[Good Morning: Today’s Date is 2nd Autumn 7, The time is now 0500, Todays weather - Expect moderate Cloud Coverage as a Storm front approaches from the Western Coast. ]

[Fielders Corn: 5 Days Remaining]

[Dragon Bell Peppers: 5 Days Remaining]

[Credits Deposited: 11,610]

It’s been a full month since Alex Moved into the Farmhouse with Evelyn, and It has been quite the ride so far. No longer the fresh green farmer that collapsed on the first day. He was finally making an impact on the farm, after his second full harvest, Alex now had a little over twenty four thousand credits. Though he was still unsure how much this amount would be in his old world, he found it really didn’t matter. It's not like he wanted to go back to that world of pain and neglect. He even slowly started to get used to his peppery nemesis.

Standing up from his bed, and walking towards the window, to start his normal day. Alex slowly realized something was different in the dark cold room. He couldn't quite place it, until he realized the deafening silence. There were no birds to sing, nor Cicada to shrill. Plus the Sun still well below the horizon, cast only a long dark shadow along the newly harvested fields. Normally the subtle glow of blue, gray and violet would be welcoming Alex to the new day.

Standing at the windows gate, he remained confused, what would woke him so early in the morning. Nothing stirred within the quiet confines of a lonely field, except a small shape near the wood line. Unable to see the shape clearly in the moonless expanse, Alex tried pressing his face to the glass, cupping his hands around his eyes, finding anything to help him see more. As if hearing his plight, the clouds shifted allowing the gentle red glow of the moon to cast its light on the diminutive form.

Wait… red glow. The Moon has always cast a pale blue light on the world below what was going on…

Alex would need to find an answer to this another time, as the mysterious shape seemed to look straight in the direction of the small farmer. He could see golden eyes shine in the red glow. Long ears making up most of the creature's face protruding from the sides, while a wicked smile cut through the remainder of its face.

Slowly it moved closer, not taking its gaze from mine. More shapes from the wood line coming out in the crimson radiance. Slowly it crept ever more to the Farmhouse. The home he worked tirelessly to grow. The only haven Alex has known since arriving in this world. Slowly the creature ventured forth, cruelty shining in its gaze.

“RAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWKKKKK” The creature screams, suddenly rushing towards the house. A horde of similar screams following in its wake. A sea of Golden Eyes piercing the scarlet world. The glint of metal meeting the world in deadly unison.

Alex quickly rushed to grab his staff, Rushing to the door of his room. Alex grabbed hold, ready to do anything to save his home. He had to find a way, any way to save his home. Maybe if he woke everyone up they could stop…

Running head first into the shape of a five foot six linebacker of a man. Alex nearly fell over backwards as Phaestus Flint walked calmly inside his room, turning slightly to fit his massive frame past the door. He held a finger to his mouth, miming the young farmer to remain quiet as he walked past him towards the window.

Unable to fathom what in the world is happening, he approached the old dwarf. “Flint, why are you up here, shouldn't we…” Alex tried to explain, before getting interrupted.

“Shhhhhh,” the old man simply said pointing outside. “Just keep ye gob shut, and watch.”

The roar of the creatures echoed throughout the property, a sea of gold, silver and gray rolling in like a tide of miniature death in the blood stained light of the full moon. A figure approached from the farmsteads base, welcoming the approaching wave. A cloaked form holding a long curved blade stood alone, lowering its already small stature before sprinting towards the monstrous crowd.

Alex watched as the lone figure cut through the living wave, dancing effortlessly between the sea of monsters. Arcs of silver and white cascade in a myriad of destructive light, as the creatures are sent flying in all directions. The display of power was beautifully terrifying to the young farmer. He couldn't find words to fully describe the sheer level of power that was displayed. As the cloaked figure, lept high into the air he finally recognized the emerald eyes reflecting her blade’s haunting glow.

“Poor lass ‘as been fightin’ these goblins for the last two weeks, after the farm started producing sustainable crops.” the old dwarf started explaining, “she asked me to forge ‘er a weapon strong enough that she could protect you at night.”

“Why hasn't anyone said anything to me?” Alex asked mournfully, never taking his eye from her movements. “I could have helped.”

Placing a stern hand on the Farmers shoulders, Flint pulled Alex’s gaze directly to his. Oversized hands grasped firmly as Flints stare filled with concern, “Ya still don’t remember do ye Lad?" His deep ruby eyes cut deep into hi very being. “Evelyn only caught a glimpse of your fight with Rodrick and ‘is Ilk, but told me that the sight still haunts her nightmares. I know the monster that staff’s o’ yours brings out into the world. She did na' want to see you get hurt again cause of it.”

“Tha’ Lass cares deeply for ye, and so fights with all ‘er might! Her only other request, was that I stand watch that you dont, 'try and save her'." He took a deep breath, loosing his grip on Alex.

"Ye weren’t supposed to see this, and fa' that I'm sorry Lad.” Flint now with tears in his eyes looked back towards the near ending battle outside. The remnants of the goblins dissolving into ash before dissipating into the pre-morning sky.

As Alex looked closer at his friend, he saw tears in her eyes. Eyes now staring directly at him. In the now silver light of the moon, her silhouette clearly visible in the empty field. She returned her weapon not moving her gaze from his. In the soft glow of the moons light, he could have sworn that he watched her say something to him. Though impossible due to how far away she was, he could clearly make out two words.

“I’m Sorry”

The welcoming light of dawn could finally be seen through the window of the farmstead's kitchen as the three residents sat quietly for the last hour. Evelyn first walked in from the front door after dispatching the goblins and never once looked up. Unable to handle the silence any longer Alex acted first.

“What happened that night, Eve?” He begged, “please I have to know.”

It was Flint that answered his question first. “The Scourge of the Heroes Sin’s otherwise known as the Black Corsair. It’s one of the Hunter Class that specializes in warfare and combat, utilizing various forms that the Gentleman’s Riposte offers. It excels in all forms of fighting within a five meter radius of the wielder.” The dwarf explained, before taking a deep solemn breath, continuing on. “However in order to protect its user from direct mental instability it causes them to black out and enter a berserker state, until the threat is neutralized.”

Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

Evelyn in tears finally spoke up. “When you were next to me that night, you begged for anything to help you save me. The system responded, unlocking that class, and summoned another person to the clearing next to us.” She started, barely controlling her voice. “He asked you, if you were certain you would do anything to save me, and without hesitation you answered yes. ‘That it was the right thing to do.’ You didn't even blink as you stared at him.”

“He handed you a small potion, warning you that you would lose control. That you shouldn’t fight the feeling or you would end up hurting me in the process. He apologized for only being able to offer what little he could, that the requirements were still far too strict in what he was allowed to interfere with.” Evelen continued her sobs growing stronger as she approached the final parts.

“After you drank the potion and called for your weapon you… that’s when you changed. Before he left, he whispered one last message to me.” Grabbing her arms tight, She fought through the traumatic memories. “He told me, ‘I'm terribly sorry for what you will have to bare witness,’ before disappearing once more. The Scream… that terrifying scream, something not of this world, as you tore into them. That was the last thing I remember before waking up a month ago.” Unable to hold back any longer, she cried, pulling her legs up into the chair, she continued to cry uncontrollably.

Alex could only stare at a spot on the table, unable to comfort his friend. Worried that any movement may cause further harm, he quietly left his seat at the table, and moved towards the stove to retrieve their kettle. While tea wouldn’t take away the pain of the traumatic experience. It was the only thing he could do, to help soothe his friend.

After brewing the leaves he received from Ned, Alex added honey, sugar, lemon, and mint to the batch, allowing the cooling fragrance to permeate the kitchen. Pouring a cup for everyone, Evelyn slowly grabbed hers, letting the warmth envelope her. “Thank you… Alex”

Alex gave his friend a warm smile, although he couldn't remove the scars wrought upon his friend. He could at least be there for her now, but at least he had an Idea of what happened, except how did he get here. Looking to the dwarf once more, he needed to ask him. “If I went berserk fighting, how did I get here?”

“Thas’ something that I been looking into as well, Lad” Flint started to explain, pulling out his pipe, ‘An’ I think I may ‘ave found an answer to that.”

Taking a long drag, the old dwarf sat quietly for a moment contemplating what he was going to say, bore letting it all out and returning to the topic once more. “Your staff’s first form is called the ‘Storyteller’s Staff’ at least in this early stage it is. I canna’ say too much more ‘bout that part, but I can it does equip the class ‘Storyteller.’

“One of the special skills used by that class is called ‘wherever may I wander.’ It's a unique skill that allows unimpeded travel and movement without interference of any creature, person, or spell. The castor for all intent and purpose becomes background noise to the world while in effect. Chances are after you came down from the uncontrollable rage of the Gentleman's Riposte, you subconsciously used the other ability while carrying the wee elf lass. Which in itself shows a great deal of dedication. Ta’ ‘ave constantly channeled magic for as long as ye did lad, no wonder ye were unconscious for a week” Flint said to his young friend, taking another draw of his pipe.

Again more secrets from the system, but it was fine. Right now Alex would need to focus on more important issues. The goblins were originating somewhere, and exploring the village personally still required his attention. Plus with how Evelyn was right now, he felt she needed to be in good company today. Alex thought of a wonderful idea.

After over an hour of convincing, and finishing his daily chores. Alex called back down the road towards the Farm. “Come on, Eve I know you can move your little legs faster than that, Woah! Alex braced himself as he watched the small, bronze skinned sprite come flying towards the farmer, ready to knock him down for his flippant tone. Expecting her attack he ducked out of the way, before getting tripped by her upon landing and quickly returning to the attack.

Now sitting on top of the helpless farmer, he couldn’t possibly do any more. “Ok, I give up, I’m sorry Eve” Alex relented unable to hold back his laughter.

Evelyn, trying to maintain her ‘grumpy’ composure, looked away with a soft ‘harumph’ before standing up. “You beg me to come out here with you, and the first thing you do is make fun of my height.” She said, barely holding back a smile.

Smiling back to his dear friend, the two of them continued walking west towards the village. Promising to only go as far as the Village Square, this would be the first time Alex visited the abandoned location. Welcoming the change in pace, and the opportunity to spend time with his friend, he realized that she had been spending most of the day out in the Woods.

Looking out towards the Woodline Alex took a deep breath, “So… do you fight a lot of monsters out there during the day?” He asked.

Fully expecting the question, Eve responded. “Its normally not that bad, I spent a lot of time in the woods growing up. Normally I spent the days gathering various herbs and food to sell. The Goblins only recently started attacking.” She explained. A distant look on her face showed she wasn't completely comfortable with this conversation.

Trying to change the subject a little, he did his best to think. “You were amazing this morning, how did you attack with the light moving around like water? He asked nearly blurting out the question in embarrassment.

She looked at him with a soft laugh, “It was because of Flints sword. The 'Ravens Cry', It allowed me change my class.” She answered, though the look on her face told him, no more questions. “I'm sorry, just… not right now. Please?”

“Of course, I'm sorry…” Alex responded, walking away before feeling a hand grab hold of his sleeve.

Looking back to see Eve’s hand holding onto him, he turned and gave her a hug. Holding her close as she broke down, crying in his arms. He cared deeply for his friend as they spent the last month working towards building the farm together, plus another month that neither could recall, as he carried her to the village, risking his life to protect her. He didn’t know what nightmares haunted her dreams, or what he could do to help. Although right now, in this very moment, he could do this.

The first Building they reached was the General Store, At least he thought it was a building considering the foundation and structure was completely demolished save for the General Goods plaque, not to mention the sign next to it.

Welcome to Flintwood Village.

“Achieve your Dreams with Friendship”

Population 4

“Well that’s weird.” I stated bluntly

“Yeah, the weirder part is that the sign changed when Flint joined the Village through the System.” Eve laughed. “Come on, I'll show you the Square.”

Walking further in Alex found that most of the buildings appeared the same. Completely destroyed. Maybe the system would restore them as they completed the objectives. As it did with the farmhouse. Though it was hard telling with magic in the mix.

Eve lead the way up to an elevated section of the town. The stairs leading up to a good ten to twelve feet, a metal railing encircling the entire perimeter. It would have been a gorgeous view of planters, benches and decorated floor tiles. However just like the rest of of the village, time and destruction wrought the once vibrant meeting place. The ground cracked and vine covered. Weeds choking the life and beauty from the planters. It was not as bad as the buildings and could be restored by hand, for the most part, but would need the system to help as well.

Alex looked around the square taking in all the sights, walking up to the southern side of the square he looked out towards the Lake that took up a majority of the area they lived in. Its calm blue waters comforted the young farmer, even though this village was abandoned by its people and ‘time,’ this lake stood by its side. It was his turn to help the village, and just like the lake he would stay by it. He turned towards the square and watched as Eve surveyed the area, and Smiled. Running towards his friend, he let out a great roar, picking her up into a big hug.

Now he only needed to figure out this goblin problem, but that could wait for another day.

After all, he had his friends with him.