Welcome to Duelist (1)

Bishop Highwater died eight months after launching his game. His funeral was held in a church in the middle of the city. People from all over came to attend, creating a crowd that went down the longest street.

Due to his death, the servers of Duelist went offline for one day. Bishop's father who took over after him told everyone on this day, every year the servers would go offline. It was to keep Bishop's memory alive.

Bishop's father did not want everyone to be focused on the game but instead, remember its creator. A game is only that, a game.

He felt like he was not a good father. He and Bishop never did much together. He knew his son was a little different than all the other kids but he did not mind. Bishop's mind was a little too advanced.

He was already 59 years old a little too late to be having another child. Bishop was his only son but never gave him a grandchild. A great deal of pain struck him like lightning as he shed tears.

Bishop never had the childhood that others had, all those people that wanted to hang out with Bishop only did so because he was rich. Females surrounded him but Bishop did not pay them any mind. He had no friends, not even a pet.

The day when Bishop came to him with this idea, as a father he naturally agreed to support Bishop. If he knew before that this would be the outcome of such a decision he would be against it. Thirteen years of Bishop's life, all spent on this damned game.

He wished he had spent more time with his son. At least then he'd have more memories of Bishop.

…

Looking around he knew this was not his home.

He was standing in the middle of the road where people past by him constantly. Some were moving quickly others slow. Carriages went by as knights guarded them.

The vendors on the street were selling all sorts of odd commodities.

Just from the strangely dressed people, Bishop knew that he was no longer in America. He analyzed his surroundings closely. The wide smooth road big enough to fit two carriages. The closely packed buildings each with their own sign. Children running around playing while casting magic.

Bishop knew this place, he could not forget it. It was the starting area of Duelist, his creation.

'This is Duelist… isn't it? Then this place must be Roan Kingdom.'

Bishop smiled. He was here, in his game. It was the largest regret he had, but now that he was actually here for the first time. He felt excited.

Swiftly he looked himself over and recognized he was in the beginner clothing. Most games started you off with a weapon, some silver and clothing to support you. Duelist was a little bit different.

Although it was an MMORPG you were meant to follow the storyline. None of the story quests was soloable. Everyone in the group was met with twist and turns, as their actions had an impact on the state of the kingdom.

To even get a starting weapon, one had to start with the first quest.

'Hmm… when will you appear?'

Bishop did not care how he appeared here. Last he remembered he was sick, but now he was standing perfectly fine. How it happened or why was not even in his mind.

If you were a person that was five feet into the grave already, would you question how you somehow managed to get out? Nope! You'd just be grateful you did not die and continue on with your life. That's how Bishop was thinking right now.

The bell in the bell tower started to ring loudly as the kingdoms front gate closed. Knights that were guarding or patrolling the streets dashed off towards the castle.

"Calling all Adventures, Knights, and Mercenaries to the castle. The king requests your presence!"

A loud and deep voice penetrated the ears of all the citizens in the kingdom. Bishop knew it was one of the great mages who amplified their voice so they could be heard.

'Am I even an adventurer?' Bishop questioned himself as he knew he did not 'enter' the game normally. He did not go through character creation or deity selection.

There was only one way to find out. Bishop called out his status window to find out. Sure enough, it was there.

[Bishop Highwater]

[Human - Male]

[Str - 10][Dex - 10][Con - 10]

[Int - 10][Wis - 10][Char - 10]

[Ability - Evolution]

[Potential Points - 0/100]

As he looked over his stats, Bishop furrowed his eyebrows. Evolution? He did not remember that sort of ability. Was it one he created? He doubted it.

It was new, something only limited to him in this world.

He was missing his level bar as well, instead, it was replaced by potential points. Something else that was new.

With this Bishop felt that he was classified as an adventurer. All of the players started out the game being one so he shouldn't be any different.

Quickly he made his way to the castle.

Roan Kingdom was the foundation of his game, he easily knew where everything was. Finding the castle was not hard at all.

Bishop approached the gates to the castle, he saw the inside was being filled with people.

"Identification."

One of the kings' guards asked Bishop.

Bishop stopped and looked at the guard. What did he mean by identification?

"Um sir, since when do adventurers have identifications? I'm just a newbie that just started out."

"Everyone has an identification, what are you blabbering about? Shoo before I throw you in the dungeon."

"But sir I really am an adventurer!"

Bishop was confused and slightly angry. Granted he did not know the guard personally but he sure as hell did create him.

The guard glared coldly at Bishop, making Bishop turn his head. Without any identification how could Bishop even start the main quest?

There was the option of going through the sewers and sneaking into the castle. That would take too much time and Bishop did not believe he would have a chance to take this quest again.

For a new player, the king gave out this quest all the time. It was a massive game and the king was programmed that way.

Here, it was only Bishop and he was not being treated like a player at all. Therefore Bishop believed that this game world was slightly different than the one he created.

As Bishop turned around from the castles gates, he heard someone call out to him.

"Hey, you over there."

"Hmm?"

"Come here for a moment."

Bishop saw the figure dressed in black with a hood over their head. Still, he approached as it might be a side quest.

"Saw ya trying to enter the castle. Need an ID though."

"Yeah, sadly I don't have one."

"Here's the thing, I can sell you one for a cheap price. Just as good as the real thing, whatcha say?"

Bishop looked at the hooded figure and debated. He did not have any cash on hand, so how could he buy something?

Bishop showed the hooded figure his empty pockets.

"Damn. Poor too huh, must be rough on ya. How about this, you see I got into a scuffle with old Tom a few days ago. Nearly knocked my teeth out but my teeth are nice and sturdy. Managed to knock me out though, when I woke up my medallion was missing. I say you get it back for me and I'll give you an ID whatcha say?"

[XXXXX would like you to get his medallion back from old Tom. He was robbed of it when he was unconscious, return it to him and you'll be greatly rewarded.]