‘Shit—!’ Sirius thought as he sprung up in bed. He immediately flipped over to check the clock on his phone and only let out his breath when he saw that it was just after 4 pm.

He’d fallen asleep so quickly that he’d forgotten to set any sort of alarm for himself. Luckily, the dull ache in his stomach woke him up within a reasonable amount of time.

Considering he’d spent anywhere from 13-15 hours in-game before logging off, he probably managed a good five to five-and-a-half hours of sleep afterward. And that was more than enough for now. It was still Saturday and he wasn’t worried about maintaining any sort of logical real-life schedule until everything settled down in the game.

Sirius got dressed in a comfortable white tee and dark sweats and slunk into the kitchen for a nice early evening bowl of oatmeal and some fruit. He did have a small stock of complementary nutrient capsules still available in the pod, but they were outrageously expensive, so he wanted to hold off on using them for as long as possible.

Eventually, his stomach gradually stopped its protesting after a second helping, and he marched off for a quick shower. It felt strange to be going through his morning rituals in the middle of the day, but in a way it was refreshing. He’d been locked in the same routine of working out and adjusting his diet for what felt like such a large portion of his life — despite actually being only a year. Finally having an escape and seeing his efforts paying off was liberating.

Feeling somewhat re-energized Sirius hopped in his pod to dive right back into The Shattered Realm.

‘Maybe I should add everyone in the Vault Creative Network so that I can message them offline,’ he pondered as the machine folded into position around him. He’d felt so anxious and disconnected in just the short minutes he’d spent eating and cleaning himself up. It was both a worrying and exciting notion. He couldn’t recall the last time he’d been this obsessed with a new game.

***

Shadowfire: Hey, we’re all in the central marketplace right now.

SoT: Okay, see you in a few.

Sirius dismissed the messenger and took a brief glance around the house. Neither Palma nor Old Biln was around, but he managed to find some old parchment and quill, so he decided to leave them a simple note before heading out.

Palma and Biln,

I’ve been entrusted with a mission that may keep me out of the house for a few days.

Just wanted to keep you informed. Send my regards to Bernard.

Thanks again for hosting me thus far,

~Sirius

***

Sirius groaned internally as he fought his way through the flood of pedestrians. The streets of Blackhill Village were more bustling than he’d seen them yet. Maybe it was in part due to the time of day, or the fact that he was so close to the central hub — but the news of the previous day’s victory seemed to have spread and everyone was excited to seize the day.

Vendors in the marketplace were already growing hoarse from shouting over one another, and plenty of new players looked to be engaged in the Village Chief’s quest as they dashed around with a satchel to deliver messages. It already felt like so long ago that he’d done the same…

Shadowfire and Roan were already waiting for him beside the Chief's office — which was located adjacent to the village registry.

Sirius clicked his tongue as he walked over. These two always seemed to be a step ahead of him. He wondered if they’d even slept more than 5 hours total since launch.

“How’s it going? I see you’ve already hit the faction store,” Sirius remarked as he eyed them up and down.

He could vaguely make out Shadowfire’s new gear underneath the cloak, but Roan’s was in plain view for him to see: matching black tunic and trousers underneath a long grey coat similar to the one Fera wore.

‘The Toth really love their dark colors,’ Sirius thought to himself. Not that he minded. Black and grey were good colors for almost every situation, and he never liked wearing fancy, patterned or branded clothing.

“Yup. It’s not too crowded yet, but the line was steadily increasing — so you may want to hurry inside.”

“Alright. Is Talia in there? I saw she was online.”

“No…” Roan deflated. “She’s up at the temple… buying a new staff.”

Sirius struggled not to laugh at Roan’s expense, but that outcome was along the lines of what he expected. “I’ll be back in a few. Thanks for waiting up.”

***

‘Hmm...’ Sirius scratched his head as he danced back and forth between a few items in the system menu.

The faction store functioned a bit differently than the traditional shops he’d been to thus far. Instead of being able to see the physical items on display and touch or inspect them, the Village Chief’s aide had just handed him a list.

That list was then converted into a menu which he could browse through with various sorting and filtering features. Then, once he made a selection, the item would be brought out and presented to him. Overall, it was pretty comprehensive, and there were a lot of goods to choose from. Some with level requirements ranging all the way up to 20. Though, most of the really impressive equipment required contribution points and reputation far above his own.

Following a few minutes of fanciful window shopping, Sirius had narrowed down his options. His first selection was a nice pair of dark, banded leather boots. Next, he chose a quilted gambeson and padded wool trousers — very similar to that which Roan had selected. But instead of going for a jacket, Sirius purchased a sleeveless coat of chainmail that was woven in a fishscale pattern.

[Blackguard Chainmail Coat]

Equip Requirement: Lvl 4

Rating: {Fair}

Resistant to Slash and Stab damage

Physical Defense: 15 Magical Defense: 2 Slot(s): Chest (additive) Durability: 25/25 [Quilted Gambeson]

Equip Requirement: Lvl 3

Rating: {Fair}

Physical Defense: 8 Magical Defense: 0 Slot(s): Chest Durability: 20/20

The two items could actually be worn in conjunction with each other due to the chainmail’s additive tag, but their defense only stacked in areas where both items overlapped.

After making those purchases Sirius had spent 70 contribution points and moved on to looking for his big-ticket item. And that was where he found himself in a quandary.

He didn’t want to leave anything in the bank with the implied difficulty of the upcoming mission and he still had 80 points to blow through.

There were a few Elixirs located in the miscellaneous section that were particularly tempting. They could enhance his attributes by one or two points permanently, but were limited to a single use and cost 25 CP each.

[Doehr’s Might]

An elixir made by fusing the essence of an Emphantine and the waters of a Spirit Well.

Effect: +2 Strength, +1 Constitution

Note: Users will only be affected by the first dose.

‘Man, I still don’t even know how valuable attributes really are…’ Sirius groaned internally. All he knew for sure was that Str would boost his health and unarmed damage, but the benefits of two attribute points were pretty marginal for the elixir’s cost.

Even after more than doubling his Str, Sirius had yet to notice a significant tangible difference. Maybe it was due to the steady increase over time, but when he moved — he didn’t feel faster or more explosive than he did at the start. His body just felt the same as it did in the real world.

This was beneficial in some ways because he knew his body well and exactly what it was capable of, but even more so worrying in others.

Was he limited by what his mind felt was possible?

Or were there certain thresholds that needed to be crossed to see a change?

In the end, Sirius decided to hold off on elixirs, and increase his usefulness to the party in the best way he knew how — survivability and more damage.

He tabbed back over to the equipment section and started looking at the gauntlets available in his price and level range. And for once, it didn’t take long to find exactly what he was looking for.

[Folded Drunae Carapace Gauntlets]

Equip Requirement: Lvl 5, 25 Str

Rating: {Excellent}

Provides 5-8 additional unarmed attack damage

Additional Property: Weighted - Increases the penetration of impact damage

Physical Defense: 18 Magical Defense: 5 Slot(s): Hand, Wrist Durability: 35/35

Sirius purchased the gauntlets for a whopping 75 CP. They were more expensive than all the previous items combined, but he felt it was well worth it. They almost doubled his base attack, and most importantly — gave him that important boost to his damage penetration.

He admired the sleek black gauntlets with a smile as the aide lugged them out of the backroom and plopped them onto the counter with a resounding thud.

‘Oh, shit!’ Sirius almost dropped the things straight through the floor when he first attempted to lift them up. Despite their lack of bulk, it was obvious they were heavy from the aide’s reaction, but to feel it himself was even more impressive.

He recognized the carapace as being the same material that was used in Berek’s armor. Sheets of smooth shell layered on top of each to allow for flexible movement of the fingers and wrist. Sirius really wished he could offer his praise to the smith. The comfort and fit were superb.

Look good, feel good. The saying had never felt more apt as he strode out of the office under the admiring gaze of some of the players running errands. All of his worries seemed to have been washed away by that vibrant green frame around his hand and wrist slots in the Character Sheet. Everything else was still of white or grey quality, so it really stood out and felt like it represented his first major step forward in the game.

“At least you look pretty — because it sure took you long enough,” Shadowfire pulled his hood back and cracked a wide grin as Sirius sauntered over, displaying his new gauntlets and chainmail in an exaggerated manner as the morning sun shone over the pieces.

Roan’s eyes lit up as he took a glance at the equipment. “Are those the Drunae gauntlets? I was actually going to recommend those. I thought they were well suited to your style.”

“Yeah, they are. A bit hefty, but it shouldn’t take long to get used to.”

Roan nodded appreciatively. “I think the chainmail was a wise choice as well. Many of the invaders use blades.”

“Alright, let’s walk and talk,” Shadowfire motioned. “I don’t want to leave those priestesses up at the temple suffering for too long under a barrage of Talia’s questions...”

***

Shadowfire’s sixth sense proved uncanny as they ultimately found Talia trapping a meek priestess in the back corner of the temple corridor.

“Please…” she whined. “I just want to see it once. It’ll only take a second.”

“M-Miss Talia, it is dangerous to perform Spells in the vicinity of bystanders. And I’m afraid I don’t have time to move to a more suitable location and demonstrate.”

“Talia, let the nice woman get back to her work.” Shadowfire pulled Talia back to give the priestess an angle of escape. “I'd like to apologize on my companion’s behalf, Priestess. She’s just a very curious soul.”

“Ah, I-I understand. It’s just very busy around the temple these days, so I really must be going.”

Talia slouched as she watched the priestess escape through one of the doors. “Mr. Shadowfire… I was so close… All the other priestesses told me she had a rare Spell…”

‘These priestesses are pretty ruthless to pawn Talia off onto one of their own like that,’ Sirius mused as he chuckled at the scene.

“Alright, alright… You’ll have plenty of time to hound all the NPCs you want later, but for now, we should announce ourselves to Necrah and see if she’s ready.”

Shadowfire led them toward the Spawn Cave as Talia showed off her new staff to Roan. Sirius had to admit — it was an impressive piece. Smooth, dark wood that twisted upwards, opening up like a claw at the top to clutch an exquisite blue jewel the size of a fist.

Unlike the previous gnarled staff that she kept hidden in her inventory outside of combat, Talia carried this one with pride. Tapping it softly against the stone floor as she walked. Sirius looked down at his gauntlets and smiled. He knew the feeling well.

When he refocused his attention forward, he saw Ameera standing at the mouth of the cavern, seemingly awaiting their arrival. She stepped forward to greet Sirius as the group approached.

“Good day, Sirius. Are these the companions you’ve chosen to accompany you on this mission?”

All the players in the area suddenly froze as Ameera spoke. It was only after Sirius replied that they came to their senses and began whispering to one another.

“Yes. And good day to you as well. Is High Priestess Necrah ready for us?”

Ameera nodded and gestured politely for them to follow. “Right this way.”

They wound up in the same conference room that Sirius had entered the previous day, but only Necrah and Fera awaited them inside this time.

Necrah stood up and swept a hand across her body as they entered. “Please — take a seat.”

“Why am I not surprised,” Fera grumbled as Talia dashed over and plopped down in the chair next to her.

“You are familiar with this group?”

“Mostly this one,” Fera jabbed a thumb at Talia, “But yes. They performed well during the rescue.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” Necrah’s lips curled upwards. “I also see that you have re-equipped yourselves. Very good. The battle to clear the blockade will be arduous, and it would be best if you all could make it aboard the escaping vessel.”

Shadowfire cleared his throat as Necrah paused. “Right… Before we being, I'd like to ask — why us? Not us specifically,” he gestured at the members around the table, “But the Heralds. For a mission of such importance. Surely there are stronger candidates among the Blackguard and I’ve gotten the impression you don’t trust us very much.”

Necrah’s smile flattened. “In part, because I would like to make your existence known to the Elder Council. They may be more inclined to lend us their aid if they know that the Gods have already seen it fit to.”

Sirius shifted uncomfortably in his seat as Necrah’s gaze hardened and the temperature in the room dropped. “But if we are speaking so frankly — then I would say that we are left with little other choices. Many of our talented Shaman were killed while helping the civilians evacuate the eastern district during the Rain of Fire. And the only combatants left that are capable of fighting on par with the Golden Blade and his knights are Fera, Rath, and Berek. Myself and the Chief are not well-suited for battle. Fera’s presence is necessary to navigate the Stormwind Straight, and Berek must remain here while Rath is still recovering. Does that answer satisfy you?”

“...Yes.”

“Then let’s move on to the details of the attack. Berek will be leading the majority of the Heralds and Blackguard in an assault on the dock. You all will circle around behind the assault and look for a suitable ship to board. Follow Fera’s lead on this. Any questions so far?”

“Just one, for now. I am primarily wondering how you plan to actually breach the blockade?” Shadowfire spoke up again.

Fera stepped up to answer this time. “An elite troop of Blackguards will be leading a select group of Heralds to set fire to the remainder of the invader’s fleet out on the open water.”

Shadowfire leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest. “When will the assault commence?”

“We hope to have everything organized by mid-afternoon.” Necrah clarified. “Now, I will no longer be entertaining your inquiries.” Her words were suddenly laden with frost. “I had extended this invitation to Sirius, but I have to say I am disappointed in the attitude his companions have adopted.”

Shadowfire sunk further into his chair under the weight of Necrah’s gaze. “Know that there are others who would place the future of the tribe over their own self-interest. These are true members of the Toth and they would jump on the opportunity to accept this task…”

Necrah skated out of the room after she finished speaking, leaving everyone frozen at the table in her wake. Fera soon followed her out, shaking her head as she released a low sigh. “Meet me outside the barracks when the sun begins its descent.”

“What the hell, man?” Sirius exclaimed as the door slammed shut. He wasn’t so much angry as he was taken aback.

“We needed to know why,” Shadowfire shrugged. “In my mind — it doesn’t make sense to send the Heralds.”

“Okay, I get that. But surely there was a more amicable way to go about asking?”

“I disagree. Necrah is well-practiced in the art of diplomacy. I felt like provoking her was the best way to get at least some of the truth out.”

Sirius bit back a retort and took a second to collect his thoughts. “Fair enough. Though, a heads up would be appreciated in the future.”

“You’re right, I apologize,” Shadowfire acceded with a nod. “It was kind of a spur of the moment idea. Roan, Talia — what do you think of everything?”

Talia was the first to speak up. “Fera doesn’t like Necrah. I noticed that she looks at her…” she trailed off, scratching her cheek, “...she looks at her the same way she looks at me — annoyed.”

That statement triggered a response in Sirius’ memories. “When I met with the Blackhill leaders yesterday, Berek and Rath seemed disgruntled as well. Berek even proposed an evacuation but was ultimately shot down. Only the Village Chief really seemed to be on her side. Well, maybe neutral is more appropriate.”

“So, you think Necrah could be losing control of the Blackguard and is more willing to place her trust in us?” Shadowfire asked.

“Eh, I wouldn’t say that…” Sirius started. “...It’s not like Fera would abandon Blackhill and sail off on her own. The tribe is still here, so she and any Blackguards would definitely deliver the message properly.”

Roan seized the momentary lull to voice his thoughts, “I’m actually more inclined to believe the first part of Necrah’s response — that the presence of Heralds will be useful in negotiating with the Elder Council.”

“I can agree with all of that. But I actually think Necrah’s purpose is simple: she wants to win the favor of the Heralds. By entrusting us with important missions and rewards, she can then rely on us to back her after all this is over. Then, she won’t have to worry about who controls the Blackguard.” Shadowfire said as he sat up, clasping his hands atop the table.

Sirius sighed. “I’m… not sure about all this. I think we may be reading into it too much.”

“Same…” Talia chimed in.

“Possibly. However, keeping these ideas tucked in the back of our minds won’t hurt and will hopefully allow us to react appropriately to any unforeseen events. After thinking back on the previous mission, I’ve come to believe that a mission being classified as an ‘advanced’ quest may have less to do with difficulty and more to do with the variability of possible outcomes.”

Shadowfire took a deep breath, then continued, “This world is constantly changing in real-time, and none of the NPCs are omniscient. In previous games, I would see a quest objective, go out and complete it, then report back. Simple. And very rarely would the quest content differ in any way than what the objective stated. But here — we run the risk that the NPC may just be flat out wrong, misinformed, or misleading us. They’re more complex beings and work with information in the same way we do. Therefore, I just think it’s best to consider everything carefully.”

The room lapsed into silence as everyone more or less acknowledged those words. Sirius didn’t disagree with anything the man had said, but he also didn’t want to consider that he was slowly being manipulated by Necrah. None of the NPCs had led them astray in any way so far, and to start doubting the legitimacy of every quest he received would be too mentally taxing. It was just a game after all…

Sirius stood up. “Let’s get going. There’s still much to prepare.”