Drew and John only stopped once before they got to the edge of the forest, and that was just for a short bathroom break and to fill their water keg from a small stream. Although Drew was out of breath most of the walk, he kept up with John and his horse. He didn’t want to slow them down. He knew that without John he wouldn’t last very long wherever he was. He also didn’t want John thinking he was going to be an even bigger burden that he already was.

“Alright. We’re pretty close to the edge, and the sun’s almost gone. With all these trees, light doesn’t last quite as long. We could keep going for another hour maybe, but I don’t want to camp in the open. I want to stay in the trees, somewhat hidden. A fire would draw lots of creatures outside of the forest, even some other humans.” After talking, John began to unpack some items: something that looked like a sleeping bag, some small metal cans and string, and other various items needed to make food and a fire.

“What’s the cans and string for?” Drew asked while getting his own blanket and pillow situated near where the fire would be made.

“I’ll hang the cans between the trees and bushes a little ways out. Little early warning system, in case something tries to sneak up on us,” John replied. “I don’t expect anything to, but we gotta be prepared anyway.”

Drew began glancing into the forest nervously.

“Don’t be so scared. More than likely it would just be a scavenger looking for some food. We’ll be fine.” John was trying to reassure him, but he knew Drew would be scared for a while yet, everything being so new.

While John set up the cans and gathered wood for the fire, Drew made a make-shift fire pit out of some rocks between his sleeping spot and John’s sleeping bag. He couldn’t help but glance at the woods around them every so often. So many thoughts were going through his mind that to someone else he probably looked like he was constantly off in space. He had so many questions to ask, mainly about his status. Were they in a game? If so, how’d he get there? He knew John didn’t know the answers, but he still questioned it.

“Hey bud,” John said when he returned, making Drew jump. “Sorry. I know you have lots to ask, and hopefully I’ll have some answers. While I get this fire going and the meat and potatoes warming, I’ll tell you a little about your status. Then you can ask some questions.”

When the flames began to flicker and he’d put the skillet onto the fire, John began his explanation. “Looks like a video game screen doesn’t it? That’s what I thought anyway when the farmer first told me about it. He didn’t understand how someone my age had never used it before. I honestly didn’t know what to tell him. At the time, I didn’t know if I was dreaming or what. And I didn’t know what he’d do if I said I thought I was from another place. So I came up with a story that I’d lost my memory. He didn’t question it, funny thing, not how I looked standing there in my underwear. The attributes and regen rates are pretty self-explanatory if you’re any good at math. 10 times vitality, endurance, and intelligence give you your health, stamina, and mana. And whatever your strength, agility, and wisdom are gives you your regeneration rates. Only health is in hours and stamina and mana regeneration are in minutes. Any questions so far?”

“Um, however odd, it seems straight-forward,” Drew said moving the meat and potatoes around in the pan.

“Strength determines how much you can lift, or how hard you hit, agility how well you move, and wisdom how fast and how much you can learn. There’s a little more to it than that, but that’s the gist of it. Run out of stamina, you’ll just get sluggish and tired and feel bad after. Run out of mana and you can’t cast spells. Again you'll feel bad. And yea, there’s spells here, but you usually have to train to get them or buy them, and they’re insanely expensive, so don’t expect that for a while unless there’s a mage in Innsbruck when we get there. Health is a little more wonky. 0 health and you die. But you’ll run into people missing an arm that still have full health. It’s more a state of well-being. The guy with no arm is probably still healthy over-all, just missing an arm. It’s possible to get a new arm with magic, healers, but they’re expensive, and that’s not important right now. More important right now is learning the basics. Questions about that?”

“Not really no. Don’t die. Important. I haven’t checked my status except for earlier, but I bet my stamina was low. I was feeling tired, legs didn’t want to move right, but I was able to keep going. My endurance is only a 7, low probably, with me being so out of shape.”

“Most likely, yea, I didn’t realize it was so low. Sorry. We’ll slow down. Might take us an extra day, but we’ll get there. No worries,” John answered back with a small grin.

“No. It’s fine. I’m not going to slow us down, but that’s tomorrow. Just keep explaining. We’ve got nothing else to do right now. I may as well learn as much as I can, if I’m stuck here.” Drew took a drink of water and waited for John to continue.

“Ok, so level, class, and job. May as well add in ‘quests.’ There’s no quest sheet like you’d see in a game; they’re more like tasks that people will give you. ‘Go out and kill some animals for skins for me, and I’ll give you some coins or trade for some leather armor.’ But let me say something real quick about the people while I’m at it. Like I’ve said several times already, I don’t know if this is real. I’m leaning towards it is now that you’re here. But anyway, the people are living, breathing beings here. They have lives, kids, go to work, die. Don’t question that. You’ll look like an idiot if you treat them oddly. They don’t really like odd things. Just trust me from experience.” John went silent for a moment. He walked over to stir the food and get a drink of water.

Whatever had happened to John in the past must have disturbed him to act like that and give me that warning, Drew thought. To change the air, Drew asked, “So, if there’s no quests, not really anyway, how do you gain levels? What an odd question to ask.” Drew laughed at the thought. John chuckled with him.

“From what I learned, you get most experience from fighting or your job. Like say you’re a blacksmith. You’ll get experience in your job from making things. Go in the woods to hunt, you’ll get some experience from killing a fox in your combat class. The higher the level you become, the less experience easy things will get ya. There’s one other way I found, and that’s by affecting the world, good or bad. I gained quite a bit of experience from the Baron we’re headed to see when I helped him secure a trade agreement with a nearby settlement.”

John filled his mug. “That’s another thing, while this Baron is part of the kingdom of Aerfold, we are on the edge of their kingdom out here, so not all settlements bow to the king. There’s a few ‘rogue’ towns out here. They’re tolerated as long as they don’t make a fuss. Having them out here is the only way to expand the borders anyway. Oh and, you don’t get experience for failures. Sorry my thoughts have a tendency to go from one thing to another. Bad habit. Food’s done”

Together, they ate in silence. Drew hadn’t really eaten a meal in, 8, 10 hours? He’d lost track of time. That’s another question he’d have to ask. Was time really measured in hours here? Seems convenient. And language. Does everyone speak English? What about money? The thoughts rolled through his head while he ate and drank.

Drew looked lost again. “Drew, I won’t be able to answer every question you have, not right now, and maybe not ever,”John said while chewing on a particularly gristly piece of meat. “I still have my own even after being here so long. Answers will come with time just like they did for me. But I’ll keep explaining the important parts, give you a better start than I had.”

“I get it. It’s just overwhelming.” Drew sat with his plate in his hands, not saying another word.

“I’ll keep going then, to overwhelm you more.” John laughed, and took another bite. He seemed to like to talk while chewing food. “So, you can get a job at level 1 by learning from someone that does the craft or by sheer tenacity. And what I mean by that is, doing it again and again and again ‘til you learn the job. Now, just because you’re a blacksmith doesn’t mean you’ll immediately know how to make a sword. No. All the job does is give you guidance to repeat actions and decrease mistakes. You still have to learn the pattern to make a sword, but being a blacksmith will make it easier to make the sword and make changes to the sword. A cook trying to make a sword will probably fail every time because they won’t have that guidance to do so. Make sense?” He paused. Drew nodded yes.

“Good. You can buy patterns from whomever has the job you want, if they're willing, but for quite the fee. Seems they’re guarded secrets, but for a price you can get anything. You’ll get certain perks at various levels, too. I don’t know what a blacksmith’s perks are, but I’m a level 25 carpenter. At level 10 I got increased efficiency. Basically, less waste of product. For example, to make a chair, I suddenly knew how to use the pieces of lumber I needed, well, better. What took me 2 pieces of lumber took me only 1 and a half. At level 20, I got increased accuracy. Less errors. My cuts were more accurate and cleaner." He paused.

"Now that I think about, it’s probably the same for a blacksmith or any profession. Only makes sense, guess I’ve never talked about it before to figure that out. My perks for combat are increased accuracy and speed. There's skills that can be learned to aid in professions too. I haven't bothered to learn any of 'em. Haven't needed it yet. Carpentry is more of a hobby for me. I've just done it a lot so I'm higher level. Let’s finish eating, and I’ll tell you about classes and combat skills.” John took another bite.

They both finished their meal, cleaned the wares, and put the items back into one of the bags on the horse. John added more wood to the fire while Drew walked in a small circle around the area taking in the sights, smells, and sounds.

“Maybe I’ll be ok,” Drew whispered to himself, not looking quite so down-trodden. “Not sure why I trusted him from the get-go, maybe because we have our world in common. He seems ok.” He glanced at John. “I have to stop being such a pussy though, everything little thing scaring me. I've got to snap out of it. For all I know, this is my life now, forever. I have a chance here to be something or someone. John’s obviously liked if he’s owed something by a Baron. I can be that person. Make a difference. What was my life going to be like on Earth? Cashier at a gas station? Taking orders from snot-nosed kids and pushy adults? Nah. Not anymore.”

Drew walked towards John. “I got a question before you go onto classes. How do I change my attributes? I know I have to change, be stronger, do something worthwhile, not be this meak, nervous, scared wimp. How do I get better?”

John was impressed. Even though he’s scared witless, he still wants to get better, he thought to himself. “Back to attributes, that’s fine. I’ll give you the quick version, because I don’t really know exactly how they’re related. Want to increase your vitality? Increase your strength by lifting heavy things. While strength affects vitality, there’s more to it than that, but the numbers are usually similar if not the same. You won’t find someone with 12 vitality and 20 strength. They’ll be closer, maybe 18 vitality and 20 strength. It’s not the same with endurance and agility. Agility affects endurance, but to run 10 miles do you need much agility? Not really, so the numbers here can vary a little more. Intelligence and wisdom are similar to strength and vitality. They’ll always be close. Shit, how’d I forget. Probably because it’s been so long since I leveled. Every 2 levels you get 1 attribute point to put into either strength, agility, or wisdom. Not the others. And I don’t know why. I’ve asked, and no one knows. It’s always been that way. And yes, the people here all have statuses, levels, jobs, classes as well, everything we have. We aren’t special in that sense.”

“Hmm. Ok. So just like back on, Earth, I just need to exercise to become better. I can do that. I can do it.” Drew finally didn’t have that deer-in-the-headlights look he had all day. “Last question before you get to class. What’s a trait? Mine doesn’t seem too good.”

“You have a trait, already? You usually have to do something pretty unique to get one. What is it? If you think it’s not good,” John asked, worried what it may be.

“It says, ‘trait: timid -- 10% decreased accuracy while in a fight. Can be changed or removed.”

“That’s interesting. Not the worst I’ve seen, but luckily it can be removed. You probably just have to become more confident, and it’ll go away. Yea, I’m sure of it. It may even change completely, to something like ‘bold” where you have increased accuracy once you get over your fears. Good. Good question. I wouldn’t have enough that you had one. Would you mind sharing your whole screen with me? You can do so by saying ‘share status’ and direct it at me. I can’t make you, it’s kind of a private thing to people, so never ask others. But it might help me help you. Up to you,” John said shrugging.

“Share status.” Drew said. “I have nothing to hide, and if it’ll help I may as well.”

Drew Cooper Level: 1 Class: none Job: none Attributes Vitality 8 Health 80 Strength 8 Health Regen 8/hour Endurance 7 Stamina 70 Agility 7 Stamina Regen 7/minute Intelligence 13 Mana 130 Wisdom 12 Mana Regen 12/minute Trait Timid 10% decreased accuracy while in a fight. Can be changed or removed Job Perks Combat Perks Skills Spells

Looking it over, John said, “Hmm. While some of the numbers are low, like I said, you can get ‘em up by exercising, lifting heavy things, and so on. High intelligence and wisdom. You’ll be able to learn spells more easily, if we ever run into a mage and that’s your kinda thing. Nothing out of the ordinary on here. Since we’re sharing,” waving Drew’s status away, “Share status.”

John Mitchell Level 32, 85% Class: Swordsman

Level 28, 52% Job: Carpenter

Level 25, 29% Attributes Vitality 18 Health 180 Strength 20 Health Regen 20/hour Endurance 21 Stamina 210 Agility 15 Stamina Regen 15/minute Intelligence 14 Mana 140 Wisdom 12 Mana Regen 12/minute Trait Hypervigilant Increased sensitivity to surroundings. 30% increase chance to detect danger. Can be changed or removed. Job Perks Increased accuracy, efficiency Combat Perks Increased accuracy, speed Skills Expand Spells Expand

“As you can see, my overall level is not the same as my Swordsman level or my Carpentry level. That’s because it’s a combination of both. And sometimes you get experience from doing neither, like I have with that trade agreement. So, your total level is just a combination of all the experience you’ve gained. That’s why most people don’t go by their combined level. It really doesn’t mean much. If you ask someone what they’ll do, they’ll usually just say something like, level 12 Blacksmith."

John continued. "Skills and Spells are always hidden when you share your status with someone else. All of my skills have to do with combat. Job skills would be listed the same way just in separate chart. My skills are either for a sword, shield, or bow. You learn skills similar to how you first learn a job. By having someone teach you or by practicing over and over. It just goes faster if you have a teacher. I’m called a swordsman because that’s what at least half my combat skills and or spells are focused on. For those that have few or no class levels, that is, a higher job level, they’ll just simply be known by their job title, farmer, blacksmith, and so on. Skills don’t work like you think either, not for combat or jobs. You don’t shout out ‘cleave’ and you cleave through your enemies. No. It’s a mind-set. Knowing the skill cleave gives the ability to use it more effectively than if you just slashed at your enemies. Skills simply help with forms and functions, just like skills in jobs. A lot to take in, I know. Here, I’ll show you my skills. Share status skills.”

Skill Description Dodge Increased chance to dodge an attack based on agility, uses stamina Feint Create a false opening for an opponent, increasing the chance for a successful counter attack, based on agility, uses stamina Parry Increased chance to successfully ward off an attack with a countermove, based on agility, uses stamina Riposte After a successful Parry, increased chance to deliver a quick counter attack, based on agility, uses stamina Block Increased chance to block an incoming attack with a shield or weapon, based on strength Lunge Quickly move towards an opponent with a quick jab or thrust of your weapon, based on agility and strength, uses stamina Power hit Powerful blow to an opponent, based on strength, uses stamina Cleave Increased chance to hit more than one opponent with a horizontal swing, based on strength, uses stamina Hamstring An attack meant to disable an opponent, based on agility. Uses stamina Quick Draw Increased bow draw speed, based on agility, uses stamina Power Shot Powerful shot, based on strength, uses stamina Shield Bash Slam an opponent with a shield, temporarily disorienting them, based on strength

“As you can see, I don’t use a shield or bow much. I don’t have many skills with them. The sword is my weapon of choice. And everything uses stamina. I’d say most people die in fights simply because they get tired, so it’s important to know when to use the skills and when not to.” John let that sink in for a moment before continuing. Drew was sitting, intently listening to everything he said.

“I only have 2 spells. Spells do require you to say them to use. I have Dark Sight and Identify, generic spells. Dark Sight gives me the ability to see in low-light for a short time, and Identify lets me do as it says, identify items and creatures. Don’t ever use it on a person. They’ll know. I don’t mean to scare you when I say those things. People here are just really private and secretive when it comes to personal information. Better I tell you now than you get stabbed. So in other words, don’t ask a lot of questions of people.” John said this with a smile, but hoped Drew knew what he said was important. “So, what do you think?”

“Well, comparing all this to something I know, games, it’s pretty straight forward I guess, albeit weird. Seems skills are more passive and spells are more active.” Drew thought for a moment. “I’m assuming you got your trait with experience, maybe hunting? Or you’ve been in a lot of interesting situations where it was needed.”

“Yea, mostly. I got it on a task where I’d been hunting some Goblins in the mountains, hiding and ambushing them. It really came in handy let me tell you. Before you ask, there’s all manner of creatures here, and not all are bad. Not all Goblins are bad, but these were.” After a moment, John stretched and yawned. “We have a long if not boring journey tomorrow through open plains, nothing but grass and hills. I say try not to think too much of all this, but I know you will. Just know that I’m here, and I’m going to help as much as I can. Honestly, it’s going to be nice to have someone to travel with, if you’re willing once we get to Innsbruck. I have so many questions about home, um, Earth. Not now though, sometime in the future. Try to get some sleep will ya?” John walked back towards the fire, throwing a few more logs on it. It wasn’t cold by any means, but he hoped it would ward off any intruders.

“I’ll try. That’s all I can do right?” Drew checked his status once more before going to bed. Still the same. Ha, what was I expecting, miracles? I’ll get stronger. Just going to take some time, that’s all. Who knows, maybe I’ll wake up back in my apartment. Nah. I don’t think it’ll be so bad here after all. Laying down, Drew was able to see a few stars peaking through the tops of the trees. Even as his mind raced with so many questions, exhaustion quickly overtook Drew and he fell asleep

John looked over at his new, friend? It’ll be nice having someone to travel with, build the community with. I hope he’s willing. It’s been so damn lonely here, having to keep all these secrets. Hope he pulls through. It took me way longer to come around, even with the help of the old farmer. Sighing, Oh well, we’ll see what tomorrow brings. It better be quiet on the damn road, his thoughts wandered.