Ranad,

4:23 am, 18 th Peniel 1091.

Elecurb, Mayor of Ranad greeted Kashi as he walked into the city with his companions. "Welcome back, Kashi-dono.”

"It is good to be back," Kashi humbly replied.

The mayor looked over Kashi’s shoulders at his companions – or rather, lack thereof. Even though he knew the answer, Elecurb still asked with dread for confirmation, "Jero and the others?"

Kashi placed his right hand on the old man’s shoulder and placated his misgivings with a smile. "There is no need for concern. Jero and the others are all alive and well. In fact, they are in control of Fort Norcha as we speak. Hektor here can attest to that."

Elecurb's eyes snapped wide. His mouth opened and shut as words struggled to come out, but his voice failed him. Instead, he looked at Hektor who nodded his confirmation. Elecurb, overcome by joy and relief, fell to his knees, and asked through tear-stained cheeks, "T-then, that means... They are gone?"

Kashi smiled and confirmed. "You will never be bothered by the likes of them again."

"Oh.. Oh, sweet Mera! You have not forgotten us!" Elecurb cried with pleasure as he clasped Kashi's hands. "Kashi-dono, we will forever be in your debt. If there is anything you want of us, just ask."

Quest Completed: Liberate the Atled Delta

You have saved the Atled Delta from the terrors of the pirates. They will sing of your heroics by the campfire for years to come.

Your influence in the Atled Delta has reached 80%

1st: Kashi (80%)

2nd: Lunette (12%)

3rd: Absalon (8%)

+100 Regional Fame

+50 Worldwide Fame

"I only did what any half-decent man would do," Kashi said as he helped Elecurb to his feet. "I wish to stay here for a few days. A place to lay my head will do just fine."

"We already prepared a house for you,” Elecurb excitedly revealed. “You are welcome to stay there anytime you want. Truth be told, it would be our honor."

"You have my gratitude," Kashi gratefully replied.

Elecurb stroked his beard as he recalled something important. "Ah, yes. A boy and his friends came by earlier. Said his name was Stryke?"

"Yes, they are comrades,” Kashi confirmed. “I hope they were received well."

"No worries,” Elecurb assured him. “They are currently assisting us in obtaining the materials required to rebuild the village."

Kashi nodded. Seemed like Stryke found a treasure trove of quests to reward experience and Syros. "That is good to hear."

"Now, come,” Elecurb urged as he led Kashi down the streets. “Let me show you to your new dwelling."

Three men assisted Kashi in carrying the sacks as to his new home. The daeben let out a wry smile as he admired the obviously new two-story building. As expected of an in-game world. They did not waste any time to erect new buildings.

After a short tour of the building, Lunette left the group to take a bath, eager to get the swamp smell off her. Meanwhile, the men gathered in the living room and watched as Kashi emptied the bags.

"What now?" Shadow asked.

"I have a few days until the limit on my primary quest," Kashi replied. "In the meantime, I would like to raise as many crafting skills as possible."

Elecurb perked up at this. "Did you say crafting, Kashi-dono?"

Kashi raised a brow and replied, "Yes?"

"Then, you are an artisan?"

"Sadly, I am currently classless," Kashi said. He smelled a secret quest, so he added. "However I am at Intermediate level in most crafts. Sculpting and Painting are my lowest at level nine beginner."

Elecurb stroked his magnificent beard in thought. "I have a request, but it was supposed to solely be for actual craftsmen."

Kashi thumped his chests. "I may not be one, but my skills will fail to no one."

The mayor eyed him with conflict in his eyes. "This may be impertinent of me, considering all you have done, but I am afraid I will have to test you."

Kashi nodded, and agreed, "I understand. A skilled sword arm rarely constitutes fine penmanship."

"Wise words, Kashi-dono,” Elecurb praised. “All I ask is a portrait or sculpture of yours."

Kashi took out his last painting, ‘Of Ghosts and Beasts’ and handed over one of his more exceptional animal sculptures to Elecurb.

Elecurb inspected the painting, then the sculptures and nodded in approval. "These are excellent."

Kashi kept the painting on a table and turned to Elecurb. "So, what is it you require of me?"

Elecurb sighed and explained, "You have seen our empty courtyard, no? A statue of Fera, twin sister to Mera and our patron goddess of the hunt once sat there. The bandits destroyed it when they invaded."

Kashi questioned, "You wish for me to restore this statue?"

Elecurb nodded. "Yes, I would be most grateful."

Kashi thought about it"Is there anything else you require?"

"We would also like a painting of the goddess Mera to hang above her shrine," Elecurb requested.

Kashi folded his arms. He had six days left until the completion of Fladnag's quest. It would be close, but he should have enough time to complete the statue. His arms dropped as he promised Elecurb with assurance in his eyes, "I'll help you with that."

New Quest: Cultural Restoration

The people of Ranad have requested you restore a statue of Fera and a painting of Mera. The blessings bestowed by these shrines should speed up the town’s recovery.

Requirement: Artisan class or 100 Regional Fame & Level 5 Painting.

Reward is dependent on result.

Suggested Level: N/A

Difficulty: C

"Thank you, Kashi-dono." Elecurb bowed as he gratefully thanked the daeben, then left the house.

"I guess we know what you'll be doing," Shadow remarked with a light shrug. "Do you know any dungeons around here? I have some skills I want to raise."

Kashi turned to him. "Yeah, I do-"

"Kashi-san!" An enthusiastic voice interrupted the daeben’s train of thought.

Kashi looked to the door and was not surprised to see Stryke and his party. Times seemed to have been good for the happy group. Not only were they still alive, but they all sported rare gear which revealed their apparent rise in levels.

"Hey Stryke, long time no see," Kashi greeted as he walked over firmly shook the kid's hand.

"Yeah, It’s been a while eh?" Stryke chuckled with the widest, most innocent grin Kashi had ever seen. Stryke looked over the daeben’s shoulder and pouted when he noticed Shadow and Hektor. "What's this? You got your own party? I thought you said you played solo?!"

"Various things happened," Kashi said in an attempt to placate him.

Stryke was not one to fall for such a blatant misdirection. However, he only laughed and introduced himself to Shadow and Hektor, "Hi guys! The name's Stryke. I'm the man who will become the strongest knight."

"Oh? That line sounds awfully like a certain anime," Shadow remarked.

Stryke flushed red in embarrassment. "I-I-I-It's the greatest anime out there!"

Shadow shook his head. "Relax kid, I'm just playing. The name's Shadow and my class is Assassin. The guy with the giant ax is Hektor."

Stryke gaped as he admired the ax strapped to Hektor’s back. He immediately closed in on Hektor and began enthusiastically interrogating the young man. "Uwaah, that ax is badass! Where'd you get it?"

Hektor took a step back, overwhelmed by the youth's enthusiasm.

Kashi shook his head and issued a wry smile as he turned and asked Craig, "How have you guys been?"

"Too many close encounters," Craig replied, and his features warmed to a look of affection as he added, "But it's been fun."

"More importantly, what have you been up to?” Sara interrogated the daeben with her hands on her hips. “You suddenly went AWOL on us."

Kashi looked away and scratched the back of his head. "Was on a chain of quests. Sti-"

"Hey, Kashi!" Lunette called walking into the room at this moment. Her head was bent as she towel-dried her hair. "Please tell me you have something decent to wear..." The young woman’s voice trailed off as she raised her head and noticed the little gathering. Her eyes went from her brother to Kashi, to Stryke and his teammates, then finally returned to Kashi. "Didn't know you were expecting company."

Sara nervously glanced at the beautiful Lunette then at Kashi. "Are we interrupting?" she asked, voicing her teammate’s thoughts.

Kashi raised a brow in confusion. "What would you be interrupting?"

"Don't bother with him," Lunette said when Sara stared at him at a loss for words. "He's denser than a brick." She walked up to the girls and introduced herself with a pleasant smile. "Hi. My name’s Lunette Falsetto. I guess you've already met my brother."

‘Uwaah, she's pretty.’ Sara nodded and introduced her friends. "I'm Sara. She's Yuna, that's Craig, and the drooling kid is Stryke." There was a slight edge to her voice, but it went unnoticed.

"Hey!" Stryke protested but was promptly ignored.

"Nice to meet you,” Lunette said to Sara and the rest. “What were you guys talking about before I interrupted?"

"Shadow wants to go raiding," Kashi answered, and added with a stroke of genius. "How about you all go together? It'll give you some time to get to know each other."

"Are you sure you're not trying to get rid of us?" Lunette instantly hit the bullseye.

"Of course not,” Kashi smartly denied and passed the buck off to Shadow. “Shadow's the one who wanted to go."

Lunette eyed him with suspicion. When he didn’t show any visible signs of breaking, she relented and said, "Okay, then. But can you sell me something less revealing? I would wear my old clothes, but this one has higher stats." She rubbed her forehead. "Game logic."

Everyone present nodded in acknowledgment. This was one irrefutable truth of gaming logic. No matter how realistic the virtual world got, the unreasonable stats differences between clothes made from higher grade material would always remain.

"I'll have one ready soon," Kashi said. "In the meantime, you'll have to make do with that."

"Well, there are no players this far south,” Lunette mused. “It should be fine."

"Yosh!" Stryke cheered and raised his fist. "It's decided then. Everyone follow me!"

Shadow looked at Kashi. "Is he always like that?"

"You have no idea," Kashi replied as Shadow followed Stryke’s party out of the room. Realizing something was amiss, Kashi turned to Hektor who was the last person remaining in the room and asked, "Why don't you go with them?"

Hektor shrugged. "Dunno dem."

"I won't be fighting anytime soon,” Kashi revealed with a sigh. “You'll be bored out of your mind if you stay here."

Hektor weighed discomfort versus boredom and found the winner easy to decide. "Okay, I'll go wiv dem,” Hektor said then jogged outside to catch up with the others.

"You didn't strike me as the social type."

Kashi turned around to see Lunette at the doorway and questioned, "You're not going with them?"

Lunette shook her head. "Nope. Just took a bath to get the swamp off me. The last thing I want to do is enter a smelly dungeon."

Kashi’s brow rose. "Isn't that a bit shallow for an adventurer?"

"I’m a bard, not an adventurer,” Lunette corrected with a sly grin. “I'm not obligated to enter any dungeons."

Kashi had to admit she had a point. He considered his options and decided she could indeed help him out, "In that case, want to help me out?"

Lunette nodded. "Sure, why not. What with?"

Kashi scratched his chin. "Need a model for a painting."

"Hmm, sounds fun. I’ll do it,” Lunette agreed with a happy smile.

"Glad to hear it,” Kashi said then exited the village with Lunette to the nearby grasslands. Kira scampered off to go hunting when they got to the fields and left the two to their devices.

Kashi searched for a spot that matched his tastes then took out the high-level painting materials he obtained from the fort. He set up a giant easel upon which he placed a human-sized sheet. He wanted the painting to really pack a punch. Kashi looked at Lunette when he was done with his set-up and warned, "This may take some time.”

"It's fine,” Lunette said as she sat on the warm grass beneath the shade of a tree. "You don't mind if I sing do you?"

"No, not at all. Do as you wish." The daeben rapped his brush against the blank sheet as he pondered on what a portrait of the goddess of the earth should look like. Kashi had never been big on religion, but even he could hazard nature would have to be depicted in the painting.

At this point, Lunette’s song carried over to Kashi. The enchanting, soothing notes calmed his hand and his head. The daeben recalled where he first met the young woman and his brush sprung to life. With careful strokes, an image slowly formed on the canvas. A figure of peace and beauty clad in green stood by a gentle stream. She caressed a white dove as birds hovered around, charmed by her splendor.

Masterpiece: You completed The Painting of the Earth Goddess Mera

The painting of the Goddess Mera, though not perfect will fill all those who gaze upon it with a sense of peace.

Artistic Value: 240

Effects: Increases the chance of rare item drop by 5% for 4 hours.

Level up: Intermediate Painting Mastery [1]

The effect does not overlap with another painting.

+20 Art

Number of Masterpieces created so far: 1

Kashi smiled, pleased by the results.

"Can I see it?" Lunette asked when she saw the daeben packing up.

Kashi flashed a teasing grin and shook his head. "Same time as everyone else."

Lunette pouted. "That's not fair! How do I know you didn't mess it up?"

Kashi said as he placed the painting in his inventory, "You don't. That'll make the unveiling all the more fun."

Lunette grumbled some more but eventually conceded. It wasn’t like she could grab the painting from Kashi’s inventory. Kashi and Lunette waited for Kira to return, then returned to the town.

A commotion by the town square caught their attention. Kashi and Lunette, drawn by curiosity, went to the check out the source of the disturbance. This led to the daeben letting out a wry grin when he saw the massive rock deposited at the center. The townsfolk certainly did not waste any time when it came to their patron goddess.

Kashi circled the boulder, inspecting the stone as he wondered what image would fit a hunting goddess. As if on cue, a confident, fierce, wisben Light Hunter flashed through his mind. Kashi leaked a smile as he pictured a powerful huntress with a bow and a companion. “That ought to work."

Kashi, already in the zone, took out a hammer and chisel and set to work chipping away at the stone. Clang clang clang! He relied on the system's auto-guide to cut down the rock but still ensured he retained a measure of control.

Sculpting was far too sensitive of a craft to leave entirely to the system as one misplaced chip could send cracks throughout the rock, destroying all the work that had been put in up to that point. With paintings, Kashi could paint over a blemish, or better yet, work it into the story itself. The same could not be said for sculpting. Cracks spelled the end of any work.

Lunette watched Kashi work. Five hours passed and he had barely thinned out the rock. There was no visible progress she could latch on to. Lunette, bored out of her mind, said, "I think I'll go meet up with the others." If Kashi registered her words, he did not show it. The young woman sighed and turned to Kira. "Want to come with?"

Kira looked from her to the daeben and instantly made her choice. She accompanied Lunette out of the town.

The first day passed, and it seemed Kashi was no closer to completion. His zeal for perfection prevented him from rushing, and he put careful consideration in each strike of the hammer. A corner of his mind noted how unfair it was that buildings could be made in hours, but he was forced to overwork himself for one statue. However, this thought only surfaced for a moment before he pushed the notion out of his mind and focused on the image he wanted.

Unlike her twin sister, Fera should be feral, with a striking presence. How about a partner? A wolf maybe.

Clang clang clang clang!

Kashi’s strikes picked up speed as his imagination took on a 3-D form his head. He did not notice the small crowd that formed around him on the third day. News of the new statue had quickly spread, and visitors trickled in from all over the delta to bear witness to their savior's work.

Not only did Kashi not notice them, but he forewent food for over five days. So far gone was the daeben that he did not see the notification telling him he had completed Fladnag's quest. If he did not possess an incredible vitality, he would have long since perished.

By the seventh day, the statue's outline finally began to surface. Terrifying, yet assuring. Wild, yet homely. The warrior wisben, accompanied by a direwolf had its eyes transfixed on the horizon. The hunter goddess was clad in dragon scale armor and had her face obscured by a low-hanging hood. She brandished a fully drawn bow, trained at some faraway target while the direwolf circled her, snarling at any would-be attackers.

Contrary to Mera's comforting smile, Fera smirked with confidence. The sculpture was so fierce that the villagers halted their construction work to stare, amazed.

"Oh, wow!"

"Would you look at that!"

"Heavens!"

For the first time since Kashi started working, he finally let himself take a short break. Not that he had a choice. His hands shook, his vision was blurry, and his throat was hoarse. He had fallen into his habit of becoming over-engrossed in an activity, but even he did not dare to apply the finishing touches in his current state for fear of a mistake.

Kashi stumbled to his home, made a hearty meal, then joined Stryke and the others in his dining room. Hektor, who had been won over by Stryke’s honest attitude competed with the kid in a match of arm-wrestling. Sara told them off for playing at the table, while Yuna and Lunette played with Kira. Shadow watched over the proceedings from a corner of the room, his smile hidden by a face mask.

Kashi glanced at the occupants of the jubilant and loud table and immersed himself in the strange but welcoming atmosphere. Craig shared a look with the daeben, and Kashi smiled in return. Moments later, the daeben retired to his bedroom and dropped into a heavy sleep.

Kashi woke up half a day later and promptly returned to the statue, determined to finish it. The chisel chipped away, fining out the details. Nothing was left half-assed. From the engravings on Fera’s arrows to the wolf's molars; every nook and cranny received the utmost attention.

As the statue neared completion, Kashi struggled to calm his shaking hands. He controlled his mood and, with a final touch on the statue's smile, the goddess was complete.

Elecurb gazed up at the finished work in amazement and bowed, crying, "It's Lady Fera! She has come down upon us!"

A random warrior bowed and prayed to the goddess. "Oh, mighty Fera! May my arrow strike true!"

New Masterpiece!

You Completed The Statue of Goddess Fera!

Art is not always recognized for the style and skill of the work in question. It is worthy of being called great art as long as it touches many hearts and cleanses many minds.

The statue of Goddess Fera, in all of her ferocious command, will forever hold the public eye.

Artistic Value: 280

Effects: Increases ATK by 30% for 4 hours after gazing at it.

Effect does not stack with other statues.

Number of Masterpieces Created so far: 2

Level up: Intermediate Sculpture Mastery [1]

Enables you to produce more delicate and detailed works.

Overall Fame rises by 50 points. (+50 Fame)

Art rises by 20 points. (20 Art)

Endurance rises by 5 point. (+5 END)

Kashi fondly gazed at the statue and was filled with an uplifting sense of accomplishment. He sauntered to the renovated temple and placed the painting of Freya in a specially crafted frame. He hung it above the altar, a symbol of warmth and love to all who gazed upon it.

Quest Complete: Cultural Restoration.

The painting and sculpture in Ranad will galvanize the people with bravery and warmth.

Regional Fame: +200

Overrall Fame: +80

Your influence in Ranad (among Summoned) has reached 90%

Ist: Kashi (90%)

2nd: Lunette (10%)

Kashi’s lips curled up in a satisfied smile. His efforts had indeed paid off. He had successfully gained the trust of the southwest, and effectively stamped out Absalon’s influence in this region.

Strategically, it was beyond a heck of an achievement. Absalon had gone for money, forgetting that without the people on his side, his reign would be temporary at best. A weak, short-sighted option.

The township erupted in celebrations dedicated to the new shrines, but Kashi was too distracted to participate because he finally noticed he could go meet Fladnag for his class.

Kashi quickly bade goodbye to Lunette, Stryke and the rest, and granted them permission to use his home as they pleased.

"I'm coming," Hektor insisted but Kashi shook his head.

"I must do this part alone,” Kashi adamantly insisted. “I'll contact you guys in a few days."

"Sure thing bro! ," Stryke declared and thumped his chest. “We'll be waiting!”

Kashi and Kira stopped by Cera, the alchemist’s shop on their way out to turn in the items she requested. The alchemist was so overjoyed by the amount he brought back that she gave him three elixirs which fully restored the recipient's health, mana, and ki respectively.

Kashi bid goodbye to the alchemist then headed for Nama Woods. The daeben rapidly clenched and unclenched his right fist in anticipation as he wondered what class the wizard would give him. If it were anything like Leila’s, then it would certainly be worth all this hassle.

"Chapter thirty-seven," Fladnag mumbled as he sipped his tea. "Not too bad if I say so myself. Would have sworn his tale would have ended much sooner."

"What is this chapter you speak of?" Yankal's ever-present voice asked.

"Hoho, it's my little secret. Anyway, it seems our young friend is back."

"... Hmm, he has the wolf with him. I stand corrected."

"What did I tell you? My eyes never lie."

Nama Woods

4:23 am, 27 th Peniel 1091.

Kashi and Kira stopped in front of Fladnag's home and found the wizard patiently watching them from his doorstep.

"You seem to have had quite the adventure, Darkling," Fladnag remarked with a teasing smirk as he looked at Kira.

"It was eventful," Kashi replied. He had no desire to tell the crazy coot more than he had too. Though a part of him told him he did not need to.

Fladnag ignored the daeben’s cold attitude and said, "I guess you want your quest now?"

‘This better have been worth it, old man!’ Kashi nodded and said, "Yes."

Fladnag revealed a mischievous grin. He enjoyed toying with the delf. "Okay then. Go to Aktaver's lair. You will see a slight denture on the west wall on the bottom floor." He tossed Rosario's branch to the daeben and said, "Place this in there, make your way to the end of the lair, and defeat the monster that lies within. Be warned, you must do this on your own, or you won't receive the class."

Kashi gripped the branch, and his lips parted in a bold grin. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Well, then, the location is marked on this map,” Fladnag said as he conjured a map out of thin air and handed it to the daeben. “Get going now."

Kashi examined the contents of the map. As expected, the system notified him of new locations that had been added to the system map. Kashi thanked Fladnag and turned to make his leave when he received a system prompt.

SYSTEM WARNING

Scheduled maintenance in an hour. All players should please proceed to a safe zone and log out. We will not be responsible for any avatars lost outside the safe zones .

Kashi cursed and temporarily took residence in Fladnag's home then logged out.

Kashi’s Room

Residential Sector.

6:45 pm, Sunday, 3 rd May 2043.

Suzuki glared at the reminder on his PDA to attend the formal banquet in the evening. He could not believe they had interrupted Kashi for something as mundane as this.