A man in a chest?

A short time later, Bloom and I were on-board our newly acquired vessel, but there was no map with a legend, instead the quest directed us to the lower decks. The Captain had received his life in return for helping us with whatever we need, which he seemed to be a fair deal. I even healed him back to pristine condition.

We see a lone treasure chest with a basic lock on it. Loud cursing could be heard coming from inside the wooden chest.

"STORMSHIELD!!! LET...ME.. OUT..!"

The Captain had sent his first mate to show us around , John I think. I called John over. "Hey! What's with the guy in the chest?" I ask.

"We were paid by some Storm-Shield guys to bury this guy. Don't know what he did. "

"Unlock this chest right away. "

"Yes SSir!" John said as he began to unlock the chest, his hands shaking.

As it opens a man bursts out. It is then that Nathan recognizes him.

This man's name is legend. He has been at the top of the level leaderboards of the last two VR games. He is a re-known professional gamer that stands above all the rest. An eternal name in the hearts of all gamers. In fact Nathan spent many years while paralyzed watching his fights . He excels so much in PVP and leveling speed that whole countries would compete for him to take part in their war, paying contracts of billions of credits.

Opposite of his appearance now. He is level 1 and has on rags.

And he is pissed off.

Legend asks me, " Dammit! I can't believe this! They are trying to make me fail my contract."

I hold my hands up in a defensive pose. "Wait, what? Is that why you are in the chest."

The two men hear footsteps as InfinteBloom walks in.

She says calmly, " It's called an Old Monte. The easiest way to get rid of a threat is to make them fail the initial contract. You don't have to take out ten lives that way. What happened?"

Legend was nodding profusely, " Yep. They are pissed that I didn't want to accept their fancy contract. A bunch of moon elves showed up at the human starting zone and jumped me. I still don't understand how they got there. "

I shared a glance with bloom, "It is good to meet you, Legend. I am named Myth. This is Infinite-Bloom. We were sent here by the Moon Goddess. It appears she has chosen you as one of her warriors. Also, it appears that it is my fault that you were assaulted, so I would like to help you if I could. "

"That's a lot to take in." Legend said, " Well, its nice to meet you, but how was it your fault?"

"My Father bought out the moon elf starting zone so I could play by myself. I didn't ask him to, but seeing you in this position makes me want to help you. I am not a pro-player like you guys, but I'm not useless. My class has allowed me to take the form of the captain of this ship. I can tell them to return you to the starting zone. "

Legend smiled, "Hey it's cool man, don't feel bad. They would have found a way. It may be to late for me. We traveled in the boat for a few hours so I doubt I can make it in time for the first event. My contract is explicit that I must attend the first PVP event or my character will be immediately deleted. "

Bloom chipped in as I looked over a map I had found in the cabin. " Wait! Does it say you have to attend a particular event?"

"Well no..." He said confused.

I suddenly understood where bloom was going with her comment and interrupted as I showed Legend the map, "Look this is where we are. It will take 3 hours for you to get to the human settlement if you leave right now, but I have an idea. "

I pulled out the seed that Loriel had given me and showed it to him before continuing. "This seed will allow who-ever is in my group to return to the Moon-elf starting glade. Why don't you stay with us and level up, then we will take the seed and easily make the event."

Legend's Body Flashed a brilliant shade of moonlight and suddenly he smiled a wicked grin. " Ok, I'm in. I just got a new class too, so awesome! Myth, I like you already man! Wait! Why are you being so nice to me..."

I looked him in the eye, "I have been lonely a long time...I just want to have real friends. "

Legend extended his hand to me. " Well, I think we are friends. I just have a feeling that you are legit. "

I took his hand and shook with a firm grip. "Thanks man, it means a lot. "

Using my new connections as Captain I gather us each a full set of leather armor. Gives +10 def from each piece. -boots, shoulders, gloves, pants and chest.

I also find Legend a nice sword, and bloom a powerful fire staff.

The pirates give us a ride to the shore, and I give them the command to set sail and wait for us at the Keksate Harbor. I had checked the maps on the ship. Thanks to my new navigational skills, I was able to determine the closest harbor to our original starting location. When we return to Loriel my ship will still be nearby.

Together we move inland towards the ruins and spirits.

There are two rotten zombie elves guarding a grey chest. They are level 6- 2500 hp.

Legend rushes forward to attack the zombies, twisting in the air to perform a spinning kick that hits both zombies at once, dealing little damage but slightly knocking them back.

-10 🗡️

They counterattack, but he laughs as he begins slashing and stabbing with his sword. The zombies never even come close to hitting him.

Legend slowly does damage to them while avoiding their attacks, bringing one of the zombies hp down to 50% after a minute.

I decide not to intervene and just let him vent some of his frustrations.

He takes them down after another minute.

Ding!

You have gained 1000 xp! (75200/80000)

Legend becomes level 2.

The zombies drop a {bronze cloth boots} with +20 def. and a few copper.

Not twenty feet down the path we find two more Zombies. This path leads through a large gap in the mountains on this island. The zombies are standing underneath an archway of solid stone.