Chapter Fixed! This is the real chapter!


Worldbuilding. A lot of worldbuilding.

It's like Total War, Civilization, Bannerlord, throwing in some Overlord and Sword Arts Online later on into this story.

Pardon my grammar.

EDIT: Forgot to include the 50% in the Critical Rates.

EDIT: Removed CHA stat. I swore I removed it...


Chapter 1: A Long Start to a New Beginning

'Why do I feel dazed?'

That was the first thought that came into my mind.

I knew something wasn't right the moment I moved my hand across the mattress of my bed. It feels like grass and there's no roof over my head, just a clear blue sky covered slightly by wide tree leaves. Warm breeze billow through my brown hair, carrying the scent of fragrant floral flowers through my nostrils.

"What the hell?" I frantically sat up, wildly looking around. "Where am I?"

[Unable to connect to servers. Unknown Error]

'Oh. I don't remember sleeping with my VR set on. That's a waste of electricity.' I tried to logout, but couldn't locate the logout button along with nearly all of the menu settings. 'Where's the disconnect button?'

[Warning! Host and VR system missing. Unknown Error]

"Okay…"

If there is a host and VR system error, then my real body will be mirroring my movement in-game. Should that be the case, then I can physically disconnect myself from the headset. My hands moved towards my head, and I tried to lift up my VR helmet.

Nothing.

I patted my head, feeling nothing but my soft hair. Faint anxiety embedded itself into the back of my mind as I pinched myself.

Nothing.

[N̵̨̺̰̋͑̿́ȅ̶̞͙͌w̶̷̛̮̣̤̎͊̅̊̌̋͘̕̕P̷̥̪̦̌̈́̊̃͜ēr̴̦̘͋̈͛͝k̷̷̛͎͍̗͚͈̙̺͖͗O̶̹̥͆͂b̶͇͔̰͚͎̌̈́t̵̗̤́aī̉̀͝͠ņ̷̥̱́͑ȩ̷̺̞̔͗̈́d̶̫̀̿: Gamer's Body You are immune to fatigue, starvation, dehydration, and mind control. Other bodily functions have been altered.]

[Recalibrating VR system… 1%]

'This feels too real to be a dream.'

I got up and picked up a large stone, setting it over my left foot. There was a moment of pondering if this was a good idea. If this wasn't a dream, then this attempt would only achieve pain and stupidity. Of course, that's beyond the realm of possibility.

There's no way I would magically be transported somewhere, right?

'Maybe not this high.'

Lowering the large stone to roughly a meter and a half, I dropped the stone onto the tarsal of my left foot.

"OW! Not a dream!"

It was painful. Crushingly so that I had to jump around while feeling like an idiot until something popped up in front of me.

[System recalibration progress… 9%]

[Retrieving player's information…]

Name: Enzo
Level: 215
Title: Tempest-At-Arms
Alliance: Avalon-Estria Sovereignty
Semblance: Suppression
AP: 48652/48653
HP: 250/250
STR: 153
DEX: 357
AGI: 391
INT: 195
WIS: 219
RES: 184
Perks
Skills
Equipment
Inventory

'I'm stuck in Remnant: Online. These are definitely my stats for that game.'

Now I'm at a loss. There's a lot of incoherent thoughts that blitz through my mind.

What do I do if I'm stuck in a VR game? If I die, do I die for real? Where's my gear and inventory? Is it going to be like that anime Sword something or those isekai genres? That's bullshit. Did it say that I don't need food and water? Where am I going to find shelter? The list goes on and on.

[System recalibration progress… 17%]

[Your equipment and inventory can now be accessed]

I found myself instantly decked in my equipment; a layered pale green undershirt covered by a light gray trench coat with asymmetrical panel and back flap displaying my alliance's insignia, olive trousers, black utility belt, and dark blue combat boots.

'There's my gear. Weapons check. I'm no longer defenseless.'

I don't know if I'm really in the game or if I got thrown somewhere else. Whatever the case is, being out in the wilderness with no civilization nearby as far as I can see, I'll need to tread carefully. Who knows, maybe a nearby town or a park ranger is roaming around.

[System recalibration progress… 21%]

[Map Display has been reestablished]

'Just what I needed. Open Map.'

[Map: Open]

A transparent screen appears in front of me, detailing my current location and the geography of the area. That bright yellow arrow is me, pointing in the direction I am currently facing. The forest on the map is surrounded by a fog of war, which is to be expected since I've never been to this place before.

I should have all I need to venture out. The question is where do I go?

'The south side doesn't have the same density of trees compared to the rest of the direction. Now, on the west side, there's black smoke rising over the… Hold up, black smoke? A forest fire?'

Sure enough, faint black smoke continuously rises from the west side of my position, just above the hills and forests. Something is definitely burning over there, and if there's fire, especially forest fire, you go in the other direction.

But there's a good possibility that there's people or civilization on the other side. Though chances are they are in trouble too. Not that I can help them, maybe.

My feet shuffle back and forth, undetermined if I should go west or in the opposite direction. Curiosity, fear, uncertainty, homesickness, and a plethora of emotions are tugging me in all directions.

The system pinged back into my mind, weighing its decision that tipped the scale for my decision.

[System recalibration progress… 27%]

[Auxiliary System: Initiating]

[Auxiliary System: Adapting]

[Your Quest board has been reconnected]

NEW EVENT QUEST ALERT!

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
Investigate the smoke rising from the distance

REWARD
Primary Objective: +2,250,348 EXP, proceeds to next event quest

"Really? An event quest? In this situation? And a chained event quest at that."

I eyed the rising smoke from the distance, then back to the quest board.

Suppose that this is a new reality, not a vivid dream or a VR malfunction that's trapping me in-game somewhere. What am I supposed to do? Should I do play along? I might find a way out of the game if I do. Perhaps I'll find something or somebody that can help me. Something, anything! Besides dropping rocks on my foot.

'Better than doing nothing out here. Does my skills work as normal?'

Skill [Aura Augmentation: Full Sprint (ACTIVE)] [Level 12]

'Yes. Yes, it does.' I took off straight away, winds rippling throughout my entire body, the world blurring around me.

/-/

Unfortunately, I've seemed to encounter a roadblock that further supports my thought that I am certainly trapped within Remnant: Online.

Flocks of black shadowy creatures with glowing red eyes, white masks with red markings started swarming all over the place. Those are called Creatures of Grimm, one of the most common enemies in Remnant: Online. The noise they're making is blaring, amplified by the far-off noise of fighting.

My sprinting turns into a brisk jog as I covered my ears in annoyance, nearly failing to notice a Griffon swoop down towards me and narrowly nicking my neck with its massive beak. The Grimm stands roughly 10 meters tall over me, armed with some wicked talons and beak. It eyed me with blatant hostility, crouching on all fours and ready to pounce.

[Griffon Lv35]
Type: Creature of Grimm
Status: None
HP: 2945/2945

"Easy there. You're only level 35." I observe the Grimm without much concern of its hostile nature, but not to the point of arrogance since I'm not even sure if I retained my physical prowess here like I do in-game.

The standoff ended quickly when the Griffon pounced, front claws outstretch, sharp beak snapping.

'It's slow, as expected.'

I struck at that moment. My mechanized katar-like weapon snapped out, the sharp blades slicing through the Griffon like butter, separating its upper body from its lower torso. The Griffon let out a painful screech before perishing, leaving a small floating red orb.

[Griffon Lv35]
HP: 0/2945

[You gained 298 EXP]

I collapsed my weapon and retrieved the floating red orb that the Griffon dropped. The loot instantly went into my inventory.

[You received 106 Lien]
[You received 76 Dark Essences]

'Just like the game, hmmm. So, I really did get transported into the game somehow.'

More Grimm starts to surrounding me, flocking the air; some landing on the ground. A giant Griffon lands in front of me with a heavy thud, blocking my entire view and casting me in its shadow.

[Griffon Lv98]
Type: Creature of Grimm
Status: None
HP: 45941/45941

'I'm in a bad position.'

Trapped in a new world or not, this still feels like a game to me. I shouldn't be this calm in a life or death scenario.

I may be level 215 which may seem high, but in this game, the Creatures of Grimm are often exponentially stronger the higher their levels are. There's a whole flying horde of them, meaning I'll be overwhelmed very quickly.

'Like right now!' I leap to the side of a divebombing Nevermore and brandish a mechanized katar-like weapon for self-defense. 'Need to get out of here.'

[Nevermore Lv72]
Type: Creature of Grimm
Status: None
HP: 28964/28964

It's like a flock of vicious giant birds clawing at you. There's barely any room to maneuver as more Grimm tries to pile on me.

"Ssssh!" A painful hiss escaped from my lips.

[Enzo Lv215]
Status: Ensnared
AP: 41957/48653
HP: 250/250

A Griffon had its beak on my shoulder, thrashing me around like a dog toy.

"Fuck! Off!" I manage to drive my blade into the Griffon's beak, causing it to screech in pain and release me.

[Critical hit!]

[Griffon Lv98]
Type: Creature of Grimm
Status: None
HP: 39862/45941

My body hit the floor and tumble on the dirt road, kicking up clouds of dust. "Damn."

I push off the ground and stumble my way through another attack.

Equipment [Lunar Crescent Combat Boots: Gravity Burst Mode (ACTIVE)]

It's a risky move. The air is already occupied with a lot of Grimm, but I can't stay out here. I need to get to wherever the sound of fighting is taking place for a better chance of survival.

Purple rings erupted from my combat boots, propelling me at an angle away from the enclosing horde of Grimm.

As I fled, I heard a loud screech that sent a shiver down my spine. I turn my head back slightly and saw the Griffon that attacked me has started pursuing me.

[Griffon Lv98]
Type: Creature of Grimm
Status: Enraged
HP: 39862/45941

'It's really angry.'

Equipment [Quicksilver: Gravity Dust (ACTIVE)]

My weapon shimmers with a purple hue, accelerating my flight speed and handling, prompting the Griffon behind to angrily screech and beat its wings harder to keep up the pace.

A few Grimm up ahead spotted my approach and immediately turn around to attack.

[Nevermore Lv12]
Type: Creature of Grimm
Status: None
HP: 752/752

[Nevermore Lv59]
Type: Creature of Grimm
Status: None
HP: 18696/18696

[Griffon Lv46]
Type: Creature of Grimm
Status: None
HP: 23962/23962

I manage to slide past them, injuring, and even killing one of them.

[Nevermore Lv12]
Type: Creature of Grimm
Status: None
HP: 0/752

[You gained 56 EXP]
[You received 18 Lien]
[You received 6 Dark Essence]

'The EXP and loot system is still the same.' I mentally noted.

[Nevermore Lv59]
Type: Creature of Grimm
Status: None
HP: 6843/18696

[Griffon Lv46]
Type: Creature of Grimm
Status: None
HP: 11196/23962

The sound of squawking could be heard behind me, followed by painful thuds as the Griffon from earlier continues its pursue, knocking aside any Grimm that got in its way. Its reckless flight pattern was enough to cause most of the lesser Grimm to spread out, giving leeway for me and the Griffon to continue our game of cat and mouse towards the sound of fighting.

Through hills and trees passing by below, to the flying Grimm above; I reach closer to what appears to be a fortified town under siege by Grimm.

Several large armored turrets mounted on the walls with rotating barrels continuously fired on the Grimm, foiling their attempts to overrun the settlement. A notable amount of buildings and defenses were burning, but it remains strong against the Creature of Grimm.

The air is abuzz with countless Grimm of varying size and species aimlessly trying to destroy the settlement, reminding me that I am still being chased by an angry Griffon and we're probably in the crosshair of the town's defenses.

I instinctively directed myself downward to avoid the Griffon's attack, bringing up my blade to slash at its legs.

[Griffon Lv98]
Type: Creature of Grimm
Status: Enraged
HP: 35616/45941

It let out a screech and went crashing into the walls, making a notable dent into the side before falling to the ground.

[Hasiera's Wall is slightly weakening]

[Griffon Lv98]
Type: Creature of Grimm
Status: Enraged, Stunned
HP: 22856/45941

'Ah, whoops.' I shouldn't be softening up their defenses. 'To be fair, it doesn't look like the walls are providing much against aerial attacks.'

I land within the town, observing the partially demolished buildings with curiosity. Not a single person is nearby. However, the sound of gunshots and shouting can be heard not far from here.

[System recalibration progress… 57%]

[Your personal storage has been reconnected]

EVENT QUEST COMPLETED!

[Primary Objective completed: You gained 2,250,348 EXP]

[Auxiliary System: Adapting]

[Reputation System Resolved… Updating…]

'I was hoping for the logout button to be fixed.'

I bitterly viewed the reputation screen to see if there's anything familiar within it.

REPUTATION

Hasiera – 0 – Unknown

I let out a sigh of frustration, "Fantastic."

[Auxiliary System: Adapting]

[Domain Status: Updating]

[Hasiera]

[Health: 76%]

Status: Under Sieged
Citizens: 458
Housing: 474

Policy:
[Elaborated Contingency Plans]
Increase the recovery rate for all parameters by 33% after a mid to high-level disaster has occurred

[Martial Tradition] {Attenuating}
Increases the training rate of militia by 25% and huntsmen/huntresses by 13%

Food Growth: +572
Food Consumption: -1186
Food Surplus: 3321

Production: +282
Production Reserves: 1143
Maintenance Expenditure: -845

Buildings
Activity Notifications
Defenses
Details
Resources

Whatever this place is, it's called Hasiera.

If I can recall, that's Basque for roughly home or new beginnings. The more you know… I have a Basque friend who used that word to describe his parent's journey to the US. Funny how things tie in with one another.

A loud explosion overhead startled me out of my wandering mind, flaring up my fight or flight response.

NEW EVENT QUEST ALERT!
Work together with the locals to protect Hasiera from the Creatures of Grimm!

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
0 / 50 Creatures of Grimm (above level 45)

REWARD
Primary Objective: +3,958,659 EXP, +150,000 Reputation with the people of Hasiera

"What a typical quest." I sarcastically remark, double-checking all my gears and items. "What's next? Help repair the town?"

With a sigh, I bolt towards the nearest area of the fighting, quickly finding myself facing off against a Griffon and Manticore.

[Griffon Lv68]
Type: Creature of Grimm
Status: None
HP: 30674/32157

[Manticore Lv66]
Type: Creature of Grimm
Status: None
HP: 29021/29097

The Manticore attacked first, spewing out two fireballs before pouncing alongside its Griffon companion.

I dodge the fiery attack and slide away from the Manticore's spiked club tail, readying my next attack.

"Just like in the games, Enzo," I assure myself.

Skill [Inner Focus (ACTIVE) – Temporarily increase Critical Rate by 50% and Critical Damage by 225%] [Level 25]

Skill [Aura Augmentation: Inner Strength (ACTIVE) – Temporarily increase STR and Physical Melee Damage output by 130%] [Level 20]

They lunge at me again and I met them head-on with my counterattack.

[Critical hit!]

[Part broken!]

[Griffon Lv68]
Type: Creature of Grimm
Status: None
HP: 13876/32157

My blade shattered one of the Griffon's claws and sliced into its torso, tearing through its body making long by shallowed wounds; black miasma pouring out from the area. I twist my body and avoided the lunging Manticore, dancing behind it and inflicting multiple wounds, and cutting off its tail.

[Critical hit!]

[Critical hit!]

[Tail severed!]

[Manticore Lv66]
Type: Creature of Grimm
Status: None
HP: 9316/29097

Both Grimm hit the ground hard, roaring in pain. I lunge towards them, intending to deliver a killing blow.

Fire spews out of the Manticore's mouth, unleashing one last attack that blanketed my face just as my blade stabs it where the heart should be.

[Critical hit!]

[Manticore Lv66]
Type: Creature of Grimm
Status: None
HP: 0/29097

[You gained 1846 EXP]
[You received 225 Lien]
[You received 33 Dark Essence]

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
1 / 50 Creatures of Grimm (above level 45)

'Hate it when they do that.'

I spat and rub my face with one arm, quelling most of the fire that was obscuring my face.

[Enzo Lv215]
Status: Burning
AP: 41234/48653
HP: 250/250

The ground trembles underneath me, cueing the Griffon making its attack. I leap forward and sharply turn back with my blade swinging with the motion, making a weak cut across the Griffon's neck.

[Griffon Lv68]
Type: Creature of Grimm
Status: None
HP: 10313/32157

It let out a feral growl and reel back, using its hind legs to lift itself back before pushing itself forward for a headlong assault.

The Grimm slams its frontal body down just as I evaded the crushing attack, allowing me to stab it through the head.

[Critical hit!]

[Griffon Lv68]
Type: Creature of Grimm
Status: None
HP: 0/32157

[You gained 2286 EXP]
[You received 254 Lien]
[You received 66 Dark Essence]

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
2 / 50 Creatures of Grimm (above level 45)

'Where to now?'

I look around for any signs of other people in the vicinity. In case you haven't noticed, this game does have a passive-aggressive way of telling players to work together. That includes in-game NPCs for certain missions and sieges. You can solo most of the time, but you'll have to play it smart or be overwhelmed since over half of the enemies have a ton of health to chip off.

NEW EVENT QUEST ALERT!
Rescue a trapped resident and escort them to safety.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
0 / 1 Rescue [unknown] from the Grimm
0 / 1 Escort [unknown] to safety

REWARD
Primary Objective: +10,000 EXP, +50,000 Reputation with [unknown], and +25,000 Reputation with Hasiera

'I'm not a huge fan of escort missions.'

/-/

Altan Esplanade tried his best to suppress his emotion; to be calm and unshaken.

He couldn't. What can a 12 years old boy do when he's trapped underneath a collapsed building and Grimm outside trying to dig their way through just to get him?

The horrible scratching and screeching wouldn't stop. The Grimm outside weren't nightmares, but the harsh reality of the world. He shouldn't have been a selfish coward and fled away from the main evacuation group, afraid that a large group emitting negativity would put his life in danger. Now, he'll probably die alone, all because of his selfishness.

The collapsed walls slowly gave way to the Grimm, claws breaking through the cement blocks.

He whimpered as a Griffon slammed its claws through, glaring into the hole it made, and spotted the cowering boy. It let out a screech and slams its entire body once into the collapsed walls, weakening the sturdy material. Then twice, destroying the only thing that was keeping Altan safe from the giant Grimm.

"No! Stay back!" Altan scoots back, his back pressed against the broken debris behind him, nowhere to run.

He desperately tried to fight back, picking up small rubbles and throwing them at the Griffon. Several stones bounced off the Grimm's beak, having no effects besides angering it. The Griffon screeched and lunged at him with its beak wide open.

Time seems to slow down for Altan, his short life flashing before his eyes before the Griffon's head fell sideways.

Sideways?

Altan watches the Grimm's head bounce away on the ground before it dissipated, then back to the figure standing before him.

The first thing that caught Altan's attention was his savior's gray trench coat back flaps; depicting a winged dragon on the left and a phoenix on the right, holding up a decorative shield with odd symbols that seems to represent light and dark.

"You alright?" A huntsman. An older boy, probably in his late-adolescent, stood protectively in front of Altan with his back turn towards him.

"Y-yes. Thank you!"

"Hang on. There's more coming our way." His armlet-mounted blade shimmered in the sun; holding his ground against an onslaught of Grimm that dwarfs him in size.

The boy numbly watched the young huntsman cut down the horde of massive Grimm with ease. Each strike fell multiple Grimm like sweeping death, slowly transitioning into a maelstrom of violence, scattering the Grimm in all direction. When he was done, there wasn't a single Grimm nearby that was alive.

"Whoa…"

"Alright. Let's get you to the shelter." The young huntsman said walking over to Altan and offering him a hand up. "You wouldn't happen to know where the shelter is, do you."

Altan nods, "I… I do, sir. There's one nearby."

Light skin, fair-length brown hair, pale brown eyes, a surprisingly casual attitude, armed with a transformable weapon and well-dressed for combat; the young huntsman is not from around here. That's unusual because their settlement is on an elongated island off the south coasts of the continent Sanus, mainly isolated after the Great War and Faunus Rights Revolution.

With the amount of powerful aerial and sea-dwelling Grimm roaming their respective habitats and no established harbors along the coasts ever since the Great War, hardly any visitors can set foot in this place.

"Can you run or walk?"

"I can."

The young huntsman hummed. "Lead the way. But stay close to me."

"Yes, sir."

"My name is Enzo. You don't have to address me as sir."

"I'm Altan. Thank you for saving me."

/-/

The young boy's full name is Altan Esplanade, according to the system's display for the guy. I didn't really need to ask for his name, but it's for formalities.

Interestingly enough, his stat display is a bit different than mines.

Name: Altan Esplanade
Level: 7
Age: 12
Affiliation: Hasiera
AP: [locked]
HP: 94/100
Stats
Details
Equipment

I'm also a bit pissed that most of the Grimm I've fought off are mostly lower than level under level 45 which means all those killed did not contribute to my objective.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
6 / 50 Creatures of Grimm (above level 45)

Anyway, I don't want to pry into Altan's details for now, nor his stats. All I need to do is escort the kid back to the shelter or something before I have the luxury to relearn how the game system works here. And… I should really arm this kid. He doesn't even have his aura unlocked.

My personal storage should have some basic weapons that I hoarded way back then.

"Before we move out," I filtered my storage and found something that might suit him. A pale blue orb shimmers in my hand as a [Steel Short Spear] was transferred out of my storage. "You might want this to defend yourself."

Altan gape at the materializing weapon in my hand and tentatively reach out to take it.

[You equipped Altan with Steel Short Spear]

[Hidden Objective completed: You gained 35,000 Reputation with Altan]

REPUTATION

Hasiera – 0 – Unknown

Altan Esplanade – 35,000 – Honored

'Oh. Nice.'

"Thank you, sir. I mean… Thank you, Enzo."

"You're welcome. Let's go."

[Altan has joined your party]

Party Leader: Enzo
AP: 48652/48653
HP: 250/250

Party Member: Altan
AP: [locked]
HP: 98/100

'The party system works here too.' I thought to myself, hurrying after the red-haired boy.

NEW EVENT QUEST UPDATED!
Rescue Altan and escort him to safety.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
1 / 1 Rescue Altan from the Grimm
0 / 1 Escort Altan to safety

REWARD
Primary Objective: +10,000 EXP, +50,000 Reputation with Altan, and +25,000 Reputation with Hasiera

CRACK!

A loud crack suddenly ripples the air from my right, followed by a terrible roar.

"That's Mr. Colvin!" Altan exclaims with relief.

"Mr. Colvin?"

"Hasiera's one and only huntsman! I recognize the sound of his rifle anywhere!"

Judging by the hopeful expression on Altan's face, this Mr. Colvin guy is a big deal around here. Possibly their own hero, which means safety. I think.

"Change of plans. Let me carry you to him." I got down on my knees and motion him to climb onto my back. "Hurry! I can get you there quickly!"

Altan look taken aback, but complied; awkwardly putting the short spear across my shoulder. "Is this alright?"

"Yup. Hang tight!"

Skill [Aura Augmentation: Full Sprint (ACTIVE)] [Level 12]

I weave through several buildings left and right, ignoring the prolong yelps of the young red-haired boy on my back before coming to a skittering halt behind several Grimm converging on a group of six armed individuals.

"G-Grimm!"

"Hold on tight. I'm cutting through!" It's a risky move, but I don't really want to put him down and risk him getting killed.

Fortunately, they seem distracted by what's in front of them.

My boots and weapon lit up as I activated my skills.

Skill [Inner Focus (ACTIVE) – Temporarily increase Critical Rate by 50% and Critical Damage by 225%] [Level 25]

Skill [Aura Augmentation: Inner Strength (ACTIVE) – Temporarily increase STR and Physical Melee Damage output by 130%] [Level 20]

Equipment [Lunar Crescent Combat Boots: Gravity Burst Mode (ACTIVE)]

Equipment [Quicksilver: Gravity Dust (ACTIVE)]

I burst forth, slicing into the backside of two of the highest-level Grimm with ease; Altan screaming behind me.

[Critical hit!]

[Griffon Lv67]
Type: Creature of Grimm
Status: None
HP: 0/31073

[You gained 2148 EXP]
[You received 266 Lien]

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
7 / 50 Creatures of Grimm (above level 45)

[Critical hit!]

[Griffon Lv71]
Type: Creature of Grimm
Status: None
HP: 28794/46215

"Thanks, lad!"

A gray-haired man in his late-60s, sporting a small goatee and holding a rifle with an affixed folded blade near the muzzle, open fired on the other Grimm, killing one of them and further injuring the other.

He turns his rifle towards the big Griffon I injured and fired two heavy metal slugs tore through the wing joints of the other Griffon, ripping it straight off its back and causing it to roar in pain.

[Part broken!]

[Griffon Lv71]
Type: Creature of Grimm
Status: Crippled (Wings), Enraged
HP: 20736/46215

The Grimm let out another roar and charge towards us.

"Loran!"

Name: Loran Terrell
Level: 64
Age: 26
Affiliation: Hasiera
AP: 1691/2516
HP: 150/150
Perks
Stats
Details
Equipment

A man in his early in his early-20s with black hair and blue eyes grunts and swings his war hammer, shattering half of the Griffon's mask.

[Griffon Lv71]
Type: Creature of Grimm
Status: Crippled (Wings), Enraged, Stunned
HP: 19336/46215

CRACK!

Another powerful round was fired, this time into the Griffon's skull.

[Griffon Lv71]
Type: Creature of Grimm
Status: Crippled (Wings), Enraged, Stunned
HP: 0/46215

[You gained 1416 EXP for the assist]
[You received 202 Lien for the assist]

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
8 / 50 Creatures of Grimm (above level 45)

"Big ones down! Take the rest!"

"Altan! Where on Remnant did you go to?!" The old huntsman shouts over the sound of fighting. "The lads told me you ran off from the group! Don't do that again!"

Name: Farran Colvin
Level: 133
Age: 68
Affiliation: Hasiera
AP: 5234/5349
HP: 200/200
Perks
Stats
Details
Equipment

'That's Farran Colvin, huh?'

[Reputation updated]

The old man looks pretty capable despite his advanced age. The information given on his stat screen is a bit different than what the system normally provides. Not to mention his overall stats and aura are surprisingly low for a level 133. It could be due to old age, maybe.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Colvin." Altan looks down on the ground in shame as I put him down. "I… I was…"

Farran kneels down and rustles Altan's red hair. "It's alright, lad. It doesn't matter right now. Hey, you must be tired. Your friends are waiting for you in the shelter. Oi! Three of you get Altan to the shelter, now!"

Three of the militia immediately hurried over to Altan and usher him away.

"Wait!" Altan shouts, turning towards me and handing back the short spear I had given him.

I shook my head, "That's yours now."

He blinks, clearly surprised. Slowly, he clutches the short spear to his chest and lowers his head. "Thank you, for saving me."

[Altan has left your party]

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
1 / 1 Rescue Altan from the Grimm
1 / 1 Escort Altan to the shelter

[Primary Objective completed: You gained 10,000 EXP, 50,000 Reputation with Altan, and 25,000 Reputation with Hasiera]

[Hidden Objective completed: You gained 68,945 Reputation with Farran]

REPUTATION

Hasiera – 25,000 – Friendly

Altan Esplanade – 85,000 – Exalted
Farran Colvin – 68,945 – Well-Liked

"Anytime. Stay safe."

I waved goodbye to the kid, watching him being guided away towards safety.

"Gotta say. I wasn't expecting help from the outside world." Farran cracks his neck and cocks his rifle at the incoming hordes of Grimm. "Thanks, for bringing the lad here! He's a bit of a troublemaker, but he's got a good heart!"

He fired off three rounds at the Grimm, hitting them precisely in vital spots, killing most of his unfortunate targets.

"Happy to help!" I shout back, readying my blade.

"We'll be glad to have ya fighting with us!"

"That's why I'm here!"

[You gained 15,000 Reputation with Farran]

[Farran has joined your party]

[Loran has joined your party]

[Harvey has joined your party]

Farran grins, "I can tell we're going to be good buds! Name's Farran!"

"Enzo. Nice to meet you!"

/-/

A sickening crunch could be heard as I jab my blade into the mouth of a Manticore, impaling it through the head.

[Critical hit!]

[Manticore Lv66]
Type: Creature of Grimm
Status: None
HP: 0/21933

[You gained 2030 EXP]
[You received 264 Lien]
[You received 56 Dark Essence]

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
50 / 50 Creatures of Grimm (above level 45)

"Finally," I grumble to myself, pulling out the blade from the corpse.

It felt like it's been an hour of fighting, which it's definitely not. At best, maybe fifteen minutes.

[Primary Objective completed: You gained 3,958,659 EXP and 150,000 Reputation with Hasiera]

REPUTATION

Hasiera – 175,000 – Honored

Altan Esplanade – 85,000 – Exalted
Farran Colvin – 83,945 – Honored

Everyone aside from me was looking haggard. They've probably been fighting for even longer before I even got here. I probably would too, if it weren't for this perk that I got when I woke up.

[Gamer's Body – You are immune to fatigue, starvation, dehydration, and mind control. Other bodily functions have been altered]

The Grimm has considerably thin out thanks to the town's heavy defenses and militia, but it looks like everyone is on the brink of falling over. It's starting to take a toll on the defenders, especially Farran who has started breathing heavily and was eventually self-relegated to range firepower.

"You said it, Lad… Loran. You and Harvey to the west." Farran unscrews his canteen and gulps greedily from it. He wipes his mouth with his sleeves before continuing the conversation. "Our guest and I will go east."

[The Creatures of Grimm are retreating!]

I stop them, "Wait, the Grimm are fleeing."

Everyone pauses and turns to the sky, witnessing the Creatures of Grimm scattering to the distance with angry cries.

"Well, well. Guess the Grimm finally decided to cut their losses." Farran whistles while reloading his rifle with heavy-looking bullets before slinging the strap over his shoulder. "Thanks for your help, lad. Normally, we don't let the Grimm in like this. Don't know why, but each year the Grimm grows stronger and stronger. Never seen this many strong Grimm flying around on this island."

'I'm on an island. Nice to know.'

A loud screech overhead alerts us to the sky.

"Incoming!"

A familiar scarred Griffon flies by. It's the same Griffon that first attacked me, and it's glaring down at us.

At me.

[Griffon Lv98 (NEMESIS)]
Type: Creature of Grimm
Status: Grudge (Enzo)
HP: 38632/45941

[Auxiliary System: Adapting]

[You have gained a nemesis. Be careful]

'The hell? A new feature?'

The Griffon let out a sky-piercing shriek before flying to the horizon, taking its grudge with it.

"That one sounded angry."

'And I have a bad feeling about this.'

/-/

The Griffon soars high in the clouds. The image of the human that dared harmed it is deeply seared into its incoherent mind. From the human's light skin, fair-length brown hair, pale brown eyes, to its attire and weapon; this Grimm will remember it all.

The more it replays its encounter with that particular human, the angrier and more spiteful the Griffon becomes. The deepest pit of its core blaze with hatred, burning brightly than ever.

The Griffon let out an echoing and wrathful screech. A declaration of vengeance against the human that scarred it.

/-/

"It's very rare for visitors outside the island to set foot on this place. Sorry that we don't have any special prizes to give out." Farran said apologetically, then waves his arm out. "But welcome to Hasiera! You've been a sudden blessing to the town. Thanks for clearing out the Grimm with us. By the way, how did you get here anyway?"

[The policy Elaborated Contingency Plans is in effect]

I shrug and tell him what I know, "I don't know. Woke up in the forests nearby and then ran towards the smoke."

"Shipwrecked?"

"No. Almost like I was magically transported here somehow." I really hope that doesn't make me sound crazy. "I'm really lost in all honesty."

Farran chuckles, "You've must have a really terrible sense of direction then." He slaps me on the back, "I'm joking, lad. We all been through a lot these days, aye? Wish we can make ya feel welcome, but we've got a lot of things on our mug."

"It's alright."

[System recalibration progress… 76%]

[Your personal alliance storage has been reconnected]

[You now have access to your personal alliance resources]

[Auxiliary System: Adapting]

[You can now arrange constructions and demolition]

[This domain is unrecognized by the system and is considered unclaimed. You may build and claim it for your own or alliance]

'That's interesting.'

My gathered alliance resources popped into my view. Oddly, the alliance's stockpile isn't accessible here, which shouldn't be the case since I'm one of the few that have access to those resources. I do, however, have access to my own resources.

'That actually gives me an idea.'

"Something wrong, lad?"

I snap out of my train of thought. "My bad. Lost in my thoughts."

"Need to lay down? We're a bit tough on housing right now, but I'm sure we can spare a few if you're willing to share."

"Thank you, but I'm good."

[Auxiliary System: Terminating]

[Escalating Issue…]

[Impediment Adaptation System: Online]

[IA System: Important changes has been made to the system]

[IA System: Important changes has been made to the Critical Quest]

NEW CRITICAL QUEST ALERT!
Construct suitable housing for yourself in these new lands.

CRITICAL OBJECTIVE
0 / 1 Suitable structure for housing

REWARD
Successful integration of the system to the environment

'Is the system on the fritz? What kind of reward is that?'

I probably shouldn't ignore it regardless. It sounds very important to my wellbeing, heck maybe even a way back to my world.

My eyes happen upon a fallen structure, prompting the system to respond with a notification.

[Do you wish to scavenge the Demolished structure?]
[You will receive: 295 Durable Stone, 86 Wooden Pillars, and 21 Metal Frames]
[Yes / No]

'It's best if I don't go scavenging their material without permission.'

I select 'No' to dismiss the notification and turn my attention to a distant rocky hillside that can be seen over the tall walls of Hasiera.

"Say, Farran."

"Aye?"

"I would like to try something outside the town walls." I point towards the rocky hillside from afar. "Do I have permission to use that hill for it?"

"A bit far out for ours to be claiming. What do are ya planning?"

"I'm thinking of setting up a place for me to stay since I'll be here for a while."

His expression turns into a frown, "A bit brave to be camping out there alone. There's room in here, lad. Don't think you're burdening us just yet."

"Don't worry about me. I'll be back soon."

/-/

'Here we are.'

I set foot on one of the large boulders atop the rocky hills and survey the area I've chosen for my outpost. The hilltops are wide and rocky with a few thin trees growing in the area. A solid foundation and defendable once I clear the obstacle around me.

"Okay. Let's get started."

I slam my foot into the boulder, shattering it into jagged pieces.

[You gained 195 Stone Piece]

The thin trees were next. Sparing a few out on the edge of the hilltops for aesthetic purpose, everything else near the inner center was easily chopped down by a single swing.

[Small Palm Tree]
Type: Tree
HP: 0/1500

[You gained 72 Palm Tree Timber]

'I always forget that plants are living organisms.'

Next, the construction of the outpost.

I open the construction selector screen and scroll through the blueprints my alliance has in their file. There's some prebuild structure I have on me, but those are mostly simple defensive structures or portable automatic turrets.

[Selected: Outpost Type E-2]
[Materials Expedited: 613 Timber Framing, 856 Plank Wood, 1199 Concrete, 7365 Fired Brick, 50 Marble Stone]

[Materials has been taken from your personal alliance storage]

A bright blue orb materializes near the palm of my hands.

[Select a suitable location for construction]

"Here should be good." I walk to the center of the hilltops and plop the glowing blue orb into the ground.

[Constructing: Outpost Type E-2] {3%}

Digital blue particles quickly spread out from the ground, assimilating the area around it. The ground caves in smoothly, creating the lower levels of the outpost. A perimeter starts to form outward from the pitfall, building itself up to the sky and inward to become the walls and floor.

[Constructing: Outpost Type E-2] {17%}

The building process typically never ceases to mesmerize me, but it does get old when you see it a thousand times or so.

I walk back to give the construction process room to finish its work and begin sorting out some furniture from my personal alliance storage. Chairs, tables, cabinets, some rugs, and definitely my alliance's banner; anything to make it feel like I'm actually back at my alliance's capital.

[Constructing: Outpost Type E-2] {32% …76% …100%}

[Outpost Type E-2: Operational]
HP: 10500/10500

[Primary Objective completed: System integrating to the environment]

[Please wait…]

The outpost flashes bright blue, bringing it into existence.

It's circular in shape and looks more like a miniature castle than anything. Apparently, it's based on the Barbican in Poland and the guy who designed the blueprint is Polish. If I'd ever get a chance, I should probably visit the Barbican someday. Notice the word 'if'… If I ever make it back to where I came from.

[IA System: Analyzing environment…]

[S̴̝̰͖̰̰̽̈ÿ̷̛̙̖̯͝š̸̥̞͙̱̫͓̠̘̾̿̌͆͐͘ṯ̵̡̬͓͔̭̅͛̅̾̇͜͜͝e̴̝͈̫͕̅͗̀̾͆̕ḿ̴͔̼̯̪̜͝ ̷̼͈̩̭̜̯̯̯̓̾̚Ị̷̼͕̭̜͇̭̿͝ǹ̷̳̖͍̝͚͖̄̀t̷͇͇̥͉̻̆̈̄͝ę̴̤̘̟͕̤̹̹̭̆̿͗̏̏̋̓̈g̵̹̹̅̽r̸͙̙̹̖͈͓͐͋a̵̪̬̙̯̗͒̍͂t̸̢̜̹̝̥͕̯͗͒͆̆̓̾͗̄̀i̷̥̒̌̔̈̀͋̉͘͝ň̷̟̺̝̘̿̇͌̈̀ͅg̸̺̺̰̝̝̱͎̽̒̌́͝ ̷̢̧̦͖̜̉̎̀͠í̸̢̬̂̆̿͂̍͘n̶̢̠̯̲̓̇̐͑̉͝t̷̞̤̳͓͖̼̾̀́̀̂̔o̴͉̜̔̒ ̵̢̼͇͌̈̉Ŗ̸̞̤̭̞̣͊̌́e̵̫̼̬̜̠̭̫͋m̶̞̠͙̖̦̝̔̄͝͠n̵̛͈̣͖̮̂̽̃͝à̶̯̠̻̜̞̖̖̙͔͂̓͑́͘ñ̶͙̤̖͚̞t̶̗̝͓̺̟͇͔̖́̑͋̈́͗̈́̈́̒͘]

'That doesn't look good.' I thought to myself, watching glitch out symbols and letters fill the screen.

Just as it was starting to intensify, everything on-screen cleared away.

[System successfully integrated]

"Okay… Can I go log out now?" The logout button and most of the settings were still missing from the menu options. "Of course. What now?"

[Focal point established. Tether point established onto unclaimed landmass]

'What's that supposed to mean?'

NEW CRITICAL QUEST UPDATED!
The Creatures of Grimm grow stronger each passing day and the people of Hasiera will soon fall to their encroachment. Claim the lands of Hasiera for your own and ensure that its people prosper under your care in this harsh world.

CRITICAL OBJECTIVE
0 / 1 Claim this land as your own

REWARD
Ownership and Domain Management Privileges over the lands and settlements

[IA System: Possible solution found within the new environment. Unable to locate or access it]

[IA System: It is recommended that the most effective way to discover the solution is to learn and explore the open world by forming connections]

Does that mean there's a way back? But the direction I'll have to go to find a way back… It's going to be a huge pain.

[Do you wish to claim this settlement and island as your own?]
[Yes / No]

"I'm not sure I like where this is going…"

Remnant: Online has a lot of features like land management and alliances, making it a complicated game if you dealt with that side of the game. There's a little bit of something for everyone.

I had no shortage of playing city simulation management for the number of territories the Avalon-Estria Sovereignty has acquired. It comes with the responsibility of being an Estrian 'Aristocrat' which is just a fancy leadership title for anyone who has to deal with all the complicated problems and important back-end stuff.

The problem is this isn't a game. Taking care of a place here is definitely not the same as what I'm used to. I can't rely on my friends and alliance leaders to give me a helping hand here, nor can I jump into the in-game free market and buy what I need with our funding.

My decision has a huge impact and any mistakes I make will be more than just a few small acres of land and its installed automation machinery up in flames.

Not to mention that my main task back at the alliance is to oversee training and improvement for our competitive players before the Alliance vs Alliance competitive seasons, instead of settlement management.

I glance down, remembering that I was holding my alliance banner in my hands.

Our emblem is a winged dragon on the left and a phoenix on the right, holding up a decorative shield with some made-up symbols that represent light and dark. Kudos to the artist for making this. It's quite cool.

Sighing, I drape the banner over the outpost's banner pole. "… Damn it. Why not? Just stake another claim for Avalon-Estria." Once the banner was secure, I glance back towards the town that is known as Hasiera. "But first, I'll need to check with my new neighbors."

[Hasiera]

[Health: 74%]

Status: Recovering
Citizens: 435
Housing: 460

Policy:
[Elaborated Contingency Plans]
Increases recovery rate for all parameters by 33% after a mid to high-level disaster has occurred

[Martial Tradition] {Attenuating}
Increases the training rate of militia by 25% and huntsmen/huntresses by 13%

Food Growth: +535
Food Consumption: -1186
Food Surplus: 3321

Production: +288
Production Reserves: 1143
Maintenance Expenditure: -721

Buildings
Activity Notifications V
[The Creatures of Grimm has stopped besieging the Hasiera]
[Elaborated Contingency Plans in effect]

Defenses
Details
Resources

'They've lost some people.' I recalled that the citizen count was higher than now.

Experiencing the attack first hand, I'm impressed that they haven't lost that many people seeing how their overall stats are lower than mine. Still, I shouldn't belittle or underestimate them. The question is how do I convey my thoughts and intention without looking insane or malicious?

[Do you wish to claim this settlement and island as your own?]
[Yes / No]

I don't know what claims the land and settlement do, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

After some thinking on how to approach the situation, I'd decided that should meet with Farran to discuss a potential 'partnership' between me and Hasiera.

Equipment [Lunar Crescent Combat Boots: Gravity Burst Mode (ACTIVE)]

I take to the sky, back to Hasiera with the hopes that they'll accept what I'm about to offer to them.

/-/

Farran Colvin is a huntsman. A veteran huntsman well into his late-60s with a lot of experience under his belt. He is the most important individual on the island, being the symbol of leadership and hope. However, Farran is not eternal. His age is starting to affect his performance and more powerful Grimm has ensemble around Hasiera.

The pressure is unbearable at times, but he has managed to pull through.

He's the de facto town mayor. Their leader. Their huntsman. People look up to him and he cannot let them down or show weakness in these troubling times.

"Farran!" One of the town's militia burst into the room looking like he could use a rest.

He grips his rifle, fearing for the worst. "Harvey? What's wrong?"

"I… I think it's better if you come to see it."

"Lead the way."

Farran follows Harvey to the northern sector of the walls and immediately see why he'd call him out.

A small circular tower can be seen from the distance. The hillside where the mysterious young lad named Enzo asks permission to experiment with something. The boy in question was leaning on the side of the battlements, waiting for him.

"Hello again, Farran."

"Enzo, lad. You built that?" Farran asks, pointing at the miniature castle settled on the hills.

"I did." Enzo pushes himself off the wall and looks him straight in the eye. "And I have a proposal for you and the people of Hasiera."


Pardon my grammar.