Chapter 22 “Trial of adventurer”

What is the level cap in this game? No one reached maximum level so no one knows that. Many say that there is no max level at all. Before anyone get close to it new content is already somewhere in the world all you need to do is to find it. Although once people thought that level 99 is a max level. Even if people could find new lands with monsters which level was unknown no one could found a way to pass from level 99 to 100 so going to those lands was suicidal. There were two opinions at that time. First one which turned out to be false was that players have to wait until new things are unlocked even if they are already in game. Some other games once used similar system where new expansion would move level cap up. Still nothing of that sort was told by company that produced EOA. As the time passed, second idea come to mind of players and that was, that there is some special condition that will unlock higher level. That idea was supported by Christopher Horvitz who said that is possible as he always hated the fact that when new expansions were coming in games people stopped to play old content even if it was great. He also hated the fact that people had no choice in a matter and were forced to play new content wasting all the work that was done into old one. Even if they went to old raids and dungeons they would overwhelm it with level.

Because players could do nothing about first opinion they focused on second opinion. Still it did not go so well and for more than half a year since game premiere no one found it. In EOA time it was more than two and half year. People started to give up at some point. Game up to 99 level was as good as they could hope for so they didn’t complain there is nothing pass that. Still the dream of exploring new lands that no one went to before was in many minds so the search for a way never died out and was often a topic to talk about. As long as people don’t give up someone is bound to find a way.

Three years in EOA time after release of the game the news spread out that someone from elven race found a secret as how to level up to 100 level. Still because it was someone who just happen to find it and he wasn’t someone who was known to be good player or at least be in good guild, many people didn’t hear it right away. Most people also just didn’t believe it because that player had no proof. When asked to show screenshot with his character being level 100 he answered that he only found a way but didn’t manage to complete the task that one needs to do in order to level up. His explanation as how he found a way was also not really reliable. Even if people were skeptical about this, they didn’t just brush it away. Instead it was label as newest content that no one did before so completing it should be worth something.

Anyone could try the new content but it was not something that anyone would have high chances at. The content was really simple. Fight monsters as they come in some black arena. There were no teammates and no support. You were all on your own. Great number of players entered the challenge at the same time but you always ended up in the same place yet there were no one beside them. Challenge was not completed right away as not everyone joined it at start. Still because it was labeled as super hard, best players also get interested in it and finally managed to complete it. The news about completing it was little delayed. First player who announced it and send out a video to the internet mentioned that he already saw other players in a new land. And those were players who completed the challenge before him and didn’t reveal that information.

Players started to study the video that went out but it was not like they could learn much from it. Challenge was not always the same, different monsters to fight appeared all the time. Some of them were already known others were not. Still the video showed one important thing. If one wants to complete it, he needs to fulfill two conditions.

One was to be as good as hell in fighting and staying alive and the second one was to have highest quality gear that they could get. With time more and more players started to pass through it and it wasn’t labeled as the hardest content available. Still it was only getting to level 100. The challenge itself had another level which appeared after you complete the first one. You also had only one try on it as after getting level 100 you can never return to try at the challenge again, with condition like that number of players that complete it was really low. Dinging level 100 was a feat that was enough for most, they would be satisfied with it. But there were still some crazy people who would try the second part.

-…even if you fail the second part it’s not a reason to be sad. You will just lose ten levels but level 100 will be already unlocked.

Few days have passed since Arata and his guildmates reached 99 level. Gerald just finished explaining how more or less the 100 level challenge works as well as how to get a juicy reward from it. They were in guild house of Refrain in Triangle, previously Gerald’s house.

The moment that they will try the 100 level challenge was drawing near.

-I will be happy if I pass the first part.

-don’t be dishearten Anari! You can do it. Just believe in yourself.

-but I don’t believe in myself.

-that’s your biggest weakness. Well I did say after all that it’s not that easy and when I say it, I mean it. If you manage the first part it will be good enough.

Gerald was not trying to comfort her.

-wawa.

-still I believe in you, so if you can’t believe in yourself, believe in my words. And as I said even if you lose at second part that doesn’t change anything. You will die from time to time after all, that’s how it is in this game. Better get used to it. Also dying for great reward that awaits you at the end is at least not meaning death. Without great risk there are not great rewards.

-Gerald, is it really that hard?

Arata asked.

-after getting good equipment and learning your class most people manage to do it after few tries. Still those are not on your level so you should have no problems with that.

-but its only first part, what about the second one?

-for second you need to be much, much, better. I already know that all of you won’t be able to complete it, I didn’t hear about anyone who didn’t have problems with that.

-you?

-I managed somehow. Still the last part is up to luck, I guess.

-luck?

-at second part you first fight some boss class monsters or just try to survive against them. After and if you manage with them, you are given about 5 minutes to drink some potions or regain your health in other way. At this point it is the second time you can give up. Giving up there gives a smaller reward which is increase in mana and stamina 5%. Even if you don’t give up you still get it so don’t give up just because of that.

-so it’s more like there are three parts?

-everyone says that it has two parts. One to do and one to avoid and number of people who passes that point is small so two parts are more common but I guess it can be called the third part. But there is no time to rest like between first and second where you can rest all you want. Only five minutes.

-and how different is the third part.

-the third part is the same, you have to defeat your opponent. Still the opponent is a little different this time and it’s really based on luck. When in previous parts you get monsters which are about the same strength no matter what combination you get, the last one can go bad if you are unlucky.

“I hate things based on luck. I always draw the shortest straw.”

-so what do you fight at third part?

Kotori asked.

-you fight copy of a player that once completed all three parts.

-copy?

-it’s an NPC with same skills that a player that once completed the challenge. It can be any player, someone who did it years ago or someone who did it minute before you. Still it will be their strength that they had at level 100 so don’t worry...

“If it’s a player then we should manage somehow”

-but also don’t underestimate it. As time goes, the challenge gets harder and harder. Because to beat it you need to win against someone who beat it once. Also they will be in perfect condition when you will be barely alive after first two parts.

-so how are we supposed to complete it?

-that’s why I said that it’s hard and based on luck. The best thing you can get is someone who you are anti-class of.

-and the worst we will get anti classed ourselves, perfect.

Arata could already feel that he someone who is his anti-class. Even if he didn’t know what class would that be. Gerald continued.

-that’s why it’s luck. If you get really unlucky or I would say lucky you could even fight against copy of me.

-if I want to win, I would rather pass on it.

-if I had to be honest, Arata you are probably better than when I was on level 100. Still the chances of getting someone who passed all challenges from that time are low right now. The more time one copy appear the less likely it is to appear. There are some chances but if there is someone who completed it recently the copy of him would appear most likely. There is one problem which makes the last challenge really hard. You have five minutes for the rest so you will be dead tired before fight. Copy will have big advantage.

-that’s not the only thing. What about mana and stamina. We will have it on 0 before we even start.

Arata always ended empty after hard fights. Even if he tried to save mana for later he often ended up in situations where it’s either using the skill or dying. Regaining mana and stamina was slow process so five minutes would not be enough. Gerald tried to put some faith into them.

-don’t worry I took care of it already. I got you all a special potion that for 30 minutes let you use all skills and stamina for 10% of real cost. And with other potions that I got as well in those five minutes you will be back as new. Well, this potions have some side effects and after 30 minutes you will lay dead tired for two days after that but you should manage to win or lose in those 30 minutes and if you log out before potion take effect it like nothing have happened.

-I hope so.

Most of the effect stayed even when someone log out and waited for a player to hunt them. Gerald continued.

-you need some advantage as well if you want to win that. You need best items and be in best form to even think about getting the reward.

-and the reward is?

-you can choose one of three options. They are also not always the same but things like gold, items, information about undiscovered dungeons and quests, stat increase or extra skills. Should you get skill

I advise to choose this one. Items are least valuable as you will change it eventually. You can get gold in other way even if sum would be large. Don’t choose quest item or you will end up with something similar that you got from Stonecell.

-you should mention it before we got that item.

-it went out of my mind. Anyway that would be all you really need to know about the challenge itself. Part one continuously monster fight, part two continuously boss monster fight and part three player copy fight. Use the potion before the last part or at the end of the second one.

-then our last part of preparation is getting the items, right? So where is secret dungeon where every monster drops class item, Leader?

Zen went back to the topic of items.

-of course there is nothing of that sort.

-it wasn’t even a lie I guess.

-don’t say it like that Arata. Didn’t I mention that you won’t be wasting time on low level and go straight to the challenge?

“He just said that we need best items we can get. I don’t think one potion will make that big of the difference.”

-Gerald? What are you going to do after we complete the challenge.

-after you start the challenge I will go and do my stuff. As you know we have a teleport that connects our three guild houses so I plan to go for highest level content now and get back to form. Then, I guess I will try 300 level barrier, again. I wasn’t planning on doing it as it’s impossible and unfair and stupid and really impossible to complete…

It looked like Gerald had some memories with it and even added impossible twice,

-but after all I want to continue getting higher level and go to other new places and find something important. There is also a thing where I need to make our guild famous.

-then you can go do it right away and we will go gather some items before going for challenge. Because as you said, that reward could be useful and we have only one chance of getting it.

Arata knew that everyone felt the same and wouldn’t mind farming some gear before the challenge. With their party they could easily go for hardest bosses in the area, but Gerald was still saying the same.

-I said you don’t have to worry about items, didn’t I?

-still getting good items would help wouldn’t it.

-having good items always help. That’s why you will have them.

-you are going to give us a set of items like the one Kotori received.

Zen heard what he wanted to hear.

-something like that. It was going to be farewell surprise present but saying it few minutes before giving it away won’t change a thing. Remember what I once said before any of you joined. There are many merits for joining our guild just pass the test. Still don’t except the full set of class items I don’t have things like that and I would go bankrupt if I were to buy it.

-it’s awesome enough to get anything, so where are they?

-Loki went to capital to get them.

Gerald finally explained Loki absence during their leveling.

-no wonder he wasn’t here. How long is it from here to capital?

-about a month on foot. Two weeks by horse. But he used our guild teleport so it was just a second. With that said he still needed a lot of time to get good items for all of you. Not only they need to have good stats but also you must be able to wear them so level required must be 99. And knowing Loki he will also think about some insignificant things like fashion. Still the stats will be main focus so you shouldn’t have to change them unless you find something good. Things you can get in normal shops won’t be better than those items that but some unique drop will. On the other hand not many things under level 99 will be better than those.

-so we are starting the challenge right after he return?

-after you change, we are going to the cathedral right away. I will say some encouraging words and with that you are free do to anything you want. If you want to contact anyone use our website that will be made soon, if it something important you can always use the phone. You all have my number and I have yours. If you want someone else’s take ask about it yourself. Still URL for website will be ready in few days so you don’t really need to do that. I will try to answer any question you might have but don’t spam me with something irrelevant. Only something you can’t deal with yourself...

“I will be finally free to do what I want.”

-as we already had two farewell parties there is no need for another one and Loki should be here any minute. He always is punctual and never gets late if he says that he will be on this time he will be on this time. And the time is, three, two, one. Tada.

As if summoned the door to basement opened and Loki come out from there. It was understandable as the teleport to other guild’s houses was located there. Everyone started to look at him with eyes full of greed and ready to jump one second he enter the room. After all items change people.

-why is everyone looking at me like stray wolf looking at piece of meat?

With that comment everyone stop doing that. Gerald informed him.

-I told them about graduation present. You got everything?

-more or less. I couldn’t get Kelly to join us because she went to a place that would be impossible to leave if I went there.

-thought so, well getting her here wouldn’t change much but it would be good to have all members together, it will take some time before it can happen again.

-being sentimental is not important. There is more important thing to do, don’t forget the big picture. So with this, we are done for now.

-well there is still a speech to say out. We are going to church soon.

-okay, everyone gathered in line or something so I can trade you all. But please come one at the time.

There was no line but people came one at the time. First Zen then Kotori, Anari, Odin. Loki took some time with everyone even if trading took only a second. Arata was planning to go last but then he heard.

-you can go first Oni-chan.

There was no reason to refuse so he did just that. Loki welcomed him

-yo, Arata.

-hey.

-I just said not to be sentimental but looks like just going separate way without saying anything is also bad.

-probably, but do you have something to say?

-not really. Well just thank you for joining our guild.

-you don’t have to thank me. I have so many merits after all.

-it was in plan since beginning to do it like that. And those items were the last part of the plan, well at least for now. Here take them…

A window appeared before Arata.

[Trade with Loki]

[Yes/No]

Arata just clicked yes and didn’t look what’s inside.

-I didn’t know what you would like so I just get similar items to what you have right now. I did most with the same.

-so I have them full black.

Arata sighted.

-not fully but mostly, yes. Shirt is different color and there is guild logo on back. It should suit you.

-at least that.

-I wanted to ask what everyone wants but Gerald said it should be surprise that’s why I had to decide most on my own. The crafters helped me in choosing so it’s not exactly on my own I guess.

-crafters?

-don’t be disappointed those are best crafters in the game. Items may not be the highest rate but it’s still better than anything you would be able to loot right now. Crafters have high skill at lowering the level required so that was the best way to get those items.

-probably. Well getting some imba items would ruin the fun.

-they are imba enough if you ask me and if we are talking about fun destroying everything in your way is greatest fun you can find here.

-haha… well I will go check them.

-we probably won’t talk alone like this for a long time so I wish you luck. Also beat the crap out of 100 level challenge. If you won’t be able to do it, I don’t think there is anyone who will.

-well there are some that are better than me.

Arata didn’t consider himself as some good players. Not with monsters like Gerald and Loki around. Players that could throw him down from the cliff into the ice river with one move of hand. Players that could blow up whole city in matter of seconds. There also were some crazy bears running through the woods. Arata didn’t considered himself too good but Loki thought differently and said.

-I am positive that you are the best player in level range of 1-99 or even little higher.

-you may think too highly of me. What about Yuki for example? Gerald keeps saying that she is the best. She also managed to complete whole dungeon on her own, boss included, which I couldn’t do. And in our duel I won by luck.

-still you won. Sure Yuki may have better class than all of you and her skill in general are on high level. But she is still just a kid. Dealing with whatever comes at you is the true strength. Understand opponent strength and finding an answer to it. Staying cool in any circumstances.

-if you are talking about staying cool in any circumstances there is at least one person that I know who is better than me at that and still on the same level.

-and who is it?

-Kotori. Also, if we are sentimental now then, I have to tell you one thing.

-yes?

-thanks for bringing her to our guild.

After all it was Loki who brought her into this guild. Arata wanted to thank him at some point but just never felt a right occasion for it.

-I become your cupid in a way. But I didn’t do anything apart from finding good player on street and inviting her for test with single motive of making our guild stronger. And I had nothing to do with you joining our guild rather when Anari said that she wanted her friend to come I didn’t even think about searching for you and went off right away.

-still I wanted to say that. By the way, you also should beat the crap of 300 level barrier.

-thanks for encouragement, but for now I have different propose in this game but when I fulfill it I will get to it right away. After all we will be the strongest guild.

-yes, the strongest guild.

With those last words Arata went upstairs to find a room for change. Because it took seconds to change items in inventory, some already left their rooms with new items equipped. In order the first one was Zen. His equipment changed a little. As his robe looked more appealing and at first glance one could see that it was high class item. It was also not completely robe as only the back side was covered like coat. Legs were free to move and in pants. Color was still dark brown just like Zen’s hair. On the belt there was also a new sword which also looked more valuable than previous one. The new thing was that at the back Zen had a long silver staff. Arata never saw him with one.

There was one thing that Arata didn’t see. At the back of the robe there was an image of sword which was covered by flames. The image at Zen’s back was black.

Then there was Kotori who was wearing similar robe to Zen’s one. The thing that was similar was the style. Legs were also exposed but behind it there was a white coat-like robe. The robe itself was in same colors as she had previously mostly white with golden colors here and there. The leggings were completely white. The difference was that she also wore short skirt on them. Similar to Zen she also wore a long silver staff at the back. The only thing that didn’t change was the sunflower headset on her golden hair. She asked.

-how do I look?

-great as always.

-it’s a little more mage-like than healer.

She pointed at Zen who was just entering walking pass Loki and Yuki. Arata spotted a black sword in flames at his back.

-and what is that mark?

-guess it is a guild logo. Look I have something similar.

Kotori showed her back to Arata and there he could see exact the same picture. Although color was different as it was fitting gold color. It was golden burning sword.

-well I should get change soon. Want to come along?

-you are okay with that? I will see you.

-I am not someone who will care about showing some digital skin for three seconds to my girlfriend. If you don’t want to look just close eyes them.

-no, I want. I mean I will come.

-then come.

And so they entered the room that Kotori just left. Arata started to look up the items and change them one at the time.

[Leather armor of magical swordsman.

+60 Strength

+40 Agility

+30 Wisdom

+400 Mana

+200 Stamina

+550 Health

+300 Armor

+3% Crit chance

+15% Crit damage

Armor piece made by skilled craftsmen Olivia. Thanks to skill of tailor the level requirement were lowered. In addition to that some stats upgrade are higher. Additional stat added.

Armor Type: Leather/mail

Level Required (130-31) 99]

First thing that went was the armor. Arata’s previous completely black one disappeared and three seconds later a new one appeared. Just like Kotori’s and Zen’s ones at first glance one could see and feel the difference. Color also was different. Trousers were still black but there were few white lines that changed the look completely. The belt was also different more bright than previous one. The sword on the right side and there was additional place on the left one. Soon enough Arata put there a rope. It was better to have it out in the open because he will never know when it will be needed and it was the best thing he could put there. Then there was a chest piece. What Loki said was right it was not completely black. The black was only leather piece where there was some kind of armor like obsidian color mail over it. Still there also were few white lines which make it look much better. Then at the top there was a black hood that Arata could cover his head should he wanted to. The hood stuck out and landed on Arata’s black coat.

-hey that’s no fair.

After changing just one item Kotori already started commenting.

-what is no fair?

-you said that you will show some skin when you just stood behind with coat still on. If it’s like that I should wait for full effect.

-wait a second till I enjoy my new items. Then I can dance for you naked.

-really?

-well dancing is a little too much anyway I still equipping so give me a second, I still in a menu.

Arata then looked the other item and equipped it as well.

[Novice One-handed sword of red steel

Damage 57-70

+65 Strength

+45 Agility

+30 Attack speed

+40 Parry Rating

+5% Crit Chance

Made from valuable material and by skilled blacksmith Gorim. Thanks to skill of blacksmith the level requirement were lowered and damage was increased.

Level Required (120-21) 99]

This time it was a sword. As name suggested it was in red color but because it was sheathed in black sheath only the hilt reveal it. Then there was another item.

[Enchanted black boots of thief leader.

+20 Strength

+60 Agility

+200 Stamina

+100 Armor

+5% Crit chance

+15% Crit damage

+3 Movement speed

Additional skill

Silent walking. –while wearing those boots you can walk without making any noise.

Boots wore once by thief leader and master of knifes. Because they were used by another person their stats are lowered. With high level enchantment level requirement had been lowered.

Level Required (160-61) 99]

Boots itself didn’t look anything special but from description Arata could say that it was not player made but a drop. Arata thought it was something that Loki himself once used and he changed its level so Arata can use it as well.

[Ring of magical swordsman

+30 Agility

+20 Wisdom

+100 Mana

+100 Stamina

+2% Crit damage

Ring made by skilled jewelcrafter Maya. Thanks to skill of jewelcrafter the level requirement were lowered. In addition to that some stats upgrade is higher. Additional stat added.

Level Required (124-25) 99]

Arata got two of those, he changed them with ring of frost and ring of agility that he once got.

Although one could wear more items as well to get more stats doing so would hinder as well. In EOA one could equip on himself ten weapons at time but that wouldn’t help him much. Same was with armor. Still Arata had two items to equip.

[Necklace of superior agility

+100 Agility

Ring made by skilled jewelcrafter Maya. Thanks to skill of jewelcrafter the level requirement were lowered. In addition to that big stat upgrade.

Level Required (136-37) 99]

Then there was the last item. The time has finally come to change the coat of night that he got in the city of beginners. The new one wasn’t rare item still it was way better that previous one. Also its name was quite interesting.

[ Black leather coat of Refrain

+40 Strength

+60 Agility

+40 Wisdom

+200 Mana

+300 Stamina

+300 Health

+500 Armor

+3% Dodge rating

+20% Crit damage

+5% Fire damage

Coat made by a skilled tailor Olivia. Thanks to skill of tailor the level requirement were lowered. In addition to that some stats upgrade are higher. Additional stat added. Refrain symbol the burning sword on the back in white color adds additional stat.

Type: Leather/mail

Level Required (149-50) 99

Only useable by Refrain guild member]

Black coat similar to previous one but at the same time looked so different. When previous one was full leather/cloth like this one looked more durable. Especially the ends of coat were much thick. And it looked like it could stop something from attacking. The big difference was the large white image of sword with flames around it. It went from middle all way up. Then there was hood from the armor.

“Well this will do. Still I don’t have much use of mana as my only skill cost all of it anyway and other eat just a little of it. I really need a skill that I can burn my mana into.”

-so how does it look?

Arata asked.

-much better than previous one. Looks like Loki has knowledge of fashion. But if I were to dress you up I would get rid of all that black color.

-I also planned to change it but it won’t happen for some time. Looks like as twilight swordsman I am doomed to have it like that.

-still you look good.

That was all Arata wanted to hear, but then Kotori followed up with another comment.

-too good if you ask me.

“Can someone look too good?”

-is it bad?

-previously your shabby clothes didn’t fit you at all and lowered your appearance rate by much. But now you have clothes that fit you and with white guild mark on back and few white lines they even match your hair.

-I still think that it’s a good thing.

-on the one hand yes, but at other you will become more noticeable and someone will try to steal you from me.

-and you worry about that?

-no but it will be annoying.

-you could be jealous from time to time. It would be nice.

-I don’t have to jealous of you and you don’t have to be jealous of me that I am sure of.

-well then, shall we go down the challenge awaits us.

Arata already changed and ready to go. Kotori said his name but with little different voice.

-Arata.

-hmm.

-this may be the last moment that we can talk like this at least for some time.

-it may be. Well it won’t take that long and we can use the phone.

-still direct talks and phone calls are two different things.

-well if we go in details we never seen each other yet.

-you don’t think that do you?

-of course not.

-for some time now for me this game, no this world is as real as the real one.

-you are right. I think so as well. Arata and Kotori meet already long time ago on that hill.

Arata went back to memory of their first meetings.

-then they went on adventure and fall in love with each other. Although if we go in details you fall in love with me the moment you saw me and for me it was many years ago. You know Arata, because you were with me all that time I could go with days without worry. Lately I didn’t even have any nightmares. When my dream looked like it was going to change into nightmare you always appeared there to defend me. But I don’t know what will happen if you won’t be there for me from now on.

-you can’t get healed that easily after all. I am the same.

-you are definitely doing better than me. I know what I need to do but I still won’t be able to do it.

-I will come with you there when the time is right.

-yes, when the time is right.

-anyway Kotori. If you want, after completing the challenge we can just get back somewhere together right away. Even if we got on opposite end of world, there should way to do it. All we need to do is sacrifice some time on it.

With those words Kotori stood up from the chair that she was sitting one and run up to Arata. She jumped at him high. On instinct Arata caught her legs and hold her.

“I guess we are doing i…”

Arata mind froze when Kotori lowered her head and their lips touched. It was only their second kiss so far but it was first time that Kotori kissed him. Kissing and being kissed was a different thing as one who was kissed didn’t except it. Arata started to lost balance and moved few steps back. Lucky there was a bed behind him and he fall back first to it. Even in midst of they never stopped kissing about 20 seconds after falling on bed. Supporting with arms Kotori drew back from Arata’s face. They were still close and her golden hair was all the way down around and on Arata’s face. Then she started.

-I wanted to do it once more before we go separated.

-now I know why you passed out that time. With a surprise like that you can really drift out.

-hehe.

-so it’s decided, we are getting back right after completing a challenge.

-no, we don’t need to do that. I really want to but if we do it like this, I feel that I will never be able to stand on my own again.

-you won’t be on your own anymore.

-still just as you want to support me, I want to support you. If I can’t support myself how can I support you?

Arata couldn’t say anything to her decision and agreed.

-I understand, still if you ever need something just ask. I will drop all things that I have on mind and come to help you.

-well there shouldn’t be anything dramatic like that. Still I will keep you at word for that.

Kotori went to her usual self even if she was still lying over him in the bed. Arata could feel that she is back to normal and added.

-but if it’s nothing important and you just get bored. Give me some time to finish my business.

-too late you gave me a word. One day I will ask you to come just to pass me a drink from a table.

-then I will gladly do that. Anyway we should get down already we might be a little late.

-hey Arata, we are in bed together already so why not move to a next step?

-yes, yes maybe later.

-hehe.

With that Kotori stranded up first and pulled Arata hand. He stood up right away but Kotori didn’t let of that hand. In fact she held it right to the cathedral where they went after. For now they went like that out of the room and down the stairs. There was already everyone waiting. Anari, Odin and Yuki also changed their clothes.

Anari had identical equipment to that of Kotori with a difference that her colors were changed to white and blue. Odin had red armor, red shield and red sword. He looked like true black barbarian who was ready for slather and his armor become get that crimson color because of endless number of blood that his enemies left on it. It was the same material that Arata’s sword was made of. His guild mark on the back was black just like Zen’s. Then there was Yuki whose appearance also changed. It was still mix of white and black but material was different. Similar to Kotori and Anari she had black leggings with white skirt on it. Then there was a black/white armor similar to that of Arata. She was wearing Black boots. On top of that she was wearing black cloak that covered her back and was tied like scarf around the neck. If she wanted she could cover herself fully with it. It also had a hood that could be put on head but it was part of the cloak not armor piece. At the back there was, same as Arata’s guild mark white sword surrounded by flames.

-took you long enough but now that everyone is ready let’s to go to the cathedral right away.

With that being said both Loki and Gerald equipped cloaks that they didn’t normally wear. They had mark of guild on it. Loki’s cloak was in black color with yellow mark at the back while Gerald’s one was gray with color of raging fire on it.

-one question. Do we always have to go around with guild mark on our back? No that it is back or anything and it’s even giving me increase in fire damage.

Zen asked. For someone who uses fire magic, especially mages with their fireballs it was really great bonus.

-you don’t have to but it will spread the name of the guild if you do. Also you have items with it so there is no reason to not wear them unless you get something better. Me and Loki only got those cloaks for this occasion so we can make last move of Refrain with this mark on our back all together. It will be epic.

-just get it done with so I can take it off already. I don’t like capes.

Gerald was excited about his idea when Loki on the other hand wasn’t up for parade.

-it’s true that I don’t plan to use it either but it will be epic right now. So let’s go!

With that they made their way to the cathedral.

While walking before they made enough appeal then right now with high level gear the impact was much more. There was even a person or two who asked if it is some guild and if they can join. To that Gerald answered.

-sure we need more people but I you need to pass a test. Here it begins. Survive this.

Second later that person was burn down to ashes after Gerald touched him with one finger. Anyone who seen that didn’t try to ask anymore. They soon reached the cathedral. It was still devastated like the last time but it looked like someone repair the altar.

“They probably thought that they need it for 100 level challenge even if though Gerald said otherwise.”

There were two players inside the cathedral but they decided to move somewhere else after seeing those that came. No one tried to sit on any of the benches Gerald stood in the middle and started.

-it’s time to hear the words from your glorious leader. I have only one thing left to say. I believe in all of you so go there and win…

“Short and simple, its first time he said something like that.”

-also this is only the beginning not the ending, it’s time to spread out the name of our guild even if it didn’t work here exactly as planned…

“Only one thing sure.”

-…another thing is remember to visit our website from time to time. As for when we will get back together, it is not specific yet but should you all get over 200 we will do it right away. But as I said don’t focus on level but on other things. Also should you find someone who is good enough to join us ask them if they want to. Of course I will create a new test for them so don’t invite some random people…

“That’s definitely not just one thing.”

-with all that being said, I wish you luck although you don’t need it. Trust your skills and it will take you anywhere you want. The first challenge that is before you begins now. Go and don’t look back! We will see each other when the time is right.

With those words Gerald posture started to disappear. Normally it took him just a second but this time it wasn’t instantly. At the end only red dot remained but then it burned out with a flame.

There was no need for words between them. All members of the guild including Arata and Kotori just went near the altar knell down before it and said the right words.

-I ready to continue my Adventure.

That was all there was and one by one everyone disappeared in flash from the cathedral.

//** This chapter is not over. Continue to part _22.2 **//

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