Elemental brawler
Chapter 1: In the beginning ...
After several weeks of waiting, the capsule had finally arrived.
The game Royal Road, produced by Unicorn, became in the span of two years the gold standard, especially as it was played with a completely new interface, the "capsule". Inside it, it was not just the sight and sound that were stimulated, but also smell, touch and taste. It was even said that if a culinary guide visited the chefs in this world, it would not be surprising that three or four stars restaurants would appear.
After the order made three months ago already, Jean-Bernard had to wait, hardly hiding his impatience to walk in this new world. 3 months ... an eternity for this avid MMO's player.
However, it was not a wasted delay. He decided to use this time to collect a maximum of information in order to start his new life in the best conditions possible.
One thing especially intrigued him. It was not only the knowledge of a player that could give him an advantage in this new world, but some of his physical abilities. Ohhh, not strength, but some of the skills and talent acquired in the real world.
“For once, I will not have to defer to a simple "dice roll" on a competence to decide the success of one action... my efforts and attention to detail will be rewarded.” This wait also allowed him to discover some little known elements. Thus, the week IRL, or in game four weeks, during which one could not leave his departure city, it was possible to build on something else than solving utility quests used primarily to prepare a little starting capital or choose a profession.
But it is mostly a 10-month old video that had caught his attention. A player, for the 4 weeks of initiation, had pummeled the scarecrows of a training center. Instead of laughing like most of the other people who saw this video, he had sought for any logical reason for this behavior.
In fact, he found that although very slowly, physical stats could increase this way, especially as his level was low, the efficiency of this repetitive task remained. Leaving the starting city with a small stats advantage over other avatars, could be a significant advantage not only low at level, but also in the long term.
However, JB pushed the reasoning further, extrapolating that stats other than physical could possibly benefit from the same kind of treatment. Why this idea? For JB having decided to start with a character in a magical profession, it was mostly the stats of intelligence, knowledge and wisdom that would benefit to be developed initially.
The capsule installed and initialized, JB slipped inside and started the game.
At the prompt selection of race, continent, starting city and name, the answers were brief and dry. He already had to wait three months to make his entrance into this world, he would not waste time in "paperwork": "human, western continent, Nivese, Cilerius."
The parameters of physical appearance were also shipped quickly: "My appearance! "
These formalities set, he was transported to the central square of his new hometown, where appeared all the new avatars that had chosen this city as a starting point.
After some moves to ensure control of his body, he immediately went to the library. To the clerk there, he presented himself:
"Hello, my name is Cilerius. Frankly, how lucky you are to be as surrounded by the world knowledge. I envy you." Flatter one’s interlocutor, whether it was a player or an AI, it could always facilitate relations.
The clerk, Desmond, proud of his position, had a favorable first impression of this young man. After all, anyone who loves books and knowledge can only have a good background.
"Indeed. It is a privilege to work here, if I want information, instead of running the world to discover it, a little walk in the aisles is enough for me ... much more efficient."
"Certainly, this is exactly why I come to you. I was thinking about trying to educate myself and expand my knowledge, be it only a tenth of yours."
"Ohh, you are honoring by modeling from me, but still, I have to admit, at the expense of my modesty, that it is a wise choice. "
"So what do you advise me to increase my knowledge, and I must say, to practice a little mental gymnastics? "
"Haha! I think this book I've just finished could pick your interest. It contains riddles and puzzles bale to exercise your brain while improving your knowledge ... a good start I think. Take it and when you bring it back to me, I will lend what is needed for you to continue your intellectual education."
"Thank you 1000 times, I will not fail to come see you again once that sublime book finished."
With that, Cilerius left the library clerk and went to the training hall. Once there, he went immediately to one of the farthest scarecrow from the entrance, which he began to temper with, if seen by any observer, would seem a strange hobby.
In doing so, he had this internal monologue:
'It's fine to want to be a nuker, but they have a big problem. In melee situation, they are usually weak and do not survive long. I would be well advised to take advantage of opportunities to partially solve this problem ... even a limited capacity to fight other than from distance will not be superfluous.'
In doing so, he was binding the book got to the library over the scarecrow, open so he could read. His work completed, he began to hit this target with his bare hands, while reading somehow the book. It was after 4 hours of this combined training, that he received a first tribute:
* Ding! You have created the stat "Resilience" by dint of hitting your target with your bare hands, your body adapts to withstand damage. You are able to withstand the biggest "hits" without this resulting in increased damage. Your ability to recover increases slightly. Can’t distribute points to this stat.
* Ding! You have created the stat "concentration". Your ability to keep track of your thoughts while performing other tasks increases. The more this stat augment, the less external events will have a chance to break your concentration. Can’t distribute points to this stat.
* Ding! You have acquired the skill "unarmed combat". Striking a target with bare hands can be effective as long as you know how to do it.
"HA! Well, the first effects ... So it works, there are ways to increase the so-called intellectual as well as physical capacities ... and simultaneously ... good, let’s not waste time, to work! "
And he continued to hit the scarecrow, while reading the book ...
2 hours later when he ended up solving a riddle proposed in the book:
* Ding! You gain 1 point of intelligence. You've solved a puzzle, thereby improving your thinking ability.
* Ding! You gain 1 point of knowledge. New discoveries and experience of solving a problem, help you improve your knowledge.
* Ding! You gain 1 point of dexterity. You improve the accuracy of your actions by repeating them.
* Ding! You improve your ability to fight with bare hands, beginner (1) 1.6%
"Okay, it's time to move to the next chapter, and diversify the way I fight." He said with a smirk. He then turned a page and resumed his methodical bombardment of the dummy, now adding elbows, feet, knees strokes and even occasionally headbutt. So 1 hour later:
* Ding! You gain 1 point of resilience.
* Ding! You gain 1 point of stamina. The practice of physical exercise over a long period improves your endurance to effort.
* Ding! You gain 1 point of strength. Repeated practice of physical exertion improves your strength.
* Ding! Your skill "unarmed combat" modify into "pankration". You have discovered that the fists are not the only body parts that can inflict damage effectively: beginner pankration (1) 2%.
"Ah! This is something that wasn’t noted ... I thought it would change to martial arts ... I guess it is for the profession."
And he resumed his efforts, garnering more skills as well as strength, dexterity, endurance, resilience, intelligence, knowledge, concentration and finally, wisdom increases. So that at the end of the day, he was exhausted but satisfied. However, he had one more thing to do before resting, to return to the library to first return this book and take another in anticipation of the next day. There, Desmond was reading under candlelight.
"Hey, I see that I have much work to do to reach your level of involvement in the search for knowledge, said JB as he entered. "
"Oh oh, back already? Well, it is true that I am so to speak, depending on my books ... This is something that can happen sooner than you might think as long as the passion touches you. So is this book too hard and you come to take another one more simple to start? it wouldn’t be, I must say, surprising."
"No, I certainly come to get another one, but because I finished that one. "
"You do not say! Did you find it interesting? "
"Rewarding. If you can get one another as exciting to keep busy my tomorrow, I'd be very glad."
"Hey! I have a feeling that you are on the right track. Try this one," said Desmond, handing him a bigger book and obviously older than the previous one, "you’ll tell me about it. Just be ready for severe headaches. Quantity and quality are waiting for you with that one... and if you get around it quickly, I may try to introduce you to some of my literary treasures."
"A thousand thanks. I will certainly remember your words once this magnificent work avidly read. I am, I must say, curious to see your treasures! "
"Okay, this is a deal, see you very soon."
Being thus discharged, JB went, wearing an enigmatic smile.
'If not mistaken, this could be the beginning of a quest... a stone two birds ... it begin well.'
Such was his thought while walking away.
His "day" game over, JB unconnected to go immediately to bed and get a few hour sleep. His first contact with the new world had been successful so far, although tiring. The habit of virtual reality, immersed in a capsule, was not there, but nothing that a few weeks of vacation well planned couldn’t solve. It is after, when he should juggle between his work and Royal Road adventures, that things would get tougher. But by then, he had time to prepare an optimal exit of the city, and his entry into adventures.
The next day, JB, after a quick shower and a hearty breakfast, dispatched what cleaning and errands he had to run, then connected. However, he did not rush to the training hall, but began visiting the city. Visit is probably not the right word because actually for visit, it was more a recognition of the land on which he would have to progress for a start.
The city Nivese, was not the capital of the kingdom in which it was, but had for quality to be a port and a center of commerce and culture. This city was full of contrasts, astride on a lagoon and a few hills on which all the important buildings were built.
Thus, the port and all commercial activities were based on piers spread across the lagoon when the training hall, the various guilds and administrative buildings were built on the heights.
Traffic in the city of water was mainly on small boats, dry roads being rare and usually occupied by the all kinds of merchants stalls.
Operating these small craft for leisure or business walkers, was one of the small jobs available for beginners. This meant that most avatars starting in this city, came out after four weeks with navigation skills, beginner-level 1 to 5 depending on the time they had spent in this way. This made Nivese a popular base among sailors aspirants, most other port cities not offering naval activities for beginners, but fishing from the docks.
This tour of his "homeland" finished, Cilerius went to the training hall to continue his preparation. Navigation could be a useful talent in the future, but for the duration of the four weeks as a recluse in the city, his versatile training was a priority.
Once there, Cilerius did over his DIY, even faster than before, demonstrating that the training wasn’t limited only to stats.
And the day began with the sounds of wailing and grinding scarecrow, to such an extent that one would have been able to believe they were alive, at least for now.
The 2nd book lent by the clerk turned out be a much more difficult challenge than the previous one. Nothing, however, impossible to overcome for Cilerius, or rather JB, that was used to devour books at high speed. The complexity of the proposed reading confirmed his hunch that this could be the beginning of a quest. Another effect related to the increased difficulty, intellectual stats did grow at a faster pace than previously. Latter effect, 2 days were necessary to Cilerius to overcome in a suitable manner, ie by understanding the content and by retaining the essence. Important detail since, no doubt, Desmond would question him about the book, whether to simply decide whether he deserved a book of the same quality, or as a test to start this quest glimpsed in his behavior. On the evening of the third day, Cilerius returned to the library to return the book and take the exam he foresaw.
Desmond, seeing him come back visibly exhausted, mistake and said:
"Ah, too hard after all? Probably too early. "
"We'll see. I read it, I finished it, I realized it!" Answered Cilerius on the tone of the Caesar " Veni vidi vici ".
"Really? I must check that." Taking the book returned by Cilerius, Desmond opened it, flipped a few pages, looking for passages concealing important information. Then he stated:
"Northern Empire was buried under the ice. But before that, it had for master a man with a very special profession. What was this empire and this profession."
Cilerius, seemed to be thoughtful about ten seconds, then replied:
"This is the Harpen empire and the profession was sculptor."
At this answer, Desmond opened his eyes more than usual, his mouth for a moment and then let out as a breath:
"Ooh! That is well. You did not simply skim this book. You have memorized the information content, it seems." He then asked some more questions which all found satisfactory answers.
The clerk seemed pleasantly surprised.
"Very well, I'm sure that giving you access to the treasures of our knowledge will be amply justified. To get access I have to give you the reserve key... unfortunately, at a picnic, one of the few times I got out of the city walls, a fox stole me the key ... it shone as if made of gold, I guess that's what drew it... I saw it running into the bushes and since then, I couldn’t get myself into the reserve for my greatest difficulty. Find the key and you will have unlimited access to the library treasures."
* Ding! The clerk charge you to find the golden key. Clue: a fox ran away with in the forest hills that extend near the gates of the city.
Difficulty: D
Prerequisites: You must have earned the respect of the clerk.
Reward: permanent access to library reserves.
'Ah! I thought so ... but completing this task will necessarily await the end of 4 weeks of confinement, since I have to get the key outside of the walls. But it isn’t probably a quest often entrusted, it requires a certain complicity with the clerk that is only acquired by reading a complicated book that give nothing, according to the knowledge of most players. Who knows, this may be a chain quest ... the opportunity is too good to pass up. '
"I'll find the key! "
* You accepted the request of Desmond *
"In the meantime, can I borrow another book? "
"But of course, make yourself at home, I was able to confirm for myself that my books are not wasting their time in your hands. "
* Ding! Your level of complicity with Desmond is such that you can now choose for yourself, without limitation, the books you want. Attention, damaging or losing a book will reduce his esteem.
Cilerius went off to browse among the shelves to choose which books would be best able to serve his workout the next day and left with five bulky tomes under his arm.
The next morning, he returned to his mixed intellectual-pugilistic activities in the hall. He found out that his repeated presence earned him an approving glance from the hall guardian. The seventh day of his training, that is to say. at a quarter of the confinement, the guard spoke to him in a rather friendly manner:
"I see you make proof of endurance. But your diet is perhaps not the most suitable one for this constant physical effort."
"Yes, but the rye bread is all I currently have."
"Ah, of course. But come share my pittance. I prepared enough to satisfy an ogre."
"Oh, thank you very much, but I don’t want to abuse."
"Please, the sweat you pour every day is a good enough payment. It is so rare these days to see someone as applied in his physical exercises."
"If you insist, I can only accept, with all my thanks."
And so, from this 7th day, Cilerius could eat something else than tasteless rye bread and most importantly, he was running out of the allocated stock at the character creation.
He added little variations in his method, now hitting the dummies with firstly, 2 hand staff, then with 2 short staffs. Thus, he created the corresponding skills and parallel to the pankration, he did raise them alternately. This course was designed to allow optimal use of the weapon of the magic classes, staff, for close-combat purpose if it came to that. Improving the chances of survival at all costs, seemed to be the keyword of Cilerius in his preparation.
The 30th day, at the end of the period of reclusion, nothing happened meaning the end of the basic training. He then decided to continue his efforts.
And it’s at the 37th day that the event he expected occurred.
* Ding! You gain 1 point of strength
* Ding! you gain 1 intelligence
* Ding! you earn 20 celebrity
* Ding! you earn 20 celebrity
* Ding! you earn 100 points of life
* Ding! you gain 100 mana.
* Ding! You have completed the basic training. You are eligible to attempt the beginner training.
* Ding! You have completed the basic intellectual apprenticeship. You are eligible for the beginner intellectual training.
'What’s that? There is an intellectual equivalent of basic training? This need some research. It could be something very useful', was thinking Cilerius after reading the last message.
Then, having reached the end of his training, Cilerius consulted the final result:
"Window stats:”
Avatar: Cilerius Type: Neutral
Level: 1 Class: no
Title: None Fame: 0
Life: 650 Mana: 610
STR: 40 DEX: 42 VIT: 45
Resilience: 44 Stamina: 46
WIS: 41 INT: 40
concentration: 45
Leadership: 0 Luck: 0
Offense: 3 Defense: 0
Magic Resistance: None
skills:
Pankration: beginner (3) 54%
2 hand staff fighting: beginner (2) 67%
1 hand staff fighting: beginner (2) 71%
ambidexterity: beginner (2) 25%
He had still acquired one more skill in the systematic dummy bombardment; ambidexterity. Indeed, the use and the strong side and low side at the same time, had developed this ability, which when increasing, raised the low side damages and accuracy to the level of the strong side. His training had taken longer than originally planned, but as a result, he earned a little more vitality.
He could also be assume that the basic requirement to complete the training was acquiring through it at least 30 bonus points in the two corresponding stats, Strength and Dexterity for physical training, intelligence and wisdom for intellectual learning . Was the equivalent of four weeks of strikes on dummies or in the library reading books added? Possible, but for now, the result was what that mattered.
The hall guardian then came to him:
"Congratulations! You have completed the basic training within a very short time and in addition, in a way few used. You've earned a reward." He said, handing him a package.
"Thank you. I will miss our conversation over a good meal." Answered Cilerius, receiving the package.
He then proceeded to open it and found inside two reinforced gloves. Fighting gloves obviously. They were padded on top, wrists, knuckles and even the base of the palm. There was also a fittings on the joints between the fingers and hand. He saw too of on each glove, the inside of the forearm part, five small gaps that seemed ready for something, maybe gems.
"This is the first time I hand over these gloves. Usually, it is rather a sword. I do not know all their qualities, but I am certain that you will discover and enjoy them."
"Certainly. Thank you for this wonderful present. Out of curiosity, how many people have completed the basic training? "
"5214 to date in different the training halls. But on all continents, are, to my knowledge, only 27 people have completed it empty handed. And you're the first to do it by reading books. This is a vision that will stay with me all my life. I think, I will in the future, be proud of that you have spent your basic training in my hall."
"It's too much honor! It is me who is grateful for having attended this hall. But tell me, where can I find the beginner training hall? "
"This, I can’t answer. They are located in different places of our continents and each must find his on his own."
"Well, it will therefore be one of my goals. Thank you again for everything you have done for me during these four weeks. It was a pleasure to meet you and I hope to repeat in the future." And with that, Cilerius took leave and went to the Academy of Magical Arts, examining gloves on the way:
Pugilist combat gloves.
Black leather gloves perfectly suited for combat.
Durability : 80/80
Defense: 5 Damage 3-6
For: 20 Dex: 20 Vit: 20
Durability: 100/100
Special property: Unidentified
Special property: Unidentified
Prerequisites: Str 40, Dex 40, pankration skill or known associate skill.
"Hmmm, interesting. I just met the conditions. But these special properties, I'm curious ... well, I'll see later."
The magic academy was a grand building, built atop the highest hill in the city. It included everything that was related directly or indirectly with magic. Thus, one could find there the wizard guild as well than the Elementalist guild and even craft guilds related to magic, like enchanting or scribe guilds. The building itself was made of a circular enclosure of smooth white stone, one might almost say of marble. Four towers were erected around the perimeter of the wall, each with a different but recognizable style. Indeed, each representing one of the major schools, fire, water, air and earth, witchcraft. Out of their appearance, a difference in the condition and maintenance was visible, those of fire and water glistening as if just built, those of air and earth pretenses less maintained. This showed no doubt, the power and thus the popularity of the different schools.
At the center of the building was a fifth tower, round, much larger than the other four, more grandiose too. At its peak lived and ministered the guild master. It is also up there that wizards aspirants should climb to apply and therefore receive the quest for access to the profession of wizard.
So this is the tower Cilerius began to climb. 444 steps to the top. A nice warm-up exercise for one not accustomed to physical exertion. Nothing too terrible for Cilerius who did go for one month, to sweat blood and tears in the training hall. Throughout the climb, he met numbers of men and women, players or NPCs, coming back down. None, by cons, exceeded him on the way up.
Reaching the top, it led to a large room where the activity was a reminiscent of a beehive, with people going from office to office, but all in silence and coordination that seemed quite strange. Cilerius noticed a small desk with a sign marked information and did go there. Were waiting in line in front of him, five other people. When finally his turn came, he asked the person sat on the other side, a small man with a balding barely hidden by his hat and big glasses resting low on his nose:
"Hello, I would like to know the formalities for admission to the guild of magic."
"Hmmm? "Was the first response of the little man, as he seemed to inspect from top to bottom, the appearance of the newcomer. "Are you sure you are in the right place? You seem more aware of the lowly physical efforts than of the noble mental gymnastics. Oh well, we see everything nowadays. Well, for admission, the first thing is a meeting with the guild master. Go to the bench there and wait for the time that they call you! In this regard, your name is? "
Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
"Cilerius"
The little man scratched a scroll with his pen, slowly stating, "Cilerius"
"Now give me room, go wait on the bench for the pleasure of the master! "
Cilerius therefore went to the bench and sat down, thinking:
'Here is at least one individual that I have trouble coaxing. The perfect little civil servant.'
The bench was placed against a wall of the room, which was bathed in the light falling from the large canopy cut in the roof. In fact, Cilerius seen, while hours of waiting, that the bench was always in the light, either directly or by mirror sets, making this location, a place more unpleasant function the waiting time, by the permanent dazzle and heat. Cilerius thought: ‘no doubt that this is a designed test. Let’s try to win it'.
It is only at falling night that he finally heard:
"Aspirant Cilerius, introduce yourself to the great master!"
Cilerius looked up from one of the books he had with him and allowed him to spend time in a less boring than it was to be expected. The thousand and one mazes of the world, their keepers and treasures, was the name of the book. Additionally to practical knowledge he gained 1 point of wisdom and 1 of intelligence while reading. However, Cilerius did not seem satisfied. Indeed, when he had read it with no other activity, he hardly received the equivalent of what he earned during his training. In fact, the limits of the opportunities to earn points in this way, seemed close. Wasn’t this the case, it is certain that at least one player would have tried to raise his stats indefinitely in this manner while still being lvl 1.
Cilerius appeared before the ornate door of the Grand Master, which was ajar, and then crossed the doorway, walked a few steps in the room where everything was organized and tidy to reflect the power of its occupant. In his office, the guild master, Bragarton was hunched over a manuscript. After some minutes, he looked up at the newcomer and then turned to his right, looking at a sheet, then looked back on the man in front of him.
"Cilerius, this is your name? "
"Yes master"
"Um ... well ... at least you are concise ... it partly compensates for this basely physical appearance. So you want to learn the noble art of magic."
"Yes, it is my dearest wish"
"It wasn’t a question, but a statement!" Retorted the Grand Master with a slight wrinkling of the nose.
"Know that this noble art is restricted to persons of mind. Magic is elegancy made art. I disapprove of letting access to some first-come with half-baked mind," he continued.
"You will have to prove that you're not just a farm boy for whom magic is limited to the farts of the pigs he’s guarding”.
"Put me to the test," said Cilerius.
"Silence! here it is I who decides!" thundered Bragarton. "Of course I'll try you. Let's see ... um ... I know, for such a boor as you, I have exactly what is needed. You will bring this book to Desmond, the vile rat serving as librarian. In return, you bring me those on this list." He said with a wry smile.
* Ding!
Bragarton, the Grand Master of the magic academy, assign you a mission with the librarian. You must return a book and bring back the 10 required on the list.
Time: undefined.
Reward: wizard guild membership.
"Well, I'm on it immediatly,"
You have accepted the quest.
And Cilerius, pocketing the list and taking the book to return, left, hurtling down the stairs 4 by 4, just to stretch his legs after the long forced inactivity.
"Ahaha!" A mocking laughter rang through the room Cilerius had left a few seconds earlier.
"The return of the book overdue for more than a month and the complex list, it’ll take a long time to decide that mule, Desmond, to leave him browse the shelves in search of what I asked." And he went back to his reading with a satisfied air.
Meanwhile, Cilerius had reached the foot of the tower and headed to a building he knew well, having visited it many times during the past month, the library. Along the way, he thought: 'There is one word to describe Bragarton: haughty! It will be difficult to deal with him. I'm pretty sure I would get more cooperation from a bear from I would have snatched honey than with him. I better get my membership to the guild as soon as possible and have the least to do with him. Moreover, his character seems to rub off on the rest of the staff. Finally, at first glance, the list does not seem too hard to satisfy. I've read 9 of the 10 books requested, so I know where to find them. He must have wanted to trick me, but luckily my previous month seem even more profitable than I thought.'
On these estimations, he came to the library, that although the time was late, was always open, his keeper always faithful to his position, true to his books should we rather say.
"Hello Desmond, always enriching your mind to what I see."
"But who do I see? My most faithful visitor. What can I do for you?"
"Well, first, I come to return the books I borrowed. Then, I went to the magic academy and the Grandmaster asked me to return this book and take some others."
"The Grandmaster, an old owl imbued with himself! AH! I'm sorry, I should have guessed that you would go there and warn you of what you would find. Let me see this book."
And Desmond took the book, examining it a moment before saying:
"Well, at least he doesn’t damage them ... but one month late, it is to believe that this old fogy can’t read or he does it on purpose. Would have been it someone else, I probably would have spent my wrath and would have sent them the four corners of the city works to recover books before leaving them take a book for this plucked phoenix. But for you, I will not do that. Especially since I'm sure that was the goal sought by this hypocrite. So go get the books required. Sure he will rage if you bring them so quickly."
"Thank you Desmond, I appreciate" and Cilerius moved through the shelves, here and there, taking a book from the list. Indeed, only the 10th presented a little difficult to find, but it still took only 5 minutes.
Just before he left, Desmond called out:
"Cilerius! I see that you have completed the basic intellectual apprenticeship. Congratulations! This is the first time I witnessed it. It is with great emotion that I will for the first time, give this" he said, handing him a small case.
"Thank you. I'm the first here you say? And elsewhere? "
"In fact, to my knowledge, this is the first time that this item is delivered, in any library"
"And are there places to keep learning? "
"But of course. The acquisition of knowledge is a quest that doesn’t end so simply. However, these places are kept secret."
"Very well, thank you for those information."
Opening the case, Cilerius see window information display:
Gamocellès Heritage
Continue Gamocellès, the first scribe, research.
Discover the key of knowledge.
Difficulty: d
can not be refused
You have accepted the quest.
* Ding! New Skill: Calligraphy. The artistic writing used for all official and sacred tasks. As mastery increases, the use of calligraphy will lead to new opportunities. Writing new knowledge in a grimoire can enrich you intellectually. Additional effects on intellectual skills.
* Ding! New Skill: handicraft. Additional effects on a variety of production skills and your combat skills. Even without the profession, an opportunity to learn the production skills if certain prerequisites are met.
Inside the case was a feather. Cilerius examined:
Garuda Feather
A feather allowing an elegant writing
Durability: 1000/1000
Unknown property
Unknown property
+2 levels of calligraphy
This pen holds many secrets
'Hmmm, another unknown skill. If it has similar effects on spells than handicraft has on combat, these 37 days have been really beneficial. And besides I am, so far, the only one to have completed the intellectual apprenticeship, a big advantage.' Thought Cilerius. Then at his librarian friend:
"Thank you again for all your help and the present, but now to climb the tower with those 10 books, it will be a good exercise after that day still." Cilerius said.
"Well in that case, good climb," answered Desmond "and do not hesitate to visit my treasures, you're welcome, always."
"Thank you, I will not fail to do so." And Cilerius went back to the academy of magic.
The climb, with the 10 books on the arms, proved refreshing to Cilerius. To not move for hours had been an ordeal for him who, during one month, had exercised was so much that it had become the same as breathing habit.
At the summit, he told the little bald man
"Hello, I bring the books requested by the master, if you would kindly tell him I’m here? "
This personification of the petty official looked up and recognized the person in front of him, opened eyes showing big surprise, then regaining his senses, replied in a dry and cold:
"I'll convey."
Cilerius stood still in front of the desk, signaling his intention not to move until the message was send. Visibly annoyed, the little man rose from his seat and knocked at the door of the Grandmaster, then opened and on a response went inside, a few seconds later heard a loud "WHAT!" Followed other indistinct shouting. After a few minutes, the little man came out and called:
"Aspiring Cilerius, the Grandmaster will receive you."
"Ok, I’m coming" and he went to the door and entered the room where he could foresee that, with great difficulty, the Grandmaster had recovered his hat and smoothed his robe which in the previous concussion had been disturbed, which seemed to annoy him as much as the fact that this little aspirant was already here.
"Show me that! you brought me exactly what I asked? Not some book taken at random?"
Cilerius put the books on the desk and stepped back one step. Bragarton looked at the books, their cover first then inside to check their authenticity, then said:
"I dare not ask what medium you used to corrupt the rat, Desmond, but the fact is, you have completed the mission entrusted"
* Ding! you have completed the mission successfully.
Lvl up!
Lvl up!
Class Change: The profession wizard is offered, would you accept?
"Yes, I want to be a wizard. "
"Well, since fate afflicts us with your presence in our noble institution, you can’t move around in tatters, here is a voucher for a novice robe, a staff and the novices spell book to withdraw at the quartermaster. Do not stay with him too long, he might rub off on you. He was brilliant at his beginning, but his inelegant behavior, unworthy of our profession earned him to only serve as quartermaster. Let this be a warning. Go now, your presence will end up giving me a headache."
You receive the blessing of the magic academy.
+25 Int (related to the profession)
+25 Wis (related to the profession)
New Skill: Magic mastery
New Skill: Mana preservation
New Skill: Magic amplification
New Skill: Fire elemental mastery
New Skill: Ice elemental mastery
New Skill: Earth elemental mastery
New Skill: Air elemental mastery
On this very undiplomatic leave, Cilerius departed, pausing for a moment at the office of the little bald man to ask for directions to the quartermaster, then immediately headed there. He wasn’t sorry to leave this so little nice company.
'If the quartermaster is so little considered up there, he can only be a good man.' Was thinking Cilerius going down.
He had, in fact to get down even lower than the foot of the tower, the quartermaster being relegated in the basement of the building. He came to a counter behind which a person held a radiant bonhomie and started first the conversation:
"Welcome, what can I do for you? "
"Hello, thank you for your warm welcome, it changes from the blizzard-like that runs up there," said Cilerius, pointing to the direction of the top of the tower.
"Hehe, I understand you well, these uptight only have appearances in mind, they forgets efficiency"
Cilerius observed a moment the quartermaster, a man somewhere in his 40th, with a little overweight and a conquering gray mane. Even if he had flunked here at the stewardship, he seemed to have lost nothing from his gaiety. Apart from this apparent over-weight, he seemed physically well trained and in any case, well build. According to the criteria of the Grandmaster, he was indeed out of place.
"My name is Cilerius, I was sent to you to get the different items in this list. Would you be kind enough to provide them, please. "
"But of course. It is politely asked, it changes from the boor they usually send me. My name is Sigismund, delighted to make your acquaintance "
"All the pleasure is mine"
"But tell me, I see that you are quite well trained." Indeed, the appearance of Cilerius almost 1.8M for 58cm shoulder width, was quite impressive. JB, IRL, had been a first line of rugby at the university. And not tender. Add to that the one month training at the hall, this reflected on Cilerius appearance. A tough guy. "I can guess that your interview with Bragarton was really dry. I think he feeds a complex against people with a well-trained physique. For this idiot only appearances matter. What a fool, what elegance has a cadaver. It is better to be realistic for combat. Idealism brings only bumps and bruises, to say the least. "
"I can only agree with you. Efficiency is my course of action."
"In this case, we are made to understand each other. By cons, beware of the old owl, and especially of his clique. To please him, they are willing to report any breach of elegance. " Sigismund uttered that last sentence, and especially the last word with undisguised disgust. "I myself have suffered from their persiflage. I was master of the Earth school, but the way I was fighting didn’t had the good fortune to please. Too messy! A wizard does not directly touch his targets! Among other nonsense they have told me. And during that time, how many wizards have gone to death, their robes stained with their blood instead of the monsters. Pfffft ... in the meantime, I am still alive and I have killed a lot of monsters by myself. "
"I agree with you. Better being able to strike them if they approach us."
"Absolutely! it is just as you say. "
* Ding! Your complicity with Sigismund increases significantly. Criticizing common enemies and sharing the same views can seal friendships.
"Hold, here's the dress and stick already" said Sigismund, handing him the two objects. "I'll get the novice magic book".
Cilerius received his firsts equipment, but before wearing, he examined them:
Robe of the novitiate wizard.
A blue robe of raw linen embroidered with some runes.
Defense: 10 Durability: 50/50
Int: 5 Wis: 5
Prerequisites: Wizard profession, lvl3 minimum, intelligence and wisdom 15.
Ash staff of the novice.
A staff of carved ash wood with a crystal encrusted.
Damage: 2-4 Durability: 60/60
Int: 5 Wis: 5
Prerequisites: minimum lvl3, intelligence and wisdom 15.
Sigismund returned and then giving him the book told him in a low voice:
"This is an old edition, it contains more than the new and most importantly, you will find spells of the two minor schools, while in the new edition, they finesse, as well as one additional general spell. It’s to believe they are trying to make them disappear."
"Thank you, I will try to take advantage of this fine book that you give me." Then, Cilerius examined the book:
Basic spell book of the beginner.
Rarity: D
Contains two specific spells per magic school and 4 spells or general competence.
Compared with the usual book that was graded rarity E, it was already a nice advantage. He gained so five spells. Remained to know their usefulness. He began then reading and learning the spells and competences:
Meditation: common general competence. Increases the mana regeneration depending on the degree of expertise of the user.
Identification: common general competence. Allows the user to identify an object hidden characteristics. The level of expertise of the user determines through what level of difficulty he can identify an object.
Magical Restriction: common general spell. Allows to immobilize a target. The strength and duration of immobilization depends on the level of expertise of the caster. Each attack can break the spell.
Magic Missile: unusual general spell. Low powered magic attack showing as a missile of pure energy. The expertise helping, the caster can guide more precisely after the missile launch and its damage may increase.
Fire Finger: common fire spell. Unguided launched attack that takes the form of a fireball that inflicts, in addition of direct damage, increasing burning damage till the flame fade. The expertise of the caster can naturally evolve the spell up to a phenomenal power.
Fire Walk: uncommon fire spell. Area of effect. Flames arise under caster steps and remain some time. The strength of the flames, their scope and duration depend on the expertise of the caster.
Palm Ice: common water spell. Unguided attack. Takes the form of a palm of ice that in addition to direct damage, inflict restriction of movement of the target, dependent on the spell power. A persistent effect may also impose a cold on target. The expertise of the caster can naturally evolve the spell up to a phenomenal power.
Ice Shield: uncommon water spell. Defensive spell that weaken, stop or even reflect enemy attacks. The shield remains in place until exhausted or withdraw by the caster. Resistance and effect of the shield depends on the expertise of the caster.
Zephyr of restriction: common air spell. Spell restricting the target movements. Homing spell. Better than magical restriction. Force, duration of the restriction and number of possible target depend on the degree of expertise of the caster. Only the most powerful attacks may break the spell.
Wind Walk: uncommon air spell. Can be cast on yourself or others. Allows the caster to walk on air. The number of steps possible depends on the expertise of the user.
Mineral needles: common earth spell. Spell cast on a targeted area where mineral needles will spring from the ground more or less vertically. In addition to direct damages, victims suffer impalement damage until their release. The power of the attack depends on the expertise of the caster and soil quality in the targeted area.
Alteration of soil: uncommon earth spell. Spell cast on a targeted zone which will have a liquefying or hardening effect. An earthy area will be transformed into mud, a sandy area into rocks. The affected area and depth depend on the expertise of the caster. Casting the spell on the same area will reverse the effect.
After finishing learning spells and skills, Cilerius promised to return to Sigismund, but before he left, the latter noticed:
"I see you happen to have a very rare skill, calligraphy ... I think we can help each other. Here is an ink stone and a stock of scrolls. They’re yours if you can give me thirty copies of this parchment."
* Ding! Sigismund entrust you a mission: to provide thirty copies of a parchment.
Prerequisite: calligraphy competence and at least neutral relationship with Sigismund.
Reward: the equipment surplus and reputation gain with the elemental mages friendship.
Cilerius could only find benefits to this proposal. He wondered, however:
"What’s the elemental mages friendship? "
"This is an informal group of mages who exchange information and services out of the academy shackles. "
"Very well, I will provide these copies."
You have accepted the mission. You get 50 scrolls and an ink stone.
Cilerius advised a table and a chair near, under an oil lamp and laid there the parchment. He sat down, used the ink stone and then pulled out his pen. He dipped the tip of his pen in the ink and began to trace the letters with the greatest possible application. The bonus of the pen, +2 calligraphy level, helped a lot, but the first parchment was not a resounding success. Despite his best efforts, it was obvious that this tedious work couldn’t be perfect immediately. However this served him to train, so his second parchment, though it was still not a success, was considered a deserving work since a system window appeared:
You gain a little experience in calligraphy. Calligraphy beginner level 1 (3.4%)
You gain a little experience in handicraft. Handicraft beginner level 1 (2.3%)
Encouraged by this result, Cilerius went back to work with even more application, so that after 2 hours, 7 scrolls used including 5 for a correct result and the last considered very good, he gained a level in calligraphy . Some scrolls later, this is the handicraft skill that gained a level. It is finally, after 9 hours of work that he could provide thirty scrolls of the required quality. At that time, he had reached Level 3 (45%) in calligraphy and Level 2 (78%) in handicraft. He handed the parchments to Sigismund:
"Here, I've done my best, I think they should satisfy you. "
"Thank you. I'll check them", he replied, taking the outstretched scrolls. He examined them carefully and then continued:
"Very good, these are of sufficient quality."
* Ding! you have completed the mission entrusted by Sigismund.
You gain complicity with elemental mages friendship. (+50)
"For each additional copy of the same type that you provide me, I will give you two blank scrolls. And we will be grateful."
The proposal was still interesting, the wasted parchments now being at 1 on 3 and could only decrease with practice.
"Very well, I will produce some more". And Cilerius took up his pen and began anew his task.
2 more hours and he could provide 13 scrolls, for three failures, including one of exceptional quality. Upon completion of the latter, he saw the display windows system to gain level in calligraphy, with a significant increase, level 4 (24%) and handicraft level 3 (2.3%). It was pleasing him.
* Ding! gain level of handicraft (3)
Learning cooking and sewing is possible.
Increases melee and projectile weapons attack power (+3% attack)
Increases attack power with bare hands (5% attack)
'Wow! it's great!' Exclaimed inwardly Cilerius. 'I think I'll practice crafts diligently. It will pay off."
In addition, Art attribute was created with one point gain on completion of the exceptional quality parchment.
He then gave the scrolls to quartermaster for which he received 26 blank scrolls, 70 points of complicity and one silver coin. The high quality parchment was paid double the complicity and even earned him the coin.
This done, Cilerius decided it was time for him to venture outside the city walls and therefore took leave of Sigismund then rose to the surface and headed for the artisans district. He still had one thing to do before venturing outside the walls. He stopped at a shop that sold food ready-to-eat, products to prepare, cooking utensils and condiments. With a few pieces of money received by having completed basic training and completion of the mission of the Grandmaster, he bought basic condiments and some basic utensils, skewer, pan, knife, spatula, bottles, which cost him almost all of his money. However, he would be able to live on the nature and most importantly, not just on rye bread.
To do this, he still had to do a little formality, learn the cooking skill. To do that, a quick discussion with the merchant on the interest he took in cooking, was sufficient, as he was proud of his work and thrilled that others had the same interest. This was only possible since Cilerius had and handicraft skill at level 3.
This done, Cilerius headed for the gates of the city. Just before leaving the city, he disconnected of the game to take care of the few necessities of real life he might have after a very long day and before a night even longer.
to root menu to chapter 2