Immortal Frontier official forum, Hall of Fame section, Charles Lionheart thread.

“Am I dreaming? O.o”

“I feel you, man … I'm lost for words, too …”

“Guys, did this happened anywhere else in the world yet? Anyone?”

“Hahaha! Take that Blood Brothers! :P”

“So what, he didn't incur any stigma for this?”

“Guess not. Would be illogical.”

“I don't understand … how high is his reputation? And he achieved all that in a little more than one day? What gives?”

“Well, let's analyze it coolly – he has two titles now, and that silver badge must be superior to the bronze one, based on its color and the fact nobody else is boasting about attaining it. He somehow managed to get his lofty proclamation pinned on the City Hall's message board, which is just absurd. All the NPCs recognize him now, and even guard captains respect him. Frankly … they already view him as their hero …”

“Ridonculous … this dude is roleplaying like a champ!”

“It seems the various superpowers have vastly underestimated the value of reputation. While he actually plays the good guy, they only pretend with fake gestures, as their designated branches and contractors anonymously slaughter, sabotage and rob the NPCs for easy gains and experimentation. The smartest criminals in the world can't trick state-of-the-art behavioral software, so how could a bunch of wannabes do that?”

“Fair point. Looks like the face of reputation grinding will soon evolve. Those amateurs better start erasing their stigmas before the tutorial ends. It's either that or join the forces of darkness, because the middle ground will get none of the benefits, and all the handicaps. Outlaws still have to revive in the temple, after all.”

“Wait! What if the NPCs credit Lionheart for the changes to henchmen treatment in Geneva? You've all seen how ludicrously advanced the AI is, do you think that's possible?”

“Whoa! Whoa! If that were the case … I shudder to think of how much reputation he would accrue!”

“Yeah, and now it will further intensify …”

“Well, I guess the two portals are as good as his. Expect China and India to move in. Gonna get wiiild!”

“Hi, I'm new here. And you're all forgetting the obvious! Those morons stated their intent out in the open, in front of two guards! Just how stupid are they? :D”

“That never bothered the guards before, though. They couldn't care less if we kill and rob each other, they only maintain order for the sake of the natives.”

“Maybe it does bother them, but they need sufficient motivation to act?”

“Guys, massive news! Check this vid, Lionheart just used some premium service and looks completely refreshed! Presently, he's back at the expedition hall to resume his operation!”

“What the hell?!”

“No way!”

“Come one, that's cheating! So he doesn't have to rest? He can just go at it all day long?”

“Wooow … think about this – he can now earn as much money as an established guild …”

“My mind just went blank …”

“Huh?! An NPC led him to the sacristy?!”

“The previous rumors must be true, then. He has unlocked some hidden premium service after he went to a haunted dungeon and obtained the Ghost Buster title.”

“Oof, I hate ghosts … but it turns out they have to be tackled no matter what. Everyone will go crazy for them now …”

…

Blood Brother's guild residence, provincial capital city of Geneva, north-western district's outer area, Immortal Frontier.

Inside a modest bureau a swarm of players bustled like ants. While it appeared very basic and shabby, this was still a major accomplishment this early in the tutorial. It came at a great cost, but the new opportunities it pioneered were well worth it. The guild would no longer be treated like an interest group, but like a legal entity – in return for being subject to fiscal regulations, it would be officially open for business. This meant contracts, commissions, advertisement, licenses, and everything that came with it. As the first in the city, this signified a brief period of monopoly, which could be used to solidify the guild's position as a local overlord.

Blood Oath sat behind his desk, lounging leisurely, his boots propped against the fancy wooden surface. He was besieged with congratulatory messages from his allies, associates and collaborators, many of them coming out with their own plans and proposals to further their mutual fortunes. And yet, he wore a perpetually annoyed scowl. The grimaces he kept making were an overt sign to his subordinates to steer clear of him.

What monopoly?! Blood Brothers were the object of ridicule and derision! Everyone was laughing at him behind his back!

He was an illustrious leader of nearly 50 thousand experts for crying out loud! How could he possibly be happy?!

No. Something had to be done about this madman. And quick, because he was growing bigger and fatter every second. Otherwise, he would soon swallow Blood Brothers whole and spit out bones. And the worst part of it all – nobody else tried to stop him!

They were all cutthroats, eager to facilitate each other's demise at every possible juncture. But those fools didn't understand that their efforts to depose Blood Oath only served to crown a true tyrant, one that wouldn't bat an eyelid when wiping out his entire opposition.

Idiots, every single one of them!

“Chief, I think I've found someone who can help us deal with Lionheart!”

One of the messages intrigued the pompous fencer, alleviating the mood in his vicinity somewhat.

“Speak! Anyone who contributes to taking that bastard down will receive boundless rewards!”

“I've sent you a brief report, Chief.”

Blood Oath's expression immediately changed to one of confusion, but then a mischievous smirk developed gradually on his face.

“Have the Skyborne Lions send their men over right away! I want you to take action the moment the circumstances seem favorable!”

While his command put the cogs into motion, he reveled in delightfully nefarious anticipation.

“Haha! I need to contain my excitement. After all, revenge is a dish best served cold!”

…

“Calm down everyone, I'm not ready yet,” Carl confidently pacified the anxious mob of players and NPCs. “In 15 to 25 minutes I'll be taking the next group of locals with me. And since you all want to plan out your days efficiently, then I'll tell you this much – if all goes smoothly and without surprises, then I'll push for 27 more runs, so that all my wards can get their turn. No guarantees, though. I don't want to stay up past 3 in the morning.”

This bold proclamation elicited shock, bewilderment, awe, and glee. Carl, now pristinely clean and full of vigor, aimed at 37 runs within a day!

What kind of monstrosity was he?!

What did he do to restore himself this thoroughly?

And he could even repeat that?!

Suddenly, the various representatives who congregated in this outstanding auction venue felt a chill crawling up and down their spines. Were they … perhaps … feeding an awoken, starving behemoth? Was that … wise?

However, despite the surge of apprehension, many didn't mind it at all, overjoyed there would be 13 more runs with players. That was 52 spots! Maybe not enough to go around, but at least double of what they assumed. And tomorrow would be a new day, too!

Oblivious to this divide, Carl met up with Radiant Bulwark, who came with company.

“Haha! Brother Lionheart, you continue to exceed all expectations! Incredible! Stupendous!” He patted the hero affectionately. “Let's see Blood Brothers stand up to you now!”

“Heh, it was nothing. How's your settlement with the Skyborne Lions?”

“Oh, mine was never an issue. But I had to fight them hard for Bushido. He's a far more valuable asset to you than this incompetent uncle, and old Leon wasn't the only one I had to sway. Luckily, it's all good now. Here, let me introduce you – the esteemed Reckless Javelin! We were once teammates, long ago. He got his nickname for always heedlessly charging into battle. Not even being in the vanguard was enough for him – he had to spearhead every attack well ahead of others!”

“Oh, no-no, that's in the past. And you're painting me too favorably, Bulwark,” the stately newcomer objected amiably. “I used to be a dumb hothead, but I'm more laid-back now. I'm even a tank, so … go figure. Guess that's what family does to a man, hehe. A pleasure to finally meet you, brother Lionheart. I never thought I'd get this chance so soon.”

Carl merely nodded, observing the steel hulk intently.

“Anyway, Reckless is an unaffiliated mercenary now, so I decided to give him a shout, see what he's up to. Turns out he joined Immortal Frontier eager to rekindle the spirit of old times. What do you reckon, brother Lionheart, should we give him a try?” The axeman winked with a grin.

“You heard what I said in the arena. I do not throw words to the wind,” Carl responded solemnly. “The just who cultivate virtue have nothing to fear form me. Everyone else is my mortal enemy.”

Both strongmen recoiled visibly.

“Wow … you're as intense as they say,” Reckless Javelin remarked. “I'll do my best. My wife's drills are surely no less strict than in a boot camp, haha.”

Radiant Bulwark burst with laughter.

“That's Charles Lionheart for you! So, let's get down to business. You've stated 15 to 25 minutes, that means you're not coming with, correct?”

“No time,” Carl confirmed. “Will that be an issue?”

“Haha! Aren't you looking down on us a little too much? We've conquered rank 5 dungeons before, brother Lionheart!”

“Of course. So how will you do it? None of you encountered dire boars yet, right?” Carl investigated curiously. He simply couldn't imagine fighting mobile battering rams head-on. The only viable strategy was …

“Oh …”

Although Carl's tone was placid, the disappointment in his voice was palpable. The two women from their sparring session, Azure Firmament and Silky Smooth, were back, having changed into their actual getup – mage robes. He should have predicted as much from their choice of elven race.

“Whoa! Whoa! Brother Lionheart, maybe they will climb trees, but don't forget the two of us!” Radiant Bulwark defended ardently.

“Sorry. Got enough potions?”

“Mhm. We've tapped into your stockpile.”

“Let's go, then.”

Carl didn't even bother picking up the two related quests, he just went for the turquoise vortex leading to the rank 4 wild boars' nest. The pleasant woods were nearly identical to the ones he was used to. He swiftly recited a Scroll of Threat.

“Toothy, once you locate the boss, leave them and rush back to me. Be careful, because the boars won't all be together if I'm not present.”

“Don't worry, Master Lionheart, I've hunted them many times, it will be easy as pie,” Theodore assured merrily. Boars weren't remotely as fast and stealthy as wolves, so escape was not an issue so long as there were trees around.

Done with the arrangements, Carl lied down and took off his VR helmet. He felt pretty good, considering the hellish torment his nervous system went through the previous day. In those ten runs, he was yet to suffer serious injury, and the long fangs occasionally punching through the gravidon leathers were totally something to scoff at. He wasn't mentally tired, either, since he was still mostly running.

Only the weary bones …

His back didn't like lying in bed all the time. To this end, he grabbed a snack and did some stretching while eating, mindful of the 5-minute log-off.

“A gyroscopic cabin would be so nice … and I should be able to afford one soon. But how do I purchase it? The slightest move can expose me to an automated system check, and then it's all over. Wait … what if … ?”

Pursuing an ingenious thought, Carl jumped onto his bed and put his helmet on, closed his avatar's eyes, focused on his real body, and then … he slowly … rose up!

“Mhm, that's the edge … and … here … we … go!”

At first it was trivial, but then he reached for the avatar and opened its eyes.

“Woah!”

The sensations of lying down, while in reality he was standing up, created a vertigo-inducing dissonance.

“One step at a time …”

He warily got up from the forest undergrowth and synchronized the real body with the virtual one. Though he didn't have much practice, it also wasn't his first time experimenting with this level of multitasking, as it was useful in professional gaming.

“Let's begin with push-ups and squats.”

He couldn't make sharp movements or the helmet would get misaligned, disengaging the neural interference, the same way it did when removing it. Carefully, he began exercising, extending his senses to both bodies, smiling like a little child.

“This is awesome! I can train my real-life perception with this! And magic requires multitasking! Haha!”