Brand’s eyes opened to the soft glow of radiant lamps, casting their magic light across the room. He rose from the bed stretching his stiff muscles. Looking around he noticed his clean leather clothes laying atop the desk beside the bathroom door. The night before he had spent hours cleaning the dried blood off before exhaustion took its toll on his body, forcing him to stop. Dressed, he walked to Rex’s corner of the main hall. He called it Rex’s since he only ever saw Rex sitting there. Once seated, he ordered his soup even though it was the only thing he has eaten since arriving in this world. He didn’t want to spend copper on meals here, when he worked hard for the copper skinning rats, besides he would get better meals when his status improved until then he would have to tough it out with the bland soup and tasteless water. Rex sat next to him, sipping on his ever constant mug of mead.
Curious, he asked. “Do you ever stop drinking?”
‘No.’ Rex replied while taking a bigger gulp. ‘Congratulations on leveling to level 2, and surviving the mountain cat. Those cats usually don’t stray far from the forest around here, much bigger food in the forest. Anyway, I’m not able to train you like I should until you reach level 10. You need to level up which will take some time, I’m busy dealing with the Fire Wolf Faction, they have been aggressive lately and it is worrying the higher ups in the faction. I told Fastin to show you the good training spots, the rest is up to you to explore but, it can be dangerous as you have experienced with the cat and Scott. Here is some silver, I heard you broke your wooden sword, it is only meant to help you train you will need something more sharp to survive in the forest.’
3 Silver has been collected
Rex passed silver over the counter towards Brand.
'Thanks, but shouldn’t you be helping me out. They said you were my trainer and all, the only thing you’ve done is tell me about the world on the first day, that isn’t much of a training, Fastin has trained me more than you.’
‘They always give the newbies to older members of the faction to train, I’ve told you the most important facts of the world, I can only train you for real after level 10. Membership in the faction begins at level 10, right now you are only trainee status, filling the ranks.’
‘Fine, but I think this is bullshit.’ Brand stood up ,finishing his soup he noticed Fastin standing by the front doors to the hall, motioning to hurry up. They left the hall , stepping into the brisk morning air of the village. The sun was seen on the horizon, signaling the start of a new day.
‘Tim is currently the only blacksmith in town, he helps all the factions and inhabitants of the town, we are working on getting our own personal guild blacksmith but it cost a lot to build and forge and that isn't including the training for the blacksmith skill’ Fastin explained while walking down empty streets. They arrived at the shop noticing, a sign hanging down above the entrance with a picture of dual hammers floating above an anvil, below the picture it read:
Tim’s Blacksmith Shop
The shop had one floor with multiple windows displaying shining suits of iron armor and swords of varying length. The door creaked as they stepped into the shop, a faint metallic smell with a hint of leather escaping into the fresh morning air. A small bell, previously unnoticed, rang sharply from its place above the door, no doubt informing the blacksmith of their arrival. Inside a crowded room filled with armor and weapon stands greeted them, lining the walls glass cases displayed various trinkets. Waiting for someone to meet them they browsed the various items on display.
‘Greetings, how may I help you fine gentlemen?’
‘Hello, Tim this is Brand we are looking to get him a good sword. Do you have anything in stock to fit his size?’
‘A sword? I have quite a few swords here, let me take a few measurements to see if I have anything for you in stock.’ Tim said while walking around the counter and motioning for Brand to come closer. Brand following Tim’s instructions stood quietly as Tim took measurements of his height and arm length. ‘Looks like I have a few swords that will fit you size, wait just a moment while I get them from the back.’ Finishing up Tim walked into the backroom in search of the swords. Tim returned quickly, his arms full of swords. Laying them across the counter Brand examined them.
Name Iron Sword Attack 2-6 Description A sword made of iron.
Name Iron Sword Attack 1-8 Description A sword made of iron.
Name Iron Sword Attack 3-5 Description A sword made of iron.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Finished examining the swords Brand decided upon the sword with 3-5 attack. ‘How much for the sword with 3-5 attack?’
‘2 silver 50 copper.’
‘I’ll take it.’ Reaching out he handed 2 silver and 50 copper to Tim from his inventory. Equipping the sword he and Fastin left the shop.
His new sword in hand Brand and Fastin began their journey, showing all the new training locations nearby the town. Fastin showed spots for all the monsters before level 10, being extremely careful not to draw any attention, a single hit could cause death for both of them.’There you go Brand, you are on your own now.’ Fastin said as they were walking back into town that night.
‘Thanks for your help Fastin, I will pay you back in the future.’ Brand replied while opening the door to the Faction Hall. Silence met them when entering the dining hall, people were standing around a man listening to what he was saying.
‘Today, we are officially at war with the Fire Wolf Faction.’ The man spoke solemnly as excited murmurings erupted from the crowd. ‘They have been steadily harassing us for months, leading up to increased violence this past week. First they demanded a toll for crossing a Field demanding an outrageous amount of 5 silvers while just his morning they launched a raid on one of our Fields severely injuring members and occupying the land. We won’t stand for this at all. I have issued an order for all members above the Level 10 to meet and discus plans on raiding their headquarters, they shall pay for what they have done.’ Passing through the crowd followed by members he entered the door upstairs. The room exploded with activity as the door shut. People yelling at each other and running in and out of their rooms preparing for what could happen.
‘What now?’ Sitting down at the counter watching the people move about Brand asked Fastin.
‘Now we wait, you need to focus on leveling. The high levels will be doing all the work.’ Motioning for a drink Fastin replied.
Tired and realizing he couldn’t do anything Brand decided head to his room. Laying on his bed after taking a bath, he remembered he had 5 points to invest.
Status Name Brand King Level 2 Experience 2/100 Health 150/150 Attack 9 Defense 13 Strength 17 Vitality 15 Dexterity 10 Intelligence 16 5 Points Unassigned Close
He forgot to ask what he should invest in but, the system gave him information on what the various stats meant. Strength helped with physical attack and how much he could lift. Vitality increased his health and recovery rate. Dexterity determined how fast and flexible he was. Intelligence signified his comprehension speed and wisdom. Thinking over his choices for a while he decided to put 2 points in strength, 2 points in Intelligence and the last point in Vitality.
Status Name Brand King Level 2 Experience 2/100 Health 160/160 Attack 10 Defense 13 Strength 19 Vitality 11 Dexterity 10 Intelligence 12 Close
He closed the screen feeling himself becoming stronger and his mind becoming sharper, focusing his thoughts he felt energy infusing his muscles and bones. Brand was ready begin his training, laying down on the bed he fell asleep.
Faction has been disbanded.
Brand awoke to the notification ping, noticing the screen displayed before his eyes.
‘What?!?’ Adrenaline pumping through his veins, he jumped out of bed, equipping his gear the frantic noise of other people panicking filled the hall. He raced into the the main hall, wondering what could've happened to make this faction disband. In the hall people he saw people gather around Rex who was standing atop the counter motioning people to quiet down.
‘Late last night the guild leader along with our officers gathered a group of high level faction members to raid a field of the Fire Wolf Faction. It was a trap, somehow they knew what field we were going to raid. The guild leader was killed along with most of the group and 2 officers. The leadership of the faction was transfered to Don the last officer. He made the decision to disband the faction, Fire Wolf Faction is too powerful. Everybody needs to leave tonight all land and buildings will be taken over by the Fire Wolf Faction. The Fire Wolf Faction may let some of you join but, don’t count on it. Good luck.’ Stepping down Rex left the guild hall while the seriousness of what he said settled into the crowd. Brand escaped into the night leaving the faction hall behind.