Chapter 012

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‘ ‘ for thoughts.

“ “ for speech.

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Jack exited the stone chamber after thoroughly searching it for loot, and searched the rooms of the bandits for any possible loot. He freed each chained woman with a key, which he usually found somewhere nearby in the alcove. Jack gave them a choice of living or dying. He told them that if they didn’t want to live, he could kill them here and now, allowing their souls to pass on. If they wanted to live however, he would guide them along for a while. Only four of the captive women wanted to live. The rest of the women either begged Jack to kill them or were too unresponsive, and Jack dispatched of them anyway.

‘They are NCPs anyways. It’s a mercy to kill them now rather than leave them for further torture. I can’t babysit them anyways.’ Jack rationalized his killing of the victims. Jack had found the master key of the cages in the stone chamber. Jack, followed by the captive women, entered the huge cavern with the prisoner cages. There were around 60 people in a dozen cages. Jack said loudly:

“I will free you shortly after I identify and repair the weapons of these goblins. We will make a stop at a nearby village, before I entrust you to the guards at Rotang City. Some of you may have relatives or lovers looking for you. Many of these crates and barrels contain weapons, but a few contained various trade goods like silk and ingots. I expect each of you to arm them and carry the rest of it. Half of the proceeds from the sale of this loot, you can keep to help you in your new life, and half I will keep.”

Jack paused and glanced around. He wanted to save them, and had planned to use the captives as mules for all the low quality weapons stockpiled. ‘I have to report to Captain Zubin anyway, might as well drop them there. I need to prevent them from deserting with my loot, a small share of it and a threat should be sufficient.’ Jack thought as he continued:

“If you do not wish to fight, say so now, and you can be on your way with a single weapon of your choice. If you desert on the way to Rotang however, I will not hesitate to strike you down and strip you naked for the wolves.” Jack let loose a force bolt at a nearby crate, smashing it, to demonstrate his point.

Jack then organized the loot, committing it to memory. He then opened all the cages and asked them to eat the roasted lizards and rats if they were hungry, but to maintain order, or he won’t hesitate punishing them. Jack then grinded his Mana Identification and Mana Repair on the low quality weapons used and stocked by the goblins. There were around 150 of them in all. He kept the best ones in his inventory, while leaving around 140 poor quality ones for the captives to arm themselves.

Jack then instructed each of them to arm themselves, and warned them that he knew how much of each item was present, and won’t tolerate if any of it went ‘missing’. Jack then approached the man, who had first spoken to him and asked him for any knowledge he had. The man was remarkably calm for the situation and explained the operation in brief.

The spellcaster needed people to power his ritual. He had intimidated a group of goblins into service and used the bandits to manage them. The goblins attacked lightly guarded caravans and small groups on the roads and took prisoners. The bandits could use the women captives as they wished, as long as the spellcaster got enough bodies for his ritual. A few parties of travelers had encountered by the goblin sentries. A goblin sentry would rush in and warn rest of the goblins and the bandits, and the travelers were quickly slaughtered.

Jack assumed that parties had rushed in head on and were decimated by the combined might of the goblins and the bandits. Having faced such crushing defeat, the players had probably decided to grind elsewhere and tackle this encounter at higher levels. Jack realized that he was lucky as he had avoided the sentries and caught the bandits distracted. If the sentries alerted rest of the goblins and the bandits, he would have been dead for sure. Jack double checked the captives and led them towards the village of Falluen. It was a short walk to reach there.

The guards looked hesitant allowing so many armed people into the village. Jack patiently explained that they were the goblin captives. He had some business with Chief Wolnoth, and then he would take them to Rotang City to meet Captain Zubin. After the guards led them in, Jack guided them to Chief Wolnoth’s House. He instructed them to surround the house and wait for him.

Jack knocked and Chief Wolnoth opened the door. There was shock registered momentarily on his face. Jack forced his way in, and motioned the Chief to have a seat. He kept the door ajar. Jack then chuckled and said:

“Surprised Chief Wolnoth? Didn’t expect me to survive? I may not look like much…but looks can be deceiving.” Jack said. Chief Wolnoth stammered:

“Not at all, traveler. I am glad you have returned safely with the captives. How can I help you now?” Jack had a look of rage on him and he growled:

“Do I look like an idiot old man? I know that the trail was watched by goblin sentries, and it wasn’t a coal mine, abandoned or otherwise. Now those people were captives for long and have watched many of their fellow captives die. They stared helpless as the bandits raped and disposed their wives and daughters. One word from me, and they will kill you and your family. And I bet many of the villagers will join in too if I reveal your role. Now cut the shit and tell me the truth!” Chief Wolnoth was visibly intimated and continued:

“Forgive me traveler, I did the only thing I could do for greater good. Our village is peaceful, and would have been no match for the goblins lead by the bandits. In return for sacrificing a few nearby caravans and warning them of potential threats, they left us mostly in peace. My first duty is to my family and my village.” Jack glared coldly and said:

“The ex-captives outside are ready to lynch you and your family. Or they can restrain others as I drag you to Rotang to face judgment from Captain Zubin. I am not a hero of justice however. Convince me why I should leave you alone.” With an emphasis on convince. The Chief looked visibly relieved and said:

“I thank you for your understanding traveler. I have saved up some gold and am in possession of a rare enchanted amulet. You can have them, if this stays between us. I will also instruct the shopkeepers to provide you a discount on your purchases and to purchase your loot at a premium” Jack grunted and continued:

“Hmm, that is cheap for your life old man. Now get on with it.” Chief Wosnoth returned with a steel amulet and a pouch of coins. The amulet looked plain, but jack could see a higher than usual intensity of mana from it. The chief also handed him a few notes, and assured him that he would receive a 10% bonus to his transactions. Jack threatened the Chief one last time with dire consequences, and left his house.

Jack then sold most of his loot inside the village shops, taking advantage of the Chief’s notes. He sold most of the weapons and brigandine armor he had acquired. Jack collected all the gold, and kept his word by giving the former captives a portion of their gold. After distributing the gold (excluding the Chief’s bribe), Jack was in possession of 84 gold, 56 silvers and 32 copper. He had also kept a ring, a bracelet, the Chief’s Necklace, a few weapons, leather body armor, and a leather pants. These were the items Jack could equip and he reviewed them:

Fine Iron DaggerType:Weapon: Dagger (One Handed)Durability:100 / 100Rarity:CommonGrade:EThis is an iron dagger with decent craftsmanship. You can use this to poke your foes!

Restrictions: Lv30, 50 AGI and 25 STR

Bonus on Equip: +30 ~ 50 Damage

Fine Iron Long SwordType:Weapon: Sword (One Handed)Durability:100 / 100Rarity:CommonGrade:EThis is an iron long sword with decent craftsmanship. You can use this to slash your foes!

Restrictions: Lv30, 50 STR and 25 AGI

Bonus on Equip: +45 ~ 80 Damage

Fine Iron Battle AxeType:Weapon: Axe (Two handed)Durability:120 / 120Rarity:CommonGrade:EThis is a massive axe wielded with both hands. It is made of iron with decent craftsmanship. You can use this to bash your foes!

Restrictions: Lv30, 75 STR

Bonus on Equip: +90 ~ 160 Damage

Fine Iron Morning StarType:Weapon: Mace (One handed)Durability:100 / 100Rarity:CommonGrade:EThis is a spiked iron mace of decent craftsmanship. You can use this to smash your foes!

Restrictions: Lv30, 60 STR and 15 AGI

Bonus on Equip: +60 ~ 90 Damage

Leather ArmorType:Armor (Light)Durability:100 / 100Rarity:CommonGrade:EThis is body armor made of leather offering some protection, yet allowing agile movements. The leather and craftsmanship are of moderate quality.

Restrictions: Lv30, 50 Agi and 25 VIT

Bonus on Equip: +30 Phy Def

Leather PantsType:Armor (Light)Durability:100 / 100Rarity:CommonGrade:EThis is leg armor made of leather offering some protection, yet allowing agile movements. The leather and craftsmanship are of moderate quality.

Restrictions: Lv30, 50 Agi and 25 VIT

Bonus on Equip: +20 Phy Def

Copper Ring of Arcane PowerType:Accessory(Ring)Durability:50 / 50Rarity:UncommonGrade:EThis is an enchanted copper ring which boosts your Intelligence and Wisdom. Accessories of this type are popular among arcane spellcasters.

Restrictions: Lv30, 50 INT

Bonus on Equip: +10 INT, +10 Wisdom

Copper Bracelet of FocusType:Accessory(Bracelet)Durability:50 / 50Rarity:UncommonGrade:EThis is an enchanted copper bracelet which boosts your Willpower and Concentration. Accessories of this type are popular among spellcasters, s it allows them to focus on their spellcasting in the heat of battle.

Restrictions: Lv30, 50 Willpower

Bonus on Equip: +10 Willpower, +10 Concentration

Dryad's Silver Amulet of LifeType:Accessory(Necklace)Durability:75 / 75Rarity:RareGrade:EThis is a silver amulet which blessed by a minor nature spirit. It boosts your Life and Physical resistance.

Restrictions: Lv40

Bonus on Equip: +200 Max HP, +5% Physical Resistance

Jack equipped the ring, bracelet, amulet, leather armor and leather pants. He also hid the dagger in his leather boots and sheathed the sword in a sheath near his waist. He had to spend a few silvers on a leather belt and the sheaths for his long sword and dagger. But all in all it was quite a profitable haul which provided him decent equips.

Jack then gathered all the victims and set for Rotang city. It was mostly a long and uneventful journey. Periodically, Jack hunted wolves and bears to feed his retinue. After a while, it was time for jack to have dinner in real life. He instructed the captives, that he would return in a few hours. They could continue along the path to Rotang at a gradual pace, and he would catch up to them when he returned.

Jacob logged off Asunder Online. He prepared a dinner of boiled rice, pan fried beans and an omelet of egg whites. He did a few stretches, took a quick shower and had dinner while browsing forums dedicated to AO. He received a few IMs from his office friends, but explained to them that he was in the middle of another quest, and that he would update them tomorrow in office anyway.

After jack finished his dinner, he logged in to AO using FuDi Mode. He sprinted till he depleted 3/4th of his PP, then walked till he regenerated his PP. He managed to reach the captives in some time and after a while, they reached Rotang City.

Jack explained the guards, that these were kidnapping victims and he had received a quest regarding them from Captain Zubin. Hearing Captain Zubin’s name, they let him in and one of them accompanied jack and the captives to Captain Zubin’s Office. The captives waited outside, while Jack went in to meet Captain Zubin.

Jack then explained his ambush of the Goblin hideout. He explained how the bandits who were leading the goblins were abusing the women when he dispatched them. Captain Zubin had an expression of disgust at hearing this. Jack went on to explain, how the main leader was the spellcaster who had an ambition to be a lich and that Jack had taken care of him.

When asked by Captain Zubin, how jack managed to deal with a to-be Lich, Jack hid about his spirit eating abilities. He said that he had crippled and maimed the spellcaster, rendering him unable to cast spells. Then he had found and destroyed the phylactery nearby and finished him off. Jack also hid the role Chief Wosnoth with the goblins. He rationalized that the main threat was over, and he had extorted him anyways. After hearing jack’s account, Captain Zubin seemed visibly impressed and said:

“Impressive traveler, this is beyond my expectations. The best I had hoped for is a solid lead, but not only did you eliminate the threat, you also helped the captive victims reach here. We will wrap it up from here. Some of these people have relatives waiting for them, so it won’t be an issue. Rest of the men can probably find work as miners or farmers.” Captain Zubin paused and a look of sorrow was visible. He continued:

“If the women have skills in cooking, tailoring or herbology, I can get them placed as cooks in the castle or with the respective guilds. If they lack the required skills however, the city brothels are all that’s available, I am afraid.” Captain Zubin paused observing Jack. Jack appeared to be apologetic, but in truth what he was waiting for was the quest reward. Captain Zubin continued:

“Now we have to deal with the question of your reward. For information on the kidnappings, I was to give you 5 gold. You have exceeded my expectations, and I would like to reward you with more. But, I am only authorized to reward you with this sum.” Captain Zubin handed over a small cloth pouch, which Jack accepted. After jack finished counting the gold coins and storing it in his inventory, Captain Zubin continued:

“However, the city guards have plenty of business dealings with the various guilds in town. Normally, if you aren’t a crafting class and want to learn a crafting skill, you have to do a length apprenticeship where you help your mentor with menial tasks, as well as paying a substantial fee before learning it. Now the blacksmith’s guild, the alchemy guild and the enchanter’s guild owe me a favor. You can either obtain a hefty 20% discount on the services offered by one of the guilds for a month, or you can choose to learn one of these crafting skills.” Captain Zubin paused and waited for Jack’s answer.

Jack thought about his choice of reward. The 20% discount sounded appealing. He could buy potions for a discount and resell them slightly cheaper than NPC shops for a hefty profit as potions were always in demand. On the other hand, learning a skill sounded more useful in the long term. Since his class didn’t have any penalties or bonuses, he wouldn’t struggle to grind his crafting skills as much as other combat classes.

Jack pondered on which skill to learn. His playstyle wasn’t overly dependent on weapons and armor. So blacksmithing wouldn’t compliment his playstyle much. Alchemy was good, as potions were always in demand. But MP restoring potions only had 25% effect, and Jack figured that collecting the various herbs and alchemical reagents would be pain. Having made up his mind Jack replied:

“I would be very thankful if I could learn the art of Enchanting Captain Zubin.” Captain Zubin gave a snort. He took some parchment and quickly wrote a note. He handed the note to Jack saying:

“Meet Tristan. He is the Head Enchanter of the Enchanter’s Guild here in Rotang. This note should allow you to meet him. However…he can be eccentric. Attempt to learn Enchanting all the same. If it doesn’t work out, return to me and I will refer you to the alchemist or blacksmith’s guild.” Captain Zubin said with an apologetic expression. Jack pocketed the note, thanked Captain Zubin and was about to leave, when he heard:

“Oh one more thing Jack. In 20 days from now, we will send an expedition to exterminate a colony of giant arachnids. They are quite strong and have started getting bold, preying on people traveling the main roads. The whole expedition should take around a week. If you are interested you can join it.”

Jack thought that it was fortunate, as the expedition coincided with a weekend in RL! ‘Maybe the AI is arranging stuff on the weekends purposefully! This will be a good chance to level-up with a party.’ Jack thought as he replied without hesitation:

“Yes Captain Zubin, I would be honored to join this expedition.”

“Good then be present here after breakfast in 20 days” Captain Zubin grunted. Jack left the barracks, and after quickly consulting his map, Jack went towards the Enchanter’s Guild. He used Captain Zubin’s note to gain an audience with Head Enchanter Tristan. Although Jack couldn’t understand why the other guild members were giving Jack looks of pity, he guessed it had to do with the Head Enchanter’s eccentricity.

Jack was soon outside the Head Enchanter’s office. Jack knocked and waited for a reply. After a while, hearing no response, he knocked again harder. Jack knew that Head Enchanter Tristan was inside, but was wondering why he wasn’t responding. ‘Maybe he is sleeping. I need to knock harder.’ Jack thought as he activated force gloves and ‘knocked’ as hard as he could. There was an audible crunch from the door and the imprints of his knuckles were visible. Jack was about to ‘knock’ again, when he heard a raspy voice from inside:

“Oh for Gaia’s sake stop breaking my door and enter.” Jack suppressed a grin and entered. He saw a bald old man wearing aquamarine robes doodling on some parchment. He had a short crop of gray hair and was clean shaved. Jack bowed and said politely:

“Greetings Head Enchanter Tristan. It is an honor to meet you.” The Head Enchanter was visibly pleased at this flattery, but snorted and said:

“Don’t waste my time boy. What do you want? And why were you allowed to meet me?” Jack handed the Head Enchanter Captain Zubin’s note and said:

“I wish to learn the noble art of enchanting, Head enchanter. Captain Zubin directed me to you to for that purpose.”

“Not just anyone can learn enchanting right off the bat. You need dedication and skills to be a good enchanter.” Head Enchanter Tristan said.

“I am ready to dedicate myself and follow your guidance, Head Enchanter.” Jack said politely while he mentally imagined slapping the old fool silly. Head Enchanter grunted and said:

“We will see about that. You must ‘dedicate’ 50 gold to our guild. That will be a start.” The Head Enchanter was shocked when Jack placed 50 gold on his desk. This was more than double the cost of a regular apprenticeship. He quickly pocketed the gold, while Jack was crying mentally.

“Good Good. Now you can’t learn enchanting from me unless you can directly manipulate mana without hermetic structures.” Head Enchanter Tristan said. He clearly didn’t expect the answer he received from Jack.

“Yes head Enchanter, I can directly manipulate mana.” Jack said. Head Enchanter Tristan snorted and said in a mocking voice:

“Yes sure you can. And I am 20 years old, with all the ladies pining for my sensual touch.” Jack was almost about to punch his sneering face, but he controlled himself. He activated mana fists in his hand and sent a blast of fire attuned mana in the air, to demonstrate his point. On witnessing this, Head Enchanter Tristan’s Jaw dropped. He was shocked that Jack actually knew the lost art of mana manipulation. The Head Enchanter recovered and boomed in a magically enhanced voice:

“Skinny apprentice, come to my office at once.” Jack was taken aback at this. Since the Head Enchanter wasn’t offering him a seat, he took one anyway. After a few seconds, a skinny boy of 16 wearing gray robes entered and said:

“Master, my name is ---“

“Shut up brat. Did I ask your name? Now get me an enchanting skillbook written by that fat journeyman. Also bring along a book cataloging the basic runes.” The apprentice looked shocked and said:

“But Master ---“

“Just listen to your master boy! Now do as I ask!” Head Enchanter Tristan roared. The apprentice just whimpered and left. Jack kept a poker face, but he was both irritated and amused at the Head Enchanter’s behavior.

After a few minutes, the apprentice kept a couple of books on the desk and retreated as fast as he could. The Head Enchanter smiled crazily at Jack and said:

“Initially I thought to just shoo you away. But lucky for you I am in a good mood! Use the skillbook to instantly learn about Enchanting and its main subskills instantly!” Jack was surprised at the sudden eagerness of the Head Enchanter. But he shrugged regardless and used the skillbook.

“You were smart enough to use the skillbook? Good! Now you should have the Enchanting skill, and two subskills, namely Bestow Enchant and Absorb Enchant. Enchanting at its core, is altering the mana signature of a product.” Head Enchanter Tristan explained. He pointed to the other book and said:

“Now that is a book detailing the most basic runes any enchanter should know. You feel the mana in an object and carve the runes into it. Initially, you will be able to imbibe an object with only one rune. But later of you can use more runes on a product, combine multiple runes into glyphs, and use multiple glyphs!” Head Enchanter paused for a bit. He observed Jack while continuing:

“If you come across any enchanted item, you can use the subskill Absorb Enchant to restore a portion of your mana and learn the runes used. After learning runes you can use Bestow Enchant to enchant an item. The better quality material an item has, the more powerful your enchants are. You can memorize common runes from that book and try it out on items you find.” Jack pocketed the book and wept mentally.

‘All the loot from the goblins, except the accessories I am using was mundane. If I had known enchanting then, I could have enchanted it before selling.’ Jack thought as he resolved to identify, repair and enchant all loot he obtains. Head Enchanter Zubin continued:

“Since you have paid me 50 gold, I will authorize you to use your apprentice enchanting. You can practice your enchanting skills on copper and iron accessories there. However, you can only take away accessories which you have paid for or were yours originally.” Head Instructor Zubin handed Jack a steel gray card. Jack pocketed the steel gray card and went to the library.

He was immersed in memorizing runes when he received an alarm signifying that it was Monday morning. Sighing, Jack logged off and woke up. He did a few stretched, and went for his morning parkor circuit. He then took a quick shower, had a cold breakfast of ham sandwich and left for work.

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