23:28:34
Just about 30 minutes until the games servers shut down. How much time have I put into this character? Building up my stats, hunting down gear, making sure everything that went exactly how I wanted? Untold hours could be the best answer to that very question.
"AHHHH! WHY DOES IT HAVE TO SHUT DOWN!?" I yell out to the night sky. It's so frustrating to lose all my progress on such a game. Sinking so much time and money just for nothing.
I collapse against a nearby tree as I take a seat, leaning up against it. In front of me is a view of a lustrous field, being lit up by the light of the full moon. In the distance is a one of the many non-PVP villages. It is a nice view, even at nighttime. Shame that this will be the last I will see of it. Though, if they release Yggdrasil II then maybe I can see this wonderful view again.
23:58:56
I pounder about what I should do tomorrow. Maybe I should go out and find a new game? There is that game my brother keeps nagging me to play. What was it again? Oh, it doesn't matter now. I will just ask when I see him.
"…Whatever it is. It's most likely not as great as Yggdrasil." I blurt out loud.
23:59:30
Closing my eyes, I wait as the last few seconds tick down. Waiting for the game to kick me off.
23:59:57
23:59:58
23:59:59
00:00:00
00:00:01
"Did they push back the shut down?"
Something is off. The HUD. Where is it? I go to see if I can open the game menu. Nothing. As if I'm poking nothing but the air. "What in the world is happening? What's going on?". Nothing is making sense. Ok. Alright. Let's think for a moment. Surely there are other players that might still be on. Maybe they will know what's going on. As I get up, I notice that the town that was once out in the distance is now gone, even the field. Instead in its place, I'm surrounded by trees. When did I… No, how did I end up in a forest. My armor and sword. I can feel their weight. I don't recall this in the game. Am I still in the game? Is it a patch? Did the game devs send out an update?
Walking through the woods, it's so strange. I can feel everything. I can smell the air around me. I don't even doubt that I could taste as well. I can see a clearing coming up. I stop to see an open view. Out in the distance I can see what looks to be a huge city. A city as I will soon know as Re-Estize.
CHAPTER 1
"…And as of the Empire of Baharuth. We have received word that their forces are preparing for the upcoming annual war with Re-Estize Kingdom. We should seek this as an opportunity to join forces with them."
"Nonsense. The empire wouldn't want us as allies. We barely even have an army of 3,000 men. Let alone the supplies needed to go to war."
How long has it been? 30 years now since I came to this world. To think I would join a bunch of bureaucrats out of the Re-Estize Kingdom in their hopes of building a new kingdom. Just southeast of E-Rantel but outside of the Slane Theocracys domain. For 30 years I've heard these old geezers babble on how they will get their revenge. Using the fake alliance with the kingdom to gather intel on them.
"What do you mean nonsense, haven't we waited long enough?! This is our chance." Sir Archibald. One of the high nobles that lost his title and power. He is currently the diplomat of their kingdom. Not a good one at that.
"If we are to offer our hand to the Empire and are rejected then everything we have built will be for nothing." Sir Ferdinand. One of the Generals that lost his title and power after countless losses. While he is smart and cunning. He fails to keep his temper in check which makes him to make mistake after mistake.
"Ferdinand. Do I need to remind you that we have a warrior that is surely stronger than Gazef Stronoff." Archibald points to me. I stand at attention next to the door.
"I understand that she is our best warrior. But I doubt she can take on an entire army on her own. Right now, we should focus on building our kingdom more. Give it a few more years and we…"
The door swings open as a man rushes in. panting, gasping for breath. The young man takes a deep breath and stands at attention.
"Sorry for the rude intrusion. But I have an urgent message."
"Don't just stand there, hurry it up and tell us." Archibald says in annoyance.
"It's Carne Village sir. We just received word that Carne Village was under attack."
"Was?" Archibald says yet again in annoyance "who was it that attacked that small village?"
"It was the Slane Theocracy according to the report. The Re-Estize Kingdom sent out a small team lead by Chief Warrior Stronoff. He was the only survivor and was saved by a wizard that went by the name Ainz Ooal Gown. Who took out the attackers on his own."
"Can you say that name again." I ask.
"Ainz Ooal Gown. Why?"
"Yes indeed. Why?" Ferdinand looks at me. His eyes glaring daggers.
"It's nothing. If you will please excuse me." I bow to them before leaving the room. Making my way down the hallway. That name. I'm sure I know of that name. but if I remember correctly wasn't that name the name of a guild? Why does a single person have that name? It doesn't make sense. If I also remember correctly weren't the members of Ainz Ooal Gown guild all monster classes. They said it was a wizard that saved them. It could be just a coincidence. I make it to my quarters, putting on my armor, a black and red Valkyrie-like suit. Hilting my sword, a weapon that was compared to a world class item in terms of power. The Equalizer, a red colored bladed sword. A red shield about the length of my arm is attached to my left arm.
*knock* *knock*
"Come in."
It's Ferdinand, stepping in and closing the door behind him. I can tell that he isn't here for just to chitchat. He's not that kind of person. He stands in front of me, his face always in a state of looking pissed off. His eyes still staring daggers. Ever since I met him, he has always had this aura about him. As if he doesn't trust me.
"I have an assignment for you."
I stand at attention. It's not often that he hands out assignments specifically to one person. Usually, he'll gather a small group of soldiers and send them off to some town or area to gather information on the kingdom and empire. He calls it official business. During those times Archibald will go with to make it a diplomatic assignment.
"I need you to head and stay in E-Rantel. As for how long is yet to be determined. However, you will be tasked to gather whatever information you can obtain before the annual war begins."
"I understand. I'll see it done. Now if you excuse me." I walk past him, opening the door.
"One more thing. Head to the adventures guild when you arrive."
The adventures guild? Why? He does know that soldiers can't become adventurers… wait… I'm technically not classified as a soldier. I'm a paid mercenary who is paid to help this kingdoms military. That was the deal when I went with them. They paid me. I help them. Simple. So, I suppose I'm going to have to rely on the guild to help me financially. Great… that already tells me that I'm going to be there for a long while. I make it to the stalls. Taking a horse as I saddle up. Riding out to E-Rantel.
A few days later
I sit in a tavern. To think that this tavern also acts as an inn. Just for 5 bronze pieces as payment for a room. It's cheap. Well. For some it is. A few men sit at a table chatting away about some adventures they've been on. Drinking alcohol during the middle of the day. So far nothing about the kingdom nor about the upcoming annual war. To the table next to me is a woman with red hair admiring some potion. It's a bit of a typical day here. Nothing exciting. That was until he showed up. A man cladded with black armor and two huge black swords hilted on his back with a red cape flowing behind him. It's a bit much. As if someone wanted to show off. I know their type. Have the best gear but it's a complete waste on them. If he is an adventurer, then he won't make it. Beside him is a woman. Having little to no armor with a brown cloak covering most of her body. Is she with him? Everyone is staring at them. If they wanted the attention, they most certainly got it. All eyes are on them as they make their way to the gentleman behind the bar. The tavern keeper.
"Cost ya five bronze pieces each. Meals are gonna…"
The black armored man interrupts.
"I only need one room, thanks."
The tavern keeper looks up from cleaning a mug. Seeing the black armored man.
"Hm? Oh, you're a low-level copper plate. This place is gonna be too expensive…"
"It's our first time registering. Unfortunately, they make you start at copper."
Again, the man in black armor interrupts. The tavern keeper slams his fist down onto the countertop.
"Now it's seven bronze pieces. Payment due up front."
"That's not a problem."
The black armored man places 7 bronze pieces on the counter. which in turn, as if on a flip of the switch, the tavern keeper is calm. Collecting the money before pointing them to their room.
"The room is upstairs in the back."
The two start their way to the back as a drunk sticks his leg out in front of them. The drunk men start giggling. Chuckling. Maybe they think they'll teach him a lesson on not showing off.
"Hilarious." Said the black armored man as he starts to walk past them. Where immediately the drunk who had his leg sticking out stands up quick. Getting in front of the man. The man in the black armor towers over the drunk.
"Watch where you're going, you big oaf. How can I work with a busted ankle? Hm? Perhaps your little vixen can kiss it and make me feel better."
The black armored man starts to laugh at the drunk. As if amused by him.
"Not even in your dreams. Your uncivilized behavior is quite amusing. I can't help but laugh."
Within moments, the black armored man picks up the drunk with one hand as if the man doesn't even weigh a pound. Holding him by the collar of his shirt. Making it hard for the drunk to breathe with how he is being held.
"You're not so funny when you can't breathe, are you? Weakling."
The man in black tosses the drunk over his shoulder. Sending him flying into the table that the girl with red hair is sitting at. Her potion falling and shattering on the ground. I can practically see every form of emotion appear on her face at once. From happy, to shock, to sadness, then finally to anger. Great. I thought. A bar fight. Guess I need to go and stop it. I get up before the girl with the red hair screams in anger. She turns to face the man in black. Marching her way towards him with tears starting to form in her eyes.
"I cannot believe this! What the hell, man?!" You just spelt my potion all over the floor back there. It wasn't cheap y'know!"
"Potion?"
"Yeah, that's right. Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting to buy that? I had to skip meals and stop drinking until I could afford it. Took months! You better pay for it, or things are gonna get ugly."
Yep. Better put a stop to it. I make my way to them. Keeping my sword sheathed.
"But I believe these men should reimburse you."
Ok, maybe I might not be needed. Well. Maybe. Those drunks are looking at her as if they want her to fight them.
"You really think these drunks can pay me back? I doubt they've ever seen a piece of gold in their life. You on the other hand. You're wearing some expensive looking armor and I'm betting you have a healing potion or two in there. I'd be happy with getting one of those."
"Actually, I do."
The woman that is with the man in black grabs the hilt of her blade. Staring with hatred at the red-haired woman in front of her. I appear quick next to her with my hand gripping her hand firmly. I give a quick look to them
"No need for violence. You. The one in the armor. You are the reason for this lady's potion is now a mess on the floor. Take some responsibility." I say as I take my hand off his companion's hand. He stays quiet. As he reaches into his gear and pulls out a potion. Handing it to the red-haired woman.
"Here you go."
"A red potion?"
"That makes us even, right?"
"Sure. For now."
The woman walks off. Taking the potion with her. I look at the two. The copper plate hanging from the man's neck.
"Copper plates? Earlier you said that it was your first time registering?"
"Err... yes. My partner and I registered moments ago. if you do, please excuse us."
The two make their way to the back upstairs. Something isn't right about those two. Also, that potion. A red potion. No where from what I have seen has a red potion like that. It reminds me of the potions in Yggdrasil. Maybe I'm overthinking it. There's no way that a random person would have Yggdrasil potions like that. Maybe it's a special potion that is of high grade? I'll have to investigate it later.
The Next Day
I head to the adventurers guild. Yawning as I've spent the last night writing up my reports. Man, this sucks. While it's true I can gather info about the surrounding areas and people. The adventures guild has strict rules regarding a few things. Politics among one of them. As I enter, I see the duo from yesterday at the mission board. The people in the hall all talking about them. Making rude comments. I walk up to them.
"Hello you two."
The man in black turns to face me.
"Hm… we didn't introduce ourselves yesterday. I'm Ella. I'm a fellow copper plate."
"I'm Momon and this is Nabe."
"It's nice to have a name to someone you met."
"Sorry, we're a bit busy now. If you don't mind we…"
"…are looking at mythril plated or higher requests. Judging from your "inexperience" you might want to stick with the requests suited for your plate."
I can't help but give a smug look at them. Giving a small giggle.
"I'm aware. I'm more than qualified. You see my companion here? She's a third tier magic user. I have the skills of a fighter comparable to her. It would be a waste of our talents to accept a mere copper plate quest."
"Don't be so pompous. You should know that the guild has rules and regulations to follow. You could ask the lady at the counter for the most difficult copper plate quest available."
"Indeed. I guess I am acting a bit pompous. I apologize. If you please excuse us, Ella"
They both head to the counter as I stay by the board. Interesting, a third tier magic user. that's quite rare. And for someone that young too. In this world, third tier is the highest that some will ever make it to. Where second tier is where most will stop at. However, it's rumored that the magic caster in the empire is capable of sixth tier magic and his acolytes can perform fourth tier. Then, for him to claim that he has the strength comparable to her would mean he is platinum-rank. If they were to be hired by the kingdom, they could cause problems with the plans set forth. This is going to be a drag. I walk a little closer to them.
"Hey! Momon, Nabe. Why don't we join together as a adventuring group if you're interested?"
"Really? And what am I to gain in doing so?"
"It'll be beneficial, for the both of us. We not only be able to learn to work with others in a adventures request that requires more than one adventurer. But we both get paid, and recognition needed."
"I see. Very well. I accept."
The lady from the counter comes back. Guess they asked about the job.
" ? someone specifically requested you for a job."
"Do you know who asked for me?"
"Yes, Mr. Nphirea Balear."
A young boy walks up. Blond hair in a bowl-shaped haircut. His bangs covering his eyes. The clerk lady returns to the counter as he continues to approach closer.
"I'm the one that specifically requested you. My name is Nphirea Balear. I'm a pharmacist here in the city. Your job would be to protect me while I harvest some herbs in the forest near Carne Village. Aside from escorting me there and back again, I'd like for you to help me collect the medicinal herbs that I need."
"A bodyguard assignment."
"If I may interject, but why a copper plate? Wouldn't an iron plate or higher be better?
"I agree with Ella. However, I feel that I alone won't be enough for the assignment. Ella, how would you like to come on as my hired hand?"
"What do you mean?" I ask. A bit surprised by his request.
"Consider this. A bodyguard mission that requires us to travel a two-to-three-day trip would exhaust a single bodyguard. While we are both inexperienced, together we can both distribute the work. This way we become more efficient."
I nod in agreement.
"Then that settles it. But… I'm still confused by one thing."
"what's that?" Balear looks at Momon.
"Why did you request me for this job? I'm new to the area and don't have any acquaintances in the city. I'm very curious how a citizen such as yourself came to know my name. May I ask how you heard of me?"
"I caught wind about what happened with you at the inn yesterday."
"The fight at the inn?"
"Yeah. A recent customer of mine told me about how you easily took down several higher ranked adventurers who were accosting you and your partner."
WHAT!? He only took one down and that one was drunk. Might as well have fought a man with his arms tied behind his back. It wasn't much of a fight anyway. Guess this guy's reputation is now a tough brute.
"The person I used to hire as an escort moved away from E-Rantel not too long ago. So, now I'm in the market for a replacement warrior. And to be perfectly honest with you, it's a lot cheaper to hire a copper plate for the job."
"That's true…" Momon says as he holds up his copper plate around his neck.
Yeah, I didn't think of that. It's true. We copper plates are cheaper to hire. But at the cost of hiring inexperience adventurers. Yet it's odd. I can't help but feel suspicious of the situation. Still, if we're going to Carne Village, I can get answers on who this Ainz Ooal Gown magic caster is. I'll get my answers here soon. Wait a moment.
"Mr. Balear, the herbs that you have to gather. they wouldn't be in the Great Forest of Tob? If so, it's filled with goblins and ogres."
"Yes. Though, not too deep in. They tend to grow close to the outskirts of the forest."
As I thought. This would be a good way to see this Momon and Nabe in action. I can at least see their strength firsthand. What's keeping me from just challenging them to a fight? Nothing. I wouldn't get anything out of it other than wasted energy and time. This way I can see their strength and get the info I need.
As we head out. Momon, Nabe, and I on foot while Balear rides the wagon in front of us. The walk is long and quiet. They, Momon and Nabe, keep to themselves either that or they're shy. As for Nphirea, he seems off. I can't put my finger on it. But there is something about him that seems different. I don't think it has to do with his ability. No, is it that he is always smiling? Maybe. I feel like that this kid is going be trouble. I just don't know how. I stare back at Momon and Nabe.
"You said Nabe is your Companion, yes?"
"Does our companionship bother you?"
"No. Oh, no. it doesn't bother me. I'm just curious of how close are you two. Are you two lovers by chance?"
As if I pushed a button on Nabe. She blushes as she looks at me with a look of shock and a tone of voice of disbelief.
"What?! No! Lady Albedo is the only one he needs…!"
Momon grasps her shoulder tightly leaning down to her level
"Stop, Nabe! What are you thinking?"
Momon turns his attention to me
"Ms. Ella. Please don't look into our personal lives."
"Sorry. I didn't think it would be an issue. It was just curiosity. My bad."
"It's fine."
The day passes. Night comes to cover the sky in darkness. Only leaving little light from the moon and stars. We set up camp as Momon, Nabe, and I take turns throughout the night to take watch. It's strange. As I take my first and only watch. Momon and Nabe insist that I rest. Do they even sleep? Do they even need rest? I even noticed earlier that they didn't even eat. Not even a nibble of bread. Though am I no different? Since I showed up here 30 years ago. I haven't even aged one bit. When I would be questioned, I just come up with the excuse that I was cursed by a magic caster. Though, it does feel like a curse. When I showed up at the gates of the Re-Estize Kingdom. I was surrounded by guards and brought in for questioning. Apparently, they had just entered their annual war at that time and took me as an enemy spy or something. It was at that time where Archibald and Ferdinand hired me as a mercenary. They would teach me of the world, the politics, the surrounding kingdoms, religions. They even taught me to read this worlds language. Because of their fake alliance I was sent most of the time to be trained to fight alongside Gazef Stronoff. I held back my strength, afraid that if I showed my true strength I would be treated as an enemy. So, I made it to where I was as strong as Gazef. We became good friends, I guess we hit it off from a mutual understanding of what it's like to be an outsider.
I should go visit him when I have the chance. Though, I'm not sure how he would like me being in the adventurers guild. He would either be happy for me or try to get me in in the military in the Re-Estize Kingdom. Now that I think about it. Gazef was at Carne Village when this Ainz Ooal Gown magic caster was there. He might have some information. Looks like I know my next stop after Carne Village. Gazef. Looks like we're going to meet again and here soon. Old Friend.