Eventually, he arrived in front of a building with the size of a football field. A long line of users extended for a hundred metres or so. The two users he saw earlier stood at the very back of the line. It was like the scene at a cinema when a new blockbuster came out, minus the popcorns and sodas.
‘What the hell? What are they waiting in line for?’
Lou walked beside the line and checked the entrance for himself. A few people glared at him, probably thinking he was going to cut in line. But their eyes softened when they saw him keeping a distance, simply peeking at the front. His… irregular body might’ve played a part in calming them, too.
‘Beginner’s training hall’ was written on a huge wooden sign hanging over the entrance.
‘Ah, this is the place where you can gain stats without levelling up!’
He had read all about this in the database. Although the corporation only released a portion of Armus’ information, they listed basic things like the training halls. According to them, training at these halls will provide the users with combat proficiency and stats.
The system prohibited new users from exiting the starting area for the first week. In other words, Lou couldn't take a step outside the gates of Whitemoon Citadel. Even the first users only started a couple of days ago, so there was no better place to go to than this training hall at the moment. Naturally, running minor errands for the resident NPCs was inferior to gaining hundreds of stat points.
Lou smiled after finding one of his planned destinations, but his happiness drained away like water in a sink. What use was the training hall now? He didn’t intend to wallow in self-pity but what could he even do in this state? Cooking, blacksmithing, tailoring, painting, sculpting or any other skills was impossible to learn.
‘I know there are disabled people who knows how to do things with their feet, but they were born that way. So they had an entire childhood learning and getting used to their condition. But that’s not true for me!’
Even if he practiced now, it would take years before he could do anything in a proper way. There’s a reason why hands and feet were built differently.
‘Even if I manage to succeed, how would I fight monsters? Kicking might work at first, but for how long could I go on with that?’
His problem was more technical. Fighting with one foot would jeopardise his balance. Lou understood how important it was in a battle. After all, his only defeat back on Earth was caused by him losing balance.
With his head hanging low, he moved away from the training hall.
‘Something. There’s got to be something I can do to overcome this! The corporation must’ve thought of this possibility, so there must be a way. I’ll start with asking the NPCs first’
***
“Hmmm… I would recommend the healer, but the wound has already sealed up perfectly. I’m sorry, I really want to help, but I don’t know what to do. Maybe you can still ask for advice from the healer? Here’s the address...”
“I see. Thank you” Lou bowed gratefully to the NPC shopkeeper and walked away.
“Ah, wait! Here, take these. It’s the least I can do to help” The shopkeeper said, bringing out five barley breads. “Ah, don’t worry. I’ll put them into your bag for you”
“Thanks” Lou said.
It seemed that his title ‘Pitiful One’ had influenced the shopkeeper to provide additional assistance. After receiving this small gift, Lou realised that the title might be useful after all. But it still humiliated him somewhat.
‘Healer… yes, why didn’t I think of that? Come to think of it, I haven’t seen a single person with a missing limb. That’s strange, since people fight vicious monsters all the time in this world. There must be some sort of magic or potion that can regrow a lost limb or so!’
Clang!
“Ouch!”
Lou grimaced. His forehead throbbed, but he couldn’t even rub it. He had bumped into a lamp post like some old-school comedian. Passersby sniggered after seeing his antics. He couldn’t really blame them, he was the one who made a fool out of himself.
Blushing furiously, he hurried away from the scene.
‘Damn it, that was stupid. Really, I’m past 30 and I can’t even walk properly?’
He continued to admonish himself as he walked through the complicated streets of the citadel. All the time, he made sure to keep an eye out for what’s in front of him. He wouldn’t want to repeat the same mistake, he might end up getting another crappy title if he’s not careful.
‘Which way was it again? Was it a right after the tavern, or a left?’
A quick question would solve his problem, but he would rather not have any sympathetic reactions at the moment. Once or twice a day was already more than enough. Instead, he racked his brain and trusted his gut instincts in picking a direction.
‘I can just turn back if I’m wrong’ Lou thought.
***
‘Is this it?’
He arrived at a building in the inner parts of the citadel. The white paint on the walls had flaked and scattered themselves on the ground, like oversized dandruffs. Thick layers of dust coated the windowsills. The wooden signboard hung dangerously over the entrance, swaying every time a breeze passed by.
Lou squinted.
‘I can barely read the words on the signboard. It’s so old that the writing’s all faded… Let’s see… H…er. Hmm… yeah, should be right if I add in ‘eal’ in the middle. But can this guy really help me? His business doesn’t look that good’
He sighed. There’s no other choice for him anyway. Besides, the shopkeeper wouldn’t have pointed out this place for a prank.
***
A cloud of dust fell off the door as soon as he opened it.
“Hack! Koff!” The fine particles irritated his throat and nostrils, and his eyes itched. “Bah, talk about poor housekeeping! How’d you heal people with all these germs in the house?”
But no response came.
‘Nobody’s home?’
He thought the exterior was bad, but the interior proved him otherwise. A white powdery coating blanketed everything leather. From chair cushions to book covers on the shelves, everything was white!
‘Forget dust, this place is mould hell!’
You have breathed in harmful airborne particles. These particles would continue to damage your lungs until you secure a continuous supply of fresh air.
Effect:
Inflicts 1 damage every 5 seconds until fresh air is breathed in.
You have received 1 damage
You have received 1 damage
“Status window!”
[tr][tr][tr][tr][tr][tr][tr]
Character InformationNameLouRaceHumanTitlePitiful OneProfessionNoneFame5Level1Health98/100Mana100/100Strength15Agility15Stamina15Intelligence15Wisdom15Luck15Special stat(s)Charisma1
His health continued to decrease every five seconds, even as he read the information window.
’97…96… I have about 8 minutes before my health depletes’
“Shit, I’m leaving!”
Lou backpedalled to the entrance and almost stepped outside when a voice called out to him.
“Hey, wait!” someone said.
His feet froze mid-motion, and he remained where he stood. He panned his head across the room, searching for the person. Once, twice, he could detect no lifeforms in the vicinity. Just as he was about to dismiss the voice as part of his imagination, he heard it again.
“I’m over here!”
There was a difference when one actively looked for something. As soon as Lou heard it again, he turned his eyes in the exact direction of its origin. There, he saw a woman clad in a dark leather vest, complete with a lowered hood. She had her black hair tied back into a short ponytail. A pair of dark trousers hugged her toned legs. Her attire suggested a shady job with plenty of hiding and hidden blades.
‘I swear I’ve checked that spot more than twice and didn’t see her!’ Lou’s eyes bulged. ‘No, more importantly… she looks like some kind of assassin. Did I stumble across some secret assassin hideout by accident? No doubt about it, there’s no way this is a healer’s house. This must be some abandoned front!’
“Hey, what are you making that face for?! Didn’t anyone teach you it’s rude to stare at a woman like that?” The unnamed woman placed her hands on her hips and growled.
“I don’t have any money, and I promise I won’t tell anyone about your hideout!” Lou cried out.
“Wha—? Money…? Hideout…?” She frowned. Then her eyes widened as she realised what he implied.
“How dare you, I’m not a bandit! How could you associate me with those low lives? As a compensation, let me rip another hole on your nose!”
“Your words are contradictory, are you confused?! Is it the hormones? It’s the hormones, isn’t it? It must be that time of the month. I’m sorry, I’m really sorry, I’ll leave!”
“What? Hey, wait— don’t leave!”
‘Like hell I’m going to stay here with polluted air and an assassin!’ Lou thought as he resumed his strategic retreat. Of course, that was just a euphemism for running with his tail between his legs. But he was a man, and a man’s got to save his own pride.
“Hands! Arms, you want a pair of arms don’t you?!”
Almost. Just one more step, and he would’ve made it outside. But she just had to say that. Lou put on a painful grimace and stared at his status window.
’82 Health, I’ve got time to listen…if she doesn’t kill me straightaway. I hope I won’t regret this’
“Yes, I can help you. Just stay for a bit, and I’ll give them to you” She offered. Those words seduced him to linger near the entrance. Somehow, he thought she looked relieved.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
“Okay, I’m listening but can we talk outside? I don’t reckon you enjoy the constant damage to your lungs either” He could feel a scratchy sensation in his throat every time he breathed. It annoyed him, but a small part of him marvelled at the realism of this virtual world.
She gave a frown yet again, the one that indicated her confusion. It only lasted for a fraction of a second though, as she glanced at the mould around her. It almost seemed like she wasn’t aware of her surroundings until now.
“Yes, I… don’t like it either. But I’m afraid we must talk here, and I’ll make it as quick as possible” She replied, her eyes not meeting his.
This might be nothing but a ruse, but what choice did he have? It’s sink or swim. If she could truly grant his wish, then it would be great. If not, then too bad. Either way, he knew he had to try. If he ended up dead, then he would eventually resurrect at the save point with a few penalties.
“On the wall behind the painting there is a safe. Inside it is a bunch of equipment, including a pair of prosthetic arms” She pointed at a large framed picture depicting a war between humans and monsters.
“You can check for yourself” She added, giving him permission to move the painting.
Lou nodded warily, and made his way to said painting. He had to move in eight steps away from the entrance, carrying him deeper into the building. The muscles in his legs tightened, ready to spring at the hint of a threat.
The painting was twice the width of his shoulders. He couldn’t exactly lift a foot to knock it off the wall at the moment. Instead, he nudged it with his shoulders.
The painting swayed a few times, but didn’t fall down. He tried again, only to achieve the same results. The third time’s the charm they said, and his repeated effort bore fruit. The frame, complete with picture and all, tumbled forward and crashed onto the floor. And behind it was…
‘A safe…’
“There, just like I told you” She said.
“There’s a dial lock. Give me the password”
“Hey, this is a trade. You scratch my back, I’ll scratch your back. You fulfil my request, and I’ll give you a pair of arms as promised”
“So what if there’s a safe here. How do I know if there’s really a pair of prosthetic arms inside it? For all I know, it could be empty. If you don’t want to give me the password, I’ll stay away and you can open it to show me the promised goods” He retorted.
“…Smart. But I can’t open it, even if I know the password”
Lou sneered at the reply. It was ridiculous no matter how he listened to it. How could she know the password and not be able to open it? There were only two possibilities now. One, she didn’t know the password. Two, the safe had been booby-trapped.
“I know what you’re thinking. I’m not lying, I really can’t open the safe. There are… certain limitations that prevent me from doing so” She said while sporting a downcast expression. “Should you fulfil my request, you can help yourself to the contents of the safe”
“Now I’m getting less convinced. The fact that you offered me more rewards proved that this is a trap. I’ll give you one last chance to convince me” Lou inched back towards the doorway, careful not to provoke her.
“I need you to kill a demon that resides somewhere in this citadel. That is all I ask of you in exchange for my equipment”
“Ha! A demon. Let’s say that there is one around, but why would you need me of all people to kill it? You look like you’re much stronger than I am, you could’ve done it yourself, couldn’t you? I know what you’re trying to do, you’re trying to send me off as some sacrifice to this demon of yours!”
Yes, Lou was a level 1 beginner. He didn’t have a single extra stat from the training hall either. His equipment consisted of a basic leather shirt and trousers. With his physical disability, he wasn’t even sure that he could take on a rat. How was he supposed to slay a demon of all things?
However, his logical accusations had flipped a switch in the woman.
She balled her fists and bit her lips. Fine trickles of blood ran down the corners of her mouth, and her body shook in what Lou assumed to be rage. Her furrowed eyebrows formed a very intimidating glare. Beads of tears welled up in her eyes.
“How dare you…say that…” She choked on her words. “I was still fine with you calling me a bandit… but a demon worshipper…of all things…how dare you…”
The unexpected reaction took Lou by surprise. He didn’t say that to make her cry. Especially making her cry tears of anger at that.
“I’LL KILL YOU!”
She pounced at him faster than he could react. He was right when he said that she looked like she’s far stronger than he was. Even if he was fully alert, he doubted that he could dodge or defend himself in time.
But what happened next answered all of his questions.
Her hands passed through his throat, and her body phased through his. He heard a loud crackling noise, and in a flash of light something blasted her away from the entrance. Her body passed through a couch, and landed on the floor with a thud.
Lou turned around to see the source of the mysterious power, and found a… ‘distortion’ in the doorway. A barrier blocked the entrance. It crackled with arcs of what Lou assumed to be magical energy, and slowly faded until it became invisible. He tested moving his foot through it, and received no resistance.
‘This must be a specific barrier made to contain a specific thing…or person. Then… the reason why she gave me the request was…’
The woman coughed and heaved as she tried to stand. Lou spotted no damage on her clothing, but she must have received quite an injury for crashing against the barrier. Judging from her fierce expression though, she would not hesitate in trying to kill him again.
“You’re a ghost… aren’t you?” He asked.
“…” She refused to speak with him, and only glared silently.
“I apologize for doubting you and accusing you of terrible things. I needed to be wary. You wouldn’t explain things to me, so I had reasons to disbelieve”
She stopped shaking in rage, and no longer bared her fangs. But the dangerous glint in her eyes told him that she only partially accepted his apology. Even if he prostrated, he probably wouldn’t completely calm her down. No, this had to be settled in a different way.
“Yes. I’m a ghost, I’m dead. I can’t leave this damn building, and I can’t touch anything that’s not part of it” She explained while directing a bitter look at the walls and floor.
A quick demonstration of passing her hand through a table proved a point. The fact that she could stand on the floor with both feet proved the other.
“Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
“Would anyone willingly trust a ghost? You’d probably be afraid and run for your life”
“Everyone else did. Those that could see and hear me, at least” She muttered to herself.
“So?” She addressed him. “Do you accept my request or not? If not, just scram!”
Ding!
The unnamed ghost had asked you to slay a demon hiding in Whitemoon Citadel. In exchange, she would grant you a pair of prosthetic arms and other equipment of hers in the hidden safe. You may refuse this quest by exiting the building, but you would never receive it again.
Quest Objective(s):
-Find the demon and slay it.
-???
Quest Time Limit: 7 days from now.
Quest Difficulty: D
Quest Failure Penalty:
The quest cannot be repeated if you fail.
Fame – 200
All stats – 1
‘Quest difficulty D…’
The quest difficulties in Armus ranged from S to E, with E being the lowest. This was the first quest he received since he started, and it was ranked D. As a level 1 beginner who had a terrible disability, this quest was exceedingly difficult if not downright impossible.
You have entered a critical condition!
‘Only 10 health remaining, damn mould. I have fifty seconds to decide. Should I accept and try, or should I back off? The success rate is so low that I might just waste my time. I might end up spending these 7 days without finding a clue as to where the demon is hiding. Failing would also reduce all my stats by 1…’
‘Wait, why is there a time limit… and unknown objective?’
“Hey, ghost”
“What’s in it for you? What would you get from slaying this demon?” He asked for clarification.
“My freedom. My soul is bound to one of the items in that safe. But even if you take it out, I still can’t leave this house because of the barrier the damn demon set up for me” She answered.
“And what happens if I couldn’t do it in seven days?” He probed further.
“…I disappear forever”
You have received 1 damage
“What’s your name, ghost?”
She didn’t answer. She knitted her eyebrows as if he had asked a conundrum.
You have received 1 damage
‘5 health remaining…’
“I can’t keep calling you ghost, tell me your name” Lou repeated.
“…Natalya”
Ding!
Quest updated!
Natalya had asked you to slay a demon hiding in Whitemoon Citadel. In exchange, she would grant you a pair of prosthetic arms and other equipment of hers in the hidden safe. You may refuse this quest by exiting the building, but you would never receive it again.
Quest Objective(s):
-Find the demon and slay it.
-Retrieve the item binding Natalya’s soul, and free her from her prison.
Quest Time Limit: 7 days from now.
Quest Difficulty: D
Quest Failure Penalty:
The quest cannot be repeated if you fail.
Fame – 200
All stats – 1
“Okay, Natalya. I have no confidence that I can succeed…But I’ll accept your request”
You have accepted the quest.
Time remaining: 6 days 23 hours 59 minutes
***