《A Boy’s Simple Ambition》Chapter 22
Advertisement
While the inside of the adventurer's guild was well lit, due to its many windows and bright lanterns, Ethan still had to lift a hand to shield his eyes from the sun's rays upon stepping outside. While letting his eyes adjust to the change in lighting Ethan took the time to take several deep breaths in an attempt to calm himself and bring the last series of events in his day to a close. With a small smile he moved off to the side and took a seat on the top step of the entrance before turning the map over in his hands and trying to get his bearings. He couldn't help but let a little noise that was a mix of a giggle and chuckle, given his age and all, when he saw the smiley face that Lorelle added next to the big X for the "You Are Here" mark on the map.
While not every building on the map was labeled it still was representative of the area blocks of buildings in that it had a general shape for each one. Looking up and across the square from where he sat he noted there were four buildings placed next to one another looking back at him. Looking back down at the map he noted there were four blocks, also placed next to one another, across from the "You Are Here" X and smiley face. Becoming curious he tried to follow the map up from his location to see if Bimsley's forge was shown but it looked like the map ended before then. With a small frown he finally shrugged before looking back toward the center of the map where he was currently located and then traced his finger along the road to his left and then behind the guild until he hit a block labeled The Lazy Badger.
Advertisement
"Oh thank the Keepers it is right around the corner."
He really was horrible with directions, at least in places he was unfamiliar, and really did get lost easy without knowing landmarks or using his own vocabulary to get around. Hopefully one day it would get easier for him, which sadly for him, it wouldn't and while he would become famous later in life his ability to get lost was also legendary. He traced the route, which consisted of two left hand turns, twice more to be sure before standing and making his way down the stairs. As he did so he thought he heard the front door open and close behind him, however, when he turned to see who was there, since no one had just passed him to enter, he saw no one. Was he hearing things? Suddenly fearing she had followed him out he quickly spun 360 degrees in place to make sure she wasn't sneaking up on him. Nothing... He stood there silently before suddenly spinning again, as he had a sense someone was watching him. Still nothing... Realizing he probably looked rather ridiculous spinning in place he hurried down the stairs and toward the road he would make his first left upon. As he did so a figure leaned out from behind one of the pillars holding up the large roof covering the guild entrance, their body not only concealed by the shadow cast but also seemingly a part of it, though in less than a second it was gone.
Since he had completed the main objective for the day Ethan was much more relaxed walking down the road and as such took some extra time to look about. He noticed that nearly all of the buildings were at least two stories, with some of the larger ones being three. Many had a plaque or sign on the door or hanging out above it revealing the type of shop it was. All but one of the second stories were almost certainly living residences by nature of the curtains or small window gardens, and the one that had none of these instead had bars covering the windows, which instead of glass, were made of wooden shutters reinforced with metal.
Advertisement
"Wonder what they keep in there?" Ethan thought to himself as he passed.
Looking up at the black metal sign hovering above what looked to be a thick metal door he noted a carving consisting of three stacks of coins of varying height and a few gemstones.
"Perhaps a bank?" More silent thoughts and though he was curious he wasn't curious enough to go find out.
While he had been taught the basic idea of a bank, specifically for adventurers, of course he had never been in one. He would have to ask someone at the guild when he went back the next day. In addition to the store and home combinations Ethan also noticed that there seemed to be an even mixture of wood, clay, and either stone or brick in the makeup of the buildings. For some reason, though he didn't know why he held such prejudices, he was surprised by the cleanliness of the street and sidewalks. Though some of the villages he had been too in the past weren't nearly as clean the one other town he visited, when he was younger, was also clean like Cloudcrest.
The road on which he was walking continued for several more blocks and as he was lost in thought he also missed the road he was supposed to make his second left onto. If he could get this distracted in a town it was a scary thought of how he would do in a dungeon or cave system. Thankfully for the young man's gentle heart he hadn't considered such a dreadful possibility yet or this story could possibly be much shorter. Checking his map once again to confirm if he was at the right road he turned and began to make his way toward two blocks down.
These side roads, while busy, weren't nearly as busy as the main one he traversed earlier on his way to the guild hall. However, he still had to make his way around some individuals and through a couple of crowds every now and then. Most seemingly ignored the boy though a few offered smiles and a wave in his direction. Also, despite his young age, even some merchants called out to him with promises of the most amazing foods he had ever tasted.
"How do they know what I've tasted? How rude!" He thought bitterly.
Soon he found himself in front of a wide three story building with a dark wooden door, decorated with thin metal at the hinges and across the top and bottom where the vertical boards were nailed to horizontal pieces on the other side. Above the door swung a wooden plaque with a badger laying on its back and several "ZZZs" floating up from its nose.
"The Lazy Badger I would guess." He said to himself, though slightly audible, before making his to the door.
Advertisement
- In Serial60 Chapters
The story of how a Cultivation Universe was Conquered by an Interstellar Weapons Platform
What do you get when you cross a world of Magic, Cultivation and Legends with one of Science, Logic and Overwhelming Firepower?\o\ Chaos! /o/Alpha is a sapient AI who's job (and Passion) is the exploration, exploitation and eventual colonization of new worlds for the Federation, a Galaxy spanning empire of Science and Technology. When an unexpected accident deposits this literal War Machine on a planet full of Cultivators and Wizards, chaos and insanity ensues. What Alpha and those around him don't know, however, is that he will soon become the focal point of a millennias long plot that holds not only the fate of the world in its balance, but possibly the entire Galaxy.Ancient Enemies awaken as the Powerhouses of the world converge with Alpha at the center. Get ready, its going to be a wild ride. ------------------------------------------------------- |_+) Come, Read the Story. Watch Worlds be Conquered. (ALL HAIL YOUR NEW ROBOT OVERLORDS!) See Arrogant Young Masters be slapped in the face (by a 170mm Rail-slug traveling Mach 3). Find Grand, Valuable Treasure (which gets put into storage, because what use does an AI have with pill herbs?) Explore Strange and wonderful lands (that will be shortly stripped mined and exploited for all usable resources) |_+) JOIN US!______________________________________ ALPHA-555-12-4412 (Designation: Star Conquer).One of the 5 most powerful and advanced AI-driven Interstellar Weapon Platforms ever built, was programmed with a very simple mission. Travel the stars.Seek out new and hospitable Alien Worlds.Establish a Forward based for their Master's eventual colonization.And, If necessary, crush any and all native resistance it might find. It was a Mission that Alpha took seriously and dedicated its entire being to.However, when Alpha flies a liiiiitle to close to a Blackhole and gets sucked in, it is thrown into a situation that no amount of programming could prepare it for. Now stranded on an alien, yet familiar world, full of dangerous beasts and strange phenomenon its database has no record or explanation for, Alpha must find a way to not only survive, but thrive.And eventually to do what he was built to do. Conquer._____________________________________________________Some things to expect from this Story 1): MC is an AI programmed with a very specific goal. Thus don't expect him to think or act like a human might. That being said, he/it is not bloodthirsty and evil either. He is specifically programed to work with, and indoctrinate Native species when possible. He is not a demon lord come to end the world as they know it, but a Conqueror come to subjugate. 2): MC won't be getting some kind of Humanoid form or suddenly start trying to think like a Human. Although an AI, he is perfectly Sapient, and fully understands both what he is and what is mission is. He is capable of adapting and changing his thought process, but at the end of the day, the Mission is what matters to him. He doesn't see the need or even WANTS to be Human. The only exception to this might be Humanoid body doubles or puppets used in places his main body isn't able to go. 3): This story is a mix of both Sci-Fi and Cultivation novels. MC with NOT be able to Cultivate themselves (for obvious reasons), but using his technology and knowledge, will be able to adapt and repurpose the strange and exotic resources you might find in a Cultivation World to increase his power and keep up with the powerhouses of this Universe. 4): The Intention of this story is to alternate between it and Parasite King, so I don't get burned out writing either one. As such, updates, while not slow, won't be to quick. Bare with me for awhile till the wheels get rolling.
8 208 - In Serial38 Chapters
Mana Anxiety
James had always had issues with people, that's what happens when you have severe social anxiety. And then she gets a notification about some "System Integration". Fine. At least if she's going crazy it's just with code, she can deal with it. And it seems everyone is seeing things together. So maybe she's actually sane? But her social anxiety is enough to get her in trouble even here. She'll get through it. She'll just get stronger. Strong enough that she won't need to deal with anyone. Strong enough that she won't need to avoid people; they'll avoid her. Updates MWF 8AM PST
8 244 - In Serial46 Chapters
Re:Shard - Due to RL issuse uploading is very slow, but still undergoing and not yet dead
An abusive bastard of a father and a mother who never cared. A life in crime, used as a human shield and an assassin and what not. Our main charter’s life is not the best. But he doesn’t complain, he has seen worse after all the is the one to deliver it to others. So his death doesn't come as a surprise, but what comes after does!Cast into a world of magic and monsters, how will he fare in his new life?Cover: [The Ice Barrier] by Horriso.NOTE: This story is for MATURE readers only meaning 18+ (Or what counts as mature in your country!), It is NOT a story for the faint of heart.It contains violence, gore, evil, sexual content + rape - might put them as spoilers, for thoses who want to semi skip them. Utterly brutal and vile. Murder, Slavery etc.2th Note: This is my first posted fantasy story. English is not my first langue. So there will be grammar poops along the way. Will try my very best not to get to much of it in. Will try to get at least one chapter in each week hopefully more.
8 355 - In Serial14 Chapters
I Saved Worlds By Being... Nice?
Elena stumbled upon a game one day. It had positive reviews, and a lot of downloads, so she decided she'd play it. It's storyline was interesting too. Three worlds whose fates she could control. Three people whose lives she could make better. She played it diligently, dedicating all her free time to it. When the game finally ended, though... The three game characters she helped with great devotion stood in front of her. "I still remember the first time you gave me soup!" "I still remember the first time you gave me a cultivator's dead body!" "I still remember the first time you killed a knig- Oh wait, never mind, I was the one who did that." ....What? Click this to join my discord server! Click this to read two chapters ahead on my patreon!
8 96 - In Serial18 Chapters
The First Realm
Frank Richland sometimes dreams of being a character in one of the video games he plays or the fantasy stories he reads, but he never expected to be come the leader of his own country and the master of a realm. Frank is not given a choice by the mysterious system that kidnaps him during a relaxing walk upon one of the many paths around Austin. The system warns him that other Realm Masters will try to conquer his realm which will kill him. The only path to survival is to build a strong empire, to become a powerful psion, and to grow as quickly as he can.
8 202 - In Serial30 Chapters
Took Her To The O.
"oh that's durk sister""she fine as hell""but that's vroy girl.. and he took her to the o"
8 355

