12 Back to Blank, Finally.

"Why should I compromise?", I continued, " You have nothing I want. My goal in this game is to have fun but to do that I need to be as strong as possible. "

There was an undeniable truth to my words. The room was silent.

" He is trying to achieve his first class change at level 0. ", Raxila stated coldly, " That's all I got out of him earlier. "

"Ahh, I see. ", remarked the Assasin, " Quite smart. If his sword skill reaches ten he can challenge the first class change. The challenge creates an instanced zone based upon your level. Brilliant. "

How could they see my plan? Raxila is better than I thought.

" Well, you caught me. Can you see now why I won't give up the prince yet? ", I questioned.

" Yet. ", remarked Azreal, " How much time do you need? "

I thought for a moment, " Two days. ".

Lord Justice relied on, " Fine, we will tell our bosses that the prince is currently in training and will give them a new rendezvous point scheduled for two days from now. I will send you the coordinates, Thorn. Is this sufficient compromise? "

I thought for a moment, " I believe we have an accord, but only if Raxila wears that armor. ", I said with a sly grin.

Raxila's face turned red again and she started towards me, " Why you little..."

"Good, until then. ", Lord Justice interrupted as his sword grew bright and with a brilliant flash filled the room. "

I felt my consciousness being pulled and I knew I was finally returning to the game. Moments later I opened my eyes and I was once again in the secret cellar.

Thankfully Olaf was still there, waiting on me. He was just a bit of code, but his loyalty caught me by surprise. Were it not for the good character of Olaf I would have had no bargaining chips against the avatars?

The pressure from that encounter finally began to release, and I could, at last, breathe easy. Who would have thought my first day would go like this? Those were the strongest players in the world and they gave in to me! Yes! I am awesome!

Ok, Nate, you are still level 0 remember, you have a long way to go to be awesome.

Olaf excitedly got to his feet as he saw me appear, covering one fist in a salute, " Thorn. Welcome back."

I returned the salute and questioned him lightly, " Why didn't you tell me you were a prince? "

This caught him off guard, but by now he expected anything from me. His surprise was replaced by a slow grin, " I figured you already knew. "

I smiled and said, " Everyone and their dog is looking for you right now, but I refused to give you up until after your training. ".

He looked surprised, " You did? "

I frowned and scolded him, " Of course I did, you are my friend after all! "

" Friend?", he replied softly, " Thank you, Thorn I have never had any real friends. "

I laughed and pulled out my wooden sword and pointed it at him, " Just cause we're friends doesn't mean I'm gonna take it easy on you! Now let's begin! "