Chapter 14 “Refrain”

Loris is the first village for a human race in this vast world and each day thousands of adventurers pass through it. This is the starting point but after that, nothing is certain. What awaits you farther depends only on you and your fate. You are finally given a freedom of choice. You can go anyway you want but should you choose the wrong way, you will die and come back this village, once again.

After the fight with the yeti in the eastern mountains, it took 3 days for Arata and Kotori to come back to Loris. Upon their arrival, they decided that it will be faster to complete their quest separately as they needed to go to separated places. Kotori went to fortune telling tent to return her quest and Arata is now entering the blacksmith workshop to return his.

-here is the shield that you ordered, customer.

-ah, it’s a great piece indeed.

-master Rodrigez was very happy that you decided to leave it in his hands. He doesn’t usually have much chance to use good materials in his work as of late as we are always low on good materials.

-looking at the wares on the display, it must be true.

-ah, sir Mage. Don’t say it out loudly.

-sure, sure. Anyway I wanted to ask, why do you hide all good stuff and have those things in open?

-master Rodrigez doesn’t want to sell good things to people who can’t see the difference between garbage and art.

After entering the forge-shop, Arata saw how shopkeeper Marty was dealing with two customers. One of them bought a large round metal shield and just changed it with his previous wooden one. He was a large muscular dark-skinned man. Adding to that, he was bald. He wore a heavy armor which also was probably bought in this place as well. The second customer was a man in brown-red robe, height similar to Arata, dark brown hair and slightly mean look.

-it’s your choice I guess. Anyway, do you have any items for a mage class? We still have some gold left.

-but we don’t.

-shh!

It looked like the bigger guy wanted to say something but he was interrupted by his mage companion.

-of course master Rodrigez is a true master of craft, he can make everything out of nothing.

-well, I need something that is at least as good as this shield, so it’s better be made not from nothing.

-the material that you have brought for the shield was of high quality and unfortunately master doesn’t make items like that every day but don’t worry, currently we have something of this quality on stock right now.

-great! Show it to me.

-of course, I will just get it… oya? You will have to wait a minute! Arata? Please come in.

Marty spotted that Arata was waiting for him near the entrance and decided to call to him.

-hey Marty, I see that business is good as always.

-those are great crafts of master Rodrigez we are selling after all but Arata, did you perhaps brought the material?

-I did, so when you finish with them, call Rodrigez for me.

-ah yes I will finish, right away…

Marty then looked at his two customers.

-customers it was nice doing business with you, please come again, sometime.

And he decided to finish it, really quickly.

-hey, you were going to show me the items!

The mage bursted out as Marty decided to tell them of. Normally shopkeepers shouldn’t send away the customers but it looked like Marty was instructed by Rodrigez to make Arata’s case the priority when he comes back and Marty always followed his instruction.

-the shop is closed for today, please come back tomorrow.

He once again kindly informed them. Although, it is rather quite hard to be kind, while throwing someone out of the shop.

-it’s 10 am! Who normally closes their shop at this hour?

Naturally the mage customer was not happy.

-you are probably right but the situation is not normal so I ask you to leave. Master Rodrigez has an important business with the man over there and he said that the moment he comes back, the shop is closing. Come back some other time, preferably in two days.

-but I don’t even speak with the blacksmith so it doesn’t matter if he has business or not. I am speaking with you.

-he said that he has to focus on his work so… pesky customers in the shop must not be present.

-fine! Odin we are going! I always hated this shop anyway!

Mage said to his friend.

-Zen, relax it happens, we can come back later.

-no, I don’t care anymore. We are leaving this place soon. I can new buy things in the next city. What shop is it anyway? They are closing because someone entered the shop. Hey you, it’s your fault isn’t it? Don’t disturb other people game!

The mage looked at Arata and decided that it was his fault. Then he shouted at him. Well, in a way it was Arata doing that the shop was going to be closed but Arata never was the one to listen so he right away spoke back.

-but you don’t want to buy thing here anymore, so where is your problem?

-even if I don’t, you have angered the wrong guy in this town.

“And here I thought that I will have a quiet morning,”

-yes, yes, whatever, so can you leave already.

-no, I think that you are the one that will go!

Even though he was looked like a mage, the man drove a sword and charged at Arata in melee.

“Is this someone with melee class that had a mage item drop and decided to wear it?”

Arata drew one of his swords as well and he parried the first attack. The mage on the other hand using in his free hand summoned a small fireball and throw it quickly at Arata from close range while shouting.

-take that!

[Lighting speed activated.]

Having no normal means to avoid it, Arata used a skill and dodged it last second by moving a little to the right. Mage’s arm was now out in the open and Arata slashed it with sword. Mage however managed to pull it back right away and Arata’s first attack missed. Still with other sword Arata pierced right into the mage. His attack was parry out by opponent sword but without second of delay Arata made another strike. After that, the mage disappeared in blue-purple flash before Arata’s sword hit him. He used teleport ability and was now on other side of room from where he first charged. There he spoke to his friend.

-hey Odin did you see that. He dodged my ‘surprise fireball’. Hahaha! I have been waiting for this. Someone who can put up a fight. Still, I will be done just in a second, no worry. Time to bring out the big guns.

“He is sure of himself. Just wait till I beat you up.”

Arata was preparing to rush in mage direction when mage was seemed like he was going to prepare as he was now holding his sword up to the celling but then.

-auuua…

His bigger friend chopped the Mage’s head with his hand.

-hey! What are you doing? You want to get beaten too!

-Zen, I don’t care if you want to fight with him but don’t ruin the shop.

The warrior pointed at the shelf that was burning from mage’s previous attack. Marty was now putting it out with a blanked. Mage was undisturbed by the situation though.

-oh, well it happens from time to time. But sure, we can move out. Hey, you! Let’s go outside! I will show you something good before you die!

The mage once again shouted to Arata but once again. He got hit by his friend once again and then he got lectured.

-first, help with the fire, you are the one that caused it. Then tell sorry to the shopkeeper and we are going.

-but what about my fight!!

Although his look would suggest otherwise. The two meters in height dark-skinned and bald warrior was calm and collected. Especially, when he was going next to his friend who would start a fight with anyone without good reason. The warrior turned to Arata and said.

-I sorry for his actions, he is always like that.

-hey Odin! What do you mean by always like that? Don’t you know that you need to beat one or two players once in a while for a sport? Otherwise you will lose your touch in PVP!

-ye, ye. For now just put the fire down and we are going. We made enough trouble already.

-why you can never stop nagging, but fine I get it…

The mage summoned a small cloud over the shelf. The water poured down and it stopped the fire.

-we wasted enough time here anyway, let’s go!

The two of them finally left the shop.

Arata sheathed his swords back and walked up to Marty who was standing next to half-burned shelf.

-sorry, that it turned out like that.

Arata said to the shopkeeper.

-don’t worry, it does happens from time to time. Also I see that nothing was destroyed.

Marty commented.

-no, no, those items can’t be sold now.

Arata did not believe him fully though. Especially when some of those items shouldn’t be sold in the first place.

-no, I rather think that they will now sell even more. All I need to do is tell customers that it’s an armor that survived dragon’s breath…

“This shop really has no mercy on their customers.”

One could be sure of one thing. Marty was really ‘talented’ shopkeeper.

-anyway I should call master Rodrigez now. I will return in just a minute.

Marty went up the stairs that were on the right side of the wall that was on opposite side of the entrance. It seemed like Rodrigez was not in his usual forge because Marty did not go to the left ‘opening in the wall’.

After about ten minutes he and Rodrigez were coming down.

-hey. If it isn’t our twilight swordsman. I see that you are well.

Rodrigez welcomed him with this.

-so this is where you were. It was strange that you didn’t come faster.

-I have been working on the shield for whole night and was taking a break till now. Ah, but it was a good night. To work on a piece like that. But I see that the main dish has finally arrived.

Looking at black ore that Arata brought Rodrigez smiled.

-it took a while but here it is. So how long will it take to make this sword?

-one, two days maybe, it may be even three days, I will work my hardest on this one, but before that, what preference do you have?

-preference?

-you know what type of sword. The strong type or the fast one. Something in between? I can make anything.

“Hmm a type of sword? I don’t really know what would be best, maybe I should just leave it to him. Yea, that’s probably the best.”

-I think it will be better if you decide. You are the master blacksmith here right.

-haha, great. With this, I can make the greatest piece of art. And I hate to work under anybody instructions. Ah, one more thing, did you bring the extra ore that I asked you for or do we talk about the prices?

Rodrigez was not forgetting his shop’s number one rule.

-I did, I did.

-good, leave it with Marty then. As for the sword, I will start with it right away and it should be completed soon, look forward to it.

Taking all black ores from Arata’s hand Rodrigez went to his workplace.

[Quest: Black Sword (Completed)

After gathering the material you have brought it skilled blacksmith. Come back to him ‘soon’ to get your reward.]

[You have leveled up by 100%]

[You have gained a level, Current level 54]

The remaining ore that Arata got at the same time as the black ore was given to Marty as instructed. Strangely enough that ore was also labeled as quest items so even if Arata wanted to keep it he would probably not be able to use it.

-hey Marty, do you have anything that for level 50 in this shop?

Arata decided to ask as he had some gold left.

-sorry Arata, the shop is closed, come back another time.

“Eh? I can’t buy anything too? Well, I don’t think that there would be anything too high level in this city anyway.”

Marty was really following Rodrigez instructions to the last bits.

-okay, until next time.

Arata left the place as there was nothing for him to do there.

“Okay, what should I do now? Kotori have to probably wait in the line as her quest giver is much more popular than this shop. She told me to come to her when I finish but I will pass on waiting in the line. We are going to that hill when we both finish so for now I will just go shopping.”

Arata decided to restock his supplies and sell things that he looted during his quest but as he was doing the shopping he was found by familiar person.

-wa! Arata, you are back.

It was a figure in a blue cloak with light blue ponytail.

-hey Anari, how it’s going?

-better than I thought it will. Anyway Arata how was the quest? What level do you have now? Right now I have 47 as for five day I was leveling up. But you must have like 80 level right now, right?

-well… it’s not that easy to level up you know, anyway weren’t you learning how to play when I was leaving?

-ah yes now I know much more than previously. Leader decided that I should go to level up as well. Practice is more important than theory he said that rather than learning anything new I should now focus on the fundamentals I already learned to later on build on them. Anyway, we went to that great leveling place and there I got all those levels.

-you went with Gerald to hunt for monsters?

-no, leader is busy still with the search, I went with two new members who joined.

-oh, so he managed to find someone after all…

For some time Arata thought that this ‘search’ might have turned out to be fruitless but somehow it was not the case.

-apart from those two, did he found anyone else?

Although Arata was sure that it was not the case he asked.

-no, it wasn’t him. Loki found them, and those two are all that were found, despite having 5 series of tests while you were gone.

“Five series, five people each, means 25 people. Well I think that 8% passing rate is still incredibly good.”

-well it’s good that they found someone at least. So, if they found two that means they are half way done, right? After all, the plan was four.

-well, that was a plan but Loki convinced leader that eight or nine will also be enough for now.

It looked like they already were at their limits in this search.

-but from what I counted, we do have eight already. Why do they still looking?

Previously there were 6 members but now with two more there are 8.

-leader still had faith that he will find someone. On the other hand Loki said that he will continue until you and Kotori are back. Then Kelly said that someone needs to keep the base so she is staying on the hill and no longer takes new groups. Right now it’s two groups going at the same time rather than three. But thanks to that each group is stronger.

“I am not so sure of this theory. Either you find someone good or not.”

-so the hill became our base?

Arata commented although while returning with Kotori they also considered it their meeting place.

-well one way or another, we should get there as well. Ah yes, so what is your level now?

-didn’t you learn that it’s not polite to ask questions like that.

-I am curious so what is it?

-it’s 54.

Arata finally told her.

-Arata what were you doing out there? Knowing you, and your slave running methods I thought that you will be 80 at least.

Arata didn’t have to use any slave run methods this time as rather it was Kotori that was pulling Arata everywhere without stops. Even if Arata would get hit on purpose and use that as argument to make the stop, with her around that was not a valid option. Still, they had a lot of breaks so they didn’t level much despite the time. Although one may argue if the levels they got were not many or not as normally it would take full week of non-stop normal monsters slaying.

-well, we had some long log out breaks. Also some stuff happened on the way. Also it’s not healthy to fight the monsters for all day long, right?

Arata answered to Anari question.

-but during our guild trial we were doing it like crazy and mostly because of you.

-let’s not talk about that. Anyway the quest is complete but I still need to wait for a reward.

-and how long will it take? I heard that we were going to leave the city when you return.

Anari informed him.

-leave, like where?

-somewhere. A new city or something. Sorry I wasn’t listening.

“I guess this village can serve as a base only this far. When I first came here I also thought that I will leave it right away after seeing all those boar hunters. Never thought that I will still be here on 54th level.”

For a note the boar hunters were still hunting non-stop. If you come out from the Loris village by the south gate, you will see the endless number of them.

-it will take me around two days…

That was the information that Arata got from Rodrigez.

-so Anari, Gerald is in the town right now?

-no he is not, but he should be soon if this test will be like the last time. Nevertheless we still should go to the hill.

-sure but I still have to get Kotori.

-ah yes, where is she now?

-she should be in the center.

-okay, I will get her. You can continue shopping and meet us at the entrance.

-sure, but she may still wait in line.

-what line?

-never mind just go.

Anari went to the center of the village and Arata continued his shopping. He didn’t found anything really useful or new here. He already bought anything he thought he could use in future. Mostly cooking ingredients but also things he could use while cooking like pot or pan. First day he came to Loris the first thing he bought was a long rope. He still didn’t use it but he felt that it might come in handy at some point.

After successful shopping which was mostly restocking his stock of food he went to the gate. Kotori and Anari were already waiting there.

-what happened? Everyone found out that the whole fortune telling is a lie?

Surprised that they were there before him, Arata commented. Kotori answered right away.

-I didn’t feel like waiting in the line so I entered without waiting. When I did that the person who was inside was thrown out of the tent and I could give the woman my material. After that I went outside and waited for you. Anari picked me up there and here we are.

In short, she pushed herself in the line without waiting and because she had the quest the NPCs did not stop her.

-I did a good job finding her. Well she is easy to spot in the crowd. But we should go to the hill already. You should meet other members.

After that they all went to the hill.

On the hill there was a conversation going one. Kelly and two other players were there. The two were speaking to each other.

-I tell you, he must have a quest here.

-quest here? But there are no quests here. We also looked for one, remember.

-we did, but you said that there are no quests here so we didn’t try hard enough, anyway we should ask. Hey, is there any quest here?

The man in brown-red robe asked.

-I didn’t level up here so I don’t know, but remember what I told you. Two people from our guild went on quest that they found here. So it means that there are some.

Kelly replied to the question.

-see Odin. There are quests!

-I don’t want to ruin your hopes but quests in this game are not for everyone. They are hard to find because they can’t be done all time. One person complete one quest and this quest may even disappear forever.

Although one of two was excited about the quest Kelly put cold water on him.

-well, didn’t know about that.

-some quests disappear some are reset. At low level they are usually reseted but it takes some time. On the other hand most of high level quests are usually onetime thing. Even if quest is failed. But that always depends on the quest.

Kelly continued with explanation.

-why is that?

-take for example quests which unlocks race. They were few of those, even two were completed. But if those quests were complete, the race is already unlocked, so what is the purpose for that quest later on?

-ah, that’s good explanation. As expected of our high level player.

-I am not that high level. Anyway just give up on the quest. Knowing that it’s there doesn’t help at all.

-so what should we do now?

-hmm, do what you want, but don’t go anywhere far and wait until Gerald and Loki are back.

-but I don’t think that they will bring new people.

-somehow, we managed to find 5 people already so the chances are not zero.

-aaaa! I am bored.

Man in brown-red cloak yawned and stood up.

-Zen, just sit on the grass and relax.

His friend told him.

-no, no, no, I have a better idea. Let’s find that guy who kicked us out from the forge and make a revenge on him.

-who do you want to make revenge on!

Arata and girls reached the hill and heard what Zen, Odin and Kelly were talking about.

-oh Arata, Kotori welcome back.

Kelly seeing welcomed them.

-hey, there.

-hi, Kelly.

Arata and Kotori said hello back to her. Second later a yellow magical shield appeared in front of Arata. Arata looked as magic bolt bounced out of it.

-hey Zen! What are you doing again? I think they are other members.

The black-skinned man said.

-we don’t know that yet. They can be assassins who came to kill us. Rather than asking we should fight back.

-why would some assassins come to kill us? Well, some people might want to kill you but look, Anari is with them.

Odin pointed at Anari who was standing behind Arata and Kotori. At that moment, while they were busy with conversation, Zen got hit from above by pillar of flames.

-aaaaa!

He started to roll around to put of the flames. Arata spoke.

-aren’t you a mage? Use some water to help yourself.

-hey Arata, he is our new member so take it easy.

Kelly told him to not do too much damage to them.

-I didn’t do anything, at least yet. Hey Kotori, why are you attacking him like that?

-it’s normal he attacks us and we attack him. Isn’t it strange to attack us on first sight? We just arrived here and didn’t do anything.

-well that’s true, but he didn’t attack you so you shouldn’t attack him.

-Arata, if he attacks you it’s the same as if he attacked me. No even worse. Anyway, he is the enemy!

Arata didn’t care much about this attack but looks like Kotori wanted to execute justice and kill the man right away.

-I told you he is new guild member. Get along!

Kelly stopped them from continuing. Still Zen didn’t give up.

-hey you! Does your girlfriend need to defend you because you can’t fight?

Arata didn’t get provoked but replied.

-says the person who ran away after his surprise attack didn’t work last time.

-oh, you are asking for a fight?

-sure come and get me!

Arata wasn’t provoked but he wouldn’t mind doing some fighting either especially when someone was just asking for it.

They soon rushed at each other. Still before they got in each other range they a ‘white wall’ appeared between them. Anari shouted.

-hey don’t fight! We are guild mates aren’t we.

-ah good job Anari. Hey you two if you don’t stop I will get up and you don’t want me to get up!

Kelly shouted.

-it’s this guy who started it.

Arata calmly responded although he also felt like doing some PVP. Despite the fact that fighting against players and monsters worked the same way, fighting against players was always different.

-me? On, now you are dead! Anari get this wall out of here! I will soon, aaaaa!…

Zen’s legs were grabbed by a tree that started to grow underneath him. The roots started to hold him and he couldn’t move anymore as he was surrounded by creeps.

-aaaa, what is it?

-I told you, you don’t want me to get up.

Kelly was now holding her green bow and pointing at Zen trapped in the tree.

-hey, Odin! Help me!

-no can do.

Other of the two Odin wasn’t even thinking of joining in and was calmly looking at the situation. It seemed like he was really used to it.

-no matter, I will just teleport out of it. Aaaaa what is it.

Before even trying to teleport away Zen’s head was soon surrounded by three arrows. Kelly started.

-you shouldn’t think that mages are all that powerful. They usually die young, you know?… now then, Arata do you want to try how you will do against it too?

-nah I will pass.

Kelly put her bow back waved a hand and tree disappeared, so did the white wall.

-Anari, I will leave it to you.

And so Kelly went to her previous lying on the ground position. Anari started the introduction.

-so Arata, Kotori, those are our new members. The big guy on the left is Odin. Even though he looks little scary he is a good guy so don’t get deceived by his look like me.

Anari pointed at Odin big black bald guy with an axe and metal round shield.

-nice to meet you, my name is Odin. Once again I apologize for my friend Zen.

He was not only good guy but also well mannered.

-I am Arata, I also sorry that the shop closed because of me.

-nah don’t worry. We didn’t have money to buy anything to begin with.

-so why did he attacked me?

Arata pointed at Zen who also started to come. Odin answered.

-emm… well it’s happens from time to time.

-hey Odin! What you are telling them about me.

-I somehow try to save your image. Anyway apologize as well, or are you a kid that can’t do that?

-who are you calling a kid, never mind. My name is Zen. Your name is Arata right?

-yes.

-so Arata I am sorry about sudden attack in the shop and here as well. To you and your girlfriend. See Odin! I can do it from time to time.

Those were not really honest apologies but it was more than one could ask for from this man. Then Anari interrupted.

-oh, no Arata and Kotori are not that, they just went on the same mission.

-I thought that they are going out for sure…

Impression of Zen turned out to be true. Second later Kotori introduced herself.

-Hi, my name is Kotori, I am healer in this guild. I am also Arata’s girlfriend… Ah it’s feels good to say that.

-wa… .

Anari stopped. Then Zen started proud of himself.

-see, I have a nose for this things.

-no, you don’t and you never did.

Odin interrupted him.

-you can’t say that anymore Odin. I just proved it wrong.

-no, it was simply obvious this time. And if you want the proof then, do you still remember Enias and Margaret?

After Odin said that, Zen somehow become quiet.

-… okay, okay I understand, please don’t bring that up ever again.

The two of them went into their own world.

In the meantime, Anari started asking Kotori questions.

-what magic did you use? How did that happened?

Kotori just answered.

-normally I guess, boy and girl go somewhere together and fall in love with each other on their journey. Although Arata fall in love the moment he saw me and I liked him since I was ten so it’s not exactly that story.

Kotori said it like nothing skipping all important parts, but it wasn’t probably something that one tell others.

-waaaa… it’s such romantic story, I don’t think that I will ever go out with someone…

Anari wasn’t really that surprised by the fact that Arata and Kotori were going out. Anari already heard Arata’s thoughts about Kotori, so she did somewhat understand it and she was happy for her friend happiness. It also gave her some courage to once again get along with her lost friend. Well he was not lost anymore as she finally after all those years meet him. Still, Anari knew that her friend doesn’t have any inch of feelings for her as otherwise he would not forget her. Still, because she wanted to change it so she asked Arata for advice.

-hey Arata what do I lack? You didn’t even for a second like me. Even though we knew each other since some time?

-why should I like you? It’s not like two people meet and they fall in love with each other just because they meet.

-so how does it work?

-don’t ask me that.

-I can answer to that…

Zen joined their conversation.

-what there is needed for love is destiny between two people.

-but Zen. Enias and Margaret, remember?

Zen was immediately shooted down with his talk by Odin though.

-fine, fine. I will just shut up.

-exactly let’s give up on private matters and talk about something else.

-what do you want to talk about?

Arata answered to Odin who somehow got more eager. He came up with good idea.

-we have this huge group of people here. What is a better way to get to know each other than go for some dungeon? With group like this where all passed that crazy test, we have the ultimate party so we can even do some raid or at least some high class difficulty dungeon.

-that’s Odin for you. I also had an idea but yours is better.

Zen encouraged the plan but.

-HEY! Don’t think of skipping from here, we are waiting for the rest!

Kelly stopped their idea of going for the dungeon though.

-ah I forgotten about that.

-in this case, we have to go with my idea. Although it won’t give us items it will still be exciting. Let’s do a tournament. We will fight each other in duels and see, who is the best? Or, we can also do free for all, in battle royal style. It will definitely be awesome!

Zen was already excited about his idea. Arata also though that it would be a good way to find out what other two can do. At the same time, he also wouldn’t say no to a good fight. But then a new voice echoed on the hill.

-here you are on it again. So about this tournament, you won’t mind having to fight me in the first round, right?

-…haha, no I will pass.

A new person came to the hill. With elegant black leather clothes which looked like a suit and yellow hair. Kelly soon greeted him.

-ah Loki, how did it go?

-ah, you could say it was a record. They all died in 6 seconds after the first fight started. 6 seconds you get it?

-hahaha.

-it’s not really something to be laugh about.

-seem like the business is like an usual.

Arata made a notice.

-ah Arata, Kotori you are back. Well this time I just had to take someone as the day was getting to an end. But really, despite the fact that they were all excited and they weren’t even scared as all of them rushed forward with a battle shout, they all died in the 6 seconds…

“Well if they simply charged forward without fear they were simply idiots.”

-anyway now that you two are here we have all our members gathered and we can finally leave this place.

-so, where will we go?

-Gerald didn’t tell you? Ah he is not here yet. Figures. After all, I just walked there and back again. But his team shouldn’t be much tougher so he should be here soon. But I am going to sleep right now so we will talk later.

Loki landed on the grass and instantly fell sleep few moments later.

“He had a tough day I guess.”

-okay so now that he is sleeping, we can start the tournament.

Now that obstacle disappeared Zen once again suggested idea.

-I am still here.

-em… did I said the tournament, no, no, you must misheard me.

-don’t do any fighting! What if you end up killing each other? If you want to know who is the better just ask Gerald.

-but only a true battle can determinate it.

-I see in this case I will tell it clearly so you all understand…

Kelly turned towards them smiled a little and then.

-don’t cause any ruckus here!

Shouted at them like this.

It seemed like the idea was not going to play out.

-for now I think that we can just talk a little and get used to each other.

Arata proposed instead.

-I agree on that,

Arata’s idea was quickly agreed upon by Odin. Zen on the other hand.

-hey, why do you think that you are a leader here? Well, we are all new players so we should have one person to take a lead, but why you? I call on voting. Who do you want to take lead, first me I think that I will be best for the job. You will agree won’t you Odin?

-Zen you are the last person for that job, anyway if you want voting, I call for Arata.

-and you Brutus against me!

-you surely are not up for it. I don’t want to do it and Arata looks like a good guy so why not. But let’s go back one step, in the first place we don’t need a leader?

-oh, I am not done yet! One vote for me, one for Arata, next, Anari you will vote for a fellow mage, won’t you?

-hmm… you definitely are no good, but I also think that Arata is not good either. We also don’t need something like leader for low level players. We are only having a friend talk, isn’t it?

-fine.

-you just gave up because you already lost right.

Odin didn’t let it go thought.

-no! Just Anari is right we don’t need a leader!

-I said the same thing a second ago. So, why now you agree?

-you two stop it. It’s not important…

After Anari said that somehow they stopped it. Then one way or another it was she who took the lead.

-okay so we should get to know each other. Let’s see why don’t we talk about our impressions of each other?

-impressions? Who would normally do that? Anari, do you really know what a guild is?

Kotori asked.

-of course I do…

“Somehow, I doubt it.”

That thought appeared on everyone’s face.

-it’s a group of comrades in arms who works together.

Her answer was surprisingly good though.

-and where did you read that? Gerald told you?

Arata had to ask.

-haha, I know it from secret source.

-still we don’t need some strange talks.

Arata once again interrupted.

-if we want to work together we need to know each other right?

“I don’t think we need to know each other in this way. Previous ideas that involved fighting were much better. What we want to know is their fighting style and abilities, no what their favorite color is.“

-so what was this impression thing you talked about?

Still Arata ended up asking as it seemed that Anari wanted to do that.

-hmm… for example. What do you think about Zen for example? You just meet him. It would be first impression.

Arata didn’t think much about this one.

-ah it’s simple question. It would be ‘Crazy kid with ADHD’.

-who do you call… .

-stop! Stop! Stop!

“But that’s really my first impression.”

-but he called me!

Zen didn’t want to let it go and but Anari continued.

-that’s why, I wanted to do this talk. First impressions are mostly wrong. Let me tell you my opinion. Zen is a mage who is way better than me. Also he got an interesting personality.

-a kind way to put that.

Odin was the one to add that and he probably knew much better.

-still that is what I think. That would be all.

-don’t say only good things. It’s impossible for him to not have bad qualities.

Kotori added to the end.

-well it’s better to not say bad things about the others.

-but then there is no meaning in this whole thing.

-anyway as I said first immersion is mostly wrong…

“She is not doing a good job.”

It seemed that Anari was not suited to the role she took.

-so next is Odin. Even though he looked scary at first he is a very good person, he stays on front line and take hits for team sake.

-it’s a tank job after all.

-it’s not something that everyone could do. I definitely couldn’t…

“Hmm, now that I think about it being a tank in this game is really painful. You really take that damage on yourself.”

Tank’s job is taking hits for a team after all and in EOA you did feel those hits and even though the pain was reduced it still hurt. Anari continued.

-he is a nice person, although he should relax a bit more and be less serious about everything…

“Being too serious may not be the best but it still way better than being lax about everything.”

Anari continued.

-now next would be Arata. I was with him for some time now so I know him quite good.

“I already see it. Arata is strange person who… something of that kind.”

-well, Arata is good, strange hero who helps other in needs and even defends them against monsters when they cry in park unable to move…

“Oh, it’s been a while since I hear that.”

-even though he doesn’t look like that he has a poetic soul within him. Then he is a sadist and masochist at the same time…

“Hey, does she understand the meaning of those words?”

-he also likes to force girls into strange places, and ask them to do this and that.

-hey, what is this about!!

Arata couldn’t hold it.

-I won’t reveal it here.

Anari ended up making it even worse.

-hey! It sounds even worse now. Didn’t you just say that you won’t reveal bad stuff?

-were they bad stuff?

-no, but you make it sound strange. A..-

“Wait I feel killing intent.”

-hey Arata.

Kotori while smiling called to Arata and even though her smile was beautiful as ever there was something different at it.

-em, Kotori, don’t worry about that.

-about what?…

She asked still smiling.

-Anari could you say more about it? Like more details.

She then asked.

“STOP!”

-em sure. So he is a good because he is in overall good. Strange is from his hair and general behavior. Two kids that I meet called him hero so it’s from there. When we were on quest and I didn’t know what was happening, he defended me against wolf and died after that, like sacrificial heroes in the movies. You already know why he is poetic as you were there as well. It was about you anyway but I can’t say those embarrass things so you guys won’t understand…

Kotori stopped emanating her fake killing intend and started to listen carefully quite interested in what Anari was telling her. It seemed like her earlier behavior was just an act and she simply wanted to find out about Arata as much as possible.

“I don’t feel good if someone talk about me in front of me.”

-sadist and masochist are from when we were on the guild trial together. We cleaned the whole dungeon with small breaks in one day and even though me and our other three members kept asking for break he continued to say that the rest is for the weak.

-hahaha, so like him. And the last part about that forcing?

-well he forced me to go to a place I didn’t want to go so that’s from there. It was some strange inn. Well the food was good and bed was comfortable.

-Arata?

Killing, intend come back somehow.

-Anari you really have no common sense do you?

-did I leave something out?

-Arata.

-Kotori just ignore her, also I already told you how my first month went, didn’t I.

-still, what she said.

-what she said was that she didn’t want to go to one restaurant for whatever reason but after I convinced her she enjoyed the food there. Right Anari?

-did I say it in a different way?

It looked like Anari did not know what her words could be interpreted as.

-so Kotori is there anything else?

-hahaha, Arata, I just wanted to play an angry girlfriend. You thought I would be jealous? I already know that you wouldn’t touch a girl even if she begged you to do so.

-and why do you know that?

-I am your girlfriend after all and I know you the best. Anyway Anari continue with the impression thing. Do you have anything else? You said something about him being strange. Are there some other embarrassing stuff?

Arata really didn’t have it easy.

-well there was this time when we first meet. His quest item stopped to working so he tried to repair it but… .

-Stop that!…

Arata remembered what it was about and immediately stopped her. After all, at that time he was even trying to execute kamehameha.

-Anari, it’s already enough about me. Switch to this one.

Arata pointed at Kotori. Still Anari wanted to continue.

-but it was really funny.

-switch!

-fine, fine you don’t need to shout.

-now I really want to know. You will have to tell me about it some other time

Kotori seemed even more interested and it seemed like Arata won’t be able to escape it.

-okay but now my last impression is about you Kotori. Although I didn’t talk with you too much I have a strong impression of you.

Anari continued.

-really? What could that be?

Kotori forgotten about what they just talked about and listened carefully. Truth was that apart from Arata she didn’t know others in guild that well so far. She probably didn’t except what came from Anari.

-to be honest, I am jealous of you.

-…once again?

-yes, I am jealous. You are pretty, have a better figure even though you are younger than me. You can talk with everyone when I just get scared of them. And without doing much you can get person like Arata to love you.

-don’t think so high of me. Also you are not that bad as well.

-you only say that.

-I don’t.

-that it’s even worse, you are also nice person whom one can’t even hate. Anyway it was my idea with those impressions so I will continue. You are open to people when I am mostly afraid of them. You were also skillful enough to pass the guild test alone at that. I saw what Arata was doing during our test so you must be simply incredible.

It was true that out from all people here, Kotori was the only one that passed her test alone.

-haha, you can’t compare me to him, and wasn’t you in the same group as him so you also did good.

-well I was, although I was just doing what he told me to. I just followed. Do this, do that. I never even get in range of any monsters.

There was that one time when giant kobold was chasing her but apart from that Arata was tanking everything in large distance away from her.

-hey you heard this Odin, she passed the test alone?

Zen got interested in this talk. He also knew how hard it is to beat the guild’s test. Odin was the same.

-unbelievable I am sure I wouldn’t have a chance alone.

-me too. Every fight was like, one wrong move and you are dead…

Then Zen asked Kotori.

-but why did you fight alone? Odin and I also fought mostly on our own but the other guys were still useful. Yet you passed test alone. You also said that you are a healer so it even more incredible. Although isn’t it healer’s job to keep their party alive?

Kotori give fast explanation.

-two run away because they couldn’t stand endless pain of endless damage. I let others two die because I thought that it will be faster on my own. I also got more experience that way. Although I couldn’t defeat the boss.

-I see, well newbies running around are useless after all, and the boss was really hard. Still we somehow managed to defeat him.

-Zen don’t lie, we were annihilated. Other three died after two minutes. And we were running in circle for half an hour trying to think of something but nothing worked. If Loki didn’t saved us, then we wouldn’t have been here.

Odin revealed the truth.

-jess Odin, I wanted to look good here. Still, in the end. No one defeated last boss right?

-em, Arata defeated the final boss.

Anari said without care.

-Anari even though I did kill last boss, we were still annihilated by minion same as them.

-but we got items look at my blue cloak it is from then.

-hey Odin was there any minion in boss room?

Arata cut Zen’s question.

-Gerald’s test is in different location than yours.

-anyway I done my part now with introduction. So emm, Kotori, why don’t you try?

Anari continued.

-sure, but I won’t talk about Arata as I don’t want to brag about him too much. I don’t know rest to much either so it will be short. Anari you look like a nice person and I hope we will be good friends.

-thank you.

-although. You should forget about Arata as you have no chances here.

-but I didn’t… .

-eh you are so sure of yourself aren’t you.

Arata interrupted and commented on that but Kotori just answered.

-Arata, remember when the day when we started to go out.

-of course I do.

-so you know that you can’t use lies against me do you? Your sarcasm also won’t work.

-… .

-see, that’s why I can be so sure, anyway Anari even if you liked him you can give up.

-I didn’t like him!

Anari bursted out.

-hmm? Well, then there is no problem, right. Anyway keep trying hard and you will be a good player. Hopefully. Next Odin you look like a good player so I don’t have anything against you. Hope that you do a good work as a tank.

-leave it to me.

-next Zen, Arata don’t like you so I won’t as well. Period.

-hey… .

-but don’t worry we are guild mates so we will at least be able to communicate.

-that really was short, why don’t you tell us about Arata after all.

Anari added.

-okay but I will keep it to minimum though. He has many good qualities but I will just tell one that I love him so much for.

-what is it? Is it when he is fighting? Must be that. You said that you like strong people.

Kotori on the other hand said something exactly not related to that.

-he understands me.

-…??

“Having a person to share your pain with is after all the best. Someone who will say the right words to you when you need them and will stay silent when you want him. I understand where it comes from. It also may be the reason why I love her so much.”

-what do you mean by that?

Zen asked her soon. Anari was thinking about those words. Odin didn’t even try as he was tired of girl talk already.

-as I said. Only Arata can understand exactly like I just said. Anyway Arata your turn.

-I have to do it too? Okay. Firstly Kotori I won’t describe you.

-hahaha, don’t be shy. You can say things that you said when we were in line for fortune telling. Everyone wants to see your poetic side. Also as a person who knows me the best you have to describe me here.

“Eh.

-okay. Then Kotori is person I love, her good qualities are endless you will know them soon enough.

-hahaha.

-Arata you are really bold aren’t you?

Anari commented on that. Kotori only laughed. Arata went with revenge on Anari comment.

-next. Anari you are quite useless, I just hope that you got better in the time I was not here.

Arata didn’t have any mercy here.

-wawa.

-Odin looks like a good player to have on a team so I am happy that you are in our guild. I understand that being the tank in this game is way different than normally so I respect that…

Odin only smiled at that comment.

-and Zen.

-okay you don’t have to say that, I am useless and annoying as well but wait till… .

-no even though you are annoying at time, I am sure that you are a good player seeing you so far. For example, our short fight in the forge. Just from that I could see that you are quite good. We have to continue it someday. You also know how to act when needed so even though we will probably argue often it won’t be that big problem.

-ah, someone finally see my true form.

Arata said those words not only to get along better with him but also because they were true.

-Zen, you better don’t say anything or his impression will go back to the way it used to be. Anyway my name is Odin I introducing myself once again. I don’t know much about you two who just came and I hate first impressions. Well Arata looks like a good guy and if Kotori did cleaned a whole instance on her own she also must be good player. I don’t need to know more. We went with Anari to exp up and she was doing the usual mage job which is hard damage dealing so even if she thinks that she lacking, for a person who never played games before it’s a very good job. Then, Zen is my friend whom I know from another game. We both decided to play this one as we heard it’s the most difficult game that is there. So far it’s true, that’s why we will keep playing it and try to conquer the top. We are also happy to join this guild because it’s look promising and the thing that this guild is trying to be the best guild on the server, I really like it. It is one thing to join a good guild that already existed for a long time and other thing when you were the one that was creating that guild. Now then Zen.

-sure, so, Odin is a good fellow even though he doesn’t get my jokes or laugh too much. He is too serious at times and don’t like to waste time. As he said we decided to play this game to get to the top. Although for now we were just planning to exp up and look for a guild later, we somehow ended up here but we don’t regret it. As for others, I see that Anari is still just a beginner but it doesn’t bother me that much as everyone need to start at some point. VR-genre is still fresh after all so even experienced players aren’t that much better than newbies here. Then we have other two whom I also don’t know much. Well my first impression is… ‘Even though she looks like innocent girl Kotori is a scary. She set’s people on fire like it’s nothing and dooms them to their deaths if they slightly offend her or she simply doesn’t like someone face.’

-oh just wait till it’s over.

Zen probably knew what reaction he will get from her. Still that was really his first impression. Then he continued.

-haha, looks like even more people wants to have tournament now. Anyway everyone was saying only good things about you so I am balancing it up. Well, I must say that she is pretty or rather more than that but it’s only an avatar so it’s not a big deal.

-it’s my real life look though.

Kotori commented.

-yea sure.

-well I don’t care if you believe me.

-… wait real look? No way! Well it’s true that on random you wouldn’t get everything after all. Jesus… you see that Odin?

-I am already seeing it for quite some time but I am trying to not be impolite.

-hey!

Arata interrupted them.

-no Arata, don’t worry as you remember I have an eye for things. I can see that even if I wanted, which I don’t, there is not a single thing that could separate you. Anyway lastly Arata. I just have to say that I want to fight you badly and see what you can really do. Guys with normal swordsman professions that I meet so far were really disappointing, I must say. But you even dodged my surprise fireball.

-it’s Arata after all.

-yep you should see him fighting for real, you wouldn’t want to fight him them.

Girls commented on it but Zen didn’t lose his spirit.

-I like strong opponents so we will have to fight one day. And with that, I done as there is nothing else to say.

-see aren’t you closer to each other right now.

Anari commented on whole thing. Arata soon cut it

-sure but normal people don’t do things like that.

-it worked so it’s fine. Hey why don’t we comment on others as well?

-others?

-you know Kelly, Loki and Leader.

-isn’t it speaking behind their backs?

Kotori commented.

-they won’t bother. So what are your thoughts?

It was talking behind their back but Anari was already in mood.

-I don’t really know much about Kelly you guys?

-all I know that she is scary when she wants to be.

-haha, that’s true.

Zen answered and Arata followed that comment with laugh.

-but we can’t forget her look. You all saw how it bounces didn’t you.

Zen continued.

-wa…

Although it was clearly guys part of the talk, it was Kotori who answered.

-it’s natural because she is older. You don’t have to worry Arata. I am close enough to that.

-don’t say more. That as someone can get sad.

Arata commented.

-ah sorry Anari… anyway as we don’t know much we should move to next person, Loki…

Kotori ended up taking the lead while Anari was slacking.

-Loki is quite cool isn’t he? He is also strong and hardworking he should be our leader.

-well we were also with him in group and he looks dependable. Right Odin?

Zen commented.

-sure, we also didn’t speak to Gerald too much and from our first conversations I think that he should be more serious at least.

-my thoughts exactly. Well, being as serious as you also won’t work. Hey Anari, what do you think?

Zen asked. Anari was looking down at her chest sad and just said in small voice.

-leader is fine.

-hey Arata, what do you think?

Kotori asked.

-well Loki is a great guy and would do a good job as a guild leader but if we want to get to the top Gerald is the best man for the job.

She was surprised to hear that.

-really? Well I also didn’t talk with him too much. But why is that?

-you will know soon enough.

-if you say so, still after what you told me I believe you.

-speaking of him, anyone knows when he is going to come back?

Arata asked.

-maybe he found someone good for the test and that’s why he is not back yet. Normally he would be.

Anari said optimistically.

=yea sure…

Everyone answered at the same time. They talked a bit more but then after some they went to sleep or log out. Gerald still didn’t come back.

//**This chapter is not over. Continue to _14.2**//

http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=333&t=3178