Volume 3
Volume 3
Chapter 1: Networking
“Firstly,” Poutos shouted excitedly. “You need an outfit. Part of being a Merchant is to always dress yourself correctly. Oh, while we’re at it we should find a weapon for you. Perhaps a staff, I used to do some magic myself. I dabbled in Necromancy.”
Veritas shook his head, “I prefer the sword, up close and personal is more of my style.”
Poutos pursed his lips rolling his eyes, “I see you are one of those battle maniacs. It’s okay you’ll soon realize the greatness that is a Mage.” Ceb snorted as if disagreeing with Poutos’s last statement.
As they walked outside through the crowd he heard Poutos proclaim. “Back in my youth I used to be a great Mage with dashing style and suave.”
Ceb barked against his point. “Clumsy, I was not clumsy! Pherēpha, my wife, said my mannerism counted as my greatest charms.”
When Poutos finished talking, Veritas watched Ceb cackle loudly, the sound she made resembled a laughing hyena. Noticing his teacher losing face Veritas patted him on the shoulder giving Poutos a confidence boost.
“Since we need an outfit Léa is our first stop,” Poutos announced.
Descending some coble steps Veritas followed his teacher pass a corridor which spilled out of a large intersection. A gaggle of people occupied the area, it shocked him to find so much commotion in one place.
“Looking for one Priest with Intermediate Healing,” a dark skinned human male shouted.
“What!? Are you trying to steal from me? These are worth more than the price you’re offering.” Veritas saw an elf female yelling.
Carefully he marched behind Poutos leaving the chaotic corner behind. At this point he realized that instead of randomly gazing, he should try and map out the city. He found himself in a quiet street line with gingerbread houses. Ceb and Poutos walked inside one of them not wanting to be left behind Veritas did the same.
The smell of leather pierced his nose as he walked inside. A tall, middle aged woman with a pale complexion welcomed them. A simple mauve dress wrapped around her body.
“This is Léa, her expertise as an artisan is top notch,” Poutos praised.
“Is this your protégé?” Léa spoke. Veritas, nodded, staring at her honey brown eyes framed by the crow’s feet.
She placed her long finger on his forehead, “I’ll teach you something.”
-Ding-
Congratulation
New skill learned!!!
Artisan
Artisan allows players to work with hides, pelts and the likes. Combined with other production skills it enables a player’s ability to create better materials
Beginner lvl 1: A monkey with his feet could create something more functioning.
Conflicted Veritas stared at the screen in front of him. He loved the fact he received a new skill, however he found the description a bit harsh.
Flustered Poutos began, “Léa what are you doing?”
She sighed, “Oh relax, I’m just trying to teach him. Maybe he’ll learn something besides your shoddy blacksmith skills.” Breaking into a smile she told Veritas. “His cooking is pretty amazing do learn from him… Actually, Rocco might make a better teacher. For all his strength teaching, just isn’t one of them."
Brushing aside her bronze hair she continued, “Thinking about it, the reason he never had any protégé beforehand stemmed from his inability to instruct. Never have I seen one person fail so badly at teaching a child the rigorous arithmetic equation of 1+1.”
Ceb cackled on the wooden floor, seemingly agreeing with Léa's assessment. Veritas forced himself to suppress the urge to join the dog on the floor. Poutos could only lower his head while mumbling under his breath.
Léa rubbed Poutos's shoulder, “C’mon let’s get a measurement for Veritas.”
He followed them to a side room. Ceb, next to him, still hadn’t recovered from her fit of laughter stumble as she walked. Entering the room, he found it to be the size of his bedroom. A tall mirror faced a stool, along the walls several tools laid. Sitting Poutos down Léa went to a cabinet where she pulled out a measuring tape.
“Tell me how what type of armour are you looking for?” Léa asked while moving the around.
She beckoned for him to stand on it. “Something that’s durable yet doesn’t hinder my movement.”
“Your fighting style close or long range?” She lifted his hand measuring his torso.
“Close.”
Marking down some measurements she walked around. “Right or left handed?”
“Mostly right handed.”
Facing him she questioned, “What type of weapon would you prefer to use?”
To Veritas the answer came easily, “A katana.”
“Katana, what is that?” Poutos interrupted.
Léa ignoring her elder said, “Intriguing, those weapons are rare around here. Very few Blacksmiths can even make them. I think Taïr may have some lying around you should ask him.”
-Ding-
New Quest Added
Quest
Difficulty: F
Mission: Talk to Taïr to receive some weapons.
Reward: Basic swords
If failed/Declined: You don’t get cool gears… I don’t know what to tell you.
Accepting the quest Veritas patiently waited for Léa to get his measurements.
“I’ll get a suitable outfit ready for you in a week’s time,” she told him once done. Afterwards he knew exactly where he wanted to go.
Chapter 2: New Skills
Just down the block from Léa, Poutos led him to a stucture which seemed out of place with the rest of the neighborhood. Devoid of any wooden materials this place was built with stone and cement. Inside a muscular stoic man sat behind a counter surrounded by weapons and armour.
“Welcome Poutos, Ceb and the protégé.” By now Veritas realized that word of him did spread fast.
“Taïr we were told you had something called an aktana?” Poutos asked.
Veritas quickly corrected, “A katana do you have any?”
Tapping his smooth chin Taïr spoke, “Give me one moment let me check.”
Curiosity took hold of him as he perused to exposed weaponry. Walking behind the faded wooden counter, Veritas gazed at a bronze longsword. Its pommel wrapped in leather felt comfortable as he gripped it. From its length, the sword would pair best with a shield. With just a couple of swing he inferred that this weapon handled way better than the one Androssa lent him.
Placing it back he kept gazing around, “What about this one?” Poutos pointed to a glass case.
Moving close Veritas saw a Viking sword resting upon a royal blue cushion. The blade seemed to be about 78cm of beautifully crafted steel. Its sheen radiated almost as if the glass it laid behind only served to mute its brightness. Upon the base of the sword an inscription was engraved, the characters didn’t seem to be anything native to Earth.
“I see you are enjoying Sæbø,” Taïr commented behind him. “This is said to be the work of the famous dwarven Blacksmith Nevrawd.”
“I’m guessing it’s not on sale?” Poutos mused.
Scoffing Taïr gave Veritas a pair of katanas. “Inspect them,” Poutos said.
Grabbing them he opened his menu checking in his inventory he found the inspect button.
-Ding-
The Defiler
Description: A bronze katana, anyone caught walking with this should kill themselves.
Attack: 3
Block: 1
Durability: 10
Strength: 3
The Defiler II defile harder
Description: Anyone who owns both one and two is a special kind of stupid. Slightly superior than the first one.
Attack: 3-4
Block: 3
Durability: 10
Strength: 4
Pulling one of them from its saya (scabbard) Veritas did verify that looking at a bronze katana seemed sinful. However, the balance, the detailed hamon, the curvature, this Defiler was a masterpiece. He even liked the white tsuka (handle), which fit his hands perfectly.
“I love it,” Veritas told Taïr.
Scrunching his face, the later replied, “Really, they look like pieces of junk to me. Feel free to have them then.”
-Ding-
Quest completed
Reward(s): The Defiler
The Defiler II
Pleased, he placed them in his inventory remembering Léa’s advice he asked Taïr to teach him Blacksmith.
“Sure, stand still for one moment.”
Taïr pressed his hand on his forehead.
-Ding-
New skill learned!!!
Blacksmith
A seamstress of metal able to create different things from it.
Beginner lvl 1- A child’s paper plane has more usefulness than anything produced by this user.
Again the description left many things to be desired, still he was glad to receive this new skill.
“You should be good for now. I’m guessing Poutos has some other places he wants to take you. Just stop by anytime I’ll teach you some more about being a smith.”
Hearing this Poutos quickly grabbed Veritas’s hand and walked towards the door. “Take care Taïr have a good night. Say hello to the family for me.” He spoke on his way out.
Again, Veritas returned outside on to meet the next person. “By the way Poutos you wouldn’t, happen to have a map would you?” He finally remembered to ask.
Smacking his forehead Poutos said, “Of course I have a spare at my house I could give you later. Anyway, this last person we are going to meet is sort of like a daughter to me.”
“What’s her name?”
“Agnês,” Poutos spoke as a small smile decorated his lips.
Chapter 3: Family
This news peaked Veritas’s curiosity, maybe she could teach him a thing or two. During their walk, the moon managed the sky, slowly lanterns clocked in ready for their long shifts. He arrived in an area where tables with pristine white cloths occupied the road.
“We’re here welcome to Rocco. Not bragging or anything but after me, this place serves the best food in Alsèf,” Poutos announced.
Veritas sent a glance at Ceb who begrudgingly agreed. “Wow! You didn’t believe me,” the elder lamented.
Going inside Veritas grinned, “Trust but verify.” The loud gust of noise, from inside, whisked away any retorts Poutos may have had.
“How’re you doing?” a man welcomed him.
Poutos quickly spoke, “Hey Rocco I’d like you to meet my protégé, Veritas.”
Rocco was a stout man who had a prominent black curly mustache under his straight nose. Similar curly dark hair crowned his head, from which a pair of green eyes stared back. The white apron he wore like a canvas, with different sauces and ingredients drawing a portrait. If he could name the painting on Rocco’s apron, Veritas thought the name, “Afternoon Rush,” would benefit from it.
“Nice to meet ya pal,” Veritas shook Rocco’s extending hand. “Just letting ya know Poutos, if ya eat ya paying.”
The person in question gasped exaggeratedly, his hand clutching his chest. Before he could muster an empty defense Ceb, sped inside the restaurant faster than Veritas thought possible. Despite her size she proved to be very agile, avoiding both customers and servers on her destination.
“Come let’s go meet my daughter,” Poutos led the way.
Shimmying pass the tables Veritas trailed behind his mentor until he reached the back of the restaurant. There he noticed a couple of private rooms, there Poutos casually opened one and ushered him in. Sitting in a round table was a woman clad in a brilliant white armour, with long silky smooth black hair cascading atop her shoulders. She stared at him curiously with her piercing midnight dark eyes. Uncharacteristically, Ceb had both her front paws on the young lady’s lap.
“Baby girl,” Poutos rushed to her side, hugging her fiercely.
Rolling her eyes, she asked, “Who’s he?”
Facing him Poutos said, “This my dearest Agnês, this is my protégé Veritas.”
“What?” she exclaimed. “You finally got one, Ràshti be praised!” Pulling him by his arm she sat Veritas down next to her. Her piercing gaze inspected him, as if trying to discover any defect with him.
He swallowed, his hand twitched, nervously he rubbed his thigh. This pit in his chest, this feeling of his heart racing, the sweat dripping down his pores; he knew why he became uncomfortable. Fear. Getting on this person’s bad side would result in a quick death. Clutching the chair, he tried to stabilize his breathing only to wallow in further despair.
“Enough,” he heard Poutos say. The voice seemed as clear as thunder, yet from what he could tell Poutos didn’t yell.
Veritas slumped down on the table, gasping for air. Out of nowhere Ceb placed her head on his lap appeasing him.
“T-Thank you,” he managed as he reached for a cup of water. Assembling himself he focused on Agnês, her face etched into the very core of his brain.
Placing some food in front of him Poutos spoke, “Now that we have all calmed down, let’s eat and enjoy ourselves.” Never would Veritas thought that something said so casually could break discomfort.
Throughout the meal Veritas listened to a proud father bragging about his daughter. Nibbling on his meal he heard Poutos recounted his history with Agnês.
Waving his fork around Poutos began, “It was complete luck that I stumbled onto her; we marched through a forest when Ceb heard a cry. There she sat, with her chubby cheeks and arms. You remember how cute she was?” A large bark echoed through the room, Ceb’s tail wagged uncontrollably. “Agreed fat babies are so cute!”
“Oh, my Athlïa do you both really have to do this?” she screamed hiding behind her hands.
Having teased her enough Poutos relented, “Okay, maybe the whole forest part wasn’t true. She did grow up fine if I do say so myself. Can you believe it Ceb that chubby little thing we met at the orphanage managed to become a great warrior?”
For the next couple of hours Veritas listened to the myriad of stories about Agnês. Her tales at the orphanage which Poutos and Ceb would occasionally visit, her dedication to the church, the sorrows of losing someone close to her and the resolve to become stronger. By the time Veritas exited along with the others Rocco had already closed. Before logging out he opted to walk his mentor back home. He trailed behind choosing to keep a watch on Ceb, who seemed to have exerted herself tonight. Veritas’s eyes locked onto Agnês, the careless attitude she portrayed now betraying her oppressive nature beforehand. Breathing in he stopped worrying about it, even in the dead of night the streets of Alsèf knew no rest. Although less crowded than earlier people still moved about. During their walk he noticed a corridor that had a large X barring it, curious he asked.
“Oh that,” Poutos grinned. “It’s a place for adult. Come let me show you.”
Before anything could occur Agnês smacked her father, “Like hell you’re showing him anything. Veritas that’s not a location you should venture in.”
Their short trip went rather peacefully afterwards arriving at the small house, saying his good bye he logged out.
Chapter 4: The Lord of the Underworld
Being alone in his house/dorm still felt weird to John. All this space with no one to talk to made him crave the virtual world. With class starting a couple days later he could immerse himself in Genesis for now. Besides he found being Veritas more enjoyable than John.
------------
As always the busy streets of Alsèf welcomed Veritas, appearing in front of Poutos’s house he knocked on the door.
The later opened hurriedly, “Good, good no time to waste follow.”
Veritas marched right behind Poutos, who went to a wall near his paintings and pressed his palm on it. Out of slowly the floor in the living room receded, revealing a staircase leading to a basement.
“What is this place?” he questioned.
Not saying a word Poutos continued, his hand on the cool wall Veritas went down the steps. Once he got to the bottom he heard a loud noise only to see the ceiling closing in. Yet darkness never came, several different coloured light brightened his surroundings. Inspecting the source he gasped, various rubies, sapphires, emeralds scintillated creating a well-lit space.
“Hurry!” Poutos urged. Detaching himself Veritas caught up. “I hoped I would have more time to teach you and explain.” Seeing another set of stairs his jaw dropped, it’s steps made with silver whilst the handrails gold. He didn’t think he was qualified to walk on silver, Poutos impatiently mentioned for him to come ahead.
“What is money to you?” Poutos asked once more
Confused Veritas stared at him, after a short pause he replied, “An obsession, a passion, something I dedicated years earning.”
“Why do you seek it?” Poutos questioned. Stopping in front of a large door steel door decorated with precious rocks and laden with gold.
“For it to be my slave, so I’m never controlled by it again.” Veritas watched as the later placed his hand, caressing the door gently with a soft click it opened.
“One last thing,” facing Veritas he continued, “what is more important than money?”
Veritas locking into Poutos’ eyes declared, “God, family and friends.”
With a pat on the shoulder Poutos ushered Veritas inside. “I truly got lucky with you didn’t I.”
Although he heard it Veritas lost all reason to speak, his mind unable to understand what laid before him. Mountains, rivaling the Taebaek mountains in South Korea, all of it contained various precious metals, rocks, armour, weapons, potions to name a few. In the Valley of it all rested a large bed its cover glowed as if the lights of heaven were sprung from its cloth.
A cry emerged from it, “Ceb,” Poutos rushed. Veritas tailed him wanting to aid in anyway possible.
Sprawled on the bed he found Ceb, her breathing haggard and short. Noticing their arrival, she only muttered a meek bark. Again, she cried loudly, she was delivering he surmised.
“You can do it,” Poutos cradled her head. “Be strong, girl.” She gave him a whimper in response with a last bellow a white egg came from her. Curious Veritas picked it up, no bigger than a basketball. Still how could a dog lay an egg?
While pontificating on the mystery of life he brought the egg close to Ceb. Lifting her head she gathered herself and barked. She did it so loudly that it shook the mountain around them. Done Ceb laid her head down on Poutos’s lap. The egg grew warm in Veritas’s hand, paying attention to this change he saw the colour went from white to black.
He turned to Poutos wanting to ask him about this egg, only to find the later pale as a ghost. Placing the egg down Veritas tapped on the shoulder.
“She’s gone,” Poutos muttered. Slowly he hugged Ceb’s body a stifled sob escaped his lips. “As you can see the story I’ve been telling about being a merchant is only but partially true.” Still wracked with emotion he explained to Veritas. “We knew our end was near, thus we sought successors. Well Ceb could birth, whereas I had to find mines. If you accept my profession I promise you great fortune as well as great peril. The chance for joy and desolation, power and emptiness, pious and heresy. Do you wish for it all?”
-Ding-
Poutos has offered you the possibility of learning a class and profession should you choose yes your stats will be changed.
“Yes I would.”
-Ding-
Congratulation on your new class and profession
Remember this is only the beginning
A small smile crept on Poutos’s lips, “Let’s leave here.” Picking up the egg he aided Poutos back to his house. “I need some rest, help me lay down on the sofa.” After making him comfortable he beckoned Veritas closer. “My heir I have one last request from you. Please promise me that you will bury my ashes next to my wife’s.”
-Ding-
New Quest Added
Quest
-Difficulty: S
-Mission: Find Poutos’ wife remains and bury his ashes there
-Payment: The Merchant’s Treasury
-If failed/denied: Cannot be declined
“I will.”
-Ding-
Quest accepted
Without saying anymore he closed his eyes breathing his last breath. “Hey, hey,” Veritas patted his shoulders. Going outside to seek help he bumped into Agnês who was coming to the house.
Hurryingly she ran inside not long after a loud scream came out, “DADDY.”
-Ding-
Profession and Class changed
Stats adjusted
New Abilities learned
New Skills learned
These messages popped in his view, which at this time had been obstructed. Wiping his eyes he felt something attached to his head, pulling it forward he realized his hair grew. Adding to this its colour confused him. Quickly he opened the menu to spectate his avatar.
A full set of snow white silky smooth hair covered his head, he could feel the tickle down his neck. Zooming in on his face he saw another alteration, his hazel eyes became blood red. Seeing a little exclamation point on the upper right corner he opened it, what he saw there made him question everything.
Name: Veritas
Level: 1
Profession: Lord of the Underworld
Race: Human
Class: Merchant of Death
HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
SP: 10/10
Stats
Stamina: 1 Strength: 1 Mana: 1 Wisdom: 1
Luck: 1 Agility: 1 Dexterity: 1 Popularity: 100
Skills:
Blacksmith Beginner lvl 1- A child’s paper plane has more usefulness than anything produced by this user.
Artisan Beginner lvl 1- A monkey with his feet could create something more functioning.
Alchemy Beginner lvl 1- Consume at your peril.
Abilities:
Trading (Passive) Beginner lvl 1- allows to buy item for 1% cheaper and sell them for 1% more.
Earth Molder (Active) Beginner lvl 1-The earth will listen to you as long as you’re six feet under
Death Knight (Passive) Class specific ability- When user dies he/she gains +1 in all stats, excluding popularity; at night/darkness mana and stamina consumption reduced by 50%.
Chapter 1: Networking
“Firstly,” Poutos shouted excitedly. “You need an outfit. Part of being a Merchant is to always dress yourself correctly. Oh, while we’re at it we should find a weapon for you. Perhaps a staff, I used to do some magic myself. I dabbled in Necromancy.”
Veritas shook his head, “I prefer the sword, up close and personal is more of my style.”
Poutos pursed his lips rolling his eyes, “I see you are one of those battle maniacs. It’s okay you’ll soon realize the greatness that is a Mage.” Ceb snorted as if disagreeing with Poutos’s last statement.
As they walked outside through the crowd he heard Poutos proclaim. “Back in my youth I used to be a great Mage with dashing style and suave.”
Ceb barked against his point. “Clumsy, I was not clumsy! Pherēpha, my wife, said my mannerism counted as my greatest charms.”
When Poutos finished talking, Veritas watched Ceb cackle loudly, the sound she made resembled a laughing hyena. Noticing his teacher losing face Veritas patted him on the shoulder giving Poutos a confidence boost.
“Since we need an outfit Léa is our first stop,” Poutos announced.
Descending some coble steps Veritas followed his teacher pass a corridor which spilled out of a large intersection. A gaggle of people occupied the area, it shocked him to find so much commotion in one place.
“Looking for one Priest with Intermediate Healing,” a dark skinned human male shouted.
“What!? Are you trying to steal from me? These are worth more than the price you’re offering.” Veritas saw an elf female yelling.
Carefully he marched behind Poutos leaving the chaotic corner behind. At this point he realized that instead of randomly gazing, he should try and map out the city. He found himself in a quiet street line with gingerbread houses. Ceb and Poutos walked inside one of them not wanting to be left behind Veritas did the same.
The smell of leather pierced his nose as he walked inside. A tall, middle aged woman with a pale complexion welcomed them. A simple mauve dress wrapped around her body.
“This is Léa, her expertise as an artisan is top notch,” Poutos praised.
“Is this your protégé?” Léa spoke. Veritas, nodded, staring at her honey brown eyes framed by the crow’s feet.
She placed her long finger on his forehead, “I’ll teach you something.”
-Ding-
Congratulation
New skill learned!!!
Artisan
Artisan allows players to work with hides, pelts and the likes. Combined with other production skills it enables a player’s ability to create better materials
Beginner lvl 1: A monkey with his feet could create something more functioning.
Conflicted Veritas stared at the screen in front of him. He loved the fact he received a new skill, however he found the description a bit harsh.
Flustered Poutos began, “Léa what are you doing?”
She sighed, “Oh relax, I’m just trying to teach him. Maybe he’ll learn something besides your shoddy blacksmith skills.” Breaking into a smile she told Veritas. “His cooking is pretty amazing do learn from him… Actually, Rocco might make a better teacher. For all his strength teaching, just isn’t one of them."
Brushing aside her bronze hair she continued, “Thinking about it, the reason he never had any protégé beforehand stemmed from his inability to instruct. Never have I seen one person fail so badly at teaching a child the rigorous arithmetic equation of 1+1.”
Ceb cackled on the wooden floor, seemingly agreeing with Léa's assessment. Veritas forced himself to suppress the urge to join the dog on the floor. Poutos could only lower his head while mumbling under his breath.
Léa rubbed Poutos's shoulder, “C’mon let’s get a measurement for Veritas.”
He followed them to a side room. Ceb, next to him, still hadn’t recovered from her fit of laughter stumble as she walked. Entering the room, he found it to be the size of his bedroom. A tall mirror faced a stool, along the walls several tools laid. Sitting Poutos down Léa went to a cabinet where she pulled out a measuring tape.
“Tell me how what type of armour are you looking for?” Léa asked while moving the around.
She beckoned for him to stand on it. “Something that’s durable yet doesn’t hinder my movement.”
“Your fighting style close or long range?” She lifted his hand measuring his torso.
“Close.”
Marking down some measurements she walked around. “Right or left handed?”
“Mostly right handed.”
Facing him she questioned, “What type of weapon would you prefer to use?”
To Veritas the answer came easily, “A katana.”
“Katana, what is that?” Poutos interrupted.
Léa ignoring her elder said, “Intriguing, those weapons are rare around here. Very few Blacksmiths can even make them. I think Taïr may have some lying around you should ask him.”
-Ding-
New Quest Added
Quest
Difficulty: F
Mission: Talk to Taïr to receive some weapons.
Reward: Basic swords
If failed/Declined: You don’t get cool gears… I don’t know what to tell you.
Accepting the quest Veritas patiently waited for Léa to get his measurements.
“I’ll get a suitable outfit ready for you in a week’s time,” she told him once done. Afterwards he knew exactly where he wanted to go.
Chapter 2: New Skills
Just down the block from Léa, Poutos led him to a stucture which seemed out of place with the rest of the neighborhood. Devoid of any wooden materials this place was built with stone and cement. Inside a muscular stoic man sat behind a counter surrounded by weapons and armour.
“Welcome Poutos, Ceb and the protégé.” By now Veritas realized that word of him did spread fast.
“Taïr we were told you had something called an aktana?” Poutos asked.
Veritas quickly corrected, “A katana do you have any?”
Tapping his smooth chin Taïr spoke, “Give me one moment let me check.”
Curiosity took hold of him as he perused to exposed weaponry. Walking behind the faded wooden counter, Veritas gazed at a bronze longsword. Its pommel wrapped in leather felt comfortable as he gripped it. From its length, the sword would pair best with a shield. With just a couple of swing he inferred that this weapon handled way better than the one Androssa lent him.
Placing it back he kept gazing around, “What about this one?” Poutos pointed to a glass case.
Moving close Veritas saw a Viking sword resting upon a royal blue cushion. The blade seemed to be about 78cm of beautifully crafted steel. Its sheen radiated almost as if the glass it laid behind only served to mute its brightness. Upon the base of the sword an inscription was engraved, the characters didn’t seem to be anything native to Earth.
“I see you are enjoying Sæbø,” Taïr commented behind him. “This is said to be the work of the famous dwarven Blacksmith Nevrawd.”
“I’m guessing it’s not on sale?” Poutos mused.
Scoffing Taïr gave Veritas a pair of katanas. “Inspect them,” Poutos said.
Grabbing them he opened his menu checking in his inventory he found the inspect button.
-Ding-
The Defiler
Description: A bronze katana, anyone caught walking with this should kill themselves.
Attack: 3
Block: 1
Durability: 10
Strength: 3
The Defiler II defile harder
Description: Anyone who owns both one and two is a special kind of stupid. Slightly superior than the first one.
Attack: 3-4
Block: 3
Durability: 10
Strength: 4
Pulling one of them from its saya (scabbard) Veritas did verify that looking at a bronze katana seemed sinful. However, the balance, the detailed hamon, the curvature, this Defiler was a masterpiece. He even liked the white tsuka (handle), which fit his hands perfectly.
“I love it,” Veritas told Taïr.
Scrunching his face, the later replied, “Really, they look like pieces of junk to me. Feel free to have them then.”
-Ding-
Quest completed
Reward(s): The Defiler
The Defiler II
Pleased, he placed them in his inventory remembering Léa’s advice he asked Taïr to teach him Blacksmith.
“Sure, stand still for one moment.”
Taïr pressed his hand on his forehead.
-Ding-
New skill learned!!!
Blacksmith
A seamstress of metal able to create different things from it.
Beginner lvl 1- A child’s paper plane has more usefulness than anything produced by this user.
Again the description left many things to be desired, still he was glad to receive this new skill.
“You should be good for now. I’m guessing Poutos has some other places he wants to take you. Just stop by anytime I’ll teach you some more about being a smith.”
Hearing this Poutos quickly grabbed Veritas’s hand and walked towards the door. “Take care Taïr have a good night. Say hello to the family for me.” He spoke on his way out.
Again, Veritas returned outside on to meet the next person. “By the way Poutos you wouldn’t, happen to have a map would you?” He finally remembered to ask.
Smacking his forehead Poutos said, “Of course I have a spare at my house I could give you later. Anyway, this last person we are going to meet is sort of like a daughter to me.”
“What’s her name?”
“Agnês,” Poutos spoke as a small smile decorated his lips.
Chapter 3: Family
This news peaked Veritas’s curiosity, maybe she could teach him a thing or two. During their walk, the moon managed the sky, slowly lanterns clocked in ready for their long shifts. He arrived in an area where tables with pristine white cloths occupied the road.
“We’re here welcome to Rocco. Not bragging or anything but after me, this place serves the best food in Alsèf,” Poutos announced.
Veritas sent a glance at Ceb who begrudgingly agreed. “Wow! You didn’t believe me,” the elder lamented.
Going inside Veritas grinned, “Trust but verify.” The loud gust of noise, from inside, whisked away any retorts Poutos may have had.
“How’re you doing?” a man welcomed him.
Poutos quickly spoke, “Hey Rocco I’d like you to meet my protégé, Veritas.”
Rocco was a stout man who had a prominent black curly mustache under his straight nose. Similar curly dark hair crowned his head, from which a pair of green eyes stared back. The white apron he wore like a canvas, with different sauces and ingredients drawing a portrait. If he could name the painting on Rocco’s apron, Veritas thought the name, “Afternoon Rush,” would benefit from it.
“Nice to meet ya pal,” Veritas shook Rocco’s extending hand. “Just letting ya know Poutos, if ya eat ya paying.”
The person in question gasped exaggeratedly, his hand clutching his chest. Before he could muster an empty defense Ceb, sped inside the restaurant faster than Veritas thought possible. Despite her size she proved to be very agile, avoiding both customers and servers on her destination.
“Come let’s go meet my daughter,” Poutos led the way.
Shimmying pass the tables Veritas trailed behind his mentor until he reached the back of the restaurant. There he noticed a couple of private rooms, there Poutos casually opened one and ushered him in. Sitting in a round table was a woman clad in a brilliant white armour, with long silky smooth black hair cascading atop her shoulders. She stared at him curiously with her piercing midnight dark eyes. Uncharacteristically, Ceb had both her front paws on the young lady’s lap.
“Baby girl,” Poutos rushed to her side, hugging her fiercely.
Rolling her eyes, she asked, “Who’s he?”
Facing him Poutos said, “This my dearest Agnês, this is my protégé Veritas.”
“What?” she exclaimed. “You finally got one, Ràshti be praised!” Pulling him by his arm she sat Veritas down next to her. Her piercing gaze inspected him, as if trying to discover any defect with him.
He swallowed, his hand twitched, nervously he rubbed his thigh. This pit in his chest, this feeling of his heart racing, the sweat dripping down his pores; he knew why he became uncomfortable. Fear. Getting on this person’s bad side would result in a quick death. Clutching the chair, he tried to stabilize his breathing only to wallow in further despair.
“Enough,” he heard Poutos say. The voice seemed as clear as thunder, yet from what he could tell Poutos didn’t yell.
Veritas slumped down on the table, gasping for air. Out of nowhere Ceb placed her head on his lap appeasing him.
“T-Thank you,” he managed as he reached for a cup of water. Assembling himself he focused on Agnês, her face etched into the very core of his brain.
Placing some food in front of him Poutos spoke, “Now that we have all calmed down, let’s eat and enjoy ourselves.” Never would Veritas thought that something said so casually could break discomfort.
Throughout the meal Veritas listened to a proud father bragging about his daughter. Nibbling on his meal he heard Poutos recounted his history with Agnês.
Waving his fork around Poutos began, “It was complete luck that I stumbled onto her; we marched through a forest when Ceb heard a cry. There she sat, with her chubby cheeks and arms. You remember how cute she was?” A large bark echoed through the room, Ceb’s tail wagged uncontrollably. “Agreed fat babies are so cute!”
“Oh, my Athlïa do you both really have to do this?” she screamed hiding behind her hands.
Having teased her enough Poutos relented, “Okay, maybe the whole forest part wasn’t true. She did grow up fine if I do say so myself. Can you believe it Ceb that chubby little thing we met at the orphanage managed to become a great warrior?”
For the next couple of hours Veritas listened to the myriad of stories about Agnês. Her tales at the orphanage which Poutos and Ceb would occasionally visit, her dedication to the church, the sorrows of losing someone close to her and the resolve to become stronger. By the time Veritas exited along with the others Rocco had already closed. Before logging out he opted to walk his mentor back home. He trailed behind choosing to keep a watch on Ceb, who seemed to have exerted herself tonight. Veritas’s eyes locked onto Agnês, the careless attitude she portrayed now betraying her oppressive nature beforehand. Breathing in he stopped worrying about it, even in the dead of night the streets of Alsèf knew no rest. Although less crowded than earlier people still moved about. During their walk he noticed a corridor that had a large X barring it, curious he asked.
“Oh that,” Poutos grinned. “It’s a place for adult. Come let me show you.”
Before anything could occur Agnês smacked her father, “Like hell you’re showing him anything. Veritas that’s not a location you should venture in.”
Their short trip went rather peacefully afterwards arriving at the small house, saying his good bye he logged out.
Chapter 4: The Lord of the Underworld
Being alone in his house/dorm still felt weird to John. All this space with no one to talk to made him crave the virtual world. With class starting a couple days later he could immerse himself in Genesis for now. Besides he found being Veritas more enjoyable than John.
------------
As always the busy streets of Alsèf welcomed Veritas, appearing in front of Poutos’s house he knocked on the door.
The later opened hurriedly, “Good, good no time to waste follow.”
Veritas marched right behind Poutos, who went to a wall near his paintings and pressed his palm on it. Out of slowly the floor in the living room receded, revealing a staircase leading to a basement.
“What is this place?” he questioned.
Not saying a word Poutos continued, his hand on the cool wall Veritas went down the steps. Once he got to the bottom he heard a loud noise only to see the ceiling closing in. Yet darkness never came, several different coloured light brightened his surroundings. Inspecting the source he gasped, various rubies, sapphires, emeralds scintillated creating a well-lit space.
“Hurry!” Poutos urged. Detaching himself Veritas caught up. “I hoped I would have more time to teach you and explain.” Seeing another set of stairs his jaw dropped, it’s steps made with silver whilst the handrails gold. He didn’t think he was qualified to walk on silver, Poutos impatiently mentioned for him to come ahead.
“What is money to you?” Poutos asked once more
Confused Veritas stared at him, after a short pause he replied, “An obsession, a passion, something I dedicated years earning.”
“Why do you seek it?” Poutos questioned. Stopping in front of a large door steel door decorated with precious rocks and laden with gold.
“For it to be my slave, so I’m never controlled by it again.” Veritas watched as the later placed his hand, caressing the door gently with a soft click it opened.
“One last thing,” facing Veritas he continued, “what is more important than money?”
Veritas locking into Poutos’ eyes declared, “God, family and friends.”
With a pat on the shoulder Poutos ushered Veritas inside. “I truly got lucky with you didn’t I.”
Although he heard it Veritas lost all reason to speak, his mind unable to understand what laid before him. Mountains, rivaling the Taebaek mountains in South Korea, all of it contained various precious metals, rocks, armour, weapons, potions to name a few. In the Valley of it all rested a large bed its cover glowed as if the lights of heaven were sprung from its cloth.
A cry emerged from it, “Ceb,” Poutos rushed. Veritas tailed him wanting to aid in anyway possible.
Sprawled on the bed he found Ceb, her breathing haggard and short. Noticing their arrival, she only muttered a meek bark. Again, she cried loudly, she was delivering he surmised.
“You can do it,” Poutos cradled her head. “Be strong, girl.” She gave him a whimper in response with a last bellow a white egg came from her. Curious Veritas picked it up, no bigger than a basketball. Still how could a dog lay an egg?
While pontificating on the mystery of life he brought the egg close to Ceb. Lifting her head she gathered herself and barked. She did it so loudly that it shook the mountain around them. Done Ceb laid her head down on Poutos’s lap. The egg grew warm in Veritas’s hand, paying attention to this change he saw the colour went from white to black.
He turned to Poutos wanting to ask him about this egg, only to find the later pale as a ghost. Placing the egg down Veritas tapped on the shoulder.
“She’s gone,” Poutos muttered. Slowly he hugged Ceb’s body a stifled sob escaped his lips. “As you can see the story I’ve been telling about being a merchant is only but partially true.” Still wracked with emotion he explained to Veritas. “We knew our end was near, thus we sought successors. Well Ceb could birth, whereas I had to find mines. If you accept my profession I promise you great fortune as well as great peril. The chance for joy and desolation, power and emptiness, pious and heresy. Do you wish for it all?”
-Ding-
Poutos has offered you the possibility of learning a class and profession should you choose yes your stats will be changed.
“Yes I would.”
-Ding-
Congratulation on your new class and profession
Remember this is only the beginning
A small smile crept on Poutos’s lips, “Let’s leave here.” Picking up the egg he aided Poutos back to his house. “I need some rest, help me lay down on the sofa.” After making him comfortable he beckoned Veritas closer. “My heir I have one last request from you. Please promise me that you will bury my ashes next to my wife’s.”
-Ding-
New Quest Added
Quest
-Difficulty: S
-Mission: Find Poutos’ wife remains and bury his ashes there
-Payment: The Merchant’s Treasury
-If failed/denied: Cannot be declined
“I will.”
-Ding-
Quest accepted
Without saying anymore he closed his eyes breathing his last breath. “Hey, hey,” Veritas patted his shoulders. Going outside to seek help he bumped into Agnês who was coming to the house.
Hurryingly she ran inside not long after a loud scream came out, “DADDY.”
-Ding-
Profession and Class changed
Stats adjusted
New Abilities learned
New Skills learned
These messages popped in his view, which at this time had been obstructed. Wiping his eyes he felt something attached to his head, pulling it forward he realized his hair grew. Adding to this its colour confused him. Quickly he opened the menu to spectate his avatar.
A full set of snow white silky smooth hair covered his head, he could feel the tickle down his neck. Zooming in on his face he saw another alteration, his hazel eyes became blood red. Seeing a little exclamation point on the upper right corner he opened it, what he saw there made him question everything.
Name: Veritas
Level: 1
Profession: Lord of the Underworld
Race: Human
Class: Merchant of Death
HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
SP: 10/10
Stats
Stamina: 1 Strength: 1 Mana: 1 Wisdom: 1
Luck: 1 Agility: 1 Dexterity: 1 Popularity: 100
Skills:
Blacksmith Beginner lvl 1- A child’s paper plane has more usefulness than anything produced by this user.
Artisan Beginner lvl 1- A monkey with his feet could create something more functioning.
Alchemy Beginner lvl 1- Consume at your peril.
Abilities:
Trading (Passive) Beginner lvl 1- allows to buy item for 1% cheaper and sell them for 1% more.
Earth Molder (Active) Beginner lvl 1-The earth will listen to you as long as you’re six feet under
Death Knight (Passive) Class specific ability- When user dies he/she gains +1 in all stats, excluding popularity; at night/darkness mana and stamina consumption reduced by 50%.
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