5 So Much to Learn
Fushh…
With the sound of the Parax glass cover opening I opened my eyes to be greeted by my room's ceiling. At first my mind was still fogy as I stayed lying and staring holes at my ceiling.
Sitting up from Parax I gazed around my room. The curtains were drawn shut however the sunlight still peeked inside the room because it was too thin. My gazed soon stopped at my night stand where my digital alarmed clock was located. The time was already 1 PM in the afternoon.
As I sat inside Parax I had this strange feeling. It was like I was submerged in a long dream that made me sluggish but content.
When a growling sound broke my reverie I felt my cheeks heat. So I decided to pull myself together so I can satisfy my hungry stomach's demands.
I stood up and walked towards the door.
"Mom?" I called as I entered the kitchen. Seeing that she was nowhere to be found I walked towards the freezer to check if she left any massage. Usually in this kind of situation she will leave a message stuck by a magnet at the freezer.
Indeed as I looked at the freezer there was a message left by my mom.
Karen,
I had to rush to meet someone. I couldn't cook lunch for you, so just buy your lunch outside.
I'll make it up to you. I'll cook your favorite tomorrow.
Love,
Mom
With a shook of my head I opened the freezer to look if there was anything to cook however there was nothing inside.
I'm really hungry. As I thought of what to do I suddenly grimaced. Since there was nothing to eat I will have to leave the house and go to the 24-hour store few blocks away from the house.
I really don't like walking around the neighborhood. Somehow I have this feeling that makes me more reluctant to leave the house.
Hmmm… I do have some money left from the advance payment that Black sent to my account. Some of my advance pay was used for the delivery of Parax and most of the pay I already gave it to my mom to pay for bills and such.
The money which was left should be enough for me to go to a restaurant instead. That way I don't have to walk towards the store and still need to come back home to cook.
Anyway I have 1 hour to do all this so I have to go now If I want do not want to run home after eating later.
Unlike the 24-hour store that was few blocks away from the house, the small restaurant in the neighborhood was nearer. It was only 10 minutes walk from the house.
The only down side was that there was a high probability of meeting unwanted people, mainly the 'thugs' that roam the area. I do call them 'thugs' however they are not the usual thugs you can imagine. The 'thugs' I was saying were the woman my age who had nothing to do but gossip. Which by the way, I was the favorite topic.
Most of the 'thugs' were my acquaintances or another during my university or high school years. They usually want to invite me just to show how different they were to me. I do know I have my moments but they didn't need to emphasize on it. Worst still was that they ask things which was obviously already known to them.
I shudder as I remembered the get-together that they planned two years ago. It was the same get-together that they were planning two weeks from now. This event was also the main reason I and my best friend fought.
I still remember that day. The day we fought was the day she arrived with an invitation to a party from the 'head thug'. It was an invitation to a grand party at her house.
This party was obviously for the rich and high class but they went all the trouble to invite me by using my best friend. I still remember how I turned the invitation down and explained it to my friend why I don't want to go.
However she didn't even try to understand my explanation and said I was just a jealous bitch who can't face the truth that I was unsuccessful as the others.
It can't be helped because it was true that I was jealous of their life but it was not really the case. The case was that they want to flaunt their comfortable lives which as I might add was because they were already rich from the start and make you say how different your life was by asking 'innocent' questions about your life.
I might be wrong or biased but I wanted to avoid being humiliated like 2 years ago.
As much as I cared and miss my friend, I still can't forgiver her right now. Thinking about my friend I wonder what she was doing now. I mused as I let out a grim sigh.
With a small shrug I continued to walk towards the restaurant. It was really a good thing that it was already past lunch time since the restaurant was not crowded.
I went to one of the stools in front of the counter.
"Oho, what a rare sight to see you here" The woman who was standing inside the counter said as she placed a menu in front of me.
"Unnn." I grunted a reply as I looked at the menu.
She was one of the people I wanted to avoid. I never expected her to be working here.
"Have enough money to buy those in the menu?" Hearing this I can't help but blush in embarrassment.
A range of emotions swirled inside me. The embarrassment I felt change into cold anger.
"Of course I do" I said with a cold tone as my lips thinned. After giving my order I averted my eyes from her shocked face.
She seemed astonished when I answered her sharply. Even I was surprised by my reply. In normal situation I should have bowed my head and choose to keep quiet.
Where did this feeling, the feeling of wanting to fight for myself, come from? Did I become that bold since I got a job…?
No… I was sure I did not act like this even when I was already secure of my job. Was this an effect of playing inside the game?
Thinking about it, my actions when I was Zeift was more confident and less uncertain as I always had here in the real world.
Zeift is different from me. He is confident and straightforward. He is also a person who wouldn't let anyone walk all over him. Zeift was the 'me' I wanted to become. He was the persona I created as I entered that world.
The 'me' in this world and the 'me' in that world were different but somehow I felt the line between the two was blurring. This was something that I have no idea about but the feeling was there. Will my change be more prominent as I stay longer in that world? Will it affect the 'me' in this world?
Letting out a deep breath I distracted myself by looking at the big flat TV screen in front.
"Good afternoon to all!" The host which was a woman sitting behind a long table facing the camera said. Besides her was a man dressed in formal suit, he might be around late thirties.
"I am Tina and will be the host today." She said with a lively tone. "And here with me is the speaker for WORLD Corporation, Mr. Dane Torth." She continued as she looked at the man who in turn nodded his head.
"Hello everyone." Dane said as he smiled at the screen.
"As you all know the hottest topic today is the newly released Virtual Reality Game. It is the first ever VR game in history. The existence of the game had been really a point of much discussion."
"Indeed since the announcement made by the company 8 years ago the game had been under so much speculation." Mr. Dane agreed.
"It can't be helped that many had doubt about it, however after the game officially went online 5 hours ago many had already given a positive feed back. And most of them had stated that the realism was really high." Saying this she looked at Mr. Dane asking with the use of her eyes to explain further.
"Indeed, the realism of the game is really high and detailed. All the senses can be used inside the game. Even the sensation of pain has been taken into account… that is why the game is limited from ages of 13 above."
Nodding her head she looked back at the camera. "The realism was indeed really high as reported. Here are some video clips that were sent to us by some players. We are about to show you one of them."
After the woman said that the screen scene changed to a meadow. From the video one can see a group of 4 characters. You can definitely see that two of the characters had traits different from humans. All four was equipped and in the middle was a monster which was around the height of two people.
I was brought back sharply into the present situation when I heard someone calling my name. I was too intent on watching the battle that I forgot that I ordered something to eat.
Looking at the person that placed my food in front of me I noticed that she was not the one I was talking to awhile back. With thanks she nodded and left to assist the other customers.
As I started to eat the video ended and the discussion between Mr. Dane and the host continued. I continued to listen as I ate.
"According to our resources the number of players continues to grow. Can you please tell us your prediction about the games popularity?"
"For now we have millions of players here in A-country and the launching of the game in E-country will be tomorrow. From the lunching in Europe we can expect a number of players that will also register this is all because of the feedback and videos that the players are circulating on the net."
"Aside from E-country, does WORLD have any plans of launching to other parts of the world?" The host asked as they look at there back where a screen showing the world map with marks showing where WORLD have launched the VR.
"Yes… WORLD has plans on expanding. We are already having talks with the R-country, C-country and J-country Government. There are also other countries that have been negotiating about the release of VR in their respective countries."
"Wow! So it is possible to think that many nationalities will be playing the game then."
"That's what the WORLD plans."
"However would there be conflict in communicating?"
Hmm… that's true… If WORLD's aim is to make everyone play Parallel then they will have problems with communication with the other nationals.
"Or maybe the company will be making a different server each country?"
Listening to her I can't help but agree. If they will be making a different server then it will be possible.
"Hahaha… Have you already tried playing the game?" Mr. Dane said that made the woman confused.
Well even I am confused. I have played parallel but I don't have any idea on what he was trying to point out.
"No I haven't…"
"This may be weird however it is possible that even the players playing parallel now have not yet noticed."
"Eh?"
Eh… seems like I and the reporter have the same expression now.
"To explain this, How about playing the video you showed a while ago." He said as he looked at the woman.
After nodding the woman signaled the crew of the show. A minute later the video appeared at the screen behind them. Both Mr. Dane and Tina looked behind.
"Please fast forward the video." He said as he watches them do it.
"Ok stop…" After saying this, the video stopped just after the battle with the monster. Seems like the players where gathering and talking together.
"Pleases enlarge the video and increase the volume."
I was puzzled by it but continued to watch to find out the mystery that Mr. Dane was trying to solve.
As the video's sound was increased I was shocked together with the host since the players who were talking were speaking in a very foreign language.
I definitely cannot understand what they were saying.
"It is another aspect that makes Parallel special. By playing inside the game the player is actually using the VR game language which is really different from ours. However the players might not notice it and see it as if they are reading and speaking in Common language we use."
"I see… so with this it is possible for people who have different languages to play and communicate without problem." Tina said with amazement in her voice.
Well, how wouldn't be amazed? Even I who have been playing since this morning did not notice anything. I thought I was speaking in English… Even the words I saw were in English.
But learning this means those who are outside the game will not really understand the words of those inside the game just like in the video.
"That is correct, so there will be no need to make any other server. There will be only one Parallel and it will be able to accommodate the players just fine."
"I understand… but with the expanding of WORLD in other countries, this would mean that there is a possibility that Parallel might become over crowded."
"Parallel is really wide and I can say with certainty that it can accommodate as many players as this whole planet can accommodate us. Parallel is a planet 5 times or more so than Earth. This makes the planet a world of adventure and discovery."
"Such a very amazing world will surely attract many players."
"Indeed it will."
I can't help but agree with this idea as well. I have this feeling that it will just be a matter of time before everyone will be playing the VR game.
Finishing my food I stood up and went to the cashier and paid my meal.
Really, as much as I want to get back inside the game I decided to take my time walking towards the house. Anyway I still have around 15 minutes before I log back in.
As I walked toward the house my mind was going around the conversation from the interview. How would Parallel affect the real world?
Arriving at the house I went straight to the kitchen and left a message that I wont be having any dinner tonight. Just as I have planned I will be logged in until morning.
Stopping for a minute I tried to think if there were other things I have to do before logging in. When I check that there was nothing else to do I went up to my room and went straight to the computer. It was the perfect time to do my research while waiting for the time.
The first thing I did was check my email just to make sure if there was any mail from Black. Thereafter I started to search for my race information however as I feared there was no information to find.
I just finished checking about my race when I saw the time. It was already 2 PM and I need to log in. Anyway I can continue my search tomorrow. With that I entered Parax and logged in.
* ~ * ~ *
When I opened my eyes I was expecting to appear at the middle of the road however I woke up in a very unfamiliar place.
I was lying down on a long chair and a blanket was on top of me. As I sat up I looked around the place in wonder. The whole room had polished hardwood floor. It seems like the chair I was laying on was a few feet away from the fireplace where a fire was lit which made the whole room warm. Above the fireplace was a very big painting.
As I stared at the beautiful woman on the painting I heard someone cough at the back of the chair. I glanced back to find Astard standing behind with two mugs of seemingly hot drink.
"Good to see that you are awake." He said as he went around the chair I was sitting and put the mug of hot drink on top of the table in front of me.
"I… How?" I tried to ask what was happening but I seemed to be at lost.
"Hmmm… To answer your question I was about to go home when I saw you leave the bar. I tried to call you when suddenly you seemed to faint on the middle of the road."
"I fainted?" I can't believe that happened. I fainted? Was it possible? No it can't be…
"It was a good thing that your friends where there to help me carry you here." He continued as I was trying to digest what he just said earlier.
"Friends?"
"Yes, it seems like you made a lot of friends or acquaintance during your first day here. Quite a feat I might say."
"Err… yah thanks…"
"Hoho… drink the malt while it is hot."
"Malt?"
"Drink and you will learn what it is."
Just like he advised I drank the drink he called Malt. This drink he called Malt was very similar to chocolate however the sweetness was accompanied by a bitter taste which made it delicious.
You drunk <Zerks' Malt>
Satiety level increased.
Effects: 30% increase in Stamina and 10% increase in attack power for 3 hours.
"This is good." I can't help but say. Looking at the pop-up window, the drink can also increase stamina and attack power.
"Hahaha… Just as I thought…" Astard said, looking into my eyes with a smile. "I actually bought this on the way home. Since you said that you will be coming here I decided to buy it."
Hearing this, I cannot help but be astonished, for him to go that far for me.
"Thank you for this, I really like it."
"It has been a long time since I had a visitor here." Astard smiled softly with a wistful expression. "But I am glad that you're here. An old man can feel quite lonely after being alone for a long time."
"I --- Actually am quite honored to be invited by you."
"Hoho, of course you are" Astard said with mirth and with that the melancholic atmosphere disappeared.
"Awhile ago you mentioned that some of my friends helped you bring me here. Do you know who?" I asked as the curiosity of who helped Astard won.
"Hmmm… I believe his name is Darts…"
"Oh… it is Darts that help me then."
"He did say that you went drinking with them but he did not expect you to lose consciousness since you already drank medicine to remove the aftereffects of drinking."
From what I hear from Astard it seems like when I logged out my body did not disappear as I expected it to happen. From onlookers I lost consciousness since I did not wake up even when they tried to.
In conclusion, the body of the player when logged out will stay. Now I understand why I can log out when I laid on the bed at the inn. It is dangerous to leave the body anywhere. I was lucky when they found my body, if it was another player or person it would have been bad.
I have to be careful where and when I log out from now on.
"Are you feeling better now?" Astard asked as he continued to sip his malt.
"Yes, I am… thanks to the malt and the nap." I assured him. "Um… Enid Astard I actually wanted to ask you something."
"Hoho, Enid is it?"
"Err… that's how they call you…" I mumbled. And you do look like the part, I thought.
"You can call me Astard…"
"Astard~tyr then…"
"Astard~tyr it is then…" He said with a disappointed sigh that just made me smile.
"So…" Cough.
"Hmnn?" He hummed as he waited for me to continue. "Actually I was thinking if you can help answer some of my question."
"Of course! I'll assist you however I can."
"Thanks" I mumbled as began to think of my first question. As I decided what to ask I sat straight on the chair and faced him.
"Do you know anything about a race called Azarin?"
"Azarin…" He repeated as he closed his eyes to think. "I have heard of it however I don't have any information regarding this race."
"Oh…" I said as I felt down after hearing his answer.
"However… though I have no information I know a place where you can search for some clues about it."
"Really?"
"The fastest way to find information is to go to the City Library."
The 'me' who liked books perked at that information. I always like reading books. I especially like the smell of the book and the sound it makes as I flip the pages.
I have vast amount of books in my room however when money became a problem I was unable to buy any books which resorted to me reading books online instead, Though personally I prefer reading real books than ebooks.
"We have a library at the Northern part of the city. It has a vast collection of books that might answer your question."
"A library…" If that is true then that place is the very place I should be! He did say vast collection… so it would mean that I can gain a lot of information there! It is a treasure chest!
Seeing how exited I was about the prospect of a library made Astard smile.
"This will surely help in my quest looking for answers."
Time went by as I continued asking Astard questions and him answering it as best as he can.
I learned more about the Kingdom of Frozith and the other kingdom located at this continent. According to him this continent is named Ailanthus. Ailanthus is really vast and in this continent there are a total of 4 Empires and numerous smaller kingdoms. Among the smaller kingdoms there were 7 which are recognized and respected, and The Kingdom of Frozith is one of seven.
The remaining six are The Kingdom of Weinberg, The Kingdom of Terra, The Republic of Tyrrell, The Kingdom of Darzel, The Kingdom of Velarus and the Kingdom of Valruz.
On the other hand the names of the 4 Empires are as follows.
The first was The Empire of Naeth which is located at the North Gulf. According to Astard the Empire has vast thick forests, covered with oak, hazel, and pine. It is a place thick with mana. Most of those who are from the Empire of Naeth are Elfs and other magical beings.This Empire is the place where most magicians go. It is also considered the Capital of Magic Arts.
The second is The Empire of Thaddeus. It is located at the South-eastern part of the continent. The whole country is besides the Eastern Calamity Sea. If the Naeth Empire was considered the Capital of Magic Arts, this Empire is considered the Capital of Mercenary Power. The empire will assist any country with the right price.
The third is the Empire of Keiran. It is located at the center of the continent. Unlike the other Empires, it is the biggest of the four however most of the lands are either mountains ranges or barren. Most of the dungeons can be found in this country. It also has the highest monster activity.
The last is the Empire of Zahrin which is located at the South Western part of the continent. It has the next biggest territory next to Keiran however unlike Keiran this Empire has vast fertile fields. This place was the center of Agriculture and also Commerce. Since it is located at the Southern part, it is considered the entrance towards the continent of Fenella which was located beyond the Sea of Calm.
It turned out that the Empire of Zahrin was our neighbor. The kingdom of Frozith was east of the empire and this city, The City of Thanatos was near the border that separates the two.
The two countries were separated by a natural border which was called 'Black Mountain Pass'. Thought this place was a shortcut towards the Empire not everyone can pass the mountain because of the monsters that roam there and the area that the Mountain
Pass occupies is rather wide which makes it a very dangerous dungeon in itself.
Therefore the main transportation towards the empire from this Kingdom was through ship which will travel the Calm Sea.
I have never thought that this place was really large. From the description of Astard, I can roughly estimate that Althiem might be twice bigger that Earth or maybe more.
However from what Mr. Dane said it is possible that this planet is much bigger and there are many more unexplored areas to be discovered.
"Hmmm… I never expected that there are so many kingdoms and empires here." I said as I tilted my head.
"Indeed it is. There are many more continents out there for all we know." He said with agreement.
"Well, I do hope to visit as many as I can…" I said that made the old man chuckle.
"I believe that it is definitely possible."
"Anyway, I have another question…" I paused and thought for a while.
"I do know that there are many classes a person can get when they reached level 5 but for a while now I have been really interested in classes that mainly use magic… can you tell me what you might know about these classes?"
"Of course… Hmmm… Lets see--- I believe we should start at the basics." He said as he stood from the seat and went to a bookshelf near the fireplace.
After taking a paper and a pen he went back to sit.
"As I said we will be talking about the basic first. So the basic means the source of power here in this world."
"Source of power?"
"Yes, we have two sources. The first one is Mana and the second is Neutral Energy."
"Mana and Neutral Energy… what's the difference between the two?"
"Mana is a power given out by the planet. It is even called the breath of life. As long as the planet is alive, Mana will continue to exist. It is mana that magicians or any creature use to perform magic. Without mana there will be no magic. There are even other creatures that exist because of Mana.
"On the other hand Neutral Energy is an energy that exists in every living thing except to those that are born from Mana. This Energy is not as potent and strong as Mana however they have their own strength. Unlike Mana, even when the planet dies and Mana ceases to exist, Energy will still be present. Just like how humans can live even with out Mana.
I can see the logic behind this set up. Mana was the source of magic and Energy will continue to exist even without it. Just like in the real world, Energy exist however we cannot directly use it without tools that utilizes that energy. Even though Mana is like a fantasy addition it made me think that maybe Earth was already dead that was why we cannot use any magic. Anyway this is just me and my imagination running wild again.
"I see… So since there are two source of power, then most uses Mana but not all since I read about a race called Ancient." I said as I remembered from the race selection about it.
"Indeed Ancients have the lowest at best and none at worst. However despite this they are gifted with the ability of making artifacts that can even rival a level 10 magic spell. They use tools and other methods to pull energy and use it as power. Just like how mana user has strengths and limit, so are neutral energy users."
"Seems like both Mana users and Energy users balance each other."
"Indeed they do. However Ancients are not the only Energy user, there are many more that are not known. I even actually meet someone who is an energy user that has a peculiar practice in the use of Energy."
"Peculiar?"
"It might be peculiar for me since it is the first time I saw it." He nodded as he had a faraway look as if he was reliving a memory.
"Unlike Ancients that uses tools or artifacts to use energy, the person I met absorbs the energy inside their body and transforms it as their own to strengthen themselves. However I heard that the vessel, which is their physical body, should also undergo rigorous training to even out with the energy they absorb."
"Hmn?" From the description that Astard gave me it seems to fit martial artist in the real world.
"So as I have said there are sources of power however there are some classes that either one can get but there are classes that are also exclusive to each."
"I understand. But I believe I will stick to the use of Mana." I said with a sheepish smile.
"I see…" He said and nodded. "Well going back, since you already know about the source of power we will go to Mana users."
"Ah!" I suddenly said as I realized something. "There are many different classes right?"
"Yes" Astard said, though confused by my sudden reaction Astard still answered my question.
"What about those classes like merchants? Where do they fall on the source of power?"
"Oh! Did you not know about the 2 division of classes?" Astard said.
"Two division of classes?"
"Yes, there are the off-field and in-field classes."
"Eh?"
"Off-field classes are classes that are unable to fight or support during a battle. A good example of these is Merchants or Cooks."
"While the in-field classes are classes that can fight or support…" I continued.
"Exactly. Those who use the source of power are under the in-field classes."
"I see… then it is impossible to fight if you are a merchant."
"No… they can definitely fight but they won't have any skills which will be a futile action if they are up against a class from in-field."
"Eh… then It is not good to be a merchant then…"
"Not entirely… Those who are from the out-field classes can use different methods to protect themselves. They can hire mercenary, or even buy artifacts that they can use. And we cannot entirely rule out that they might choose a sub-class as a warrior or magician.
"Sub-class? There is a sub-class?"
"Yes there is. Usually you can choose any sub-class."
"Then I can choose a sub-class while I have not decided my main class." I said as I let the words sink in my mind.
Ding!
Congratulation!
You have learned about the existence of <sub-class>
Sub-class menu has been added under Profession menu.
<Sub-class>
Description: Enables you to assign a sub-class for your character.
I was grinning so much that my jaw ached however I cannot help but be happy about this sudden development. If Master Astard was not present I would have been dancing joyfully.
"You seem so happy that you are wearing such a funny face." Astard said with a laugh as he watched me.
"You have no idea how thankful I am from this information you have provided." I said as I hugged him which he returned with astonishment since he was not expecting me to hug him.
* ~ * ~ *
Later after I calmed from my excitement we continued the discussion with a new batch of Malt that Master Astard made.
"There are many different kinds of Mana users but since you are interested in magicians I will discuss the basics." Drinking his malt after pausing he looked at me.
"We have Elemental Magi, Shadows Magi and Light Magi." He said as he started to write it down the paper.
"Let's Start with Elemental Magi. There are six types of elemental magi; the first is Fire Magi, Water Magi, Wind Magi, Earth Magi, Ice Magi and Lightning Magi. Each Magi only focuses one Element, however as I had said you can also choose a sub-class."
"I see, so putting aside the sub-class a Magi can only choose one Element of practice."
"That's correct. Since one Element has 10 levels that magus must attain and this is very hard to do."
"So… all Elemental Magi has to unlock 10 levels."
"Yes, however it does not only pertain to elemental magi but to all magi. Those levels pertain to the strength of the spell that they can use. Do you know that a level 5 magic can already destroy a legion of monsters?"
"Then a level 5 and above magic is really terrifying then."
"It is… However not everyone can unlock that level of strength easily.
"So what about Shadow Magi and Light Magi?"
"Shadow Magi are those Magi that practice dark arts. The most popular example under a Shadow Magi is a Necromancer. Aside from Necromancer there are other types of Magi under this."
"Hmm… Easy enough to understand…"
"On the other hand, Light Magi are more on Healing and Holy attacks. An example under this type of magi is a Cleric. Just like shadow magi there are other types of classes under this."
"Hmmm… do you think it is possible to have a Shadow Magi Class as my main and a Light Magi Class as my sub-class?"
"I am not sure about that. However the Shadow and Light Magi Classes may have contradicting attributes that may harm you instead."
"So much for that combination…" I said with disappointment. It would have been really cool if it was possible.
Explanations and discussions went on until half past 11 in the night. After that I had to reluctantly release the old man since he still need rest and I have an appointment on the other hand.
At the door we said our goodbyes and set another time to continue with our talk.
* ~ * ~ *
North Entrance
As I arrived at the north entrance I noticed that there were already a lot of people. There seemed to be around 200 hundred people participating this exercise.
Looking around the crowed, they are separated by groups of 6. I just hope to find Reijir before it starts. As I wander around the area I saw the red haired player that arrived after me at the trans-seal.
It seems like I was not the only player who was invited at this event. It is even possible that many of those who are now here were players however there was no way of finding it.
That was one of the things that made the game more realistic. There was no way another player to distinguish if the one with them is a player or an NPC by just looking at them. The most accurate was either to ask them personally however it also is a disadvantage since the person you ask can just deny it.
As I continue to look for Reijir I was anxiously looking at the in-game time. There was only 15 minutes before 12.
This is a disaster, I thought. I should have come here earlier so I will have enough time to look for him.
Hoping that he might be further near the gate I went deeper in the heart of the crowd. I continued to push my bigger frame in the sea of body, as I went near the entrance I heard a familiar voice speaking loudly in front which after Hearing it I put more effort moving forward.
Finally escaping the sea of bodies I can not help releasing a relived sigh.
"Good to see you made it…" A voice full of mirth said.
"Yeah, good thing I heard a certain person's loud voice." I said as I looked at Rohyr who was grinning. I did not really know what was funny that made him that happy but I decided to ignore it.
"I did not expect to see him here… Why is he here?" I said as I looked at Darts in front of the crowd looking like the head of operation as he gave tips in fighting.
"He did say that he wanted to watch the training…" Rohyr said with a shrug of his shoulder.
"If I know better he just want to watch how the trainees will make a fool of themselves." Reijir said as he walked towards us. Somehow he saw us and decided to join our conversation.
"I do hope his not here to watch and laugh at me."
"Then better be more careful so that he won't have any reason to laugh at you."
"Hnn…" I grunted. "So what will I do now?" I said as I looked at Reijir who tore his eyes at Darts who was seemed very proud and happy since the participants attention was directed to him.
"Well for now, good job arriving here despite hearing from Darts that you were carried by him and Jake towards the home of Master Astard." He said as he seemed to think for a few moments. "I heard you passed out on the streets." He said, though he was not smiling his eyes was a dead give away that we was making fun of me.
"I did not pass out" I said with emphasis on each word. Oh god… seems like these new friends of mine have found a topic about me that they can laugh about.
I just hope they will not tell it to anyone else or it will seriously affect my image.
"Worried about your cool image?" Rohyr said as if he just heard what I was thinking.
"…" Deciding not to answer I just looked somewhere else.
"Hahaha, I am right…" He said with triumph in his voice.
"I did not answer because it is not worth answering." I retorted as the irritation seems to get the better of me.
"See?" He said as if he just got his point across.
"Don't worry… your 'secret' is safe with us."
Wiping my head behind me I did not expect to see even Alex, Roy and Jack.
"Hey… I thought only you and Reijir are here for the event?" I said happily changing the conversation.
"See, his avoiding it…" Rohyr muttered again which I ignored again.
"Enough teasing the poor boy…" Reijir said as he patted Rohyr in the shoulder.
Breath in, breath out… I continued to tell my mind as I heard Rohyr and Reijir continue to talk behind me.
"Ok, that's enough… He is about to explode…" Roy said as he looked at me with amusement which made Jack snicker. The three new comers said as they stopped besides Rohyr and Reijir.
Ok… They were ganging up on teasing me.
"Reijir, how about telling Zeift the mechanics of the event instead?" Alex said which made me look at him in gratitude.
With that, the five of them laughed at the same time.
"What? What's happening?" A loud voice said.
"None of your business… Those guys have gone nuts…" I said as I faced Darts who was accompanied by Tager.
"Anyway, How about telling me what to do now?" I said to Reijir. As he nodded a pop-up menu appeared.
Quest Alert!
Congratulations the quest <A Friends Generosity I> Is complete
A Friends Generosity I
Description: A new friend, Reijir, had recognized and invited you to the New Recruits Hunting Event. Make sure to arrive on time at the designated location for the quest to succeed.
Status: Complete
Quest Reward:
- Your familiarity with Reijir Increase
Info: As familiarity with individual increases, the chance of receiving quest from the person also increases.
- Quest <A Friends Generosity II> is unlocked
Hmnn… seems like there was no other additional reward. I thought as I looked at the message. After closing the quest alert I focused on Reijir's explanation.
"In this training event, you will have to join a party."
"Party…" Ok, so I have to join a party. Looking around I can't help put grimace. Everyone seems to be already in a party. I have noticed the groups a while back but I never thought that it will be a mechanics of the event.
"Each party has 6 players as a maximum." Reijir continued as he also looked around.
"Well… seems like everyone already has a full party." I said as if to state the obvious.
"Then you don't have to join a party then… go solo." Darts said as if he gave the best solution to the problem.
"Do you think I can survive alone?" I said deadpanned.
"Er…" Unable to give any answer Darts scratch his head.
"How about we separate those who still have no party, those who lack party members and those who already have a full party?" Alex said.
"Oh, that's a good idea!" I said as I looked at Reijir who in deep thought.
"Ok… Darts make everyone listen." Reijir said as he moved in front of the crowd.
It took exactly 10 minutes for everything to be sorted out. I can't help but be impressed with how organized Reijir and the others made sure those who had no party and those who lack party members to become a full party.
After the sort out, there were a total of 40 parties which was further divided into 4 groups. Each group will have 1 commanding officer and 5 officers that will be on the look out of the assigned area where the parties will fight.
When the group arrives at the assigned area, it will be divided further into 2 groups. Each group will have 5 parties which is a total of 30 people plus a junior officer who will be with the group as a guard and spectator while the party fights monster.
Thinking about it, the set up was like this:
Each Group – 10 Parties, 1 Commanding Officer, 5 Officers
Group A – 5 Parties = 30 people + 2 Junior Officer
Group B – 5 Parties = 30 people + 2 Junior Officer
So looking at it, in one group there is a total of 66 people including the officers.
Each group has an assigned area. Group 1 was assigned at the North Entrance plain. Group 2 was assigned at the East Entrance plain. Group 3 was going to the plain towards South Entrance and for my group, Group 4, is assigned to West Entrance which is near the Sleeping Forest.
The commanding officer that will be coming with group 4 was Darts with another 5 officers whom I do not know. The junior officer in charge of Group B which I belong was rather arrogant if I say so myself. Well, I don't care as long as he does not bother me.
After Reijir explained what will happen in the training exercise, each group started to walk towards their respective area. Somehow I was thinking why they did not made Central Square as the meeting place? This way we did not have to walk for a long time to arrive at the West Entrance.
As we walked towards the West Entrance I got to know about my party mates.
"My name is Jean, So… I'll be in your care…" A blue haired elf said as she bowed her head in greetings.
Name: Jean
Level: 5
Race: Elf
Elf Tribe: Shidth
Class: Cleric
It seems like you can view the basic information about the character if you are in a party together. I can see their names, health and mana bar at the left side of my interface just below my own health and mana bar. By selecting their name you will be able to see the basic information
"Nice to meet you Jean… Zeift" I said as I held my hand out which she took with a smile. "It seems like I'll be me who should be in your care since I'm only level 2"
Name: Zeift
Level: 2
Race: Azarin
Class: None
"Yeah, I'll also be in your care…My name is Ernest" another party mate said. He was tall and thin, he also had a blond hair.
Name: Ernest
Level: 2
Race: Human
Class: None
"I can't believe that I will be in a party full of weaklings…" A man with a big and muscular body said. He didn't bother introducing himself. However I can see his name and information from the party.
Name: Lark
Level: 6
Race: Human
Class: Warrior
"If you had any complain, you should have said it during the sort out so you won't be complaining now." Another person said coldly. He had eyeglasses and had sharp eyes that were now looking at Lark who can't answer back.
Name: Victor
Level: 6
Race: Elf
Elf Tribe: Muir
Class: Fire Magi
"Tsk… NPC's…" Hearing this I suddenly looked beside me to see the last member of the party. It looks like she was a player from what she called the others maybe including me.
Looking at the character, she was tall and had a blond hair reaching her waist. I checked her name and information from my interface.
Name: Amber
Level: 6
Race: Human
Class: Warrior
Deciding not to let her know that I was also a player I stayed silent.
Within the 15 minuets walk towards the West Entrance I got the general information about my party mates. Jean, Ernest and Victor seem like the type that I can relay on during this training. While Amber seems to hate interacting with us I believe she will do her part since she would like to gain experience in this training. Lark was the only one that may make a problem for the party, though I hope it will not really affect us.
"Alright everyone listen!" The voice of Darts woke me from my musings. "Before we leave the city I want to warn everyone to be more careful. During the night the monsters are stronger and there are more of them than during the day." He said with absolute seriousness.
"Though there are officers in the vicinity, I want you to learn how to relay on your self and to your party members."
He paused for a while to make sure his words sink in he added, "Good luck to all."
After that the Western Gate was opened.
I silently looked at the heavy gate as it was lifted. As I averted my eyes away from the gate and looked at the sky I released a sigh. As I stared up I noticed that there were two moons that adorn the starless sky. One was bright blue in color while the other was bright red. Both moons were side by side and it was big which made me feel like it was very near. The moons looked beautiful but also feel foreboding at the same time.
Despite the cold of the night the air was fresh and somehow comforting. The twin moon hanging on the sky illuminated the whole plains outside the city. As we walked at the plains, I saw the edge of the forest and somehow a shiver run down my back that made unconsciously clinch my fist.
For whatever reason unknown to me I felt something bad was about to happen which made me pray with all my might that it was just my imagination.
* ~ * ~ *
*Zaaaa
With another strike the monster's health went down. Right now we were killing level 5 monsters.
You have attacked <Rage Wolf>
Target: - 25 points
"Hey Zeift what class would you choose after this?" Ernest said as he continued to attack the monster that we were currently killing. "For me I want to become a magi… maybe a earth magi will be good."
I don't know why but somehow Ernest became really talkative towards me. It might be because we were of the same level or maybe no one cared to answer or listen to him talk.
"I was also thinking of becoming a magi but I still lack information about the advantage and disadvantages of each. I want to make sure before choosing." I said as I gave the final attack before the monster died.
Victory!
You have defeated < Rage Wolf >
120 exp. received
"I'll be nice if you and your companion just shut up and kill monsters…" Amber said as she continued to attack.
It had been 2 hours since we first started hunting. So far I started to understand how the party mechanics work.
For a party of 6 the experience will be divided evenly between the party members since the party settings were set as such.
Regarding the loot, it was arranged in order, from Victor, Lark, Amber, Jean, Ernest and me.
After killing for a while longer a pop-up menu appeared.
Congratulations! You have Level Up!
You are now Level 6
Received 5 AP points
Received 10 SP points
You currently have 30 AP
You currently have 60 AP
Seeing this message I can't help but smirk. I'm already level 6 and if we continue on this pace I'll reach level 10 without any problem.
It is already possible to get a class change tomorrow. Though I will first go to the library to research before choosing the class I'll get.
"Hey! What the hell are you doing?" My attention was pulled by Ambers' yell. With a frown I looked at her and followed her sight to see Ernest sitting down at the grass.
"Can I rest for a while?" He answered.
"Everyone is fighting and you are sitting? How can that be fair?" Amber said as she lowered her voice since the other party near us also looked at her.
"Let him rest…" Victor said as he walked towards Amber. "I believe the others need it too. A break for 10 minutes will not be that bad."
Looking around she saw that even Jean sat down as she seems to look tiered as well.
From my place I decided to watch as Amber started to argue with Victor. She seemed to argue that NPC's doesn't need rest.
Despite this scene between Victor and Amber I can still say that everything was going smoothly.
As I stayed silent the feeling of danger that was nagging me before came full force. I started to feel anxious and looked around. My eyes looked up the sky and saw thick clouds passed by the moon which made the area darker than it was.
Everything is going smoothly, it should have been but as I looked at the forest edge and saw a red gleam as the clouds covered the sky that made the forest darker, I knew that the nightmare was just starting.
And it was during this incident that my mind truly realized something I thought I have understood.
