Chapter 22: Red Crystal Cavern

The sand turned into rolling dunes as I moved toward the location on my map interface. We rode the crests of the dunes to keep our line of sight, and unbelievably, the sun became oppressive. You could only get such extreme weather so close together in a VR game. The village of Malcum was experiencing cold rain today, but here, just 50 or so miles away, we had dry heat. Environmental debuff effects were supposed to be added to the game in an update, but thankfully, they hadn’t hit yet.

The sand roiled to my right, and my instincts said it wasn’t a scorpion, so I spurred Titan down the dune to get away from the unfamiliar enemy. A spider emerged as we moved away, and I scanned it with my skill.

Azul Sand Trap Door Spider, Level ??

The spider retreated into its den, and I decided to let it be. Another update minimized the information from the Analyze skill. There were now secondary skills for analyze. One identified strengths and weaknesses, and the other gave the attack and defense. Recently a lot of skills had been expanded to include secondary skills. The developers were finding ways to force players to specialize. At first, you would think that 23 skills were a lot. Eventually, you reach a point where you have to decide whether adding more skills past 23 was worth it. I was already in that trap.

I continued on, as I wanted to find the ruins. Two more spiders showed themselves on the trek, but I was able to foresee the outline of their dens in the sand and avoid them. I checked and compared my location to the marker on the map. The marker was in a steep valley between two massive dunes. All I saw was sand…no ruins or entrance to the mysterious caverns. The steepness of the sand descent made me hesitant to head down there to investigate further. Was this an illusion? It will be dark soon, so I should probably head back. I pulled out the scroll, doing my best Indian Jones impression, studying it for clues I might have missed. Nothing. I was about to turn around, but then I remembered the signet ring.

I identified it.

Membership Signet Ring for Order of the Crimson Shard, Knight Rank

The ring had shown no magic. It was just a silver ring with a ruby the shape of a spider embedded into it. I put the ring on, and the valley of sand below transformed into a mini oasis with a large entrance that goes into the sand dune. Well, that was pretty cool, to say the least. I put the ring on and off and watched the effect happen a few times before being brave enough to slide down the sand. Titan was not happy and barely remained upright as I slid on my back next to him.

The oasis had a handful of trees surrounding a small pond with buzzing insects. Shrubs lined the shore. I removed the ring, and everything disappeared, even this close. This must be powerful illusion magic. I was guessing this ring was a quest item. There were probably multiple copies of the ring to access these ruins. It must be a game instance or something like that.

I let Titan drink the water as I scanned the cave opening. Two large boulders sat on either side of the entrance in silent vigil. I left Titan at the water and walked toward the entrance to investigate. Did that boulder on the right move? I identified it.

Sand Troll Guardian, Level ???

Ah, damn it! I turned to run, and both boulders stood up into massive sandy-skinned trolls with bald heads and black crooked teeth. Run! I went to the dune and tried to climb the side, but there was a significant penalty for my speed in the sand terrain. Titan, for his part, tried to defend me, rushing the trolls, but one of the trolls wrapped Titan’s head under his arm and wrenched it till Titan fell dead. What frigging level were these beasts? I turned to face them, knowing escape was not possible.

The troll that hadn’t felled Titan just walked unhurriedly toward me. His large paddle-like feet probably meant he didn’t have any movement penalties in the sand. I stuffed everything into my dimensional bag. I just had my armor and axe now. I laughed as the illusion had not disappeared this time when I put the ring in the bag. I was going to lose my armor and axe, and hopefully, that should be the case. Well, my relationship with Titan would suffer too, dropping one rank to neutral…no movement and damage bonus any longer.

The troll approached, and I swung my axe, aiming for the troll’s knee, it sidestepped easily, and I just grazed its calf. The return strike from the troll hit me in the torso and threw me twenty feet! It also took a quarter of my health! I had a dazed debuff for 5 seconds. The dazed debuff was a 20% penalty to all stats. I stumbled up to feel the large hand of the troll grab my shoulder and yank me backward. His other hand pointed to my torso and thrust into my stomach and out the other side. As I watched my health drop to zero, I just said, “I will kill you!”

I respawned in my house in Malcum. That death was going to give me nightmares. I touched my abs reflectively. I got the notification that a level 107 elite sand troll guardian had killed me. I guess that cavern had some pretty valuable ruins to be guarded by two high-level elite monsters. I had no hope of exploring it anytime soon. I put the map and ring on a shelf in my room for now to save space in my bag.

The gnome and giantkin were expected today in the village, so I had to go see them. I had a player announcement that Titan had respawned, and I had lost a level of affection from Titan, but it was now neutral with no bonus for speed or damage. I checked my level and advancements.

Riding had moved up to 41, well actually 35, since I had +6 from the saddle. Being mounted in combat had supercharged the skill growth for riding. Next…Earth magic: stone had reached 42, just one more level till reaching the master level! After all the killing today, I thought my skills should have advanced further…I paused my review and checked notifications and updates.

The programmers had ‘adjusted’ skill development in combat. Apparently, solo adventuring against higher-level monsters had skewed their formula for skill advancement more than expected. One thing in this particular update was a change to accolades. I had turned off my notification of accolades as they had just given a little experience boost. I went to the player tab for accolades and was excited to see mine. Each tier of an accolade now gave a bonus to stats.

Accolades

Tier

Bonus per Tier

Obtained by:

David vs Goliath

3

+50 health

Killing creatures above your level, next tier at 25 levels above

Builder

4

+1 Stam

Building structures, next tier at 50 structures

Expert

3

+50 to ?? Pool

Get skills to master rank, next tier at 25 master skills

Hunter

6

+1 Str

Kill monsters in 1 v 1 combat, next tier 500 monsters

Wizard

2

+10 Magic Pool

Number of Spells Learned, next tier at 10 spells

Leader

5

+1 Chr

Number of NPCs under your rule, next tier at 250

Crafter

4

+1 Skill Point

Create an object in rarity scale, next tier at epic

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Martial Artist

1

+10 Stamina Pool

Learn Attack Actions, next tier at 5 actions

Explorer

1

+1 Stat Point

Discover new map locations, next tier at 5 locations

Wow, what a list! I went back and forth to my character sheet…I hadn’t received any of these bonuses. I figured out the problem. I had to return the experience I had received from accolades to get these bonuses. The ‘Expert’ accolade also needed the player to select which pool; stamina, health, or magic. Unfortunately, on my death, I had lost all my experience to the next level, so I couldn’t exchange the experience. Figures.

I continued checking my other skills…I skipped to masonry as I needed Masonry: Structures up to level 43 to build the town hall I drafted in order to promote the village.

Masonry

30

Str

Masonry: Foundations

30

Con

Masonry: Structures

25

Stam

This was still terrible because Masonry: Structures was a secondary skill; the primary skill of masonry needed to reach 41 to get it to structures to 43. All secondary skills could not exceed primary skills by more than two points. I had gained three levels. I was now level 17, and I had 18 stat points to allocate and six skill points to allocate. Looking at my accolades, I could get another four skill points from the Crafter Accolade by paying for the experience.

I needed to decide if leveling up would be faster than actually building. Due to the fact that I had drafted the plans and had been building large complex buildings, my associated skills skyrocketed due to their uniqueness.

I would have to track my progress in the masonry skills tomorrow after a full day working on preparing the foundation for the town hall. Before heading into the village, I distributed my stat points: 9 for magic and 9 for channeling. Casting the summon stone spell tomorrow would be easier with these enhancements, as I had decided I was going to spend most of the day building.

The inn was just around the hedge from my residence, and the chimney was emitting smoke. I went inside to find a merry environment. The large hearth by the stage was going, and one of the townsfolk was strumming a harp in front of it. The large bar had numerous folk drinking there.

Jaesmin came from the kitchen area carrying bowls of aromatic stew and mugs. She smiled and waved with her hand full of mugs. Scanning the room, I found the air mage Manto drinking in a corner while listening to the music. Two very large individuals were in the far right corner. One was Galana, and the other must be our new giantkin warrior. I checked his name from the auction. Tanguin, age 41, forest giantkin, was what the interface said.

I slid into a seat next to the pair, and they eyed me during the interruption. Galana spoke first. “Lord Tallis, were you aware that storm giantkin and forest giantkin have an enmity?” My face fell, and I panicked. Did I just alienate Galana? Were one or both giantkin going to leave? Both large individuals eyed me, but Tanguin broke into laughter first.

“Galana said it would be funny to tease you. Although the storm and forest giantkin were on different sides during the clans’ great schism, we don’t fight each other on sight or anything like that. So, Lord Tallis, I saw the residence you built to persuade me to stay here, but I must say several people have been trying to recruit me on my way here. What else are you going to offer?” The red-bearded giant grabbed the undersized mug and took a long pull.

My thoughts raced, and I was briefly distracted as the new gnome cook announced that the meat pies were ready before retreating into the kitchen. Another thing I needed to take care of. What could I offer Tanguin? I went into my village titles…I checked his masteries…Tanguin had Mastery Ranged, Mastery Bows, and Mastery in Spears. That meant at least a skill level of 43 in those skills. Galana was responsible for the village’s defense, so Tanguin could be responsible for the village’s offense. I sorted the predesigned military titles and decided on the General of the Malcum Army. I restricted his duties to training and maintaining a military force but gave him a small budget. I finished with the edits and waited, hopeful.

Tanguin had finished his mug and was waiting. His eyes blinked as the update hit him, and he started laughing. He laughed so hard he couldn’t keep his seat. When he finally got control, I found Jaesmin at the table with a pitcher to refill our mugs. She left before the man spoke.

Tears from the laughter dotted his eyes, “General! Of how ambitious! Lord Tallis, do you have what 100, 150 residents? And you want me to lead the army? Oh…” He laughed again, and Galana quietly giggled. “Did you know I was a sub-commander in an ACTUAL army recently? I had 2000 archers and 600 spears under my command.” That was one thing the game did well on. Each NPC had a lengthy back story on how they got to their current position.

My face was red. I had overreached, but I just rolled with it, “Well, Tanguin, you will have the opportunity to train and build an even more impressive army here. I want you to help Galana train the archers and spearman.” He stared at me. His pay was equal to Galana, three gold a month.

“So the residence will be included?” He appeared thoughtful as I waited. “Ok, Lord Tallis. Build me a barracks for at least 250 men, and I will accept your offer. Let’s set the deadline at 30 days.”

New Quest: Build an army barracks with a minimum capacity of 250. Reward: Tanguin will accept the position as your army general. 2,000 experience

What was with all these massive building quests? I had no choice but to accept his conditions. I was getting very good with drafting and could finish barracks plans overnight. I sipped the mug, and it was a good brew. I needed to build a brewery. This ale was from the trade mission. So many things to do!

Galana and Tanguin had an intense conversation regarding archery, and I was shocked I was offered the archery skill just by listening in. Wow, I guess that was the effect when you brought two masters together. I needed more population so my two giantkin could start training people.

I checked my tabs, and after my two giantkin, I had seven full-time guards for the city and 36 militia. Galana had been busy rebuilding what she could. Then she asked a question, “Lord Tallis, what do you want to do with the two orc prisoners? They have recovered from their wounds, and I don’t want to keep guards on them.”

I had forgotten about this. I thought for a while, “Ask Kytalia. She will know what type of people the two prisoners are. If she thinks they can be integrated into the community, I am fine with that. If they can be released safely…I am ok with that. If she thinks they need to be eliminated…well, let me know before you make good on that last option.” Both giantkin nodded at my decision.

Galana supplied, “One of the captured orc warriors is the brother of one of the other orc women. I will ask her as well; she has visited him daily with food. She hadn’t made any requests to spare his life, probably not wanting to upset you or the citizens, Lord.”

I asked, “Do you two think the captured orcs would be good warriors for our village?” From what I remember, they were at a decent level and would possibly be a boon for us.

Galana supplied, “It may be difficult to integrate them. Many townsfolk lost friends and loved ones when the orcs attacked. The pain has lessened but not evaporated.”

“I will leave that up to you then, Galana. I need to go meet the new chef. Let me know if either of you needs anything.” I downed the remainder of my mug and moved into the kitchen area, waving to happy townsfolk as I walked.

I entered the kitchen to find Jaesmin watching a small gnome in a whirlwind of activity. He? She? Had multiple pots cooking, things in the oven, chickens cooking on spits, bowls of cut veggies, and two cooked pans with what looked like bacon. One of my wood elementals came in the back door of the kitchen carrying a bundle of herbs.

I watched, mesmerized for a few minutes as well, and the gnome spoke. “So Lord Tallis, you have this fine new inn here, and the garden is plentiful. I am working with what you have…it isn’t much, but of good quality.” She paused. I checked his details. Fareth, Grand Master Cook, Master Butcher, Master Herbalist, Female Forest Gnome. So it was a she! The small size, older-looking skin, and lack of breasts had me confused. It was the first time I had ever met a gnome in the game.

“Fareth, I am glad you made it here safely. I am hoping we could work out a contract…” She waved a hand to cut me off.

“Lord Tallis, I cooked for the Gnome King of the Green Vale for 55 years!” She said with some sorrow. “The kingdom has fallen, and my people scattered. If you agree to give any of my people refuge in your town, I would happily sign a contract.” She waited with bright eyes. I needed to think. A gnome city? Would we be drowned in gnome refugees?

“How many refugees, Fareth, and what enemy destroyed your home? We are a small community, and I worry about committing to take in too large a number.” I asked with a contemplative look.

“Enemy? No, it was foolhardiness on the part of the king! He took an elven wife…his third wife. She didn’t appreciate his affections, and the elven nation came and took her back. She was no one special, just a common elf and none too pretty either. But the elves felt it was best to unseat him from their kingdom’s periphery. So, 20,000 gnomes scattered to the wind! How many would come here? I don’t know…if they knew of the sanctuary here…maybe 500 at most? But our city was about 5000 miles from here, so they would trickle in.”

She cleaned her hands on her apron and waited for my response. “Fareth, a person of your skill deserves more. Let’s say I will gift you 80% of this inn. You can run it as you see fit. My 20% ownership will go to the town coffers, and you will not be taxed further. Your people can settle here as long as they are productive members of society. Agreed?”

My interface clicked with the contract details, and Fareth’s eyes blinked as her AI received the update. She smiled and shook my hand. “You are a wise ruler. So if I am going to make this inn a profitable endeavor for myself and the town, I will need a few things…”

The next two hours I spent talking with Fareth as she cooked. She wanted a steady supply of local animal products and ingredients from my garden. She also had a long list of specialized ingredients that would have to be imported. And just to prove the effort would be worth it, she had me sample one of the meat pies.

Scrumptious Meat Pie, +100% to Health and Stamina recovery for 4 hours

Damn, and it also tasted out of this world! The buff it gave was better than a simple potion. We had to negotiate prices for the townsfolk as normally, something of this quality would cost at least a gold coin. Since I was supplying all the ingredients, we decided that most dishes would be 10 copper for the townsfolk and gold for anyone outside of town. Still quite pricy, but her efforts needed to be rewarded.

I talked with Jaesmin next; she had been roped into showing Fareth around the village. She just fell into the waitress role as Fareth started cooking. The ale had been shipped over from the general store, and people just started congregating at the inn.

I checked and yes, my quest for Manto showed the tavern portion completed. So, I just needed a fine tailor and barber to complete the quest. Tomorrow was the incursion event, and I decided to travel south to Barrington in the afternoon. It was just 15 miles, and it shouldn’t take long with Titan at a gallop. I wanted to check for a barber and tailor there and also to see what else we could trade.

After approving Galana and Tanguin’s request for a hunting expedition to train the troops and harvest meat from the plains, I retired to my residence. I think Galana just wanted to show off to Tanguin a bit. I got to work immediately drafting the plans for the barracks. I had a premonition that keeping Tanguin here would be extremely important to the safety of the people.