Author's Note: Here ya go.

-----------------------

David heads back into the game. He thinks he has a pretty good idea on what he wants to draw. When he materializes in the game, Null goes into a store. He buys some sandwiches and walks around.

“Is this who I think it is?”

Someone says behind Null. Null refuses to turn around and keeps walking forward. The person puts his hand on Null's shoulder. Null turns around annoyed. He sees the person and sees that he look familiar.

“Who are you?” Null asks.

“Why you don't recognize your own grandfather?”

Null sees it now. It looks like a younger version of his grandfather.

“Let's walk around. We can go to a whorehouse or something.” Null's grandfather says.

“I'm at bit busy at the moment.”

“Well let me at least show you this cool trick I learned. Turn around and I'll show you.”

Null looks at his grandfather uneasily. His grandfather notices this and frowns.

“Now David, I've been noticing that you push people away, even your own family.”

“...”

“David, you have to learn to trust. If you can't even trust your own grandfather, who can you trust?”

“...”

“Just give me this one chance. We're family. I have been practicing this technique that people say looks like magic. Would you at least let me have this? I want you bragging to my daughter about this technique I learned. Learn to trust your family.”

David is moved. He then does what he's told and turns around.

'Maybe grandfather is ri-'

You have been killed by LeTrollKing. You have lost two levels.

“Easiest trick in the book sucker! Lololololololol!!!! Trollololololololol!!!!” David's grandfather yells out while frolicking into the sunset.

“Damn you old man!” Null shouts out while glaring at him.

Null's eyes then open wide.

'That's it! I know what I want to paint!'

When Null revives, he heads towards the studio and paints nonstop. It's a big picture and he stays up for 4 days straight painting the picture. When he's done, he's satisfied.

What would you like to name this picture?

“Um... How about Old Light?”

Congratulations! You have created a masterpiece! Anyone who sees this picture during sunrise or sunset will have their health increase by 25% , strength will rise by +40 for the day, dexterity will rise by +35 for the day, intelligence will rise by +50 for the day, wisdom will rise by +55 for the day, fire mages and clerics will have techniques powered up and additional 30%. Techniques involving fire or light will power up an additional 30%. Techniques involving darkness will fall 30%. Necromancers and dark mages will have intelligence decrease by -20 and wisdom -25. Buffs last for 24 hours. Does not overlap with additional sculptures or paintings.

'Wow. Those buffs are a bit much. Well, its my first time creating a masterpiece. I even gained some experience. Painting is going to be a little harder to level than the other classes because I will constantly need to find inspiration. Well, I don't need to see the painting guild master anymore. I think I'll leave as soon as I have gathered my supplies.'

Null leaves the studio. The picture is useless to him so he decides to leave it. It isn't long until Script, Aurora, and Rouge come in.

“I felt like, so inspired!” Aurora says to them.

“Really Aurora, could you not try to find us when we're in the middle of having sex?” Rouge says frustrated.

“But the images was like, so vivid! It really got my imagination juices flowing!”

“Is that what you call it?” Script says skeptical.

It was then that Rouge notices the painting Old Light.

“This is...” Rouge says shocked.

The picture is a contradiction. It shows the sun rising, giving the people life while at the same time destroying them. Some embrace the sunlight by running towards it while being destroyed. Some try taking bits of the sunlight fearing the sun, yet still being destroyed just the same. However there is one person who looks on at everyone else. He refuses to have anything to do with the sun at all.

He holds an umbrella staring at the foolish creatures running around. It's like he accepts that both the sun's creation and destruction are a fact of life, and it would be better to just not mess with the sun at all, yet this person has eyes of loneliness and desolation. What the sun and light represents, Null doesn't even know.

“My lord...” Rouge says.

Script and the others come over to see what has gotten Rouge so shocked. They become shocked as well.

“How...” Script says.

“It's like this painting is window into the soul!” Screams Aurora who starts dancing.

“Null is a far better painter than me.” Rouge says sadly.

“I think I saw Null at a store while heading in. He bought a lot of things in bulk. Looks like he's preparing to leave this city soon.” Script says.

“It would be a shame to leave this painting here. I'll catch Null and ask what he wants to do with all these paintings.” Rouge says while running to find him.

It didn't take long for Rouge to find Null.

“Null!” Rouge yells out. Null sees Rouge coming to see him.

“Are you about to leave Palperroth?”

“Yes.”

“What will you do about the paintings left in my studio?”

“Keep them or throw them away. They are useless to me.”

“But...”

“All I ask is that I be left in peace. Other than that, do whatever you want.”

Null then walks away to a different store. Rouge heads back to her studio.

“What did he say?”Aurora asks.

“He said to do whatever I wanted with them.” Rouge says while sighing.

“Will you sell them or claim them as your own?” Script asks.

She thinks a long while then says, “No. I'm going to show the world these amazing paintings and show people what an amazing painter Null is.” She says determined.

************

The Palperroth art exhibit. It's one of the hallmarks of Palperroth. The best artists in the city, and sometimes the world, have their art exhibited here. There is usually a long line at the entrance. Depending on what stats a person wants to raise, the person will find the painting that best works with them. Rouge shows up here. This causes the people waiting in line to stir.

“It's her!”

“Rouge is here!”

“She must have created another painting! I can't wait to see it!”

Since Rouge is one of the prominent artists there, she doesn't have to wait in line. She heads in and is greeted respectfully by the doorman.

“Excuse me Ms. Rouge. Allow me to get the director.”

“Thank you.”

Rouge didn't wait long before the director came down.

“Rouge, you should know that there's no reason for you to wait on me. No matter what's going on with my schedule, I will always have time for you.” Says the director in a polite tone. “I take it you're here to deliver us another painting?”

“Yes I am. However, the painting is not mine.” Rouge says nervously.

This causes the director to frown. “Now Rouge, I'm sure your friend is talented, but they just can't use you to get their art into this exhibit. You have to make it through with your own merits.”

“I agree. Can you at least agree to see the pictures before you make your decision?”

The director contemplates this. He is a very busy man. He doesn't have the time to just look at every drawing that comes his way. He also knows that Rouge is a very important contributor to the gallery. If he says no, she might just try to get her pieces removed from here.

“Very well. Let's see what this person's got.” The director sighs. He would rather not be complementing a five year old scribble saying the person has potential. He has already prepared a speech before hand.

'I'll just say that the person has potential. Then I'll say next time, wait until the person has garnered a lot of fame before seeing me. That should work.' Thinks the director.

Rouge first takes out a painting Null did of a dark and scary forest. It has the effects of given druids high bonuses while everyone else gets a medium bonus.

“My word...” The director says. He takes out an eye piece and starts examining the picture.

“What is the name of the person who drew this!? This would rank at among the top 50 in this gallery!”

“His name is Null. Of all the paintings I've gotten from him, this is the worst one.”

“....The worst one? Did I hear correctly?”

Rouge then proceeded to show the director one painting after another. Every new picture made the director more and more shocked. Rouge then took out Null's current best work, Old Light. When the director saw the picture, he cried.

“It's like he thinks the others are foolish for doing what they're doing, and yet there's a gaze of sadness and loneliness in his eyes.”

When the director saw the first picture, he had made up his mind to try and contact Null. Now, he wants to use all of his available resources to find Null.

“Rouge, please tell me. Where is Null currently? I absolutely must meet him!”

Rouge shakes her head. “I don't know. Even if I did know, I wouldn't tell you.”

“What? Why not?”

“When I received these pictures, Null said that I can do what I want with them, but he asked to be left in peace. I'm honoring that request.”

“I see.”

The director takes a thinking pose. “He wouldn't mind his work being displayed here?”

“I also do not know, but he did say I could do whatever I wanted with these paintings.”

“Mmm... Then it's settled. Tomorrow, I will do a feature on all these paintings. An unknown artist suddenly producing a masterpiece! We will sell out for sure!”

Later that day, there was a big announcement from the art exhibit. Several fliers went around advertising a new gallery. The last time the art exhibit had this big of a commotion was when Raphael Witte decided to donate his paintings to the gallery. People were wondering what was going on.

“Does anybody know what's going on with the art exhibit tomorrow?”

“I'm not sure. The person who handed me the flier said something about an unknown artist's work being featured in a gallery just for this person.”

“All this over an unknown artist? Well this person's works must be exceptional for them to go through all this trouble. I should buy a ticket before they sell out.”

These kinds of talks were going on throughout the city. Null had noticed everyone's animated actions and heard about the unknown artist being featured in the art exhibit.

'Maybe I should go look to see what has gotten everyone so excited before I leave.' Null thinks. 'Maybe I can find more inspiration for my art.'

Null goes and gets a ticket then goes back to the inn he's currently staying in. The next day, there was commotion going on at the art exhibit. Couldn't make a line because there were simply too many people. Art exhibit person comes out.

“Greetings all. I am the director. I like to thank you in joining me in the opening of a new gallery of a previously unknown artist. To tell the truth, I have never met this artist. However, I think whoever this person is must be incredibly complex. I would rather not say too much about this person. I will let this person's art do the speaking for them. The art exhibit is now open!”

People start running towards the new exhibit, curious as to how good the art is. When they make it, they see an entrance called, “House of Null.”

“Amazing!”

“This Null's work is even better than Rouge's!”

It's then that they make it to the painting, Old Light. They are really impressed.

“This picture at first made me really sad, but when I got the buffs, it made me incredibly happy.”

“Me too!”

“This Null is truly formidable.”

“How high must his painting level be?”

************

Null makes it inside trying to find new artist's paintings. He makes to the place called “House of Null.”

'Oh? This artist has the same name as me.'

Null them looks at the pictures. 'These paintings look sort of fami-.... Shit.'

Null heads for the exit when he hears people starting to get rowdy.

“It's him!”

“There he is!”

“Raphael Witte in the flesh!”

Raphael comes walking in with an annoyed look. It looks like people are constantly coming towards him talking to him and bothering him.

'This exact same scenario happened in the Painting Guild! I can't let him see me!' Null thinks.

Null tries sneaking pass him. Raphael notices Null trying to sneak by, but Raphael ignores him. Raphael finally makes it to the exhibit. He is really impressed by the pictures.

'Nice technique, though a bit sloppy if you take a closer look. Looks like this person is self taught.'

Raphael then makes it to the painting, Old Light. Raphael's eyes open wide.

'Looks like this Null and I are cut from the same cloth. I simply must meet him.'

*********

Soon, Null's name starts spreading from Palperroth.

“Hey, we're pretty close to Palperroth. We should go checkout that painting. I think the trek will be worth it. Have you heard how much your stats will increase?”

**********

“Have you heard the news regarding Palperroth? Apparently an extremely skilled artist that donated pictures the likes of which few have ever seen!”

“What's the artist's name?”

“Null! No one knows what this person looks like though.”

************

New Reality News. The news about Null's paintings and the buffs one can receive while looking at them causes New Reality News to take notice.

“I've seen the pictures on the web.” The beautiful anchorwoman, Millie Noel says. “Those pictures are truly beautiful. In fact, when I'm done with Arbington, I plan on going straight to Palperroth to see this painting in person.”

“The name of the person who did the paintings is called Null. He has gathered a lot of fame recently because of a painting that he made he calls,Old Light. Millie, what do you think? Do you think he'll join a guild or at least show himself?” The handsome anchorman by the name of Conner London asks.

“Somehow, I doubt it. What is truly strange is how similar this case is from the alchemy one in Panford. Both people create something of high difficulty while both choose to remain hidden. They both even have the same name!” Millie says, trying to make people ponder.

“Could they be the same person?” Conner asks.

“At first, I thought that that couldn't possibly be the case. Alchemy and painting are just too different after all, but now that idea is starting to make sense to me. Within a relatively short time, two people of extraordinary skill named Null surfaced. Now, Null is a pretty common name, especially if you're a rogue, but painters and alchemists named Null are few and far between. Famous alchemists and painter's named Null are only these two cases dealing with Panford and Palperroth.”

The anchorman then says, “Be sure to watch our program tonight where we discuss if both Nulls are one and the same. This idea does have merit.”

***********

At One Winged Angel guild, the art branch members are talking about the news regarding Null.

“So this extremely talented painter named Null donated pictures, and yet doesn't show his face?”

“Strange. Truly strange. I heard from an alchemist member that not too long ago, the exact same scenario happened with alchemy.”

“...Could the alchemist Null and painter Null be the same person?”

“That should be impossible right? Usually people who have intermediate in two classes have both those classes being very similar. Painting and alchemy are too different.”

“Heh. The name Null has been making a lot of headlines in the production classes nowadays.”

*************

Raphael looks for the art director. That art director treats Raphael with utmost respect.

“I know you're a busy man so I'll make this brief. I would like to meet Null.”

“I apologize, but I have never even met Null. If you are trying to look for him, then Rouge should know about the person you're looking for. She was the one who donated his paintings.”

“Thank you.”

Raphael quickly rushes to find Rouge. He finds Rouge in the middle of painting a picture.

“Greetings Guild Master.” Rouge greets him respectfully.

“Rouge, this Null. Do you know the person being featured in the exhibit?”

“I do! Null said he also wanted to meet you!”

“Well that makes things easier for me.”

“Null should be leaving this city pretty soon.”

“Hurry up and show him to me.”

“Okay!”

They run towards the city's entrance. They see a hooded figure about to leave.

“There he is!” Exclaims Rouge.

They run towards Null. He hears them but refuses to look back. Rouge learned her lesson a long time ago and they both move in front of him.

“Can I help you?” Null says annoyed.

“Null, didn't you say you wanted to meet Raphael Witte? Well here he is!”

Null at first wanted to kill her for giving him this unwanted fame, but then he realizes she held up her end of the bargain. Everyone seems to be ignoring Null and no one seems to know who he is.

“Oh.” Null simply responded.

Now that he knows how to level up his art, he doesn't give a damn about Raphael anymore.

“You do not seem that excited to meet me.” Raphael said in a deadpan voice.

“Should I be?” Asks Null in the same deadpan voice.

“I am a world famous artist you know.”

“Okay.” Null says not caring.

Most people would find Null's behavior pretty rude, especially for someone as famous as Raphael, who has even nobles kissing his ass. However, Raphael finds Null refreshing. Their don't care personalities are really similar.

“Hmph. I like the cut of your jib. Take this skill book. Not only have you earned it with your impressive paintings, but you've also earned it for not caring about fame. I saw how in the art gallery you didn't want anyone to know who you were. I would usually give a lot of tests to those I feel are worthy before I give them this, but you've greatly impressed me.”

He gives Null the skill book and leaves.

This shocks Rouge even further. “Every time I think, “This guy couldn't even get more impressive than this.” You manage to surprise me. Hope we meet again someday. Never stop painting.”

She gives Null a thumbs up and walks away. Null walks away from town as well.

'I was expecting the intermediates to want and add me as a friend. This is unexpected.'

Null places his hand on the skill book. A message pops us.

You have obtained the skill book, Unlimited Paint. Would you like to learn the skill?

'Unlimited Paint?' “Yes.”

You have learned the skill, Unlimited Paint.

Unlimited PaintSkill typeActiveSkill ProficiencyCannot level up.Can now create paint of any color you can imagine by only using mana.

Base Cost: 50 mana per second. Will depend on how much paint you are using and how fast you are painting.

'This is an extremely useful skill. No longer do I have to grow plants just for painting supplies.' Thinks Null satisfied.

Null wants to test this skill out. He takes out a small sheet of paper and a paintbrush. He places the paintbrush on the paper and said the skill name. He glides the brush across the paper. That paint streak goes from red to blue to green to orange to even glowing red. This was made in a single stroke.

'Okay. This is far better than I thought it would be. I'm glad I came to this city. Well, I'm really tired of seeing people. Time to head out and figure out this compass.'

Null leaves the city without looking back.

************

Null walks for four days. For some reason, he walked in an extremely random pattern. He then stops abruptly in the middle of the road.

“You've been following me for quite some time. Is there something you need from me?” Null says in a seemingly random direction.

Seeing as the person wasn't coming out, Null threw a bomb at where the person supposedly was. That person got out the way before the bomb exploded.

“It looks like their info was right. Those bombs certainly are unique. You even managed to find me even though my assassin's Invisibility skill was active. You are very talented.”

“Info?” Null questions.

“You don't need to know. Just know in the next few days, some people will contact you for you to join them. I would if I were you. Judging from your actions, you would not want it spread how you have at least three classes in intermediate.”

This causes Null's eyes to open wide. 'How did he know? Only Cici should know about that! Did she tell? Even if she does want to betray me, she knows that I would delete my account if I ever become famous. If it wasn't her, how else could he know? It seems he doesn't know how many classes I have at intermediate though. Cici does. If she didn't tell, how else could this person find out?'

“Heh. Judging from that look, it seems I was right on the money. Well there's no use following you anymore since you've already found me. Later.” He dashes away.

Null knows its useless to try and kill him because that person is a player. If Null kills him, he'll just revive in an unknown safe location.

'This is troublesome.' Null thinks.

****************

An unknown location. A merchant and a swordsman are sitting at a table with someone.

“Oh? Consider yourselves lucky. Looks like your information was correct.”

“Of course. We wouldn't dare lie to you.” The merchant says nervously.

“Now, about our reward.” The swordsman says, getting straight to the point.

The person they are talking to is the leader of Bloody Dagger. They're an infamous dark guild around 200 strong and are involved with trafficking the various races. They capture people of different races all over the world and sell them to countries where slavery is still legal. This group mostly consists of players. Countries have tried stoppling them, but they are very good at hiding.

Their leader takes out two large sacks of gold and places it on the table.

“Take it and go.”

“Thank you!” The merchant says happily while leaving.

“Nice doing business with you.” The warrior says while walking away.

When they leave, some members of bloody dagger get together to discuss how they should proceed.

“This Null unexpectedly found Krill.”

“Does this mean we can no longer know where he's going to go?”

“We can send someone else to follow him.”

“No.” The leader says. “Null now knows we are looking for him. It won't do any good to send someone. All isn't lost though. Thanks to Null making a name for himself in Palperroth, we were able to find him. We may not know where he's going, but we know his general direction. I want people sent to towns and villages surrounding the west of Palperroth. We'll use the townspeople to blend in.”

Everyone nods and goes, giving orders.

'Null will join us, and it will be of his own free will. Leader will be pleased.' The bloody dagger leader says while sitting back in his chair.

Unbeknownst to most in Bloody Dagger, their leader is not the true leader. The true leader is one of unfathomable power. Cataclysm Guild, Wrecking Crew, Deadly Infection Guild. The true leader used his power to subjugate all of these major dark guilds in the western hemisphere. Any dark guilds that refused to comply had their guilds annihilated. Most do not know why the true leader does what he does. He didn't put a halt to their illegal and immoral activities. In fact, thanks to him, it had actually expanded. He doesn't even touch any of the money, as if currency is beneath him. People fear him because most do not know his motivation.

------------------

Author's Note: Consider the previous chapters foreplay. Nothing but hot raunchy sex from here on out... Figuratively I mean.