Chapter 20 “A gift of Power”

“It’s been three days already.”

Arthur entered the capsule and log into the game.

Arata appeared in unfamiliar place. His footing was unsteady and the ground was brown. No sidewalk, no grass, nothing. Last thing he could remember was running together with Levi. Levi was a ‘random traveler’ that Arata happened to meet. They were going to find the leader of guild Legion or rather that leader’s body so Levi could restore his reputation points in his ‘silver hand order’ whatever that was. Unfortunately their plan failed as the moment they were getting close to the city center, they got hit by unknown black force and died within it.

“So that is what she meant by crater.”

Arata found out from Kotori or rather, Arthur found out from Lia what was that unknown force. It was a spell used by someone that Arata never sew with his eyes and did not know him at all. Arata actually got hit by that spell by accident only because he stood in the wrong place at the wrong time without being able to do anything. Sure he was going to log out anyway and he didn’t lose any levels from dying but it still irritated him that he died in that way.

There were some other players around him that also just log back. It looked like the main square was a respawn point for this area and even if ‘main square’ did not exist anymore this place still held it ‘resurrection spot’ function.

Up until now, Arata died only once and that was in the city of beginners. When he ‘respawned’ at that time, he could choose out from three locations where he wants to appear. This time however it was different and he didn’t have any options to choose from. Not that it really mattered as the place he wanted to go right now was not away from where he appeared.

“I should be able to see it. Ah, there it is.”

Arata spotted a gigantic cross in the distance and started to move in that direction, he was still in the crater. When his way became steeper, he looked around and found a rope which was attached somewhere inside the cathedral to which he was currently going. With its help, Arata climbed up the crater without any problems.

-a little to the left!

-like that!?

-yes its perfect, Loki, nail it!

Arata reached the half destroyed cathedral. What he found there were his comrades from the guild. It wasn’t coincidence for them to be here as they arranged to meet in this place on this specific hour. Still the scene before him was a ‘slightly’ strange. Right now his guildmates were trying to put a large painting, back on the wall at the end of the cathedral as it probably fall down at some point.

“What are they doing?”

Gerald was giving commands as how to adjust it to the right place. He was standing about three meters away from the painting and had a good view from there. Then there was Odin standing under right down corner of the painting holding it up with his hands. On the other corner there were Zen and Yuki. Yuki was standing on Zen’s shoulders while holding the left corner of painting. She was doing so to match Odin’s height as he was a big guy after all.

“Wouldn’t it be better to just use some chair?”

Then there was Loki, he was the strangest here. He was floating in the air with a hammer and nails. To be more precise he was not floating but jumping in the air. He was making small jumps and it looked more like he was walking while pushing away the air. He had perfect control over it and his upper part of body was completely stable he was nailing the nails.

“Cool! I didn’t know there was flying ability in this game.”

Seeing someone who was flying right before him, Arata also desired to know how it feels. Technically Arata already ‘flied’ few times or rather was falling down from somewhere but that didn’t count as flying. To conquer the skies, who would not want that? The man always dreamed of ability to fly ever since ancient times after all.

-hey what are you doing?

Seeing that the painting was now in place Arata asked from behind.

-ah Arata, good thing you are here. As you can see we are setting up the painting.

Gerald answered as if what they were doing was the most obvious thing to do and people should be rather surprised if they were not setting up this painting.

-and why are you doing it?

-Arata! Don’t bother he won’t answer anyway!

Zen shouted to him while lifting down Yuki. Everyone started to gather together.

-no, I just don’t want to repeat myself so I will say it when everyone is here.

-see.

-thought as much. So who are we missing?

Hoping down from the sky Loki landed next to Arata and answered.

-the girls. Well those two should be here in a second.

-two? Aren’t we missing three?

-well, Kelly won’t join us for a while.

Loki passed the news.

-why?

-well she… .

-we will explain everything when everyone is here.

Gerald was still on the same page and interrupted Loki before he managed to answer.

-that’s true, wait and see Arata.

Loki also thought that it is better idea.

-anyway if we have some time then please tell me, where can I learn how to fly?

Arata didn’t wait a second to ask that question as he really wanted to know. Normally he wasn’t asking that many questions but when it came to ability to fly, he had to know.

-ah, why do you guys keep asking the same question?

It looked like it was not the first time Loki was asked about it today though.

-that what you get if you answer too fast. You should have waited for everyone.

Gerald wanted to show that his tactic was better but his voice was a little upset. Although he probably already said this already once or twice today. Still Loki ended up giving quick explanation about his ability to fly.

-well I got this ability from a quest. Also, sorry to tell you this but ‘flying abilities’ are not common in EOA. Rather they are super rare.

‘He got it from quest.’ It was the fastest explanation one could ask for.

-is there a way to find specifically quest for that or you just got lucky?

Arata asked as he really wanted flying ability just like anyone else would.

-you have to get lucky I guess or should I say really lucky. Apart from myself I seen flying ability in five other players in whole game and I haven’t even hear rumors about any others so the number of people that can actually fly won’t be even in double digit..

“Six players in whole game. Looks like I won’t be able to fly.”

Arata never considered himself lucky in those regards. Also when he thought that there weren’t even 10 people who could fly after ten years of game time, looking for that ability seemed pointless.

-so if I won’t by some miracle get the quest I won’t be able to fly.

Arata summed it up.

-yes something like that. And even if you get one, it will probably work on different rules than mine. Other players that I know could fly were doing it different way like ability to transform into the raven or growing a demon’s wings.

-demon’s wings?

-that is too many specifics I guess. He just summons black wings at his back and flies with them.

-how about the others?

Arata couldn’t leave any lose ends here.

-I never saw the other two so I don’t know and about last one, well I didn’t figure him out yet. I saw him first time doing it only for a short time just few days ago after all. Hey, Gerald how does he do it?

-probably like everything else he does. Imagination magic. Anyway don’t ask me about flying!

Gerald answered irritated, but Loki just laughed at that.

-haha.

-something bitten him?

As it was unusual for Gerald to behave like that Arata asked.

-well, naturally as anyone else Gerald also really wants to fly but he never found a way to do it. He usually is angry when someone touches the topic even a little.

-‘everything knowing Gerald’ couldn’t found out how to fly?

To that comment ‘mr. walking encyclopedia’ tried to defend himself.

-every flying quest is not repeatable, trust me I checked them with a lot of care. Either you luck it out or you will never fly, this is my final conclusion so you can take it as granted.

“So luck is the only thing that can give me flying. Unfortunately luck is not my strong side.”

If Gerald couldn’t do it then Arata’s chances were really no existing.

‘Blink.’

The blue light appeared at the space that Arata was standing no so long ago.

-hi everyone, sorry I am late…

Anari welcomed everyone as it was her who teleported there.

-because there is no way that I could climb up here using the rope I ended up teleporting up.

She also added although she didn’t have to share her physical incapability with others.

-okay now we wait only for Kotori. Hey Arata did she say something to you?

Gerald asked.

-no, but it’s still behind the arrangement so she should be here soon.

-even if you say so, I thought that everyone would get here earlier.

-she shouldn’t be late.

Zen run up to the edge and looked down.

-maybe she also has problems with climbing up…

Just as he said that, Kotori appeared on the ground inside the cathedral. Right away she stood up from it. But Zen did not see her and continued.

-eh women are always like that. If they come late you can’t tell them anything bad. But if you are late you must be prepared for their endless litanies and no apologies can save you from it. Especially the blonde ones. Arata as your guildmate I will give you an advice. You better somehow get out from your situation or your life will be horrible.

-I don’t think I will follow that advice. Still in exchange I will give you an advice, you should have stayed quiet.

-what’s that about?…

Zen looked back in everyone direction and then stopped at Kotori. Her blue eyes were clearly saying, “You are enemy of woman”.

-how you did get here?

-you are surprised this much? Well I can tell you but please continue what you were saying earlier.

Kotori answered in a voice that was indeed ready for argue.

-Kotori give him a rest this time.

-it’s not like his delusions have any truth in them.

Arata stopped her and prevented a pointless argue before it went out of hand. Zen was surprised seeing her coming from behind like that and it was not only him. Everyone, except Arata and Loki were surprised. It looked like even Gerald did not know that she survived as he soon asked the question.

-no really, how did you get here Kotori? I mean you have no teleport spell or anything like that, I know your class better than you do and you will never get anything like that. Also why did you appear on the ground?

-wow it’s the first time I see Gerald asking any question as if he really didn’t know.

Kotori commented to Arata to which he answered.

-me too.

-Loki didn’t tell you that I survived and log out. I didn’t die from that attack.

Hearing those news Gerald make sharp glance at Loki. Then he caught him by arm over the head and they started whispering. It took only few seconds. After that Gerald walked before Kotori and put his hand on her forehead. He closed his eyes and stayed like that for five seconds. Kotori looked to Arata with eyes “what should I do?” Arata just waved his hand. Loki soon followed up.

-I told you nothing happened. Anyway you should praise her instead.

-…it’s true nothing happened…

Gerald answered although his voice was quite strange, still second later it returned to normal.

-anyway good job Kotori, you really crossed my expectation. Although note this down for the future, I know that dying is the first thing you should avoid but it shouldn’t be avoided by all means. Sometimes it’s just better to die and wait those two days rather than end up in some really unfortunate situation. Be reasonable about it next time.

-I will keep it in mind.

-good, hahaha…

Gerald went back to his usual self and let go of Kotori’s head.

-still, surviving ‘spell seven’ of Arcon is unbelievable feat. From the state of the city I can tell that he didn’t think about holding back. I should give you a gift for your good performance as EVERYONE ELSE DIED AFTER ALL! HAHAHAH!…

He added the last sentence to play on everyone’s minds and he said it out very loudly so there was no chance for them to not hear.

-oh, I know! I will give you the title of best player in our guild, well at least from newest members. I was thinking who is best of you all and couldn’t really decide especially because you are all so different. But your achievement made it clear that you are the best. Hmm, I know, I will make you an officer of our guild, what do you say?

-em I am not sure if I should take it.

Kotori wasn’t happy about his comments though.

-why not? You deserved it.

-you said that I am best from new members but if I were to fight against Arata I wouldn’t have a chance.

-you sure? Well it’s true that he is really good, after all he ended up in this guild. Everyone else is also really good but you are the same. Well you might lose in normal circumstances as it’s true that healers are not really cut out for one on one battle. Still if you were to fight this very moment you would have advantage.

-in what?

“Why does he have to involve me in it? In the first place I don’t think I could fight against Kotori seriously. Even though it is a game, I would never hurt her in any way.”

-well at least you have higher level. Level advantage for players under 100 level is a big thing.

-well I don’t think that being five levels higher does much difference.

-wait, your level is what right now?

-90.

Even Gerald was surprised by this result still Kotori really did level up this much in the secret dungeon. Not only did she start with the highest level back then but also in the first challenge together with Odin, she got few levels more than others.

-90, wow my leveling method works way better than I thought and Arata what is your level right now?

-mine is 85.

-no, I asking after it went down.

-no, my level didn’t go down.

-what, you didn’t die as well? Eh fun. You guys should say those things sooner. It changes our plans a little. But Arata, Loki explained to me how Kotori survived but how did you avoid that?

Gerald was thinking that Arata also didn’t die as he didn’t lost level. But it was not the truth. The only skill that Arata had and Gerald didn’t know about was his Sacrifice skill that prevented him from losing levels from dying.

“I still don’t want to brag about my skill so.”

Arata thought like that but the main reason was that he didn’t want Gerald to know.

-well, I wasn’t with the rest when ‘the boom’ happened. So I didn’t die.

Arata answered with convincing lie although that moment Kotori send him a sharp glance as she knew the real reason why Arata’s level didn’t go down. Still even though Arata felt her look on his skin he didn’t show any reaction.

-ah that’s why. Well, I won’t ask you why you were slacking off at that time as we don’t care about details.

-I had official permission to slack off from Kelly.

Arata did add one more argument to make his lie more believable even though there was no need.

-if you want to take it official Kelly is simple member like you guys so she can’t give you ‘official permission to slack off’. But if you didn’t avoid that attack then… back to the topic, Kotori you deserve the position of office after all. So you will take this as reward?

-no I don’t want it.

-really? Well if you ever change your mind just say so. Anyway I don’t have any other special gift to give you and there is no really time for that.

-if we are talking about gift’s for surviving that attack, I already got one from the one that used that attack.

Arata already knew that Kotori received something from Arcon Shadenine before she log out. They still didn’t know what that was though as Kotori also did not log in the last break. Gerald bursted into laughter.

-hahahaha, he really never changes. It must have been a shock for him as well. He is too proud of his skills and giving a gift just for surviving his attack, ah that’s so like him.

-right, I also added that he is angry kid who take his frustration on low levels and don’t know how to play this game.

Kotori quickly added while they were on the topic.

-and how did he answered?

-it was then that he gave me a bag with something inside and told me to find him when I level up and fight with him so he can change my mind later on.

-hahahaha… ahh, what would I give to see his face at that moment. Arcon was always way too serious.

-why are you laughing? He killed so many of us.

Zen already promised to himself that one day he will kill hundreds of times that guy. Odin was on the same mind with him. Yuki also didn’t feel right, for her that guy was biggest enemy that she ever faced. She even already had two nightmares about him and there were just two nights in which she slept since then. When he killed two of her comrades and was about to kill Kotori who was like sister to her, those scenes still hunted her, even it was just a game.

Gerald seeing their worry just said.

-don’t take it too seriously. Sometimes it just happens. Like you walking the road then got hit by some big spell even if you had nothing to do with the one that casted it or ones that spell was casted on…

“Did my lie really work?”

Gerald’s example was really too close to what happened to Arata that day. Still even when hearing it Arata did not give away any reaction and Gerald never stopped and continued with the explanation although with the first example he send a glance in Arata’s direction.

-or when someone pulled a large amount of monsters and was running away from then and you end up on the way those monsters went through. You have to accept those things and move on that’s how it is in this game.

-I will definitely return a favor one day.

Gerald’s words didn’t reach all of them though and Zen commented like this.

-but you two avenged us, right?

Afterwards Kotori asked the hard question and started looking at Loki and Gerald. They both tried to avert their eyes somehow. Then Loki started.

-well… you see… I will say that I was ready to fight him to death if I had to. Also I even managed to hit him twice. After that I was strategically prolonging the fight while waiting for Gerald to come as backup but…-

-don’t go to this again. I told you we couldn’t risk fighting against him right now. Even if it would be two on one. You should understand right. You also can’t afford to die right now.

-there is this and there is that. You should still come and help.

-but I knew you could run away without any problems. If it were me I am not sure I could.

-I kind of understand. Ah right, I finally understood why he started calling himself Shadenine. But really that was scary, that skill is the most broken thing I ever seen. I think I was never running as fast after seeing it.

-and you call yourself slayer of miracles?

-I never called myself that. Anyway as you said I didn’t want to test out what how good his ‘spell nine’ really was because as you said there is absolutely no reason for us to involve ourselves with him. Also Kelly dying on us is already bad enough, isn’t it?

Their talk even though should be answer to Kotori’s question ended up being complicated enough so only they could understand it. Still it meant that they didn’t execute any revenge.

-you see. We have something to do later on and for that we can’t lost our levels in some random fights that have no meaning. It might be different for you as you can get back your levels without problems in day or two but for us it would be hard…

Gerald cut the topic and changed it completely.

-I have many things to say but we can’t do it here out in the open, it’s also uncomfortable and I am hungry. For now we are changing the location

-you don’t mean another long journey to other part of world, do you?

Zen asked worried.

-nah, we will move to my house and talk about it there. We finally arrived to Triangle after all. Sure the part of it was destroyed but it’s not destroyed completely so why would we even think of leaving?

-you have a house here?

-from today it will be a guild house I guess. We will use it as a new base of operation. So, let’s go!

Gerald first lifted his right hand upwards then started to move outside, everyone followed. The door no long existed but there was another way out available. Under the paining there was a hole in a wall that leaded to one street behind the cathedral, although Arata did not know how that hole was created.

Gerald was leading everyone through alleys of Triangle. He didn’t stop even for a second. Just like he once said, he knew this place like his own pocket.

They were towards the western part of the city. In comparison to all other parts of the city, this part was not destroyed during the war. None of the buildings were not crumbled or burned down. Windows were also intact, and finally, there was no sign of any large craters in the ground. Because this area was still in good shape, there were unusually many players in this area as well. That was probably because it was the last place where they could find working shops or fill their bellies.

Because of huge crowd, it was hard to hold any conversation but going through the allies was surprisingly easy. When Gerald walked at the front, equipped in his gray-red armor people wouldn’t simply stand in his way and moved away. One might actually think that he used some kind of spell that would push people away but it was simply that people were moving away only because of his presence.

-we are getting way too much attention.

At some point, Arata whispered to Kotori who was walking next to him. Personally he didn’t like to be in situations like that, where many people were looking in his direction.

“She is probably used to it.”

Arata thought that at least Kotori would be in this situation quite often. No man could hold back his gaze while looking at her. That was at least Arata’s thoughts. Still Kotori quickly made him realize something.

-we? Look around once more. I don’t feel even one gaze at me. Well I don’t need to be popular with some random mob and I have you. Still it’s irritating to lose to leader this much. It never happened to me. Normally I am slightly annoyed if someone starts glaring at me but if no one looks either then I don’t know why but I am somewhat disappointed. By the way Arata, as long as you are going around in those shabby dark clothes you don’t have to worry about catching the attention either.

-well that may be the case for me but definitely not you.

-as I said, look around once more.

When Arata looked around more carefully he spotted it. They were walking through middle of the streets filled with people. The most beautiful goddess, right next to his arm, yet it was true, that no one pay him any attention nor looked in his or Kotori’s direction. All the gaze fall at the man who was walking at the front.

“I have seen something like that before.”

Back when he first met Gerald, the reaction of the crowd was quite similar. Even if he was walking next to Kelly, who was not only good looking but was also of elven race this didn’t matter. Gerald’s aura was something that captive people gaze and would also outshine anyone. Even if crowd was no longer filled with newbies in beginner equipment who played the game only for a month or so, the situation still stayed the same.

-staying in shabby clothes has its advantages.

Still in the end, Arata did not mind that Gerald was the attention grabber.

-you are right on this one. Maybe I also should get something to hide myself.

From time to time Kotori also would prefer to not be noticed so she came up with an idea.

-as long as we are going somewhere with Gerald you also have no need for that.

Arata suggested that for the time begin, she doesn’t have to do that but her reaction was rather surprising.

-you think I would lose to him if I go all out! Wait! Don’t tell me you don’t like my look! Impossible! I was so confident!

-no that’s not it. Definitely not it!

-Arata just tell me! Should I dye my hair just tell me the color. Or should I go with plastic surgery?

-why you always go in such extremes?

-then, what should I change? My hairstyle? Should I Wear some accessories? I heard some guys have glasses fetish, should I wear them?

She was even looking serious while saying it.

-I said you definitely don’t have to worry about look, just ask anyone on planet.

-but you just said.

There were times when Kotori would freak out for completely no reason without any basis. Still those situations always involved Arata in some part. Still he already knew how to deal with that.

-did I said something wrong?

-hmm, nothing really. What was this all about?

-so, you just did it for fun.

-oh, you found out.

More than half of the times though, those strange situations would be Kotori playing around and recognizing which time she was playing around and which time she did not was quite important.

-still Arata seriously, what is your opinion on glasses?

-opinion? I really don’t have one. Firstly you for one are someone who doesn’t have to care about look at all, ever. Secondly, even if you didn’t look like you do, I would still love you.

-I know that but as I already told you, I am and was a games maniac for a long time.

-and?

-you should know that when you play that much your eyesight will get worse.

-that’s common knowledge, although it’s depends on people. Some are more resilient, others less. I personally never had problems with that. That might be probably because I had a long break from playing though and now in VR you don’t see the world with your real eyes anymore so they don’t get worse from playing a lot. Wait…

“Ah that’s what it was about.”

-you are wearing glasses Kotori?

-well, I use contacts most of the times. But yes I do have glasses yes.

-I see, it’s not like it matters to me.

-but it does to me. So Arata should I wore glasses or keep using contacts?

-but you can’t do that in the game anyway.

Arata tried to avoid question. It was no difference to him and he didn’t want to influence Kotori’s decision. She should wear what she prefer was his opinion. Still that didn’t work.

-I meant in real world. We will meet someday eventually, after all.

-and when will be that someday?

-that’s comes later, so should I wore glasses or not?

Arata even tried to pull out their first meeting time as a topic but even that didn’t work. Still he tried.

-as I said it’s not important. Let’s…-

-it is important!

Kotori’s eyes were deadly serious.

“That’s so called ‘woman’s heart’ that man cannot understand no matter what.”

-even if you ask me it’s not like I can tell if you look better in glasses until I see you wear them. So choose for yourself.

-hmm, that’s also true you have to see it first… Okay we will return to this conversation at that time and then you will be the one choosing.

-why me? And didn’t you already choose contacts in the first place.

-why you? Hmm… I will leave this answer to your imagination.

“But my imagination can’t comprehend it.”

Arata had so many idle talks like that with Kotori that he could no longer count. Still it was part of everyday happiness.

After going for about 20 minutes through avenues of western Triangle they finally reached Gerald’s “house”.

-this is the place. I know it may be not what you except but it shouldn’t do worse than the hill next to Loris.

-this is your place?

-well it’s not mine anymore, it’s ours. So, anyone want to ring the bell?

-wait a minute! You are telling us that we are going to live in this villa!?

Zen asked the question that had been on everyone mind.

-you don’t like it? Don’t worry, we won’t stay here for far too long and we can’t use anything else. Every tavern that is still intact is probably full.

Gerald answered, it looked like he did not completely understand the question or most likely was playing on everyone’s minds.

-no, my question was, why do you have a villa in this city in the first place?

-naturally I bought it. Didn’t I say that I stayed in Triangle for a long time when no one knew how to pass 100th level?

-no Gerald, they probably asking why did you waste so much money on it. Player houses are costly especially villa type.

Loki tried to explain.

-who cares about that!

Zen bursted out.

Although Gerald already got what he wanted he continued with a show.

-you know, you say that we are going to your house but it turns out to be some kind of rich villa. And you are just transforming it into guild house like nothing. We know you have high level but even for you it shouldn’t be easy to just give it away.

Arata stepped in with really precise question that couldn’t be avoided. That was the only answer to Gerald’s playing around and Arata for one already knew it well.

-good point Arata. To tell the truth, I am not using it too often. After I passed 100th level, I returned here three or four times so I see no problem with giving it away. But I am not transforming this house into guild house only because I don’t need it anymore. And it’s not only this house. To tell the truth, I have another two houses similar to this one, only little bigger. They are located in two keys locations in a world. They will also be transformed into our guild houses.

-you will do that just like that?

-sure why not, it’s for my guild after all and I don’t need more than just one private room anyway.

-that’s really generous of you.

Kotori pointed it out.

-haha, there are many advantages to be in guild Refrain. So returning to the question, who wants to ring the bell? You all are already registered as someone who can enter the house. There is surprise for anyone who rings the bell now. I hope you like it. Hey, Arata give it a try! It will be reward for staying alive even if you slacked off.

-I feel some evil intention from you so I will pass.

Arata would not fall for an obvious trap.

-eh you are no fun, Loki?

-I am the same on this one. Also I already know what that surprise is.

-okay I will do it.

-no I want to.

Zen volunteered for the job but Gerald cut him.

-you guys died so no reward for you. Then Arata and Loki got some strange ideas and already said that they don’t want to do it and if let Kotori do it, it would be way too extreme for everyone who is here.

-why would it be too extreme?

-just wait and see.

Refrain’s guild house once Gerald’s private house in Triangle was not that big to call it a villa. Still the design was in white colors and the garden around it was speaking for itself.

Gerald pressed golden button on the doors. Ten second passed and nothing happened. Arata asked.

-you sure it still works. Like it get rusted for not using? Also why do you ring the bell to your own house?

-ah, don’t worry about that and look.

At those words, someone finally opened the doors. She wore long black dress and white apron on it, with a flounce white headdress on short black hairs. She had also had black eyes and overall pleasant to look at face. The moment she opened the door.

-master Gerald!

She shouted that name and jumped at him right away. Gerald cached her and made a spin while holding her high.

“I knew something was fishy.”

-nice to see you, Maya.

Gerald welcomed her. It looked like her name was Maya.

-master Gerald is so mean. Why didn’t you visit for so long? And now you act like nothing happened.

-what are you saying. We were here two months ago.

-ah master Loki.

-been a while Maya.

Seeing this Arata whispered to Kotori.

-hey, she is not a player right?

-I think not, or at least I hope not. Also, Arata you are forbidden to ring the bell.

-fine, fine.

The maid Maya looked around and asked.

-and those are?

-wait a second, I will introduce you. This is Maya, she is also a member of Refrain and guild house keeper.

-for the note, she is a not player so don’t worry about her crazy behavior.

Loki added what was necessary.

-so you are all new masters. Okay, I already remember your faces. Wait You!…

Maya pointed at Kotori.

-what are you to master Gerald. Know that Maya will not let you do anything with him!

-I am Kotori and this is my boyfriend Arata.

-nice to meet you.

Arata also added hello.

-ah then then you are fine. I couldn’t stand any girl with evil intentions towards him.

-no, no there is no one with intentions like that here.

Kotori explained.

-good, now you two are?

-I am Zen.

-my name is Odin.

-master Zen and master Odin right?

After hearing that Zen went into daydreaming.

-it’s the first time I have been called like that in my life.

-me too.

-a villa and a maid. Maybe we should stop leveling for some time and enjoy just it. What do you say Odin?

It looked like one of Zen’s dreams was just fulfilled. Odin was as always not too excited about anything although he also was in a good mood. Maid Maya continued she then stopped at Anari.

-nice to meet you, I am Anari.

-good you are safe.

-why is that?

-well, let’s just say that I am trusty type…

“It didn’t look to me like that second ago.”

-is there anyone else.

-hey Yuki, say hi as well.

Yuki was hiding behind Arata and Kotori and was left unseen until now. Also her character was that of the quiet person and she wouldn’t speak anything unless she was asked by someone. That might be because she was not comfortable with speaking in English even if she had no problems in conversing with others. After observing her for a while Arata somewhat understood that also came from the fact that she was the youngest here and she was not sure how to interact with others. She was not that good at entering the conversation of large group of people so it often happened that while the group talked she would not say too much. Still while talking with her one on one, she would say a lot and would be incredibly happy that someone took interest in her.

Yuki was pushed forward by Kotori to the maid.

-I’m Yuki.

Maya stopped her eyes on her for few seconds but then she looked at Gerald and second later grabbed his arm and ran inside the house and then to some room.

-I will be back in a minute!

Gerald shouted while being kidnapped.

-did I do something bad?

Yuki looked towards Kotori and asked.

-of course not, Loki you know what is it about?

-I can probably guess but it’s not your fault Yuki. Maya probably remembered something important that she had to tell Gerald immediately. Anyway let’s get inside.

With Loki’s suggestion they entered inside. Everyone unequipped unnecessary equipment like weapons. It’s just felt right to do it as they were entering real house. It often happened while playing EOA. People would forget that they are not in real world.

Arata took down his long black coat and was only in his ‘black leather clothes’, well his appearance didn’t really change that much.

Loki showed the way and they entered one big room. There was a large table in the middle and couches and armchairs around it. They looked really comfortable so everyone quickly sat down.

Arata first sit down in armchair but then he was quickly summoned to sit on couch next to Kotori. When everyone found their sitting spots, Gerald returned with Maya. Gerald for one didn’t care if it was a house or not and was still wearing his armor as always. He sat in most middle position possible and started talking. Maya went to some other room.

-the first party, I mean strategic meeting of Refrain will now begin. Hip, hip hurray! Applause!

-clap, clap, clap.

Only Anari clapped.

-thank you Anari…

“This happened few times before. Why does he keep trying to do that? No one else will clap anyway”

-so before we start anything, let’s wait for food.

-it’s better to just start right away.

Loki pointed it out.

-oh, don’t underestimate Maya…

As Gerald said, Maya come to the room with a moving table in matters of minutes. With ninja like movements in two minutes table was filled with different kind of foods and drinks. Everyone had two plates before themselves and a goblet with tea in it. Gerald started.

-you can all start eating. I will do the talking, if you have any questions you can interrupt me or ask them later. I don’t care if someone is a minor or not but if you are bad with alcohol don’t drink any until the strategic part ends and the actual party starts.

-wow, I like where it’s going. Odin, pour me one!

-master Zen, drinks will be served later for now eat before its get cold.

-good call Maya.

Loki complemented her. It could go out of hands really fast should she not do that.

-well that might be better. Anyway where should I start? The first thing you guys asked was ‘where was Kelly?’. Loki care to take this one.

-you are the leader Gerald. I busy eating.

Everyone already had mouths filled with something. It’s been a while since they eat any good meal in the game and there was endless number of dishes right before their noses. Even if they wanted not to eat their will would not be strong enough to hold it for long.

Actually, Gerald dig his own grave when he said that he will talk while everyone are eating.

-okay then, let’s start with five minute break…

He quickly gave up on the idea and also started to eat as well. But it was not eating for joy but just to control his hunger. He ate really fast and then continued.

-so after Kelly got killed by Arcon, she was, let’s say ‘not in best mood’. So she literally went into mountains to train and regain her levels as regaining levels first after dying is quite a good habit which you guys should also follow.

-question!…

Zen interrupted right after first sentence.

-who is that Arcon guy?

-ah, we are going into off topic already? Well he killed you all so you probably guys want to know. Not that it will be of much use to you, but sure. The best way to describe him would actually be the most skillful player of EOA.

-so he is the strongest player?

-no, I don’t think that you can call anyone the strongest player of EOA. Should you organize a tournament and gather all players in it. The person who wins, would still lose in fight to someone else who was eliminated from tournament. It’s like rock-paper-scissors. You may win against one guy but lose to another. Still Arcon is pretty strong sure. I wouldn’t want to fight him if I didn’t want to but if I were to I could win.

-yes, good luck with winning.

To Gerald’s last comment Loki added a remark.

-it has weak points.

-like?

Either Gerald had no answer or he didn’t want to talk about it.

-Loki, at least you don’t interrupt me. We cut this topic here.

Still it was not the case as Kotori followed up with question.

-I have another question, why did he attack us, the moment he heard your name? Before seeing Kelly’s message, he had no intention of killing us, well except idiots who wanted to die.

-who are you calling an idiot!

-well, it was not something an intelligent being would do, that’s for sure.

Zen gave up as Kotori words were the truth. Gerald answered

-I guess, he wanted me to come there and fight with him. He and I used to play together. He knows my personality and knew that I wouldn’t fight him for no reason, so he tried to give me one. That would explain it.

-so we were just implicated in yours affairs.

-I don’t have affair with him, at least I think so. We always have been good friends. Well he might currently have a grudge against me but it’s something that washes away in comparison to our friendship…

“If your friends want to kill you then what about your enemies?”

-anyway let’s cut the off top already. Time for the most important thing, which is future of Refrain. First of all, I have somewhat unpleasant news for you. I already told you about 100 level barrier but I didn’t tell you how it work. Anyone of you already know it?

-… .

No one said anything as even if someone did the explanation would still be helpful.

-then listen. Upon hitting level 99 you can’t progress with level anymore. To ding level 100 and unlock all levels up to 199 you have to complete a certain challenge that everyone calls nowadays 100 level barrier. I will tell you more or less how it works right before you go for it that is when you get to 99th level. What important though is what happens after that challenge. What happens after you complete it, is that you are sent somewhere to the world.

-what do you mean sent?

Zen asked.

-it’s something similar to what happens after you finish your first month of play in the city of beginners and get the class. Remember, at that time you were teleported out from beginner’s city. This time however you are not going to the exact same forest just like anyone else that picked human race but in completely random location.

-how random is that? Can you alert it somehow?

Arata asked.

-nope but you won’t be sent to low level place like here or Loris. It should be for your level which is a region for 100-200 level. Although, sometimes you might end up at region with 400 level monsters. Well you can call it simply bad luck.

“Why do I feel it will happen to me?”

-and how fair is this occurrence?

-you know that this game is not fair. Well its rare cases but some people do end up in rather unpleasant place. Loki tell them where you teleported after your challenge.

-… fine. For me it was, right in the middle of dragon lair. What was worse, the dragon was not sleeping and I got hit by his fire breath even before actually understanding what was happening. You guys will have it easy as you will know what this teleport is about. In my case, no one explained to me that I will be teleported somewhere and that I should expect situations like this.

“Oh, I got a bad felling about this.”

Knowing his luck and how it was all used in his resent time, Arata could already feel that his fate will be somewhat similar.

Gerald continued.

-things like that can happen. Anyway, for normal players unlike you, first barrier is not an easy task. Pass rate at first try is around 2% from whole population of players. That is also the reason why there are so many low level players. They can’t pass the challenge and stays under 100 forever. It’s also why people say that from level 100 the real fun begins. Someone who passes level 100 is no longer some small fry who just happened to try the game out and have no idea what to do. From there on players are true fighters. Although you guys are still better than most of them. No need to worry.

-then how normal players usually pass that challenge?

Odin asked.

-everyone will get better if they put enough time and practice in it. They would max out their equipment and somehow pass it one day.

-I heard that fighting academies started to appear on low level areas. People teaching there how to fight so for complete amateur it is good place to go.

Loki added information.

-emm, then maybe I should go there.

-Anari, I told you many times to be confident, you are good.

-but… .

-anyway if you want to learn something just ask. Anyway, right now we focus on our guild and not normal players. For you guys, passing the challenge shouldn’t be the problem, what you want to do though is to get the highest score possible and get the reward. I will return to it when we will discuss challenge though. Still don’t go underestimating it and don’t let your guard down. Even after you complete it, no rather especially then be focused on staying alive. Your chances of living at that point are about 50%. It’s a flip of coin that will decide your fate because just as Loki you might end up in dragon’s lair, that’s the most extreme that I heard about but if you get in the middle of horde of horde of some monsters, don’t blame me for not warning you.

-and what will happen if we die?

Yuki asked.

-losing 10 levels after reaching 100 is not a big deal and you will regain it fast when you enter new lands. So as long as you get the reward from the challenge itself you can say you did a good job…

“If it’s too troublesome I will stay on normal mode.”

As if reading Arata’s thoughts Gerald added.

-also note that reward from it is really good and unique so you better not think something along the lines, nah I don’t care about it so I will just do normal mode…

Then Gerald returned to main topic.

-anyway because you all will be teleported all around the world, Refrain will no longer work together as a guild at least for some time.

-why is that? I want to play with Arata!

Kotori bursted out first strongly objecting the idea.

-well you can play with him no one is stopping you from that. What I wanted to say is that we won’t work like we were doing it right now. So far we were focused only on you guys getting levels. We did it like that because there is no actual point for you to wasting your time on low level areas. Even if you do some quest here their reward won’t be nearly as good as those over 100. Well with exception of class quests that is but for finding them under 100 level you have to be really luck. Anyway, rewards at higher levels are much better and it’s those rewards are the most important thing you should look for right now. Focusing on levels is good only up to this point. Sure you will have to level up eventually but don’t make it your primary target. In this world there are many areas in which one can improve them and those areas have absolutely nothing to do with one level. It goes ridiculous to the point where skilled level fifty guy can defeat someone with level 299, although there isn’t anyone with that level who is not skilled themselves, you can have my word on that. Still the strength is not limited by level by any means, so after completing the challenge, try to understand the nature of this world and become stronger. Find what this world has for you to offer…

“Another Gerald’s grand speech.”

-but you will think about it when you complete the challenge. Also you don’t have to follow everything I say, do what you think is best. Everyone have their own strengths and their own areas they should improve on and it’s also probably the best if you do it on your own. Naturally, I will give you few useful tips and tricks that will help you later on. First tip, dying is something you definitely should avoid if possible, although that doesn’t mean to avoid it by all cost. Do you hear me Kotori?

Gerald made glance in Kotori’s direction and raised his voice a little while speaking..

-yes, yes, I won’t do it again.

-good. About those tricks, they might not seem useful at first but they will save you in circumstances in which good players like you usually die. Some are just advices some are things you need to train a little and be prepared to use them. Now second tip, don’t hunt dragons.

-what is the meaning of playing RPG if you can’t hunt dragons?

Zen asked obvious question.

-as I said this is a tip on how to not die, you don’t have to follow it. What I am saying is that hunting dragons in some random parties is bad idea. Don’t get cheated if people say that they will kill it without problems.

-although, dragon hunting parties usually turns out to be quite fun so sacrificing few levels for seeing what will happen during them is not bad.

Loki had a slightly different opinion though.

-it’s a man romance after all.

Zen added interesting comment. Fighting dragons is something that you just can’t live without in Fantasy-RPG. What was more important few levels that one would lose after dying or an epic fight against legendary flying leviathan?

Gerald continued

-tip number three, and this one you should really keep in mind, no matter what. You don’t want to do quests of rank 3,2,1.

-didn’t you say that getting good rewards is our target?

There were some gaps in logic there. Arata pointed it out.

-yes I did but you won’t get anything from those so just trust me and don’t even get close to those quests. Things can go really bad should you fail them. No matter how tempting the reward is, it’s not worth it.

-you said 3,2,1 but I heard that so far only two quests of rank 4 were complete.

Kotori added this one.

-another advice, don’t believe everything you hear. I personally follow the rule, believe what I see. And you won’t find everything on the internet.

-emm… I am not experience at game but 3,2,1 are the highest rank available so we shouldn’t get them at our level right?

Anari asked this one. Gerald answered

-no, rank of quest doesn’t follow that logic. I had a quest of rank 5 in beginners’ city which is the first month of playing and I had level three the time I got it.

-so at any given time you can find any quest even of the highest rank?

Arata asked.

-there is possibility but finding even quest of lowest rank is hard enough, but you guys know it already. Anyway those three are three things that would be the most important things for now. There are only few of them for now so keep them in mind. I will add more later on. Any questions?

//** This chapter is not over. Continue to part _20.2 **//

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