He worked hard from day one of the week, asking his father to let him do the harder things off the bat. He didn't need to be taught how to do it anymore after all, and he was able to work incredibly fast. By the time four days had passed he’d even tilled an additional field that his parents had been thinking of adding, and spent the majority of the fifth day starting on the fence around the area.

He never really knew how hard farmers worked before in the ‘real’, but after doing the stuff over and over again he was certainly more appreciative of them. Even though the only food he really got towards the end of his life was hospital microwaved meals. By the sixth day he had finished up the new field as a whole and perked up instantly at the sound of a systems notification pinging in front of him.

Luck Bonus! Rank Up:

Your luck has caused you to rank up early! Granting Rank 5 Farmer feature.

Rank 5: A farmer knows how to get knocked around, from farm animals to rowdy city folk! You can reduce the amount of damage you take to 0. Cooldown: 12 Hours.

He leaned slowly on the shovel he held in his hand as he read over the ability a few times, tilting his head ever so slightly at it. It was a powerful skill, especially because it didn't stop incoming damage, it stopped damage that had already been received. The distinction was important for some skills, take Tristan’s Adamantine Piercer, as an example, it ignored all defense, but since he could reduce the actual damage he could take he could make it deal nothing.

“That might actually be just what I need… If I can time it right, I can catch him off guard and land a hard hit. This is the time.” he decided with a firm nod as he set his shovel down and made his way back to the farmhouse.

He had enjoyed these couple of lives with his family, especially the home cooked meals he got, but he had to leave eventually. So he decided to spend the afternoon with his parents before he’d have to steal from them and run away from home once again.

So that he did, an afternoon of time and love on the farmhouse, extra food to the pigs and cows; he even snuck a few snacks to the Rooster. Then, when the sun set and his parents were sound asleep he crept out from his room. He collected the silver finery and fastened it in his bag, before he made the trek towards Rosewood once again.

***

It was easy to acquire the guard job as usual, the short term problem he faced currently was that he didn’t think he could kill enough monsters to trigger the De’rune event. He could just skip it, considering Tristan should come through regardless and since he had a high impression with him he should at least consider hearing him out. Plus, if he just did lazy guard work there would be more monsters to farm when he was actually a swordsman so it was just better to let it pass this time around.

Because he didn’t end up going on a monster slaughtering spree this time around he did have a bit less money, and he was confident he could get Tristan this go around so he decided to sell his family's silver now as opposed to later. He had to start thinking as if he was going to be Tristan’s squire by the end of it this time, so he wasted no time.

“Hello there guardsman!” The merchant behind the counter greeted with a large grin as Raven made his way into the general goods store. He waved him over with enthusiasm, excited to deal with a customer on such a slow day.

“You’re the new guy around town right? My name is Francis, I own the store here!” Francis said spreading his hands at the shelves and walls with a gentle laugh.

“Raven. Raven Winter. It’s a pleasure to meet you Francis.” Raven replied, giving the merchant a firm shake of the hand and returning the smile that was given to him. “I was interested in selling some silver to you, if you’ll take it?” he added, setting his satchel on top of the counter and slowly taking out the cutlery.

“Oh my, well you got a full set. Looks like full silver too, it’s not cut with anything else.” Francis observed as he took the pieces and glanced them over carefully. “This stamp right here means it’s pretty old, fifty or so years probably. It’s from Iron Tower for sure though, I won't lie to you Raven this stuff is pretty expensive and rare are you sure you want to sell it?” the merchant explained as he looked up at the guard before him.

Raven gave a small smile in response before giving a nod, “Aye, they were a gift from my family but I need the money at the moment unfortunately. So how much? If they’re so rare.” he teased towards the merchant as he leaned forward.

Francis rolled his eyes in response but gave Raven a small laugh as he set the set down gently, “Honestly, I can sell it for maybe 1,500 Silver, I’d be willing to give you 750 for it all.” he explained as his face became stern and steady. He was getting his bartering face on, nobody ever wanted to take his first offer so he had to be ready to go back and forth.

“Yeah sure that sounds good to me.” Raven said with a firm nod, sliding the set over to the merchant. Tapping his hands on the countertop as he gave the shocked merchant a grin, “Can we do that transaction now or?” he prompted as he tilted his head slightly.

“Wha...yes, yes of course! An excellent deal, yup yup.” He confirmed with a smile as he rubbed his hands together and went to the back to collect the required payment. Then, just like that, Raven walked out with 750 Silver and made his way over to the Armor and Weapons shop a few buildings down. All together he had around 800 Silver to work with, so he bought a leather chestplate, a new short sword, metal bracers, and some leather shin guards. After all that he was left with about 20 Silver Pieces remaining, but he no longer had to worry about being defenseless when he left the guards.

That was his next stop anyhow, dropping off his guard equipment and giving Captain Gerald a heartfelt thank you for his time. Though he hadn't been a part of the guard for too long this life around, the Captain had given him sanctuary for over six or so of his lifes now so he wanted to be sure to give him a proper farewell.

“Was good to have ya, short as it was.” Gerald said, the guard captain was surprisingly attached to the newcomer and was sad to see him go. He did, however, feel the lad was heading for a brighter future so simply wished him on his way after taking the returned guard equipment. “Good luck kid. Stay Strong and Fight On!” he added as Raven made his way out the door with a confident look on his face, and turned around briefly to give the Captain a thumbs up.

Raven then made his way down the road and gently set his bag on the side of it before crossing his arms and looking down the path towards Rosewood. Tristan would be coming down this road soon, and this time he’d see the pretty knight hit the dirt.

***

He heard him before he saw him, gently talking to his horse who was limping slightly down the incline, but he was a knight, so when he spotted an armored figure in the middle of the road he had his sword out in one instant as he looked forward.

“No closer!” Tristan warned as Raven started forward, and held up his hands lightly to point at the horse.

“I used to be a farmer, I think I can help you with your steed. Tristan.” Raven explained, and Tristan hesitated lightly as he squinted at Raven. He felt like he may know this man for some reason, or felt close to him for some reason. Enough to trust him at least, so he slid from his saddle and lowered his blade to point towards the ground.

“Do I know you?” Tristan asked finally as he glanced down at the familiar figure. Raven had to have this conversation a few times now, so he had a story prepared already for it.

“Yeah, we saw each other at Cinderwall a few times. Got drinks, sparred, you used to tell me about a girl you ran around with.” Raven expressed, naming the capital of the Ember Empire and mentioning the Witch's Daughter. Raven found this made it easier to get back on the topic of the curse which is what he needed to officially get the quest again.

“Oh...right, yeah I think I remember you..” Tristan said with a small smile as he glanced to the side in thought.

NPC Favor:

Tristan's opinion of you has Increased to: [Forgotten Friend]

“I’m sure it’ll come back.” Raven assured with a small laugh as he finished up working the splinter from the horse's hoof. “There we go, she should be all better now.” he promised as he stood up to gently pat her on the neck.

“Raven. Raven Winter.” he introduced himself to Tristan with a smile, offering his hand and getting a firm shake in reply. Tristan had a twisted look on his face, as if he felt bad that he couldn't remember.

“Raven, Raven, Raven. I won’t forget it again. Hey, tell you what you look all geared up, have a blade on you. Maybe I can teach you a move? As a form of apology. Tristan suggested with a small bow, and Raven pretended to think about it for a few moments.

It was funny how the system would let him get back to receiving a reward after he did all the hard work for it in another life, or maybe it was just with Tristan. Regardless, it saved him a lot of grief in the long run.

“Sure, I think that would be suitable, but a recognized Ember Knight would have skills much too strong for me to handle!” Raven said in mock concern, and Tristan shook his head reassuringly.

“No it’s quite alright, I can teach you lower ranked versions. You should definitely be able to learn them if you keep at it for a few weeks. I can show you the basics so you can practice when i'm gone.” Tristan assured as he led his horse and Raven to the side of the road, to get them out of the way should anyone try to move past them while they trained.

“Sure, I’ll trust you then.” Raven said brightly as he followed after him, then listened intently to the description of the various abilities Tristan always offered to him. He spent a few moments pretending to think them through before making his choice, “Sky Piercer seems like the best choice for me.” he confirmed with a nod.

“A spectacular choice, you likely won’t have a chance to learn a kind of skill similar to it again. Good eye, Raven.” Tristan said with a nod and a small laugh.

NPC Favor:

Tristan’s opinion of you has increased to: [Friend.]

“Let’s see how it works then!” he replied with excitement as he drew out his short sword, and let Tristan show him the basics of the move before he whispered the name of the skill to himself.

“Sky Piercer.” he stated calmly, the name of the skill hanging in the wind as he executed it perfectly on his ‘first attempt’ which left Tristan awestruck, the skill shot wind a few feet forward and caused the blade in his hand to glow brightly at the tip, which faded slowly as he brought the blade back down.

“Raven that’s spectacular, what!? I only had to show you once, that’s...it’s...well it’s crazy! It’s almost like you knee it the whole time, but I'm the only one who could teach you such a skill..” Tristan stammered as he stared wide eyed at his ‘long-lost friend’. “With that kind of talent you should be a Knight! By the Gods..” he added as he shook his head in shock.

“Why not take me on as your squire then?” Raven said with a teasing grin, “You could teach me a lot more and we could travel the realm!” he added, moving his palm across the sky and stuck a playful pose.

“I...I can’t..I’m sorry.” Tristan said as he looked away, going silent as he bit at the inside of his cheek.

“I’m just teasing you anyway my friend, I’m sure you already have a squire or two as strong and talented as I remember you being.” Raven assured with a small pat on Tristan’s back.

“No...it’s not that I...you said I mentioned a girl when we talked when we met in Cinderwall...well..” he started, and Raven tilted his head to listen intently.

Luck Trigger: NPC Favor

Tristan has decided to trust you, and remembers your ‘time together from before’ his opinion of you has increased to: [Close Friend]

Tristan went on to explain his story as usual, the girl, the witch, and his curse that kept him barred from taking on a traveling companion or squire.

Unique Quest Unlocked: Weeping Willow

Quest Started-

Weeping Willow- Unique Heroic Quest

Tristan Willow is desperate for a traveling companion to help him break the Witches Curse. Defeat Tristan in single combat to release him from the curse.

Rewards:- Swordsman Class

- Squire Rank 1

- 3,000 EXP

“Wow Tristan that is...that’s bad I'm sorry to hear that...so if someone beats you, then the curse is broken? How about you fight me then?” Raven suggested, hooking a thumb to point at the center of his chest confidently.

“I...I can’t. I had to kill too many friends already who got close to me...I hate this curse, this life. It’s lonely..” Tristan admitted, his hands shaking lightly.

It reminded Raven of a time when he felt like that, lost, confused, alone…

***

A few years ago…

“Nobody came again huh?” Miles asked the nurse who stood next to his bed, taking notes on a small clipboard. She glanced over into his eyes and gave a small smile.

“Not today hon no...but I’m sure someone will come soon! It’s the weekend!” she encouraged, and Miles couldn't help but give a sad smile and a shake of his head.

“The weekends my sister has her matches...that’s okay though. Maybe they’ll come next week…” he admitted, and the nurse reached down to muss his hair playfully, but she was gentle. Too gentle, like he would break if she moved him too much. Like he was a porcelain doll that was already cracking.

“That’s the spirit! How about you get some rest huh? I’ll sneak you some extra pudding tomorrow.” she promised, shooting him a wink. He couldn't help but give a smile and laugh at that.

“Sure, deal.” he said with a nod, and the nurse made her way out, turning the lights off in his room as she went. He gazed over to a small nightstand across from him with a mirror on the back, looking at his own reflection staring back at him.

Uncut and unkept black hair covered his forehead and moved down to hang in front of his pale and sunken green eyes. He looked pitiful was his only thought, and he couldn't even remember what he used to look like in comparison. He was just stuck in the endless loop of depression that came with sitting around, doing nothing, and dying.

“I hate this… it’s all so lonely..” he said to himself as he lowered himself to lay down, tears brimming at his closing eyes as he let out a shaking sigh and slowly fell asleep.

***

Raven shook his head as he came out of his past thoughts of loneliness and sadness, and he instead reached forward to grip Tristan tightly on the shoulder.

“You’re not all that strong, all I gotta do is beat you. Sounds easy!” he teased, and Tristan took in a shaking breath and was about to speak before Raven continued, “I challenge you, Tristan Willow, and If I win you have to make me your squire!”

Tristan was pretty devastated, but had no choice now as he took himself ten feet back and drew his sword. Raven lowered himself into a defensive stance and took in a slow breath, it was Boss Fight time.

He'd done this fight five times now, and Tristan always tried to end it quickly with superior skills. All Raven had to do was make sure he used his skills at the right time to make Tristan have no defense against a solid attack.

Tristan shot forward, fire building at the edge of his blade as he swung it quickly at him.

"Swift Slash." Tristan shouted, the blade crashing down towards Raven with destructive force that could easily break through any normal defense Raven might have.

“Perfect Parry.” Raven said with a smirk across his face, causing Tristan's eyes to expand in surprise. Tristan attacked a total of three times, but they all happened within the span of the two seconds that Raven was protected by his skill.

Raven wasted no time in seizing the opportunity while Tristan was surprised and sent a fast strike towards the knights head.

“Parry!” Tristan activated in response, quickly moving Raven's sword to the side and moving back to grant some space between them. Raven didn’t plan on giving him too much space though, he only had one more defense skill that could negate all the damage Ravenb sent at him. Plus he didn't want Tristan to gain enough time to get Parry back.

“Quick Slash.” he said calmly, dancing forward to keep the distance short between them. That was the advantage of having a short sword, it made it harder for Tristan to use his superior swordsmanship skills effectively.

“Perfect Parry, you’re much better than I initially thought! I hope you can beat me!” Tristan said, his eyes going wide at how well he was being pressured at the moment. He was completely protected from Ravens strikes though, due to his skill.

“This is my strongest skill, stop it and you might just have a chance! I’m trusting you Raven!” Tristan practically pleaded as the tip of his sword started to glow brightly. The heat in the surrounding area started to build as he quietly whispered the name of the skill, its name hanging in the air as he did so. “Adamantine Piercer.” he stated, the blade moving upward at a violent and upward angle aiming towards the bottom of Raven's throat.

‘Now’s my chance! I said I’d beat you Tristan, here’s me keeping my promise!’ he screamed into his own mind as he smiled brightly at Tristan.

Tristan was shocked at the look on Raven’s face as his sword made its way towards his throat, he had a large grin spread across his face and a hungry look in his eyes. Was he happy to be dying?

Activating Rank 5 Farmer Feature, reducing incoming damage to 0.

“Sky Piercer.” Raven whispered softly, the tip of his own blade shunting forth towards Tristan’s face. Tristan couldn't believe his eyes when he watched his strongest skill skate across his opponents face, dealing absolutely no damage. His defensive skills were on cooldown, and he had no choice but to take the full force of Raven’s attack.

Critical Hit! Luck Trigger, Doubling Critical Damage!

-300 Health

Raven dealt a critical hit to a weak point on Tristan, which caused the knight to be briefly stunned, and staggered. So he wasted no time in slamming the flat of his blade into Tristan's sword and shouldering him to the ground.

Tristan regained his composure and realized he was on the ground, his sword off to the side, and a blade pointed at his neck.

“I...I lose..” Tristan whispered softly, tears welling in his eyes at the implications of what he said. A dark energy that surrounded his heart slowly fading away as he felt the Witch’s curse flooding out of his body.

Raven was panting because, though the battle hadn't taken that long in reality, it was a hard fight. He had to push himself to move fast enough to stay within reach, he had to remember what skills Tristan would use when, and still hope and pray that he didn't have any more defensive skills. He just had to get really lucky, and he finally did. He gave a small chuckle at Tristans comment and shook his head playfully, his mouth spreading into a large grin.

“No, I won.” he corrected as he chuckled and extended his hand towards Tristan to help him up.

NPC Favor:

Tristan Willow’s opinion of you has Increased to: [Best Friend.]

Unique Quest Complete!:

Weeping Willow

After this duel, the only tears the Willow weeps are those of joy! The curse that invested Tristan has been lifted, and you have become his most revered friend!

Quest Rewards:

- Swordsman Class-

You have unlocked the skills required to wield a blade more effectively, to clad yourself in steel and protect the realm from all manner of beasts! Removing Militia Class, Replacing Militia Levels with Swordsman Levels [Warning- No additional health will be gained. Sorry. :’(]

- Squire Rank 1-

Rank 1: A squire has been trained to do the most basic of knightly duties! You can now Ride a Horse effectively, equip Light, Medium, or Heavy Armor, and gain an additional 1% Physical and Mental Resistance due to your intense training!

- 3,000 EXP-

Luck Trigger! Rewarding double EXP, +6,000 EXP gained.

“Step One, done.” Raven whispered to himself as he leaned his body back in relief. Now that he finally had a class...the real game could start.

“Thanks for the tutorial.” he teased as he opened up his character screen to check over everything that he had just gained.

A small smirk overcame him as he watched Tristan go collect his sword, and he briefly glanced up to the blue sky of this world. He felt like he achieved something amazing, even if it was just gaining a starting class. He was excited...but there was another feeling. Hunger. He was hungry for more, and hungry to see how much more he could accomplish in this world.

“Alright Wrath of Titans. Game on.”

“The Tutorial Arc, Complete.”

The Story Continues...