Chapter 010

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‘ ‘ for thoughts.

“ “ for speech.

Please point out any mistakes/inconsistencies you find and feel free to comment on anything regarding this FF.

I am looking for Proofreaders! Please PM me if you are interested!

I had some free time, and managed to finish this chapter early!

I may not reply to all comments, but I sure am reading all of them!

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Jacob climbed out of his FuDi capsule and sighed. ‘Today is Saturday. I just have this weekend, and then it is back to work.’ Jacob thought. He took half a pound of marinated pork belly and set it to bake for 40 minutes. Jacob then prepared some noodles with carrots, capsicum and peas. With his dinner of baked pork belly and noodles ready, Jacob decided to check online on the latest developments of AO.

Most regular players were in the mid to late twenties. Players, who had started in the city of Rotang, had moved on from wolves to hunting lv29 bears in parties. This surprised Jacob. He had assumed that he would be behind the curve, as his first four weeks he was level zero. But clearing the exclusive catacombs solo had made him higher level than most…even if he was poorer.

Jacob was sure there were dark gamers (gamers who played primarily to auction in game items for real money) who exceeded him in level and equipment and had discovered better hunting grounds. Jacob browsed the website which auctioned in game items for real money, operated by VDI. Most items for sale were uncommon Grade E items, and they went for around 20 to 30$. ‘I guess AO needs more time for it to mature. It has barely been 2 weeks since its release. Still people buying low level items for 30$, means there is future here.’ Jacob thought as he reasoned the real money transactions.

Jacob browsed the VDI auction portal and researched a bit more in depth. There was no way to turn in game currency to real world money, and vice versa. However, in game items could be auctioned for both real world money and in game currency. It looked like ten silvers in game was roughly worth 1$ of real money, if the auction s were anything to go by. He noticed this, because there were many items buyable in shops, which were up for fixed price sales! They were mostly potions, ammunitions for archers and hermetic spell books.

While Jacob was pondering this development, he decided to register an account with VDI. He used the tag “salesman1234” and entered his bank a/c details and his linked phone number. Jack had finished his dinner and was about to log in, when his Instant Messenger (IM) beeped. It was the group chat his colleagues from office used. Jacob joined in:

Jacob: Hey guys wassup? Long time no see!

Carlos: Hiya Jacob! I am almost Lv28! Hunting with a party. Some sort of rodents and hyenas.

Adam: Oh u lv30? Nice! But I am Lv29! Being a priest means I am always in demand for parties! Take that Carlos! Hah!

Dion: Oh Nice! I am just lv26, doing a quest to gain a patron deity now, so won’t levelup for a while!

Carlos: So you still just a warrior huh? Magic is awesome! I discovered that using weak lightning spells on monster corpses, leaves their meat edible! No need to cook hahaha! Anyways Jacob what’s your level?

Jacob: Umm I am just lv33 now.

Carlos: WTF bro? You were lv 0 last week!

Adam: Yeah! What were you hunting?

Dion: Awesome dude!

Jacob: Remember my Grade ‘???’ quest? It lead to an E+ rank quest and exclusive access to a dungeon! I fought some rats, skeletons and huge fugly bats.

Carlos: And you soloed the dungeon? Shit! From my experience an E- difficulty quest takes a party of 6, around lv 20-25!

Dion: Did you get your class before tackling the dungeon? And what level did you start anyways?

Jacob: I started it as lv0 novice! And finished it as lv33 novice! I got my class after I finished the dungeon.

Adam: What class did you get anyways?

Dion: Adam! Remember what we decided! Don’t be so impatient!

Jacob: It’s cool Dion. It is some sort of monk! I got a couple of unarmed spells and void bolt!

Carlos: Dude, bolt is such a weak spell! It is good up to lv15 max. If your class doesn’t give you better magic… sounds to me like its gimped.

Jacob: Nah. The spell is just to agro mobs from afar! After that I punch them with melee spells! Fucking awesome I tell you!

Carlos: Meh pure mages better. Chain lightning fuck yeah!!

Adam: Leaving Carlos’ fetish aside, what should we do about meeting up? There doesn’t seem to be any sort of teleportation …yet

Jacob: Let us reveal our current locations, we can move on from there! The world map is up on VDI’s website, with the starter cities marked. I am in Rotang City in the Human Kingdom of Hinazal.

Carlos: I am nearby Narby in the Aben Forests. It is more like an Elven Kingdom, though

Adam: I am near the city of Saham, in the Human Kingdom of Zaharbar.

Dion: I am near the mountain town of Cuzcaja, also in Zaharbar. Jacob, I checked the map. Looks like three of us are on the north side of the Bahyrst Ranges, while you are just to the south of it.

Jacob: Fuck. Guess that means you three can meet up early. It will take me quite a while to cross the mountains.

Adam: I think once we are rich enough, we should start our own guild! It will take three of us quite long to meet up and we will probably level up quite a bit. You can join us later, when you can Jacob.

Carlos: Yeah! Guild sounds like fun! Sucks to be you Jacob. You’ll be late to the party!

Dion: Don’t gloat Carlos. The Bahyrst range probably has plenty of high level monsters. When Jacob manages to cross it, he will out level you quite a bit!

Jacob: yeah sounds like a plan guys! But I am piss poor atm. I leveled up fast, but I only have around 12 gold. But I don’t plan to approach the mountain range anytime soon. I will be too weak for quite some time.

Adam: Dude…were you spamming healing potions to level up? Even with donating to my patron’s temple to boost faith, I have more than 30 gold. And that is after level appropriate equipment!

Jacob: :( Something like that guys. The dungeon also had shit loot. I just have a pair of gloves and boots now… Anyways, cya later guys. I am going to enjoy the last weekend of my vacation in AO.

Carlos: Guess I will log into AO too. Bye bros!

Adam: Sounds like a plan. Cya later.

Dion: Me too. ta ta!

Jacob stripped, and prepared logged in to AO using FuDi mode. When Jack woke up in the training hall, and noticed that it was past lunch time. Jack approached Instructor Theon and inquired:

“Instructor Theon, how strong should I be before I attempt to cross the Bahyrst range?” Instructor Theon laughed and said:

“Don’t even think about it now Jack! The monsters there are at least lv110! You should just explore south of here and gain power. Be at least lv100 even before you think about it.” Jack looked visibly crestfallen at this revelation and sighed:

“Any pointers where to start?” Instructor Theon pondered for a bit, before replying:

“Look for Captain Zubin, in the guard barracks and say that I sent you. He has his hands full, and would appreciate some help.” Jack thanked Instructor Theon and resolved to meet Captain Zubin. Instructor Theon also gave Jack another 4 gold as his portion of the wolf pelts Jack and Master Janus had collected. Jack noticed that he had gained barely 5% of xp slaughtering almost 100 wolves!

Jack decided to meet Madam Curie and salvage some intimacy with her. ‘I might not be able to learn any AoE spells now due to my low Mana Control, but it shouldn’t harm to keep myself in her good graces.’ Jack thought as he went towards the library. Jack knocked on the head librarian’s office and entered after hearing an affirmative. Madam Curie looked up from her paperwork and said:

“Ah Jack, welcome back! I may have overreacted on your folly, in our last meeting. So what brings you here?” Jack took out the book on elemental affinities and placed it on her desk, saying:

“I am here to thank you for all your help and guidance. I found this book very useful, but I don’t require it anymore. I also wanted to apologize about my earlier attitude. It seems that punching with mana isn’t the best of ideas. I am currently using void bolts while working on my Mana Control.” Jack realized that he had a slip of tongue and immediately regretted it. Madam Curie perked up on hearing about Mana Control and said:

“So you must have succeeded in the fool’s errand Theon sent you on then? Tell me about it” Jack then began his experience about the mutated rats, skeletons and the monstrous bats. He hid his act of spirit eating, and said that at the end of the dungeon he had contracted with an undead spirit. In return for destroying its phylactery, Jack had obtained Soul Affinity and his Mana Manipulation was upgraded to Mana Control. He also told her about Spiral Mana Bolt and Soul Strike. Madam Curie heard him with a straight face, and said:

“Well, it seems reckless of Theon! I will have a word with him about that!” Jack was alarmed and said:

“It is alright Madam Curie. I had volunteered for it anyway. I got a skill, a class and an affinity out of it, so it wasn’t so bad. Please keep the part about Mana Control and spirit contracting a secret, I haven’t told anyone else.” Jack thought he could see a flash of disappointment, for an instant, on Madam Curie’s face when he told her about his class, although he wasn’t sure about it. Madam Curie sighed and continued:

“Alright then, if you say so Jack. I can’t teach you anything more now. Be sure to meet me once you are Intermediate Lv5 in Mana Control! I have a gift for you, before you leave adventuring.” Madam Curie got up, rummaged through a cupboard and kept some greyish blue clothes on her desk. She gazed at Jack from top to bottom, before continuing:

“It seems Theon didn’t give you anything other than some gloves and a pair of boots. Here, take these clothes. It consists of a tunic, breeches and a hooded cloak. The tunic and breeches have a mild enchantment to boost your spell casting ability. The cloak meanwhile will protect you from the extremes of climate to some degree. Use them wisely. And don’t Mana Repair them until you are at least at Intermediate tier. Else you will just erode its maximum durability.” Jack accepted the set of greyish blue clothes and said earnestly:

“Thank you a lot Madam Curie! They seem extremely valuable!” jack then tried to identify them using system assisted Mana Identify. Each article of clothing took around 20 odd attempts. While Jack was busy trying to identify them, he didn’t notice Madam Curie’s expression. ‘Just how much MP does this boy have? He can’t be more than lv35…and he used Mana Identify more than 50 times!’ thought Madam Curie as she collected herself. After successfully identifying them, Jack summoned their Information Window:

Researcher’s Tunic Type:ClothingDurability:75/75Rarity:UncommonGrade:EThis is an enchanted article of clothing, usually worn by researchers.

Restrictions: Lv30 and 50 INT

Bonus on Equip: +5 INT

Researcher’s Breeches Type:ClothingDurability:75/75Rarity:UncommonGrade:EThis is an enchanted article of clothing, usually worn by researchers.

Restrictions: Lv30 and 50 INT

Bonus on Equip: +5 INT

Traveling Hooded Cloak Type:ClothingDurability:100/100Rarity:UncommonGrade:EThis is an enchanted article of clothing. This hooded cloak offers some protection from the extremes of climate.

Restrictions: Lv30, 50 INT and 25 VIT

Bonus on Equip: +5% to Fire and Ice resistance

Jack equipped his new set of clothes, thanked Madam Curie again, and left the Library. He summoned his MAP, and went towards the Guard Barracks to meet Captain Zubin. Jack faced some resistance, when he stated his intentions of meeting Captain Zubin. But after a presumably senior guard recognized him as “Theon’s Boy” He was then lead to Captain Zubin’s office. Jack noticed well-built wheat skinned bald man in Full Plate frowning at some documents. As Jack entered, the bald man looked up and said irritably:

“What do you want kid? I am busy here.”

“I was told by Instructor Theon to ask you if you had some tasks to complete, Captain Zubin. He seemed to think that you had your ‘hands full’.” Captain Zubin snorted at that and analyzed Jack before saying:

“You don’t look like much. But appearances can be deceiving and Theon did send you here.” He rummaged in the pile at his desk and took out a folded piece of paper.

“That is the map of the surroundings of Rotang City. It isn’t very detailed but it will do for what I have in mind for you. Now we have got reports of goblins kidnapping people from the nearby village of Falluen. It is around 2 day’s journey on foot if you stick to the roads. Now goblins are extremely stupid creatures. They usually raid farms and merchant caravans and kill their unfortunate victims before looting them.” Captain Zubin had a worried look on his face, and continued:

“They don’t bother with kidnapping or anything which requires plans really. I had dispatched guards to investigate, but they returned empty handed. Apparently, the goblins cease their activity whenever the guards approach. This seems to suggest that there is something controlling them. Now goblins are around Lv45, but whatever is controlling them seems to be much stronger. Now are you willing to undertake this task? I cannot guarantee your safety.”

Quest InformationNameInvestigate the Goblin KidnappersGradeEDescription

Captain Zubin has asked you to investigate reported kidnappings by goblins in the nearby village of Falluen. The goblins seem unusually organized, and may have a leader guiding them. Investigate them and report your findings to Captain Zubin.

Duration / Time Limit---Privileges

You get a map of the region nearby Rotang City.

Failure

You abandon the Quest. You will lose intimacy with the City Guards and Instructor Theon on failure.

Rewards

You will get a bounty of 5 Gold.

Depending on how you complete the task assigned, you may gain additional rewards.

“Yes Captain Zubin. I will undertake this quest.” Jack replied and accepted the map Captain Zubin gave him. Captain Zubin grunted and said:

“Good. Don’t take too long though…more people might get kidnapped.” Jack said his farewell to Captain Zubin. He then left for the south city gates. Jack used the map and memorized the path to Falluen Village. Jack mostly stuck to the roads. He took detours to refill his meat supply from monsters, and took every opportunity to refill his water canteen from nearby lakes and streams. While hunting, jack the opportunity to level his Spiral Mana Bolt and Soul Strike Skills. He of course, also skinned the carcasses and looted as much as he could. Jack had to log out once, for his parkour circuit and breakfast in RL. Finally, after 40 hours of travelling in game, Jack arrived at the village of Falluen.

It was a small village of around 1000 people spread over approximately 16 acres. Jack sold his wolf and bear skins at the local tanner. He had a total of 20 gold 32 silver and 46 coppers. He found directions to Chief Wolnoth’s place without much difficulty. The Chief greeted him:

“Greetings to you, traveler. I am Wolnoth, Chief of the humble village of Falluen. How can I assist you?” Jack noticed that, despite his politeness, Chief Wolnoth was shrewdly assessing him. Jack replied:

“I am Jack. Captain Zubin from Rotang City sent me to investigate the kidnappings nearby.” Chief Wolnoth looked visibly dejected and sighed.

“Honestly traveler, I was hoping for the detachment of a platoon of guards. Last time the guards tried to investigate, the kidnappings stopped. Their mere presence discouraged the goblins. These goblins seem shrewd and capable unlike most of their species. I don’t think your presence will deter them. You will only put yourselves in danger from these savage beasts.”

“Chief, I would like to try nonetheless. Can you provide me whatever information about these kidnapping?” Jack enquired. The Chief went to explain the tactics employed by the Goblins. They had their regular raids on lightly guarded merchant caravans and outlying farms. They usually stole only livestock from the farms, whereas they killed most of the caravans, but a few bodies were missing, presumably kidnapped.”

Jack digested this piece of information. But something seemed amiss to him. ‘If the goblins and their leader are so smart, why don’t they launch an organized attack on the village itself? There may be a thousand of these villagers. But I saw just 4 active guards. Most of them seem like low level non-combatants. Something is fucked up. This Chief knows more than he is revealing.’ Jack thought and groaned mentally.

“Chief, can you tell me possible hideouts of these goblins? I don’t plan to take them out, I am too weak. I just plan to gather some intel on them.” Jack said. Chief Wolnoth frowned and said:

“There is an abandoned underground coal mine a few hundred yards south west of here. The forest has reclaimed the nearby area now. That is my best guess anyway. Just follow the path leading south from our village. On the second intersection, take the faint trail leading westwards and follow it. There are some powerful bears there though. It takes a team of four hunters to bring down one of the beasts.”

“I will be sure to avoid them. Thank you for your help chief, I should get going.” Jack said as he exited Chief Wolnoth’s hut. Jack stocked around a dozen healing potions and around 30 darts before setting of towards the abandoned mine. In a few minutes Jack approached the almost invisible trail. Jack went off the trail.

He unequipped his current equipment, except his boots, and equipped he set of beginner clothes. ‘I don’t know how acute, the sense of smell goblins have. Never hurts to be cautious.’ Jack thought as he created a muddy puddle with his water canteen. Jack then proceeded to rub the mixture all over his body. Jack then moved stealthily through the woods, observing the surrounding s of the trail. He found a suspicious lack of wild life near the trail.

Jack also observed goblin sentries placed around the trail strategically. They were muscular humanoids standing around 5 feet tall and were just equipped with a loincloth and a weapon and had extremely ugly faces with a huge crooked nose. Their green skin allowed them to blend with the surrounding flora without much trouble. ‘If I had approached via the trail, I would have been spotted, before I could spot them. I would have forced to go into an all-out battle and alarm rest of them.’ Jack thought as he brainstormed a way to silently dispose them one by one.

Jack equipped his starting dagger. He wanted to distract them using force bolts and OHKO them with a slash to their throats from behind. His starting iron dagger was lacking attack power to do so however. Jack tried to channel force mana over the dagger coating it. It was a lot more difficult to do so than his fists. After Jack managed it, he willed the force mana to extend an inch around the blade. Jack then sharpened the force mana along the edge as much as he could and ending it at a sharp point one inch away from the point of the blade.

After Jack could maintain his Force Blade over the dagger blade without problem, Jack tried to stab a nearby tree. He felt surprisingly little resistance, and his shitty knife went through the though wood like a hot knife through butter. ‘This can be useful in so many ways.’ Jack thought. He then fired a force blast causing some leaves to rustle. The nearest goblin sentry had a stupid look on his face as it went to investigate the source of noise. Jack could make out it was a male, with the visible bulge in its loincloth.

Jack stealthily followed it, leading it with strategic force bolts. Once sufficiently far away, Jack quickly activated force gloves on his left hand. He then covered the mouth of the goblin with his left hand and slashed his throat with his Force Blade. He heard a satisfying gurgling sound as the goblin drowned in his own blood.

‘This is a pretty nifty way to assassinate. I bet the Brahman Sangha used similar techniques during The Divine Wars. Force affinity might not be good for a pure mage, but it does have its uses.’ Jack thought as he proceeded with his slaughter of the remaining sentries after looting the few coins and the goblin’s sword. He did not touch the filthy loincloth.

In a similar fashion, Jack carefully lured the remaining sentries away from their post and eliminated them. After dealing with around a dozen sentries, Jack reached the entrance of the abandoned mine. It was guarded by another couple of bored looking sentries. Jack disposed of them and entered the abandoned mine.

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