It took actual effort to wake Iagan. He hadn’t moved since I left for the Crate, still blissfully asleep and unaware of everything that had transpired.
“Iagan wake UP!” I fussed shaking his arm, which didn’t do much since he’d fallen asleep in his pauldrons and they weighed him down. A new menu with a red border popped up as I shook his torso.
[Loot
Y/N?]
I blinked as I remembered the very vivid warning from back in the Wizard Room about what would happen if I got caught stealing. I’d agreed to those terms and conditions and so I would have to be exceptionally careful.
Click.
His inventory pulled up in my HUD, all the items were marked in red outlines. A tiny meter like the one I’d seen above Plyne, Waelen and Fyera’s heads when I’d entered that skill challenge told me the difficulty rating of what I could steal without Iagan noticing. I managed two things total without alerting him. The first, his room key for the other room we had purchased and the second was his water canteen.
[Skill Increase: Slight of Hand level 1]
Then, pushing my luck I went for the (Great) quality bear pelt who’s needle was in the muddy brown verging on red territory. The interface kicked me out, unsuccessful in my attempt and Iagan startled awake limbs flailing. I somehow managed to stop his hand from pulling out his elemental sword as he sputtered, finally registering that it was me.
“Wha—! What? Mica?” He asked rapid fire as he processed. He looked at his watch and blinked slowly. “Were you stealing from me?”
“I took your room key off you and your canteen.” I said producing the two items in question.
“What the fuck Mica?” He asked dragging a palm along his face with a groaning sigh. I gave him back both without fuss.
“First of all, you missed the whole show. Second of all, I got a personal quest from Roqor that has to deal with finding the [Secret] of Trick Tower.” I continued explaining the rest of what had transpired with Plyne as Iagan blinked slowly. I read out the contents of the letter and even went into my notes about what Plyne had been saying before being forced to stop talking all together. Iagan listened patiently, letting out a slow deep sigh once I’d finished.
“So you went to the show without me, got a secret quest and came back and decided to steal my room key. Why didn’t you just wake me up?”
“I did wake you up, but you said you wanted five more minutes. So I tried again and you still didn’t wake up so I went without you. When I got back you STILL weren’t waking up and I’m not sleeping on the floor so I took your room key.” I defended myself. “You seem to be glossing over the fact that I got a personal quest from Roqor himself.”
Iagan rolled his eyes and checked his watch. “That sounds like he’s telling you to do the same thing you’ve already been doing for your quests, so why’s it any different? I just don’t see what’s so special about getting it.”
He had a point, kind of. I was already on the hunt for secrets in the Tower anyways, why wouldn’t I find this one? I turned my attention to the single quest in the black outlined box in my Quests. I chewed on the inner lining of my cheek as Iagan yawned.
“I missed the thing so there’s no point in staying up. I’mma go pass out now.” He grumbled.
“Take the pillow with you.” I said as he got up with a stretch. “You drooled on it.”
Iagan gave a sleepy glare and snatched the pillow, coming back a few moments later to trade out for he’d taken from my room. “Here.”
I took it and he left without another word. Iagan had given me some other things to think about and I made a quick notation in my notepad for safekeeping. I was growing more and more attached to the notes function as the mysteries of the tower kept expanding on one another. So many threads to follow, so many questions unanswered. I laid down in bed reading and rereading the quest note in my Journal to squeeze any more information out of it that I could.
I closed my eyes to put it together mentally when a knock on the door startled me from my thoughts. The light in the room had shifted from dark night to a wash of dawn that filtered in through the paneless window. I got up out of bed and quickly changed shirts from the tacky red Hawaiian to the less torn of the Dapper Crate shirts I had left. The last one I had still read (wet) beside it from when I’d jumped through the waterfall. Okay so leaving it in my inventory didn’t allow for it to dry.
More knocking.
“I’m up, give me a minute!” I called through the door as I brushed my teeth with the water pitcher provided in the room. I washed my face and applied some sunscreen, knowing we’d be venturing out to Seamyst today. Finally, I checked my watch: 7:15 am. I groaned as I opened the door to find Iagan waiting for me impatiently.
“Did I wake you?” He grinned snarkily looking refreshed as ever. I nodded with a yawn of my own.
“Yeah, I guess I fell asleep while going through my notes.” I said looking back to my room to make sure I had everything ready to set out. The room was as spotless as I’d left it the night before, everything I had used had gone back to the fanny pack once I was done with it, leaving little clutter about. If only all vacations had this kind of inventory system nothing would ever get lost, it would certainly revolutionize air travel.
“If you’re already to the point of losing sleep over it then you’re in too deep. It’s another quest, not the end of the world.” Iagan leaned against the frame, crossing his arms across his chest. “You’ve had the quest for a grand total of ten hours. It’s not going to be resolved that quickly so why worry about it?”
“It’s important, Iagan. I know it is.” At least thats how Plyne made it seem. I shut the door to my room and headed down the stairs to finally FINALLY enjoy my class perk
Ker-chunk
It was delicious and free, which made it doubly delicious. Rice cooked perfectly, the eggs were light and fluffy with a the right amount of pepper and dash of paprika for kick. The sausage was juicy, packed with little peppers corns of its own. Iagan scarfed his food down and had Tarja fill his canteen with more water. I set my two down and as she went to fill the second with water I stopped her.
“Actually I was hoping for coffee in that one.” I said. Tarja obliged without complaint, pouring a fresh pot of dark liquid into it. “The one you gave me yesterday really saved his hide.”
“How did coffee save me?” Iagan asked sarcastically.
“I wouldn’t have made it without the speed boost it gave me to get through those thorn bushes.”
Iagan was quiet for a moment, his face pulled into a tight serious line. “Plyne sells water bottles right?”
->|<-
We pushed our way into The Dapper Crate where Plyne sat in his usual chair beside the fire, reading from a set of scrolls wearing a tiny set of glasses at the tip of his nose. He seemed to be doing much better than he had when I left him the night before which was a relief. He looked up at our arrival, his eyes meeting mine and a tired smile appeared.
“Well now, last minute shopping before heading out?” Plyne asked getting up from his chair to meet us in the shop half of the Crate.
“How much for a water bottle?” Iagan asked.
“3 gold.” Plyne said pulling one of the ones with a logo off the top of the stands on the countertop. Iagan whirled around looking at me expectantly.
“What?” I finally spoke after a moment of intense staring.
“Aren’t you going to haggle?” He asked.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
“No?”
“Why not?” Iagan asked turning to me to stare in confusion.
“I can’t raise your skills for you.” I shrugged. Truthfully, I didn’t want to face Plyne when I hadn’t worked out what it was he was trying to tell me. Guilt nestled deep in my throat, threatening to choke me as Plyne had the night before. Iagan eyed me suspiciously.
“Is this about that Quest he gave you?”
So blunt.
“No?” I steadied my lie, hoping he wouldn’t notice, although I could tell Plyne caught on. Iagan turned to Plyne.
“She stayed up too late working on that Quest you gave her. What’s the deal with that anyways?”
Inwardly I palmed my face. Outwardly, I found myself doing the same. Plyne looked sympathetically at me and gave Iagan a charming smile.
“I’m sorry MykaReviews, that letter wasn’t meant to cause you such trouble. If it’s easier you may think of it as a side goal to look for while you explore the whole Tower.” He artfully dodged the question and used my whole username instead of my name while speaking in a familiar leading tone. A wave of understanding washed over me as his words from last night echoed through my mind.
‘With that quest active no one in the Tower will be able to give you the answer you seek.’
Even if Iagan asked on my behalf I would get no further help on this quest. Plyne had done all he could with the parameters he had to follow for the Tower. I typed down everything he just said into my notepad and gave a nod. Plyne, satisfied turned back to Iagan.
“That’ll be 3 gold for the water bottle Mr.BigwIggy.”
Iagan frowned but decided not to press the issue and ponied up the coin. He snagged the water bottle and dashed back to the inn to get some coffee, leaving me and Plyne alone. Silence settled uncomfortably. I’d already tried to say my goodbyes the night before and I certainly didn’t want a repeat.
“I have faith you’ll find the answer Mica.” Plyne said, coming out from behind the counter to the three curry leaf plants sitting happily in the window. Using a nearby watering can Plyne soaked the soil and gave the pots a half turn each. A little gardening ritual my black thumb and I would never understand. “I hope you can enjoy the beauty of the Tower in the mean time.”
“Thank you for everything Plyne.”
The Shopkeeper nodded a more relaxed smile crossing his face this time, “Alright you’ve been in my town long enough, go bring in some customers! The Hag says it’s a good day for exercise!”
Ah, I’d missed the Hag’s Herald broadcast for the week. Drat. Oh well there was always next time.
I met Iagan outside as he triumphantly returned with a bottle full of coffee. Plyne followed behind but stuck to the covered porch, watching us. Down the road came a shout as Fyera came jogging up to meet us.
“Mica!” She panted as she got closer, wearing a different green and brown accented dress. “I’m so glad I didn’t miss you before you left! I wanted you to have this for your travels.”
She held out her hands, offering me a large round floppy sun hat made of straw.
“Thank you Fyera.” I said putting it on and giving her a hug. “I promise to write when I can.”
“Good! I can’t wait to hear about your adventures!”
I put the hat on and modeled it in front of her for a moment. Complete with the sunglasses all I was missing was the coconut drink and my ultimate [Tourist] fashion ensemble would be complete. It gave no armor or bonus but it was better that way. Waelen ambled up as we were finishing up, giving a nod as he took a spot next to Fyera.
“About time you left,” He smirked into a natural smile, holding out a hand. “Thank you both for dealing with that bear. Green’s Peak is a little safer thanks to you both. Come back anytime and we’ll share another Rainbow, my treat.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” Iagan said, clasping it in a tight shake.
“Go get ‘em Mica.” Plyne said coming off his porch to offer his goodbyes as well.“Bring me some customers!”
“Thanks for everything!” Fyera called out as we set off, giving big waves until we were a ways down the road. Fyera and Waelen turned to resume their normal lives and only Plyne was left to see us off. An object popped into existence at the end of his hand and he swept into a deep bow. Rising from it, his outfit changed into black pants and vest over a white long sleeved shirt. A round glint shone across his eye as he straightened, the object in his hand a large black top hat that he sat on top of his head completing the look of a daring and dapper shop keeper. He gave a final wave and turned back to his life.
I waved back, taking in the tiny town that I’d stayed such a short time in but had had such a grand impact on my adventure here in the Tower. Whatever my expectations had been in the real world they were completely and utterly blown away with what I’d experienced here. The realization that this was only the first town of the first floor set my heart racing. What else awaited me on the other floors? What secrets were there to discover?
We reached the river with no problem and followed it out away from the lagoon we’d taken pictures at yesterday. Luckily the path had been traveled enough in this direction that we didn’t have to worry about traversing bramble bushes as prior travelers had taken care of that for us. The path was wide enough for a basic cart, it skirted the river banks and the edge of the forest beside it.
Insects droned and bird song filled the mid morning air. I tried and failed several times to catch a photo of the dragonflies that flitted around the water side. Iagan watched with amused interest, taking his pause among the roots of a gnarled tree along the banks. I managed to snag one shot when one of them landed on a fat cattail for a brief moment of rest.
Ker-chunk
[Floor 1 Animals 7/25]
Another one added to the compendium. The camera hung from my neck as I took a glug from my water bottle. Chasing bugs was a lot harder than My Animal Neighborhood made it seem and even THAT was a chill game. Although, taking a leaf of wisdom from that game I would probably do well to have a net to catch things like bugs so I don’t miss out for the compendium. I made a new note on my watch that I affectionately labeled: To Buy.
“So Mica, what’s your favorite game of all time?” Iagan asked as we set back off alongside the river.
“I really loved Riddle Harvest as a kid. Any of those point and click games especially those old pixel ones, like Quests for Kings.” I laughed remembering the hours and notebooks full of my notes from my runs, testing each branching pathway of both of those games.
“Riddle Harvest? Never heard of it, but my dad introduced us to gaming through Quest for Kings.”
“Riddle Harvest was one of those Emily Jones detective computer games.” I rambled explaining the basic premise of the plot where Emily Jones went around the world solving ancient riddles and conspiracies with her trusty swiss army knife to get her out of trouble. “They’re really old and obscure though so most people wouldn’t have heard of it. What about you?”
“My favorite game would have to be The Princess’ Tale: Flute of Fate. I was even the main character once for Halloween as a kid.”
A traditional answer from someone of our age group, it had been one of the most popular nostalgic franchises of our childhoods. It was a very good game that also featured an adventurer who had a sword and shield as the main character. We bounced back and forth about our gaming histories leading up to the present.
“Legend of the Dark Elder Ring of Souls is one of the newer games out there but the audience is large so it’s worth trying to get better at for the sake of not looking like an idiot all the time on stream. Although chat and Clipz seem to like watching my attempts so maybe I’m not too bad at it.”
“But isn’t that the point of the game?” I asked miming smacking into a wall with my hands, “To run face first into that stuff till you get good?”
“Eh, that’s half of it. It’s more about memorization and learning boss mechanics. Knowing exactly how long his staggered swing and subsequent sweep of his sword is can mean the different between your death or his.” Iagan explained, his gaze set far off into the distance in memory.
It definitely didn’t sound like my kind of fun as I tend to panic in those kinds of scenarios and resort to button mashing to make it work. Iagan attempted to explain the nuances of playing it and let slip that it apparently had really great lore.
“I don’t usually pay attention to the lore and stuff for my speed runs, but I do know it goes deep into some crazy legends and world building stuff. Like there’s the two still moving hands of a cosmic god that’s trapped beneath the mountains and the cult they, the hands themselves, run. You can choose to join them or make enemies out of the whole thing.”
“Wow, that sounds intense.” I said, finding myself intrigued by the description of a god trapped under a mountain. I might not tell Iagan, but it sounded worth a watching a let’s play once we made it topside again. The path wound into the woods a bit further, straying from next to the river which cascaded into a small drop waterfall. My HUD highlighted another set of tracks in the soft loamy mud that I hadn’t categorized yet.
Ker-chunk
Rabbit tracks filed themselves away accordingly in the compendium. Another hint to another animal I’d still have to find as we went along. The road finally widened out, the trees thinning as more and more orange crept further up along the path in a strange gradient. Finally we made it to the edge of the forest where the deep lush green gave way to the bright burned orange sand that populated the beach. A wide smile split across Iagan’s face as we came upon it.
“Oh man, Mom would hate it here.” He chuckled, giving me a thumbs up. “She’s an Aggie.”
I nodded absently, barely understanding the sports team name he referenced. I didn’t keep up with that stuff: choosing to opt in for the Animal World Puppy Ball that was held every year at the same time as the Sportsball Bash. Looking at puppies was way more fun than watching commercials every three minutes.
‘Hook a right at the beach.’ Plyne’s instructions on how to get to Seamyst echoed in my mind. Our first challenge was making it across the wide expanse of where the mouth of the river and the ocean met with frothing spray. Some small embankments of orange sand poked above the water, providing helpful islands for us to aim for. I looked between the large bodies of water warily, trying to stop the anxiety before it settled.
“Here.” I said giving Iagan one of the ends of my coil of rope. He looked between the rope, the river and followed it out to the open ocean and tied it around his waist.
“Smart. This way if I fall, I’ll carry you out to sea with me.” He said in a deadpan as he tied it around his waist.
“Just be careful when crossing.” I said, my eyes never leaving the rushing water.
Iagan went first with no trouble, the cord of rope trailed in the water after him like a monkey tail. He stopped, waiting for me on a high rise of sand that put him just above the water, the rope too short to make it all the way across in one attempt.
I kept my shoes on but took my socks off, dismissing them to my inventory. I needed the secure grip of the soles to help prevent both the river and the ocean from sweeping me out with the current. When I’d dunked in the lagoon yesterday I’d assumed that was the coldest the water here got. Oh no. No, the ocean set to challenge that as the mix of the two rushed around my ankles. Both sets of chilling waters tried their best to unsettle my every step as I trudged through the waters. I went very very slowly, some of the dips in the sand brought the water reaching most way up my shins.
But I survived the walk over to Iagan in the center of the river mouth despite it all. It was definitely the chill of the water that sent my legs shaking. The rapids and splashing crash of water around us drowned out any attempt of out loud conversation.
Mr.BigwIggy whispered to [The Group]:
He edged back into the water carefully testing each step as he went forward. Slowly but surely he waded to the other side of the bank and set to coiling the rope around his arm as I followed after him.
Mr.BigwIggy whispered to [The Group]:
I sent my camera, hat and fanny pack into my personal inventory not wanting any of them to get washed away or ruined from the moisture. That was probably a good thing as the third step I took I sank into a sandy hole up to my armpits and I let out an ungodly shriek. Thanks to my iron tight grip on the rope I scrambled to pull myself out using Iagan as counterweight and resumed my now scampering trek across to the other side.
“This marks the second time I’ve had to save you from water in just as many days.” Iagan called out through his laughter over the sound of the water as I stumbled into the sand, soaked to the bone. He copied my screech sound letting it carry into the forest where some fat black birds shot out of the canopy. I gave him a glare as I got to my feet and summoned my towel.
“Showers, sinks, baths and pools I’m fine with. Moving water and I don’t agree!”
“All that pale skin too, you sure you’re not a vampire?” He goaded with a grin as he finished coiling the rope as I caught my breath.
“I’m out in the sunlight aren’t I?” I grumbled, gesturing to the ever bearing sun above us. No clouds meant that I’d air dry relatively quickly even though I’d have to endure the heat. I dried off with my towel as best as I could and redressed accordingly. My nice hat that Fyera had made for me which helped keep the heat off my head and shoulders. I gave Iagan my towel to drape across his head as well as sharing my sunscreen.
“Sunscreen. Replenishing toiletries. Man, [Tourist] starting items are op as fuck.” Iagan grumbled, rubbing it onto his exposed arms. He changed out of his black ‘I survived the [Rainbow]’ shirt into his original [Adventurer] shirt.
“You mean useful. They’re as mundane as they come and honestly only the toothpaste is never ending from what I can tell.” I hadn’t had a chance to use the mini travel bottles of shampoo and conditioner although I had smelled them and they were a delightful spiced cinnamon. I will say I was looking forward to a shower or a bath in the future. The sink in the tutorial tower led me to believe that there might be some sort of amenities like that, or at the very least a bathing house.
Something to look forward to in Seamyst.
We headed down the beach who at the water’s edge was filled with all sorts of shells, which I took great joy in adding to my personal inventory as we went along. Conch shells, small spiral hermit crab worthy shells, sand dollars and even some clam shells the size of a bread plate.
Ker-chunk
“Are you seriously going to pick up every single shell you find?” Iagan remarked.
“You never know what it could sell for. Any money is better than no money.” I said adding even more. The unique sand of the beach would make for a great souvenir to send to Balder with my next installment for his show. If I hurried I might also be able to send in mail detailing our encounter with the bear and this next leg of my travels along with it.
The sun had gone another great leap across the cloudless sky when a notification popped up on my HUD.
[Quest Complete ::Follow the Trail::]
[Discovery: Seamyst!]
I waved through the notification lifting my sunglasses to get a better look. Ahead of me barely visible on the edge of the horizon peeked tall structures with brown rooftops.
We’d finally found it.