Chapter V

Level 1

Health: 95

Magicka: 105

Stamina: 100

With Sven walking alongside me we both exit the tavern, I see the group, Vilfrid, Ralof, and Hadvar discussing something intensely while Lokir, Haming, and Torolf are sitting and laughing together. I glance at Sven and tap his shoulder.

Alexander: Lad, grab whatever weapon you have at home and meet me where the rest of those guys are, alright?

Sven: Of course sir!

Sven walks back to his home in a hurry and I walk towards the gate, before reaching it however, I stop to see Faendal, who appears to be leaving the mill to go hunting.

Alexander: Hey buddy.

Faendal turns to me.

Faendal: Yes? Can I help you?

Alexander: You hear about that burglary at the Riverwood Trader? Poor girl, she must've been scared stiff!

Faendal: Camilla? Scared?

Alexander: It's none of my business, but someone should talk with her and see if she's ok, you seem close so I thought you should know.

Faendal looks a little confused at me, but I give him a thumbs up and smack his back.

Faendal: How would you-

Alexander: Well her brother hired me to get what was stolen, she talked with me about where to go and I could practically hear the concern in her voice, the poor thing! A lass should feel safe in her town after all! And you've definitely got what it takes to do it! A strong elven warrior like yourself could make a bandit quiver in their boots! Go on in there and show her what you have to offer!

I push him towards the Riverwood Trader and he looks back at me nervously, but I continue to give him a thumbs up and a smile. He enters the building and I turn back to the gate, just then I receive a notification and see a status window:

Quest complete: A Lovely Letter

Notice: You have completed the quest in a different way than intended, and changed the fate of others, Congratulations!

Reward: Both Faendal and Sven will become loyal followers

So since I didn't trigger the quest like normal it didn't appear. But I still completed it anyway. That's a relief to know it worked.

I walk over to the group and see Sven talking to them, Ralof and Hadvar seem pretty entertained by him so that's a good sign at least. When they see me their smiles disappear as they begin to look serious and walk over to me.

Ralof: Alexander.

Alexander: Good day boys. I sure hope I gave you all enough time to talk things out.

Ralof: You did. Frankly what you told us sounds nothing short of impossible. But with the first dragon ever seen in Skyrim after who knows how long, I suppose we have no other choice but to hope your words have truth in them.

I let out a mental sigh of relief, God forbid, what would happen if they didn't believe me?

Hadvar: But can you be certain? The war ending without one side or the other suffering, with the Dragonborn rising to power? Or even one appearing at all?

Alexander: My research was flawless Hadvar. I know exactly what I'm talking about!

Even though that research was just late-night gaming sessions and reading and learning lore in any book, webpage, video, or article I could find.

Alexander: I know it's asking a lot. You all have your political views on the war, and your sides to be loyal to. But if there's anything I can promise, it's this. The Dragonborn will come, and when they do they must arrive with a powerful band of allies, no matter what! So, all that's left is this...Will you all take this gamble to change history, and be heroes, or play it safe, with the risk of more lives lost?

They all look at each other, looking rather nervous until Vilfrid walks up to me proudly.

Vilfrid: You saved my life in Helgen and sounded pretty sure of yourself before! And you're right. At the end of the day if we can end this war without casualty then that's a win in my book. You have my sword, Alexander.

Torolf, Sven, and Lokir walk up to me.

Torolf: As will we.

Lokir: I don't know if I'll be useful. But I'll sure as Oblivion try.

Sven: I was promised to write the songs of the new Dragonborn and I would have to be a fool to pass that up!

Ralof and Hadvar scratch their heads and look at each other. Then smile and clasp their hands in what's possibly the most manly way possible. Then turn to me.

Hadvar: So long as you promise the safety of our land...

Ralof:...We will promise to be you and the Dragonborn's trusted allies.

Alexander: I'm happy to hear that I've made such reliable friends.

We all laugh together until Vilfrid remarks.

Vilfrid: So...what now?

Alexander: Now, we get to training. Contrary to my competency at Helgen, I've never actually fought a day in my life. Hadvar, Vilfrid, and Ralof, I'd like to ask if you all will train me, Lokir, Sven, and Torolf. And maybe even Faendal.

Sven: Faendal?

Alexander: We'll need as much help as we can get. Understand that Sven.

Sven frowns but then nods.

Haming: Hey what about me??

Haming tugs my armor with a fired-up look in his eyes.

Torolf: No way Haming! You can barely fight a fox! Let alone a dragon.

Haming looks sad at first. It's not like I'll need a kid to fight for me, God forbid. But I'm going to be dealing with a lot of powerful people. If I'm not careful, anyone whom I associate closely with will probably be in danger. I tap Torolf's shoulder, whispering to him.

Alexander: Surely some early combat training wouldn't be so bad for the boy? He can at least learn to protect himself.

Torolf: Well...that is true.

Torolf sighs.

Torolf: You can train with us. But don't expect yourself to fight a dragon.

Haming: Yes!! Thank you, Papa!

Haming turns to me excitedly

Haming: And thank you, Alexander! Soon I'll be strong enough to give a Hagraven a run for their money!

Alexander: Hahaha! That's the spirit boy! But for now, let's settle for you trying to kill a wolf! Wouldn't want you fighting those hags. We'll start first thing in the morning! I've got some things I'd like to handle first. So for now, you should start relaxing. We've only just left Helgen after all!

They all nod and walk their separate ways. Now that's done, it's time I train myself, I equip the two-handed Hero axe and walk away from the village, I'll need to practice and increase my combat skills as fast as possible, I won't be able to survive otherwise if I can't hold my own. But it's not just that as a factor. I'll also need to level my smithing. That's why I'll do the most basic way to level it up, Iron farming. And first stop—

Alexander: Is Embershard Mine.

I stop to see the entrance of the mine, with the same bandit guarding the front. I crouch down and see that he hasn't detected me yet. Seems I still have that innate ability to know if I can't be seen, that's great. I sneak off to the side and climb the hill, until I reach the top, seeing the entrance from below, as I was going around my sneak leveled up and I was already a quarter away from level 2.

I fall slowly to the scaffolding and land directly behind the Bandit, carefully I sneak up behind him, and draw out my axe, swinging it directly into his neck. With one fell swing the bandit is knocked down with blood gushing from where I hit him. Then I land another blow directly into his chest. After that, my Two-Handed skill leveled up to 21.

Finally, I managed to do it. I killed someone, normally some people would be mortified from an experience like this, but I've been thinking about this potentially happening ever since I woke up in this situation. It doesn't matter what happens, I've got no time to be scared about killing someone, because if I hesitate, I'll be the next one bleeding.

I examine the bandit's body and take his weapons, armor, and gold, he had at least 10 on him. Gold is going to be a bother to get unless I have a clear income set up, maybe if that mod exists in this world, I'll have to check if I ever get to Rorikstead.

Then I walk into the mine, I won't have anyone here to help me, I'll need to be careful.

I carefully sneak through the mines and spot a lone pickaxe, it's not much compared to others I can find, but it'll do for now. I pick it up and place it into my inventory. Then I spot a tripwire, carefully maneuvering around it.

If I start mining the ore now I'll be alerting the bandits, so I need to clear this place out. I hear something as I walk further into the mine.

Bandit 1: Are you sure it's safe here? I've never liked being inside of a mine.

Bandit 2: What are you scared of? This place is perfect! We have an endless supply of iron and a town we can pillage nearby!

Bandit 1: Someone could wander in here though!

Bandit 2: Whose wandering in here? We've got a guard up there, and that trap we set up! We'll be fine!

Imagine putting that much faith in a trap that only drops a few rocks. Even if I fell for it I don't think it would've even hurt me too badly.

Bandit 2: Now go to sleep! Your shifts going to be next and I don't want you dozing off while keeping watch!

The bandit walks away from his buddy who's about to fall asleep, he begins walking away but I quickly grab a small pebble and throw it in his direction, causing him to turn around.

Bandit 2: Whose there!?

Alexander: NEENER, NEENER, NEENER!!!

The bandit looks up and spots me in the distance, I run away and he shouts.

Bandit 2: HEY STOP!!!

Alexander: NOPE!!! WOOP, WOOP WOOP WOOP WOOP WOOP!!

The second bandit wakes up.

Bandit 1: What happened?!

Bandit 2: THIS ANNOYING ASS INTRUDER JUST MOCKED ME!!! GET UP!!!

I continue running and hide in a corner near the trip wire, I peek around the corner and see the bandits walking through the tunnel, and as they get closer to where the trap was laid, I pull the line to trigger the trap.

I was expecting the trap to slightly damage the bandits and catch them by surprise, but instead, I see a crap load of boulders fall onto the bandits, completely killing them. Shit, I'm lucky that I didn't trip, guess being in a more realistic Skyrim means better traps.

I grab the bandits' equipment, and move forward, still crouching just in case. Finally, I get to the next room with the lever to pull down the bridge, I pull my bow and grab an arrow, then pull the lever down. Not a second later a bandit runs up with a visibly confused look on his face.

Bandit 3: Who pulled down the lever? Tor? Rals? Are you screwing around again?! If I find you two you're gonna regret it!

Alexander: Now come on fella, you shouldn't speak ill of the dead.

I release my arrow and it zooms quickly and hits a rock that was a yard behind the bandit, who turns around in shock.

Bandit 3: What was that?!

Alexander:...Shit. Well no matter, It's not like I would've killed him first shot anyway. Just gotta make sure I get a good chunk of health off him. Even an arrow to his toe would be enough.

I draw my bow and arrow back again and aim, releasing the arrow, it zooms forward but hits directly into the bridge a few feet away from the bandit.

Bandit 3: Is someone there!?!

The bandit appeared very scared. The bastard probably thinks I'm toying with him. Little does he know, I know jack shit about using a bow and arrow!!

Alexander: OK, third time the charm?

I shoot the arrow again and it zooms straight towards the bandit, but then the damn thing zipped to the left hitting the campfire nearby!

Alexander: FUCKING DAMN IT! How is that even possible?!?

I try and draw my bow again but the bandit turns around and finally sees me after shouting like a moron.

Bandit 3: Intruder!!

Well, I already have the damn thing drawn, might as well shoot it just to scare him. I let the arrow go and in a stroke of dumb luck, the arrow finally hit the bandit in the knee, now I have the upper hand! I prepare to charge in the bandits' direction but when I finally reach him, he puts out his hand signaling for a timeout.

Bandit 3: Damn it! You shot an arrow to my knee! I surrender!

Alexander: Wait...what?

Bandit 3: Don't you realize? Shooting me in the knee means I can't do any of the stuff bandits do!

Alexander: I thought that only applied to adventurers?

Bandit 3: Yeah and? Bandits do half the stuff adventurers do.

Alexander: That's...not completely false. So...what'll you do now?

Bandit 3: I'll have to resign from the gang, a cousin of mine is a guard so he'll probably let me into the force. Shame though, I just got into this group.

The bandit limps away from me towards the exit.

Alexander:... OK...moving on then.

I walk further down the tunnel and spot another bandit, who is fast asleep. I bring out my two-handed axe and move slowly towards the gate, I slowly approach the bandit, and then a small window opens in front of me, which reads:

Activate Pickpocket?

Yes/No

Upon clicking Yes hesitantly I was able to see the available items I could take in the bandits' inventory which included: an Iron Dagger, an Apple, 15 gold, and a...gold sapphire necklace???

Alexander: What is this doing in here!?

Bandit: Hey!

The bandit woke up and grabbed her sword, attempting to stab me with it. Thankfully I dropped back before the tip could hit my neck and kick her away from me.

Bandit: You've got balls trying to steal my loot buddy!

Alexander: Got balls...

I smack my head in frustration.

Alexander: But clearly not enough brains to shut the hell up!

The bandit lunges her sword in my direction, thankfully she was slow enough for me to dodge and weave, I swerve behind and deliver a blow to her back with a punch, stunning her before I draw my axe out, and cut her down. It takes a couple of hits but I manage to kill her, and then that damn ding comes up again.

One Handed increased to 21

Alexander: Oh for crying out loud, CAN THIS DAMN THING BE MUTED!!! HEY AUTHOR I KNOW YOU HEAR ME!!! IT'S A PAIN IN THE ASS FOR YOU AS IT IS FOR ME SO JUST SKIP IT!!! ISEKAI STORIES USUALLY DO ANYWAY!!!

A click was heard, did that work? I walk over to the nearby locked door and test it, upon opening a notification pops up but with no ding followed by it.

Alexander: Alright! Thank you, author!

A note flies down in front of my feet and I pick it up, it reads: "In exchange for your bitching and insult to my writing, I shall make sure thy journey will be thoroughly entertaining for me and the readers, and very painful and annoying to you, have fun prick." And a picture of a middle finger followed by it.

Alexander: Wait, what?