4 Chapter 4 - The Unpleasant Truth

"You know, this reminds me of an MMO I played a lot. Endless War Online."

Myself and the others were sat around a table, discussing the information we took in and trying to make sense of a few things. The other masters were all reminded of certain MMOs but I've never played anything like this.

"I've never heard of that. Probably a European thing, right? Talking about European, Otto, do you know Japanese?"

Motada had just asked a question that's been on my mind for a little while. If he can't speak Japanese then how have we been able to communicate with each other?

"No, I don't speak Japanese. Wait, if you guys speak Japanese then how can I understand you? You guys are speaking perfect English to me."

At this point, we were all very confused. Shirou, however, decided to pitch an idea.

"Could it be possible that, when we were summoned, we gained possession of a translation ability? Either that or our weapons translate anything foreign into our native tongue."

That's a very reasonable explanation, and probably the correct one. Shirou's mind was as sharp as his style. However, there was one thing I noticed.

"This translation only seems to work for anything audible. We still can't read this world's language. We probably won't need to, but it is a disadvantage nonetheless, no matter how slight. Good thing the UI for our weapons and abilities are in our native tongue."

We kept talking until the sun went down, and that's when the topic of our masteries came up. Apparently, each of the Masters was assigned the most powerful damage dealing classes from each of their respective MMOs. However, this world wasn't anything like the MMOs I was used to. Apparently, the look of my shield and gauntlet matched the defensive style of gear in Endless War Online.

And that's when Otto told me the truth about my class. A real kick to the balls if I'm being completely honest.

"The thing is Nayasuki...the tank class actually becomes useless near level cap..."

"Wait...what?"

"See, the thing is, in all our MMOs one thing that they share in common is the Avoidance stat. Due to this stat, tanks are useless because the damage dealers can simply use avoidance armour to avoid all damage."

And then Natsuki proceeded to rub the metaphorical salt in the very real wound.

"And, even without avoidance, end game gear is so powerful that tanks aren't needed. And the more damage there is the less time is wasted. And even in the lower levels, you can't level without killing enemies and getting XP, and the enemies are weak enough to where damage dealers can kill them relatively quickly."

"Well...thanks for the motivation."

My reply was weak. Damn, I really drew the short end of the stick huh? As I drowned in ever saddenning thoughts Motada jumped at me and decided to give me a morale boost.

"Don't worry Naysuki. We are all heroes here. We'll work together and we'll craft our own legend. Keep your chin up."

"Yeah...you're right!"

He was spot on! It didn't matter if the road ahead of me was one full of struggle, or if everything I did would be clouded with endless adversity, as long as I had my fellow masters beside me we would be able to surpass any obstacle and complete any challenge. I decided to speak up.

"As long as we stick together we can make it through this. We'll carve out our names in the halls of legend, and there'll be paintings of us in the royal palace. I guarantee it."

They all nodded together. I could feel it right there and then. That this would be the start of a group that would conquer even the heavens. A group of which songs would be sung, and a group that the people of this world would venerate. Motada then stood up and started to walk to his assigned bed.

"Alright, I think we should get some sleep for now. Best to get some rest considering that tomorrow is gonna be an important day for us."

All of us agreed and decided to call it a night. We were all excited for what tomorrow was going to bring, and I fell asleep with anticipation for where this journey will take me.

Early in the morning all of us were woken up by the royal servants. They led us back to the throne room where the King and Queen would give us more information and support. We stood in front of the two, ready to listen. The King told us about important details involving the party system.

"Your legendary weapons are naturally less effective when surrounded by other legendary weapons, or so my researchers tell me. Apparently, this is especially crippling in regards to gaining power and experience. However, the benefits of grouping in the party system should reduce the loss even if just a little bit. I recommend that you group together and start gaining power and experience. The plains outside the city outskirts are the perfect place to get started, masters. The low-level creatures deal little physical damage and are easy enough to slay."

The Queen then decided to share information regarding the city and where we can procure goods that we may need.

"Masters, if you are ever in need of rest, food or gear do not be worried to look around town for the vendors. Ask for directions if necessary. The vendors in Melena are very well connected. You should have no issue traversing the city. Servants!"

Each servant proceeded to give us each a bag full of coins as a helping hand to assist us in our preparations and sorting out our daily needs. All of us stared in awe at the craftsmanship of the coins and thanked the queen for her generosity.

"In each bag are two hundred gold Imperial Coins for each of you to start with. There are bronze, silver, gold and diamond Imperial Coins. You may earn more Imperial Coins out in the wild and, as you stop more of the demonic armies' Dark Crusades, you will continue to be rewarded handsomely. I must talk to Motada for but a moment. The rest of you, however, may leave. Go to your rooms and prepare to venture out. Make your legends come to life, Masters!"

We all replied enthusiastically and headed to our quarters to prepare for our venture Into Melena's plains. While waiting for Motada we all wondered what we could discover out in the wild. Little did I know that the meeting between Motada and the queen would change everything. My trust would be burned away in an instant by this rotten kingdom.