“ is used when people are speaking.
* is used when our protagonist is thinking, however this may also be used for other characters depending on POV.
Authors Notes;-
~ Finally the game-play starts. However, what profession will our protagonist eventually choose?
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As the last message appeared welcoming me to the virtual reality known as 'Dream Forth' I was seemingly engulfed by a bright light leading me to close my eyes in reaction. Some moments after closing my eyes I begin to hear numerous sounds of humans, walking, laughter, birds chirping and so forth.
As I slowly open my eyes I feel a gust of wind hit me from behind as if I had awakened in fantasy medieval world. Bewildered by the surrounding sights of various stalls, shops, buildings and countless humanoids each different from the next I stood motionless.
While looking closer to the surrounding people I notice many like myself, however I also notice beautiful people with pointed ears while also people the size of a child yet extremely muscled and bearded. While still in a daze amazed by the surroundings I hear someone ringing a bell and shouting.
… “All new 'Travellers' come forth! All new 'Travellers' come forth!”
Wondering what the commotion was I followed the large group of people who headed into that direction. Soon after arriving towards the still-shouting man the crowd seemed to grow by the hundreds if not thousands.
… “Welcome fellow Travellers. My name is Mr. Phillips and I am a representative of Takezó Industries, makers of Dream Forth. First of all, I would like to welcome you all to this wondrous world and hope that you enjoy it as much as we do.
Secondly, as many of you may or may not have heard from the Dream Forth website, you all are classified as 'Travellers' in this world while NPC are classified as 'People of the Land', or 'Regional' for short. Within this world you will find that the 'Regional' are no different from ourselves due to the advanced A.I. which is self-sustaining Dream Forth.
Thirdly, all new 'Travellers' within Dream Forth are required to wait for a 4-week period inside the City. During this period you are recommend to look for a quest, find a job or join one of the numerous training guilds. The reason for the 4-week period is to give 'Travellers' the feeling of being a part of a City before being released into the unknown.
And Finally, we at Takezó Industries hope you have a fantastic time within this world and wish you the best of luck within your adventures.”
The greeting was rather short though afterwards the man called 'Mr Phillips' held a short Q&A for those who were interested. However, I for one would rather venture through this unknown world and see what sights I come upon through my travels.
While wondering what I should do based on what Mr Phillips explained I ruled out training as training would be useless from what I had read in the earlier booklet. As I recall the booklet which my Grandfather had given me to read prior to entering the Capsule, I recall that the booklet explained you are required to eat and drink every so often to keep your 'Satiety' level above a certain percent or you would collapse.
… “Then it's down to one..”
I mumble to myself while coming to a conclusion that the first thing I needed was to either get a job or some other method of making money. However, while pondering for a while I thought about the stalls I had noticed when I first logged in which gave me an idea.
Due to gaining an idea in mind I head towards a nearby stall before coming upon a middle-aged woman dressed in a brown apron as she was selling a variety of fruit and vegetables.
… “Excuse me Ma'am. Is there any requirements to start a stall or buy and sell goods?”
… “Hello young man, quite the manners you have there. As you may have expected there are numerous requirements starting with being a Merchant.”
… “Merchant..?, how does one gain this privilege?”
The woman smiles towards me before pointing towards a nearby billboard which I had previously failed to notice.
… “Go to that billboard over there as it contains a map. Look for the building listed as 'Merchant Guild'.”
… “Thank you ma'am, I shall pay the favour back one day”
I give a smile towards the woman as my mother always used to say that one should be grateful when one receives help from others. Now knowing my destination I head towards the billboard which was surrounded by numerous other people.
… “Excuse me can I get past?”
… “Move it!”
… “Stop Pushing!”
… “OW!”
As I attempted to be polite in asking for passage, people ignored my thoughts as they pushed one another to get closer. Wondering if I could gain a better vantage point I look around only to come the conclusion that staying here would be a waste of time.
As I begin walking away from the billboard the woman who I previously spoke to notices me walking away to which she waves me over.
… “Not able to see the map sweetie?”
… “Sadly I was unable due to the sheer amount of people pushing one another to gain entry.”
The woman smiled towards me while I wondered to myself, thinking that due to my childish weak looks perhaps she thinks I am younger than I actually am. However, I wouldn't be one to complain or rebuke kindness from others so I stayed silent, only replying with a slight nod.
… “Give me 10 minutes as I'm almost finished here. Once I'm finished I shall take you.”
… “Thank you for your kindness.”
While waiting for the woman to finish packing her things, I watched the surrounding people as they ran around to the 'regional' asking for quests, jobs or like myself directions to a specific location. After waiting for 10 minutes the woman finally finished in which she told me to follow her, to which I did.
After following the woman for several minutes we came upon a large building with an opening big enough to fit a wagon into. Once upon the large building the woman who has guided me thus far stops in her tracks before turning towards me.
… “This is the merchant guild sweety, go inside and register at the reception desk. If you should have any trouble from them say Margaret Thanes sent you.
… “Thank you for your guidance and assistance thus far. I am indebted to you.”
… “Don't be so formal and I'm happy to help so don't worry about a thing.”
Margaret gives her farewells and leaves back into the direction we just came from while I head inside the large opening of the building. Once inside the large building I notice numerous carts parked next to one another while also noticing numerous people moving goods.
… “Excuse me, do any of you know where the reception area is?”
I shout towards the group of people moving goods in which one points towards a nearby door.
… “Go in there.”
… “thank you.”
Now knowing of where to go I promptly head inside the door before coming upon a large desk containing piles of papers with an old man sitting behind. While waiting for the old man to notice my presence I give a slight cough to gain his attention.
… “What do you want boy?”
… “I hope to gain the ability to buy and trade goods.”
… “So you want the merchant profession?”
… “Merchant profession?”
The elderly man looked towards me with a frown before giving a slight sigh as he removes and cleans his glasses.
… “Kids these days.. always causing trouble. Boy, do you know what a profession is?”
… “No, I sadly don't.”
… “Go to the information Guild and find out before coming back.”
I nod towards the elderly man who mumbles to himself as I turn around and head outside of the building. Soon after heading out of the merchant guild I returned back to the place with the numerous stalls and shops.
Once I arrive at the 'market' as I'm going to call it, I notice that the billboard isn't as crowded as moments before. While looking at the billboard I notice that a big arrow is pointing saying 'You're Here' which I presume is true.
Once I discover the route from my current position to the Information guild I head out for around 15 minutes before coming upon a large building, even larger than the merchant guild. However, this building is flourishing with numerous people walking in and out constantly.
As I wait in a nearby queue of people I watch several people bickering which I found hilarious as the game had only been released a little over an hour so far. Some moments pass until I'm finally at the head of a long queue now behind me.
… “Welcome to the Information Guild, how may I be of assistance?”
… “I would like to gain information regarding 'Professions'.”
… “Are you looking for a profession or want general knowledge reading professions?”
… “General knowledge please.”
… “Certainly.”
The woman behind the counter passes me a small booklet before shouting 'Next'. Once I walk away I head through the streets before finding a bench to which I sit upon and read the booklet. While reading the booklet I feel slightly light-headed only to realise that the earlier booklet which grandfather gave me explained that you were required to eat to keep your satiety level gauge up.
While recalling how I increase my satiety level I remember I hadn't checked my inventory, which I promptly did only to find 'x10' stacked black bread. Soon after withdrawing the bread from my backpack I try a piece while thinking it tasted like toast, only slightly over-cooked.
Time came to pass during which I finished eating a roll of black bread, or 'burnt bread' as it was listed. Eventually, I finished the last page of the booklet regarding 'Professions' to which an unexpected message appeared before me.
*Tring*
Stat Progression Gained~ Due to gaining knowledge about something you previously didn't understand you have gained progression in Intelligence and Wisdom.
+1 Intelligence
+1 Wisdom
… “Stat Progression?”
As I finish reading the book regarding the basics on what a profession is, I unexpectedly received a message that appeared before me. While recalling the booklet grandfather had told me to read I remember it mentioning about evolving your character via 'stats'.
… “Status Window.”
*Tring*
Status WindowName:WhitePrimary ClassNoneLevel:1Secondary Class:NoneRace:HumanGender:MaleTitles:NoneFame:0Infamy:0-Health:200Mana:100Strength:10Agility:10Endurance:10Stamina:10Inteligence:11Wisdom:11Leadership:0Charisma:0-Equipment BonusHead:NoneNoneBody:Beginners' ShirtNoneLegs:Beginners' TrousersNoneRight HandNoneNoneLeft Hand:NoneNoneBoots:Beginners' BootsNoneGloves:NoneNoneCloak:NoneNoneNecklace:NoneNoneRing(s):NoneNone-Active EffectsN/a
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
… “Wow, awesome.”
Thanks to the booklet grandfather had given me earlier which contained information about most basic knowledge. However, it didn't contain information regarding Kingdoms nor professions specific professions other than listing information regarding overall 'Fighting' and 'Crafting' professions.
Now knowing what the 'Merchant' Profession has to offer I decide to head back to the Merchant Guild in which I raise myself from the bench and begin walking. After walking for several minutes I finally enter the reception area within the Merchant Guild only to find the elderly man still dealing with paperwork.
… “Back boy? Did you find out what the Merchant Profession is?”
I nodded towards the elderly man who gave a slight mumble under his breath in return.
… “So, do you wish to become a merchant?”
… “No as I don't wish to be limited to only merchanting. Although I do want to gain the ability to barter...”
The elderly man frowned upon hearing this while I pondered to myself wondering if I had offended him in saying such a thing.
… “No can do boy. Only those of the Merchant Profession can gain the Bartering Skill.”
… “Really? I see.. it's a pity. Suppose I should tell Ms. Margaret that her assistance was futile.”
As I mumbled under my breath the elderly man raised an eyebrow at the name 'Margaret' in which he coughed slightly to clear his throat.
… “Boy, which Margaret do you speak of?”
… “Um.. Margaret Thanes if I recall. However, she only assisted in guiding me here.”
… “So you're acquainted with the demon princes.. I see.. I see..”
… “Demon Princess?”
… “It's noting boy. Be sure not to mention I said that or she'll have my life.”
… “Really? She seemed really nice to me, she even said to mention her name if I got any issues.”
The elderly man went pale at my thoughtless words which I accounted to nothing. Wondering why the elderly man was expressionless or rather as white as a ghost, I moved closer before waving my hand inches from his face
… “You ok?”
… “Woah!? Sorry boy. I was dazed for a moment thinking of my possible torture. Anyhow, you wish to learn the Merchant Skills without becoming a Merchant.. this is a rather difficult predicment I am in.”
The elderly man raises from his seat before going to the back of the room to pick-up a scrool. Soon after, the elderly man returns and hands me the scroll.
… “This is an old document regarding Merchanting which my father once held. However, gaining the 'Merchant' Skill without having the Merchant Profession is harder than one would think.
There are two ways to become a 'merchant', one of which is gaining the profession while the other is undergoing an assignment given by the merchant guild themselves. However, the assignment is given to only special cases which is extremely rare.”
… “So why are you telling me this?”
…. “Because I don't want to be tortured by the demon princess. Simple as that boy.”
I hold a puzzled face as the elderly man once again calls the kind woman I met earlier a 'Demon Princess'. However, due to personal experience I know not to see people as they seem as humans can change personalities as quick as a light-switch can be flicked.
… “So what would the assignment be?”
… “Simple boy. Here is 15 Copper, go and buy 10 rabbit pelts.”
… “That easy?”
… “The life of a merchant is harder than you think boy.”
*Tring*
Quest; Complete the Merchants' ChallengeRank: E
~ You have been challenged by the Merchant guild to buy 10 rabbit pelts with 15 Copper.
Failure:-
~ You will not obtain the Merchant Skills
~ Familiarity with Merchants will be at an all-time low.
Completion:-
~ You will obtain the Merchant Skills
~ Familiarity with the Merchant Guild will increase.
~ Unknown.
… “Well, do you accept the challenge boy?”
… “Yes!”
As I accepted the Quest the message automatically disappeared while the elderly man returned to his paperwork. Meanwhile I turned around and headed outside thinking that buying the Rabbit pelts would be fairly easy, how wrong I was.
As I left the Merchant guild and headed back to the market place I came to recall Mr. Phillips explaining nobody could leave the City for four-weeks meaning I couldn't obtain from other players.
Slightly panic-stricken on what to do I decided to wander around to see if I could come up with some ideas. While walking through the streets I came to notice a familiar face, Margaret who also spotted me.
… “How did things go boy? Did everything go well?”
… “Both yes and no. I have an assignment to buy 10 rabbit pelts with 15 coppers though I have no idea how to obtain them.”
The woman seemed to be in thought for a while before she smiled towards me.
… “Since this is an official challenge I shall not help you. However, I shall give you some advice; there are always those in need of money.”
I was puzzled by what she meant to which she seemed to notice giving a slight laugh in response.
… “Simply open your eyes and think about who would need such an amount of money regardless of what they had to do.”
As Margaret said her last comment she turned and began walking off, leaving me slightly wondering what she had meant. Suddenly, I received another message like earlier.
*Tring*
Stat Progression Gained~ Your familiarity with Margaret Thanes has increased.
+1 Charisma
Ignoring the message I continued walking through the streets before coming upon the rural part of down which reminded me of the past year and a half of my life. While walking through the streets I noticed children playing with anything they could turn into a game while also noticing men and women in shabby homes.
As I continued walking I recalled what Margaret had said earlier regarding 'Simply open your eyes and think about who would need such an amount of money regardless of what they had to do.'.
Once I recalled what she had said an idea came to mind in which I headed over to the children who were currently playing with dustbin lids and sticks, pretending to be knights it seemed.
… “Hey, do you children know any strong people who need money?”
… “Hmm.. maybe uncle Alfred.. but why do you ask mister?”
… “can I meet your uncle Alfred?”
the several children nodded before guiding me through numerous back alleys. Some several minutes pass before I am eventually taken to an old-looking shack.
… “Uncle Alfred... Uncle Alfred.. Someone is here to see you!”
… “Who is it..?”
A bearded middle-aged man walks out of the shack, the man sort of reminds me of my father but I shake my head to that fact. As the man walks towards me he gazes up and down as if inspecting me.
… “What do you want boy?”
… “I have a request and hope you may be able to help.”
… “What request?”
… “I have a task from the Merchants Guild asking me to gain 10 Rabbit pelts for 15 Copper.”
… “You know that Rabbit pelts sell for 2 coppers each while skinning costs another copper on top?”
… “Really.. I see.. sorry for wasting your time.”
As I turn to leave the bearded man coughs to which I turn around wondering if he had something to say.
… “You are trying to gain the Merchant Skills, correct?”
… “Yes?”
… “I shall assist you for free, on one condition.”
… “Name it!”
… “Once you become a merchant buy these kids some clothes and food. I would like to do it myself; however, due to certain circumstances I am shunned by the community in which they will not accept anything from me."
Quest; Children of the Slums.Rank: E
~ You have been offered a Sub-Quest in addition to 'Complete the Merchants Challenge'.
~ Uncle Alfred has requested you to feed and cloth the children of the slums once you complete the quest 'Complete the Merchants' Challenge'.
Failure:-
~ You will undergo the wrath of Uncle Alfred
Completion:-
~ Familiarity with Uncle Alfred and residents from the Slums will increase.
~ Unknown.
Hearing the comment by the bearded man I wonder why he was shunned by the community, though I thought it would be better not to pry into someone's private life. While pondering this fact an unexpected message appeared before me once more, however while reading the details of the message a slight chill tingled through my spine as I wondered what 'wrath' I could undergo upon failure.
... "I accept to your conditions."
The message disappeared before 'Uncle Alfred' told me to expect the items tomorrow. Now knowing that I would gain everything tomorrow, and free at that; I recall the booklet from grandfather explaining that you should always log-out in a tavern or Inn encase of robbery or death. Wondering where I should log-out I turn to the bearded man.
… “Is there a cheap nearby inn? One cheap enough for 10 coppers?”
… “If you're looking for a room, stay at my place if you want. It's rare I get visitors other than these mischievous kids these days.
I nod towards the bearded man before he shows me into his home which was rather simple. Once inside the room I take out another of those over-cooked bread which disappears within seconds before I fall to slumber and log-out.
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