to the leather belt. Farne removed the blade, and Julian watched with surprise as it grew into a full sized blade the length of the man’s forearm.
“The belt is a starter item you get for completing this tutorial. Thalesium may have harsh mechanics, but it makes up for it in other ways. The belt has a quick access function, allowing you to use equipped items in battle. Items on it will shrink to fit, as I’ve demonstrated. You won’t accidentally gut yourself even if you stash a spear on there.”
Julian had the distinct impression the man knew from experience, and he chuckled.
“The base version will hold three items, but upgraded models can hold up to twenty-five.”
Farne swung his sword around, aiming the wooden weapon at Julian.
“Well, that’s it. You clear on the basics?”
Julian held up a hand and took a few steps back.
“Wait, shouldn’t we go over the rest of the mechanics first? Like how to use a skill, for example?”
The man only grinned, charging towards him with his weapon raised.
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Julian scrambled for his sword, discarded while he’d been swiping through the status menu. He grabbed the weapon just in time to block a blow from Farne’s great sword, the force of the attack reverberating up his arm.
“I find learning most effective when you experience it firsthand.” Each word was punctuated with a grunt and another swing of his sword.
Farne darted around him, moving faster than Julian thought possible while lugging around such a heavy weapon. Just how much had the man dumped in his stamina stat?
“Basic attacks, like a slash or parry, are not controlled by the system, but if you want to unleash a skill, you need to use voice commands.
“Stone break!” Farne called out, slamming his sword into the ground.
Chunks of earth rose from the ground, sending several clusters of dirt and rock towards Julian. He stumbled, unable to deflect the attacks with his weapon, and as a result, was pelted across the face with bits of dirt and rocks.
After the fourth or fifth wave of attacks, Julian was beginning to get a feel for his new body and the wooden sword. He managed to dodge the seventh blow, and by the twelfth he was able to block and even counterattack. They were clumsy swipes Farne dogged easily, but still attacks.
“Hey you’ve got pretty good stamina for a new player. You make laps around the town or something?”
Julian grimaced, focusing on evading the man’s blows.
“Not exactly,” he grunted.
Even as he attacked, Farne kept up the nearly incessant stream of words. The man barely stopped talking between breaths.
“Wait, I know you! You’re the kid who outran a luminous hare, aren’t you?”
Julian stayed silent, unwilling to bear yet another person’s laughter, but more afraid that if he divided his focus, he would no longer be able to keep up with Farne’s and incredible speed.
To his surprise, Farne didn’t laugh.
“That’s impressive! Nice work!”
The man’s praise shocked him, and Julian lost focus, one foot skidding across the ground. Luckily, he still managed to dodge, Farne’s next blow narrowly missing his shoulder.
Julian stared at the man in confusion. He’d run from a beast most new players would kill without batting an eye.
Yet, this guy… was impressed with him?
“I don’t think I’ve ever met a new player who had the tenacity to outrun a luminous hare. Those little buggers never give up.”
Farne chuckled, his relentless attacks slowing down.
Julian breathed a quick sigh of relief, relishing the man’s slowing pace, before dodging Farne’s next swing. At least now he could parry a few blows and even counterattack every so often. Learning to fight didn’t do him any good if he always stayed on the defensive.
“Why’d you run? Can’t say many players would choose not to fight. You a pacifist or something?”
Contrary to Julian, Farne didn’t even look winded. He moved across the ground effortlessly, almost as if he were dancing.
“Not really. Childhood trauma, it’s nothing.”
The man’s brows raised, but he said nothing, twisting to the side when Julian launched himself forward for a clumsy attack.
For such a large man, Farne’s reflexes were fast, and Julian found the offensive even more difficult than dodging the man’s attacks. With every swing of his sword, Farne somehow slipped away, the wooden blade missing its target by a hair’s breadth.
Not looking winded in the slightest, Farne continued his lecture while Julian desperately tried to land a blow.
“Each of the guilds have training halls where you can practice both your movements and your skills. Sparring with others will help you get a feel for new abilities, though I recommend knowing any skills inside and out before you use them on anyone. Some have unexpected side effects.”
“Thanks,” Julian wheezed out, struggling to keep his sword arm steady.
Farne finally stopped after Julian finally nicked his arm, leaning on his weapon with one arm draped over the hilt. Julian couldn’t tell if he’d landed the blow or Farne just took pity on him, but either way, he was grateful their fight was at an end.
A wide grin spread across Farne’s face, and Julian groaned, preparing himself for round two, but the man just walked over and clapped a hand on his shoulder. The blow sent him reeling, and he stumbled forward, barely remaining on his feet.
“You did better than I imagined for your first battle. Though I suppose I should’ve expected more from the man who outran a pack of luminous hares.”
Julian cursed the man silently as he finally crumpled to the ground, wheezing for breath and no longer able to stand. He knew he had little stamina left without relying on the status screen to tell him. He felt like death warmed over.
His arms were burning, his fingers red and raw. Blisters bubbled from the palms of his hands. His legs, burning like the sting of a thousand ants, felt like limp noodles.
“Here.”
Farne tossed something towards him, and Julian caught it, fumbling with the small green glass bottle as it kept slipping between his sweat slick hands. Ginger’s voice echoed in his ear, answering his unspoken question before his sluggish brain could form the words.
A Basic Restoration Potion. It restores up to 25 vitality points.
He chugged the health restoration potion, gagging at the foul taste.
Seeing his expression, Farne guffawed, walking over to clap a hand on his shoulder.
“Potions all taste like crap, but the effects are near instantaneous. Best get used to them quickly. Normal food will taste better, but it replenishes vitality over time and isn’t well suited for battle.”
Julian nodded, resolving to plan his future battles carefully and avoid potions as much as possible. The taste just wasn’t worth it.
“So, what’s next?” He rasped out, his voice hoarse with exhaustion.
“Afraid Thalesium’s battle tutorial is pretty barebones. That’s it for the tutorial. I can give you a rundown of using magic, if you like-“
“No!”
Julian cried out before the man could finish. He’d wanted to learn a bit more about weapon skills or spells, but after that grueling session, he had no interest in suffering anymore under Farne’s teaching. He would figure it out later. Perhaps with a less… enthusiastic teacher.
The cheery ding of a notification chimed in his head and a line of text briefly appeared in his sight.
Quest Completed: Novice Fighter.
As he pondered how best to use the belt now laying in his lap, a thought occurred to him, and Julian wearily addressed Farne. Regardless of how fatigued he was, he needed the answer. The golden trail to his next quest could wait.
“So.. Just what happens if I die here?” Every detail he could recall from the pamphlet said nothing about a character dying.
Did he respawn in town?
Lose all his money?
Farne’s face grew grim, brows knitting together, but he remained silent. In his place, Ginger’s voice rang out, an unmistakable tone of irritation suffusing her words.
Didn’t you read the Terms and Conditions? If you die, that’s it. Game Over. Permanently. The Thalesium uploads your consciousness to a virtual body, but the connection severs if you lose your life.
“So what you’re saying is I’d have to start over?” Julian grimaced. That would be annoying. He hated tutorials on the best of days. How much more would he hate it after repeating one a few times?
For a moment, her voice was almost pitying before she recovered, evening her tone before continuing.
If your character dies, they will not respawn and cannot be resurrected. All in-game items and equipment would need to be purchased, as would any currency accumulated while playing, before you could create a new character. The game developers thought it would give players a more realistic experience.
“Wait, are you telling me I’d have to buy all the stuff I lost?” He froze, ice chilling his veins. Suddenly, his “charge ahead to greater profits” plan didn’t sound like such a good idea.
Not only would he have to start over, but having to purchase all his lost items would set him back exponentially.
“What about the money I earn from exchanging items for real world currency?”
If he had to pay back any of that, his plans to take over the company were ruined. One death could cripple all of his hard work.
In-game items or gold exchanged for real world currency do not need to be returned.
The woman’s huff did nothing to conceal her exasperation. Julian realized that his choice to not read the Terms and Conditions carefully had been a careless mistake.
A very careless one indeed.
He’d chosen to play a game with real stakes, stakes higher than his paltry gaming skills could make up for. He would need to be very careful and take no risks.
Every penny he could save was getting transferred immediately.
His thoughts consumed by the new knowledge, Julian whispered hesitantly. It was a long shot, but perhaps he could still salvage the situation. If he could become a Mage or a Ranger, at least he could pick off enemies from afar. Even if he had to take on weaker foes and it took longer to level up and stockpile resources, at least he would be safer from attacks.
A glass cannon hit by a stray attack or two from low-level monsters wouldn’t need to worry too much. A few dozen attacks from them would be the equivalent of scratches, so long as he played it safe and kept an eye on his health.
But for a close range fighter?
Playing it safe would be a lot more difficult when the enemies hit faster, harder, and there was no time to restore his health.
“Can I … change my Class?”
It is possible, yes. To change classes, you will need to purchase a Class Conversion scroll.
“And how much does that cost?” Julian asked slowly, already fearing the answer.
Seven-thousand gold.
He groaned.
“Guess I’ll just be earning a lot of gold, then.” He would play it safe for now and offload as much cash as possible. If his character died later, at least he’d be able to pay off his debt.
“Ginger, is there a way to track monster spawn locations?”
Finding reliable spawn locations would help him rack up gold faster, and the sooner he could switch to a long-range attacker like a Mage, the better. If he had known how risky this was, he might not have accepted the invitation in the first place.
It was no wonder Enigma Realm Studios had offered such a ridiculous reward. Like him, everyone had probably been blinded with the idea of making quick cash. The money the studio earned from players who died in the game would far outweigh their losses.
In the end, it was just another example of how the company could make more money without having to lift a finger.
Their player base would do the work for them.
Once you complete the tutorial, you’ll find a new marking function in the map. New areas can be unlocked by exploring them, and defeated monsters will be added to the Beastiary monster log. The new markers are shared between players. You can add special markers to designate places of interest and monster spawns. The game may not provide the information, but I am certain the spawn locations tagged by other players will be plenty helpful.
“Right.”
Determination driving him, Julian left the arena, following the golden trail. He needed to get the tutorial over, and fast.