Chapter 15 “Journey”

The night has ended and the first cock crowed but ‘he’ was no longer in the Inn in which he stayed last night. He woke up early and after leaving message to Kotori he left the house.

His destination was meeting place near the gate where he hoped to meet Gerald. He had something to ask him about. But when he arrived at his destination no one was there.

“Well it’s two hours before the time after all.”

He expected that no one should appear any time soon but after ten minutes however, Loki has arrived there as well. Loki didn’t come from direction of Loris but rather he came from the fields. He also was not walking but rather he came with cart. The cart was pulled by two horses. Loki parked it in some distance away from the gate. There was also another cart following after him. That cart parked next to the other one. Loki spoke for a minute with a man that came raiding it. It was not someone Arata knew. Loki and the man soon after entered the city. The man just passed by but Loki stopped after seeing ‘him’.

-Arata, you are here already?

Loki didn’t expect anyone to be there at this hour. After all, it was still not even six o’clock. This means middle of night.

-Loki I see that you got us a nice transport.

Seeing what Loki brought with him Arata commented.

-this is the best you can find for this amount of people in this part of world that is. Anyway how is the quest?

-I finished it yesterday.

-then we can move without delay. Still, why are you here already? There is still some time left or rather a lot of it.

-well, I wanted to ask Gerald about something.

-he won’t be here anytime soon. If he was alone right now, he would definitely be late, he didn’t sleep much lately. Not that he likes to wake up at this hour anyway. Still, his effort paid off and he found the ninth member. Kelly will wake him up so he should show up just on time. Anyway what did you want to ask? Maybe I will be able to answer that.

“I can always try with him.”

-do you know something about our new member Yuki?

Arata answered the question right away.

-not much or rather I didn’t even spoke to her yet. You probably know more than me. But is something wrong with her? From where I saw, you had a hard time with her. There shouldn’t be problems with her fighting ability. I also think that age doesn’t matter as long as someone is good enough to pass our test.

-well, if you don’t know its fine.

“Seems like he doesn’t know what ‘it’ is about. Although is there even something to begin with?”

-hey, now I am interested. You can’t just cut it off like that. What exactly you wanted to ask?

Still Loki got interested as well.

“I might as well tell him everything.”

Arata told the story that he heard yesterday from Yuki. Loki was hearing every word of it with great interest without interrupting like some people had in habit. When Arata ended, he finally commented on it.

-Gerald said that? Well I still don’t know why would he do that but Arata, if he is like that just leave it be.

In the end Loki gave him advice like this.

-well, this is the same thing I told Kotori yesterday.

-see. Listen to your own advice. I also would want to know more but there is no reason to ask about it. After all Gerald said that it is not serious.

-I am not sure about it. If it wasn’t serious he wouldn’t have said that at all.

-well, I see where it coming from so. Okay, let assume that he told you what you want to know. What would you do then?

-well, that depends on what would he say.

-let assume it’s something that you can’t do anything about. You would just have to worry about it. Is there reason for you to know?

-but it can be something that I can change.

-well, if it is he will tell you about it. Gerald is always like that. It may also be that he just didn’t want to bother saying anything and went to sleep right away. Anyway Arata don’t ask him about it and wait until he tells you.

-easy for you to say as he will tell you about it the moment he see you.

-I won’t hide that that may be true. But he doesn’t tell me everything just because I ask for it.

-yea sure.

-we don’t know each other for that long. Well we knew each other way before but we didn’t hang out together that much until we started this guild. He rather played with my sister and…

Loki stopped for a moment then deadly serious and more loudly said.

-Arata, it’s really important so listen. Do not ever mention my sister in front of him! NEVER! Also don’t ask why. I will repeat once again, NEVER!

“Wow, it’s the first time I seeing him raise his voice.”

-okay, okay never. Why so serious? Back to the topic, so you two weren’t playing together before?

Arata for one wouldn’t try to go into someone past without permission so he just leave it behind.

-we weren’t. I just got mixed with him from time to time because of my si…

Loki stopped once more and continued

-anyway, right now we are playing together. We are creating guild after all. Still I don’t ask him for things that he doesn’t want to talk about, in truth I don’t ask people many questions to begin with. Still Arata, if you are still going to ask that question. I can already give you his answer, “I will tell you when the time is right” is what he will say.

-I thought the same. But I wanted to see his reaction at least.

-whose reaction?

It was not Loki who said that.

-you know, Gerald’s reaction.

-my reaction, reaction to what?

Gerald appeared behind Arata and played a little. Arata jumped back seeing him appear out of nowhere.

-what are you doing here!?

-I came to check the horses.

Gerald just joked around.

-yes, yes very funny.

-anyway you wanted something from me? I am here so ask away.

-no I don’t want anymore.

Arata give up. Gerald continued.

-what’s with him Loki?

-he wanted to ask something but just gave up,

-Arata, if you want to ask, then ask away. I am guild leader and I should answer to any troubles of my guildmates.

-Arata forget what I just told you, if he is like this, it’s really nothing ask away.

Loki added this sentence. Despite what Yuki said yesterday, Arata did not see any change in Gerald’s behavior. There actually was also nothing in particular about his yesterday’s behavior either. Although Arata already give up one, he changed his mind.

-hey Gerald, what is with our newest member?

-you mean Yuki, she is good isn’t she? I have found a golden child. She will do many great things with us. But it’s better if you ask her herself if you want to know something. There is no reason to ask me.

-what is her class?

Arata went straight to the point.

-hmm, you don’t ask just because you are curious, are you?

Even after hearing this question Gerald’s behavior did not change still his answer was intriguing.

-she told us how you found her and what you told her after her test so and it’s seems strange.

-strange, hmm? Well, sorry Arata, you will have to wait for this answer, I will tell you when the time is right.

“Just like expected.”

Arata predict this answer. Loki hearing Gerald’s answer said.

-why won’t you just tell him? It’s not like it would bother him to know, right?

Loki was not 100% sure about it so he added question at the end. Gerald answered.

-I can’t tell him because he wouldn’t understand it anyway. Also it’s not like something will happen out of it, at least in the near future. It’s actual just an old story that probably doesn’t mean anything today. So, it’s just better to leave it for now. How is that answer Arata?

-well I have a huge amount of patience. But at least, can you tell me when the time will be right?

-what you just said shows that this amount is not that huge as you think. Hahaha…

Gerald still did not show any of unusual behavior that Yuki told Arata about.

“If he can laugh like that there is nothing to worry about.”

-fine you don’t have to tell me.

-let’s see. Get to level 200 and we will talk about it again, until then there is no meaning in it anyway.

“200? Well at least its defined answer. I have no idea what level has to do with though.”

-okay but how long it takes to ding 200?

-It took over a year real-time for a first player to get to 199 level. As for level 200, it’s a little different story for a different time.

-a year?

-now it shouldn’t take this long. Also you don’t have to worry about your leveling up speed. Normally dinging level 50 takes about few months. You are going fast.

It seemed like Arata was breaking some records with his level.

-still if it’s like this I will forget about the whole matter before I even get there.

-if that happens I will just remind you about it, well it’s not like you have to know anyway nothing should come out from it. Anyway where is everyone? Shouldn’t we start our journey now?

Gerald once again looked around but apart from Arata and Loki everyone else was normal at least in this regard and still sleep well in bed.

-it’s still over an hour before the meeting time. Anyway what are you doing here at this hour, I thought that you were sleeping.

Loki asked.

-but I went to sleep quite early, after all. And why did I come here? I thought that you may be here and as I need to tell you something so I came here. But it looks like it will have to wait for another time.

Gerald sent a glare at Arata and kept on staring on him, in the most annoying way possible.

-fine, have your secrets, I will move away.

-hahaha, you are so understanding it shouldn’t take long.

Arata moved out of hearing range and Gerald started to talk with Loki about something.

“Aaa, I curious.”

To Arata surprise it didn’t took more than five minutes before Gerald called him back. After the talk, Loki sat down on the ground and started looking up to the sky. He also took out a cigarette and started smoking it. He started sending the smoke out of his mouth upward. Seeing this posture, Arata asked once again.

-hey what did you tell him!?

-hahaha, don’t worry he is always like that. Anyway, as I said, it’s nothing serious. Right, Loki?

Loki moved his head a little and mumbled to himself.

-how did it ended up like that? Gerald next time, don’t tell me about stuff like that. I would also be better not knowing.

-what are you saying you are my right hand, remember?

-I would have a peaceful life never knowing the truth and now you destroyed it.

“Now I really, really want to know.”

-don’t say stuff like that. Look Arata can’t hold back anymore, he will soon attack us to get the truth.

“That may be one option.”

Loki moved his head back to the sky and said.

-Arata, you won’t understand a word out from it, and explaining everything wouldn’t give a clean answer either. Rather for you it would be a fairy tale which you wouldn’t believe anyway. But as Gerald said it’s nothing bad I think so leave it be.

-your eyes are saying different thing.

Loki was not answering anymore. Gerald laughed.

-hahaha, he is always like that, but we closed this subject already. Right now, we have important stuff to do. Loki how is the transport?

-… .

“Yes, definitely nothing bad or serious.”

Loki also didn’t answer Gerald’s question.

-well we have much time and knowing you everything is ready. Hey Arata why are looking at me like that?

Currently Arata was making a look that was saying. ‘tell me, tell me, tell me’. Still after Gerald asked he stopped doing so,

-never mind.

-is that so, well then. So how it’s been Arata? You have anything interesting to say, it’s been a while since we talked.

-not really.

-if you say so. Then I will ask how is the guild growing? I must say that I was too focused on looking for new members that I didn’t talk much too actually members, especially those who weren’t scouted by me.

-if you want to know then they all think that Loki would be better leader and wonder how you ended up in that position.

Arata was merciless here, but there was some truth in it. Zen and Odin didn’t have a chance to speak with Gerald too much. Kotori was also in this group. She only had her first impression and some of Arata’s description that’s all. Well because Arata mentioned their duel and how badly he was beaten she didn’t have bad opinion of him. Still Gerald did not care and just laugh it off.

-hahaha, Loki is a good guy after all. But I should talk with them a little more it seems. It also is one of my duties as a leader. Although I know about them quite a lot. I don’t need a long time to understand someone.

-you may, but normal people need it.

-hmm, do we even have any normal people in the guild? Ah, Arata you should talk with them more. It’s seems that you don’t know them at all.

Even Gerald thought that Refrain was full bunch of weirdoes.

-well, we have a leader like that so no one can be normal anymore.

-hahaha. Anyway why are they so late, we could start already. Even Kelly whom I told to come after me.

-no it’s we who are too early.

-…eh I am bored…oh I come up with a good plan if some of them came.

-what plan?

-you said it yourself, that I need more respect from players that don’t know me right?

-well it’s hard to respect someone when you never talked with them.

-I think so too. That why I came up with a plan, anyway there is still much time so maybe I will be able to execute it.

It took some time before anyone came but thirty minutes before meeting time Zen and Odin came as well.

-hey Arata, great that you are here. Let’s have a match!

-you are always on it, Zen. But today, I up for it and we have some time.

Arata was tired of waiting and this match was something that he also wanted to take part in. Zen was quite happy hearing it.

-haha, Odin you heard that, it’s finally the time for Zen vs Arata shutdown!

-well, good luck Zen.

Odin answered in sleepy voice.

-I don’t need something like luck.

-stop!

Gerald stood up walked to the two who just arrived. They didn’t speak with him before so they didn’t know what to say. Or in what manner should they speak.

-em is something wrong with a small sparing, Leader?

-of course not, it’s actually good to see that you are so lively but I just want to speak with you two a little.

-with us?

-yes, we already spoke few times so this time I want to do something different.

-what is it leader? And aren’t we preparing for something?

-ah that is a good answer. Always remember to call me leader…

“And here I thought that he had a good idea, but it’s the leader thing again.”

-anyway you two come with me. We will have a little sparing.

Gerald’s idea was not something too original given a situation, still he probably thought about it earlier. Both Odin and Zen were surprised by this invitation. Zen said.

-sparing? Me and Odin?

-well, sorry that I disturb your fight with Arata, I am sure that it would be a great show, but you two will have a fight with me…

“So, he wants to massacre them to show that he is good player?”

-… well fight is a big word. It would be a game rather.

-a game?

-just come with me outside? I will explain.

They moved just outside the walls of the village, Arata followed as he didn’t have anything to do. Loki was still in his ‘not moving position’ for quite a while and it was his third cigarette already.

They moved away so nothing bothers them. There weren’t many players who passed at this hour. Gerald started.

-okay so our game is simple. I sit here and close my eyes. Your objective is to attack me. It doesn’t have to any damage it just has to touch me. I will not move. Hey Arata, you want to take part as well?

-nah, I will pass.

-as you wish, okay you two the game begins now.

Gerald sited on grass and closed his eyes. Zen and Odin were standing there not knowing what to do.

-hey, Zen? Is it alright to just attack him? He really just sitting there with closed eyes.

-he must want to test us or something, but if he wants a one shoot then, hehe.

-ah, do what you want.

Zen unsheathed his sword and with right hand he lifted it to the sky. The left hand he pointed in Gerald’s direction. Few seconds later, a lighting struck Zen’s sword. But it didn’t damage Zen. It looked like he somewhat caught it. With no delay it was released from left hand and went straight into Gerald.

-hahaha…aa.

Zen laughed for a second but seeing how his attack results he soon stopped. Gerald commented.

-as excepted from a person who passed our test. Your ‘lighting strike’ would be hard to dodge.

Even though Gerald said that Zen’s attack didn’t hit him.

-Odin, what happened?

-well it disappeared at some point.

-what do you mean disappeared?

-it’s just disappeared I tell you. Anyway, I will try next and see how it goes.

Odin rushed at Gerald. When coming close he swung his axe at him. But it had no effect and the axe bounced out in midair.

-hmm, it’s some kind of magical barrier. I can’t get pass through it. He must have summoned it.

-no, no I didn’t do anything of this sort. As you can see, I just sit here.

-so what is this?

Odin once again swung his axe and it bounced yet again. Gerald continued.

-ah it’s not my fault it’s only your axe doesn’t want to hit me that’s all.

-ha?

-items are not stupid you know, they don’t want to be destroyed, that why it stops your attacks.

“Say what!!!?? No it’s definitely not it. I can believe that items can be destroyed if they hit the wrong thing but they can’t be afraid of something! Yep, it’s Gerald after all he is just playing around again.”

Arata could read through Gerald’s lie. Still Zen and Odin took it seriously.

-hey Zen, do you understand anything out of it?

-em items don’t want to attack him so they bounced off. Is that even possible? And what about magic. It disappeared as well.

-maybe it got scared as well.

-are you serious? Magic and weapon can be afraid of someone?

-hahaha, you really believed that?

Then they hear a laugh. Gerald couldn’t hold it anymore.

-… .

-… .

Odin and Zen stared on each other.

“He always comes up with ideas like this. It looks serious at first then he laugh at you because you took it too seriously. Ah, good thing I didn’t take part in it.”

Arata had experienced it too many times to get fooled. Gerald continued.

-no your faces a second ago were priceless. Of course it’s a barrier…

Gerald stood up and looked at both Zen and Odin. They didn’t attack anymore.

-what? Are you done already?

After saying this Gerald got attacked by Zen sword right away. Gerald caught the blade in his hand and stopped it.

-good, fast attack when opponent looks like he is off guard. Also hey, look you won the first round. After all, your attack touched me. But the barrier is boring after all so I switched it off. In comparison I can move now, what do you say?

-eat my fireball!

The same surprise attack that he once used on Arata. Gerald didn’t try to dodge it and this time it really looked like the fireball ran away in fear.

-ahhh, you had to use this element. I promise that this time I really didn’t do anything. It’s just that fire attacks can’t touch me.

-shield now!

Zen shouted and Odin rushed with his shield at Gerald. It was well combined attack but it didn’t surprise Gerald at all. He just made one step back and pulled Zen into his position by his arm. Zen got hit by Odin’s attack and fell to the ground. Gerald added.

-by the way try not to kill yourself. We have something to do later and it would be a waste to wait for you 10 days.

Arata was looking at it from afar.

“So he is massacring them after all. Though as much. He couldn’t even wait five minutes before changing his tactic.”

-hey Arata what is happening?

Kotori welcomed him as she walked up to him with Yuki.

-nothing really, Gerald just got bored and it turned out like this.

Arata still looked as poor Zen and Odin were trying to come up with strategy against Gerald. He remembered that he also had similar experience once.

-isn’t it obvious that as he will win as he have higher level.

Kotori commented.

-no they are not fighting, they are playing around.

-so why are they in bruises and I even see blood here and there.

-well, they hit themselves when they were trying to attack Gerald. Gerald didn’t do anything yet, really.

-but doesn’t he just walks around them? Your dodges are much more spectacular Arata.

-the thing that he just walk around like it’s nothing, is the scariest part. Anyway maybe you also want to try?

Kotori looked at Zen and Odin who were trying their best in vain. It was somehow not really appealing to her. Imaging that she would ended up like that, she answered.

-nah I am good, anyway why are they doing it?

-Gerald came up with idea that he will just let them attack him for a while so they will have more respect for him, at least as fighter. That is what I think his idea was at least.

-your assurance is enough for me so I don’t have to try that, right? Anyway it’s easy to see that he is good player. So everyone is here already?

-Anari and Kelly are still not here. There are still 10 minutes left. You saw Loki already?

-well he is siting and looking at the sky while smoking. Well, he was always like that.

-you felt anything strange from him?

-well, he answer when I great him but apart from that nothing unusual. Although, he must be bored right now. He has the same dead look that he had when I was on my training.

Soon Anari and Kelly showed up. Kotori welcomed them

-hi there,

-yes hello, anyway can you tell me what those idiots are doing?

After quick greetings Kelly went right to the point. Arata answered.

-well Gerald thought that it’s good idea so… .

-so he decided to put it in plan, yes, yes. Anyway fighting against him doesn’t have any meaning as he can block most of attacks with his barrier. You would need really strong attack to get through it.

-maybe but currently he put it down and just dodges the attacks.

-really? Hmm, I think I have a good idea.

Kelly took out her bow and arrow.

-you want to hit him with it?

Arata asked.

-isn’t it unfair that he fights against them knowing that nothing can happen to him. He needs to be more careful while fighting. This will be a good lesson to not let your guard down.

Kelly shooted out and arrow which become invisible as it left her bow.

Zen and Odin were trying to attack with any tactic that they used ever before. Gerald was laughing.

-hahaha, you two are pulling of good combos, although you need to work a little on friendly fire.

-aaa!…

Zen lunched a magic bolt from his hand. He tired it already few times but it didn’t work. But this time right before it hit Gerald somehow disappeared.

-hey! Did I do it? He got hit and puff he is dead. Nothing left of him.

-you really believe that?

-no, I just wanted to say that so I don’t feel bad. Where is he gone?

-don’t know, hey what is this?…

Odin pointed in the direction that Gerald was a second ago.

-an arrow?

-it doesn’t matter. Look our glorious leader is over there.

Zen pointed in direction of Arata and others.

-he teleported? Wasn’t he a warrior?

-no idea, he didn’t show us anything, he was just?… .

-well, he didn’t do anything at all.

-it’s hard to say it but it’s time to give up, we can’t touch him after all.

-you know that it’s a disgrace on our part.

-not our fault, you saw what happened.

-no, the problem is that I didn’t. But let’s just go back.

Zen and Odin gave up on their game and started walking in direction of the rest.

-Kelly what are you doing?

Appearing out of nowhere behind Kelly, Gerald appeared.

-nothing.

-you could kill our precious members.

-yea sorry.

Odin and Zen got there then Gerald started.

-anyway you two did a good job. You even won. Remember you touched me with sword when I switched style. And the only thing you need to win was to touch me.

-… .

Somehow they weren’t happy about their victory.

-okay. Now that everyone is here, we can get started.

Kelly sum it up.

-and where is Loki? He is once again daydreaming somewhere?

-and whose fault is that.

Loki also appeared.

-definitely not mine. Anyway everything is ready?

Gerald answered.

-on my part, yes.

-excellent. Now…

Gerald moved to the place where everyone could see him and continued.

-the time has come to say good bye to Loris and ride for another city where new adventures awaits us. But never forget this place as it’s a place where our guild Refrain was created. As you all know our goal is to become strongest guild, it will take time but I am sure we can do it. Our plans for now is leveling up and once again leveling up. You have a long journey before climbing to the pinnacle.

Gerald finally had an occasion to make a grand long speech he wanted to make for so long. After that they move to the wagons.

-okay we have two of them so how are we going to split?

-good question Kelly, anyway for start we need two riders who will control the cart. Well we will change from time to time but for now does anyone wants to sit at the front?

Gerald asked.

-they need to know the way. Anyway, I will take first turn you have to change with me later.

-nice thinking Loki, anyway does anyone else want to ride. You just have to follow Loki.

-I can if needed.

Odin volunteered to ride the second one.

-great, rest just enter as you please or… no wait, let’s just enter one cart so we can talk a little. Loki you won’t care if we leave you alone?

-I will appreciate some solitude.

-Gerald you go with new ones and tell them what’s going on. I take the other cart for myself.

Saying that, Kelly entered the front cart.

“Maybe I should also go there. Some quiet time would be nice.”

-okay rest goes with me. I will tell you some things on the way. Arata don’t even think about having some quiet time in other wagon.

Everyone entered second wagon and they started their ride.

As they entered and cart started moving Gerald started talking.

-I know you still don’t know each other well but don’t worry with my great social skills, we will hit it off in not time.

-leader it is more like they only don’t know you. We already talked quite a lot.

-ah, that hurts you know Anari. Well if that is the case I will talk without reserve. Still you two won’t be able to relax so easily. We practically didn’t exchange more than the greetings.

Gerald pointed at Kotori and Zen. Kotori answered.

-don’t worry about me at least emm Gerald. I am very easy to talk to you know.

-that’s great. But like before, call me a leader please.

-why? Arata is not doing it. It’s little too formal for me as well. Anyone is doing it?

-I am doing it.

Anari added.

-me too, Onee-chan, leader is a leader after all.

-see they are the good examples, but if you want Gerald is fine as well. And what about you Zen?

-sorry, although I also quite sociable I am in depression right now. After our fight I lost all faith in myself.

-what are you saying you two did really good.

-it didn’t look good from my point.

It looked like Zen was really shocked by what happened. Gerald lacks it off.

-hahaha, you lack the experience that all. Anyway you guys did good. But now that we are done with introduction, let’s get to the main topic.

-so you are going to tell us how to level up faster?

Arata asked.

-you know how to level up. Go kill monsters on as highest level you can and get their exp. Well this tactic can be used to up to 100 level. After that you won’t be able to do that anymore.

-why is that?

Kotori asked.

-you will find out when you get to 100th level. Anyway some says that the game is hard at beginning but if you look at it, you guys completed a dungeon which was over 15 levels too high for you. So rather than saying it’s hard, the first 99 levels are for everyone to play.

-what do you mean?

-I mean that everyone can somehow ding up to 99. No matter how bad one plays, he can get there eventually.

-why is it only 99 and not 100?

-good question Kotori. They get only to 99 because to get to level 100 there is a special challenge that you need to complete. But I will tell you about details when you get there. Anyway from level 100 people already know how to fight so monsters are way stronger than before.

-well, I somehow felt that calling this game super hard was a little overrating.

Arata commented.

-game? Ah it’s so good to be young. Anyway I don’t really see the reason to touch this subject right now. Go around and see for yourself, you don’t want spoilers from me, do you? Although, if you have a specific question I can answer that.

-I have one, well you look like a good player but aren’t you slacking with your level right now. When you are here others players are getting ahead of you.

Kotori asked that. It was a similar question that Arata asked Loki before.

-no, I don’t have to worry about that.

-what is your level anyway when we fight it looked like child play to you.

Zen asked.

-we were playing around after all.

-Gerald don’t dodge the question, everyone wants to know, you said that you want some respect don’t you, here is your chance.

-hahaha, you say that, but you are the most curious one Arata. Well I can answer that question but I am already telling you don’t try to follow it up with question about my class because I won’t answer that. But you will find out when the time is right.

-so what is your level?

-before I tell you my level let me explain the structure in which the game is right now. We have endless number of players who are under 100 those are the beginners who either just started or can’t pass the test to get to level 100. Then we have those in 100-199. Right now there are also a huge number of them. About the same as previous group. The game is out for two years after all which mean ten years in EOA time and you can do really a lot in ten years right. Then level 200 is also another barrier which stops many players. Number of people with +200 level compared to previous groups is rather small. Although their numbers slowly but steady increases each day as the time goes. And given the population of the game even if in comparison to previous groups its small amount, giving the number it’s also quite large group. But from that point the higher level, the fewer players there are. People with level 250-270 are considered veteran players. Then the number of people who are over 270 is really small.

-we will get there eventually, so what is your level?

Arata didn’t even want to think how long it will take to get there so he asked the question.

-right now my level is 299. As you can see I don’t have to worry about anything.

-… .

Gerald said it like nothing but that left Arata speechless.

-waaaa, leader is so strong.

-thank you Anari, anyway that how it goes, do you still have other questions?…

Everyone lifted their hands like in school’s classroom.

-hahaha, I will go one after another. Zen you can go first.

-em, what are you doing here with a level like that?

-isn’t it obvious. I am creating a strongest guild.

-can’t you just join the guild that is strongest?

-I have my reasons not to, also there is no guild considered the strongest in EOA. Anyway Kotori you are next.

-I always wanted to know, how large is the world in this game? You should know if you have level like that.

“That is a good question.”

-size, hmm. No one truly knows that and even if someone did a new place can come up anytime without us knowing, the game is always developed after all. I never encountered a place where I couldn’t go because of some invisible wall. There are high mountains which once seemed impassable but someone managed to make their way through it. There are seas that could signal the end of the map but someone built a ship and could sail through it and he ended up discovering a whole new continent. But not only that. The sea itself is another place where you can go. There is another civilization inside it. Water cities and things like that. No one managed to get there though. You would need a submarine for it. My guess is that you need a prequest for it and it would end up with new race being unlock. Still, size of this world? Saying that it’s endless is a right thing to do I guess…

“I have something to look forward to.”

-next Anari.

-do you play the EOA since it came out?

-since day zero, I got in before everyone else thanks to my friend. I had few breaks here and there, but here I am again. And lastly Arata what did you want to ask.

-I already talked about level barriers with Loki and he told me that there is only one player that passed level 300, why didn’t you pass it yet?

-as you already know there are barriers each 100 levels. Challenge at 300 is very ‘specific’, yes, that would be a good word. Other description would be impossible and hopeless. I already tried it so many times that I am tired of it for now but I will return to it one day. As for the one player that passed it. I know him quite well, although I don’t want to talk about him much. It’s like talking behinds someone back but as to why he managed to pass the barrier, that’s completely another story. Anyway Yuki you have any question for me?

-I don’t know what to ask, so no.

-great, because I have a question for you.

-yes leader?

-how did you ended up like that?

-like what?

-you know those clothes and the bunny. Aren’t you like completely different person right now?

Her image changed so much that Gerald had to ask about it.

-ah Onii-chan and Onee-chan told me that I don’t have to be successor anymore so I can wear this and hold bunnies.

-hahaha.

And when he heard the answer, he bursted into laugher.

-hey, Gerald what so funny?

-exactly she looks cute. Anyway you should do something when you first meet her. She ended up in some rubbish.

Arata and Kotori intervened. It was their fault that she ended up like that. But her new look was not the thing that Gerald was laughing about.

-no, no, good job on changing her way of thinking, I was too focused on something else at that moment and I didn’t even think about something like that, it’s not my place to dress up my guildmates either I think. Anyway I see that you do a great job, Onii-chan and Onee-chan, hahaha.

Yes Gerald had a good time laughing at them. Arata had to ask.

-ah yes we wanted to ask what does it mean?

-ah nothing bad. Actually it pretty nice to be called that. Maybe I should also ask to be called that… ahh, it’s a hard choice between this and leader. I will stay with the leader though. Hahaha.

-why are you laughing?

-well somehow. Anyway you should just ask her if you don’t know. Hey Yuki, tell them what it means.

-Onii-chan means older brother but I say it as beloved brother, Onee-chan is beloved sister.

And once again Gerald couldn’t hold it.

-hahaha, I wouldn’t be able to translate it like that.

“Yes, yes very funny.”

The thing that Arata didn’t like was not that Yuki called him that. He never had siblings so it would be new experience. The thing that he didn’t like was that Gerald was laughing at him for it. Kotori’s reaction however was different. She hugged Yuki in her arms right away.

-you too are my beloved little sister that I no longer have.

Arata caught those last words.

“No longer have? She told me about it already although at that time she focused on mother mostly. But she said that her sibling also … . It would be good if having a new sister helped her overcome her fears. And even if it doesn’t, it definitely makes her happy.”

Arata looked at Kotori and Yuki who were happy together and smiled, but he forgotten who also was looking.

-hey Arata great picture isn’t it.

-yea.

-hahaha.

Gerald laughed again. Arata didn’t understand this one.

-why are you laughing?

-oh, I expected different reaction. Wait, are you two dating already?

-you mean me and Kotori?

-who else. So how is it?

-well we do.

-so you really are fast player Arata. So how did it happen? Tell me the details. I bored and we have a long way to go.

-I am not telling you.

-more importantly. When is the wedding? I am definitely coming. Remember that it’s thanks to my idea of creating this guild, you could meet her. I can even be your best man if you want.

Gerald went a little ahead of himself for Arata’s taste. Kotori also heard that.

-Arata you want a wedding already? I can’t blame you it’s me after all. But it’s still illegal you know. Well in two months it won’t be.

-Kotori didn’t you say that for now we will just go with a flow.

-yes, you two should go with a flow, I can arrange everything if you want me to. And if you yourself are afraid Arata, I can convince her hesitant parents.

-no I will be okay on my own.

-yes, that’s what you should do as a man. Hahaha.

-leader, don’t mock them like that,

-Anari they are happy so where is the problem? I am happy for their happiness. But if I have to be honest. Seeing Yuki like this is like a heavy burden finally left my shoulders. I finally feel like my decision was right.

Gerald was looking at Kotori and Yuki who were playing together, his eyes shine in sun’s light and he had a warm smile on his face. Seeing this Arata asked.

-Gerald, maybe you should tell us about, you know.

Arata thought that maybe this time he can get the answer. Still it was the same answer.

-don’t worry about it Arata. No matter what, I won’t let anything destroy that picture over there. Just sit down and enjoy it. And as I said many times, it’s nothing serious.

Arata didn’t think about these words anymore as he was already convinced. All he needed to see was to Gerald usual happy face which he always wore on his face. A pure childish smile on his handsome face which attracted people like magnet.

They rode for few hours now. Everyone became really bored. They were just sitting and doing nothing. Again. At some point Zen couldn’t stand it and asked the ultimate question.

-hey leader, how long does it take to get to next city?

-too long, well it’s better than you don’t know. You will feel better not knowing…

Gerald’s answer was not something everyone wanted to hear.

-also we are not going straight to the city. I have different place in mind for now.

-isn’t it better to get to the city first? Something like, making a home base.

-that true, but we won’t do it for now.

-so where are we going?

-to a dungeon.

-well, sure we can go exp a little but I still can’t see the point.

-the dungeon we are going to is different than the one you were testing in. It’s also not commonly known by everyone.

-a secret dungeon? So the reason we are going there first is because it’s on the way, right?

-that’s a part of it, but there are different reason why we are not going to the city yet. I was going to tell you about it after we are done with it but I might do it now as well. Hey everyone your glorious leader have something to say.

Anari and Kotori who were talking to each other, moved closer. Arata who was sleeping at the time was woken up by Yuki.

-Onii-chan wake up.

-what is it?

-Arata come over here and listen.

“And here I have finally fall asleep.”

People who are asleep don’t like to be woken up. Still Arata woke up and irritated asked.

-so, what is it?

-it’s time that I told you about what are we going to do right now. As I already said before, we are not going to the city first but to a dungeon. You should be able to get to level 75-85 there.

-sure we can go to dungeon first, no problem here.

“But why do you have to wake me up just to tell it.”

-hey Arata isn’t it better to go to the city first?

Anari asked.

-you want to die out from boredom? Gerald, how long are we going to ride this thing?

Arata also asked ultimate question. He didn’t hear the answer before. This time Gerald answered specifically.

-if we would be going to the city it would be around 5 days. To dungeon it will be 3 days.

“Three days? I would be better not knowing.”

Arata was not pleasantly thinking about siting five days in some cart. There were some limits for not doing anything apart from sleeping and talking. Still he came up with a good idea. He asked a question just to be sure if it works.

-okay I have question. If I log out during the ride and come back in three days will I appear in the right place?

-no you will appear in midair and fall to the ground, that’s why I told you guys to have break before it.

And his idea was shoot down right away with Gerald’s answer.

-but five days?

-don’t blame me, blame the designers. Having a huge endless world has its advantages but also many disadvantages.

-I am not against long journeys but siting for five days straight is not something I like to do.

-you can get used to it because in this game if you want to get from one place to another it’s takes a lot of time…

“When I travel I have to do it another way. Going by foot and slaying anything on the way would be much more entertaining.”

-anyway I wanted to talk about the reason why are we going to dungeon first.

-to ding levels isn’t it? You have good hidden dungeon where we can have an easy time with good exp.

Zen commented.

-you all remember the goal of our guild. Anari tell us what is our goal.

-strongest guild isn’t it? But for now we are just exping up.

-I said that but we can’t just level up all day, can we? I wanted to do something as a guild before… what happens next.

“I am sure that he came up with some stupid idea again. Well I already know that we are going separate way at some point. So I understand that what happens next.”

-didn’t you just say that we are going to a dungeon?

-good thing that you listen, Kotori. Anyway the main goal for our guild right now is for you all to level up to 99. But at the same time we should create a name for ourselves. We can’t just stay quiet until you ding 299 like me.

-I personally don’t care about what other people says about us.

Arata commented.

-then you must because it’s those people who decide which guild is the strongest? There is no ranking or anything like that so its people’s word what matters.

-fine but what do you want to do at this level? It won’t matter much.

-it won’t matter much now, but maybe in the future it will. Anyway I will explain my plan. The city that we are going to right now is called Triangle. It’s one of four cities that you can go to after leaving Loris. Also it’s the biggest one of the four as well. It’s around the size of city of beginners that you all spend a month in. This city is the best destination that you can choose after leaving Loris or rather it was…

“was?”

-…it is surrounded by many dungeons, there are a lot of specific shops there, and it’s also the place where most of people find their first quests. There is also once famous arena on which you can win some money. Well most big of cities have one arena in it but Triangle is the only city from first four that has it.

-hey, let’s ignore the dungeon and go there first, Arata you sign up as well and we are fighting in the finals.

Zen didn’t need more convincing.

-sounds good to me.

Arata answered.

-all you guys would like to do is just fight against someone, anyway when we get there sure you can join up, Arata you can go as well. Let’s everyone join on the same day. Naturally, me included. It’s been so long since I fought that arena despite doing it so many times back in the day. It will be so nostalgic.

-okay I will pass on that.

-me too.

Arata and Zen quickly gave up on their plan.

-I am joking. You can go fight all you want. I will be happy to see it.

Anyway the information that I just told you could easily be found on some forums. Although net is lacking, the most common knowledge is there.

-we don’t have to worry about that with you as a leader, right?

Kotori asked.

-that’s is one of privileges that you get for joining the guild although you will get lazy from that, we can’t always continue like this forever. Anyway about the city, I personally stayed there until I ding level 100 so it’s also the place that I know the best. It was more than a year ingame time, nearly two. Although I spent there so much time mostly because we did not know how to ding 100th level. At some point everyone thought it was even max level. But I won’t be talking about the old times that don’t concern you at all. The point is that the city is great but as I said the city right now is no longer as great as it used to be.

-too many players went there and there is no space for more people?

That’s how it usually went. When too many players gather up in one place it won’t be a good place to play anymore. Kotori said the most common answer. At least, in normal games. Here however.

-that’s not it. There were always many people in this city since the day that it was found. On the note, in the past we had no idea where to go and just followed the roads in hope of finding something and not dying in the process of doing so. Well there are still many things that are unexplored and I am not talking only about high level stuff.

-so what is the problem with the city.

-city is fine as always, but the problem are the rulers.

-NPC are the problem?

-no, players. In EOA guilds are able to size city or castle for their own and rule inside them…

“Not like it’s something original.”

-it’s easy to figure out the advantages of owning a city. Especially cities like Triangle that does not belong to any bigger in game country. Anyway in Triangle there were many rulers who changed so many times. Some guilds just move to another city as they leveled up, others lost the position in fight. Yes, other guilds can size your castle if they defeat ruling guild in battle.

-then you want to get a city on your own?

Zen’s guessed.

-no it’s too much of trouble for us right now. Eventually we will get some kind of stronghold but that’s way long in the future. But we will still defeat the guild that is the ruler of Triangle.

-so you are bored and looking for a fight with someone?

Arata asked.

-as I said I want to show people our guild in a good light.

-I wouldn’t care if someone just defeated one guild. You are the one that said that the city had many rulers over the years.

-yes, normally it wouldn’t have any meaning but let me explain you current situation of Triangle. The ruling guild right now is called a Legion. Simple common name although it fits them perfectly as their numbers are really large. It is even possible that this guild is the largest guild that currently exists in EOA, and its numbers are rising every day.

-they are just probably recruiting everyone that wants to join.

-yes that is the case, if one want to join them he just says, ‘hey I want to join’ and they are in. Even so, they are just low level guild which doesn’t matter that much in grand picture, but with their numbers like that they can do what they want on low level, and no one will stop them.

-so what are they doing?

-let’s just say that they are unpleasant to everyone that doesn’t join them. That also the reason why so many players are joining them. Anyway our guild will become heroes who will vanquish bad guild and get the glory, perfect isn’t it?

Gerald already had a picture of how it will end. Still all those nice words didn’t blind Arata.

-so you are bored after all.

-don’t say that. Everyone want to be a hero right?

-being hero in a long run is not a best option.

Arata was convinced of Marco’s words so many times already.

-well I am overstating it a little. It’s just a small act of kindness.

-well we can help but how are we going to fight against biggest guild in game?

-and for that we are going to dungeon first so you guys can level up. Members of legion are mostly under 99. Those who can pass the challenge quickly leave the guild and continue their adventure. It would also be hard for them to stay in the guild after completing the challenge but that topic for later.

-low level or not there should be many of them.

-you forgot about something. Most of them won’t do a thing in the first place.

-the worst thing that can happen is us dying miserably so there is no problem. Anyway it’s good to kill some newbies from time to time. They fight us, they run away. Make no difference. Shooting at moving target is also fun.

Zen already liked the idea of killing everyone in his sight. Gerald continued with a planning.

-I have two plans, the interesting one and the boring one. I don’t have to say that we are of course going to execute the interesting one.

-tell us about second one.

Arata right away understood Gerald’s intention.

-fine if you want, so boring one is as follows. With one skill which will take five seconds to activate, I kill everyone inside and outside the Triangle. See, it’s boring isn’t it?

-… .

-the interesting one involves you guys and for that you need some levels that’s why we are going to the dungeon now rather than after reaching the city.

-so you want to just sit back and watch the show while we are fighting.

-I will help you from time to time, but it’s mostly on you guys. It will be a beautiful tale of six players who defeated evil guild and bring back city to its former glory.

-the six? That means only the new players?

-Loki and Kelly also would be unfair so yes, only you three.

-no.

-Arata, don’t be like that.

-no I don’t want to.

-hahaha, I will give you the most interesting job of getting the leader.

-hey I want the strongest guy there.

Zen interrupted.

-you can take him I don’t care.

For Arata the whole idea was just a pain. Gerald continued.

-hear the plan of Operation first. Ah I have forgotten about the most important thing. The name for operation.

-we don’t need it.

-how can we do anything without a name for it? Well, let’s just call it operation Triangle from the name of the city. Operation Triangle begins before we enter the city. To attack someone who is ruling and throw them away from power you need to declare the war. There are few ways to do it. I already have a good idea which one to choose. Anyway, we will enter the city go to the central square and look for the leader. All we need to do is kill every member of opposite guild who will be around.

-somehow the plan skips many points. Like how will we get to the center?

-don’t worry as I said I know the place.

-I meant that there should be some people stopping us.

Gerald was not bothered by Arata’s remark.

-is that a problem? Anyway, when we get to the place some will stay behind and interrupt incoming reinforcements. There can be really a lot of them so I will leave Loki and Kelly there just in case. The best people for defending entrance will be range so Zen, Anari and Kotori. Rest is going to defeat the leader, easy isn’t it?

-emm… this divining is rather stupid. Even if we can stop players who will come running in range some will somehow get to us and we won’t have a melee to deal stop them.

Going three ranges into the fight could end up badly. Well there would be Loki and Kelly with them so that was Kotori’s needles worry. Gerald answered.

-I personally think that it would not be safe for melee to stay there. What you think about idea of fighting there Arata?

-well, I definitely wouldn’t want my allies to shoot at me with everything they got.

Anari was already trying to do that once and Zen would probably also like to test that idea.

-exactly. As you can all see this is the best plan that is out there.

-best plan or not if you want me to fight with some leader and his underlings, I want Kotori on my back.

-you worry that something will happen to her?

-rather I worry that something will happen to me and I want her help because I somehow don’t see you helping us.

-hahaha, okay I will switch Odin with Kotori. You guys try not to kill him there with your spells. Well Odin and Zen were in a team for a long time so that may be even better.

-leader, let’s switch the teams, we will go and deal with leader and they can deal with little flies.

-nah mages will do better against masses of players than warriors. You could think that you are doing the black job, but you will definitely enjoy it so don’t worry too much.

Zen changed his mind and laughed.

-hahaha, killing endless number of players is much better than just one. Hey Arata! The one that kills the most is the winner.

Zen decided to make it a competition.

-that would be all for tactics. For now let’s focus on dungeon.

-rather let’s focus on fight against boredom. We have 3 days of journey.

-as I said, it’s better to get used to it. Anyone wants to play cards?

//**This chapter is far from over. Continue to _15.2**//

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